Category: Culture

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Culture Places to Visit Spiritual Hubs

Five Indian temples where Nonveg Prasad is Distributed

Hinduism and India are conventionally associated with Vegetarianism, and the prasad (the food offering) distributed in Hindu temples is almost invariably vegetarian. However, believe it or not, this is only sometimes the case. There are, in fact, some temples in India that do distribute non-vegetarian prasad. Though these temples are only exceptions to the general rule of Hinduism’s commitment to Vegetarianism, they speak volumes of its diversity. Here we take a look at the five most prominent temples of India where non-vegetarian food is still distributed.

Five Hindu temples where nonveg prasad is distributed

The following are some of the Hindu temples where nonveg prasad is distributed:

1. Kamakhya Temple of Assam

The first and one of the most important temples in this list is the Kamakhya Temple of Assam. Located in the North-Eastern state’s capital Guwahati, it is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kamakhya. The temple is currently famous for the Ambubachi Mela, a fair during which a special prasad called “khasi” is offered to the goddess. Khasi is a goat sacrifice, and devotees believe that consuming this prasad brings blessings. Ambubachi Mela is an annual fair held during the monsoon season and the Assamese month of Ahaar.

According to Hindu mythology, Kamakhya Devi is believed to be an ancient Hindu Tantric goddess who originated from the body parts of Goddess Sati. According to legend, when Lord Shiva performed his Tandava (the cosmic dance of destruction) while carrying the lifeless body of Sati, her genital organ, known as the yoni, fell at the spot where the Kamakhya Temple stands today. The temple is thus one of the most important sites of temples dedicated to Devi Shakti. The devi is also associated with Devi Kali.

The temple also offers another unique prasad called “angadhak,” which is a piece of cloth supposedly stained with the menstrual blood of the devi. Devotees consider it sacred and auspicious. That is also peculiar as many Hindu traditions consider mensurating women impure and do not permit their entry into temples. The goddess is considered the goddess of fertility and is revered by the local population.

2. Kamakhya Temple of Himachal Pradesh

Another Kamakhya Temple in Himachal Pradesh, where non-vegetarian food is distributed, is located near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. It also follows the tradition of offering non-vegetarian prasad. Here, a goat is sacrificed, and the meat is cooked as prasad, which is distributed among devotees.

3. Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain

The Kal Bhairav Temple, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Bhairava. Kal Bhairva is a fierce form of Lord Shiva that is popular among Tantric worshippers, and it is believed that offering liquor and meat to Lord Bhairava can please him. Non-vegetarian prasad, including alcohol, is offered to this deity, and devotees also receive a small portion as prasad.

4. Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple, Goa

When one thinks of Goa, one mostly thinks of its pristine beaches and Portuguese churches; however, it is home to many temples too. Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in the Anjuna area of Goa and is another temple known for its non-vegetarian food. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God of destruction, Lord Shiva. The main deity is thus lingam which is a traditional Hindu iconic presentation of Lord Shiva. It is known for its unique prasad distribution, as the temple offers fish prasad to devotees. This fish food is freshly caught and cooked as an offering.

Though the temple celebrates various Hindu festivals, Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important. During this festival when special rituals, prayers and cultural performances are held.

5. Baba Balak Nath Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Baba Balak Nath Temple is another temple known for non-vegetarian offerings. It is located in the Hamirpur district of Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh and is dedicated to Baba Balak Nath. Baba Balak Nath was a revered Hindu saint. The temple has a long tradition of offering goat sacrifices, and the meat of the sacrificed goat is cooked and distributed as prasad to devotees.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

There are several questions that the readers may have about non-vegetarian prasad offerings in temples. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s):

Question: Are there any other such Hindu temples that have non-veg prasad offerings?

Answer: Please note that the above list of temples is hardly exhaustive, and that offers non-vegetarian food, and there might be several other temples as well. Some other such temples include:

Kali Bari Temple, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Bhairavnath Temple, Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir
Kottiyoor Temple, Kannur, Kerala
Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Sheetla Devi Temple, Gurugram, Haryana

Question: Why do these temples have non-vegetarian food offerings?

Answer: These temples have long traditions of non-vegetarian food offerings. They continue to uphold these traditions. The offerings are also associated with the tantric system of worship. Tantric worshippers worship Lord Shiva, Maa Kali, and their forms – and often use non-vegetarian food and alcohol for the purpose.

Question: Does this mean Hinduism supports Non-vegetarian food?

Answer: No, it doesn’t mean that, and the sacrifices in these temples are of symbolic form, just like prasada in all other temples. Hinduism doesn’t encourage violence against animals. Also, often, the impure form of food is itself the reason for choosing it – as it is seen as a way of sacrificing one’s worldly desires to Lord Shiva.

Question: What is the best time to visit these temples?

Answer: The best time to visit these temples is the festivals they are popular or renowned for if you are a spiritual person. In the case of most of these temples, it is Shivratri in particular and new moon day and full moon day in general.

So when are you traveling here?

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Architectural Central India Culture

Jajpur HACT – A look at the city’s heritage, art, culture & tourism

For those unacquainted with the district, it is incredibly easy to confuse the city with one of the recognised havens of tourists – Jaipur. While the pink city has deserved all its popularity, the capital of Rajasthan is not what we are discussing here. Jajpur, which is the e subject of discussion here, is in South India and has a history, heritage and culture about as old as Jaipur. If you haven’t heard about the city, give us a chance to tell you about this town by exploring it from various perspectives.

Heritage, art, culture & tourism of Jajpur

Heritage of the city

Jajpur has always been important in Indian and Hindu history. The place has been mentioned in the great war epic of the country, Mahabharata, as well as puranas like Skanda Purana and Shiv Purana. The region was a forest once and went by the name of Champak Van. It was in this jungle Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe according to Hindu traditions, did a yagna of which the majestic warrior goddess Durga was born. The name of the district, ‘Jajpur’, is thus driven from the word ‘yagna’. The kund where Lord Brahma did his yagna can still be visited today.

Understandably, the district has a temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. The majestic temple, perhaps the biggest tourist attraction of the district, is a Shakti Peeth and is name Biraja Devi Shakti Peeth in Biraja Kshetra. The name of the temple is ‘Biraja’ is a nickname of the goddess and means ‘without king’. The centre statute of the temple celebrates the annihilation of the demon Mahishasur by the goddess, who is depicted in the form of a buffalo. One of the most remarkable things about the statue is her crown which shows miniature shivling, a crescent moon and a small depiction of Lord Ganesha. The temple also has many other shivlingas. Just outside the temple, you will find Nabhi Gaya, a well where the local Hindus perform the last rites of their loved ones.

Another reason for the popularity of the district is its popularity as a pilgrimage centre for the Baitarni river. The district also boasts of some other valuable temples as well. Apart from that, Lord Baraha Temple, Jagannath Temple, Trilochaneswar Temple, Daswasamedhaghat, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri remain some of the other most valuable temples of the region.

Art in Jajpur

Jajpur’s architecture is best visible in its temples. You will find temples built in the Kalinga style as well as other styles. Apart from the great Kalinga empire, the region continued to have a rich history, particularly as the immense resources of the region made it an important urban hotspot, even making it the capital of Odisha for a few centuries.

As such, the region has a rural population with centuries-old traditions of painting, sculptures, handicrafts, etc. One of the most important of these is painting, and the Jajpur school of painting takes up three main branches – Jhoti, Chita and Muruja. Folk paintings of these styles remain a valuable part of the local lifestyle. We shall discuss these forms in a moment.

Odiya is one of the oldest languages in the district and continues to be the predominant language spoken by the people. Apart from that, about a tenth of the population speaks Urdu, and another tenth speaks some Adivasi languages. From before the times of the Kalinga empire, the region has also made valuable contributions to literature and remains one of the hotspots of Odiya Literature. Abimanyu Samanta Singhar and Manjula Krushna Prasad Bas are some of the most prominent literary figures. Some other important contributors include Braja Sundar, Birupakshya Kar, dramatist Kamapal Mishra Upendra Tripathy, who writes children’s literature, essayist Baikuntha Nath Rath, and the fiction writer Govind Das.

The best way to enjoy the local culture is Jajpur Mahatosav which has grown to be incredibly popular, even attended by major politicians and celebrities from Bollywood and other popular personalities alike. The district truly comes alike during the event, and it is a great chance for local artists to perform. A fair is also organised.

Culture of Jajpur

The people of Jajpur are representatives of the age-old culture of respecting traditions. One peculiar tradition here is that women worshipped the goddess Laxmi in the month of Margasira. The festival is held during the harvest season as grains are being thrashed and stored. The auspicious occasion is celebrated by decorating the mud walls and floors of the houses with murals made of white rice paste. These are called Jhoti or Chita and are the perfect blend of art and culture. The folk painting tradition has not only decorative objects but tries to establish a relationship with the divine through potent and meaningful symbolism.

Apart from that, Muruja is a painting drawn on the floor with powders of different shades using powder of various colours obtained from different materials. For example, white powder is obtained by grinding the stone, green powder is generally obtained from dry leaves, black powder is normally obtained from burnt coconut shells, the yellow powder can be obtained from petals of marigold flowers though turmeric can also be used, and red powder is easily obtained from red clay or bricks. Muruja is drawn using this powder during rituals in the form of a Mandala.

Apart from that, during the holy month of Kartika, women observe penance and draw some muruja designs around the Tulasi Chaura.

Tourism

If you have read this article so far, you will have realised that the district has several incredible tourist attractions. If taken holistically, these attractions can easily take two or three days of your time. If you are from outside Odisha and a devout Hindu, then you shall probably want to combine your trip with that pilgrimage to the golden triangle of Odisha – Bhubneshwar, Puri and Konark. Being located at a distance of a mere hundred kilometres from Bhubneshwar, Jajpur can be an easy add-on for such a tour especially given that it adheres well to the religious theme of the tour.

Apart from that, you can also visit the district any time of the year and for its own attractions as well. Though the district is excellent throughout the year, we recommend visiting it during Jajpur Mahatasav as you will also get a chance to enjoy the fair as well as a chance of being audience to performances from your best artists as well as many local talented artists.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

There are several questions about art, culture, heritage, tourism and other aspects of the Jajpur district. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s) :

Question: How to reach Jajpur?
Answer: You can reach via Bhubneshwar Airport, which is well connected to the rest of the country, and from there, take a cab ride via National Highway 16. It has its own railway station and enjoys good road and railway connectivity with nearby cities. Locally, you can travel with rickshaws.

Question: What are some of the souvenirs to buy in Jajpur?
Answer: You can consider buying handicrafts, paintings, statutes, etc.

If the reader has any other questions, they should feel free to ask them here.

The Bottom Line

One can easily wrap up the above discussion by concluding that Jajpur is an incredible miniature representation of India’s cultural depth and should be visited by everyone at least once.

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Culture

Biraja Temple: Know more about this magnificent Shakti Peeth

Adi Shakti is worshipped in Hindu temples as the purest form of energy personified and worshipped in female form. The Shakti peeths are the important centres of worship of Adi Shakti. There are many such Shakti peeths in the country, but here we shall discuss our experience of visiting Biraja Shakti Peeth.

All about Birja Shakti Peetha

The Biraja temple is locally known as the BirijaKshetra temple. This shakti peeth temple is located in Jajpur in the Indian State of Odisha and is dedicated to the warrior goddess Devi Durga. According to one of the most important myths of Hindu mythology, Maa Durga killed the demon buffaloe-headed Mahishasura. That is what the idol in the temple shows.

We were mesmerised by the sight of the idol of the goddess with her one hand killing mahishasura with a spear as she held the tail of the demon in the other. She is shown with one foot on the chest of the demon and the other on her Lion, which is her vehicle or vahana.

The idol in the temple has two hands, one hand spearing the chest of the demon mahishasura and the other hand holding the demon’s tail. Her one foot on the chest of the demon and the other on her vahana.

Unlike many other places, Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo rather than with partial human anatomy. Devi’s crown is also noteworthy. It has a miniature Ganesha, a Crescent moon and a Shivalinga. The temple also has a large area with several Shiva linga and other deities.

Outside the temple, there is Nabhi Gaya, where local Hindus perform the last rites for their loved ones.

 

Brahma Kund is close by and is considered the place where the yagna resulting in the birth of Biraja devi was done by Brahma.

The legend Biraja Temple Story

The goddess of the temple is considered to be a form devi Adya or the primary goddess. She was born when Lord Bramha, the creator of the universe, performed a yagna in Champak van. Adi Shankara acharya and some other saints have called her Girija, which means the one born from mountains, sane as Devi Parvati.

The name ‘Biraja’ means the one without a Raja or thus one who has only Sattva Guna. She is also considered Vaishnavi in some traditions, which means born out of the Vishnu Yagna.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

There are several questions relating to the Biraja temple. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s) :

Question: Where Is The Biraja Temple Located?

Answer: The Biraja temple in Odisha is located at Jajpur at a distance of 125 kilometres from Bhubneshwar, the capital of Odisha.

Question: Who Built The Biraja Shakti Peeth?

Answer: The shakti Peeth was built by Jajati Keshari. He was a ruler of the Kesari dynasty.

Question: What is the best time To visit Biraja temple?

Answer: The shakti peeth can be visited at any time of the year, and no time is preferable to others.

Question: what is the history of the temple?

Answer: The temple was built back in the thirteenth 13th) century and is considered a Shakti peeth on the authority of Shiv Purana. The Skanda Purana also mentions the temple.

Question: How can one reach Biraja Temple?

Answer: The temple can be easily reached by road, train or air. The temple is located at a distance of thirty kilometres from the nearest railway station – Jajpur Keonjhar station. The Bhubaneswar airport in the capital city of Odisha is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 103 kilometres. The city is well connected to Bhubneshwar via National Highway 16. Locally one can travel by auto-rickshaws.

Question: What are some other tourist attractions nearby?

Answer: We recommend combining your trip to the temple with your visit to the great Hindu religious triangle of Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri. Konark boasts of a sin temple that is an architectural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Puri has one of four dhams. Apart from that, there are several sea beaches near the temple.

Jagannath temple and Mahavinayak temple are some of the majestic temples nearby. Another crucial tourist attraction that everyone must visit is Ratnagiri monastery. The ruined Mahavihara is located at a distance of mere 35 kilometres. Daswasamedhaghat, Trilochaneswar Temple, and Udayagiri ate some other valuable tourist attractions.

Question: Is the temple open all day?

Answer: No The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The following are the timings of arti:

Morning Seva and Aarti -4:00 AM TO 4:30 AM
Midday Seva – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Seva – 3:00 PM
Evening Arati -7:00 PM
Night Seva – 10:00 PM

If the reader has any other questions, they should feel free to ask them here.

The Bottom Line

One can easily wrap up the above discussion by concluding that the Biraja Temple of Jajpur is a must-visit for every Hindu devotee as well as those interested in Hindu iconography. It can also be considered as an essential part of the Hindu pilgrim package centred around the Odhisha triangle.

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Architectural Culture

Kandariya Mahadev temple, Khajuraho- The Grandeur of carvings and divinity!

Khajuraho: Kandariya Mahadeo tempel (westelijke tempelgroep)

Madhya Pradesh pertains to the treasure of many temples and architectures that hold historic significance and architectural excellence! If you visit Khajuraho, the Kandariya Mahadev temple must be on your itinerary due to its traces from medieval times. Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho, earlier known as Shivalaya, has a glorious past since 999 AD. This temple’s dimensions are 102′ in length, 6′ in width, and 101′ in height. Locals of this region describe that the name Kandariya is also another name for Lord Shiva. And this is how the Kandarpi evolved and came into existence. 

Temple History

If you sneak out on the most famous Khajuraho complex temples, Kandariya is amongst the most recognizable names. Known for its impeccable architectural excellence, this is also the largest temple in that vicinity. King Vidyadhar from the Chandel Dynasty constructed this beautiful Mahadev Temple between 1025- 1050 AD. It is also well-known for the artistic sculptures, and tall designs are known as the ‘Chaturbhuj Temple.’ The jaw-dropping artistry seems like someone has artistically carved an era on the stones of this temple. Kandariya Mahadev Temple also got the position amongst UNESCO World Heritage sites for its stunning carved works and writings in the year 1986. 

A Muslim historian Ibn-Al-Athir mentioned the power and galore of King Vidydhar, who constructed the Kandariya Mahadev temple in those times. He also fought with the Mahmud Ghaznavi, following which the Ghaznavi returned. Again he tried to attack his fort in 1022 but failed the attempt. As a symbol of his victory then, Vidyadhar constructed the Kandariya Mahadev temple dedicated to the supreme power, Lord Shiva. 

The architecture of Kandariya Mahadev Temple!

For travelers who are keen to learn about the hidden wonders of Khajuraho architecture, this place is undoubtedly a blissful location. The temple’s outer shape comprises 84 equal parts along with unique high peaks and horns on it. It looks like the temple has ornamentation on it, and the carvings follow a distinct rhythm. 

Kandariya Mahadev Temple also gained popularity due to its grand architecture and exquisite craftsmanship, and unmatchable architectural designs. There is a central pavilion leading to the maha mandapa, and then it follows the form, base plan, lift, and height for further ornamentation. The breathtaking temple shrine projects on both sides of the Jagati as well. Made from granite stone and sandstone rocks, Kandariya Mahadev Temple embellished lotus flowers, Kumbha and Jalaya Plaques, and tamal papers. The decorated idols carved in various postures add prominence and grandeur to the temple. 

Right from the eye-catchy female erosion structure, you can see the idols of horses, warriors, madaris, elephants, dancers, musicians, and devotees. And every idol bespoke its marvel and majesty! 

Kandariya Mahadev Temple is also well-known for its most diverse ornamentation and rhythmic trajectories, along with gigantic chariots that can immerse you in its beautification. 

Vaastu of Kandariya Mahadev Temple

If you glance at this historic temple’s structural plan, it complies with the Vaastu from every angle. And the top view might make it appear as a Shiv Ling to you. Starting from the intricately carved entranceway that dates back to the Panchayatan style is undoubtedly a stunner. Moving to the parikrama area or the ventilation in maha mandap, every bit of Vastu goes in rhythm with it. The sturdy temple structure, embellished balconies, and the well-ventilated regions of the garbagriha make it an epitome of perfect architecture. And it is also crowned with the Sanctorum located at the top position of the temple. 

 

Festivals and celebrations

Every year in the last week of February to March, the temple celebrates the Khajuraho dance festival. Top-notch dancers from all across the world participate in the celebrations here and perform over the Open-Air-Corridors from the Khajuraho group of temples. If you visit here during the festival, it is a sheer getaway to distinct dance forms such as Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Bharatnatyam, and Kuchipudi. 

Maha Shivratri parv celebration here is also noticeable as people from far distances visit here to seek the mighty lord’s blessings. 

How to Reach?

Reaching Kandariya Mahadev Temple is simple as it has excellent connectivity through air and roads. There is also a railway station which is well-connected from all prime cities of the country. 

By Flight- You can visit here through the Khajuraho airport and connects well with all major airports like Bhopal and New Delhi. 

By Train- Kandariya Mahadev Temple is at a distance of 5 km from the central city of Khajuraho. 

By Road- Reaching Khajuraho, this holy place is possible through roadways with bus services and taxis or cabs. It also has good connectivity with Satna and Jhansi. 

What is the best time to visit Kandariya Mahadeva Temple?

Although Khajuraho gives pleasant weather to its tourists and makes it a perfect destination for visitors from October to February. Winters are a good option if you wish to go sightseeing. To enjoy every bit of this historical temple, you need to avoid the scorching summers so that you can capture the marvelous temple shrine.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple timing is from 5 am to 12 noon, and in the evenings, it opens up from 4 pm to 9 pm. The entrance fee here is Rs.10, and foreigners need to take a ticket of Rs.250. There are also ample accommodation facilities available nearby. Visitors can also enjoy the exotic meals of Khajuraho, such as samosa, poha, jalebi, and the authentic thali here. 

So, plan your visit to this fantastic Kandariya Mahadev temple and pay a visit to nearby famous temples such as the Lakshmana temple, The Chausath Yogini temple, The Javari temple. Vishvanath and Nandi temple!

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Culture Historical

TriyugiNarayan Temple- Divine wedding place of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati!

A serene, mystic, and heavenly temple that speaks the wedding tales of Mahadev and Devi Parvati is unleashed today! Triyuginarayan temple is another hidden gem of Uttarakhand located in the Rudraprayag district known for its picturesque and panoramic views. This is a beautiful location standing firm at the elevated height of 1,980 meters that imparts the complete picture of snow-covered mountains and ranges. Travelers can also visit here to enjoy the sights of the beauteous Garhwal region. Why not immerse yourself in the divinity of this holy temple?

What makes it a must-visit temple?

The prime attraction of the Triyuginarayan temple is the Trijugi Narayan Temple, where visitors worship the Lord Vishnu. The first glimpse of this temple appears quite similar to that of the Badrinath Shrine. Not just this temple has a historical significance but also becoming a popular site for destination weddings. It is a spiritual site where Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati tied the wedding knot and began their new life. Young millennials are fanatic about visiting here and indulge in heavenly wedding ceremonies. 

The belief that there is a burning fire from the moment when the spiritual marriage of Goddess Parvati and Shiva took place drives couples to take blessings over here. That’s the reason why it’s a dream for young couples to solemnize their bond by paying a visit to this spectacular temple. As per the history of this temple, Lord Shiva and Parvati tied knots here almost three eons or Yuga back! Isn’t it a very long time? The temple derived its name from Tri, which means three, Yugi, which means Epochs, and Narayan, a name of Preserver Lord Vishnu!

Features of Triyuginarayan temple

The ancient legends of this magnificent temple engross the devotees deep into its valuable history. You cannot miss out on the ‘Akhand Dhooni,’ also known as an eternal fire that burns all the time at the shrine. Apart from this holy fire lit at the time Shiva-Parvati wedding, there are also 4 tanks or kund that hold a specific significance. There is a Rudra Kund where devotees can bathe, Vishnu Kund for self-cleansing, Saraswati Kund, which offers liberations, and the Brahma Kund to sip some water. Every pilgrim visiting this Hindu temple also moves to these Kund for holy reasons. The people who pay a visit to the Triyuginarayan temple also pay homage to the Gauri Kund temple, which is at the base camp, while going for the Kedarnath temple trek!

History

The local folklore tales state that Lord Brahma visited this shrine to offer the priestly services and commence the legendary wedding ceremony. Lord Vishnu performed all rituals on Devi Parvati’s brother’s part and completed the traditional wedding ceremony. There is also a stone known as Brahma Shila, which marks the temple’s exact wedding site. For the believers of eternal marriage bonds and conjugal happiness, carrying along the ashes of the sacred fire is a holy thing that maintains the divine relationship!

Architecture

Moving on to the architecture of the Triyuginarayan temple, it appears similar to the ancient Kedarnath Temple. Locals of the village state that the temple structure got created by the famous saint who was also a world-renowned philosopher and author, Adi Shankaracharya. And the structural base of this divine temple dates back to almost 1200 years ago. 

Celebrity marriages that took place here!

Famous TV actress Kavita Kaushik, known as Chandramukhi Chautala in a popular comedy TV series F.I.R., completed her wedding ceremony in January 2017. And the weather then was very cold and chilly over there. 

How to reach the temple?

Situated at 12 km from Sonprayag, the temple resides amongst the lush green forests and high mountains. From Sonprayag, pilgrims need to go for a trek of 5 km towards the Guttur route and pass a dense forest area. Trekking from Kedarnath temple to Triyuginarayan temple is almost 25 km which is quite long. You can also pick up the trekking route through Mussorie via the Tehri, Mala Point Belak- Ghuttu-Panwali-Kanta to Triyuginarayan. But you need 17 days to cover up this whole trekking journey. 

By Flight- Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport in this region, located at 240 km. It has excellent connectivity to Delhi, and from Guptakashi, you can get a cab to reach Triyuginarayan temple. 

By Train- Located at a distance of 219 km, Rishikesh is the nearest railway station that is well-connected through motorable roads. 

By road- You can take a bus or taxi from all major destinations in and around Uttarakhand, such as Haridwar, Dehradun, Chamoli, Srinagar, Uttarkashi Rishikesh, to visit here. 

Accommodation

As the Triyuginarayan temple is turning into a famous place for a destination wedding, there are numerous clean, modest, and quite reasonable accommodation spots available here. There are hotels and lodges offering balcony view rooms so that you can capture the panoramic views of the region. And you can get a decent room for as low as INR 500 per room. 

When to visit?

Triyuginarayan Temple is at great heights and covered with snow-clad regions for most of the year. Hence, springs are present to pay a visit over here, i.e., from March-June. If you wish to experience the chilly winds and snow around you, November-March is also an excellent time to visit. During the rest of the time, there might be unexpected landslides hitting the region or unwanted weather variations taking a toll on your journey.

The temple Darshan timings are from 7 Am to 7 PM. 

Categories
Culture Travel Trends

Garba and Dandiya Song List- Groove, Twirl, and clap to the famous Hindi and Gujrati Beats!

Navratri is a famous Indian Festival that signifies the 9 days of Goddess Ambe Pooja, followed by Garba and Dandiya celebrations. Celebrations in Gujarat and Maharashtra differ slightly from the other parts of the country. It is captivating to watch the people of all age groups dressed up in traditional Attires in complete Gujarati style, i.e., women in Ghagras and the men wear famous kediyu dhoti-kurta. 

Garba and Dandiya’s Festivities have a different aura as people participate in groups to groove on foot-tapping dance hits that prevail the real essence of Dandiya and Garba. You might also be gathering your favorite Bollywood and Gujrati tracklist to start dancing with full enthusiasm and pomp. Let’s read out the trending tracks that can keep you going on their beats for the 9 enthralling Navratri nights!

What is Garba and Dandiya?

Originated from Gujarat, these two popular dance forms have gained enormous recognition across national, international borders. After the 9 day battle among Goddess Durga and Mahishasura, the demon king in which the Goddess procured a signifying victory, this festival came into existence. It is mainly the victory of good over evil and how positive vibes can and claps destroy the negativity around to purify and start fresh. 

Garba Dance

Garba is a popular dance traditionally performed with an earthen pot (Garbo), and a lamp inside is also known as a ‘Garbha Deep.’ It signifies the fetus in the womb (Garbo), where the ultimate divinity resides. The thought of keeping it in the center and dancing around in circular movements symbolizes the movement of death and life, circling the divine mother that is invincible and unmoved. 

Moving to the celebration part, the Garba costume is a luminous, sparkling, and colorful outfit, including a Choli, Chaniya, and a wonderfully embellished dupatta. Mirrorwork and gracefully done embroidery in their multihued attire make the aura all the more pulsating and lively. Even the men Kediyu having a full sleeve kurta with frock like patterns at the waist along with kafni pajamas( Pants that taper at the bottom) look vivacious adorning a Gujarati Turban over it. 

Dandiya

Dandiya dance varies slightly from the authentic Garba and is more performance-oriented, where people twirl to the striking beats of table and dholak. It is a splendid way to celebrate the strength of Goddess Durga and is also famous as ‘The Sword Dance.’ The metallic clangs of Dandiya sticks surround the ambiance with a majestic aura that leaves no hearts and no feet aloof from making new moves. It’s a great dance form full of energy, rhythm, and performers prepare for the whole year to participate in Garba Dandiya competitions that reward the best ones. 

Difference between Garba and Dandiya

Garba is more of a devotional dance where conventionally, women perform clap dance on bhajans and chants’ tunes while doing Aarti of the Goddess Durga. Dandiya, on the other hand, is a mega celebration event where folks mesmerize to immerse themselves in the divine festivity of Navratri. 

Above all, both the dance forms add stars to the Navratri festival’s festivity that brings love, devotion, and togetherness in humanity for nine days. People even keep fast for 9 long days and still participate in the dance celebrations every evening with full enthusiasm. The grandeur and resplendent of the Navratri festival remains incomplete without enjoying these art forms. 

Popular Bollywood songs for Garba- Dandiya Celebration

Let’s ponder over the trending Hindi songs that must be a part of your Garba Playlist. 

    • Chogada Tara from Love Ratri- For those who wish to move on some modern Dandiya beats, this is an ideal pick from the movie ‘Love Ratri.’ Asees Kaur and Darshan Raval are the singers who enjoy a blend of Gujrati music and Hindi lyrics with perfection. It proclaims the love emotion and peps up the dancers to move on the beats of this new Navratri Anthem.

    • Kamariya from ‘Mitron’- It is yet another fascinating Navratri-themed song where actors Jackky Bhagnani and Kritika Kamra flutter their feet amazingly. This is another celebration tune sung by Darshan Raval, and a Hip Hop mix in it adds new charm for the new age Garba lovers. A modern song with a pinch of traditional Gujrati folk music must include a number for the Dandiya night. 

    • Nagada Sang Dhol from Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ramleela– Nagada sang Dhol Baje is yet another Navratri song sung by Shreya Ghoshal that can amplify the feel and rhythm of any Garba Raas song. Its beats are fast and yet precise to catch up with the movement and beats of this dance. Women often swing and twirl to this famous Hindi song on Garba night, and you can set yourself free to its music without thinking about what the people would judge about you. 

  • Shubhaarambh from Kai Po Che- While Bollywood has a treasure of many good Garba and Dandiya hit songs, we cannot miss the auspicious Shubhaarambh dance number from the thoughtful movie ‘Kai Po Che.’ With melodious beats and soul-soothing tunes, this song gives the traditional vibes of Navratri. Divya Kumar and Shruti Pathak are the singers who make it a perfect song for learning the necessary Garba steps. 

  • Dholi Taro Dhol Baje from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam- An epic movie featuring Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgan is a delightful watch song Dholi Taro Dhol Baje has been a trending Dandiya dance number for several years. Every beat and melody of this song is so spirited that folks cannot avoid moving to this number’s beats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VBAGMkTjTs

Popular Gujarati Songs to enjoy the Garba and Dandiya.

Many Gujrati numbers have been a show starter and stopper for several years to take ahead the legacy of Gujrati tradition in music. The craze of the famous Dandiya number ‘Sanedo Sanedo’ is a sheer Navratri Anthem that every person loves to move at. These songs have a different fan base in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and people cannot stop themselves from shaking legs to the rhythm of these authentic and classy dance numbers. Here is a list that you must download to pep up for the upcoming Dandiya Nights and Garba Raas:

      • Kukda Tari Boli
      • Dholida Dhol Dheemo
      • Tara Via Shyam
      • Pankhida Tu Udi Jaje
      • Avo To Ramvane
      • Odhani Odhu
      • Kesariyo Rang
      • Ramto Bhamto Jay
      • Ek Var Bolu
      • Mahendi Te Vavi

Pep up for the Dandiya Nights!

These are not just the songs but also the flavor to this festival, and Navratri celebrations remain incomplete without these tracks. If you also love to follow these mesmerizing iconic songs’ beats and rhythm, get the list on your phone and get ready for the event night. After all, it’s all about the fun and joy that you experience while being with a group of your friends and family. Go ahead and get ready for the amazing dance fun and enthralling celebrations of Navratri that awaits you!

Categories
Central India Culture Tribal

Mandana Art of Madhya Pradesh : A Dying Beauty

Madhya Pradesh has countless attractions to offer to the tourists – forts, palaces, Hindu temples, Jain temples, mosques, most delicious diversity of food, art, and culture. In this article, we bring to limelight one of its most valuable offerings Mandana Art.

Mandana paintings are the wall and floor paintings traditionally done in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, India. They are painted in homes to protect them, to draw health and wealth, to welcome gods into the house, for celebrations on festive occasions, etc. Similar paintings are also created in the most of the parts of Nepal and are called Mandala.

In Madhya Pradesh, the art is mostly used to decorate floors while in Rajasthan it is used both on walls and floors. The Village women in the Sawai Madhopur area of Rajasthan are known to possess the skill for developing simplistic designs to perfect symmetry and accuracy. The art has its roots in one of the oldest tribal communities of India, Meenas.

The word ‘Mandana’ in local languages means decoration, or more exactly, beautification. The resultant drawings are called Chitra Mandana – ‘Chitra’ here simply means drawing or painting.

The creation

The Mandana art can only be created on clay walls or floor. The ground that is to act as the canvas for Mandana art is first prepared with a mixture of cow dung, rati (which is a local clay), and red ochre. Lime and/or chalk powder is used for making the motif. The other tools used are a piece of cotton, a tuft of hair and/or a rudimentary brush which is made out of a date stick.

The Motifs

The motifs of the design include Lord Ganesha, peacocks, women at work, tigers, floral motifs, etc. Peacocks are the most frequently occurring and, one might claim, the signature motif of these works.

 

This love for repetition of these simple motifs, that seem to stand by themselves without trying to narrate any stories, puts in one’s mind Carl Gustav’s Jung’s theory and ideas about archetypes and archetypal symbols.

That said, it is not to say that Mandana art is closed to innovations. Over the years, the artists have introduced several new motifs – tractor, bus, bullock-cart, cycle, motorcycle, etc.

The simplicity of the motifs is also visible in the scheme of colors which are used to fill the drawings as the last step in completing the work. Normally as few as two colors are used – often red and white.

 

In some of them like tapki Ke Mandanas, the motifs are placed in a way to form a geometrical shape – a rhombus, a circle or a rectangle. This love for geometrically perfect shapes is once again something a Jungian could smile at.

Importance during festivals

The motifs are associated with good luck and are thus called ‘Shubh Manglik’ and survive in some regions only in celebration of some of the festivals. Teej is a semi-popular festival that often involves the use of Mandana art or some rudimentary form of it. Another popular example in which it survives is ‘rangoli’.

A dying art

Mandana art is dying and the artists are finding less and less employment even within villages as the number of concrete houses is on the increase and concrete is not receptive to this art which can only be created on walls of clay and anyway there are fewer takers of the art as it is.

There are many reasons to save this art. Its creation combines two qualities that rarely go together in most modern arts – simplicity and beauty.

Again, its use of natural material as its tools speaks highly of how eco-friendly our traditions were – and not to say inexpensive.

It is also a source of traditional employment for women in a country and community where employment for women was very rarely encouraged traditionally. There is something feminine about the aesthetic of the work itself. You won’t see a lot of warrior men in the works, for example; and motifs like peacocks and flowers are so much more attractive to women.

And the paintings no matter how simple is never without a part of the artist’s soul in it. A part of the artist’s life – and that of the artists that previously did the same work is contained in those works – telling us of their lives and experiences. The simplicity of such art forms as Mandana can be deceiving and might make an outsider consider it to bo be devoid of meaning when the very opposite is the truth.

Mandana art in new platforms

The Mandana art might be getting exiled from its home of centuries – the walls and floors of houses but it has found newer places to exist. One such place is the canvas. More and more painters are being inspired by Mandana art and streaming their art through the centuries-long language of expression developed over centuries by Mandana artists.

Another place it is getting its foothold on is fabrics. The traditional designs and artworks are increasingly getting trendy, thus giving a new place for Mandana art to survive.

Conclusion

We hope that Mandana art manages to find survivors in these forms if not in its traditional art. If you love the mesmerizing simplicity with which they strike one, please do consider buying some Mandana art worked goods and let us hope the art regains its old popularity. Cheers. J

Categories
Culture

Key Ladakhi phrases!!

#ghoomophirosisters sharing few key ladakhi phrases that might help you on your next trip to Ladakh as locals are not well verse with Hindi or English.

JULLEY  [dschu-leh]
The most powerful word of the ladakhi language. It is so much more than one word in English. It means: HELLO, BYE, THANK YOU, PLEASE.  A simple, yet strong word to build friendships. 

KHAMSANG-IN-A-LEY? [or short: khamsang-ley?]
How are you? Note: The suffix “ley” at the end of a sentence makes everything sound a bit more polite. You can use it as often as you like! You can not do anything wrong with it!

KHAMSANG-LEY!
I am fine.

DON-LEY!
Please eat/take! Especially when invited by ladakhi families you will hear this term very often. It is part of the ladakhi etiquette to “force” their guests to eat/drink.

MAN-LEY.
No, thanks!

D(r)IK-LEY.
It is enough!

DANGS-LEY.
I am full.

O-LEY.
Yes, please.

TSAPIK-LEY.
A little bit, please.

SHIMPO RAK-LEY!
It is delicious.

NYERANGI-MING CHI IN-LEY?
What is your name?

NGE-MING … IN-LEY.
My name is …

(LADAKH)MAA LDEMO DUK-LEY.
(Ladakh) it is beautiful.

Hope they are useful !! for any queries related to your upcoming Ladakh trip, drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

Categories
Culture Travel Trends

Most Popular Sarees From Odisha

One of the most popular traditional outfits in India is undoubtedly a saree. Not only is this the oldest attire existent on others but still considered to be the most fashionable dress up.  Women usually prefer wearing this piece of clothing as it makes them look stylish and elegant on the one hand and keeps them comfortable on the other hand. Though there are different types of sarees prevalent in India one of the most preferred and celebrated sarees is from Odisha.

  1. Bomkai Saree/Sonepuri Saree

Bomkai cotton sarees are basically preferred to be worn on a daily basis in contrast to the silk sarees that are best suited for special occasions. The details on the border of this piece of clothing are actually what differentiates it from the rest of the sarees available across the nation. The design that the borders of this particular saree carry are known to be a symbol of success as well as affluence. The major attraction remains to be the thread work that the border designs exhibit. This is an elegant yet simple saree type that most of the women prefer.

  1. Ikat Saree/Bandha Saree

This saree is a result of the process that is popularly known as tie-dying wherein the warp as well as the weft threads are used to create the design, especially on the loom before weaving takes place. The designs usually comprise of the figures of flora and fauna apart from rudraksha beads, the beautiful geometric designs, the dice as well as temple towers. It is woven with the Ikat yarn that in turn is produced by Bhullas from Western Odisha. The saree comprises of not only the superior fabric but also the superior pattern.

  1. Kotpad Saree

These are ideally the cotton sarees having solid borders that are dyed organically rendering an essence of richness to this clothing. There is no denying the fact that creating this type of a saree is ideally a time-consuming process but the outcome is worth all the time. The eye-pleasing designs, as well as the shades, are all that women usually crave for.

  1. 4. Dhalapathar Saree

Dhalapathar sarees are ideally woven by the Rangani community residing in the Dhalapatharvillage. Kusumi Kapta, Muktapunji, Nahati, Kankana Pedi and Akata are other terms by which this type of a saree is popularly acknowledged. It is one of the most beautiful forms of saree that you must have in your collection.

  1. Saptapar Saree/Pasappali Saree

The intricate check patterns of contrasting colors that resemble the chess boards on the body and border of the saree is the differentiating feature of this saree that popular find supplies from Sonepur, Barpali and Baunsri regions of Western Odisha. Silk thread, Cotton thread, Tussar, Mix of Silk & Tussar are used to weave these sarees and give them the delicate touch they exhibit.

Overall, these are the popular sarees from Odisha that all the saree lovers must have in their collection. These are fit to be worn on any occasion as well as on a daily basis.

Categories
Culture Festival Travel Trends

Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking

India is a land of festivals. There is no end to festivals that are celebrated in this land rightly popular for the diversity of its cultures, traditions, religions, and celebrations.

Today we bring you a list of best festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking:

1. International Yoga Festival

The International Yoga Festival is gaining popularity along with Yoga as a welcome break from our busy lives. The best place to experience this festival to be held during the first week of 2020 (March 1 to 7) is Rishikesh – more specifically at Parmarth Niketan. Though yoga training sessions will be held throughout the city as well as the country. Rishikesh is immensely gifted with nature’s beauty with the Ganga river flowing through this little city of temples and Himalayas creating Panoramic views.

How to reach Rishikesh?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport at Dehra Dun 35 kilometers while the nearest railway station is at a distance of 25 kilometers at Haridwar. The best way to reach Rishikesh is by road and the city enjoys some credible road connectivity.

2. Parippally Gajamela

The word ‘Gajam’ in the name means elephant and ‘mela’ means fair. The festival held on March 4 every year is observed in Paripally Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakaali Temple, Kollam district in the state of Kerala. It was originally a profession where wealthy families of Kerala flaunted their wealth by ornamenting their elephants. Besides the procession of elephants, the Mela is an awesome place to enjoy local cultural shows and folk music.

How to reach Kollam for Parippally Gajamela?

The nearest bus stand is Kollam Junction, about 22 km away from Paripally whereas the nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport about 45 km away. The road transportation is available.

3. Eternal Mewar Holika Dahan

When it comes to Holi, Mathura and Vrindavan are of course the first place comes to mind as Lord Krishna born there used to popularly celebrate the festival with Gopis.

However, we will wish you to head to Udaipur for this festival which was an obvious member in our list of best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking.

Holi is probably the second most popular Hindu festival after Diwali. The festival is marked with the symbolism of victory of Good over evil. In 2020, it falls from March 9 to March 10. among the most celebrated festival in the country. Holika Dehan is held on the evening of the first day and the next morning, people play with colors and water. We recommend you celebrate this is Udaipur City Palace where the royal family has still upheld the traditions of celebrating the festival.

How to reach Udaipur for Eternal Mewar Holika Dehan?

The city has its own domestic airport although it is still 22 kilometers away from the city and you might have to hire a cab. The bus stand is within the city and enjoys good road connectivity. The railway connectivity is also good as the city has its own railway station.

4. Lathmar Holi

Another form of Holi called Lathmar Holi is next in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking is Lathmar Holi. Here it is celebrated with the modification that women use bamboos on men while men try to throw colors at women. Feel guarantee to have a choice of the best cuisine. We recommend you head to Barsana and Nandgaon near Mathura to enjoy this strange form of a festival.

How to reach Barsana and Nandgaon for Lathmar Holi?

You can catch the bus from Mathura. Agra airport is nearest to Mathura but has very few flights. Mathura is a major railway junction and the city enjoys both road and rail connectivity.

5. Deccan Festival

The 5-day festival celebrated from February 25 to March 1 and makes the next item in our Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. Head to Qutub Shahi Tombs of Hyderabad to be a part of this festival which is marked by a display of art, culture, music, poetry and culinary delight. Plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs as you have the option of choosing from countless souvenirs from around the region. Mushairas and Qwalies held here are world-famous.

How to reach Hyderabad?

Hyderabad has its own international airport – Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and 3 railway stations. The city also enjoys great road connectivity. Thus the city enjoys great connectivity by rail, road, and air. Golconda Fort is a local landmark and you will have no trouble reaching it.

5. Basanta Utsav

The Basanta Utsav falling on March 10 next year is a festival celebrated much the same as Holi – that is with music and colors and falls on the same day as Holi.

However, if colors are not your thing, head to Shantinikaten – a quiet place in West Bengal dedicated to studying of arts. It is famous for Vishwa Bharati University which was started by the renowned and Asia’s first Nobel Prize for literature winner Sir Rabindranath Tagore. The festival is celebrated here by holding a number of cultural festivals. The aesthetic experience is simply unique and thrilling. The festival is also known as ‘Dol Jatra’ or the ‘Dol Utsav’ and “Rabindrik Basanta Utsav”.

The students wear yellow clothes and the shows are simply amazing. Art, music, and dance come together to create an incredible celebration.

Another reason why you should visit Shantiniketan is there are several places of interest near it including :

Amar Kutir which displays several locally made handicrafts

Tagore’s Aashram – an ashram built by father

Chattimtala – the spot where Tagore’s Father used to meditate.

Deer Park which is home to a naturally bred large family of deer

Khoai Mela which is a weekly fair where artisans from nearby places set up stalls.

How to reach Santiniketan?

The nearest airport to Shantiniketan is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) which lies at a distance of 139 km. Bolpur Railway Station is only 2.8 km away. Santiniketan is very easily accessible by roads from nearby cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, and Durgapur.

6. Jaipur Elephant Festival

If Kerala is too far for you, you can head to Jaipur to appease the Elephant lover in you where Jaipur Elephant festival will be held on March 10, 2020. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha who bears the head of an elephant. The elephants are adorned, cultural events are organized, the whole city is decorated with beautiful colors and there is festive air throughout the pink city.

How to reach Jaipur?

Jaipur is well connected to the rest of the country having its own airport – Sanganer International Airport. It also is a major railway junction. By roadways, it is connected to the rest of the country via National Highways 8, 11 and 12.

7. Vela’s Turtle Festival

The nature lover in you is gonna love the next festival in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. Vela’s Turtle festival is held in March every year. It is a conservation program which you watch tiny, rare and of course cute highly endangered Olive Ridley turtle babies making their way to the sea at Velas Beach, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The date of the festival varies highly and depends on hatching time and you will have to keep a look at websites throughout the month of March. As many as 4 batches are made for the purpose.

How to reach Ratnagiri to celebrate Vela’s Turtle Festival?

The nearest airport – Goa International Airport is located at a distance of 188 kilometers away. The city enjoys better railway connectivity. By road, it is connected to nearby cities like Mumbai, Cochin, Madgaon, Mangalore, Udupi, Karwar by National Highway 17.

8. Arratu Festival

One of the most important festivals in our list Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking is Arratu Festival. One of the most well-known festivals of Kerala, Arratu Festival is a 10-day celebration which falls from March 15 to March 24 in 2020. Though it is held in several days, the best place to enjoy it is Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram where the idols are taken to the Shankumugham Beach for the holy bath. The procession is led by the head of the royal family of what was once the empire of Travancore.

How to reach Thiruvananthapuram for Arratu Festival?

The city is well connected by air, rail, and road to the rest of the country with its own international airport and as many as five railway stations.

9. Shigmotsav

The next festival in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking Shigmotsav gives you amazing opportunities to enjoy the unique culture of Goa as people of the state dress in fleshy, colorful costumes and dance to local folk music and give live performances to celebrate the coming of Spring. The Float Parade is the best thing about this festival.

How to reach Goa?

The state enjoys brilliant connectivity by air, road, and railways. And you will feel spoilt for the choices.

10. Panguni Uthiram

Panguni Uthiram is next in our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. It is an important Tamil festival in which thousands of devotees flocking to all Murugan temples. The ten-day festival falls from March 28 to April 6 in 2020. Head to the Subrahmanya temple to be a part of the celebration of this festival auspicious to Lord Vishnu as well as Lord Shiva.

How to reach Subrahmanya temple for Panguini?

The nearest airport Mangalore International is 84 kilometers away. Your best bet is to depend on road transportation which is quite good.

11. Hoysala Mahotsav

Hoysala Mahotsav falls on March 16 next year and thus makes to our list of Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. This one-day celebration at Hoysala Mahotsav held at Hoysala temple Belur and Halebid in Karnataka is joined by a number of Bollywood celebrities.

How to reach Belur Halebid?

Mangalore airport and Bangalore have the closest airports while Hassan railway station accepts trains from Mangalore, Mysore, and Bangalore. You can use cabs locally.

Last words

This is all from us on the Best Festivals of India in March that will leave you backpacking. Did we miss one? Tell us in the comments below. 🙂

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