A hundred and five kilometres away from Ahmedabad lies Modhera, home to an exquisitely crafted Sun Temple that delights the aesthetic senses, stimulates historical curiosity and inspires feelings for the divine.

The craft of Bidar

An ancient art, using techniques that still baffle scientists, Bidriware has emerged as a distinctive craft that is famed for its intricacy and exclusiveness.

I am a Muslim and profoundly conscious of the fact that I have inherited Islam’s glorious traditions of the last thirteen hundred years. I am not prepared to lose even a small part of that legacy…I am equally proud of the fact that I am an Indian, an essential part of the invisible unity of Indian nationhood, a vital factor in its total make-up without which its noble edifice will remain incomplete. I can never give up this sincere claim. It was India’s historic destiny that its soil should become the destination of many different caravans of races, cultures and religions. Even before the dawn of history’s morning, they started their trek into India and the process has continued since.

Maulana Azad

Especially hand crafted cotton sarees of West Bengal have been carrying forward the handloom traditions of the region for almost the last five hundred years. The ‘Tant’ sarees, as they are called, provide comfort to the wearer by virtue of their lightweight nature, making them handy for every occasion.

The Blue Houses of Jodhpur

Painted in blue, traditional houses with ingenious architecture, beautiful aesthetics and undying cultural values have evolved over a period of five hundred years in the city of Jodhpur, offering a visual treat and giving the beautiful city its identity of ‘the blue city’.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pali Literature

Pali literature contains the sacred texts of the Buddhists. The nature of literature in the Pali language is basically religious and philosophical. The basic and the most important part of the teachings of Buddha are compiled in the “Tripitaka”s. There are many other texts written in Pali other than the Tripitakas. Pali literature, though originated in India, has also flourished in other countries like Sri Lanka and Myanmar to name a few.

The Parsi/Irani New Year which is based on the vernal equinox is known as Jamshedi Navroz and is celebrated on 21^st March every year. On this day there is the laying of a special table, visiting the Agiary (fire temple), preparation of special sagan nu bhonu (or food eaten on auspicious days) and coming together of the Parsi/Irani community to enjoy the festivities.

Kutchi Bhunga

A Kutchi bhunga is a circular mud hut designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions of the region.  However, this traditional house is made of only natural materials. A treat to the tourist’s eyes are the traditional motifs and the embroidery that often adorn the walls of these otherwise modest homes.

Lac bangles of Hyderabad

Known to be the oldest among all the different types of bangles, these bangles from Hyderabad are famous for their appealing colours and ethnic patterns. Made of lacquer and studded with glass, precious or semi-precious stones, this versatile traditional ornament is worn with pride even by the modern woman.

WITHIN INDIA

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OUTSIDE INDIA

For sheer exuberance of spirit, devotion to her Lord, mastery over language as well as mythology and her ability to speak to us across the centuries, there are few poets who match Andal, the poet-saint in the Vaishnava tradition of South India. Today we cannot identify completely with all her materialistic allusions. There is, however, no disputing the emotions Andal evokes in us of wanting to partake and enjoy the benefits of living in peace together and in praying to one who brings ‘disparate hearts together’ – a very pertinent prayer in our raucous times.