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India fascinates not only those living in this country but also to those who search it through Google or satellite map. This is indeed a country that has many features, states, aspects and all this under one roof and this is the sole reason why in the past, the country has seen increase in the footfalls of the visitors. Extraordinary things at ordinary price, of course for outbound tourists, the country is a delight for the eyes as well as for the pocket. For tourists visiting India , the trip is more than just holidaying. Perhaps it is exploring the country that offers spectacular mountains, beautiful beaches, historical episodes echoing in the rugged forts and palaces , stunning temples and churches, wildlife, hand-made crafts and artifacts(extincting from the rest of the world) etc. From spiritual to adventurous, nature's splendor, beauty that may besiege heart and mind, you'll be hooked on to the country for various reasons but the hospitality, love and care of the Indians will leave you awestruck. Famous Hollywood actress Kate Winslet is one such loyal visitor who came for India tour post the success of the movie 'Titanic'. She was so mesmerized by the people that she has found a new home here and even after so many years she keeps coming back to taste the flavors of India.This is also a reminder for all those who still think of India as an old oriental country of snake charmers, poverty, beggars. Today,India stands as a nation with whom the rest of the world wants to develop cordial relationship. A country that will stand tall in another few years, or ever taller than other developed nations in terms of industrialization and growth. That's the charisma of this nation, which has drawn interest of the foreigners to tour India centuries and decades ago and still continue to do so.
First there were floods and then the bomb blasts - so the question on lots of people minds (who were thinking of traveling to India) is whether it is safe to travel to India. Clearly the questions are very valid and the fear tangible. However India continues to be a very safe destination for tourists and we aim to answer such questions through this article. India is a large country and incidents happening in one part of the country do not impact another. Lets start with the flood situation. The floods are localised in parts of Bihar, which is a state in north India. Bihar is not significant from tourism perspective other than places like Gaya, known for their rich Buddhist history. So far floods in Bihar have impacted the districts of Ararea, Purnea, Madhepura, Saharsha and Kursaila. Also in late September there has been heavy rainfall in Himachal which has had some effect on normal life in Shimla and adjoining hills, but again these incidents are far and remote inbetween and effect travel during a certain timeperiod only. The September bomb blasts in Delhi and those earlier in Gujarat have been a cause of concern for general population and the tourists alike. So far though, the impact on everyday life & business has been low. Also the investigative agencies have made progress and nabbed those behind the blasts, which surely should act as some deterrent. Till the situation improves, it is advisable to follow safety precautions such as avoiding crowded places and bazaars, being vigilant while using busy public transport such as trains & buses, not making friends with complete strangers etc, taking good care of your personal and precious belongings etc. Overall the situation all over India remains peacefull and conducive to travel and tourism. One way of judging the overall mood is by looking at the domestic (Indian) tourism sector -where there has been good growth & the travel traffic looks all set to increase again in the coming fall and winter travel season.
The last four days of Sharad Navratri are celebrated as Durga Puja in West Bengal (in East India). This is the biggest festival of the year in this state. Exquisitely crafted and decorated life-size clay idols of the Goddess Durga depicting her slaying the demon Mahisasura are set up in temples and other places. These idols are then worshipped for five days and immersed in the river on the fifth day.
In the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu & Karnataka, Sharad Navratri is celebrated by setting up of Golu or Bombegalu. It is believed that this was a means to invite people home to celebrate the festivities with them. In Karanataka, particularly Mysore on the 10th day the enacting of destruction of evil (Ravana destroyed by Rama) is displayed with the lighting of dolls representing Ravana and forces of evil.
In West India, Sharad Navratri is celebrated with the famous Garba dance. Garba is a circular dance performed by women around an earthenware pot called a garbo. As the dancers whirl around the pot clapping in a steady rhythm with a singer and a drummer provide the musical accompaniment. Another popular form of dance is Dandia-ras or 'stick' dance, in which men and women join the dance circle, holding small polished sticks or dandias. As they whirl to the rhythm of the dance, men and women strike the dandias together.
Another popular celebration of the festival happens in Kullu also known as the valley of Living Gods. A festival procession carrying the idol of Lord Ragunath is led by the Kullu Raja and village deities. The procession starts a week of religious ceremonies, cultural activities, socializing and shopping at the huge bazaar.
With a vast multitude of religions, geographies and climates - there is no shortage of reasons to keep celebrating in India.In the very first post I will tell you about very important celebrations coming up in October .The first festival which is coming is "Navratri Festival".Sharad Navratri FestivalCelebrations: Throughout IndiaDate: Beginning Of OctoberSharad Navratri or Maha Navratri is a Hindu festival of worship and dance. Sharad means "winter" & Navaratri means "nine nights" in Sanskrit. During these nine nights and ten days at the onset of winters, nine forms of female divinity are worshipped. The festival is celebrated during the beginning of October the exact dates determined by the lunar calendar. Sharad Navratris are celebrated in different ways throughout India. In North India, Sharad Navratris are celebrated with much fervor by fasting on all nine days and worshipping the Goddess Parvati in her different forms. The festival culminates in Durga Puja and Dussehra (means "ten days"). The foreign travellers show a great interest in the cultural and heritage tour of India.India is known for its diverse culture and tradition.The rest of the festival will be discussed in next post.
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