Kashmir Hub offers you a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The state has a rich cultural heritage and has a wealth of ancient literature, language, religion, arts, crafts and music. Tours and travel to the state of Kashmir offers you an opportunity to feel the rich and deep-rooted ancient tradition in the Indian culture.
Tours and travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir involves a trip to the several places of worship in Kashmir. Kashmir is home to various sacred pilgrimage centers of the Hindus, Muslims and the Buddhists.
The mask dance performed by the lamas at the Hemis monastery, Ladakh for example, during the Hemis festival is representative of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of the victory of good over evil. The Hafiza dance form is very popular. This dance form is usually performed at wedding ceremonies. Another very popular Kashmiri dance form that is extremely popular is the Bacha Nagma, which is performed during the harvest season by young boys. Ruf and Wuegi-nachun are popular Kashmiri folk dances. The Roul and Dogri are popular folk dances that are performed by Kashmiri women. Kashmir has a rich tradition of folk music. The most popular Kashmiri folk music is known as the Rabab. The dukra, sitar and nagara are popular musical instruments.
As far as arts and crafts are concerned Kashmir is famous for its woven carpets, silk carpets, rugs, woolen shawls, pottery and hand-embroidered kurtas. Tours and travel to the state of Jammu and Kashmir can prove to be very interesting for those who love shopping for ethnic products. The traditional clothing, especially the phirans and shawls reflect the tradition and ability of the local artisans who embroider the most most intricate patterns and motifs in a combination of vibrant colors and hues. The traditional clothes worn by women are usually hand-embroidered with colorful threads and floral motifs. During summer months both men and women prefer to wear cotton clothes, though during winters they out on heavy hand-woven woolens.
Kashmir has several Muslim pilgrimages like the Hazratbal mosque and many dargahs. Among the Buddhist places of worship are the monasteries that are spread all over Ladakh and Kashmir. Some of these monasteries have remnants of the past traditions and culture in the form of old utensils, clay statutes and stone sculptures.
Kashmir Hub offers you information about the music and folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir. The themes of folk songs range from the yearning for reunion with ones lover, the hard mountain life and songs for festivals and other occasions. The people of Ladakh have a rich tradition of dance, music and drama.
Music and Dance
The mask dance performed by the lamas at the Hemis monastery, Ladakh for example, during the Hemis festival is representative of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of the victory of good over evil.
The Hafiza dance form is very popular. This dance form is usually performed at wedding ceremonies. Another very popular Kashmiri dance form that is extremely popular is the Bacha Nagma, which is performed during the harvest season by young boys.
Ruf and Wuegi-nachun are popular Kashmiri folk dances. The Roul and Dogri are popular folk dances that are performed by Kashmiri women.
The most popular Kashmiri folk music is known as the Rabab. The dukra, sitar and nagara are popular musical instruments.
As far as forms of music in Kashmir is concerned there are three distinct forms, viz. Sufi, ghazals and choral music.
Wanawun is another form of music that is sung and played during wedding ceremonies in Kashmir.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Madhya Pradesh Culture :: Regional Culture :: Indian Culture
No other state in India, but Madhya Pradesh, enmeshes so many different flavors of tradition and culture. The state is a cauldron that incessantly concts the various aspects of its multi-dimensional culture and still upholds a beautifully amalgamated heritage that retains its distinctive zeal. It is home to people professing all the major religions of India, who dwell in perfect harmony and amity. Apart from them, numerous colorful tribes add on to the vibrant cultural collage of the state. In fact, variety finds manifestation in spectacular forms here.
The culture of Madhya Pradesh is a harmonious amalgamation of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and Sikhs. Moreover, the tribal communities of the state comprises of different tribes like Bhils, Gonds, Oraons, Kols, Bhilalas, Murias and Korkens, to name a few. These people belonging to numerous religions and ethnic backgrounds reflect the concept of Indian secularism and contribute to the animated cultural effervescence of the state. Go through this article and get a kaleidoscopic glimpse of the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
History
Madhya Pradesh emerged as an Indian state in the year 1956. During that period, the state also rose to prominence as the largest state in India. However, with the bifurcation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, the modern-day Madhya Pradesh came into being. Positioned in the geographic heart of the country, the state is a crucible that holds the amazing concion of various religions and cultures.
People
Madhya Pradesh is not only the geographic heart of India, but can also be termed as the cultural and religious nucleus of the country. The term 'diversity' gets best expression in the place. In fact, the people of the state provide the first glimpse towards its multi-faceted culture. It conjoins people, belonging to different religions, castes and communities.
Religions
Madhya Pradesh is a land that embraces all the major religions of India - Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Christianity. Even though the state is a common abode of people belonging to numerous religions, castes and creeds, no internecine feuds exist amongst them. In fact, the state upholds 'Unity in Diversity', on which rests the entire concept of secularism in India.
Dances
The state of Madhya Pradesh can be termed as a cultural museum of India. The place not only unifies many religions in its lap, but is also home to some of the most prominent tribal communities of the country. These tribal and aborigines of Madhya Pradesh have contributed to the rich cultural saga of the place, intrinsically blending their indigenous cultures to its large melting pot.
The culture of Madhya Pradesh is a harmonious amalgamation of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Jains, Christians and Sikhs. Moreover, the tribal communities of the state comprises of different tribes like Bhils, Gonds, Oraons, Kols, Bhilalas, Murias and Korkens, to name a few. These people belonging to numerous religions and ethnic backgrounds reflect the concept of Indian secularism and contribute to the animated cultural effervescence of the state. Go through this article and get a kaleidoscopic glimpse of the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh.
History
Madhya Pradesh emerged as an Indian state in the year 1956. During that period, the state also rose to prominence as the largest state in India. However, with the bifurcation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, the modern-day Madhya Pradesh came into being. Positioned in the geographic heart of the country, the state is a crucible that holds the amazing concion of various religions and cultures.
People
Madhya Pradesh is not only the geographic heart of India, but can also be termed as the cultural and religious nucleus of the country. The term 'diversity' gets best expression in the place. In fact, the people of the state provide the first glimpse towards its multi-faceted culture. It conjoins people, belonging to different religions, castes and communities.
Religions
Madhya Pradesh is a land that embraces all the major religions of India - Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Christianity. Even though the state is a common abode of people belonging to numerous religions, castes and creeds, no internecine feuds exist amongst them. In fact, the state upholds 'Unity in Diversity', on which rests the entire concept of secularism in India.
Dances
The state of Madhya Pradesh can be termed as a cultural museum of India. The place not only unifies many religions in its lap, but is also home to some of the most prominent tribal communities of the country. These tribal and aborigines of Madhya Pradesh have contributed to the rich cultural saga of the place, intrinsically blending their indigenous cultures to its large melting pot.
Maharashtra Culture :: Regional Culture :: Indian Culture
Maharashtra - The great Land. As the name itself suggests, Maharashtra is diverse in its riches. It has been reflected through its, forts, caves, palaces known for its rich history, its Saints, philosophers, music, handicrafts and its festivals with all their colourful rituals and traditions, all of which amalgamate together to give a true reflection of Maharashtrian Culture.
Religious diversity
Some of India's greatest movements, religious, reformist and ecumenial, were born here. Ranging from SriChakradhar and his Mahanubhavs, Sri Jnanadev, Sri Tukaram, and their Warkaris, Samartha Ramdas, Mahatma Phule, Lokmanya Tilak, Baba Amte, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and a host of philosophers, reformists, and writers have immensely enriched the life,
Dance and Music
Maharashtra has been equally well known for its music. Its vibrant folk forms like lavnis, povadas, gondnals and bharuds are a true reflection of the society. Besides India's greatest treasure on classical music of medieval times the "Sangitratnakara" was written by Sharang Dev in the 13th century. Many of India's greatest stalwarts of music reside and perform here like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Lata Mangeshkar, Bal Gandharva, Kishori Amonkar etc. Maharashtra also has a flourishing theatre tradition. Two of the most well-known handicrafts of Maharashtra are Kolhapuri Chappals and the Paithani Sari; its silk bordered with opulent zari.
Maharashtrians consider anna, or food equals to Brahma, the creator of the universe. Maharashtrians believe in offering their food first to the God as a thanksgiving. Especially on festive occasions, specific mithais (sweets) are offered such as ukadiche modak (Ganesh Chaturthi) and satyanarayan puja sheera.
Maharashtrian cuisine has two major styles - Konkan and Varadi. A major portion of Maharashtra, which lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is called the Konkan having its own Konkani cuisine, which is a combination of Malvani, Gaud Saraswat Brahmin and Goan cuisines. The cuisine for the interior Maharashtra or the Vidarbha area is called Varadi cuisine.
Maharashtrian cuisine is packed with the subtly flavoured vegetarian delicacies and hot aromatic meat and fish curries, while the crunchy, crisp sweets are made mostly from rice and jiggery are also their favourite. The Konkan food has a lot of coconut in it and strong in masalas, red chillies and coriander.
The spicy Kolhapuri food emphasizes on mutton. The food of the Vidarbha region is prepared strong in red chillie powder and garlic. Mumbai has its own pot-pourri of dishes like vada pav, misal and pav bhaji, which are immensely popular across India.
Religious diversity
Some of India's greatest movements, religious, reformist and ecumenial, were born here. Ranging from SriChakradhar and his Mahanubhavs, Sri Jnanadev, Sri Tukaram, and their Warkaris, Samartha Ramdas, Mahatma Phule, Lokmanya Tilak, Baba Amte, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and a host of philosophers, reformists, and writers have immensely enriched the life,
Dance and Music
Maharashtra has been equally well known for its music. Its vibrant folk forms like lavnis, povadas, gondnals and bharuds are a true reflection of the society. Besides India's greatest treasure on classical music of medieval times the "Sangitratnakara" was written by Sharang Dev in the 13th century. Many of India's greatest stalwarts of music reside and perform here like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj, Lata Mangeshkar, Bal Gandharva, Kishori Amonkar etc. Maharashtra also has a flourishing theatre tradition. Two of the most well-known handicrafts of Maharashtra are Kolhapuri Chappals and the Paithani Sari; its silk bordered with opulent zari.
Maharashtrians consider anna, or food equals to Brahma, the creator of the universe. Maharashtrians believe in offering their food first to the God as a thanksgiving. Especially on festive occasions, specific mithais (sweets) are offered such as ukadiche modak (Ganesh Chaturthi) and satyanarayan puja sheera.
Maharashtrian cuisine has two major styles - Konkan and Varadi. A major portion of Maharashtra, which lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is called the Konkan having its own Konkani cuisine, which is a combination of Malvani, Gaud Saraswat Brahmin and Goan cuisines. The cuisine for the interior Maharashtra or the Vidarbha area is called Varadi cuisine.
Maharashtrian cuisine is packed with the subtly flavoured vegetarian delicacies and hot aromatic meat and fish curries, while the crunchy, crisp sweets are made mostly from rice and jiggery are also their favourite. The Konkan food has a lot of coconut in it and strong in masalas, red chillies and coriander.
The spicy Kolhapuri food emphasizes on mutton. The food of the Vidarbha region is prepared strong in red chillie powder and garlic. Mumbai has its own pot-pourri of dishes like vada pav, misal and pav bhaji, which are immensely popular across India.
Rajastan Culture :: Regional Culture :: Indian Culture
A combination of geography, history and lifestyle of the people make the culture of Rajasthan a unique and so very distinct from others. The unique culture of Rajasthan has evolved as a result of the combination of various factors but geography of the Desert land has certainly played the dominant role in the evolution of the Rajasthani culture. Colorful costumes, multitude of festivals and fairs relieve the dullness of the harsh living conditions. Also famous as the land of Rajputs, the forts, palaces and Havelis of Rajasthan attract a large number of people from different parts. As you travel to the colorful land of the Rajputs, you will get to explore the music, dances, fairs, festivals, lifestyle and many other unexplored facets of the Desert land.
Hindi is the official language of the state. But the principal language is "Rajasthani", and the four major dialects are Marwari in the west, Jaipuri in the east, Malwi in the southeast and Mewati in the northeast. But Hindi language is replacing Rajasthani. Moreover, you will find English speaking people in all the major cities, and in remote villages also you will find someone who can speak and understand English. But other languages are completely unknown. You may ask Tour Operators to help you on this and they do have guides who knows almost all the languages.
Music & Dance
Every region has its own very dialect of music and dance. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthan culture. Songs are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds, love stories, and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis and often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc.
Religion
Hindusim is the main religion of Rajasthan. Other significant religious groups in the state are the Jains and the Muslims. There are many local folk heros and local deities such as Pabuji, Ramdeoji, Gogaji, Mehaji, Tejaji & Harbhuji.
Art & architecture
Rajasthan is known for its traditional and colorful art. The block prints, tie and die prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blur potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is shoppers paradise.
Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittauragrh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are true architectural heritage.
Hindi is the official language of the state. But the principal language is "Rajasthani", and the four major dialects are Marwari in the west, Jaipuri in the east, Malwi in the southeast and Mewati in the northeast. But Hindi language is replacing Rajasthani. Moreover, you will find English speaking people in all the major cities, and in remote villages also you will find someone who can speak and understand English. But other languages are completely unknown. You may ask Tour Operators to help you on this and they do have guides who knows almost all the languages.
Music & Dance
Every region has its own very dialect of music and dance. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthan culture. Songs are used to tell the legendary battles of Rajputs. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate heroic deeds, love stories, and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis and often accompanied by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc.
Religion
Hindusim is the main religion of Rajasthan. Other significant religious groups in the state are the Jains and the Muslims. There are many local folk heros and local deities such as Pabuji, Ramdeoji, Gogaji, Mehaji, Tejaji & Harbhuji.
Art & architecture
Rajasthan is known for its traditional and colorful art. The block prints, tie and die prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints, Zari embroidery are major export products from Rajasthan. Handicraft items like wooden furniture and handicrafts, carpets, blur potteries are some of the things you will find here. Rajasthan is shoppers paradise.
Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis. Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Chittauragrh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are true architectural heritage.
Culture of Gujarat :: Regional Culture :: Indian Culture
Gujarat gets its name from "Gujjar Rashtra", the land of the Gujjars, a migrant tribe who came to India in the wake of the invading Huns in the 5th century. The history of Gujarat dates back to 2000 BC. It is also believed that Lord Krishna left Mathura to settle on the west coast of Saurashtra at Dwarka.
The state saw various kingdoms like Mauryas, Guptas, Pratiharas etc, but it was under the regime of Chalukyas (Solanki) Gujarat witnesses progress and prosperity. Inspite of the plundering of Mahmud of Ghazni, the Chalukyan kings were able to maintain general prosperity and well being of the state. After this glorious respite, Gujarat faced troubled times under the Muslims, Marathas and the British rules.
Gujarat Now
The Present state of Gujarat was formed in 1st May 1960, as a result of Bombay Reorganization act, 1960. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north and north-east respectively, Madhya Pradesh in the south east and Maharashtra in south.
The state has witnessed all-round progress in every field. It has been recognized as one of the leading industrialized states in the country. There are 1500 large and medium, 1,84,119 small scale industrial units registered as on March 1996. The principal industries are textiles, chemicals, and petro-chemicals complex of IPCL and Gujarat Oil refinery located near Vadodara. Gujarat is also the main producer of tobacco, cotton and groundnut in the country.
Society and Culture
The diverse ethnic groups represented in the Gujarati population may be broadly categorized as Indic (i.e., northern-derived) or Dravidian (southern-derived). The former include the Nagar Brahman, Bhatia, Bhadela, Rabari, and Mina castes (the Parsis, originally from Persia, represent a much later northern influx); among the peoples of southern origin are the Bhangi, Koli, Dubla, Naikda, and Macchi-Kharwa tribes. The rest of the population, including the aboriginal Bhil tribe, exhibit mixed characteristics.
Members of the Scheduled (formerly "untouchable") Castes and of the aboriginal tribes form nearly one-fifth of the state's population. There is one entirely tribal district of Dangs. Ahmadabad district has the highest proportion of Scheduled Castes. Gujarati and Hindi are the official languages of the state. About 70% of the population are Hindus ahead of minorities of Muslims and Jains. About one-third of the population is urban. The most urbanized part of the state is the Ahmadabad-Vadodara (Baroda) industrial belt. Major towns that were once capitals of princely states are Rajkot, Junagadh, Bhavnagar (Bhaunagar), and Jamnagar.
The folklore and folk culture of Gujarat are traced to the mythology of Lord Krishna. Dance forms and festivals in honour Krishna exist, Garba and Bhavai being two examples. Among the most durable and effective of the state's cultural institutions are the trade and craft guilds known as mahajans which often solves disputes, acted as channels of philanthropy, and encouraged the arts. Gujarat's handicrafts are famous the world over.
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