It is that time of the year when the pleasant February air BECKONS travellers who enjoy winter breaks much more than the summer ones. Usually, people run to warmer locales in winters (running away from the chills) but Himachal Pradesh is another story. It makes you fall in love...
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...
Stretching from the arid landscapes of the Sahara Desert to the steamy jungles at the heart of the continent and the Southern wine country, Africa’s vastness and diversity are staggering. After four trips exploring all corners of the continent, I have still only just scratched the surface and never...
Among the umpteen festivals of India, Diwali is the most glorious and grandest of them all. An integral part of India’s cultural fabric, Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means a cluster of lamps.
The most common legend attached to Diwali is that Lord Shri Ram returned to...
Gudi Padwa is the lunar new year celebrated by the Maharashtrian community in India. On this day, families come together to hoist a gudi and pray for a prosperous year. The entire community participates in swagat yatras organised locally to welcome the new year. And then gorge on a lunch of...
It is said that in order to truly connect with yourself, you have to disconnect from the world. And, when you come to think of ways to disconnect, camping in the wild has proven to be one of the most effective ways to do it. Imagine, sitting in the...
Significance of Buddha Purnima or Vesak
Buddhists from all over the world are getting ready to celebrate Buddha Purnima or Vaishakh Purnima or Vesak, which falls on 30 April this year. It is a festival held worldwide to commemorate the birth and enlightenment (prakash) of Lord Buddha; every year it...
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...
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...
The flawless blend of history, culture, architecture, natural beauty, spirituality, and serenity - Pondicherry is a must on every traveller’s list. It is one of those places that feels as familiar as home no matter whether it is your first visit or the tenth one. Such is the hearty...
Jaipur usually tops the list of best places to visit in Rajasthan, and for good reason. The Pink City is colourful, historic, packed with culture, and BECKONS travellers from all parts of the world. But while most people travel to take in iconic sites like Amer Fort and Hawa...
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...
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’...
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...
A wedding doesn’t herald the end of nuptial celebrations; rather, it sets the scene for an anticipated honeymoon where couples can escape together. But this begs the question of which destination to go to. There are so many and you obviously want to choose the best for you and...
