Crave Bits

Tag: tradition

  • Uniqueness of Chinese Culture

    Uniqueness of Chinese Culture

    China was known as Middle Country in ancient period and is recently one of the largest countries across the world. China follows a single time zone, even though it is spread over five geographical regions with varying time zones. Chinese culture and tradition quite, quite complex as the lifestyles of Chinese people quite differ from one region to another. One of the most important reasons for this mysterious culture is various ethnic groups followed across the country. This country comprises of different religion and it would not be surprising to commit that these religions are the pillars of Chinese society. Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism play a vital role in making this Chinese culture, a prominent culture across the world.

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    When we talk about its art and language, then undoubtedly you will find the most innovative people in this society.  All the initiatives and invention begins from this society and in the consequences they are leading the world in many different fields. Their creativity is shown by the invention of paper, gunpowder, compass and printing technology. They have expanded their innovative and artistic ideas in pottery, painting, music and literature too. Along with so many inventive practices they are well capable of managing their tradition in today’s world. The most exclusive part you will find in this culture is its language. The Chinese language is known to be one of the oldest languages which needed only small modifications till today’s time. The unique part of this language is the use of symbols without any phonetic value. Chinese culture consists of 292 living languages with one extinct language. ‘Mandarin’ is known to be the official language in the country. During the ancient times Cinnabar ink and brushes were used for writing and drawing.

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    Chinese culture is a mixture of different ethnic groups. So you will find different types of rituals and customs followed during the festivals. When we talk about the Chinese New Year which is like a Christmas in the country and is celebrated in February after the beginning of Gregorian calendar. People mark the beginning of this festive season by cleaning their houses and decorating the area with red ribbons and also give the blessing in the form of decoration. They also organize a family get together with appetizing meal. After this they all gather in their gardens or playgrounds for the fireworks which basically exorcise all the evil spirits from their soul and surroundings. It is the most adumbrative custom of Chinese people coming from the ancient time. Lantern festival shows the uniqueness of this culture. It is celebrated to mark the start of spring season. Large size lanterns are suspended on the streets and houses. Several performances like lion dances, lantern dances are organized for the people to enjoy in different areas. On this day rice dumplings and yuanxiao are the only part of their meal.

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    There is a famous saying in Chinese:  ”Eating is the utmost important thing in life” so while discussing the Chinese Culture how could we forget about Chinese Cuisine. As we all know Chinese food needs no description. It is most popular and admired food all over the world. Chinese noodles, beans and rice accompanied with fish, vegetables (cabbage and peas) and meat is the most loved combination. Without Chopsticks this cuisine is incomplete. According to the geographical region the choices vary. Southern people prefer their meal being spicier and must include chili and pepper in it while northern people want ginger and vinegar to be the part of their meal.  The Chinese tea culture makes this cuisine an exclusive cuisine as tea is served there on certain special occasion and it is like a ritual which needs to be followed. There are eight families of dishes in China i.e.  Hui (Anhui), Min (Fujian), Yue (Cantonese),  Yang (Jiangsu), Xiang (Hunan), Lu (Shandong), Zhe (Zhejiang),  Chuan (Szechuan). There are four different styles in China, i.e. The Beijing, the Shanghai, the Sichuan/Szechuan and the Cantonese.

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    The most essential part of any culture is how the people are dressed up. So when we go through the attire of these Chinese people, then it varies with their social ranks. Silk Clothing is put on by the royal class while another wears clothes of hemp or ramie. The traditional Chinese clothing were pien-fu which means a two piece ceremonial costume, changshan means a long dress and shen-i  means a long robe having long and loose sleeves.  Padded clothes are seen during the winter season. Their clothing is generally seen with the different embroidery designs.

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    During the period of Zhou dynasty several national schools were established by the Chinese scholars for the training of children. A person belonging to Confucianism started encouraging people for private education. They also established various private schools which define and demarcate their own philosophy to the students. Men of this society are highly educated as compared to women as their education is only limited around the books which defines their duties towards women.

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    This is all about Chinese culture which represents its uniqueness all around the world..!

     

     

  • Chokhi Dhani: An Experience Like Never Before

    Chokhi Dhani: An Experience Like Never Before

    The sultry breeze,the golden sand,the earthly smell,the air resonating with warm cordial greetings of “RAAM RAAM SA!”,smiles on each face,the enthusiasm with which each person reflects the undiluted festivity of Jaipur.Each moment spent in CHOKHI DHANI becomes an experience that you shall never forget.A mere peephole to have a glimpse of the rich culture and ways of celebrations Rajasthan harbour s,it is as legendary as it gets!
    Entering Chokhi Dhani would at the very first glance mesmerize you followed with an unputdownable sense of perplexity in the form of a question, “From where shall I start?”

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    Having eventually found a flow to your exploration,the thrill elevates at each step.
    The beginning of my magical experience at Chokhi Dhani,in fact began with a magic show.With not even a penny charged,the flamboyant localite magician called out to people,gathering an audience with phrases and slogans matched up on the beats of the dholak.Having gathered a good number of people to witness his miracle he started the show.With each trick that he performed,with each dove that he chanted his Abracadabras upon,I could feel a similar thrill like that of a five year old looking at things in the most awestruck of all manners.The tricks are not of an “international level”,maybe even they can be explained easily by almost anyone,yet what actually is the causer of such childlike thrill is the energy and drama with which the magician,a “master” of “divine powers”,attempts to entertain you,leaving no chance to put an amused smile on that face.

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    Proceeding on-wards,you may spot a not so big ,hand driven Ferris wheel.Do not by any means underestimate the strength of these young men,they can actually push the Ferris wheel pretty effectively.At a height that enables you a view of the colourful surroundings that envelope you,having a pleasant ride that is fueled with laughter is insured.
    For those of you who have never sat on a camel,here is a tip,do not let a panic heart sit behind you!They shall claw the hell out of your waist!And if you yourself tend to be a panic stricken person,then always sit in the front saddle of the camel,you do not want to hurt anyone.The way the desert’s ship topples fist front and then backwards give you the feeling of either toppling on its neck or falling backwards,but holding on to this bumpy ride is what makes it fun.

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    Cultural dances that compel you to rejoice in the foot tapping sounds of instruments,performers who invite you to join them in their celebration,their colourful ghaghras swinging in an uninterrupted momentum.Welcome to the Chokhi dhani way of living up to the paradigm “Dance as if nobody is looking”.The rhythm is so festive and lively that you just cannot help but dance along merrily.

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    A grand ride on the elephant gives you the feel of royal lineage,your Highness,the ruler of the kingdom of happiness and smiles galore,your ride through Chokhi Dhani will be unforgettable.
    Puppet shows narrating stories of kings and queens,or of star crossed lovers is way of getting you face to face with folktales and theatre.

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    Your journey is incomplete without a meal at Chokhi Dhani.The sitting arrangement requires one to sit on mats with chowkis placed in front of them,With your shoes placed outside on a rack,you now sit bare feet and legs folded upon the mat.A cheerful waiter with an impressive mustache enters with a woman dressed up in the traditional attire.With plates set to be served upon,two other mustached waiters come with the serving vessels and huge spoons and spatulas.Be prepared because now you will be served with around twenty or more dishes with around three different kinds of chapatis.
    Beginning energetically ,you may begin devouring the food,famished from an entire trip around the Chokhi Dhani village.Each ‘sabzi’ has an amazing amalgamation of flavor and spices.Just in case its too spicey for you,a waiter shall always be there to refill your “Kullhad” with water,another one with butter milk.The chapatis crisp and hot,though just the size of your palms are extremely filling.

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    The Marwadi Khichdi is my all time favorite.With two servings of khichdi,topped with two spoon fulls of desi ghee and four spoon fulls of sugar,this heavily loaded khichdi is the ultimate hunger buster .No amount of requesting and pleading can save you from the heart felt ‘atithi satkaar’ of these people.They shall see to it that you are well fed,so much that they might have to lift you up to help you stand once you are done!In the very middle of the entire meal,you shall find yourself absolutely full.These waiters,with a turban and mustache would further offer you hot and freshly prepared gulab jamuns.Their menu is subject to periodic rotation,yet each meal leaves you with a happy tummy.Simple,filling,rich and finger licking,the food is undoubtedly delectable.The undiluted essence of Rajasthan.
    The colours,the live wire like energy coursing through the atmosphere,the undaunted display of cultural richness ,the warm hospitality,all of these are mere tokens of love ,a peephole into the heart of Rajasthan.With the last glimpse of all the shops selling craftwork and souvenirs,a fragile looking old man in a heavy turban,turning a cycle wheel,pretending to fix the spokes near a dim coal fire,smiling through his handful of teeth,mustering all his strength to shout out a final “raam raam sa” as you leave,etching a permanent memory of warmth ,cultural treasure and hospitality like none other in the entire world.This is Chokhi Dhani,a cultural village that lives in its own world ,inviting you with a “Padharo marey Des”,greeting you with a “raam raam sa”.BON VOYAGE,BON APPETTITE.

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