Gondhoraj lebu, an important component in Bengali and Odia cuisine has rightly earned the title of the 'king of aroma' or 'king of fragrance'. This delightful native lime adds a fresh burst of flavour to any dish or drink with its distinctive aroma. This indigenous lime is grown extensively in West Bengal and Odisha... Continue Reading →
Chandpur - Jahajpura is revered by historians, archaeologists, architects and artists for its exemplary artefacts dating back to the 9th - 12th century. This heritage site is a fine example of the architectural, artistic and engineering prowess of the Chandelas. The east and north-west parts of this complex in particular have innumerable broken sculptures, architectural... Continue Reading →
The fertile land of Fatehpur district has been a renowned centre for learning, knowledge, art and architecture since the Vedic Period. This region is dotted with a fair number of temples built in different periods that survived the savagery of Muslim invaders particularly Aurangzeb. Tucked away in the historically significant Dhamna Khurd village is... Continue Reading →
Koderma district in Jharkhand is blessed with abundant natural resources, mineral deposits and diverse horticultural crops. In recent years, this district has emerged as a major producer of fruits like lime, apple, guava, bael, jamun, custard apple, tamarind and karonda (black currant). The agro-climatic conditions (warm summers, cool winters, average annual rainfall of 1344... Continue Reading →
Lotus seeds, commonly known as makhana is mainly cultivated in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal with Bihar accounting for more than 85 percent of the total production in India. Also known as gorgon nut or foxnut, this superfood thrives in the agro-climatic conditions prevailing in the districts of Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul,... Continue Reading →
The Durga Temple in the quaint village of Bali Deewanganj (widely believed to be two villages – Bali and Deewanganj) is one of a kind temple harmoniously incorporating two distinctive styles of Bengali temple architecture namely the chala (hut type roof) and the ratna (pinnacle). This temple has captured the interest of architects, historians and heritage enthusiasts for two reasons... Continue Reading →
Every Hindu scripture has riveting descriptions of magnificent cities, grand palaces and alluring inner chambers that are richly embellished with gold, diamonds, precious stones and expensive cloths. The bright floor coverings that were spread out to receive Lord Krishna at Shauripur near Agra have been described at length in the Mahabharat and the origin of... Continue Reading →
The quaint village of Sukharia located on the busy Somrabazar railway line in Hooghly district has some of the finest terracotta temples and old mansions that you will find in Bengal. Somrabazar has historically been the home of some of the oldest Zamindar families whose wealth, grandeur and affluence has had a significant influence on the culture... Continue Reading →
A sea of Zoroastrians seeking refuge landed on the shores of Western India sometime during the 7th century. The local ruler Jadhav Rana was a little sceptical and sent the leader a glass of milk filled to the brim with a seemingly cryptic message of “There is no place here. We are full”. The Zoroastrians... Continue Reading →
Banda district in Bundelkhand region has carved a unique identity for itself synonymous with great wars, patriotism and rich heritage. Mighty rulers like the Chandelas of Jejakabhukti, Bundelas, Marathas and others have contributed significantly to its history, culture and tradition. One of the most picturesque forts built in this region which is the resting place... Continue Reading →
One of the finest examples of the Hemadpanthi style of architecture is the Gondeshwar Temple at Sinnar. Considered to be the largest, most complete and best preserved medieval temple of the Deccan, Gondeshwar Temple bathed in the golden hue effulgence of the sun at sunrise and sunset is a spectacle to behold! According to... Continue Reading →
Sir Marc Aurel Stein, a Hungarian-born British archaeologist is credited with mapping all the ancient sites in Kashmir during one of his many expeditions in the 1900s. Also considered by many to be a great Indologist, Aurel Stein was a Sanskrit scholar and translated the famous Rajatarangini written by the Kashmiri historian Kalhana. That... Continue Reading →
The Union Territory of Ladakh is one of the most elevated regions in the Himalayas that has been inhabited by humans since the Stone Age. The region of the upper Indus River has been of great importance for Central Asia and India since the ancient times. The influence of Buddhism, indigenous hunting tribes, Tibetan kingdoms... Continue Reading →
Kandhamal in the southern-central part of the state of Odisha is famous for its aromatic turmeric called as Kandhamal turmeric after the region where it is cultivated. Haladi as turmeric is known in Odia has been grown in this region for centuries by the tribals. About 60 - 70 percent of the area is hilly with... Continue Reading →
Jackfruit seed flour is perhaps one of the most valuable and most underrated superfoods in the modern era. Jackfruit has been mentioned as a deva phalam (Divine fruit) and a kalpa vriksha in the Hindu texts with each and every part of the tree used in the medical, domestic and industrial sectors. This sacred tree is revered... Continue Reading →
As the mercury rises, the divine amba pana (better known as aam panna) offers the much - needed respite from the scorching heat. This natural coolant is the ideal offering in the month of Chaitra in Odisha signalling the entry of the season's first raw mangoes. This refreshing preparation is offered to Bhagawan Jagannath as well... Continue Reading →
Jowar or sorghum is one of the oldest grains cultivated in the universe and referred to as the 'The King of Millets' as it manages to thrive in the most harshest climatic and soil conditions. Commonly known as Pearl Millet, jowar is extensively grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Jowar is widely regarded... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that the humble Foxtail millet is not only one of the oldest grains in the universe but also finds mention in several Hindu texts as one of the grains offered in the yagnas in the ancient times. Archaeological excavations have also revealed that the oldest civilizations cultivated Foxtail... Continue Reading →
Chabeel also known as Kachi Lassi is a beautiful sweetened summer drink offered by the devout in remembrance of and as a tribute to the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru who compiled the first edition of the Adi Granth which later took its present shape as the... Continue Reading →
Ragi Ambali is a traditional summer drink relished in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These three states are known to make a variety of drinks (summer beverages and kanjis), rotis, dosas, chapatis and dishes from millets. Ragi commonly known as finger millet is hugely popular in Karnataka and forms part of one's daily diet irrespective... Continue Reading →
One of the most popular summer drinks of Odisha is bela pana prepared from the fruit of the divine bael (Aegle marmelos), a tree very dear to Bhagawan Shiva. Bela Pana is a traditional drink that is said to have been first prepared by Bhagawan Jagannath Himself for His devotees centuries ago to beat the scorching... Continue Reading →
20 March is celebrated as Pakhala Dibasa around the world in honour of the humble pakhala, a beloved Odia dish. In fact, pakhala is an important naivedhya offered to Bhagawan Jagannath during the Sakala Dhupa, Madhyana Dhupa and Sandhya Dhupa, a tradition that has been followed since the 10th century as per locals. The priests say that Bhagawan... Continue Reading →
The humble nungu (Borassus flabellifer) as it is known in Tamizh (taati nungu in Kannada) is a seasonal fruit that is found in abundance in south Tamil Nadu, Salem, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli and other districts and makes its appearance in the peak summer. Commonly known as the date palm or palmyra, this kalpa vriksha has been mentioned... Continue Reading →
The remote village of Mugalpur in Uklana Mandi took the spotlight after incredible archaeological discoveries in 2020. Uklana town itself is a repository of Harappan culture and is closely associated with the Vedic Period and the various tribes. The ancient mound is approximately 70 - 80 acres in area and largely holds artefacts from... Continue Reading →
The ancient numbers and numbering system mentioned in the Hindu scriptures namely the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and treatises, commentaries and texts written by the Rishis is the foundation for Vedic Mathematics, particle physics, chemistry, music and other subjects that have been adopted by the Western civilizations over the years. In fact, the study of... Continue Reading →
ratnānām padmarāgo-asmi... – Bhagawan Shree Krishna, Srimad Bhagavad Maha Purana (11th Canto, 16th Chapter, Shloka 30) kaustubhākhyam-abhūd ratnaṁ padmarāgo mahodadheḥ... – Srimad Bhagavad Maha Purana (8th Canto, 8th Chapter, Shloka 05) As per our Hindu scriptures, at the time of the Mahā Pralaya, the entire gamut of creation (universe along with animate and inanimate beings) is completely... Continue Reading →
Kusho-asmi darbha-jaatinaam - Bhagawan Shree Krishna, Srimad Bhagavad Maha Purana (11th Canto, 16th Chapter, Shloka 30). The humble kusha found growing in the wild is believed to be the purest entity in the universe, an epitome of the Supreme Self. The kusha is the greatest sanctifier, untainted by sin and wrongdoing as per the Hindu scriptures.... Continue Reading →
सर्वशक्तिमयी सर्वमङ्गला सद्गति-प्रदा । सर्वेश्वरी सर्वमयी सर्वमन्त्र-स्वरूपिणी ॥ ५२॥ सर्व-यन्त्रात्मिका सर्व-तन्त्ररूपा मनोन्मनी । माहेश्वरी महादेवी महालक्ष्मी-मृडप्रिया ॥ ५३॥ The glory of the mandala has been best described in the Sri Lalithā Sahasranāma, an extraordinary text that extolls the greatness of the Supreme Self in the form of Divine Mother. Mandalas are excellent mediums and tools to improve one’s... Continue Reading →
It is perhaps not known to many that Bharat is the second - largest producer of onions in the world with the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana contributing a sizeable share to the overall production. As Haryana is predominantly an agrarian economy with over 70 percent of... Continue Reading →
The historical city of Kaithal has been revered for its spiritual and religious potency since the ancient days and has been mentioned in the Hindu scriptures, commentaries and Puranas. The city is dotted with temples, halls, dharmashalas and stepwells that are thousands of years old. One of the finest examples of baoli construction is the Chajju... Continue Reading →
A visit to Pondicherry is deemed complete only after one samples kamarkattu at the decades - old Gunasekaran's shop. Kamarkattu is one of the most popular traditional sweets of Tamil Nadu and said to have originated in Madurai and nearby places. However, over the years the delectable kamarkattu has become synonymous with the beautiful seaside town... Continue Reading →
The delicious makkan peda is synonymous with the historical town of Arcot. About 190 - 200 years ago, Govindsamy Chettiyar tasted a mithai in the palace of the Nawab of Arcot that was truly amazing and worthy of further improvisation. He came up with the world - famous makkan peda that resembles a gulab jamun but with... Continue Reading →
Dodol is an interesting dark chocolate coloured halwa prepared in Indonesia and Sri Lanka that made its way to the coastal town of Keelakarai in Ramanathapuram district. Also known as nudhal or karupatti thothal halwa or karupatti thothal, this hugely popular seaport sweet is an unusual treat that simply melts in your mouth. As the name... Continue Reading →
Muscoth Halwa, a centuries - old sweet of Sri Lanka made its way to the tiny village of Mudalur in the bustling coastal district of Thoothukudi in the 1950s. This traditional treat was accidently found by A. Joseph on one of his many trips to the island. So intrigued was he with its texture and taste,... Continue Reading →
The 16th century Shiva Temple also known as Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple in Belpan is believed to be the origin of the sacrosanct Chhoti Narmada River. According to the locals, Chhoti Narmada emanates from the nearby Sita Kund and joins the Maniyari River. This place has been mentioned in several important Hindu texts and commentaries... Continue Reading →
Siddeshwar Temple by the ancient Balsamund Talab in Palari is a lesser - known brick temple of the 7th - 8th century. This west - facing temple strictly adheres to the tenets of the Shilpa Shastra and has been widely appreciated by historians, architects and artisans for its extraordinary sculptures, carved panels and structural ingenuity.... Continue Reading →
One of the most delicious Chettinadu snacks of Karaikudi is its world - famous thenkuzhal murukku. This traditional treat is prepared for Diwali and important social functions. Locally available IR20 raw rice (or CR Pachai) is soaked for an hour after which the water is drained and the rice is dried on a thin cloth... Continue Reading →
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