For centuries, we have been an agrarian country rich with indigenous and sustainable practices. As the topography of our vast countries varies from plains and plateaus to hills and coasts, so do farming practices and indegenous crops. One such community that has been able to retain its unique indigenous...
Delhi means so many things to so many people. For people living in Delhi, no other place compares to it. Having spent my childhood in Delhi, having worked there in later years, and having close familial ties there, I have a fondness for the city that ensures I keep...
Temple bells, laughing waters, sacred rituals, and colourful pilgrims are just some of the features of this oldest holy city of India - Varanasi. That's why a weekend trip from Mumbai to Varanasi was irresistible and I had to tick it off my bucket list.
Day 1: I reached in...
These ghats of Haridwar for cleansing your soul
Haridwar, the literal translation of which is the door to heaven, is considered to be one of the holiest cities in India. It is the second-largest city of Uttarakhand and is located by the banks of the holy river Ganges, which...
The month of April-May (‘Medom’ in Malayalam) is the season of ‘poorams’ (festivals) in Kerala. For culture enthusiasts, this is the best time to visit Thrissur, the temple town and cultural capital of the state when it gets ready to unfurl the major temple festival called Thrissur Pooram.
Pooram was...
In India, endless memes and WhatsApp jokes circulate stating Goa as the ultimate party destination for generation millennials and how travel plans always evolve around the famous Goan beaches and nightclubs. From the onset of fall to the end of winter, Goan beaches are packed with holidaymakers, taking havoc...
Perhaps for most people who hear the word “Rajputana”, the picture that is immediately recalled to mind is that of turbaned men curling their moustaches or engaging in war with a “do or die” attitude to protect their legacy and honour. While this may be controversial and stereotypical at...
With the advent of the Shravan of the Hindu lunar calendar, a number of people in the northern states of India and parts of Nepal gear up for Teej. Also known as Hariyali Teej, the festival marks the bounty of hariyali or greenery that the monsoon bestows upon the...
Holi – that wonderful festival that conjures up images of rang, bhaang, gulal, abeer, and water pichkaris. It also reminds one of the childhood days, the complete abandonment with which kids play Holi and their oblivion to any notions of health or environment, as may be the case.
In India,...
West Bengal is not just Kolkata and the Victoria Memorial. The virgin territories of Dooars, the untouched mangrove forests of Sundarbans, the sylvan surroundings of Santiniketan are only some of the brilliant experiences that have made the state a vacationer’s delight. For centuries, Kolkata - the second largest city -...
Dwarka, one of the char (four) dhams, is a must on every Hindu pilgrim’s itinerary. It has been referred to throughout history as “Mokshapuri”, where the soul attains salvation. It is also known as the kingdom of Lord Krishna, where he came to live after slaying his evil uncle...
A land of many cultures, several factors over the centuries have influenced the architecture of India. From the artisans who came to the country and built monuments of grandeur to the distinct seasons of its regions, inspiration from diverse sources resulted in unique and spectacular buildings that have stood...
Tripura’s population contributes significantly to India's ethnic values, as people of different ethnicity reside here. The tribal people’s rituals are also significant aspects of the cultural life of Tripura, with each tribe having its own festivals, mythology, poetry, and dance. Two of the most important festivals of Tripura are...
