Most Hindu festivals celebrate the avatar of God as a saviour of mankind. It is either victory of good over evil or the birth of divinity in human form. Sri Krishna Jayanti is also known by other names like Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, and Krishnashtami. Krishna, the eighth...
Thanks to Bob Marley’s legendary music, Jamaica was put on the map and we came to know about its gorgeous landscape, beaches, and colonial architecture. Its reputation as an ace holiday destination continues to hold away today. If you are eager to experience an island vacation, this Caribbean nation...
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...
In India, Navami is celebrated as the last day of the nine nights of Navratri – the festival in which Goddess Durga is worshipped and revered. In north India, especially amongst the Punjabi community, it is celebrated by holding kanjak or kanya pujan, where young girls, who are thought...
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...
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,...
India Beckons wishes its readers a very Happy Gudi Padwa!
Gudi Padwa (the first day after the new moon day or amavasya in the month of Chaitra) is celebrated as the New Year day in Maharashtra, while it also is commemorated in different parts of the country as Ugadi (Telugu...
Yes, right! What’s a trip to Lucknow without looking into its culture through its most famous embroidery work - Chikankari? This gorgeous thread work has become the lifestyle of the gorgeous city, making it globally a favourite!
Intricate and beautiful, the Chikankari work – a type of embroidery - is seen...
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....
Belize embodies the best of both worlds. Located on the east of Central America, it boasts rugged topography that the region is famous for with dense jungles and ancient Mayan ruins attracting the most adventurous traveler. As you move east, the Caribbean Sea changes the environment into one that’s...
Following the period of austerities of shraddh, Navratri flags off the festive season of dance and divinity. During the Navratras (Navratri), Durga is worshipped and invoked with kalash, flowers, and prayers.
Folk legend says the evil forces of demon Mahishasura posed a threat to humanity. All the gods combined their resources...
“Holi Hai!” The sound of that instantly conjures a visual of a cloudburst of colours for anyone who has ever seen what Holi is. In a brilliantly plural country like India, every festival has its own unique tradition in different parts of the country and Holi is no different.
Holi...
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...
Here's how India would truly BECKON in 2020! You could start making your bucket list but before you do that, we would like to share with you our pick of five offbeat spots in the country every adventurer and traveller must explore.
The great French author and Nobel Prize laureate...
My quest to visit an unexplored land tossed, among other countries, the young nation of New Zealand in front of me. Nestling in the cool waters of the South Pacific Ocean, it is not only zero pollution and an environmentally conscious country, but also offers many options to discover...