Travel & Culture - The Voice TV

Delhi to Gangotri Road Trip BY car

Date :14-Oct-2022

ये अक्टूबर 2018 की बात है जब काम से थककर मन कर रहा था कि एक रोड ट्रिप किया जाये जिससे कि आत्मा को भी खुराक मिल सके जैसी कि शरीर को भोजन के रूप में हम रोज देते हैं । समस्या ये भी थी कि केवल वीकेंड का समय था यानि बमुश्किल दो दिन का और इसमें दो मित्र भी साथ थे । पहले हमारा प्लान बाइक राइड का था लेकिन बाइक से हम केवल रिषीकेश तक ही आना जाना कर सकते थे दो दिन में क्योंकि रात को बाइक चलाना दिक्कत भरा होता है जबकि कार में ऐसा नही होता तो दो दिन का भरपूर सदुपयोग करने के लिये हमने गाडी से इस यात्रा को पूरा करना सोचा । गाडी से करने पर हम दो दिन के साथ दो रात का भी सदुपयोग कर सकते थे । गाडी को रात में ले जाने पर जाम और शहरी भीडभाड से बचने का भी मौका रहता है ।

मेरी अपनी गाडी को ले जाने का विचार था लेकिन इतने कसे हुए समय में दो रात गाडी यदि मै चलाता तो फिर दिन में सोना होता जिसमें घूमने का मजा ही नही आता इसलिये गाडी किराये पर लेने की सोची गयी । काफी रिसर्च करने , रिव्यूज और कुछ रेफरेंस के बाद Savaari car rentals से गाडी बुक कर दी गयी । दोनो साथी मित्र ने अपनी मोटरसाईकिल मेरे घर पर खडी कर दी और जैसा कि तय हुआ था शाम के समय करीब 5 बजे हम मुरादनगर से निकल पडे । गाडी तय समय पर आ गयी थी और जैसा कि हमने सोचा था कि हम रात में जाम से बच जायेंगें वैसा ही हुआ । रात को देहरादून शहर में भी हमें समय नही लगा और उसके बाद तो सोये हुए पहाडो के सन्नाटे को बस हमारी गाडी में बजता हुआ संगीत ही तोड रहा था । हमारा ये निर्णय बडा सटीक साबित हुआ क्योंकि मसूरी से आगे यमुना पार करने के बाद एक जगह छोटे छोटे पत्थर गिर रहे थे और जब तक ड्राइवर को पता चलता तब तक हम निकल चुके थे । कुछ पत्थर गाडी पर गिरे पर वो काफी छोटे थे । मोटरसाईकिल पर ये हमें नुकसान पहुंचा सकते थे । दूसरा जब हम उत्तरकाशी के पास पहुंचे तो वहां पर रास्ते का निर्माण कार्य चल रहा था और हमें आधा घंटा इंतजार करना पडा । दिन में यहां पर काफी देर तक एक तरफ का ट्रैफिक पार कराया जाता है तो लंबा जाम लग जाता है ।

थोडी थोडी नींद सभी ले चुके थे और एक बंदा हमेशा चालक महोदय के साथ बात करने में व्यस्त रहता था । सुबह होने लगी थी और अलसाई सी अंगडाई लेते हुए सूर्यदेव अपनी रोशनी पहाडो के पीछे से दिखाकर सिद्ध करने लगे थे कि वो आ रहे हैं । हम गंगोत्री के बहुत नजदीक थे और बहुत खुश कि हमारे दो दिन का हम पूरा आनंद उठाने वाले हैं । सुखी टाप से हरसिल घाटी का बेहद खूबसूरत नजारा दिख रहा था वहीं हरसिल पहुंचकर हमने एक चक्कर हरसिल गांव का भी लगाया । नाश्ता भी यहीं पर किया गया और करीब 11 बजे सुबह के हम गंगोत्री पहुंच गये थे । ये हमारी पहली गंगोत्री की यात्रा तो नही थी पर गंगा माता के मंदिर पर आकर हमेंशा नया सा अनुभव होता है । गंगोत्री में हमने कुछ देर तलाश करने के बाद एक कमरा ले लिया क्योंकि यहां पर अभी काफी लोग गौमुख तपोवन ट्रैक करने के लिये आये हुए थे । चूंकि अब कुछ ही दिनो में गौमुख तपोवन यात्रा बंद हो जायेगी बर्फबारी के कारण इसलिये ज्यादा से ज्यादा लोग इस वर्ष इसे कर लेना चाहते हैं । काफी बडे बडे ग्रुप आये हुए थे । एक बार को तो हमारा भी मन किया कि चलते हैं और हमने कमरे में सामान रखने के बाद यहां पर स्थित वन विभाग के कार्यालय से वर्तमान नियमो के बारे में जानकारी ली । अभी माननीय न्यायालय के निर्णय के बाद गौमुख तपोवन के लिये प्रतिदिन की संख्या सीमित कर दी गयी है । गौमुख से आगे तपोवन जाने के लिये तो परमिशन आपको उत्तरकाशी से पहले से लेनी पडती है जबकि गंगा के उदगम गौमुख तक जाने के लिये गंगोत्री में पहले दिन पंजीकरण करवाना होता है । वन विभाग के कार्यालय से आगे दो किलोमीटर के करीब एक गेट है जहां पर परमीशन चैक होती है । वहां तक जाने के लिये कोई दिक्कत नही है और इस रास्ते में गंगोत्री का बढिया नजारा दिखता है ।

आज का दिन इस छोटी सी ट्रैकिंग के नाम कर दिया और खूब मस्ती करते , हंसते गाते हम चैकपोस्ट तक गये और वापस आये । जब हम वापस आये तो शाम ढलने ही वाली थी और नीचे गंगा माता के मंदिर में से आ रही घंटियो की आवाज ने इन शांत पहाडो में एक अलग ही धुन गुंजायमान कर दी थी । आरती का दृश्य भव्य था और गंगोत्री के बाजार में काफी रौनक थी । देशी विदेशी सैलानियो से यहां चहल पहल काफी थी । अभी सेव का सीजन जाने के कगार पर था पर हरसिल के नामी सेब यहां दिखायी दे रहे थे वो भी काफी सस्ते भावो में । चूंकि गाडी में नींद कम ही ली थी इसलिये आज शाम में जल्दी ही कमरे में जाते ही सो गये और ठंड काफी थी तो रजाइयो में दुबक कर दोबारा मुंह भी निकालने की नही सोची ।

दूसरा दिन हमारा काफी व्यस्त होने वाला था क्योंकि जो रोड ट्रिप हम सोचकर आये थे वो आज ही बढिया तरीके से होने वाली थी । सुबह 7 बजे तक हम नहा धोकर गंगोत्री से निकल लिये । आज का हमारा प्लान यहां से वापस घर जाने का ही था पर रास्तो को नापते और उन्हे महसूस करते हुए । उत्तरकाशी से थोडा पहले मनेरी पडता है और मनेरी के कृत्रिम झरने जो कि सबको सडक पर दिखता है उससे भी पहले एक जगह हम नाश्ते के लिये रूक गये । यहीं पर नीचे एक पानी की धारा आती दिखायी दी जो कि नीचे नदी में जाकर मिल रही थी । पूछने पर पता चला कि मेन रोड पर ही जो पुल हमने पार किया है वहां पर झरना है । हम कौतुहूल वश उस पुल तक गये तो देखा कि वहां तो एक बहुत सुंदर झरना है और उस झरने के नीचे एक गोल जगह में नहाने लायक जगह है । ये मनेरी के कृत्रिम झरने से सुंदर जगह थी पर जाने के लिये रास्ता झाडियो से अटा हुआ था । जैसे तैसे करके हम नीचे झरने तक पहुंचे तो मन प्रसन्न हो गया और अचंभित भी कि इतनी सुंदर जगह मुख्य मार्ग पर होकर भी कैसे लोगो की नजरो से ओझल है । यहां तो पर्यटक स्थल बनाया जा सकता है जिससे गांव के कई लोगो को रोजगार भी मिल सकता है । हमने यहां खूब समय बिताया और कुछ बढिया चित्र भी लिये । ?

यहां से आगे चलकर हमने कल रात के रास्ते की बजाय एक नये रास्ते को देखने का निर्णय लिया जो कि पुराना गंगोत्री मार्ग कहलाता है । टिहरी झील का फैलाव बहुत दूर तक है और उसी जलाशय के एक ओर नया मार्ग है तो दूसरी ओर पुराना मार्ग । ये पुराना मार्ग हमें टिहरी मुख्य झील पर ले जायेगा और वहां से हम चंबा पहुंच जायेंगें । लेकिन चंबा पहुंचने या टिहरी पहुंचने से पहले इस रास्ते का भरपूर आनंद लिया गया । धरासू से लेकर टिहरी पहुंचने तक जलाशय हमारे साथ रहता है और उसकी वजह से यहां पर खेती काफी बढिया होती है । खेतो की रौनक देखने लायक है । जगह जगह हमें गाडी रोकनी होती थी फोटो लेने के लिये क्योंकि ये आम रास्ता नही था तो यहां पर पर्यटको की कोई भीड भाड भी नही थी । एक दो लोकल गाडी ही कभी कभार मिल जाया करती थी । रास्ते में दो तीन झरने और एक जगह स्पीति लददाख जैसी संरचनाऐ भी मिली जो कि इस क्षेत्र में पहली बार देखी । मिटटी के प्राकृतिक क्षरण के कारण सैकडो वर्षो में जाकर ये संरचनाऐं बनी हैं । हर मोड पर झील के पानी के साथ लगते हुए दृश्य नया चित्रआधार प्रस्तुत करते थे । टिहरी झील को पार करना हर बार रोमांचक अनुभव होता है । जल के इस विशाल संग्रह पर बनाये गये ये पुल दूर से दिखने में इतने आकर्षक होते हैं कि इनको पृष्ठभूमि में लेकर अपने साथ कैमरा में कैद कर लेना ही असली फोटोग्राफी लगती है ।

टिहरी झील को अब भल्डगांव से आगे बने पुल से पार करना था । इसे स्यासूं पुल भी कह देते हैं । यहां से हम टिहरी बांध के मुख्य स्थल पर पहुंच गये और वहां से 1 घंटा भी नही लगा चंबा पहुंचने में । इस बीच रास्ते में हमने खूब मस्ती की । चंबा सेहमने इस बार नरेन्द्रनगर और रिषीकेश वाला रास्ता लिया रात के करीब 2 बजे वापस घर पहुंचे । दिल्ली के पास रहने का एक फायदा ये भी है कि जब भी आपकी आत्मा भूखी हो तो उसे पहाडो पर जाकर उसकी मनपसंद खुराक दी जा सकती है । केवल 2 दिन की इस यात्रा में हम 2 रात को कार की वजह से शामिल करके इतनी लम्बी यात्रा को भी आराम से कर पाये । इसमें Outstation Car Rentals का मुख्य रोल था । आरामदायक और बिना किसी दिक्कत के हम सकुशल घर पहुंच गये । पहाडो से ली गयी ताजी आक्सीजन अब एक आध महीना बिना दिक्कत पूर्ण रूप से काम करने की उर्जा देती रहेगी ।

लेखक - मनु कुमार तत्यागी

IIT-K Literary Festival in Kanpur to celebrate works of Shivani

Date :14-Oct-2022

Kanpur, Oct 12 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is organising Akshar - a first of its kind literary festival from October 14 to 16.

It is being jointly organised by the Rajbhasha Prakoshth, the Shivani Centre for the Nurture and Re-Integration of Hindi & Other Indian Languages, and Gaatha - an audio - hosting platform and an SIIC, IIT Kanpur incubated company.

In its first iteration, Akshar is celebrating the commencement of the centenary year celebrations of the life and works of pre-eminent Hindi novelist Gaura Pant better-known by her pen name 'Shivani'.

She was one of the most famous Hindi novelists whose novels were read ardently by scores of readers throughout the country and also translated in other languages. Shivani was also one of the pioneers of women-centric fiction novels who presented the women in her novels as very strong and rooted characters.

The three-day event will be marked by a celebration of the life and works of Shivani.

According to an official release, eminent literary personalities like Dr Pushpesh Pant, Dr Mrinal Pande, Prof Shambhunath Tiwari, and many noted poets and performers like Veeru Sonker, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Dr Naresh Saxena, Praveen Shukla, Shlesh Gautam, are expected to participate in the event.

A book fair with some leading publishers would also be organised alongside the event.

Few highlights from the event schedule include a discussion on the literary works of Shivani, a poetry discussion, a panel discussion on "Aaj ke Daur Mein Sahitya ki Praasangikta" and a Kavi Sammelan.

Besides these, there will be a story recital of Shivani's most famous stories by Katharang - A Storytelling Group and an enactment of Shivani story 'Apradhini' by 'Nisha' - a Theatre Group.

Why is Karwa Chauth celebrated?

Date :13-Oct-2022

Karva Chauth is one of the most popular Indian festivals and is mostly observed in the northern side of the country. It is a celebration of love, marriage and the unbreakable bond shared between a husband and wife.

The word “Karva” means an earthen pot of water and the word chauth means fourth. It signifies that Karva Chauth falls on the fourth day after poornima (full moon), in the month of Kartik, according to the Hindu calendar.

Why is Karwa Chauth celebrated?

Also known as Niraja Vrat, Karva Chauth is a one-day festival where married Hindu women observe fasts for the health and safety of their husbands. They begin their fasts right at sunrise, which continues throughout the day until moonrise.

Women do not eat or drink anything and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. They break their fast after making various offerings and sighting the moon, which is also one of the most important celestial bodies according to Hindu mythology.

Women pray for the long life of their husbands and ask Lord Shiva to protect them from any harm or difficulties. It is also believed that this festival brings peace, happiness and joy into their married life.

Importance of Karwa Chauth

According to Hindu tradition, Karwa Chauth is one of the most important festivals, especially for married women. It begins with a small early morning prayer and is usually followed by “Sargi” - a food platter containing dry fruits, parathas, curry and coconut water.

Women consume Sargi after their bath as it is believed to be a healthy meal that allows them to prepare for the day’s fasting. It keeps them energetic and allows them to stay without food or water for the entire day.

History of Karva Chauth

There are various ancient legends associated with the festival of Karva Chauth. These tales or stories talk about the sacrifices that women have been making for their husbands and how their love is pure and eternal.

According to one such legend, there was a beautiful queen by the name of Veervati. She had seven brothers and was married to a handsome king. During the first year of her marriage, she observed her first Karva Chauth by observing a strict fast.

As the night drew closer, she started feeling uneasy due to severe thirst and hunger. But she refused to eat or drink anything. Her brothers could not watch her suffer anymore and decided to do something about it.

They created a mirror with the pipal tree in their backyard and tricked Veervati into believing that the moon had risen. She believed them and broke her fast. Unfortunately, news arrived that her beloved husband was dead.

Veervati was completely devastated and started running towards her husband’s house. On the way, she is stopped by Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, who explain how her brothers tricked her. Maa Parvati cuts off her own finger and gives Veervati a few drops of her own holy blood.

She instructs Veervati to be careful during her next fasts. Veervati sprinkles the holy blood on the dead body of her husband, who is then miraculously brought back to life. In this way, Veervati was reunited with her husband due to her immense love, sacrifice and devotion.

Significance of Karwa Chauth

Apart from observing fasts, women also pray for a prosperous and happy married life. Later in the evening, they perform puja for their husbands before the moon sighting.

After this, the women try to see the moon through a sieve and then catch a glimpse of their husbands through the same sieve. It is also believed that when a wife looks at her husband through a sieve, all negative emotions are filtered through it.

Once this is done, the women eat something and their fast is completed. The festival has also been made popular by its depiction in various movies and TV shows.

During recent times, a lot of men have also started observing fasts for their wives. This has made the festival even more special as it signifies love, compassion and understanding.

Few Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Date :13-Oct-2022

The land of Mountains, mythologies, myths, adventures, simplicity and nature’s bliss, Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful travel destinations to visit in India. Every traveler here can sync their mind with the rhythm of the place. Tucked in the Lofty Himalayas, it has two main regions Garhwal and Kumaon and both have their own charms. Tourists from all over the world visit Uttarakhand for hill station vacations. It is a place where you will witness numerous beautiful hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital, Auli, Chopta Etc. It is also known as Devbhoomi, the land of Gods because of the presence of Char Dhams, the most sacred holy pilgrimage sites of India. An amazing combination of spirituality and beauty Uttarakhand is a one stop destination where you must visit for an amazing holiday once in a lifetime.

AULI

If you are in Uttarakhand then you must visit Auli. The picture-perfect fairytale like landscapes of Auli, heart melting Oak and coniferous forests, beautiful vistas of the second highest Himalayan Peak Nanda Devi, soothing touch of spirituality in Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, surreal valley of flowers, trekkers delight Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla Summit, and Tapovan – Here you can enjoy all these enchanting delights which will definitely make your vacation in Uttarakhand memorable for a lifetime.

Moreover, you will never get the bliss of Skiing anywhere else better than Auli. It is one of the best skiing destinations for snow lovers and adventurers. It also offers the best cable car rides over snowy slopes in the world. In Fact, it has the longest cable car ride in India.

NainitaLNainital, the lake city of India comes in the list of top 10 best tourist destinations to visit in Uttarakhand in India. The scenic natural splendor, the pleasant weather, the colorful markets, delicious cuisines and lofty Himalayan mountains will never cease to elevate your soul. It is a very popular religious tourist destination as Naina Devi Temple surrounded with lofty Himalayan mountains in the backdrop will enchant your spirit. It is one of the most popular and sacred Shakti Peethas in India dedicated to Goddess Naina who is represented by her two eyes. It is said that the eyes of the burned body of goddess Sati fell here.Moreover, Nainital is also a very scenic hill station to enjoy throughout the year. You will witness the seven hills known as Sapta- Shring. The serene Lake of Naini will seduce your senses with alluring sail boats. Nainital offers everything for a perfect holiday vacation in Uttarakhand. There are plenty of hotels and resorts for comfortable stay, the chill vibes of Mall Road, cafes and restaurants for fun moments, awe inspiring adventurous activities like mountaineering, boating, water sports, paragliding, trekking, golfing, hot air ballooning etc.

MussoorieBeing one of the most popular hill stations in Uttarakhand, Mussoorie will shine bright on the landscape of your heart even after you have left its shores. Its pleasant weather, scenic Himalayan Peaks of Shivalik, and alluring green landscapes has a touch of romance in its ambiance that is the reason why it is one of the best destinations to visit for Couples in Uttarakhand. Mussoorie will take you back to colonial times. Serene waterfalls, colonial buildings, Himalayan mountains, bustling markets, surreal vistas of Doon Valley, beautiful sceneries and lovely nature walks will make your day here. You will find it difficult to resist its charm.

RishikeshSet against the scenic background of Himalayas, Rishikesh is a sacred homeland of pristine Ganga where with its serene vibes and healing touch has been captivating the mind of devotees for ages. The most fascinating thing about Rishikesh is that tourists come here not only for spiritual pilgrimage but also for relaxing and rejuvenating as it is known as the world capital of yoga and meditation. Numerous Ashrams in Rishikesh attract thousands of fitness freaks. It is also very popular for its serene temples and thrilling adventure sports such as rafting, bungee jumping, zip lining, trekking, giant swing and rock climbing etc. Don’t miss the soul soothing evening Ganga Aarti here. It is one of the best things to experience in Rishikesh. Indeed, Rishikesh is the best tourist destination to explore in Uttarakhand.

Jim Corbett National Park

Nainital is not only famous for its fascinating landscapes but also for thrilling wildlife opportunities. It is an amazing homeland of majestic wild creatures. Yes, Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital needs no introduction when it comes to awesome wildlife holidays. It is one of the most popular wildlife destinations in Uttarakhand. Known for its tiger richness, this oldest national park in India has been blowing the heart of wildlife lovers for many years. It is divided into 5 tourist zones which are teeming with enchanting wildlife and nature vistas. Open grasslands, exquisite floral species and faunal species will make your wildlife tour delightful. You will witness Royal Bengal Tigers, a variety of deer, bears, Asiatic Elephants and around 650 species of domestic and migratory birds. It is one of the top tourist places in Uttarakhand.

Kausani

Kausani is one of the most scenic villages and hill stations to explore in Uttarakhand. After Chopta, it is considered as the second Switzerland of India. Gigantic Himalayan Peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli Peak will gaze at you with a smile. It is perfect for nature photography. Picturesque lush landscapes, the orange sky of the sunset, bubbling creeks, alpine hills, playful birds and pleasant weather makes it an awesome hill station for family vacation in Uttarakhand away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a while. The ambiance is so beautiful that once our Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi visited here and after seeing its soothing vistas he called it the mini Switzerland of India. This place is an ideal weekend destination to visit from Delhi as it is only 406km from Delhi. Lovely nature walks, shopping for Kausani Shawls, scenic village tours, thrilling trek to Rudradhari Cave Temple are some of the best things to do in Uttarakhand.

New Tehri

Your vacation in New Tehri will never be dull as you will behold some of the most alluring landscapes of Uttarakhand. New Tehri is one of top visiting tourist attractions to explore for nature sightseeing tours in Uttarakhand. Not only nature will please your soul here, it is a place that will keep you alive with various water adventure opportunities, high-altitude treks and blissful temple tours. Overlooking the massive Tehri Lake and dam which is one of the world’s largest hydroelectric projects, the alluring vistas of Bhagirathi River will take your breath away. It is said that old Tehri was submerged under the lake formed due to the constriction of Tehri dam So, residents shifted to New Tehri. It is an ideal family vacation spot to spend delightful moments in Uttarakhand. You can visit New Tehri all-round the year but the best time to visit here is during the Tehri Lake Festival. If you are a couple, you will surely love to stay in floating huts in the lake to cherish romantic moments with your beloved.

Bhimtal

Bhimtal is a must visit tourist place to explore in Uttarakhand. There is an interesting story behind the name of Bhimtal. It is named after one of the five Pandava brothers Bhima. It is said that the famous lake of Bhima Sarovar used to be the most visited places for Bhima and his brothers during their exile. They were unable to find any water resource to quench their thirst, Bhim with enormous strength made a sudden blow on the ground with his mace which created a hole in the ground containing underground water. Hence as per this legend the sacred Bhimeshwar Temple along with Bhimtal lake was built in the memory of Bhima. You can enjoy amazing boating and paddling rides in the lake, the pristine beauty of nature and alluring temples makes it quite a sight to behold for a peaceful hill station vacation in Uttarakhand. You can easily plan an awesome road trip to Bhimtal as it has good road connectivity. It is the best destination to explore in any month.

Dehradun

Blue sky, lofty mountains and idyllic valleys with countless rooftops – that’s Dehradun, the largest city in the foothills of the Himalayas. Geographically, it is situated in the Doon Valley, perched between the River Song and River Asan. It is considered the gateway of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand as people gather here first for travelling to the surrounding region. Dehradun has been famed for being the place for ‘changing air’ to Indian people since the 19th century. Its scenic landscapes, pleasant weather and fresh air were believed to create a positive effect on health.As mentioned before, Dehradun is the gateway of other stunning tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. It is in proximity and well connected with Uttarkashi, Mussoorie, Chopta-Tungnath, Harsil, Auli, Dhanaulti, New Tehri and Chakarta. Travellers also choose to go for Chota Char Dham Yatra and treks like Kedarkantha, Har ki Dun and many more, via Dehradun, as it is the closest major city.Apart from these surrounding destinations, tourists also enjoy visiting several spots in Dehradun itself. Some famous tourist attractions in Dehradun are Tapkeshwar Temple, Robber’s Cave, Zonal Museum, Tibetan Buddhist Temple, Forest Research Institute and Rajpur Road Market. A budget-friendly location offering numerous activities for tourists, Dehradun is always one of the first choices if someone wants a relaxing yet fun-filled holiday for some days.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet, literally means the ‘Land of the queen,’ is one of the charming hill stations in Uttarakhand, Kumaon region. A cantonment town, perched between the snow-clad western peaks of the Himalayas, Ranikhet is one of the best places in North India to be treated as a summer escape. It is located in the Almora neighbourhood and attracts several travellers, hikers and birdwatchers for having numerous opportunities like birdwatching, paragliding, rock climbing as well as hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas.Ranikhet, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kumaon and Uttarakhand, is known for being home to Asia’s one of the highest golf courses. Ranikhet, which translates to “The Queen’s Land,” was given this name in honour of Queen Padmini, who fell in love with this location’s beauty. Sitting on a lush green meadow in Ranikhet and watching the breathtaking views of Trishul Peak on a clear day – is the best perk of travelling to this pretty hill station. Moreover, fishing in Bhalu Dam, hiking to Holm Farm from Chaubatia Orchards or Meghdoot to Jhula Devi Temple – are other popular activities to do in Ranikhet

MukteshwarLocated in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar is one of the offbeat tourist destinations in North India to enjoy a peaceful vacation. Famed for its numerous fruit orchards, verdant forests, green meadows and lane narrows with mountains in sight, Mukteshwar can win anyone’s heart with its calmness and nature. It is also a place for people who prioritise adventure in a less crowded destination. Adventure seekers opt for this place for trekking, camping, paragliding, rock climbing and many more opportunities like these.

This idyllic hill station is flanked by around 22 snow-clad mountains in the Kumaon region. As it is located only 50 kilometres away from Nainital City, you can easily include it in the sightseeing plan. Mukteshwar is situated at a height of 2,171 metres and it is considered a hidden gem in Uttrakhand. The cherry on the cake is its weather; it remains pleasant throughout the year so that travellers can visit the places in Mukteshwar at any time of the year. However, summer would be the best time to enjoy its serenity. With no dearth of activities, Chauli ki Jali, Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls are some amazing tourist destinations to visit in Mukteshwar.

Almora

One such place in Uttarakhand, as well as in North India, specifically amongst summer retreats, Almora was not developed by the Britishers. Rather, it is a hill station to witness history and peacefulness. To name a few incidents, Almora was the kingdom of the Chand Dynasty, which reigned in the Kumaon Region for almost one thousand years. Another is, Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister served a term of punishment during the British era in jail in Almora.

Almora can be visited during summer, post-monsoon and winter. Monsoon is recommended to avoid for reasons like heavy downpours and road damage. Surrounded by snowy peaks, plunging waterfalls and green forests, Almora is located around 60 kilometres from Nainital City. The beauty of nature here is complemented by friendly people who make this place one of the best places for a weekend escape. Moreover, places like Jageshwar Dham, Kasar Devi Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, Zero Point, Nanda Devi Temple, Bright End Corner and Martola make Almora famous among tourists who love to explore destinations with history, spiritualism and nature.

Lansdowne

One of the beautiful hill stations in the Garhwal region, Lansdowne was renamed after Lord Lansdowne in 1887. Prior to that, it was called Kaludanda, where Kalu means black and Danda means hills in the Garhwali language. Located in the Pauri Garhwal District, Lansdowne is fringed by blue pine and thick oak forests all around.Lansdowne is a famous weekend destination for people living in Delhi, as it is the nearest hill station to the city. However, this place also creates a special place amongst mountain lovers coming from all across the country. As it was developed by the Britishers as a summer retreat, Lansdowne is a planned cantonment town and well connected with other cities since the past. A trip to Lansdowne cannot be completed without visiting places like Tip N Top Point, St. Johns Church, Bhim Pakora, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Hawaghar and Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath will not only enrich your travel experience with alluring beauty but also elevate your spirit with its spiritual vibes. It is definitely one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Uttarakhand. Devotees from all over the world come here to feel the ethereal vibes in the holy temple of lord Shiva which is known as Kedarnath Temple. Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India and one of the major temples of Chota Char Dham Yatra. Situated Near the sacred Mandakini River at an elevation of 3584 meters, the lofty Himalayan ranges will surely tickle your camera lens to take amazing photographs. Devotees once in their lifetime definitely visit to fulfill their spiritual quest in Kedarnath. You should not miss the chance to explore this gorgeous place in Uttarakhand.

6 members of Kerala diaspora to be honored in NY

Date :12-Oct-2022

New York, Oct 12 (IANS) Six Indian-American Malayalees will be honored in New York for their outstanding achievements in their field of specialization and for their service to the society by a community organisation, which represents the Kerala diaspora.

The Indian American Kerala Cultural and Civic Center will present its 30th Annual Awards Banquet on October 22 in Elmont, which will be attended by India's Consul General Randhir Jaiswal and New York Senators Kevin Thomas and Anna Kaplan.

Javad Hassan, Chairman of NeST Group, will be awarded for corporate leadership. He has been striving to bring premier US universities to the Indian shores, so that Indian companies could gain from a global standard of education.

Thomas Joy, Suffolk County police officer will be awarded for Public Service. Joy was honored in 2020 by the India Association of Long Island for his service to the community during Covid-19 pandemic.

In the Performing Arts category, Bindiya Sabarinath, founder of Mayura School of Arts, has been named.

Sabarinath, trained in Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi, is an alumni of Kalakshetra Chennai, and has been making principal styles of Indian Dance accessible to US residents.

She received a Presidential Award for representing Mohiniyattam from Kerala on Republic Day in 1998, and has dedicated herself to teaching and performing Indian Classical Dance for the past twenty years.

Bindiya established the Mayura school of Arts in 2000 in the US. She has over 1,000 students and many branches in the New York and New Jersey area, according to her website.

Silvester Noronha, who will be awarded under the Applied Science category, hails from Kollam district in Kerala. He is currently a visiting faculty of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He was among a team of scientists from MIT who jointly invented a large high-temperature superconducting electromagnet, a step towards realizing the dream of the much-awaited nuclear power fusion meant for revolutionizing the world's energy sector.

P.T. Paulose has been recognised for contributions to Pravasi Malayalam Literature, and Jose Kaniyaly, Executive Editor and Partner of Kerala Express weekly newspaper, for his contributions to Malayalam Media and Journalism.

"Kerala Center has been honoring outstanding achievers since 1991. Every year we invite nominations and the committee has to make a unanimous choice for a candidate in a category to receive the award and this year is no different from previous years in terms of their achievements," Thomas Abraham, Kerala Center's Trustee Board Chairman and Award Committee Member, said in a press release.

Though the exact number of Keralites in the US is unknown, Thiruvananthapuram-based International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMD) reckons that there are at least 40 lakh Keralites abroad, of which at least 20 per cent or even higher number are now settled in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.

Kerala is officially preparing a data bank of Keralites, a move that will help the state find the number of Malayalis working abroad, especially in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Ayodhya Trip

Date :03-Oct-2022

This pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s physical and mental well-being. People have been feeling trapped in their houses. All the festivals have been very lukewarm and excitement in people has fizzled out. With the reopening of several tourist places, this is the perfect opportunity to step out, with all safety measures in place, of course. To get in touch with one’s spiritual self, Ayodhya is a must-visit and has lots to offer. Take an Ayodhya trip to get in touch with the divine energy and explore the sacred land that was once home to Lord Ram.

The place Ayodhya is synonymous with Ram Janmabhoomi but it is much more than that. There are many lesser-known historical and religious places that tourists can explore. Places that are soaked in rich heritage and have intriguing stories. Each place has a unique significance in mythology and it is amazing how some of these places are still preserved and maintained for people to visit and experience closely.

Here is an Ayodhya travel guide and a list of places to visit in Ayodhya.

Ram Janmabhoomi:

Ayodhya trip is incomplete with a visit to Ram janmabhoomi. The place is considered to be the motherland of the most worshipped Hindu god, Shri Ram and holds utmost importance for Hindu devotees. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan took place on 5th August 2020 by Mr. Narendra Modi, our Prime Minister and was a huge affair with thousands of people attending it. The intended plan and design looks magnificent and once ready will be one of the biggest temples in the country.

Hanuman Garhi:

Another attraction on the Ayodhya trip is Hanuman Garhi, which is a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman and is a significant temple in Ayodhya. It is believed that before one visits the Ram temple, it is important to visit the Hanuman temple and then proceed. The temple has a stairway of 76 steps and is situated on a hill. The temple has several idols of Lord Hanuman and his mother Anjani. The temple attracts many visitors during Hanuman Jayanti, Lord Hanuman’s birthday. There is a 6ft idol of Hanuman and people adorn the idol with many flowers and fruits to pay their respects.

Kanak Bhawan:

Situated to the northeast of the Ram Janmabhoomi, the Kanak Bhawan is one of the most magnificent and famous temples in Ayodhya. According to the Ramayana, this palace was a wedding gift to Mata Sita after her marriage to Lord Ram by his stepmother, Kaikeyi. The garbhagriha has idols of Lord Rama and Mata Sita.

Gulab Bari:

This 18th-century tomb is located in Vaidehi Nagar area of district Faizabad. Gulab Bari is originally a tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Faizabad or also known as Oudh/Awadh. This Nawab styled structure is also a home of many different species of roses and has a lush green garden along with beautiful fountains. It is currently preserved as National heritage and is included in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

Choti Chawni:

Choti Chawni or Valmiki Bhavan is a palace intricately carved out of white marble. This magnificent structure has 34 heritage caves, 12 Buddhist caves that are to the south. At the centre, there are 17 Hindu caves and towards the north are 5 Jain caves. The Kailash temple in the palace adds to its beauty and sereneness. The palace is a sight to watch and is definitely a must-visit.

Nageshwarnath Temple:

The Nageshwarnath temple is situated in Ram ki Paidi. The temple was erected by Kush, the son of Lord Ram. According to a legend, Kush was bathing in the Saryu River where he lost an armlet which was later discovered by a Nag-Kanya who fell in love with him. Since he was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Kush built this temple for her. Devotees come in huge numbers during Shivratri and the Shiva baraat is a highlight during the festival. The vibrant and colourful interiors of the temple are eye-catching.

Treta Ke Thakur:

Treta Ke Thakur is located in Ayodhya at Naya Ghat and comprises several idols of Ram, Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman, Bharat, and Sugreev. The beautiful idols have been carved from an entire block of black sandstone. Treta Ke Thakur is said to have been constructed over 300 years ago by King Kullu. According to the scriptures, the temple is at the same place where Lord Rama had performed the famous Ashwamedh Yagna. The most interesting fact about the temple is that the doors of the temple are thrown open for the common people only once a year on Ekadashi during Kartik month. The temple is decorated and festivities are celebrated.

Sita Ki Rasoi:

The Sita Rasoi is to the north-west side of Ram Janmabhoomi and it is believed that Mata Sita used to cook in the kitchen herself. It is located close to Ram Janmabhoomi and is now a sacred temple where the ancient vessels are displayed. Mata Sita is Annapurna or goddess of food. To date, the tradition of feeding the poor is kept alive and free food is distributed here. On the other side are richly adorned idols of Ram-Sita, Lakshman-Urmila, Bharat-Mandavi and Shatrughan-Srutakirti.

Getting to Ayodhya

In Ayodhya, almost all the temples and places of significance are located in close proximity to each other. Most of the places are hardly 1km away from the centre of the city and can be accessed easily by walk or autos. However, here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Ayodhya.

By air: The nearest airport to Ayodhya is Lucknow International Airport and is situated 152 km away. Tourists can take a flight from any major city to Lucknow and then reach Ayodhya by taxi or bus.

By train: Faizabad and Ayodhya are the main railway stations in the district and are connected to almost all the major cities. Ayodhya is 135 km from Lucknow by train and Faizabad is 128 km.

By bus: UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation) provides bus services 24 hours a day and is a convenient and easy way to reach Ayodhya. Ayodhya is 172 km away from the capital city of Lucknow by road and buses are available at all times of the day making it a hassle-free way to commute.UPSRTC bus tickets can be bought online in advance on redBus.

Ayodhya is a place rich with culture and heritage just waiting to be explored. Happy travelling!

Author-Shraddhanvita Tiwari

India Comes to Life with the Festival of Dussehra

Date :03-Oct-2022

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is a festival in India celebrated in the seventh month of the Hindu Lunar calendar. Taking place this year from 27 September to 8 October, the celebrations will be held in many regions across India, which may impact international assignments and expatriates’ general travel plans. However, the festival is a truly amazing spectacle and one to be enjoyed by assignees.

The event symbolizes the victory of good over evil, marking the triumph of Rama, a Hindu God, over the 10-headed demon king, Ravana. Hence the festival’s name, which derives from the Sanskrit words dasha (‘ten’) and hara (‘defeat’).

Regional Celebrations

The festival is celebrated with great fervor and fanfare, with each region in India having its own unique traditions. Celebrations in the north of India include the ‘Ram Lila’, a theatrical enactment of Rama’s life story, where effigies of Ravana are stuffed with firecrackers and set ablaze. It is believed that in the town of Varanasi (the world’s oldest city), this performance has been running for nearly 200 years.

In the central tribal region, the Dussehra event is the biggest festival of the year and lasts for 75 days! Unsurprisingly, it's often referred to as the longest festival in the world, with the region's major tribes performing rare rituals, dressed in bright traditional attire.

Dussehra is known as Durga Puja in West Bengal, and the region has a fantastic carnival atmosphere that visitors often liken to the famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. On the last day of the festival, idols are taken out in a procession for immersion in the Hooghly River.

The festival is known as Dasara in the south of India, with the main event held in the city of Mysore, Karnataka. Lasting for 10 days, the beautiful Mysore Palace is illuminated by almost 100,000 lights, whilst numerous activities and cultural performances take place.

If you are in India during this time, do try to catch these festivities, they are not to be missed!

Impact on Relocation

Like any major, national event, celebrations may impact international assignees’ travel and relocation plans in the lead-up to and during the festival. As such, assignees in India should allow more time for travel as road closures will be in place in major cities, and they should also prepare for possible delays to household goods shipments.

Author- Ambalika Tripathi

Tourism Scenario In India

Date :28-Sep-2022

Human nature is nomadic. In the initial phase, it was seen as a necessity, but after that, as soon as life became permanent, it gained stability and slowly moving from one place to another and coming back is called an excursion. The excursions were made by people of investigative tendencies. In the twentieth century, excursions were called tourism. When a person goes without any specific purpose just for the aesthetic experience or for the satisfaction of his body, mind and soul, it is called tourism. The country which is geographically rich, culturally ancient and historically holistic, has immense potential for tourism and from this point of view, India has been the center of attraction for centuries. Therefore, its various other forms have also been seen in front of us today in the form of medical tourism, environmental tourism, pilgrimage tourism, commercial tourism, historical tourism etc. Presently, tourism has taken the form of an industry. The meaning of industry is taken as the hard work done to get some kind of profit. This benefit can be economic, global or spiritual.

When considering tourism as an industry, it appears necessaryto discuss its various dimensions. In this sequence, by discussing medical tourism, there is an understanding of a place where medical facilities are adequately available. In fact, India remains a suitable destination for medical tourism for developing countries, where medical facilities are inadequate and expensive. India is an accessible medical destination for African countries, such as Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria, Algeria etc., and for West Asia and East Asia countries. The medical system is good in European and North American countries, but medical facilities are expensive there compared to India. For this reason, India has proved to be the best place for medical tourism for African countries. Along with this, medical experiments like Ayurveda and homeopathy have also made tourism prosperous.

Eco-tourism has been one of the favourite tours since itsinception. Eco-tourism is all about nature. Mangroves, deserts, lakes, rivers, beaches, forest sanctuaries, national parks, valley of flowers, Western Ghats, Himalayan philosophy, etc. are related to the environment. On the one hand, the tourist gets spiritual benefit from this type of tourism. On the other hand, local administrators also get economic benefits.

It is also necessary to understand pilgrimage tourism in this sequence.The existence of different religions makes India rich in this type of tourism. While on the one hand, there is the Char Dham tradition established by Shankaracharya in Hinduism, Jyotirlinga Yatra, Kumbh Yatra, Ganga bath etc., on the other hand, a Buddhist circuit has developed for the followers of Buddhism. Ajmer Sharif, Haji Ali, Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, various tombs and dargahs are especially visible for the followers of Islam. Amritsar, Patna Sahib, Delhi, Jammu, Maharashtra etc. are particularly important places for Sikhs.

Tourism is really purposeful. Commercial tourism is a result of this. A local variety of different occupations promotes commercial tourism, such as the carpet industry of Bhadohi, the bangle industry of Firozabad, the saree industry of Kanchipuram and Chanderi, wood art of Uttar Pradesh, marble industry of Jaipur etc.. Therefore, in order to explore the limitless possibilities of commercial tourism, the global branding of local industries is essential.

In this era of globalization, when the geographical distance of the whole world seems to be decreasing, the possibilities of progress in various dimensions of tourism have been sufficient. Today, there is a need to give a global perspective to the locality and take advantage of the diversity to enrich the immense possibilities of tourism.

Author- Pradeep Vaishnav

छत्तीसगढ़ जनजातियों के युवागृह

Date :28-Sep-2022

जनजातियां अपनी विशिष्ट सांस्कृतिक विरासत के कारण छत्तीसगढ़ ही नहीं अपितु संपूर्ण भारत में विशिष्ट पहचान रखती है | जनजातियां मेहनत पसंद एवं प्रकृति से लगाव रखती हैं , जनजातीय समाज में अपनी सांस्कृतिक विरासत के हस्तांतरण को विशेष महत्व दिया जाता है। जनजाति युवागृह एक प्रशिक्षण केंद्र है जहां से धार्मिक तथा सामाजिक शिक्षा प्राप्त कर व्यक्ति एक अच्छा सामाजिक जीवन जीने योग्य बनता है। युवागृह में बच्चे अपने रीति रिवाज ,संस्कृति गीत लोकगीत लोक नृत्य आस्था विश्वास से परिचित होते हैं।

जनजातियों को सामाजिक रूप से पिछड़ा माना जाता है किंतु आश्चर्य की बात है कि इनके युवागृह जनजातियों के वैचारिक खुले पन को दर्शाता है। युवागृह में युवक युवतियों को अपने जीवनसाथी के चयन में स्वतंत्रता दी गई है। युवागृह में बच्चे अपने रीति रिवाज ,संस्कृति गीत लोकगीत लोक नृत्य आस्था विश्वास से परिचित होते हैं। युवागृह में सदस्य तथा समूह , आयु तथा लिंग के आधार पर चुना जाता है क्योंकि समान आयु तथा लिंग के विचार आपस में मिलते जुलते हैं । एक निश्चित आयु के बाद लड़के लड़कियों को युवागृह जाना अनिवार्य होता है । प्रत्येक सदस्य विवाह होने तक युवागृह का सदस्य बना रहता है तथा उसे समस्त नियमों को पालन करना पड़ता है, यदि कोई नियमों की अवहेलना करता है अथवा अनुपस्थित होता है तो उसे दंड भी दिया जा सकता है।

युवागृह सामान्यता गांव के बाहर जंगल के मध्य एक विशेष प्रकार का भवन होता है , जिसमें एक मामुली दरवाजा और निचली छत होती है। भवन को बाहरी तौर पर विशिष्ट दिखाने के लिए हर संभव कोशिश की जाती है , भवन की दीवारों को चित्रित किया जाता है। भवन के बाहर एक खुला आंगन भी होता है। युवागृह के अंदर आग जलाकर उसे प्रकाशित और गर्म रखा जाता है। वरिष्ठ सदस्य अपने से छोटों को कला तथा कार्य सिखाने का काम करते हैं। युवागृह के अंदर जो भी कार्य होता है उसे गोपनीय रखा जाता है।

छत्तीसगढ़ जनजातियों के मुख्य युवागृह इस प्रकार है ; मुड़िया माडिया जनजाति के युवागृह को घोटूल कहा जाता है । यहां के पुरुष सदस्यों को चेलिक तथा महिला सदस्यों को मुटियारीन कहा जाता है । पुरुष सदस्य प्रमुख को सिरेदार तथा महिला सदस्य प्रमुख को बेलोसा कहा जाता है। घोटूल में रेला गीत गाया जाता है तथा लिंगोपेन देवता की पूजा की जाती है। उरांव जनजाति के युवागृह को घुमकुरिया कहा जाता है, इसमें युवक को धांगर तथा युवा मुखिया को धांगर महतो कहते हैं , युवती को धांगरीन तथा युवती मुखिया को बारकिन धांगरीन कहते हैं। 13 वर्ष से कम आयु के सदस्य को पुना जोरावर कहते हैं तथा 13 से 18 वर्ष के सदस्यों को मथजूरिया जोरावर कहते हैं। बिरहोर जनजाति के युवागृह को गीतीओना , भरिया जनजाति के युवागृह को रंगबंग , भुईया जनजाति के युवागृह को घसरवासा , परजा जनजाति के युवागृह को घांगाबक्सर कहा जाता है। जनजातियों के युवागृह और परंपराओं में स्थानों के हिसाब से भिन्नता पाई जाती है। इस प्रकार हम यह कह सकते हैं कि युवागृह एक विद्यालय की तरह कार्य करता है जहां पर युवाओं को सभी प्रकार शिक्षा प्रदान की जाती है जो उनके सामाजिक जीवन को मजबूत आधार प्रदान करता है।

लेखक - सुमित कुमार श्रीवास्तव

Navratri

Date :26-Sep-2022

India is indeed a country of festivals. And once you actually start writing about them, and researching about them in detail, you realize the number of festivals just cannot be counted. So many states. So many cultures. So many ways of celebrating the same festival. As one festival ends, preparation for another festival begins. One of such festivals is Navratri, and it is right around the corner. Time to celebrate!!

Navratri (Nava = nine, and Ratri = night) means a celebration of winning of a nine-day long battle, at the end of which Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura (A demon). It is the win of good over evil. If you want to read about the mythological bit in detail, have a look at this article.

Let’s celebrate Navratri

As we all know, every culture in India has it’s own way of celebrating their festivals. It’s not just Navratri, but also Garbha-Dandiya, Ramlila, Golu, Durga Pooja, and more. All of these differ from region to region.

South India

Starting with Tamil Nadu, where we celebrate Golu. Hundreds of dolls and idols are put up for display on wooden/steel steps which are specially built for this purpose. These idols are set in a way that they talk about old mythologies and other lives, while some create modern scenes. It is all set up like a mini-museum in your houses.

This begins on Mahalaya Amavasya (New moon) when they start arranging steps (minimum 5, maximum 9). At each step, various figures of gods, goddesses, humans etc depict instances. One of the steps has a Chettichi couple, with rice, grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables to symbolize grocery and food. The last step normally has Kalasam (ceremonial brass/mud pot with coconut on top). They fill these pots with rice and coins. There is one step for the kids too, which keep the park, zoo etc spread on mud with other creative ideas to capture the attention of the kids.

Little kids start their kindergarten at the end of this 10-day ritual. And you can always find kids walking up to their neighbours doors and singing and getting gifts (Indian Halloween). On the 10th day, which is considered as the most auspicious, they start learning new skills. At night, the dolls are put to sleep and packed away for next year the next day.

In Karnataka, it is celebrated as a lavish and royal festival. The marvelous palace at Mysore is decorated and elephants are decorated and brought to the premises.

Eastern India

Here, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Pooja, which was Durga’s win over a demon. Not only is this a celebration of good over evil, but also the greatness of females. Bengal, in particular, is swamped with idols of Durga, and people celebrate this with immense happiness.

West India

Here we celebrate with the dance festival – Garba. It is an amazing dance form, with vibrant attires and people dance on the streets with 2 sticks (Dandiya). This has become a global event, as even universities in the US organize this event in October.

North India

I have been fairly more familiar with this celebration – The victory of King Rama over Ravana. If you have ever heard about the great Indian epic of Ramayana, you most definitely know about Lord Rama and his battle with Ravana. At the end of a 9-day battle, on the 10th day, Rama defeated Ravana. And to celebrate this victory, gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana are burnt in each neighbourhood, with fireworks and Ramayana plays. This is called ‘Dussehra’ or ‘VijayaDashmi’.And there are many more. I wish I could go in deeper detail about every state, but well, we have too many states for that. But here’s more that I can tell you though.

The Math behind the Colors of Navratri

The people who follow Navratri enthusiastically (especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat), follow a different color for different days. Goddess Durga had 9 different forms, and every colour is dedicated to a different form. Devotees dress up in these colours, and also decorate their idols in the same. 9 days. 9 forms of a Goddess. 9 colors. And each year, there is a different set of colours which are followed. There is a math behind it, which not many know about.

The first Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday represent White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, and Orange; in that order.
Next, comes Pink, and purple and/or sky blue alternatively for each year.

According to this, the colour theme for Navratri in October 2016, is:

DATE	DAY	COLOR
26 September 2022	Monday	GREY
27 September 2022	Tuesday	ORANGE
28 September 2022	Wednesday	WHITE
29 September 2022	Thursday	RED
30 September 2022	Friday	ROYAL BLUE
1 October 2022	Saturday	YELLOW
2 October 2022	Sunday	GREEN
3 October 2022	Monday	PINK
4 October 2022	Tuesday	PURPLE

Not many know of the math behind this, but there is one. And I hope this helps you with your garba-dandiya outfits. I am a little enthusiastic about the whole thing (except the fasting), but it’s become a part of life now. And I genuinely love how we have so many festivals, and reasons to celebrate and be around family.

I hope you and your folks have the best Navratri this time. Have fun.

Author: RADHIKA CHUGH