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,...
It’s festival time at the Baluchi – The LaliT Mumbai’s signature restaurant – which is hosting the Goan Food Festival from the 21st to the 30th of July. It is rightly branded as Susegado Mumbai, ‘Susegad’ meaning a relaxed attitude and enjoyment of life to the fullest. Not just...
India, with its varied geographical divisions and culture, ushers in the New Year for people in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. It is called by various names in different parts of the states down south. Among the few legends associated with Ugadi, there is one pertaining to Lord...
An ancient history and one of the most incredibly diverse cultures – this is the India that BECKONS travelers from far and wide. Testaments to its heritage are many. Just take a look at the splendid palaces standing tall and proud in all the four directions. They speak of...
Congratulations on deciding to tie the knot! If you are wondering what could possibly top the occasion and possibly make it even more magical, there’s just one answer- destination weddings. If you are wondering what the hype of such celebrations is associated with, say it aloud with me ‘carpe...
Govardhana puja, also known as the annakoot puja, is celebrated in the month of Kartika (October – November) to commemorate the pastime of Lord Shri Krishna lifting the Govardhana parvat (hill) to provide shelter to and protect the residents of Braj (the area covering Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul and Barsana) from...
Touristy places are incredibly convenient as they boast infrastructure and amenities for the comfort of visitors. But if you are someone who prefers to take the road less travelled and cannot be too bothered with amenities or the lack thereof, India has some fabulous offbeat places to visit. Check...
India is a country of diverse cultures and languages. Amongst these, one of the most celebrated cultures and community is that of the Bengalis. Their celebrations range from the massive Durga Puja ones to the Poila Boishakh festivities - everything they do is resplendent with immense sweetness and colours....
Kumbh mela, by far India’s most revered and sacred festival, is now also inscribed by the UNESCO as the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Tens of millions of devotees attend the purna kumbh mela that takes place every 12 years in Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik-Triyambakeshwar and Ujjain. Apart from this,...
Do you want to see a glacier up close? Close enough to hear its creaks and cracks, to see huge chunks of it fall into the water below, then look no further than Argentina. This wonderful country has such a variety of landscapes to offer. From the colourful landscapes...
As soon as the New Year dawns, the people of Tamil Nadu get ready for their annual celebration of Pongal – a great harvest festival, celebrated by one and all. Pongal is the first day of the month of Sankaranti, on the Makar Sankaranti day that falls on January...
Dear readers,
Wow! February rushed past - did anyone notice it had an extra day? But we are in March now and we find ourselves in the midst of an epidemic that has become an international concern - the coronavirus, which has affected people in many countries, while some have...
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...
One of the places famous for its beautiful beaches in India is the State of Odisha. The beaches of Odisha (Orissa) can really envelop you in a festive spirit. While enjoying the glory of a moderate sun here, the golden beaches leave you asking for more. Embraced lovingly by...
Lord Ganesha commands a unique position in the Hindu pantheon and is depicted in the most ingenious and imaginative forms. The colourful, elephant-headed deity of four-armed Ganpati riding a mouse is invoked by every devout Hindu before beginning a new venture or carrying out an auspicious mission.
Antiquity of Ganesha
Historians...
