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...
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...
Chef Manish Kusumwal, the Corporate Chef at Keys Hotels, shares special Onam recipes with India Beckons readers.
Malayalis around the world are celebrating Onam as it is a harvest festival, one of three major annual Hindu celebrations along with Vishu and Thiruvathira, and it is observed with numerous festivities. The...
Raksha Bandhan means a thread tied as protection. Securing a thread with sanctity means much more than this. It could be a sister tying a rakhi on her brother’s wrist to seek his protection or it could be a mangalsutra tied by a man when he takes a woman...
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...
Guru Purnima is commemorated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Ashad. It is a day sacred to the memory of Maharshi Ved Vyasa, the ancient saint who edited the four Vedas and wrote the 18 Puranas, the Mahabharata, and the Srimad Bhagavatam. Guru Purnima...
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...
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is an annual event that takes place in February each year in India. It is held in the Hindu month of Magh, three days prior to the full moon. In 2018, during this period, without having any prior knowledge of it, luckily, we were in...
Beaches, parties, resorts, festivals, food – Phuket has all the makings of a terrific holiday destination! The rain-forested region is one of Thailand’s most-visited – and largest – islands while the 30 or so smaller islands nearby offer travelers quick escapes from the touristy scene. If you are in...
Johannesburg is the launching pad for many destinations within South Africa and the farthest place is less than a two-hour flight distance away. Historically Jo’burg, as people of the country call it fondly, is just about a century old, compared to Cape Town or Durban, but it attained importance...
There is something to be said for seeing nature up close. Not many of us do and those who have the courage come away with memories that are as vivid as they are unforgettable. Living in a country like India has its perks, especially as far as adventure is...
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...
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...
When you think of Bali, the top things that strike your mind are the wonderful, crystal clear beaches and turquoise waters. But that is not all Bali has to offer. The diverse culture, spirituality and Bohemian lifestyle are worth experiencing in the island that's known as the best destination...
India is a land of rich culture and a very long history, so it is no wonder that there are almost two dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites here. They are every history buff’s paradise whether you head into Maharashtra to see the Ajanta and Ellora caves or make your...
