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Receipe of Thandai

Holi » Holi Recipes » Thandai Recipes
Thandai Recipes
Thandai is prepared from milk and is a traditional drink for Holi. It is healthy and very very refreshing. After a fun-filled game of colours, people consume Holi thandai to get refreshed and even more charged up. Thandai laced with bhang is also quite popular on Holi.


Thandai Recipes: Five
Ingredients:
1.75 oz. (¼ cup) almonds, blanched
1.75 oz. (¼ cup) pistachios, blanched
1.75 oz. (¼ cup) poppy seeds - soak in water for 1 hour
1.75 oz. (¼ cup) cashews, blanched
1.75 oz. (¼ cup) melon seeds, blanched
½ tsp. cinnamon powder
8-10 black pepper corns
20-25 rose petals
6 ¹/3 cups milk
1¾ cup sugar
¹/8 tsp. whole saffron
8-10 green cardamoms

Method:
Heat sugar and milk. Add saffron when sugar dissolves in milk. Turn off the flame. Combine almonds, pistachios, soaked poppy seeds, cashews, melon seeds, rose petals and a little milk to make a paste. Combine cinnamon, cardamom and pepper and grind to a powder. Add this powder to the paste. Mix the paste with a little milk, then add it all to the remaining milk. Serve cold.

Thandai Recipes: Six
Ingredients:
2 glasses of whole milk
1 cup water
1 tablespoon blanched almonds
1 tablespoon Pistachios
1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds
6 cashew nuts
Powdered cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg- a pinch each
Honey as per taste

Method:
Bring the water to boil in a small sauce pan. Add the spices. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
Make a fine paste of all the nuts and poppy seeds along with the heated spices. Pour into a strainer lined with a damp cloth and set over a clean bowl. Squeeze all the milk out of the nuts by tightening the cloth by wringing it. You may use the nut pulp for thickening Indian curries or in baking.
Mix this paste with the other spices into the milk and stir well. Mix the honey and chill. Serve in glasses with crushed ice.

Thandai Recipes: Seven
Ingredients:
8 almonds
8 pistachios
1 tsp poppy seeds
1 tsp aniseed
5 gm black peppercorns, crushed
2 tsps dried melon, muskmelon seeds
3 cups milk, chilled
6 tsps sugar
2 cups water, chilled
Rose petals for garnish

Method:
Soak the almonds and pistachios in warm water till their skins peel off. Grind them into a paste with the rest of the spices. Add cold water to the paste and mix well. Strain through a damp muslin cloth. Add the milk and sugar. Chill. Serve garnished with rose petals.

Thandai

Tradition of Thandai
Thandai is embedded with the tradition of Holi. A refreshing and healthful drink thandai is savoured in the midst of the play of colours when people become a little exhausted throwing each other in the pool of coloured waters. A glass of Thandai offers instant energy and sets the mood for playing with color. Besides, when laced with the intoxicating bhang it can make one sing, dance and go wild. Infact, bhang thandai is used as a mood setter for the festival of Holi.
Hub of Thandai
The tradition of thandai is particularly prevalent in North India. Banaras (now Varanasi) is called the hub for thandai. This is so as Banarasis are said to have a passion for milk-based drinks and of all the drinks thandai is said to be their specialty. Making of Thandai
Thandai is a cooling drink usually made of purified water, sugar, seeds of watermelon and muskmelon, almonds, lotus stem seeds, cashew nut, cardamom, saunf, rose-flower, white pepper, saffron and the very intoxicating bhang.
After Effects
A spoon of bhang in the thandai makes a world of a difference. Bhang is mixed with milk, ice and cream and added to the thandai to produce a kick. While some become deliriously happy others turn as depressed as hell. Caution is needed when taking a bhang thandai as overdose might not be prove to be good.

Drinking thandai in Holi also gels with the weather as in North temperature runs high at that time and thandai is a coolant.
Although home-made thandais always tastes better, in Banaras and elsewhere in India, it is now possible to buy commercial concentrates and make instant thandais.

Holi Poem

Happy Holi
The trees smile with their sprout
of tender leaves and blooming flowers,
Eternal nature with its transient expression.
Hails spring with ecstasy and joy!
Bewildering shades with so many tinge.
The land of beauty and greatness,
India, witnessing color of happiness and peace.
Nation come alive to enjoy the spirit
A celebration of color- Holi!
An experience of content, harmony and delight.

Holika burns amidst merriment and mirth.
Evil overpowered by love and devotion.
A festival to commemorate 'Ras Lila'-
an enduring love saga of Radha and Krishna.

Gulal - red, green, yellow and countless.
A day's canvas - a riot of colors.
Lively crowd running hither and thither,
Rainbow of colors, dashing from every nook and corner.
Disregarding their woe and despair fervent folks,
rejoicing at the marvel of colors.
A day filled with luster and gaiety,
A day to smear our dreams-
With a splash of vibrant frenzy colors.
Holi Hai! A spring of unbounded fun and frolic

Holi Messages

•Holi is the time to develop understanding and love for each other.
Here, is a platform for you all to renew your friendship and to express
heartiest love by scribbling a beautiful Holi message for loved ones.

•May you have the most blessed holi festival than you ever had.
May it be full of fun,joy and love.
May you be as colorful as the festival itself or even more.
Lets all have lots of fun.

Holi Cards

Holi Cards
Over the years greeting cards have become a wonderful way of expressing one's feelings. Nobody know this better than card manufacturers who have made it a point to give words and pictures to every possible human emotion. Holi being such a vital and vibrant festival of India has received detailed attention of the card manufacturers who portray every possible colour and aspect of Holi in their cards.

Importance of Cards
Well, the importance of the cards lies in the fact that they make it possible to send your heartfelt emotions to your friends with whom you may not physically meet. Besides, receiving cards from a loved one always evoke a smile. Sensing the emotional needs of the people card makers come up with innovative ideas each year to send across the greetings of the people.

Holi Special Cards
With colours being the most essential part of the celebrations, Holi cards come with packets of colours inside and some even have small pichkaris attached. This adds the festive touch to the greeting and offers a wonderful way of sending love in the form of colours.
Attractively colourful, these days cards are customised for various relations, for example mummy-daddy, brother, sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and of course, especially for your beloved.

Cards are also specifically designed keeping in mind the age and nature of a person. For instance, there are sober cards for the elderly and cards full of jokes and pranks for the friends, which evokes laughter from the receiver. Special care is taken for the cards meant for lovers which come loaded with romantic expressions mingled with the spirit of the occasion.

Another trend that has gained appreciation from the masses is cards in Hindi which further help in giving realistic expression to ones feelings. As, people find it easier to relate a message from the sender.

Electronics Cards
Becoming increasingly popular these days is the trend of sending Ecards. As they are convinient, instantaneous and cost effective way of sending greetings to the loved ones. Cashing in on the trend are several card companies who have come up with beautiful and innovative ideas to exchange the greetings for a colourful and joyous festival. It is a great joy to receive warm greetings from the people you love at a click of a button.

Sending Greetings Through Mobile
Another trend that has gained wide acceptability from the people is the short and sweet SMS service provided by the mobile companies. With a large and ever increasing mobile population in India, the trend will continue to grow over the years as the means of sending messages has come right in the palm of the people. Now, with the availability of camera phones, people can send pictures of their colouful self drenched in the spirit and colours of Holi to friends who may be miles apart. Of course, MMS clips are also possible these days and you can virtually tell tour friends and relatives what fun you are having.

So what are you waiting for?? For, distance does not matter in this age. Love has never known any boundary. So just choose your card and give colourful expressions to your feelings...For, when it is Holi, its time for your beloved to say 'Ho..lee' (I have become yours). There are plenty of cards to help you out, don't worry.

Related Links

http://www.holi-ecards.com

Holi-Cards.com - Holi, Holi Cards, Holi Greeting Cards, Free Holi Cards, Holi eCards

Holi Greetings

Holi Greetings
When love is in the air, you know it is time to celebrate Holi. The festival does not recognizes any bars of caste, class or creed. Drenched in colours, everybody comes to resemble each other losing their original self. This is the beauty of this festival. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that this festival treats everybody at par, all differences dissolve in the coloured water that flows in plenty in it.
Holi Milan
Holi calls to put an end to any hard feelings that might have cropped up during the year. People apply colour and give each other a friends hug as they greet Holi, the tradition is called, 'Holi Milan'. It is strongly believed that even enemies turn friend on the day of Holi.
Usually, after a heavy and energetic day of colourful Holi people dress themselves in new clothes and visit friends and relatives with a packet of sweets. This exchange of sweets helps to strengthen and bring joy in relationships. A plate or thali is kept ready in houses with tilak and sweets. People apply tilak, offer sweets and hug each other as they meet the traditional holi and give their best wishes for the festival.
Festivals are the time when people want to be in the company of the people who are close to their hearts.Those at a distant and far off places are greeted with the help of cards and more so through telephone. But greet they must.
Special invitations are extended to the new brides for the festive occasion of Holi. This helps to bring warmth in the relationships and gives a comfortable and joyous opportunity for the new bride to mingle with the new people in her in-laws house. Family of the newly wedded daughter is also invited and special Holi meal is prepared for them.

Holi Meets
'Holi Greeting Meets' or 'Holi Milan Samaroh' are organised by numerous clubs and social organisations. This helps the society to mix with each other and enjoy the festival for usually, songs, dance, competitions and feasts are organised in such get togethers. These meets have gained so much popularity that they usually go on days after Holi. After all, who likes to get out of the spirit of Holi!!

Celebrate an Eco - friendly Holy

Celebrate an Eco Friendly Holi
Ideally, the joyous festival of Holi is meant to celebrate the arrival of Spring while the colors used in Holi are to reflect of the various hues of spring season. But unfortunately, in modern times Holi does not stand for all things beautiful. Like various other festivals, Holi too has become ruthlessly commercialized, boisterous and yet another source of environmental degradation. To de-pollute Holi and make it in sync with nature, as it is supposed to be, several social and environmental groups are proposing a return to more natural ways of celebrating Holi.
The aim of this articles is to generate awareness amongst people about the various harmful effects around Holi celebrations and encourage people to celebrate an eco friendly Holi!

Please read on to know about the three main environmental concerns around Holi - 1.The use of toxic chemical colours.
2.The use of wood for burning Holi fires.
3.The wasteful use of water during Holi.

1. Harmful Effects of Chemical Colours
In earlier times when festival celebrations were not so much commercialized Holi colors were prepared from the flowers of trees that blossomed during spring, such as the Indian Coral Tree (parijat) and the Flame of the Forest (Kesu), both of which have bright red flowers. These and several other blossoms provided the raw material from which the brilliant shades of Holi colours were made. Most of these trees also had medicinal properties and Holi colors prepared from them were actually beneficial to the skin.

Over the years, with the disappearance of trees in urban areas and greater stress for higher profits these natural colours came to be replaced by industrial dyes manufactured through chemical processes.

Around 2001, two environmental groups called Toxics Link and Vatavaran, based in Delhi, did a study on all the three available categories of colours available in the market - pastes, dry colours and water colours. The study revealed that all of these three forms of chemical Holi colors are hazardous.

Harmful Chemicals in Holi Paste type colors
According to their researched fact sheet on Holi, the pastes contain very toxic chemicals that can have severe health effects. Please check the table below to know about the chemical used in various Holi colors and their harmful effects on human body.

Color Chemical Health Effects

Black Lead oxide Renal Failure
Green Copper Sulphate Eye Allergy, Puffiness and temporary blindness
Silver Aluminium Bromide Carcinogenic
Blue Prussian Blue Contract Dermatitis
Red Mercury Sulphite Highly toxic can cause skin cancer

(Source: Vatavaran)

Harmful Chemicals in Gulal
The dry colours, commonly known as gulals, have two components – a colourant that is toxic and a base which could be either asbestos or silica, both of which cause health problems. Heavy metals contained in the colourants can cause asthma, skin diseases and adversely affect the eyes.

Harms of Wet Holi Colors
Wet colours, mostly use Gentian violet as a colour concentrate which can cause skin dis-colouration and dermatitis.

These days, Holi colours are sold loosely, on the roads, by small traders who often do not know the source. Sometimes, the colours come in boxes that specifically say ‘For industrial use only’.

Click to read more on Holi Chemical colors

Action Taken by Environmental Groups
Following the publication of these studies several environmental groups took up the cause to encourage people to return to a more natural way of celebrating Holi. Amongst these,
•Navdanya, Delhi published a book called Abir Gulal, which spoke of the biodiversity that was the source of natural colours.
•Development Alternatives, Delhi and Kalpavriksh, Pune have developed educational tools to teach children simple ways of making their own natural Holi colours.
•The CLEAN India campaign has been teaching children how to make beautiful natural colours.

Make your own Holi colours
Holi festival lovers will be thrilled to know that it is possible to make simple natural colors in one’s own kitchen. Here are some very simple recipes to make natural colours:

Color Method of Preparation

Yellow 1) Mix turmeric (haldi) powder with chick pea flour (besan)
2) Boil Marigold or Tesu flowers in water
Yellow liquid color Soak peels of pomegranate (Anar) overnight.

Deep Pink Slice a beetroot and soak in water

Orange - red paste Henna leaves (mehndi) can be dried, powdered and mixed with water.

For more information please read How to make Natural colours?

Purchase Natural Holi Colors
For those who do not have the time to make their own colours, there is the choice of buying natural Holi colours. Several groups are now producing and promoting such colours, although it is important to verify the ingredients of the colours and ensure you know enough about the source.

2. The Holi Bonfire
The burning of fuel wood to create the bonfire for Holika Dahan presents another serious environmental problem. According to a news article, studies done in the state of Gujarat reveal that each bonfire uses around 100 kg of wood, and considering that approximately 30,000 bonfires are lit in the state of Gujarat just for one season, this leads to a wastage of a staggering amount of wood.
Groups such as Sadvichar Parivar are now advocating one symbolic community fire, rather than several smaller bonfires across the city as a way to reduce wood consumption. Others are also suggesting that these fires be lit using waste material rather than wood.

3. A Dry Holi?
In the current situation, when most cities in India are facing acute water scarcity, the wasteful use of water during Holi, is also being questioned. It is common for people to douse each other with buckets of water during Holi, and children often resort to throwing water balloons at each other. The idea of a dry Holi seems alien at first, especially as the climate becomes warmer around Holi, and the water provides welcome relief from the heat. However, considering that in some urban areas, citizens can go without water for several days, it seems wasteful to use so much water simply for a celebration.

Environmental Consciousness Amongst People
It is a relief to notice that the awareness about the environmental impacts of celebrating Holi are being brought to light by various NGOs. And gradually, more and more Indians are choosing to turn to a more natural and less wasteful way of playing Holi.

Holi Calendar

Holi Calendar
Just at the beginning of the year, people start looking for the Holi Date in their Calendar. This is because Holi is the first major Hindu Festival of the year. If you too wish to find out when is Holi 2011 or When is Holi in 2010 here is a Holi Calendar just for you! The page offers you Holi Calendar for 2011, 2010and 2009 too.

Please note that the Holi Calendar given below gives you the main date of Holi celebrations. This day is celebrated with play of colors. Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi is celebrated a day earlier. On the day of Holika Dahan people burn logs of wood to symbolize victory of good over evil and observe Holi Pooja.
So go ahead mark the Holi date 2011 in your personal calendar and start preparing for Holi 2011!!Holi 2011

Sunday, March 20, 2011
HOLI CALENDAR 2011
MARCH 2011
S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31

Holi Pooja Process

Holi Pooja Process
Holi Pooja takes place a day before the Holi Festival. This day is called as 'Holika Dahan'. There is no special pooja performed on the Holi day. This day is only meant for celebrations and play of colors. Holika Dahan is the major ritual performed at the time of Holi which is also considered an important Holi Puja. People light bonfires on the eve of Holi festival to celebrate the victory of 'good' over 'bad' which is called Holika Dahan.
Holi Pooja Process or Holika Dahan Process
Holika Dahan preparations begin almost 40 days before the festival. People start gathering woods on the important crossroads of the city. Holi Pooja or Holika takes place on an auspicious time in the evening a day before the Holi festival. Given below are the steps and rituals for the Holi Pooja:
1.Holi Pooja can be performed at any place.
2.A log of wood is kept at a prominent public place on the Vasant Panchami day.
3.People extend the log centre with twigs, dried leaves, branches of trees and other combustible material.
4.On the day of Holika Dahan, an effigy of Holika and Prahlad is placed on the huge heap of woods.
5.Effigy of Holika is made of combustible material while Prahlad's effigy is made of non-combustible material.
6.On the eve of Holi, the heap is set alight and the people chant Rakshoghna Mantras of the Rig Veda to cast away the evil spirits.
7.Left over ashes are collected by people next morning. These ashes are considered holy and are smeared on the limbs of the body as Holi Prasad.
8.Smearing of body limbs is an act of purification.
Holi Pooja is performed in a different manner in some communities. Marwari women offer Holi puja in the afternoon and evening i.e. before setting fire to 'Holika'. It is called 'Thandi Holi'. The whole puja process is considered very auspicious for the married women. It ensures well-being and healthy life of their husband.

History of Holi

A Brief HistoryHolikotsav finds a mention in the Vedas and Puranas. It is stated that during the Vedic period the sacred fire of Holi was burnt amidst the chanting of specific mantras which were intended for the destruction of the demonic forces. It is also said that on this very day Vaishwadev oblation commenced in which offerings of wheat, gram and oat were made to the sacrificial fire. Some scholars believe that Holikotsav is named after fried cereals or parched grains called 'Holka' in Sanskrit. These parched grains were used to perform hawana (a fire ritual).The vibhuti (sacred ashes) obtained from this ritual was smeared on the forehead of those who participated in the ritual to keep away evil. This vibhuti is called Bhumi Hari. Till date there is a tradition of offering wheat and oat into the Holika fire.
According to Narad Purana, this day is celebrated in the memory of Prahlad's victory and the defeat of his aunt 'Holika'. The legend has it that there once existed a mighty demon king by the name of Hiranyakashyap who wished that everybody in his kingdom should worship him. His son, Prahlad became a follower of Lord Naarayana. Hiranyakashyap instructed his sister, Holika to sit in the burning fire with Prahlad in lap. She was blessed with a boon, as a result of which no fire could burn her. But the opposite happened, Prahlad survived and Holika was charred to death. Thus 'holi' is celebrated to commemorate the victory of virtue over evil.
It is because of this event, Holika (a bonfire) is burnt every year on Holi. The burning of the effigy of Holika is called Holika Dahan.
Another legend mentioned in the 'Bhavishya Purana' is also considered to be related to the festival of Holi. The legend goes back to the kingdom of Raghu, where lived an ogress called Dhundhi who used to trouble children but was finally chased away by them on the day of Holi. This is said to be the reason why the tradition of Holika Dahan is so popular amongst children and why they are allowed to play pranks on the day.

The TraditionThere is also a specific way in which Holika Dahan takes place. A log of wood is kept in a prominent public place on the Vasant Panchami day, almost 40 days before the Holi Festival. People go on throwing twigs, dried leaves, branches of trees left through the winter besides any other combustible material they can spare, on to that log which gradually grows into a sizable heap. On the day of Holika Dahan an effigy of Holika with child Prahlad in her lap is kept on the logs. Usually, Holika's effigy is made of combustible materials, whereas, Prahlad's effigy is made of non-combustible one. On the night of Phalguna Purnima, it is set alight amidst the chanting of Rakshoghna Mantras of the Rig Veda (4.4.1-15; 10.87.1-25 and so on) to ward off all evil spirits.
Next morning the ashes from the bonfire are collected as prasad and smeared on the limbs of the body. If spared by the fire coconuts are also collected and eaten.
Metaphorically though, the fire is meant to signify the destruction of evil - the burning of the 'Holika' - a mythological character and the triumph of good as symbolised by Prahlad. However, the heat from the fire also depicts that winter is behind and the hot summer days are ahead.
Next day after Holika Dahan is called Dhuleti, when play with colours actually takes place.

Samvatsar DahanIt may be noted that in some places like Bihar and UP Holika Dahan is also known as 'Samvatsar Dahan'. The concept of Samvatsar New Year varies in different provinces of our country. In some provinces the month commences from 'Krishna Paksha' while in others it commences from 'Shukla Paksha'. For Krishna Paksha, the year ends on 'Purnima' of the month of Phalgun and thus the new year begins the next day - Chaitra, first day of the Krishna Paksha.

Festival of Colors

Festival of Colours
HOLI HAI... Come holi and the streets will reverberate with the chants of Holi hai...
Colours will fill the atmosphere as people throw abeer and gulal in the air showing great joy and mirth in the arrival of this Spring Festival.
Holi marks the end of the winter gloom and rejoices in the bloom of the spring time. It is the best time and season to celebrate; Holi provides this opportunity and people take every advantage of it.
Days before Holi, the markets get flooded with the colours of every hues. This aptly sets the mood of the people till the actual day of Holi. It is such a colourful and joyous sight to watch huge piles of bright red, magenta, pink, green and blue every where on the streets. Buying those colours seems as you are bringing joys and colour to your home and into your life.
Children take special delight in the festival and demand every colour in loads. They have so many plans in their mind. They have to be the first to apply colour to Mama, Papa, siblings and a big bunch of friends in their colony. Nobody could miss being coloured by them and of course, they need colour for that.
These days it is easy to buy colours from the market but still some people do take up the task of making colours at home, usually from flowers of tesu and palash. These home made colours, have a special fragrance of love in them. The other option is to buy gulal which comes in bright shades of pink, magenta, red, yellow and green. 'Abeer' is made of small crystals or paper like chips of mica. This is mixed with the gulal for a rich shine. Mischievous ones, however, go for silver and gold paints on which no colour could be applied. Whatever be the choice of colour, nobody remains in their original texture at the end of the play. And everybody takes delight looking at the other. Really, the other name of the festival is FUN.
And, it is not just children, but the young and the old alike who take delight in this joyous festival of colours. Seniors too, move in their tolis. Their enthusiasm is at times greater than that of their children as they forget the bars of age and follow their hearts. To youth, holi gives a chance to explore the heights of their enthusiasm as they climb the human pyramids to break the pot of buttermilk and to express their love to their beloved by applying colour.
For, Holi knows no bars, everybody feels it is their right to enjoy and enjoy they do. Songs, dance, drinks, food everything goes in excess when it is time for Holi. It can be said, "Life turns Colourful" when it is time for Holi.

History

History of Holi
Holi is an ancient festival of India and was originally known as 'Holika'. The festivals finds a detailed description in early religious works such as Jaimini's Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. Historians also believe that Holi was celebrated by all Aryans but more so in the Eastern part of India.
It is said that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped.

Calculating the Day of HoliThere are two ways of reckoning a lunar month- 'purnimanta' and 'amanta'. In the former, the first day starts after the full moon; and in the latter, after the new moon. Though the amanta reckoning is more common now, the purnimanta was very much in vogue in the earlier days. According to this purnimanta reckoning, Phalguna purnima was the last day of the year and the new year heralding the Vasanta-ritu (with spring starting from next day). Thus the full moon festival of Holika gradually became a festival of merrymaking, announcing the commencement of the spring season. This perhaps explains the other names of this festival - Vasanta-Mahotsava and Kama-Mahotsava.

Reference in Ancient Texts and InscriptionsBesides having a detailed description in the Vedas and Puranas such as Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana, the festival of Holi finds a mention in Jaimini Mimansa. A stone incription belonging to 300 BC found at Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya has mention of Holikotsav on it. King Harsha, too has mentioned about holikotsav in his work Ratnavali that was written during the 7th century.
The famous Muslim tourist - Ulbaruni too has mentioned about holikotsav in his historical memories. Other Muslim writers of that period have mentioned, that holikotsav were not only celebrated by the Hindus but also by the Muslims.

Reference in Ancient Paintings and Murals The festival of Holi also finds a reference in the sculptures on walls of old temples. A 16th century panel sculpted in a temple at Hampi, capital of Vijayanagar, shows a joyous scene of Holi. The painting depicts a Prince and his Princess standing amidst maids waiting with syringes or pichkaris to drench the Royal couple in coloured water.
A 16th century Ahmednagar painting is on the theme of Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music. It shows a royal couple sitting on a grand swing, while maidens are playing music and spraying colors with pichkaris. There are a lot of other paintings and murals in the temples of medieval India which provide a pictoral description of Holi. For instance, a Mewar painting (circa 1755) shows the Maharana with his courtiers. While the ruler is bestowing gifts on some people, a merry dance is on, and in the center is a tank filled with colored water. Also, a Bundi miniature shows a king seated on a tusker and from a balcony above some damsels are showering gulal (colored powders) on him.

Legends and MythologyIn some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533). However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. There are various legends to explain the meaning of this word, most prominent of all is the legend associated with demon king Hiranyakashyap.
Hiranyakashyap wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship only him but to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. Hiaranyakashyap commanded his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had a boon whereby she could enter fire without any damage on herself. However, she was not aware that the boon worked only when she enters the fire alone. As a result she paid a price for her sinister desires, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of the god for his extreme devotion. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion.
Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition.

There are also a few other legends associated with the festival - like the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.

Festival of Holi

This is Google's cache of http://www.holifestival.org/holi-festival.html. One of the major festivals of India, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun which is the month of March as per the Gregorian calendar.
Holi festival may be celebrated with various names and people of different states might be following different traditions. But, what makes Holi so unique and special is the spirit of it which remains the same throughout the country and even across the globe, wherever it is celebrated. strong>PreparationsEntire country wears a festive look when it is time for Holi celebration. Market places get abuzz with activity as frenzied shoppers start making preparations for the festival. Heaps of various hues of gulal and abeer can be seen on the roadside days before the festival. Pichkaris in innovative and modern design too come up every year to lure the children who wish to collect them as Holi memorabilia and of course, to drench everybody in the town.
Womenfolk too start making early preparations for the holi festival as they cook loads of gujiya, mathri and papri for the family and also for the relatives. At some places specially in the north women also make papads and potato chips at this time.>Season of BloomEverybody gets delighted at the arrival of Holi as the season itself is so gay. Holi is also called the Spring Festival - as it marks the arrival of spring the season of hope and joy. The gloom of the winter goes as Holi promises of bright summer days. Nature too, it seems rejoices at the arrival of Holi and wears its best clothes. Fields get filled with crops promising a good harvest to the farmers and flowers bloom colouring the surroundings and filling fragrance in the air.
strong>LegendsA Hindu festival, Holi has various legends associated with it. The foremost is the legend of demon King Hiranyakashyap who demanded everybody in his kingdom to worship him but his pious son, Prahlad became a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashyap wanted his son to be killed. He asked his sister Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap as Holika had a boon which made he immune to fire. Story goes that Prahlad was saved by lord himself for his extreme devotion and evil minded Holika was burnt to ashes, for her boon worked only when she entered the fire alone.Since that time, people light a bonfire, called Holika on the eve of Holi festival and celebrate the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion to god. Children take special delight in the tradition and this has another legend attached to it. It says that there was once an ogress Dhundhi who used to trouble children in the kingdom of Prithu. She was chased away by children on the day of Holi. Therefore, children are allowed to play pranks at the time of 'Holika Dahan'. Some also celebrate the death of evil minded Pootana. The ogress tried to Lord Krishna as an infant by feeding it poisonous milk while executing the plan of Kansa, Krishna's devil uncle. However, Krishna sucked her blood and brought her end. Some who view the origin of festivals from seasonal cycles believe that Pootana represents winter and her death the cessation and end of winter.
In South India, people worship Kaamadeva- the god of love and passion for his extreme sacrifice. According to a legend, Kaamadeva shot his powerful love arrow on Lord Shiva to revoke his interest in the worldly affairs in the interest of the earth. However, Lord Shiva was enraged as he was in deep mediation and opened his third eye which reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. Though, later on the request of Rati, Kaamadeva's wife, Shiva was pleased to restore him back.Holika DahanOn the eve of Holi, called Chhoti or Small Holi people gather at important crossroads and light huge bonfires, the ceremony is called Holika Dahan. This tradition is also followed in Gujarat and Orissa. To render greatfulness to Agni, god of Fire, gram and stalks from the harvest are also offered to Agni with all humility. Ash left from this bonfire is also considered sacred and people apply it on their foreheads. People believe that the ash protects them from evil forces. Play of Colors strong>Great excitement can be seen in people on the next day when it is actually the time for the play of colours. Shops and offices remain closed for the day and people get all the time to get crazy and whacky. Bright colours of gulal and abeer fill the air and people take turns in pouring colour water over each other. Children take special delight in spraying colours on one another with their pichkaris and throwing water balloons and passers by. Women and senior citizen form groups called tolis and move in colonies - applying colours and exchanging greetings. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak and mouthwatering Holi delicacies are the other highlights of the day. Expression of LoveLovers too long to apply colours on their beloved. This has a popular legend behind it. It is said that the naughty and mischievous Lord Krishna started the trend of playing colours. He applied colour on her beloved Radha to make her one like him. The trend soon gained popularity amongst the masses. No wonder, there is no match to the Holi of Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana - the places associated with the birth and childhood of Radha and Krishna.
strong>Ecstasy of BhangThere is also a tradition of consuming the very intoxicating bhang on this day to further enhance the spirit of Holi. It is so much fun to watch the otherwise sober people making a clown of themselves in full public display. Some, however, take bhang in excess and spoil the spirit. Caution should therefore be taken while consuming bhang delicacies. Sober EveningAfter a funfilled and exciting day, the evenings the spent in sobriety when people meet friends and relatives and exchange sweets and festive greetings.
It is said the spirit of Holi encourages the feeling of brotherhood in society and even the enemies turn friend on this day. People of all communities and even religions participate in this joyous and colouful festival and strenthen the secular fabric of the nation.

Valentine Day by spending less

How to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much Valentines is a few days away, and you have no idea what to get for your sweetheart this year. With the economy being the way it is, it's hard to spend money on his lovely day. Here are some easy tips on how you can spend this Valentines with your sweetheart without spending so much money - by using the things you already have at home!
.Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions.1. Breakfast in bed - What a great way to surprise your sweetheart in the morning! Wake up a little earlier to cook your sweetie something yummy. Maybe heart-shaped pancakes or waffles with fruit and sweet syrup, cranberry juice, some eggs and sausages. Decorate it with some red/pink flower petals from outside.

2. Write a love letter - Who doesn't like a love letter written by hand FROM the heart? Whether you are a poet or a beginner, as long as it's heartfelt and from YOU! You can write it, and stick in an old bottle with a cork.3. Home made coupons - Not like coupons from a store to save $1.00 on an item! Romantic and sweet coupons redeemable anytime - such as foot rubs, kisses, massages, etc... Just need colorful paper and pens and a stapler:)

4. Movie and cuddles at home - Rent a movie you both will enjoy, set up a nice little area in front of the TV (blankets, candles, dim lights, popcorn and sweets). It's WAY better than paying for all that and sitting on uncomfortable movie seats!

5. Romantic walk - If you are the outdoorsy type, you and your loved one can go on a romantic walk along the beach, and enjoy the sunset together. If you are not close to the beach, maybe you can enjoy a nice walk by the park and end with laying under the night sky with a blanket:)
.Read more: How to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4736924_romantic-valentines-day-spending-much.html#ixzz1CDgm0QBu
Tips & Warnings
Enjoy things together. Pick things you and your sweetheart would like to do together!.You don't have to spend money to make Valentine's day romantic!.
Read more: How to enjoy a romantic Valentines Day without spending much | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4736924_romantic-valentines-day-spending-much.html#ixzz1CDhCHxH4

custom

How did the custom of kissing start? The custom of kissing swept from France through Europe to Russia, where Russian nobility loved to ape the French. Eventually, the kiss was incorporated into marriage ceremonies, and today lip-locks couples into sweet matrimony.

The custom of kissing today, as well as in ancient times, serves to show respect, and to pay homage to another. For example, early Romans kissed each other on the mouth or on the eyes to greet one another in a manner they deemed to be a dignified. One Roman emperor even ranked a person's importance by the body part he was allowed to kiss. He allowed important nobles to kiss his lips, less important ones to kiss his hands, and the least important ones to kiss his feet.

In Russia, the highest sign of recognition from the Crown meant a kiss from the Tsar himself. Today, natives of many African tribes pay homage to their Chief by kissing the ground over which he has walked.

valentine day's cards

<em>How did Valentine's Day cards begin?
Believing that birds began to mate on February 14, people in the Middle Ages started the card tradition by sending love letters on that day.
In the 15th century, singing and spoken valentines were slowly replaced by written letters in Europe. The first written valentine is credited to Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who wrote love poems to his wife while he was in prison in 1415. By the beginning of the 16th century, valentines were almost always written.

Early valentines were hand made on colored paper. Often they were tinted with water colors and inks. Other types of valentines found during this era were:

Acrostic - the first line of the verses spelled out the recipient's name
Cutout - the paper was folded and cut into a lace-like design using small, pointed scissors.
Pinprick - using a pin or needle, tiny holes were punched in the paper to make it look like lace.
Theorem or Poonah - a stencil was used to help paint on designs that stood for words. For example, the word foot would be replaced by a picture of a foot.
Puzzle Purse - the paper was a folded puzzle with verses written in the folds. Each verse must be read in a specific order and the puzzle refolded correctly.
Fraktur - the letters were written in a decorative style to imitate the illuminated manuscripts used in the Middle Ages.

The 1800s saw valentines made by factory workers. Black and white pictures were painted by the workers in the early part of the century. By the end of the 1800s, the cards were made by machines. These cards were elaborately decorated with gold leaf, satin, lace and flowers.

In 1840, the first mass produced valentine's cards where made in America. Esther Howland, who sold $5,000 worth of the cards in her first year, created them.

Did You Know?
In the United States over 1 billion valentine cards are sent each year.
Valentine's Day is celebrated in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.
Parents get 1 out of every 5 valentines.
Women buy 85% of all valentines.

flowers

<strong>How did flowers and lace join Valentine's Day?

Most of the items linked to Valentine's Day came from old-fashioned customs that used lace handkerchiefs and floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages. When the custom went out of style for everyday use, the original meaning was lost and eventually they became part of the Valentine's Day tradition. Giving flowers dates back to the 1700s when Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian custom of "the language of flowers" to Europe. Books about the meanings of particular flowers were published, and entire conversations could be carried out using only a bouquet of flowers.
The rose has become the traditional Valentine's Day flower. As it has always been a popular flower, the meaning of the red rose is still well known as the flower of passion and love. The red rose is also the favorite flower of Venus, the goddess of love, which helped give the rose its symbolic meaning.

LaceCenturies ago, a woman would drop her handkerchief in front of the man she liked. This was a form of encouragement to him, and if he picked it up for her an introduction could be made. Lace has always been part of women's handkerchiefs, and it has since been linked to romance.

CupidHe is the winged child whose arrows are shot into the hearts of potential lovers. His victims are supposed to fall deeply in love with someone. In both Greek and Roman mythology Cupid is the son of the goddess of love and is always part of celebration of love and lovers.

The heart
The heart is linked to Valentine's Day because it was once considered the source of all human emotions. The custom of drawing a heart shape is believed to come from early attempts to draw an organ no one had ever seen. The symbol progressed to become known as a sign of love.

Why does an X mean a kiss?In the Middle Ages, a lot of people couldn't read or write. When they had to sign a document, they would make an X in place of their name. In front of witnesses the signer would kiss the X to show themselves trustworthy. The kiss has since come to be represented by an X.

It's for the birds:
Lovebirds are often part of Valentine's Day. Found in Africa, these brightly colored birds sit very close together with their mates, earning them their name. Doves are also part of the tradition. They are symbols of love and loyalty because they mate for life. A pair of doves will also share the care of all their babies.

Love knotsA love knot is a symbol of everlasting love, because its winding loops have no beginnings or ends. In times past, they were made of ribbon or drawn on paper to prove ones undying love.

Did you know? Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are the biggest holidays for giving flowers.
One of the earliest Valentine's Day gifts were candies. The most common were chocolates in heart shaped boxes.
Mostly men buy the millions of boxes of candy and the millions of bouquets of flowers produced for each Valentine's Day.

valentine day

Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day?

We celebrate Valentine's Day, because until 1969, it was one of the many Saint's Days observed by the Catholic Church. It was dedicated to the patron saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine.

Although it was removed from the Church's calendar in 1969, the religious meaning coupled with Valentine's Day's roots in Roman paganism have allowed it to continue as a holiday for everyone.

Early Christians saw Valentine's Day as a way to honor St. Valentine, of whom there were actually three. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints by that name, all who were martyred on February 14.

The St. Valentine the day is named for was, most likely, a priest in the 3rd century who performed secret marriages when the Roman Emperor Claudius II thought single soldiers were more likely to enlist in the army. That St. Valentine was imprisoned and executed on February 4, 270. It is believed he was responsible for giving the jailer's blind daughter back her eyesight, and before his execution, he sent herss a note saying, "From your Valentine." The phrase is still widely used on valentines today.

It wasn't until 1537 that St. Valentine's day was declared an official holiday. England's King Henry VIII, known for his ways of disposing of wives, declared February 14th a holiday. It was another century and a half before religious devotional cards became non-religious cards to reflect the change in the holiday.

In 496 A.D., February 14, was declared in the name of St. Valentine by Pope Gelasius. It remained a Church holiday until 1969, when Pope Paul VI took it from the calender.

On February 14, the ancient Romans celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia in honor of Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was also the goddess of womesn and marriage so honoring her was thought to be a fertility rite.

At the feast held the next day, the women would write love letters and stick them in a large urn. The men would pick a letter from the urn and for the next year, pursue the woman who wrote the chosen letter. This custom lasted until the 1700s when people decided their beloveds should be chosen by sight, not luck.

chinning bar

Chinning Bar

mumbai

The Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai is located adjacent to the Prince of Wales Museum and facing Elphistone College. It is situated in Kala Ghoda in the Fort area of Mumbai. This comes under the Colaba area. It is the ideal venue for artists to display their work. Its history is associated with the renaissance of Indian art.

How to reach:
As the Jehangir Art Gallery is located in Mumbai, there are number of means of reaching this place. The visitors can avail the help of local trains, buses, taxis and auto rickshaws. Faraway tourists can take the help of air service to reach the Sahar or Santacruz airport.

Places of Interest:
The Jehangir Art Gallery is India's most famous art gallery and a tourist attraction. Sir Cowasji Jehangir founded it at the request of K.K.Hebbar and Homi Bhabha in the year 1952. Sir Jehangir donated the total cost of the mansion. The Bombay Art Society manages it. It has 4 exhibition halls. The Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai has a very famous café of Samovar, which refreshes the memories of the 70s socialist culture. Entry is free for all. This prime art gallery looks after the artistic taste of the viewers. This gallery is Mumbai's highly visible art galleries. Artists consider it as a great treat to be able to display their works of art in this gallery. There is a vast list of applicants who desire to put up their work up on the gallery. This is very concrete evidence that the gallery is highly important and attracts the attention of the media, like none else. It is open on all days. The timings are 11 am to 7 pm. The gallery is considered to be the uncrowned Mecca of Art in the Mumbai City. The works of art displayed in the gallery often change with time. The plaza in front of the building is often filled with artists that offer their works for sale and their talents for commission assignments.

Shopping:
From Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai the tourists can reach various places for shopping. Crawford market is popular for flowers, fruits, meat and fish. The Mereweather Road behind the Taj Mahal Hotel has a very good collection of colorful and innovative carpets. The range of products available here is extensive, exclusive and expensive.


Nehru Planetarium Mumbai
Page Title: Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai is a unique department of astronomy associated with the Nehru Science Center. Nehru Planetarium was commissioned on 3 rd March 1977. Over the time it has grown into a Center for scientific study of astronomy, as well a meeting Center for scientists, and scholars. These meetings are held often wherein, various discussions and lectures are held periodically on various stellar and Astronomical events.

Activities
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai holds several programs aimed at inspiring students. The list programs include Science quiz contests, Astro-painting, Science elocution, Astro-poetry, and Astro-quiz competitions. The greatest attractions for students are the special arrangements made to watch study and study the Solar and Lunar eclipses. Similar arrangements are made for many other events such as meteoroids showers. Telescopes are installed outside the Planetarium for the visitors to watch these phenomena.
Young amateurs are given an opportunity to see the solar system from close. They can also find out their weight on each planet. The Dome shaped planetarium everyday reveals the amazing mysteries of the space.

Theatre Programme
Currently Nehru Planetarium is running the 31 st sky theatre programme called “Awesome Universe�. As part of the theatre program they also are also showing a 45 minutes presentation called as the “Wonders of the Universe� Further, Nehru Planetarium also has a Mini Planetarium, which, they take to rural areas. Special programs are run for rural people to make them aware of the astronomical progress.

Digistar 3 technology
The planetarium has replaced their traditional planetarium equipment Carl Zesis Universal Projector to Digistar-3 Planetarium Equipment. The latest technology has enhanced the virtual space experience for the visitors.

Visiting Nehru Planetarium
Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai is located next to the Mahalaxmi Race Course. The building can be seen as big doom shaped architecture, which can be rarely unnoticed. Reaching to Nehru Planetarium is very easy. There are numerous government buses that run on this route, or you can hire a taxi. If going by local train get down at the Mahalaxmi Station and hire a taxi. The Planetarium is open only in daytime normally from 1 to 5. Confirm the weekly holiday before you plan your trip. The theatre shows are in Hindi, English, and Marathi as well and the charges to watch them are very nominal.

Hotels in Mumbai
Sun-n-sand Hotel Marine Plaza hotel
Mirador Hotel Eastern International Hotel
Ramee Guestline Hotel Gordon House Hotel Victoria and Albert Museum Mumbai

Introduction:
Mumbai is the largest of all the populated cities in Maharashtra and is also the capital of Maharashtra too. Mumbai facilitates everything ranging from luxurious facilities to the most drastic diseases and from leading hosts for business centers to the biggest slums. Mumbai is the main business center of almost whole of India. Mumbai is one of the major cities in the world that is known for leading in anything and everything. Mumbai is too vast and many interesting sight seeing places are available in this city. Mumbai has many display museums in the city.

The old and present condition:
The Victoria and Albert Museum, some people rarely know Mumbai. Some don't even know whether it exists or no. Some of the people know it by the name of Bhau Daji Lad Museum . Victoria and Albert Museum, Mumbai is one of the oldest museums in this city. It has been named after the original museum located in India. It was named in the year 1872. This museum has been under renovation for almost one and a half year under the supervision of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Mumbai . This museum is situated in between the gardens called as the Jijamata Udyan . It was also known as the Victoria Garden/Zoo. One may rarely find such a beautiful garden, which provides as a backdrop this old museum, and bring life to it. It is just a single storeyed square building, which looks totally old and ruined, and one may not even expect it to be the actual museum. This museum has been lived so long that even the labels on the information panels have turned yellow and rusted. There are heavy glass cases and oversized pedestals present in this museum. This look has been changed with the help of INTACH.

History:
This Victoria and Albert museum, Mumbai was built due to the idea of Dr. Buist , in the year 1884 when the whole country was under the rule of East India Company. Dr. Buist was a collector. His Idea flourished and gave birth to various other museums like the Central Museum of Natural History, Economy, Geology, Industry and Arts . The then Governor of Bombay Presidency, Lord Elphistone , was among its first patrons

Hotels in Mumbai
Taj Mahal Heritage Hotel Ramada Palm Grove Hotel
Kohinoor Continental Hotel Orchid Hotel
Hilton Towers Hotel Lotus Suites Hotel

musuem

Museums in Mumbai

Mumbai the economic capital India is more known for its glamour and business. But the city also has secured some of the rarest and precious historic objects. Museums in Mumbai house few of the finest and rarest objects from different ears of the Indian culture. The diversity in the collection of the museums speaks of the Indian diversity and rich culture.
Prince of Wales Museum

Located just next to the Gateway of India, the prince of Wales Museum houses the rare paintings and objects from the Indus civilization. The Museum has the rare collection of the Ancient miniature paintings, which is the biggest in India. A special gallery has been dedicated to east culture wherein objects from the Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, and Nepal history have been displayed. This museum is also known as the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralay

Bombay Natural History Society

Located near the Hornbill House the Bombay Natural History Society exhibits interesting specimens on natural history. BNHS is the largest non - governmental organization in India undertaking conservation of nature and natural resources, education, and research in natural history.

Best Transport Museum

Located in Wadala the Best Transport Museum features amateur mini models of Best buses and the ancient trams. One its own kind the Best transport museum is worth giving a look.

Antarang

Located in Kamathipura Antarang is only sex museum in India.

Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum

Located in the heart of the city in the Victoria gardens Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum has articles that are related mainly to industrial and agriculture interest.

FD Alapaiwalla Museum

Located near the Kemps Corner FD Alapaiwalla Museum has a interesting collection of artifacts which also includes a silver clock belonging to Sir Jamshedjee Jejeebhoy.

Mani Bhavan

Located near the Gamdevi Mani Bhavan is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. He stayed in the house between 1917 and 1934 every time he visited Mumbai. The building contains a picture gallery a library and film and recording archive.

- Nehru Planetarium, Mumbai
- National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai
- Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
- Mani Bhawan, Mumbai
- Town Hall - Asiatic Library, Mumbai
- Bombay Natural History Museum, Mumbai
- Archaeological Survey of India Museum, Mumbai
- Indian Museum Ship (Vikrant), Mumbai
- Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
- Victoria and Albert Museum, Mumbai

culture

Culture and population of Mumbai

The Culture and population of Mumbai , is diverse. At present the population of Mumbai is around 18 millions and the density of population in the city is around 45, 662 persons per square kilometers. A survey conducted on the population of Mumbai's population suggests that more than 50% of the city's total population is of non Maharashtrian identity. Throughout India nowhere one can see such varied and diverse population. Among the major groups that has made Bombay their home away from home are the Gujratis, the South Indians, the Parsis and Sindhis and a large number of people from the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar that are scattered all over the city. It is also worthy to note that almost half of the total population dwells in the slums.
Culture of Mumbai:

Mumbai is regarded as one of the most liberal and cosmopolitan cities of India. The residents of Mumbai are called as Mumbaikar . Life in Mumbai is very fast paced. Mumbai has one of the largest networks of local trains in the world. Most of the folks here prefer to stay in proximity to a railway station for an easy access to the metropolis. Many people particularly the city dwellers are left with very little time for leisurely activities due to a significant amount of their time spent in commuting. The city embraces many concepts that are a taboo in many other prominent Indian cities. There is a carefree attitude in the air of Mumbai. Undoubtedly the city can be stated as a melting pot of numerous cultures from different parts of India.
Cultural aspects of Mumbai: I

It won't be wrong to state Mumbai as a microcosm of India. Even though the city is overcrowded in every available space there is a uniqueness that reflects in every aspect of the culture of city such as the food, festivals, architecture, and art. When it comes to food Mumbai is really a junction of multi cuisine foods and fast foods. There is a lot culinary variety like South Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Thai, Mexican, and Lebanese apart from Mumbai's own popular items like Vada Pavs and Bhel Puri . Mumbai is one of the few cities of India that celebrates almost each and every festival of the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and the numerous other communities that dwell in the city. Among the most famous celebrations are the Ganesha festivals, diwali, holi, Christmas, Id, and Moharram. Due to the culture and population of Mumbai , the city remains the most popular city in India.

Hotels in Mumbai
Sun-n-sand Hotel Marine Plaza hotel
Mirador Hotel Eastern International Hotel
Ramee Guestline Hotel Gordon House Hotel

travel

India Travel Photography and Pictures of Mumbai and Sahyadri Nature Hikes, Treks, Forts in Maharashtra and India
This site section contains India Travel photography done by me during my travel to different locations in india. While some photos simply exist to share some great memories with my friends. All images are standard wallpaper size (800X600)
Adjust your monitor: For optimal photographic experience, adjust the contast
& brightness of your monitor to view all the numbers in the image below
300+ !! Download Forts and Treks in India: Mumbai Nasik Drive
Drive to dams and waterfalls around mumbai nasik highway




Diwali Pictures
Pictures of Festival of Diwali(Deepavali), Rangolis, Kandil (lantern) and Fireworks.

Diwali Lantern/Kandil Pictures
Pictures of Lanterns, the Symbol of Festival of Lights: Diwali(Deepavali).


Exotic Lakshadweep Islands, India
Konkan Darshan
Pictures from Konkan coast and villages,
beaches of Ganpatipule, Velneshwar, Hedvi.


Ganesha Visarjan, 2010


Durga Puja Festival
Pictures of Durga Puja Festival, a big indian festival celebrated bigtime in kolkota/West Bengal

Garba Pictures
Colorful Pictures of Garba/Dandiya during Navratri Festival


India Road Trip: Mumbai to Konkan


Tikona Fort, Pawna Region, Lonavala


Picnic and Trekking around Pune, Mumbai


Matheran Trek

Lonavala: Kune Falls & Korigad


Raigad fort pictures
Pictures from Shivaji's Capital fort

Naneghat Trek
Naneghat which has the famous Angtha (Thumb) formation


Lohagad the Iron Fort

Rajgad Fort
Pictures of the Grand fort, once a capital of Shivaji Maharaj.


Purandar Fort Trek, Pune


India Waterfalls Image Gallery


Sunsets and Sunrises from various travel destinations


Beautiful Greenery Pictures
Colletion of greenery pictures in rainy season


Party at Mumbai on SuperStar Libra


More Birds Pictures from Singapore bird park

Amritsar, Punjab


Silonda Nature Trail in Mumbai National Park

Duke's Nose Trek


Train Pictures between Mumbai and Pune
Scenic train routes as it traverses the green valleys of bhor ghat near khandala and lonavala


Ganpati Visarjan 2009


Torna Fort

Ratangad Trek & Bhandardara

Luxury/SuperCar Show: Mumbai: April 2009


Golconda Fort Pictures
Golconda (Golkonda) is a 500 year old grand and huge fort at Hyderabad, India.


Ganpati Pune

Ganesh Visarjan: Girgaum: Mumbai



Ganesha Pictures

Ganesh Pictures



Nakhind

Karnala Trek


Hampi, India: The Glorious Ancient Kingdom

Mumbai Air Show


Kumbh Mela: Nashik


Mumbai Pune Expressway Travel



Rajmachi Fort

Prabalgad Trek


Gorakhgad Trek

Mountaineering Basics Camp


National Park Trek, Mumbai

Makar Sankranti


Harishchandragad

Flamingos at sewri, Mumbai


Bhimashankar Trek

Peth (Kothligad) Fort

Kanheri Caves & National Park
(Aug 2002)