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Kanchipuram is the GOLDEN CITY OF THOUSAND TEMPLES.It is also known as kashi or Varanasi of the south india.It is one of the seven MOKSHAPURIS(VIZ AYODHYA,MATHURA,VARANASI,UJJAIN,HARDWAR AND DWARKA)
KAILASHNATH is the oldest temple of south india.With a pyramd style dome ,the temple is octogonal at the top. It was built by the Pallava king RAJSIMHA IN 700 AD.It predates Shore temple at mahabalipuram andBrheedeeshwara at Thanjavur.
It is SHIVA TEMPLE close to CHENNAI, the state capital.l
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
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Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam now Thailand from 1350 until it was sacked by the Burmese army in 1767. In 1350 the city was founded by Prince U Thong who changed his name to Ramathibodi the First when he ascended to the royal throne a year later. Ramathibodi achieved his power by forging strategic alliances with other Thai royals. His reign brought together in one empire the Khmer rulers of Lop Buri, the Thai in the west, and the Chinese and Malaysian merchants who inhabited the coastal areas. The Khmer stronghold Lop Buri had been the capital but an outbreak of smallpox forced U Thong to move out. He built Ayutthaya and the empire was renamed after the new capital city. The city got its name from the Indian city of Ayodhya. Although the Ramayana was a Hindu tale, it became important in South East Asian culture when Indians started to colonise the region from the 8th century onwards. In 1360 Ramathibodi declared Theravada Buddhism the official religion of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is strategically located at the junction of three rivers: the Chao Phraya (which flows through Bangkok), the Lopburi and the Pa Sak. In 1767, Burma invaded Siam, totally destroying Ayutthaya after a lengthy siege and destroyed its empire. The Burmese King Hsinbyushin took much of the Thai culture back home greatly enriching that of Burma's. Ayutthaya's art treasures, the libraries containing its literature, and the archives housing its historic records were almost totally destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. A new capital was then established at Thonburi on the west side of the river, before King Rama I built his palace on the east bank in 1782. He renamed this new city Krung Thep, meaning the "City of Angels". Krung Thep is more commonly known as Bangkok by foreigners.
The three bell-shaped chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet have become a symbol of Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built by King Boromatrailokanat in 1448. It was reportedly one of the grandest temples in the ancient capital. The front is still one of the best preserved complex but in the back of the temple complex you can still see the destruction done by the Burmese army in 1767. A toppled chedi behind the three chedis of Wat Phra Ai Sanphet and a headless Buddha image.
De historie van Ayutthaya gaat al ver terug. In vroegere tijden was het de belangrijkste stad van Thailand. Het werd in 1350 gesticht als hoofdstad van het Koninkrijk Ayutthaya. Een groot aantal koningen van verschillende dynastieën bouwden de stad vervolgens op tot de grootste en meest belangrijke van Thailand, met ruim een miljoen inwoners en zeer grote welvaart. In 1767 kwam echter een abrupt einde aan de hoogtijdagen van deze voormalige hoofdstad. Een aanval van het Birmese leger legde de stad volkomen plat. Tempels en paleizen werden meedogenloos verwoest. Ruïnes, verspreid over het gehele gebied, doen nu nog herinneren aan deze tijd. Het hart van Ayutthaya is het historisch park, dat is gelegen tegenover het Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Mede door de aanwezigheid van een groot aantal tempels is dit park opgenomen op de UNESCO werelderfgoedlijst. De meest belangrijke tempelruïne van Ayutthaya is de Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Deze restanten in het historische deel maakten deel uit van het Koninklijk Paleis. Hoge spitse torens, de zogenaamde chedis met relieken van Boeddha, geven een beeld van hoe het moet zijn geweest. Tussen de donkerrode bakstenen ruïnes staan grote gerestaureerde boeddha's. Overigens kent de historie van Ayutthaya ook nog een Nederlands tintje. In 1608 vestigden de Nederlandse zeevaarders van de VOC een handelspost in deze stad. Nederland kreeg hier zelfs een monopoliepositie voor het verhandelen van dierenhuiden. De handel vanuit Ayutthaya met landen als Japan en India was zeer lucratief voor de Nederlanders. Uiteindelijk kwam er in 1767 een einde aan de Nederlandse handelspost, toen de stad door de Birmezen werd verwoest.
Photographed 29 May 2018, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand
Visakha Bucha Day - the celebratory day to commemorate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing, took place on 31 May 2018. In Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital, this holiest Buddhist holiday was marked by spectacular candlelight processions through ancient ruins and tranquil monasteries.
Visakha Bucha is a national public holiday in Thailand. In Ayutthaya, the day was a profound cultural and spiritual event, blending ancient history with vibrant local participation. Devotees circumambulated the main chapel or stupa three times holding a lighted candle, three incense sticks, and lotus flowers, symbolizing the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha).
Photographed 29 May 2018, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand
Visakha Bucha Day - the celebratory day to commemorate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing, took place on 31 May 2018. In Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital, this holiest Buddhist holiday was marked by spectacular candlelight processions through ancient ruins and tranquil monasteries.
Visakha Bucha is a national public holiday in Thailand. In Ayutthaya, the day was a profound cultural and spiritual event, blending ancient history with vibrant local participation. Devotees circumambulated the main chapel or stupa three times holding a lighted candle, three incense sticks, and lotus flowers, symbolizing the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha).
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Karthikeya is the Hindu god of war. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the army of the devas. Kartikeya symbols are based on the weapons that he carries and his mount the peacock.
Chhau dance
Chhau dance is a genre of Indian tribal martial dance, and is perhaps the oldest masked dance in the world, having originated in the soldiers barracks (chhauni) of the past when Rarh (part of Bengal and Bihar state of India) was a mighty military nation. It is popular in the Indian states of Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. There are three subgenres of the dance, based on its places of origin and development - Seraikella Chhau, Mayurbhanj Chhau and Purulia Chhau.
In 2010 the Chhau dance was inscribed in the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Chhau dance is mainly performed during spring festival of Chaitra Parva which lasts for thirteen days. The Chhau blends within it forms of both dance and martial practices employing mock combat techniques, stylized gaits of birds and animals and movements based on the chores of village housewives. The dance is performed by male dancers from families of traditional artists, and is performed at night in an open space with traditional and folk music, played on the reed pipes mohuri and shehnai with a variety of drums accompanying the music ensemble including the dhol, dhumsa (a large kettle drum) and kharka or chad-chadi. The themes for these dances include local legends, folklore and episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and other abstract themes like Mahishasura Mardini. The Chhau dance is mainly performed by the Munda, Mahato, Kalindi, Pattnaik, Samal, Daroga, Mohanty, Acharya, Bhol, Kar, Dubey, and Sahoo communities. The musical accompaniment for the dance is provided by people of communities known as Mukhis, Kalindis, Ghadheis and Dhadas who are also involved in the making of the instruments.
Masks are the integral part of Chhau Dance in Purulia and Seraikella where the craft of mask-making is undertaken by communities of traditional painters known as Maharanas, Mohapatras and Sutradhars.
Charida - the village of traditional ‘Chhau mask’ makers.
Charida village is a must see tourist destiny in Purulia district within the state of West Bengal, India, for its traditional artisans of ‘Chhau masks’. Being located in the foothills of Ayodhya it is 5 kilometers from Bagmundih and 29 kilometers from Balarampur. The nearest railway station is Balarampur which is just 16 kilometers from Charida. From Kolkata you can reach Purulia town by train, bus or car and then to Bagmundih or Balrampur from where you can plan your visit to Charida to experience and see the artisans at work.
Chhau is famous for its colorful dress and the mask. Charida is a village of artisans who for generations have been engaged in the making of Chau mask. They are called sutradhars or wood carvers by caste. Surprisingly, these artisans know their Gods and Goddesses and their stories by heart. About 250 artisan families in Charida are involved in this art of mask making. It requires deft hands to create these large masks having powerful expression of the characters, because the facial expressions cannot be shown during the act.
Subject of Chau dance has changed with time. Earlier it used to be mythological stories from the Ramayana but now a days storyline has changed with time in few performances. Certain acrobatic form has been incorporated, performed by an individual, not connected to the storyline, rather for mere entertainment, as I have seen very recently at Gope Garh Eco Park, West Midnapore, West Bengal. I will share these photographs later on.
Photographed 29 May 2018, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand
Visakha Bucha Day - the celebratory day to commemorate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing, took place on 31 May 2018. In Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital, this holiest Buddhist holiday was marked by spectacular candlelight processions through ancient ruins and tranquil monasteries.
Visakha Bucha is a national public holiday in Thailand. In Ayutthaya, the day was a profound cultural and spiritual event, blending ancient history with vibrant local participation. Devotees circumambulated the main chapel or stupa three times holding a lighted candle, three incense sticks, and lotus flowers, symbolizing the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha).
Diwali (also spelled Devali in certain regions) or Deepavali, popularly known as the "festival of lights", is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.
The name Diwali is itself a contraction of the word "Deepavali" (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into "row of lamps". Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas, or dīpa in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.
Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama along with Sita and Lakshman from his fourteen-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst crackers.
In Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC. In Sikhism, Deepavali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 52 Hindu kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by defeating Emperor Jahangir; the people lit candles and diyas to celebrate his return. This is the reason Sikhs also refer to Deepavali as Bandi Chhorh Divas, "the day of release of detainees". Deepavali is widely celebrated in both India and Nepal.
The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. Amavasya, the second day of Deepawali, marks the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who in his dwarf incarnation vanquished the tyrant Bali, and banished him to hell. Bali was allowed to return to earth once a year, to light millions of lamps to dispel the darkness and ignorance, and spread the radiance of love and wisdom. It is on the third day of Deepawali — Kartika Shudda Padyami - that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj) and on this day sisters invite
In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it's a celebration of South-Asian identities.
While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. The celebration of Deepavali as the "victory of good over evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This brings Ananda (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light.
While the story behind Deepavali and the manner of celebration varies from region to region (festive fireworks, worship, lights, sharing of sweets), the essence is the same – to rejoice in the Inner Light (Atman) or the underlying Reality of all things (Brahman).
Source : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
© all rights reserved
Please take your time... and enjoy it large on black
Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam now Thailand from 1350 until it was sacked by the Burmese army in 1767. In 1350 the city was founded by Prince U Thong who changed his name to Ramathibodi the First when he ascended to the royal throne a year later. Ramathibodi achieved his power by forging strategic alliances with other Thai royals. His reign brought together in one empire the Khmer rulers of Lop Buri, the Thai in the west, and the Chinese and Malaysian merchants who inhabited the coastal areas. The Khmer stronghold Lop Buri had been the capital but an outbreak of smallpox forced U Thong to move out. He built Ayutthaya and the empire was renamed after the new capital city. The city got its name from the Indian city of Ayodhya. Although the Ramayana was a Hindu tale, it became important in South East Asian culture when Indians started to colonise the region from the 8th century onwards. In 1360 Ramathibodi declared Theravada Buddhism the official religion of Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya is strategically located at the junction of three rivers: the Chao Phraya (which flows through Bangkok), the Lopburi and the Pa Sak. In 1767, Burma invaded Siam, totally destroying Ayutthaya after a lengthy siege and destroyed its empire. The Burmese King Hsinbyushin took much of the Thai culture back home greatly enriching that of Burma's. Ayutthaya's art treasures, the libraries containing its literature, and the archives housing its historic records were almost totally destroyed, and the city was left in ruins. A new capital was then established at Thonburi on the west side of the river, before King Rama I built his palace on the east bank in 1782. He renamed this new city Krung Thep, meaning the "City of Angels". Krung Thep is more commonly known as Bangkok by foreigners.
The three bell-shaped chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet have become a symbol of Ayutthaya. Wat Phra Si Sanphet was built by King Boromatrailokanat in 1448. It was reportedly one of the grandest temples in the ancient capital. The front is still one of the best preserved complex but in the back of the temple complex you can still see the destruction done by the Burmese army in 1767. But this little headless Buddha image seems quite new.
De historie van Ayutthaya gaat al ver terug. In vroegere tijden was het de belangrijkste stad van Thailand. Het werd in 1350 gesticht als hoofdstad van het Koninkrijk Ayutthaya. Een groot aantal koningen van verschillende dynastieën bouwden de stad vervolgens op tot de grootste en meest belangrijke van Thailand, met ruim een miljoen inwoners en zeer grote welvaart. In 1767 kwam echter een abrupt einde aan de hoogtijdagen van deze voormalige hoofdstad. Een aanval van het Birmese leger legde de stad volkomen plat. Tempels en paleizen werden meedogenloos verwoest. Ruïnes, verspreid over het gehele gebied, doen nu nog herinneren aan deze tijd. Het hart van Ayutthaya is het historisch park, dat is gelegen tegenover het Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Mede door de aanwezigheid van een groot aantal tempels is dit park opgenomen op de UNESCO werelderfgoedlijst. De meest belangrijke tempelruïne van Ayutthaya is de Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Deze restanten in het historische deel maakten deel uit van het Koninklijk Paleis. Hoge spitse torens, de zogenaamde chedis met relieken van Boeddha, geven een beeld van hoe het moet zijn geweest. Tussen de donkerrode bakstenen ruïnes staan grote gerestaureerde boeddha's. Overigens kent de historie van Ayutthaya ook nog een Nederlands tintje. In 1608 vestigden de Nederlandse zeevaarders van de VOC een handelspost in deze stad. Nederland kreeg hier zelfs een monopoliepositie voor het verhandelen van dierenhuiden. De handel vanuit Ayutthaya met landen als Japan en India was zeer lucratief voor de Nederlanders. Uiteindelijk kwam er in 1767 een einde aan de Nederlandse handelspost, toen de stad door de Birmezen werd verwoest.
Photographed 29 May 2018, Ayutthaya Historical Park, Ayutthaya, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand
Visakha Bucha Day - the celebratory day to commemorate the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing, took place on 31 May 2018. In Ayutthaya, the former Siamese capital, this holiest Buddhist holiday was marked by spectacular candlelight processions through ancient ruins and tranquil monasteries.
Visakha Bucha is a national public holiday in Thailand. In Ayutthaya, the day was a profound cultural and spiritual event, blending ancient history with vibrant local participation. Devotees circumambulated the main chapel or stupa three times holding a lighted candle, three incense sticks, and lotus flowers, symbolizing the Three Jewels (the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha).
Diwali----the Hindu festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals in India, Diwali or Dīpāvali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas—cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. The festival of Diwali extends over five days. Because of the lights, fireworks, and sweets involved, it's a great favorite with children.
A row of lights:
The name of the festival comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning row of lights. Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' because houses, shops, and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called diyas. These lamps, which are traditionally fueled by mustard oil, are placed in rows in windows, doors and outside buildings to decorate them. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi(Goddess of wealth) find her way into people's homes. On the day of Diwali / Deepavali, many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks.
Legend:
In Hinduism, across many parts of India it is the homecoming of Rama after a 14-year exile in the forest and his victory over Ravana. In the legend, the people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (dĭpa), thus its name: dīpāwali.
Fireworks:
Fireworks are also a big part of the Diwali celebrations, although in recent years there has been a move against them because of noise and atmospheric pollution.
Lakshmi puja:
For hinuds the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Special prayers are held in evening(it's the most important ritual of Diwali)--people worship Goddess Lakshmi. People start the new business year at Diwali, and some Hindus will say prayers to the goddess for a successful year. Some business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day.
Hindus will leave the windows and doors of their houses open so that Lakshmi can come in. Rangoli are drawn on the floors - rangoli are patterns and the most popular subject is the lotus flower. This because images of Lakshmi traditionally show her either holding a lotus or sitting on one. There is much feasting and celebration, and the Diwali lamps are regarded as making it easy for Lakshmi to find her way to houses.
Gifts:
Like Christmas in the West, Diwali is very much a time for buying and exchanging gifts. Traditionally sweets and dried fruit were very common gifts to exchange, but the festival has become a time for serious shopping-clothes, electronics, cars, two wheelers, gold, silver, kitchen utensils, etc etc. Shops are flooded with people on the eve of festival. It is also best time of year to redecorate homes.
Wishing all my flickr friends-Very happy Diwali: may the light of joy and prosperity shine on you this Diwali and throughout the coming year.
For best view:View On Black
© Angela M. Lobefaro
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Ayutthaya (full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thai: พระนครศรีอยุธยา; also spelled "Ayudhya") city is the capital of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. The city was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong and became capital of his kingdom. The king came to escape smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri. Often referred as the Ayutthaya kingdom or Siam. Ayutthaya was named after the city of Ayodhya in India, the birthplace of Rama in the Ramayana (Thai, Ramakien). In 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army, and the ruins of the old city now form the Ayutthaya historical park, which is recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was refounded a few kilometers to the east.
Hanuman Ghari is a very important Hindu temple of Shri Hanuman, situated in the Holy city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh (India)
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
I took physical adress and a few days later could bring back the printed pictures. It was like a game finding the place since it ws in a village outside of the city.
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
04242 Ayodhya Cantt - Mankapur passenger waiting for a crossing with 22549 Gorakhpur - Lucknow Vande Bharat Express at Tikri, Gonda district.
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Charida, is a village of 308 skilled mask makers of the celebrated dance form of the region, Chau dance. It is an acrobatic martial art based dance form inscribed in UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This quaint village in the land of red soil is located at the scenic foothills of the Ayodhya Hills, about 5 km from Baghmundi.
The tradition of Chau mask making started in Charida about 150 years back during the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi. The Chau Mask has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag . The vibrant, colourful and elaborate masks convey the vigorous intent of the art form that portrays animals or characters from the epics. One can experience the tedious task of making the elaborate masks from scratch directly from the artists.
A Rural Craft Hub has been developed at Charida by Government of West Bengal's Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises & Textiles, in association with UNESCO.
Ayuthaya (full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayuthaya, Thai: พระนครศรีอยุธยา; also spelled "Ayudhya", "Ayutthya") city is the capital of Ayuthaya province in Thailand.
Founded in 1350 by King U-Thong, who came to escape a smallpox outbreak in Lop Buri and proclaimed it the capital of his kingdom, often referred to as the Ayuthaya Kingdom or Siam.
Ayuthaya was named after the city of Ayodhya in India, the birthplace of Rama in the Ramayana (Thai, Ramakien). In 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army, and the ruins of the old city now form the Ayuthaya historical park.
The site is recognized internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is the ruins of the old Wiharn at Wat Thammikarat.
Quite beautifully decorated KJM WDP-4D twins, one in normal lviery and the other in KJM's preferred bleed blue livery, coast down the gradient at around 110kmph pulling Karnataka's Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshana special pilgrimage train headed towards Arsikere.
When walking around New Delhi and getting lost in the backstreets, I came to an active area where everyone was selling accoutrements for the Diwali festival. I think the ladies knew that I was not a potential buyer, but all of them on the street were very happy to show me what they had to sell. Delhi itself is a very gray and dusty town, so it makes these colorful outfits and flowers stand out even more.
from the blog at www.stuckincustoms.com
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Krishna and is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven cities considered holy by Hindus: Ayodhya (Rama), Mathura (Krishna), Haridwar (Vishnu), Varanasi (Shiva), Kanchipuram (Parvati), Ujjain (Shiva) and Dwarka (Krishna).
Diwali---the Hindu festival of lights, is the most popular of all the festivals in India, Diwali or Dīpāvali is a significant festival in Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Adherents of these religions celebrate Diwali as the Festival of Lights. They light diyas—cotton string wicks inserted in small clay pots filled with oil—to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual.
A row of lights:
The name of the festival comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali, meaning row of lights. Diwali is known as the 'festival of lights' because houses, shops, and public places are decorated with small earthenware oil lamps called diyas. These lamps, which are traditionally fueled by mustard oil, are placed in rows in windows, doors and outside buildings to decorate them. The lamps are lit to help the goddess Lakshmi(Goddess of wealth) find her way into people's homes.
Legend:
In Hinduism, across many parts of India it is the homecoming of Rama after a 14-year exile in the forest and his victory over Ravana. In the legend, the people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (dĭpa), thus its name: dīpāwali.
Fireworks:
Fireworks are also a big part of the Diwali celebrations, although in recent years there has been a move against them because of noise and atmospheric pollution.
Lakshmi puja:
For hinuds the festival honours Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Special prayers are held in evening(it's the most important ritual of Diwali)--people worship Goddess Lakshmi. People start the new business year at Diwali, and some Hindus will say prayers to the goddess for a successful year. Some business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day.
Gifts:
Like Christmas in the West, Diwali is very much a time for buying and exchanging gifts. Traditionally sweets and dried fruit were very common gifts to exchange, but the festival has become a time for serious shopping-clothes, electronics, cars, two wheelers, gold, silver, kitchen utensils, etc etc. Shops are flooded with people on the eve of festival. It is also best time of year to redecorate homes.
Wishing all my flickr friends-Very happy Diwali: may the light of joy and prosperity shine on you this Diwali and throughout the coming year.