With an astounding length of 3,229 meters, Belum caves are the second longest caves found in the Indian sub-continent and the largest caves open for public viewing. Formed entirely from intriguing natural phenomenon, these caves are given the status of ‘Monument of National Importance’ and rightfully so.
Scientific exploration...
Andhra Pradesh is known for its coastal splendour and its pilgrim spots. Some places have managed to remain rather hidden and unexplored. Gandikota is one such spot whose fame is no match to its beauty. Nestled away in a village in Kadapa district is a gorge or ‘Gandi’ formed...
Lord Krishna is believed to have advised King Yudhishtir, as recorded in the Bhavishya Purana, that on the full moon night of the Shravan month, offerings must be made to the deceased forefathers. Following this ritual in the morning, the royal priest must tie the sacred thread symbolizing ‘raksha’...
Varalakshmi is the Goddess Lakshmi who grants boons. On a Friday of the Shravana month, women across many southern states of the country prepare to perform the Varalakshmi Vrata or a special puja that is held to worship Goddess Varalakshmi. Believed to be equivalent to worshipping the Ashta Lakshmi...
India is a land of colorful and multitudinous festivals. Naga Panchami is one such in an endless list. Naga Panchami is an auspicious day when snakes, otherwise called Nagas in the local parlance, are customarily worshipped. This day is observed with many rituals in India, Nepal, and countries with...
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...
The COVID crisis has played havoc in everyone's life. But with some signs of improvement and expectation of normalcy to resume in a few weeks or months, we suspect people would want to take a break and pamper themselves after the strict discipline of the lockdown period. We recommend...
The chariot festival, more popularly known as the Rath Yatra, is the journey of Puri’s Lord Jagannath and his siblings in chariots, which is celebrated every year. This Rath Yatra takes place not only in Puri, Odisha, but also in many parts of the country. This festival is celebrated...
International tourism is a dream for many of us. To be able to witness the breathtaking beauty of iconic spots all around the world would be a privilege, no less. However, in this chase of catching a flight beyond international waters, we tend to forget to look deeper at...
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...
Magnificence and history of Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur and its royal family
Umaid Bhavan Palace located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is considered among the world’s largest private residences. One part of the palace is managed by the Taj Hotels and the other part belongs to the royal family. The present...
Holding an authentic Pochampally Ikat Silk Saree in hand is like holding a plethora of emotions and a trove of creative hard work that went into its creation. Its lightweight fragility and smoothness give it comfort; its pretty geometric patterns can equally account for being valuable mathematics lessons and...
I was fortunate enough to finish with my Vaishno Devi yatra just in time because immediately after the day I returned to Mumbai from Jammu, there was a lockdown imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus, which has wreaked havoc in many parts of the world already.
When I came...
The door's adorned with mango leaves, doorstep with rangoli...
The main doorstep of the house is being adorned with fresh mango leaves. A garland of yellow and orange flowers are also being made for the doorway. Rangoli, or muggu as it is locally known is being drawn at the gate....
Before there were plates, there were banana leaves. This uniquely Indian tradition of eating on a banana leaf goes back thousands of years, before we used plastic, steel, or indeed anything else to make plates. Easily disposable and environmentally friendly, many Indian communities continue to follow this tradition today,...
