India Beckons wishes its readers a very happy Dhanteras.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day festival of Diwali and, according to the Hindu calendar, is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha ('Dhan' means wealth and 'Teras' means thirteenth). This is the day...
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,...
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...
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...
Navratri is coming to a close and Dussehra will soon herald the end of celebrations. Through it all, Ramlila has been held, regaling audiences with enactments of the Ramayana through the epic poem, Ramacharitmanas. For those unfamiliar with this, Ramacharitmanas narrates the glory of Shri Ram and Ramlila showcases...
We are pleased to share a few Holi recipes with our readers by the Chefs at Byke Hospitality. Attached are the recipes of Puran Poli, Gujiya and Thandai Mousse - all ideal for the Holi feast.
With 17 hotels and resorts in India currently, The Byke provides you budget hotels...
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...
After sleeping (in nidra) for the four-month Chaturmas period, Lord Vishnu is said to awaken on probodhini (awakening) ekadasi, also known as the devutthani (Lord's awakening) ekadasi. This is an auspicious day, not only because the Lord is awakening from his slumber but also taking charge of his duties...
In India, the Mahashivratri, which comes on Krishna Chaturdashi of the month of Phalguna, is celebrated by Hindus each year with great pomp and revelry. This year, it is falling on the 4th March. It is the most important of Hindu festivals, which is said to be the convergence...
It is the occasion of Shri Ram Navami today, celebrated with much gaiety and pomp all over the country. It is also called the festival of the spring since it is right at the outset of spring, its timing coinciding with Baisakhi and other harvest festivals. Some celebrate this...
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....
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated all over the world by devotees of this son of wind-God (pavan putra) to commemorate his birth. Hanuman, born to devi Anjani and vanar-raj Kesari, is said to be the greatest devotee (bhakt) of Lord Ram. Hanuman Jayanti falls on the Purnima of the Chaitra...
Here are some recipes for keeping cool this Holi!
Blood Orange Mocktail
Ingredients
1 cup Blood Orange Tea, brewed and cooled
½ orange, freshly squeezed
2-3 slices orange for garnish
1 sprig thyme
ice
Instructions
Add the juice from half an orange into a jug.
Add the brewed Blood Orange Tea.
Sweeten as per taste
Pour the...
“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...
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...
