Tag: Culture

Various New Year Day Celebrations in Different Regions of India

New Year Celebrations

Christians celebrate January 1st as New Year.India celebrates New Year by both solar and lunar calendar system.Most of these New Year festivals are celebrated based on Hindu calendar that follow by the movement of the moon.In India, different places celebrate New Year in different times of the year.As India is having multiple cultures, celebration of New Year may also vary distinctly.Most of the states in India celebrate this festival at the time of harvesting of crops.These days are celebrated with different names as Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Baisakhi, Puthandu, Bohag Bihu, Pohela Boishakh, Bestu Varas, Vishu, Losoong, Navreh, Hijri and Cheti Chand.

Ugadi:

UGADI-Festival-celebrations

In Andhra Pradesh, this day is dedicated to Lord Brahma,the creator of this world, as he has started creating the world on this day itself gaining significance for this day.It is also a belief in Hindus that Lord Vishnu has appeared in Matsya avatar on this day.This celebration includes cleaning of the houses and surroundings, decorating entrances with green mango leaves and wearing new clothes.On this day, people wake up early in the morning and have some oil massage to the body followed by head bath and visit temples to offer prayers.

Ugadi festival celebration in Karnataka

In Karnataka, this festival is considered as New Year to the people and believe that this day bring new hopes and happiness in life.On this day, people wake up early in the morning, have bath and visit temple to offer prayers to god with sincerity while the priests chant mantras.On this occasion, people wash their houses, paint them and decorate the entrances with mango leaves. Ugadi pachadi, lemon rice and many varieties of dishes are prepared on this special day.

Gudi Padwa:

Gudi Padwa celebrations

Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.This is celebrated as New Year by Maharashtrians and Hindu Konkanis’.According to Brahma purana, Gudi Padwa is the time when Lord Brahma has started creating the world.On this day, people hang Gudi on the right side of the main entrance of the houses.Gudi is a cloth tied to the end of the bamboo and a copper pot is placed inverted on the stick along with a garland.Festive cards and wallpapers are shared among friends and dear ones on this occasion.People offer prayers to god and prepare delicious mouth watering dishes on this occasion.

Baisakhi:

Baisakhi-celebration

Baisakhi is a New Year day celebrated in Punjab and Haryana. This festival is generally celebrated on 13 April.Baisakhi is the major festival of Sikhs and is celebrated to denote the arrival of the harvest season.On this occasion, people wear new clothes, prepare halwa and other delicious dishes at home.

Puthandu:

Puthandu-Tamil Nadu

Puthandu is the New Year day of Tamil Nadu celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, the first month in Tamil calendar.Puthnadu is also known as Varusha Pirappu and usually falls on 13th or 14th of April.On this occasion, women decorate the house with colorful kolam patterns and the center of the kolam is decorated with lamp.On this occasion, people wear new clothes and eat maanga pachadi which is a symbol of this festival.

Bohag Bihu:

BIHU_Assam

Bohag Bihu is a major agricultural festival celebrated in Assam.Songs and dances play a vital role in Bihu celebrations.The festival revolves around agriculture and the changes in the seasons.Bihu is celebrated three times in an year namely, Bohag Bihu( also called as Rongali Bihu ),Kati Bihu ( also called as Kangali Bihu ) and the Magh Bihu ( also called as Bhogali Bihu ).The first one Bohag Bihu is the most important one among the three.This is a spring festival that usually falls in the mid of April.

Pohela Boishakh:

Pohela Boishakh festival

Pohela Boisharkh is the festival celebrated on the first day of Bengali calendar.This festival is celebrated in both West Bengal and Bangladesh.On this occasion, people clean their houses,wear new clothes and offer prayers to god with sincerity.People spend with friends and relatives on this day and prepare various kinds of food items.This festival generally falls on the mid of April.

Bestu Varas:

Bestu Varas festival

Bestu Varas is the festival celebrated on the first day of Gujarati calendar.This festival usually falls after Diwali.People greet each other on this day saying “Nutan Varsha Abhinandan” or “Saal Mubarak”.This festive day starts early in the morning by firing plenty of crackers.On this day, people decorate their houses with marigold torans and draw colorful rangolis at their doorstep.People wear new clothes,visit temples and greet their friends and relatives a happy and a prosperous new year.

Vishu:

Vishu Festival

Vishu is a festival celebrated on the first day of Malayalam month of Medam.This festival is usually celebrated on 14 April of Gregorian calendar.The festival is defined by the offerings to the god called Vishukanni. This consists of the auspicious articles like rice, linen,cucumber, betel leaves, matal mirror and uruli.All these arrangements are completed by the women the night before Vishu celebrations.On the day of Vishu, people must wake up with eyes closed and go to the pooja room, so that the first thing a person can see is the Vishukanni.

Losoong:

Losoong festival

Loosong is one of the most famous and old festival of Sikkim celebrated in the month of December.This festival is usually celebrated at the end of harvesting season.This is also considered as the farmers’ New Year festival.On this occasion, Chham dance is one of the major attraction.

Navreh:

Navreh festivals

Navreh festival is celebrated in Kashmir as New Year.This festival usually falls on the first day of Chaitra Navratri and is generally referred as Shivratri.

Hijri and Cheti Chand:

Hijri festival

Hijri is the Islamic New Year celebrated on the first day of Muharram.The Islamic calendar does not depend on the Gregorian calendar so it may vary depending on the Lunar calender.This festival is celebrated with unique customs and traditions.

Cheti Chand festival

Cheti Chand is the festival celebrated on the second day of Chaitra masa by Sindhi community.The people of Sindhi community celebrate this festival as a honor to the birth of Jhulelal.

December 13, 2014
Culture of Shimla- writing

Shimla Culture

Shimla,located on the lofty ranges of the Himalayas with about 7,500 ft above the sea level,is one of the most popular tourist destination throughout the world.It is a place free of commercialization and globalization and is famous for its lifestyle,arts,crafts,food,fairs,dance and music. Shimla is quite different from other states with its own charm and portrays a harmony between traditional values and modern thoughts.

Shimla is considered as one of the best tourist and holiday spot in India.In the year of 1864,it was declared as the Summer Capital of India during the reign of British and after the independence,it became the capital of Punjab.Now,it is a proud capital of Himachal Pradesh.

History:

Pic showing the history of Shimla

The history of Shimla begun with the discovery of British with a little village in 1819 and was made as the Summer Capital of India.Shimla was truly earned by the government of India at the time of Lord William Bentinck.After the Gurkha war,British soldiers founded a dense forest near Golden Shyamala temple and gave the name as Shimla after the name of the goddess.Also,many fine fabrics,French sauces,English sweets and fine horses were available in Shimla making it popular.

In 1819,Lt.Ross,the Assistant Political Agent of hill states set up the first residence of British here and his successor built the first concrete house in 1822.In the mid 18th century,the Hindustan Tibet road was constructed from Kalka to Shimla.Shimla was connected by the railways in 1903.It eventually became the capital of Himachal Pradesh,after the independence,in 1966.

Geography:

Pic-Showing-Shimla-Tourism-Geography

Shimla’s geographical location is dependent on its pleasant climatic conditions that suits a perfect vacation.It has an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level,lying between 31.060 North to 77.130 East.The altitude is having a vegetation of pine trees.The city is spread over an area of 25 square kilometers with a look of majestic hill station.The Himalayas fall to the north east of Shimla. Shimla consists of sub-tropical forests,maize fields,cedar and orchards.

Climate:

The view of climate in Shimla

Shimla’s climatic conditions are pleasant in any season favoring the tourists’ visit.It may have sudden changes due to the high altitude and may result in sudden drop and rise in temperature.Summers are warm with packed tourists and the temperature never goes beyond 270 Celsius.Even though there are occasional rainfalls,they are just bearable.Monsoons last from July to September that may be not suitable to visit as they are pretty heavy.Landslides are too frequent with a range of 150 -250 Celsius.Winters last from November to February with cold and chilly winds from the Himalayas.The temperature may drop down to zero levels.Snowfall is the main attraction in this season.Even though transport and residence is a slight problem,people love to visit Shimla in this season.

Economy:

Tourism a major economy of Shimla

Most of the city’s economy is driven from the tourism.Shimla is a famous healthcare centre having one medical college and four major hospitals named as the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital,Kamla Nehru Hospital and Indus Hospital.Hotels in the city are one of the major sources of income.Shimla is one of the lead cities in India for having large number of hotels.Shimla is also famous for its quality of education and for the leading schools it is having.The higher education institutes are also present in Shimla namely Himachal Pradesh University and Indian Institute of Advance Studies.People from different parts of the country prefer to study in Shimla because of its climatic conditions and hill station status.These has been adding to the economy of the district as well as the state.At present, government is trying to promote technology and IT sector in Shimla for its growth and promotion.

Culture:

Festival celebrations in Shimla

People of Shimla are informally called as Shimlaites.A variety of festivals are celebrated in Shimla.During the peak tourist season, Shimla summer festival is celebrated and it lasts for 3 to 4 days.The highlights of this festival include events performed by popular singers from all over the country.Shimla has many places to visit and the local hangouts are the Mall, the Ridge that are in the heart of the city.Some of the oldest and famous buildings are the Indian Institute of Advanced Study and Wildflower Hall which is now a luxury hotel.The State Museum is one of the oldest Museums in India and it holds a huge collection of paintings, jewelry and textiles of that region.Naldehra nine-hole golf court is one of the oldest of its kind in India that is located farther out from the city.Kufri is a ski resort and is one of the best tourist attractions of Shimla located 19 kilometers away from the main city.Lakkar Bazaar in Shimla is famous for its hand crafts and wood items.Shimla has a natural ice skating rink and state and national level competitions are more often held at this venue.Shimla Ice Skating Club manages many events every year in the month of January.Due to the Global warming and increasing population in and around Shimla, the amount of ice has been decreasing in the past few years.

Temples:

Bhimakali-Temple-Shimla

Shimla has many temples and is frequently visited by many devotes from nearby towns and cities.Jakhoo temple, one of the famous Hanuman temple is located at the highest point in Shimla.Kali Bari temple of goddess Kali is situated near the Mall.Another Hanuman temple, Sankat Mochan is famous for the numerous monkeys located on the Shimla-Kalka road about 10 kilometers away from the city.We can also find other places of worship like Gurudwara near the bus edge and a famous Church on the Ridge.We can find excellent stone works and architecture on the walls of temples in Shimla.The sculptors that are carved on the temple walls show the art of Shimla.

Jakko temple in Shimla located at the highest point

The snow-capped Himalayan peaks and green pastures surrounding Shimla gives a wonderful view of the nature and just a simple walk through Shimla’s Victorian-era architecture, labyrinthine bazaars and lengthy pedestrian shopping mall brings excitement and enjoyment.It is a simple yet elegant place created by mother nature’s wonderful creation.

December 13, 2014
KASHMIRI PANDITS- CULTURE AND CUISINE

Kashmiri pundits, also known as Kashmir Brahmins are the oldest inhabitants of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. They are the only Hindu community native to Kashmir. Through the years, many Hindus have migrated from different parts of the country. The history of the Kashmiri pundits is the history of Kashmir valley itself.

CUISINE

They have their own exquisite culture as well as food habits. They introduced the use of yoghurt, asafetida and turmeric powder to Indian cuisine. There is a heavy use of mutton in Kashmiri cuisine. Its use was prevalent throughout the history of Kashmir. There are about 30 different varieties of mutton in the cuisine. Normally pundits do not use meat but it has a prominent place in the cuisine of Kashmiri pandits. The use of beef is strictly prohibited in the cuisine of Kashmir.

Meat is cooked in the households of Kashmiri pundits during festivals and it is part of their identity.

NOTED DISHES

1)      ROGAN JOSH

It is a lamb based dish which is seasoned with Kashmiri chilies, ginger, asafetida and bay leaves. Asafetida is used by Pandits in place of garlic. Yoghurt is used instead of onions to make the dish thicker. It is a favourite dish in Kashmir and is cooked during special occasions. It is originated in Persia and is aromatic in nature. It is one of the signature dishes of Kashmiri cuisine. The word Rogan Josh means, “Cooked in oil at intense heat.” This dish was brought to Kashmir by Mughals. It is one of the main dishes in the multi- course dish of Kashmir known as ‘Wazwan.’

There are many adaptations of this dish where different varieties of sauce are used.

PREPARATION

INGREDIENTS

1)      1 kg lamb mutton cut in 70gm. Pieces

2)    ½ cup mustard oil

3)    1 tbs ghee

4)    ½ cup curd

5)    ¼ tsp asafetida

6)    ½ tsp cumin

7)    6-8 pieces of half crushed cloves

8)    2 bay leaves

9)    2 tbs Kashmiri chili powder

10)2 tbs fennel powder

11)1 tsp dried ginger powder

12)1 tbs salt

13)1 tbs garam masala

14)4 cardamom

15)2 pieces of cinnamon

16)3 pieces of big cardamom

17)1 tbs ghee

METHOD

1)    Wash the mutton and drain off extra water.

2)    Put mustard oil in a frying pan and keep it in a full flame till the smoke comes out. Remove it from the flame for 2-3 minutes.

3)    Mix mutton with the curd and heat the pan on a full flame for frying.

4)    Stir the mixture so that it won’t stick to the bottom of the pan and also the liquid produced by the pan dries up.

5)    Now add asafetida, cumin, salt and cloves to it and heat it on a low flame till it becomes brown.

6)    Now add chili powder to it and stir till deep red color appears.

7)    Now add 2 glasses of water and bay leaves, fennel powder, ginger powder, cinnamon pieces, crushed cardamom and stir so that that the ingredients mix properly. Cover the pan with a lid and then heat the mixture on a low flame.

8)    Add garam masala and ghee and boil it for two minutes.

9)    Garnish the dish with coriander and serve it with boiled rice.

2)      YAKHNI

This is another mutton dish from the lands of Kashmir. It is a yoghurt based mutton curry and it excludes the use of turmeric and chili powder. Other ingredients include bay leaves, cloves and cardamom leaves. It is often served with rice along with another spicy side dish.

PREPARATION

INGREDIENTS

1.       1 kg mutton (chest pieces)

2.       3 ladles of mustard oil.

3.       2 table spoons of fennel powder

4.       1 table spoon cumin

5.       2 bay leaves.

6.       ½ tea spoon asafetida

7.       5 half crushed cloves

8.       3 black cardamom

9.       1 inch cinnamon

10.   1 kg whipped curd.

11.   1 spoon pure ghee

METHOD

1)      First wash the mutton and drain off excess water.

2)      Heat oil in a pressure cooker and then add mutton, salt and asafetida to it. Start frying for five minutes in full flame.

3)      Put ½ glass of water, fennel powder, crushed black cardamom, cinnamon and bay leaves and pressure cook it up to 3 whistles.

4)      Put oil in a frying pan and heat it. Then cool it for three minutes and put cumin to it.

5)      Put it on a low flame and stir the cumin for three minutes. Then add curd to it and put the pan on a high flame. Stir the mixture continuously so that it won’t curdle till it boils.

6)      Add the boiling curd and pure ghee in the mutton and keep it on a low flame for five minutes.

7)      Serve the dish with hot boiled rice.

3)      WOZIJ CHAAMAN

It is an important vegetarian dish prepared in Kashmir during special occasions.

INGREDIENTS

1) 1 kg cheese

2) 1 table spoon salt

3) 2 table spoon red chili powder.

4) 2 table spoon fennel powder

5) 1 tea spoon ginger powder

6) 1 tea spoon cumin

7) 1/2 tea spoon black cumin.

8) 1/4 tea spoon asafetida

9) 4 crushed black cardamom

10) 4 half cloves

11) 2 bay leaves

12) 2 small pieces of cinnamon

13) 3 crushed cardamom

14) 3-4 ladles mustard oil.

METHOD

1)    Cut the cheese into big pieces.

2)    Put oil in a pan and fry the cheese in oil till they turn into brown color. Then add the cheese into a boiler.

3)    Add 3 glasses of water and then salt to it. Also add fennel powder, bay leaves and cinnamon pieces in the boiler.

4)    Turn the stove to low flame and add black cumin, cloves, asafetida, and red chili powder to it.

5)    Add ½ glass of water in the pan containing rest of the oil and heat till the red color appears and water evaporates.

6)    Empty the contents of the pan in boiler and cook it in low flame till some water evaporates.

7)    Add cardamom and cumin to it and cook for 1 min.

Now the dish is ready and can be served with chapatti or hot boiling rice.

November 9, 2014
Unique cultures that exist around the world

A culture is said to be unique if it is said to have different types of food habits, traditions, clothing and culture when compared to other cultures.If we travel around the world, we can explore unique cultures and traditions.As culture represents geography, identification, lifestyles and much more,if we study about various cultures around the world we can encounter unusual things too.

1.Mourning of Muharram:

Mourning of Muharram

Mourning of Muharram is one of the odd and unusual cultures seen in Muslim communities.This takes place on the death anniversary of Husayn Ibn Ali.On this day, a number of Shia Muslims go out with whips having knives and blades attached to them and they start beating themselves continuously with them.Few people cut their own heads using these knives.This tradition may look awkward but it has been blindly passed over to their descendants from generations.One of the interesting thing about this culture is people participate in this weird culture voluntarily.

2.Carrying Pregnant Women Over Coal:

carrying-pregnant-woman-over-coal

This is one of the weird Chinese culture.According to this culture, husband should carry his wife over burning coal before he enters into their home for the first time.They feel that following this custom will ensure that the bride will have an easy and successful delivery.They also feel that reading a good literature during pregnancy has positive effect on the unborn child and on the other side, it is very bad for the pregnant woman to gossip or laugh loudly.

3.Tossing the Babies:

Tossing the Baby

The phrase Baby tossing itself says that it is a wired culture.This unusual culture is visible in Solapur village situated in Maharashtra state.According to this culture ,the new born babies are tossed from a height of 50 feet terrace.People stay at the foot of the terrace holding sheets to catch the baby safely.It is believed that following this culture gives their children good luck, long and healthy life and they also believe that they will grow smart.

4.Hanging Coffins in China:

Hanging Coffins in China

In China, we can see lots of hanging coffins on the chillingly steep cliffs along Yangtze River, China.Few people in China known as Toraja follow this ususual culture.According to this culture, people bury their family members in coffins after death and hang them over some cliffs.These coffins are usually hung at a height of 33 to 164 feet and few coffins are hung as high as 328 feet above the ground.It is still a mystery how these coffins were placed at such great heights.This type of weird culture is not only seen in China but also seen in some parts of Indonesia and Philippines.

5.Kanamara Matsuri of Japan:

Kanamara Matsuri Festival of Japan

Kanamara Matsuri is one of the weird festival celebrated in Japan.This is a festival of steel penis that is celebrated on the first Sunday of April every year.People celebrate this festival by holding a giant wooden phallus.Holding this phallus people march around the town.People believe that celebrating this festival will bring regenerative abilities on the local crops and also ensures the fertility for everyone.But most of the people wonder about this culture that an entire festival in Japan is dedicated to Penis.

6.Kidnapping the Bride:

Kidnapping the Bride

This is a unique culture followed by Romanian people.This criminal tradition has been carried out since centuries.According to this culture ,some of the friends of the groom decide to kidnap the bride.In exchange they demand for bottles of whisky or something more romantic.The guys who kidnapped the bride mange through phone call.This is a harmless tradition and is celebrated on marriage occasions.

7.Living with the Dead:

Living with the Dead

This type of odd culture is followed by few ethic groups in Indonesia.According to this culture people wrap the dead in special grabs and keep it safe in the house they live.People believe that their loved ones soul will be preserved until they are buried.

8.El Colacho Baby Jumping:

El Colacho Baby Jumping

This is one of the odd traditions that is existing in the world.This old culture is followed by the residents of Spain since 1620.This culture was mainly organized to keep the devils away.According to this culture, children are laid on the mattresses in the street and heavy crowd gather to watch.Usually the jumpers wear traditional costumes to look like devils. During the jumping some injuries takes place but this culture is still popular in Spain.

9.Walking Dead:

Walking Dead

According to this culture, as funerals are sometimes costly and some of the families can’t afford an initial proper burial.So, such people place bury the dead body in a temporary coffin and when they are having enough money to do the burial, the corpse is raised from the dead and walks to its new resting place.

10.Monkey Buffet Festival:

Monkey Buffet Festival

This unique festival is celebrated in Thailand.This is fun and strangest festival that still exists in the world.In this festival people set up fruits, flowers, cakes and candy on the tables in the downtown area and all the monkeys are attracted by this food and hop all over the tables entertaining the viewers.This monkey buffet festival was started in the year 1989.Thousands of tourists visit Thailand to attend this festival every year.This festival is usually celebrated on 25th November every year.

September 14, 2014
Chutneys are Yummy! Part 1
Often while having food, you find that the dish lacks a certain punch. A flavor so to speak. You wonder how to solve this problem. Well, worry no longer. There is a solution at hand which will leave your taste buds tingling in the process. What can that be you ask? One word we say in reply. Chutneys!

Chutney (also translated as chatney or chatni) is a family of condiments mainly associated with South Asian cuisine that usually contain some mixture of spice(s), vegetable(s), and/or fruit(s). Chutneys may be either wet or dry, and can have a coarse or fine texture. There are various types of chutneys.

The name “chutney” covers a wide variety of foodstuffs. The common element which makes them all “chutneys” is that they are added to meals to add flavor; the best English “translation” of “chutney” is “relish”. As such, they can be, and are, eaten with a wide variety of foods.

The word “chutney” is derived from the Sanskrit word caṭnī, meaning to lick. The first chutneys in India would have been sticky fruit based preserves. Sugar, although available in India, was not widely cultivated and honey would have been used to sweeten dishes, this leading to the chutneys being used as more of a dipping sauce rather than a condiment. It is written differently in several North Indian and South Indian languages.

Let’s have a look at some popular Indian chutney recipes!
- Peanut Chutney:
Peanut Chutney, a versatile and easy-to-make spicy chutney, is a must-have accompaniment in South Indian cuisine. It can be of two types, wet and dry. This recipe is for making wet peanut chutney for Dosa and Idli, and it can be used either as spread or as an accompaniment.
- Ingredients:
1) 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, skin removed.
2) 3 garlic cloves.
3) 1/4 teaspoon tamarind paste.
4) 4 dry red chillis.
5) 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds.
6) 4-5 curry leaves.
7) 2 teaspoons oil.
8) 1/2 cup water.
9) Salt to taste.
- Directions:
1) Put the roasted peanuts, garlic, 3 dry red chillis, tamarind paste and salt in the chutney jar of the grinder.
2) Grind them together till a medium coarse powder.
3) Add 1/2 cup water to the mixture, and grind again until a smooth paste is formed. Transfer the paste to a serving bowl, and proceed to prepare tempering.
4) Heat oil in a small pan. Break 1 dry red chilli into two pieces. Add the mustard seeds. When they start to crackle, add curry leaves and the remaining 1 dry red chilli. Sauté for 10 seconds and turn off the flame.
5) Pour the tempering over the prepared chutney paste. Peanut chutney is now ready to be served along with steamed Idli and Dosa!
- Tips:
1) If roasted peanuts are not available, then you can dry roast them over low flame in a heavy based pan for 7-8 minutes. Let them cool for 3-4 minutes and remove the skin.
2) Increase or decrease the amount of red chillis to make more or less spicy respectively.
3) You can avoid topping it up with mustard seeds tempering if you are going use it only for making Dosa.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 2 minutes.
- Servings: 2.
- Coconut Chutney:
Making South Indian Coconut Chutney for Dosa and Idli is very simple. Just blend fresh coconut with chillis, curd and ginger, and mix tempered mustard seeds. However, the real taste differentiators in this recipe are roasted chana dal, tamarind paste, cumin seeds and curry leaves. Follow this recipe and discover how good the chutney tastes. But yes, don’t blame us if you get addicted to it!
- Ingredients:
1) 1 cup roughly chopped fresh coconut.
2) 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
3) 2 green chillis, chopped.
4) 1 tablespoon roasted chana dal.
5) 1 tablespoon curd.
6) 1 teaspoon lemon juice or tamarind paste.
7) 1/2 cup water.
8) Salt to taste.
- For Tempering:
1) 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds.
2) 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds.
3) 4-5 curry leaves.
4) 1 dry red chilli.
5) 1 teaspoon oil.
- Directions:
1) Take chopped coconut in a small chutney jar of the food processor or grinder.
2) Grind it to make a medium coarse paste and transfer on to a plate.
3) Add green chillis, roasted chana dal and ginger to the same chutney jar.
4) Grind mixture to a smooth powder.
5) Add crushed coconut, curd, lemon juice, salt and 1/2 cup water.
6) Grind them to make a medium coarse paste. If required, add more water to get the desired consistency of chutney and grind again. Transfer to a bowl.
7) Heat oil in a small tempering pan. Add mustard seeds. When the seeds begin to crackle, add cumin seeds, dry red chilli and curry leaves and sauté for 10 seconds.
8) Take the pan away from flame and immediately pour tempering over the prepared coconut paste. Mix well. Delicious Coconut Chutney for Idli and Dosa is now ready to serve!
- Tips:
1) Adjust quantity of water accordingly to make it thick or diluted.
2) Avoid the addition of green chillis while making coconut paste, and avoid dry red chillis in tempering while making white Coconut Chutney.
3) Consume fresh chutney immediately or refrigerate it, and use it for up to 3 days.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 2 minutes.
- •Servings: 6.
Watch this space for recipes of more mouth-watering chutney recipes. Coming soon!
September 14, 2014
Ganesh chaturthi celebrations in India

Ganesh Chaturdhi Festival

Ganesha Chaturthi which is also known as Vinayaka Chavithi is celebrated by Hindu’s around the world.It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha.This festival is generally celebrated in bhadra pada masa i.e., between mid August to mid September.It is celebrated with great devotion and with peace of mind.It is one of the grand festival celebrated in almost every part of the country.On this occasion, each and everyone place a clay model of Lord Ganesha in their homes and worship for seven to ten days with great devotion.The preparation of these Idols get started from 2 to 3 months prior to the day of Ganesh Chaturthi.The size of these idols may vary from 3/4th of an inch to 25 feet and even more.

History:

History

According to Hindu stories ,Lord Ganesha is the son of Lord Siva and Parvati.There is a saying that Goddess parvathi has created Lord Ganesha with the sandal paste that she used for bath and created a figure and breathed life into it.Then she said to that little boy to stand guarding at the door till she completes her bath.At that time, Lord Shiva who had gone out earlier returns back and as the little boy doesn’t know Lord Siva, he did not allowed him.Then Lord Siva got extreme anger and told his followers to teach a lesson to the little boy.But being born to Parvati, he is very powerful, thus defeated Shiva’s followers and declared that nobody was allowed to enter while his mother was bathing.Thus Lord Siva got even more anger and cut the head of the child.Parvati after seeing this was furious towards Siva.Then Lord Siva promised that her son will be alive again.In search of that ,devas could not find the head of a dead person facing north,But they founded the head of a dead elephant facing north.They brought the head of the elephant and Lord Siva fixed it on the child’s body and brought him back to life.Then Lord Siva declared that from this day this boy would be called as Ganesha.

Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations in Maharashtra:

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in maharastra

In Maharashtra almost every Hindu family will establish their own clay statue in their homes and worship with great devotion.According to the people of Maharashtra ,their domestic celebrations come to an end after the completion of 1 day or 3 days or 5 days or 7 days or even 11 days.At the end of any of these days, people take the idol and immerse in large water bodies like rivers or sea.But due to some environmental concerns ,large number of families are immersing their statue or idol in a bucket of water at home itself.Later the clay from these statues are used for gardening.

Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations in Andhra Pradesh:

Ganesh-Chathurthi-celebrations-in-andhrapradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, clay Ganesha or Matti Vinayaka is mainly worshiped in each and every Hindu house.Few people worship Ganesha that is made out of Turmeric and few worship Plaster of Paris Ganesha.The festival celebrations will continue for five to ten days depending upon the family traditions.People believe that praying Lord Ganesha will fulfill their desires and wishes.He also blesses us by removing all the obstacles in our life.

Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations in Tamil Nadu:

Ganesh-Chathurthi-celebrations-in-tamil nadu

Tamil Nadu celebrates Ganesha Chaturthi very grandly.This is also known as Vinayaka Chavathi in Tamil Nadu.This festival falls after the new moon day in the month of aavani.In Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated in all homes by worshiping the idol of Lord Ganesha that is made out of clay.The idol of Lord Ganesha is decorated with flowers and garland.Few dishes like Modak, ladoo and other dishes are offered to Lord Ganesha.In Tamil Nadu we can find Lord Ganesha idols placed in public places during the period of festive days.The height of these idols will not exceed 13 feet and they are made out of paper and clay as Plaster of Paris is banned by the State Government.Some of the idols are made out of coconuts, fruits, rudraksha and other organic materials.After worshiping for five to ten days they are immersed in Bay of Bengal.The police department make special arrangements for celebrating the festival peacefully with great joy.

Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations in Kerala:

Ganesh-Chathurthi-celebrations-in-kerala

In Kerala Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Lamboodhara Piranalu.This festival generally falls in the month of chingam.During the festive days, the temples have huge crowd and people worship idols of Ganesha by offering nivedyam.Cultural programs are held at different localities and elephants are worshiped throughout Kerala.In Kerala ,on the day of visarjanam the large possessions the tall statues of Lord Ganesha are taken to the nearby water bodies and are immersed in them.The streets are fully decorated with flowers, lighting and rangolis.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in Goa:

Ganesh-Chathurthi-celebrations-in-goa

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the very important festival that is being celebrated by the Hindus in Goa.The festival preparations begin a month before and the actual festival is on the month of Bhadrapada masa.On this day ,women worship goddess Gouri with lord Siva.Festive celebrations include Pujas, Arati, feasts and many more.According to the tradition of Goa, many classical music instruments are played on the festive day.In most of the places festival is celebrated for two days and on the second day the idols are immersed either in the sea,rivers or tanks and wells.

September 13, 2014
Culture of Delhi

Culture of Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India has a unique culture.People from different parts of the country have settled in Delhi.So, Delhi has a mixed culture of all the states.It’s culture is considered as the culture of India as a whole.As it is the capital city of India, all the political discussions and decisions are taken here itself.Delhi is a mixture of modern lifestyle as well as old traditions and values.Different types of festivals are celebrated in Delhi.The Chhat puja of Bihar is celebrated grandly as the festival of Durga puja.The Muslim festival Eid ul Fitr and Punjabi festival Lohri are celebrated without any difference.In Delhi ,we can also see the cultures of Haryana, Uttarpradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab as these are the bordering states of Delhi.Different monuments, sculptures, places add additional beauty to the city.

History:

A pic showing history of Delhi

Delhi was treated as the capital of the Pandavas during Mahabharata.Delhi was considered as the cultural, political, and commercial capital of North-West India and the Gangetic Plains during the Delhi Sultanate era.During the period of Mughal empire,Shah Jahan built a new capital city named Shahjahanbad which is now called as old Delhi.During his rule he had built several gates like The Kashmiri Gate, Delhi Gate and Ajmeri Gate.In the year 1911,the Britishers have decided to shift the capital from Kolkata to Delhi.Then they slowly moved their capital to the partially built New Delhi in 1912.When the Britishers left India in 1947, New Delhi became the capital of India.

Architecture:

Sites-monuments-touristspots-architecture-of-Delhi

The city has the oldest buildings that belong to the early muslims.During the period of Khaljis, the Pashtun style has been indulged in the Islamic architecture.The typical features of their style are red stand stone surfaces with white marbles inlays and the windows are fitted with perforated screens.The best examples for this Pashtun architecture includes the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, the Qutb Minar, the tomb of Iltumish and the Ala’i Gate.In Delhi ,the first Mughal architecture was the Humayun’s tomb.Later the Mughal architecture can be further seen within the red fort.It has massive red stone walls, entertainment halls, balconies, baths, indoor canals, gardens and also one highly decorated mosque.Jama Masjid is also one of the finest architecture bulit by the Mughal empires.Humayun’s tomb and Red fort are UNESCO world heritage sites.During the British colonial rule, they have built the President House (Rashtrapati Bhavan), Parliament and Secretariat buildings.After the Independence, India has aimed to develop its own architectural language in a synthesis between Western and local styles.We can see such type of architectural styles in the Supreme Court building, the Vigyan Bhavan (a conference centre), the Crafts Museum and offices of the various ministries.

Climate:

Climatic conditions of Delhi

Delhi has a unique type of climate.In Delhi the warm season lasts from the month of April to July with the temperature ranging from 25 degrees to 36 degrees.The cold season lasts from the month of December to February with the temperature ranging from 2 degrees to 18 degrees.Monsoon arrives at the end of June with an increase in humidity and the mild winter starts in late November, reaches peaks in January with heavy fog.The average annual rainfall is approximately 714 millimeters.Most of the rainfall occurs during the months of July and August.

Economy:

Economy of Delhi

Delhi is considered as the largest commercial center in Northern India.According to 2013 the per capital income of Delhi was Rs.210000, which is recorded as the highest in India.According to the economic survey, the tertiary sector contributes 70.95 percent of Delhi’s State Domestic Product, followed by the secondary and primary sectors with contributions of 25.20% and 3.85% respectively.The workforce in Delhi has increased by 52.52% from the year 1991 to 2001.In accordance with it the unemployment rate has decreased from 12.57% in 2000 to 4.63% in 2003.The key services that are being provided in Delhi are information technology, telecommunications, hotels, banking, media and tourism.Apart from them, construction, power, health, community services and real estate are also important to the city’s economy. Delhi is one of India’s largest and fastest growing retail industries.Manufacturing of goods has also increased considerably with the establishment of manufacturing units and headquarters in the city.

Cuisine:

Spicy street food in Delhi

Being the Capital city of India and centuries old Mughal capital, different food habits have been indulged in it and it is also a place where the Mughlai cuisine had originated.The dishes of Delhi like Kebab, Biryani, Tandoori has world wide popularity.The classic dishes like Butter chicken, Aloo chat, Chaat, Dahi vada, Kachori, Chole bhature, Jalebi and lassi are also famous dishes available in Delhi.Street food is commonly habituated food for the citizens of Delhi.Highway Dhabas offer spicy food at low cost which is popular among the residents of Delhi.Apart from them, we can see the popular restaurants like Karim Hotel, the Punjab Grill and Bukhara.A street in Chandini Chowk is particularly famous for food eateries since the 1870s.Almost the entire street is occupied by fast food stalls or street vendors.It has became so popular such that almost every prime minister of India has visited the street to eat Paratha at least once.However, other Indian cuisines are also available in this area.

September 13, 2014
Culture of Nepal

Nepal has a unique culture which has evolved since many years.It’s culture is greatly influenced by religion, architecture, music and literature.In Nepal, we can find various temples, churches, monasteries and many other religious buildings.There are many ethic groups, tribal and social groups in Nepal.Different type of festivals and practices are seen in Nepal.Nepal got its name from the Kathmandu valley as the founder of the nation established a capital there in eighteenth century itself.

Culture of Nepal

Geography:

The country is spread over an area of 381,200 square kilometers.It is surrounded by three Indian states on south, west and east whereas the north border is shared by Tibet.Most of the Himalayan mountain ranges are in Nepal, including the Mt.Everest.The country is divided into three horizontal zones which are: the high mountains, the lush central hills, and the flat region with low water levels in the south.The trade factor has influenced the ethnic groups.There are more than thirty six ethnic groups and over fifty languages in Nepal.According to 1977 ,the population of Nepal is nearly 22.6 million.As the birth rate is gradually increasing in rural areas, people are migrated to cities.This lead to over population in Kathmandu, at present it is holding more than seven Lakh people.

Geography of Nepal

Ethnic relations:

Nepal consists of many cultural, racial, linguistic groups, that are mainly divided into three categories.Indo Napelese, Tibeto Nepalese and Indigenous Nepalese.Since centuries, they were practicing Hinduism and people speak Indo-Aryan languages.Most of these people settle in lower hills and river valleys.The second type is Tibeto Nepalese who have generally Mongolian features and they speak Tibeto Burmese languages.These people reside in hills and mountain areas.Different groups under Tibeto Nepalese practice Buddhism, Hinduism.Later these ethnic groups fell into single caste hierarchy.The first and the top most caste is Hindus, second is Matwalis who are generally alcohol drinking people.Bottom are the untouchable Hindu castes.Higher caste people buy lands and enjoy political and economic privileges whereas lower caste people are far from these opportunities.Untouchable castes were not permitted to own land.We know that the caste system is illegal, but it has not disappeared in many places.Most of the posts like civil services, army and police were selected by the higher caste people only.

Different Ethnic relations of Nepal

Food:

Nepalese enjoy different food items that are generally hot, spicy and nutritious.Newari and Thakali cuisines are the original taste of Nepal.Generally Nepalese cooking style is influenced by both Indian cuisine and Tibetan cuisine.Nepalese staple food is daal bhat tarkari.Most of the tourists who visit Nepal like to have hot and spicy meat curries that are cooked in their style.The meal includes different varieties of food items and also pickle that is made out of fruits or vegetables are served.Most families eat from individual plates while seated on the floor.It is more common to eat food with hands rather than utensils.In Nepal, high caste people only eat vegetarian and do not take alcohol whereas other caste people may drink alcohol, eat pork and even beef.People of higher caste do not show interest to eat food that is prepared by strangers.

Food of Nepal

Industries:

In Nepal there was no industrial development till the middle of the twentieth century.The industrial development is accomplished with the help of countries like India, China and Soviet Union.With the abundant availability of minerals, industrial development is made possible in Nepal.The major industries focused on was of jute, tea and sugar.Manufacturing of brick, tiles, construction materials, paper making, vegetable oil extraction, sugar refining and many more industries are established in Nepal.

Industrial textile factory

Trade:

The trade of Nepal mostly depends on the neighboring countries -India and China.Major of the goods are imported from India.Goods transportation is limited by the terrain.Nepal import gold, machinery and other equipment.In Nepal although roads and modern transport are available, much of the country goods are transported by porters and pack animals.Generally this type of transport is used where landslides and flooding is more.Not only imports ,but Nepal is also famous for exports of goods like carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute, and grain.Apart from these, Nepal is famous for tourism which is another primary export.

Nepal trade with the neighboring countries

Medicine and health care:

Nepal suffers from malnutrition, infant mortality,respiratory and intestinal diseases.In Nepal, average expectation of life span is fifty seven years.Being very poor , unhygienic and lack of health care, the hospitals are available only in urban areas.But these hospitals are also poorly equipped and unhygienic.Few medicines are also not available in rural areas.There are few western hospitals, but the poor cannot afford them because of high costs.People still believe in religious practitioners and they approach them if they have any health problems.Hence, few people look at Ayurvedic medicines.As they think that illness is caused due to the imbalance of body hormones, they try to balance them using proper diet.Recently malaria is eradicated in Nepal.So at present, health development is concentrated on immunization, birth control, and basic medical care.

Health care services in Nepal

September 9, 2014
Diwali-A festival of lights

Diwali is celebrated by Indians all over the world with great happiness.This is the reason it is most popular and is also most likely festival in the country as well as abroad.Diwali is also known as festival of lights.Diwali is different from other festivals it doesn’t comes with one day celebrations, it brings a series of holidays along with it.On the day of Diwali goddess Lakshmi is worshiped with most devotion and peace of mind.During the Diwali season lights, crackers, sweets are shopped frequently everywhere in India and abroad.This festival generally falls in the month of September-November.The festival is generally celebrated as the victory of good over evil.It can also be said that the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.The festival gets its name from lamps ( known as deepa ) that are arranged in a row ( known as avali ).As Indians on the day of Diwali arrange lamps outside the house in a row, it is known as Deepavali.By doing so they feel that that it is a symbol for the inner light that protects us from spiritual darkness.

Diwali a festival of flowers

Five day festival:

First day ( Dhanteras ) :

According to Hindu month diwali starts with Dhanwantari Trayodashi, it is the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha.This Trayodashi is popularly known as Dhanteras.According to few beliefs, on this day lord Dhanwantari came out of ocean with ayurvedic to look after the welfare of mankind.On this special occasion people worship god of death Yama by lightening a yama diya.There is a tradition from many years that buying a utensil on this day will bring good luck.

First day of Diwali celebrations

Second day( Choti Diwali ):

The second day of Diwali is Narak Chaturdashi.Ancestors say that lord Krishna has killed the demon Narakasura on this day to make people free from fear.On this special people have oil massage to body and they take bath on this day.There is also a belief that people who don’t take bath on this day will go to Narak.

Narak chaturdi celebration

Third day ( Lakshmi Puja ):

The third day of Diwali is the main day of Diwali and is known as Badi Diwali.On this day people worship Goddess Lakshmi with divine and peace of mind to bless them with wealth and prosperity.Many of the business people do this puja every year to seek blessings from goddess lakshmi.All the women at home do this puja asking goddess Lakshmi to look after their family.On this day people clean their homes and decorate it with various colorful lights and fire crackers to express their joy.

Lakshmi puja on third day

Fourth day ( Govardhan Puja ):

The fourth day of Diwali is celebrated as Gowardhan puja.The name itself specifies that on this day we must worship gowardhan parvat.Legends say that on this day lord Krishna offered pooja to gowardhan parvat to protect people from heavy rains.Since then it became a tradition for Hindus to worship Govardhan Parvat.

Govardhan puja on fourth day

Fifth day ( Bhai Duj ):

The fifth day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Doj.The name itself says that it is the time to honor brother and sister relationship.Legends say that on this day when brothers visit their sisters they will get rid of all their sins.Thus on this day brothers visit sisters and and sisters sweeten their mouth with sweets.This day ends the festival Diwali.

Brothers visit sisters on fifth day

Lights and fireworks:

As the name specifies that it is a festival of lights arranges in a row.On this special occasion houses, shops, public places are decorated with oil lamps in a attractive manner.Few people replace oil lamps with candles.The lamps are lightened using mustard oil and mostly placed in a row in windows, doors and outside buildings.These lamps are lightened to welcome goddess Lakshmi into home’s.The main reason for the celebration of the festival is that the return of Lord Rama and Sita to Rama’s kingdom after fourteen years of exile.On this day oil lamps are often seen floating on the rivers especially Ganges.

Diwali lights

Fireworks:

The illumination of fire crackers is mainly for the better maintenance of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.People living on earth enjoy firing crackers.There is a reason that during the month of the festival as winter falls, few types of bacteria will rice up due to the atmospheric changes.To kill those bacteria and insects people fire crackers and the fumes produced by the crackers kill a lot of insects and mosquitoes, found in plenty after the rains.Fireworks are a big part of the Diwali celebrations.But since many years there are some movements against it as it is causing air pollution and as it also leads to some dreadful accidents.Diwali is officially considered as holiday in many countries like India, Nepal, Srilanka, Singapore, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Suriname, Malaysia, Fiji.

Diwali fireworks

This festival is considered as festival of peace.On this occasion Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities also mark charitable causes, kindness, and for peace.As it is festival of peace on the this day the at thee International border, Indian forces approach Pakistani forces and offer traditional Indian sweets.In response to this the Pakistani forces offer Pakistani sweets.

July 30, 2014
Dussehra – A festival celebrated all over India

As we all know that India is a land of festivals and celebrations.Dussehra is one of the most celebrated festival in all the parts of the country.It is a annual festival and is celebrated for seven consecutive days.There are two important stories behind the celebration of dussehra in India.One story related to Lord Ram and the other relates to goddess Durga.The main reason for the celebration of this festival is due to victory of good against evil.Many of the festivals in India are related to the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata and Dussehra is one among them.

Dussehra celebrations in India

History:

According to north India, history of dussehra began when Lord Rama declared war on Ravana, who took away Rama’s wife Sita.Lord Rama took blessings from goddess Durga and he succeeded in the war that took place between Lord Ram and Ravana.This war lasted for ten days.Thus people started celebrating dussehra to seek blessings from the goddess of power and courage.

Lord Rama assassinating Ravana

Coming to south India, the history behind the celebration of dussehra festival as follows.When Mahishasura was undefeatable even by Lord Brahma ( the creator ), Lord Vishnu ( the protector ) and Lord Shiva ( the destroyer ).At that time goddess Durga was powered to destroy the demon Mahishasura.This victory against the demon is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.During Vijayadashami for nine nights people worship goddess Durga.Generally this festival falls in the month of September or October.

Goddess Durga assassinating Mahishasura

Dussehra celebrations in different parts:

Northern India:

On the first day of navaratri, many of the northern states like Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and west Bihar have a tradition to plant barley seeds in earthen pots.On the ninth day i.e., Dussehra the sprouts are kept in men’s cap or ears.They believe that it is a symbol of luck.In some parts of Maharashtra during the ten days of this festival, many plays and dramas based on Ramayana are performed.While in the evenings,there are outdoor plays and large parades with sculptures of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghanad.These sculptures are burnt in the open place.Generally dussehra starts with the end of hot summer.At this time it is believed to spread infections.To avoid those infections they burn these large sculptures which are made out of phosphorous in air.By doing so it certainly purifies the atmosphere.Where as in temples they perform chandi homa with same cause.

Dussehra-The-Triumph-of-Good-over-Evil

Southern India:

Vijayadashami is celebrated in south India in various ways.Most of the south Indians believe that it is a best day to start anything to achieve in life.This festival is celebrated as Golu in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tami Nadu,Kerala from navarathri onwards.The exhibition of toys in various places undertake various names.It is known as “Bombe habba” in Karnataka, “Bommala Koluvu” in Andhra Pradesh,”Bomma Gollu”in Kerala and Golu or Kolu in Tamil Nadu.As the goddess Durga needed lots of power at the time of assassination of Mahisahasura.Many of the gods and goddesses transferred their power to her and they all stood still as statues.So to respect their sacrifice, people prepare small statues in the shape of gods and goddesses.People think that it is a favorable day for starting their child’s formal education.Also people keep their books, tools, materials for puja and take back those things on the ninth day of navaratri.

Dussehra celebrations in South India

Andhra Pradesh:

According to Telugu people, Vijayadashami is a auspicious day for starting a new business, education, selling or buying of things.In the city of Hyderabad, Durga Puja is being celebrated for more than 60 years till now.During navaratri goddess Durga is decorated in different avatars like Bala Tripura Sundari, Mahishasura Mardhini, Annapoorna, Kali, Raja Rajeswari, Kanaka Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Gayatri Devi.In Andhra especially the festival is celebrated grandly in Vijayawada.Every year it is celebrated grandly in this place. are celebrated every year with great pomp & show and tens of thousands of people visit this temple during the navaratri’s.

Vijayadashami celebrations in Andhra Pradesh

Karnataka:

In karnataka people celebrate ayudha puja on the ninth day of navaratri.They celebrate it by worshiping the commonly used tools like pens, books, kitchen tools, vehicle tools and many more.They believe whatever may be the work that is started on this day will lead to success with the help of goddess Durga blessings.

Dussehra celebrations in Karnataka

Kerala:

In Kerala the last three days of navaratri is celebrated as Saraswati puja.People of Kerala keep their books for puja on the first day of navaratri and take them back on third day i.e., Vijayadashami.Ayudha puja is also conducted during this period.

Dussehra celebrations in Kerala

Tamil Nadu:

In Tamil Nadu they celebrate the worship of goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and Shakti.People fast on all 9 days of navaratri and tie a holy thread on fist.People of Tamil Nadu dress up in various avatar’s of goddess and collect money.All the money that is collected is offered to temple on the ninth day of navaratri.

Dussehra celebrations in Tamil Nadu

Western India:

In Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated on the tenth day in the month of Ashwin.On the first day people visit each other and exchange sweets.On this occasion people worship Apta tree and decorate their home or work place using those leaves.They believe it brings them luck.They also start new things on this occasion believing it brings success and will have blessings of goddess Durga.

Dussehra celebrations in Western India

Eastern India:

In Bengal, Orissa and Assam, Dussehra is celebrated in the form of Durga Puja.It is celebrated for five days in Bengal, whereas in Orrisa and Assam it is celebrated for four days.As a part of their celebration on the fifth day, they place a statue of goddess Durga and is beautifully established in the form of Pandals.They perform Durga puja on sashti, sapthami, ashtami, navami followed by a great puja on tenth day.Women take sindhoor on their foreheads each other.In this way they play sindhoor holi against each other.

Dussehra-and-Durga-Puja-Celebrations

July 30, 2014