One of the most exiting tourist destinations in the world is India. Situated in the perfect climatic zone, the country offers such diversity that no other country of the world can offer. The country has three major geographical features that make it an ideal country for habitation and travel. The great Himalayas of the north protect the country from the chilling winds of China. They also offer spectacular scenic places and one of the most challenging adventures outback. The great plains of central mainland is fed by some of world’s most prominent rivers. The Ganges runs across the country providing food to almost the whole country, as well as offering challenge to the rafters for white water excitement. Then there is the Deccan plateau of the South and the Indian Ocean. They complete the topographic scene of India.
Historically India is perhaps the richest country in the world. It was home to the oldest civilization of the world the Indus Valley. The civilization dates back to almost 3000 BC. India has given birth to two of the worlds biggest religions. Every now and then the scientist and anthropologists discovers new evidences, which fortify India’s claim of being culturally most advanced in the ancient times.
The Taj Mahal is the embodiment of love built by the great Mughal ruler Shahjahan for his departed wife Mumtazmahal. It has found its place in the seven wonders of the modern world. India has many historical monuments aptly notified as world heritage sites. The country has a diverse culture and it is evident by the fact that the monuments of hinds and Muslims are in equal numbers.
The political scene of the country is controlled by the capital city of the country – Delhi. It has been a historic city, home to the red fort, which is the embodiment of the Moughal rule in India. Delhi is also famous for its bazaars and monuments. It is a must visit to the tourists as the embassies and high commissions are situated here. To day delhi is the hub of urbanization. From the multinational s to the domestic giants of the world all have their headquarters in Delhi. It is also highly urbanized and it homes many universities for higher education. The city is well connected to the whole country through rails and air and the domestic transportation is also very smooth as there is a well-laid network of metro trains.
If Delhi is the political capital then Bombay can be easily termed as the business capital of the country. The city is a mixture of various religions and nationalities. The life of Bombay, now called as Mumbai, is very fast and the schedules are always full. It has the most prized possession of the country the Bollywood (the Indian film industry). It also has the Wall Street’s Indian counter part the Dalal Street. It is the witness to the countries economic ups and downs.
India is definitely a place worth visiting and the best time to come to India is in the months of September to April when the country is booming with all kinds of activities and festivities. The colors of the country are surely goanna take you over.
By: Mansi Aggarwal
Posts Tagged ‘Ganges’
Traveling to India
February 20th, 2010Deepavali Festival in South India
October 29th, 2009
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is an important festival celebrated all over India. It usually falls around late October or early November on the new moon day. This year, (2008) it is celebrated on 27th October in South India and on 28th of October in North India, according to the calendars. This difference in day is due to the variation in regional calendars. Though there are different myths about this festival the central theme of all remains as one – Good wins over Evil.
It is a 3-day festival in South India, and in some parts it is celebrated for 5 days. Generally, Deepavali celebration in Tamil Nadu is to commemorate the killing of Narakasura, the demon king, by Lord Krishna. In Karnataka it is called as Bali Paadyami to mark the annual visit of King Bali to see his subjects. They also consider this occasion as Festival of Wealth and Prosperity. In Kerala, though celebrated, it is not a major festival like the other parts of South India. In Andhra Pradesh also this festival is celebrated.
Preparations for the celebration of this festival start weeks before with the spring cleaning of the home, and by purchasing new clothes and ornaments. Shopping for crackers and sparklers is a special occasion especially for the kids.
On the main festival day the houses are decorated with artistically laid kolams. The doorways are adorned with garlands of mango leaves and marigolds, known as “torans”. New clothes are bought and the womenfolk make various sweets, the favorite being murukku in Tamil Nadu.
Deepavali celebration starts in the very early morning. Waking up during the ‘Brahmamuhurta’ (at 4 a.m.) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work and spiritual advancement. One by one all family members take oil bath with seasame oil. It is a customary belief that having an oil bath in the morning on the day of diwali, before sunrise, is equivalent to taking bath in the Ganges.
After the bath they wear the new clothes and put on their new ornaments. Then the children start bursting crackers, symbolising the killing of the demon king Narakasur. Then puja is performed to the family deities before breakfast and offer the neivedyam. Many visit the temples to seek God’s blessings. Special sweets are made during Deepavali to rejoice the occasion. The other items prepared during this festival are ukkarai, velli appam, idly, chutney, sambhar, omapudi and boondhi. For lunch, jangri, pathir peni, or one variety of the poli are made.
In the evenings, deepas, also called as diyas, are lighted and kept in the corridors of each house, welcoming Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. It is followed by bursting crackers and lighting colorful sparklers, by the young and old alike.
Hindus also believe that departed souls return during this time. As a mark of respect to them, their favorite foods are prepared and placed on banana leaves before the photographs of the departed, and offer prayers to them.
Many companies offer great discounts during this festival. They open new account books on Deepavali, and also give sweets and bonus to their staff.
It is also a day for all to forget the enmity and forgive those who have hurt them, thus glorifying their inner soul with love, removing the darkness of ignorance and ill-feeling.
Another great achievement of celebrating festivals in India is that it strengthens the family unity and social relationships.
By: Lakshmi Menon
