Yantra Mantra (Jaipur)

During the ancient and medieval times there were many in India who developed a fascination for astronomy and there are ample references to stars and planets in Indian myths and legends.

The man who gave a scientific base to these beliefs was Sawai Jai Singh-ll the Maharaja of Jaipur who built five grand observatories called Jantar Mantar (a corrupted version of Yantra Mantra---Yantra for instrument and Mantra for formula), located at Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. All were built between 1724 and 1730 A.D. The observatories, in the words of historian V. Balaswaroop are, "monuments that irradiate a dark period of Indian history."

Birthday Celebration for Breejesh

Breejesh, a young boy from Patna, Bihar. The one thing about him that I would like to remember is he makes a very good cup of coffee. Since the day I came to Bangalore, I never once failed to leave my serviced apartment without a cup of coffee. The sad part of this poor young man is he never knew when he was born, he assume that he is 18 now and ready for marriage.

I decided to celebrate his birthday and invited all his friend to come over to my place. He was very happy and it makes me feel really good to see the smile on his face. I realise then that it takes so little to make someone happy.

" You don't have to do big things to make people happy but the smallest thing that you do will last forever in their heart" -

Ganesha Chaturthi in Bangalore

Idol of Ganesha are sunk in the lake around the country. Here, a group of men carry the an Idol into the Ulsoor Lake, Bangalore

Traditional Feast of Kerala

Onam celebrates the golden age of King Mahabali, the mythical ruler of Kerala. The festivities begin ten days in advance and floral decorations (Pookkalam) adorn every home. Three days before Onam, the Thrikakara Appan, or a cone shaped out of clay adorns the centre of the floral arrangements. The graceful dance of Kaikottikali is performed around the Thrikakara Appan, which is finally immersed in a pond on the fourth day or Chadayam. Caparisoned elephants in a spectacular procession, fireworks and the Kathakali dances, are an integral part of the festivities.Pulikali, also known as Kaduvakali is a common sight during Onam season.
The Vallamkali (boat race) is one of the main attractions of Onam, and is best seen at Aranmulai and Kottayam. The Onam Sandhya or the traditional feast consists of avial, kaalan, olan, erruseri, pulinji and paal ada

Colours of India