A TRADITIONAL GOAN DELICACY

Patoleo

Pataleo, a traditional Goan delicacy, is a sweet and savoury dish that holds a special place in the hearts and palates of Goans. Made primarily during monsoon season on festivals such as Nag Panchami, Chaturthi and also on Feasts, this steamed dish is a labour of love, reflecting Goa's rich culinary heritage. 

The key ingredient in Patoleo is turmeric leaves, which lend a distinct aroma and flavour to the dish. The filling consists of a sweet and sticky mixture of coconut, jaggery and rice flour, often flavoured with cardamom or other spices. The mixture is carefully wrapped in the turmeric leaves, creating small, rectangular parcels. 

After being neatly folded, these parcels are steamed to perfection, resulting in a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Patoleo is a testament to Goa's cultural diversity and the influence of Konkani traditions on its cuisines. It is equally relished by all, irrespective of religion and culture. It’s not a dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that connects generations and preserves the unique flavours of Goa's past.

CELEBRATING THE LORD OF THE MASSES

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of Lord Ganesha. 

It is celebrated in August or September every year for one and a half, five, seven days extending upto 21 days. This festival is about Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, and his arrival on earth with his mother from Mount Kailash. The festival begins by bringing Lord Ganesh's statue/murti and installing it in homes or publically. Goddess Parvati is also worshipped during this time. Festival ends when the murti is immersed in a water body like a lake or ocean, also known as visarjan. It is said that after visarjan, both return to Mount Kailash.

Lord Ganesha is the first God worshiped before new beginnings, big or small. This depicts how important he is and how auspicious his presence is. He is referred to as the "lord of an invocation," "guardian of the multitudes," "god of success," "god of intelligence," and "obstacle remover." "Gana" means "people;" therefore, he is called Ganapati or Ganesh, meaning "lord of the masses."

The festival begins days before its actual dates as people start prepping and gathering items to worship Lord Ganesha. Some buy the murti, and some make it on their own. The house is cleaned before bringing Ganpati home, and the place where the murti is kept is decorated with flowers and colourful decorative items. On the day of the installation, Lord Ganesha is brought home, and his idol is installed with music, dance, happiness, joy, and devotion. Bhajans (holy songs) and aartis (holy chants) are sung twice daily.

Prashad (offerings) are made and offered to Ganpati, and every food item he loves is prepared and offered and then distributed to friends, family, and other people. Modaks and Ladoos are his favorite food items. The date of Ganesh Chaturthi depends on the Chaturthi Tithi. Ganesh Chaturthi is observed on the day of Chaturthi Tithi of Bhadrapad month.

It is said that on the day of visarjan, "Vighnaharta" (the one who takes all the problems away) takes all the obstacles, problems, and sorrow with him and leaves behind happiness, prosperity, and abundance.

Lord Ganesha has many names and has meaning and story behind each one. So let me tell you the story behind his name "Ekdanta," meaning "one toothed." Lord Ganesha has only one tooth. Although he had two, he had to take one out. And the story behind that will blow your minds.

In scriptures, Sage Vyas was asked to write an epic for which he needed someone intelligent. Sage Vyas requested Lord Shiva to help him with the scripture. Lord Shiva asked Lord Ganesha to write the script. But before Sage Vyas began dictating and Lord Ganesha started writing, Sage Vyas insisted that Lord Ganesha would write every word, every hymn only if he understood its meaning. In return, Lord Ganesha put a condition that Sage Vyas must dictate continuously, without any break and if he paused and Lord Ganesha had to halt his pen, he would not resume writing. The process went on for months. Lord Ganesha wrote without missing a single word and its meaning; he knew every word and hymn, which is why he is called the "god of intelligence." When they were in the process of writing, Lord Ganesha ran out of pens, so he pulled out one of his tusks to finish the process. And this is the reason why he is called Ekdanta.

There are so many tales of Lord Ganesha that will bedazzle you and force you to learn more about him.

EXPLORING THE UNIQUE RAKSHA BANDHAN TRADITIONS ACROSS INDIA’S DIFFERENT PARTS

 Threads of tradition

Raksha Bandhan isn’t just about rakhis and sweets; it’s a colourful blend of traditions that change as you move from one state to another in India. From sisters tying vibrant threads on their brothers’ wrists in the North to coastal communities offering coconuts to the sea, every region brings its own unique cultural significance to this sibling celebration. Raksha Bandhan is a festival that beautifully blends love and culture, displaying the rich diversity of India’s traditions. 

Maharashtra: In Maharashtra and other coastal regions, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Naarali Poornima, a festival that centres around the worship of the sea. On this day, the local fishing communities offer coconuts to the sea as a symbol of reverence and to seek blessings from it. People prepare special dishes using coconut as a main ingredient. After the sea worship rituals are completed, the festivities continue with community gatherings, marking the transition from religious observance to joyful celebration.

Rajasthan: While most North Indians celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and praying for their long lives, brothers, in return, vow to protect their sisters from all hardships. However, in the Marwari and Rajasthani communities, the tradition goes a step further. Here, sisters also tie a rakhi, known as a Lumba rakhi, on the bangle of their brother’s wife. The reason behind this unique custom lies in the belief that the wife, considered the ‘ardhangini’ or better half, is an integral part of the brother’s life. The ritual acknowledges that the responsibility of protecting and loving a sister is not just the brother’s duty alone but is shared equally by his wife. This makes the Raksha Bandhan celebration more unique, embracing the sister-in-law as an important part of the tradition.

Madhya Pradesh and Bihar: On this day, mothers and their sons do a special pooja, while farmers worship their land. The celebrations start a week before the main celebration. The wives of farmers go to their fields and collect soil by wrapping it in leaves. The soil is then sown with barley and kept in a thoroughly cleaned and decorated area of the house. This is called the ‘put’. When the seven days are up, mothers take the ‘put’ and pray for their sons’ longevity before immersing them in a well or river.

Tamil Nadu and Kerala: The celebration of Rasha Bandhan is called Avani Avittam in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The festivities are mostly for the family’s male members. On this day, Brahmins immerse themselves in the river and seek forgiveness for all of their past sins. The janau, or holy thread, worn across the body, is replaced with a new thread at the end of the custom. They also make promises to do good deeds during this "thread changing" ceremony. 

Odisha: On Gamha Purnima, cows and bullocks are worshipped in many regions of Odisha. The festival is marked by a unique local sport known as Gamha Diyan, which is one of the highlights of the festival. Gamha Purnima is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Baladeva, the elder brother of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Over time, this traditional festival has also embraced the observance of Raksha Bandhan, inspired by the Rakhi festival celebrated on the same day across North India. This blend of rituals symbolises the strong cultural ties and evolving traditions that continue to define Odisha’s vibrant heritage.

West Bengal: This day marks the end of the five-day ritual of Lord Krishna and Radha swinging on a jhula, celebrated as Jhulan Poornima. The festivities kick off on Pavitra Ekadashi and end on Raksha Bandhan, which falls on the full moon day. During this time, idols of Lord Krishna and Radha are placed on a swing and made to swing, symbolising their divine love. The swing, adorned with vibrant flowers and intricate designs, becomes the highlight of celebrations, especially at the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, where the festival is marked with music and devotion. The whole atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and the colourful energy that surrounds the sacred bond of these divine beings.

WORSHIP OF SNAKE GOD

 Nag Panchami

In Indian mythology, the world is supported on the hood of a giant snake called Shesha. And the myths and legends come to the fore on the day of Naga Panchami, the festival that is dedicated to the Snake God.

Over a vast space of time, serpents have haunted the Indian mind. An oblation of rice and milk, the subdued burning of camphor and incense sticks, the flickering wicks soaked in the shimmering brass lamps and the strewn flower petals - all invoke an abiding faith and awe in the inscrutable powers of the Snake God. Through the corridors of time one hears the echo of chorus songs and dance beats all in praise of the powers that the snakes are believed to possess.

Snake worship is common throughout India, both of the sculptured form and of the living being. The sculpture is invariably in the form of the naga or the cobra. Sometimes there is a single naga, the hood being spread open. Occasionally, there are nine snake figures sculpted together, and the form is known as Nava Naga. The living snake is worshipped almost in every part of the country, especially on occasion of festivals like Naga Panchami.

Living Tradition

The festival of Naga Panchami is a living tradition of the snake cult. One of the great festivals in honour of the serpent, it is observed across India and Nepal on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravan during the monsoon season. There are many legends associated with this festival, prevalent in different parts of the country. It is believed that the festival celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the mythical Kaliya, a monstrous black cobra that was killed by Krishna. The immortal Kaliyamardana story in the Shrimada Bhagwata describing Krishna’s subduing of the poisonous serpent Kaliya who polluted the river Yamuna and his dance on the hood of the serpent is well-known. Krishna not only made the waters of the river safe for people by ousting the Kaliya Naga but released the serpent from the curse that made him take the form of Kaliya.

Another legend states that once a snake was trampled upon by a woman during night. The snake followed her, intending to bite her. There it saw the same woman giving milk to the young one of a snake. The snake changed its mind and went off. It was the day of Naga Panchami.

The rites and rituals to be observed on this festive day are laid down in the Sanskrit work called ‘Vrataraja’. According to this text, “The poisonous one must be drawn with cow dung on both sides of the door.” Elaborate rituals in the form of ‘puja' are held in temples and temporary altars in the honour of snake gods. In many parts of Eastern India, the festival is dedicated to the worship of the snake goddess Manasa. On the festive day women take a holy bath in the morning and worship the cobras by offering milk and honey. The adobe of a cobra – usually an ant hill - is decorated with turmeric and kumkum and milk is poured into it. The snake charmers go about with trained cobras and collect money. Milk is offered to the Nagas because they are considered to be a form of death and the milk consumed by snakes and the Nagas soothes their anguish. It is believed that the reward of this worship is freedom from snake bites in the family.

Unique Festivities At Battis Shirala

Battis Shirala, a small town in Maharashtra, is famous for its annual Naga Panchami festival, which is attended by thousands of people. Tourists from all over the world gather at this place to witness the unique festivities. Two weeks before the festival, villagers go snake-hunting, after getting ‘kaul’' (permission) from the village goddess Ambabai by placing a flower on her head. If the flower falls voluntarily on the left side then that family is not allowed to catch snakes that year. It is believed that only the natives of Shirala are allowed to catch the snakes. Snakes (including the venomous Indian King Cobra) are tracked by their body marks in the soil. The ground is dug up carefully and the snakes are captured.

A lot of care is taken so that snakes are not hurt since that would invoke a curse on the family. Searching for hours might result in procuring seven or eight snakes per group. These snakes are then kept in a big earthen pot which is closed by placing another small earthen pot on its top. A cloth is then tied around the top with a rope. These pots are usually hung outside the house. Every morning till the actual festival, these snakes are taken out of their earthen pots and fed with a rat or frog.

On the day of the festival, the snakes are displayed in a huge procession. The procession begins with the blessings of Ambabai and 70 to 80 groups of snake-catchers and the villagers take part in this procession. Before this procession, in the morning, village women worship these snakes. After the festival the snakes are released at the same place from where they were caught.

Love for Living Ones

Serpents played an important role in the life of ancient Indian people. They were worshipped for prosperity. It was believed that they guarded the treasures buried under the ground. As such, on the Naga Panchami day, no digging of the earth is done. Snakes are also farmers’ friends since they eat rats, insects and frogs which threaten to harm the crops. Hence, farmers refrain from ploughing the fields on Naga Panchami day out of the fear that the sharp head of the plough might harm the cobras. Even the cutting of vegetables is avoided considering the possible threat to this sacred being. In both Kerala and Tamil Nadu serpents are also believed to contribute to the fertility of the soil. This is the reason why priests of some of the serpent temples come from the agrarian community. In all the southern states, the deity under whose name the snake is worshipped is Subramanyam.

Water Spirit

The serpent has also been worshipped as a symbol of water, longevity and wisdom, perhaps because of its wriggling movement, renewal after the sloughing of its skin and the unblinking stare. While in Greek mythology, the world is supported on the shoulders of the mighty giant Atlas, Indian mythology holds that the world is placed upon the raised hood of a huge serpent called ‘Shesha’. There is a view that the serpents are worshipped chiefly because of their power over the element of water. Hendrik Kern, a well known scholar, propounded the theory that the nagas are essentially water spirits. They are personified forces of nature. The serpents are said to haunt lakes and ponds and the sources of rivers and are supposed to be the givers of rain. During the rainy season holes in the ground get filled up with water and so the serpents come out on the earth’s surface. Since they are observed in plenty during this season, the belief that they bring rains might have been reinforced.

Fertility Cult

One of the earliest forms of religion, serpent worship is especially resorted to for offspring. The serpent is supposed to confer fertility on barren women. The roots of the fertility cult run deep in many parts of the country. In the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu it is believed that the curse of sterility can be wiped away by worshipping the Snake God. Barren women worship the snake idols installed under a Peepal tree and then smear it with sandal paste, turmeric and kumkum. They go around the tree 108 times and this is known as Ashwattha Pradakshina. Once the woman becomes a mother, she installs a snake idol under the tree. The reason for this belief is that the snake is a symbol of masculinity. Since pre-historic times it is believed that the snake, a vigorous masculine spirit, makes the earth fertile and a woman being the representative of the earth can be bestowed with fertility by worshipping the same symbol of masculinity. There may be some variation in the period and the mode of observance but Naga Panchami is celebrated in every nook and corner of India according to age-old rites. It continues to testify to the feelings of awe and veneration which the serpent evokes in the minds of people since the earliest times we have cognizance of.

CELEBRATION OF THE BEAUTY OF FLOWERS

Feria de las Flores

Which is the best place on earth to see a splendid spectacle of flowers? 

The Feria de las Flores in Medellin, Colombia.

The Feria de las Flores or Flowers Festival is a celebration of the beauty of flowers, the local culture of Medellin and its history. For ten days in July-August, the town is transformed into a floral tropical paradise as its streets, balconies and even billboards are adorned with fresh flowers.

Medellin is nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ owing to its year round spring climate. Its moderate temperatures are perfect for growing one of the mainstays of its economy—flowers. (Colombia is the world’s second-largest exporter of flowers.) Roses, orchids and lilies among others are the stars of the show.

Originally called ‘The Flower Party’, the festival began in 1957 as a five day event. Today, it is a grand affair that includes a plethora of events such as flower exhibitions, concerts, a beauty pageant, a cavalcade, vintage car and motorbike parades, dance performances and bicycle tours. The main music event is the Trova festival in which the contestants compete in a sing-off. The crowning glory of the festival is the Desfile de Silleteros (Parade of Silleteros). Hundreds of flower growers from the village of Santa Elena, the heartland of the flower growing region, march down the streets of Medellin with large flower arrangements measuring five metres across and weighing up to 70 kg, mounted on wooden frames and strapped to their backs. Prizes are offered for the best floral arrangement. This parade harks back to the colonial times when silleteros (porters) carried luggage and people on silletas (seats) strapped on their backs through the treacherous mountain paths of the Andes.

WORLD FAMOUS FESTIVALS OF INDIA

Ratha Yatra 

     Ratha Yatra is a major Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath (another name of Lord Krishna) held at Puri, in Odisha, India, during the months of June or July. This year, it will be celebrated on Sunday, 7th July 2024. 

     The Puri Ratha Yatra is world famous and attracts more than one million pilgrims every year, not only from India but also from the different parts of the world. Ratha Yatra in other words the Chariot procession is a festival that symbolises equality and integration. 

     The three deities, Lord Jagannath, his elder brother, Lord Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra are worshipped within the temple. But on this festival, they are taken to the streets of Puri so that everyone can have their glimpse. The three deities make an annual journey to their aunt's temple (Gundicha Temple), 2km away from Lord Jagannath temple. The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one among the many sacred temples in India. 

    The festival begins with the invoking ceremony in the morning and the chariot pulling on the roads of Puri in the afternoon is the most exciting part of the festival. The three deities have three different chariots. 

     The chariot of Lord Jagannath, Nandighosha, has 18 wheels and is 45.6 feet high, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, Taladhwaja has 16 wheels and is 45 feet high and the chariot of Subhadra, Devadalana has 14 wheels and is 44.6 feet high. Every year, wooden temples like chariots are constructed newly. The idols of these three deities are also made of wood and they are religiously replaced by new ones in every 12 years. 

WARRIOR ARTISTS OF ODISHA

Paika

The ancient kings of Odisha relied on the military prowess of the paika, an infantry class of warriors among their peasantry. As and when the need arose, the peasant soldiers were hired by the king to fight wars, defend territory or maintain law and order. Today, their martial traditions are kept alive in the form of Paika akhada.

Paika akhada means ‘warrior gymnasium’. In the past, the paika gurus not only trained the students on how to use force to control their body movements, but also taught them archery and swordfights.

Today, youths gather at the akhada after work to perform age-old physical exercises and practise swordfights. They also dance in choreographed moves with swords and shields to the rhythms of traditional drums. However, it is a dying art form. It is mainly performed in villages during festivals like Dussehra and other occasions. Dressed in vests and dhotis, the warrior dancers begin with slow moves. As the tempo increases, the dance moves get more and more vigorous and the men engage in mock combat.

Women have also joined their ranks in recent years, with young Sunita Behera forming the first all-woman Kalinga Kanya Paika Akhada Dal in Odisha in 2012. Behera hails from Khurda, the place where the Paikas rose in rebellion against the British East India Company in 1817. The group not only trains school and college girls in self defence, it also showcases their skills in martial arts, baton and sword fighting and military formations in various state and national-level events across the country.

FESTIVAL OF COLOURS

Holi 

     Often referred to as the festival of colours, Holi is a cheerful occasion characterised by family and friends daubing each other with coloured powders.

     A widespread belief is that its name is derived from Holika, the wicked sister of a demon king, Hiranyakashyapu who perished in a fire while trying to kill her nephew. On the night before Holi, community bonfires are lit to commemorate this folk tale. Another story pays tribute to Lord Krishna, who enjoyed teasing local milkmaids by showering them with coloured powders and water – this ritual is now recreated in homes across India.

     Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. Symbolic offerings, such as wheat sheaves, are often thrown into the flames in gratitude for the harvest. The night of the bonfires has a religious element, but the next day is a raucous celebration of new beginnings and well-being.

     Traditionally, water would have been scented and dyed with flower petals, but these days, commercially prepared colours are used. Early risers arrange snacks on platters while children fill ‘pichkaris’ (water pistols) ready for action. The morning starts with an outdoor exchange of sweetmeats and powdered colours, and often culminates in being drenched in a deluge of water. After a few hours of drinking and snacking, lunch is served and revellers bathe and change into clean clothes, marking the end of exuberant activities. 

FESTIVAL OF THIEVES

 Chorotsav 

     The spring festival is something to be experienced in villages across the length and breadth of Goa. It is the time of year when villagers settled elsewhere return to their roots to participate in the festive season. Many villages are known for some unique feature of their own and are identified by these singular festivals.

     Amongst the many festivals and rituals, Chorotsav, held during Shigmo or Holi in other parts of the country, is one that spreads joy to the villagers of Zarme in Mauxi, about 6 kms from Valpoi. Yet another place known for this festival is Caranzol in Savordem in Sattari taluka.

      The festival forms a chapter in the village’s history. The story revolves around some youths who were killed by the villagers as they were mistaken to be robbers (Chors), though no one knows the exact history of this age-old practice. 

The story goes that in the past, people commuted through the forest for work or to collect produce from nature’s bounty. They travelled from village to village from the foothills, climbing across the Western Ghats. During one such daily routine, youths from a neighbouring village who were suspected to have commited robbery were killed. The distraught families of the youth, in search of their loved ones, learn of the tragic fate that had befallen them. The villagers then understand their folly and in order not invite a curse on themselves, repent over their grave error. The villagers of these two places play out an act as punishment. The participating youths are called Chors. In all, eight youths participate in Zarme while a similar act is played by nine youths in Caranzol.

     It is quite a task before the actual event begins as the preparations take a while and the act folds up within 10 to 20 minutes in front of the Saptamatrika temple. In this risky operation performed on a full moon night and held at a sacred place called Chavatho, four youths are buried in a pit with only their heads above the surface. Four others have their heads buried below the ground with the rest of the body exposed on the surface with swords in their hands. A large audience gathers to witness this event with excitement as the drumbeats fall silent and the Chors are revealed to the enthusiastic crowd.

     These dramatics are best viewed at Caranzol in front of the Kuldevta temple where seven Chors are buried with one raised on a spear and another lying on a platform wearing a garland of leaves. The event begins after an invocation near a place called Wadakade (meaning ‘near a Banyan plant’).

     Chorotsav is a festival during Shigmo that reminds one of the ancestral practice of repentance and one which is never missed by the regulars. It is also a signature event in the historic village of Mauxi, also known for its rock art.

A JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF LORD SHIVA

Maha Shivratri

Introduction:

Maha Shivratri is a vibrant and spiritually significant festival celebrated by millions of people around the world, particularly Hindus. It’s a time when devotees honour Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, with great enthusiasm and devotion. Let’s delve into the heart of this festival to understand its significance and how it’s celebrated.

What is Maha Shivratri?

Maha Shivratri, which translates to “Great Night of Shiva,” falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Magha (usually between February and March). This auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme being who is revered as the destroyer of evil and the transformer of the universe.

Significance of Maha Shivratri:

According to Hindu mythology, Maha Shivratri marks the day when Lord Shiva performed the heavenly dance known as the ‘Tandava.’ It symbolises the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction. Devotees believe that observing rituals and prayers on this day can cleanse them of past sins and lead to spiritual enlightenment.

It also commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Celebrations and Rituals:

The celebrations of Maha Shivratri vary across regions, but certain customs are observed by devotees worldwide. Many people fast throughout the day and night, offering prayers and performing special rituals like bathing the Shiva Lingam (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) with milk, honey, and water. Devotees also chant prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, seeking his blessings for happiness and prosperity.

The Legend of Maha Shivratri:

There are various legends associated with Maha Shivratri, each highlighting the greatness of Lord Shiva. One popular legend narrates the story of how Lord Shiva saved the universe from destruction by swallowing the poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean. His act of consuming the poison turned his throat blue, earning him the name “Neelkanth” (the one with a blue throat).

Meditation and Spiritual Awakening:

Maha Shivratri is also a time for introspection and meditation. Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, engaging in meditation and chanting prayers. It’s believed that staying awake during this night-long vigil can awaken one’s inner consciousness and bring them closer to the divine.

Cultural Significance:

Beyond its religious significance, Maha Shivratri holds cultural importance as well. It’s a time for communities to come together, share meals, and participate in various cultural performances and events. The festival promotes unity and harmony among people of different backgrounds, fostering a sense of collective celebration.

Conclusion:

Maha Shivratri is not just a festival; it’s a spiritual journey that brings people closer to Lord Shiva and to each other. Through rituals, prayers, and acts of devotion, devotees seek blessings, wisdom, and inner peace. As we celebrate Maha Shivratri, let us embrace the teachings of Lord Shiva and strive for a world filled with love, compassion, and understanding.

EMOTIONS AND CULTURAL SYMBOLISM

 Colours: In India and across the globe 

Red with anger, green with envy, white with fear.... these are just some of the ways we associate colours with our emotions. But every colour does have cultural symbolism attached to it and it is different in different parts of the world. 

Let us take a colourful tour of the globe to see what these colours mean to us Indians and other cultures of the world. 

White: in India is said to repel light and colours and is therefore kept away from all kinds of celebrations, and it categorically stands for mourning. In North America and Europe, white has been seen throughout the pop culture to symbolise purity, brides,weddings and peace. 

Red: In India, red symbolises fire and purity, like Goddess Durga, which is why it is a central motif of matrimony in Indian weddings. In North America or Europe, however, it stands for love, passion, excitement and danger. In South Africa, red is famously seen as a colour of mourning, often used as the theme in case of a death or loss.

Pink: in India, as in many parts of North America and Europe, symbolises feminine, young girlish charm and nurturing presence. In Korea, pink is a solid symbol of trust and is associated with security and nurture. 

Green: in India and a large portion of South-East Asia symbolises nature, harvests and new beginnings. It, therefore, reflects happiness and God himself. In countries like the USA, however pop culture has given the colour green a somewhat different image, with it being the colour of money and jealousy.

Yellow: As in most of the eastern world, yellow is a colour of honour --- sacred and imperial; it represents masculine power and wisdom. And it is also a colour of commerce  --- it represents a merchant.  These same colours however speak of cowardice and weakness in European countries. Also, in the western world, it represents caution. In Egypt, on the other hand, this colour is one of mourning and sadness. 

Blue: In India, blue is associated with Lord Krishna and represents riches and virtue. Still, more recently, it has also been taken to convey a sense of patriotism and community due to the colour of the Indian cricket team’s uniform. However, on the other side of the globe, blue is the colour of ill health, depression and sadness. 

Brown is a colour of mourning and is seen as a manifestation of sadness, and its drab nature makes it a colour of dull despair. In the west, though, it is a colour of the Earth, health and stability. It represents comfort and dependability; it also is a colour of appetite and thus has had immense success in food packaging and advertising in countries like the USA.

Purple: In India, purple or violet is a comforting colour. It is associated with reincarnation. In Japan, as it is in the majority of the western world, purple is a colour of privilege, wealth and prosperity. It symbolises fame, high-ranking positions of authority and royalty. 

Black: In India, black is a symbol of barrenness, death and lack of energy; black has been used in India throughout the ages to ward-off evil as it is seen as an agent of evil. In Japan, the story is different. Black is the colour of the night, the colour of mystery, representing it as both a threat and a temptation. In Africa, on the other hand, it is seen as a symbol of experience and wisdom. 

INDIAN FOLK ART

Patua Art

India, with its diverse cultures and traditions, holds a rich artistic heritage. Among the vibrant art forms, the world of Patua artists stands out, offering a captivating journey into storytelling through vivid colours and intricate details.

Patua artists are traditional artists found in India and Bangladesh, particularly in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. Also known as Chitrakar, meaning 'scroll painter' in Bengali, they have a fascinating history rooted in engraving metal idols, as Patua comes from the Bengali word Pota, meaning engraver.

Their origin dates back to around the 13th century, and despite many being followers of Islam, their traditional occupation involved painting Hindu idols. Patuas later became renowned for their beautiful scroll paintings, known as patras. These scrolls typically depict mangal stories, which are auspicious tales of Gods and Goddesses, mythological heroes and folk legends.

Patuas were not only chitrakars or artists, but also were traditionally travelling storytellers. They would visit villages accompanied by musical instruments unfurling their patras and singing stories. This served as a form of entertainment as well as education, taking myths, moral lessons and historical accounts to the local communities.

While traditional patras remain important, today’s Patua artists are adapting their skills to changing situations. They now create paintings on canvas and murals on walls. Their art showcases social issues, environmental concerns and modern stories alongside the age-old legends. Despite facing challenges like the decline of traditional storytelling and thereby the resultant economic hardships, their art gains recognition through exhibitions and support efforts.

Beyond being artists, Patuas are custodians of a rich cultural heritage, preserving traditions through their vibrant and captivating art. Exploring their work offers a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty and history of their unique artistic expression.

FUSION OF ANCIENT FAITH AND MODERN SCIENCE

 Marvel of modern engineering: Ram Mandir of Ayodhya

     The construction of Ram Mandir, a grand structure is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama.

The temple is a marvel of modern engineering, designed not to just withstand the strongest earthquakes and most intense flooding, but endure for a millennium. 

Let's take a look at what went into constructing the grand temple.

Constructed by Larsen and Toubro with management by Tata Consulting Engineers Limited, the Ram Temple is a result of meticulous planning and innovative construction techniques.

The temple's design, inspired by traditional Nagara style architecture, incorporates 360 pillars and is made entirely of stone, moving away from the more modern iron, steel, or even cement.

This decision was made to enhance the structure's earthquake resistance, as stone has a longer lifespan and better durability compared to other materials.

One of the most significant scientific innovations in the temple's construction is its foundation. 

The temple is built on a 15-meter thick layer of rolled compacted concrete, which includes 56 layers of compacted concrete made from fly ash, dust, and chemicals.

This robust base is further reinforced by a 21-foot thick plinth of granite, designed to protect the temple from moisture. 

The foundation's pillars are likened to those supporting mammoth bridges over mighty rivers, ensuring the temple's robustness against seismic activity.

The construction process also involved unique challenges, such as maintaining the temperature of self-compacting concrete at 18 degrees below ambient temperature during pouring. 

To achieve this, on-site ice crushing plants were utilised, and the foundation was filled only at night to minimise the impact of external temperatures.  

These measures were part of the many innovations that marked the construction of the temple, which required the expertise of a team of 150 engineers and thousands of workers.

The temple's design is capable of enduring an earthquake of up to magnitude 6.5, and is projected not to need repairs for 1,000 years. The team measured historical earthquake intensity in the region stretching from Ayodhya to Nepal and simulated it in the laboratory to design a unique foundation for the temple.

Based on the advice of the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai, engineers dug the ground 15 meters removing the top soil, which is believed to be clayey. It was then filled with the re-engineered soil.

The re-engineered soil used for the foundation can solidify into stone within 14 days, with a total of 47 layers carefully laid during the construction process.

The Director of CISR-Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee praised the use of stone in the temple's construction, noting that it lasts longer than other materials and avoids the issue of rusting iron.

Engineers also looked into flooding records of the region and confirmed that the level on which the temple is being constructed is safe from any future flooding.

Furthermore, the temple features a unique noon reflection mechanism, designed by CBRI, which directs sunlight onto the idols' foreheads at noon during Ram Navami, enhancing the spiritual experience for devotees.

The temple is a marvel of modern engineering, being designed not just to withstand the strongest earthquakes and most intense flooding, but to endure for a millennium.

The newly constructed structure is being hailed as the amalgamation of spirituality with scientific innovation.

In Ayodhya, a temple is rising, not just as a place of worship but as a fusion of ancient faith and modern science.

DOLL FESTIVAL OF JAPAN

 Hina Matsuri 

   The Japanese Doll Festival, Hina Matsuri or Girl's Day, is held on March 3. Platforms covered with a red carpet are used to display a set of ornamental dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period. 

    Origin and custom: The custom of displaying dolls began during the Heian period. Formerly, people believed the dolls possessed the power to contain bad spirits. Hina Matsuri traces its origin to an ancient Japanese custom called hina-nagashi, in which straw hina dolls are set afloat on a boat and sent down a river to the sea, supposedly taking troubles or bad spirits with them. The Shimagamo Shrine (part of the Kamo Shrine complex in Kyoto) celebrates the Nagashibina by floating these dolls between the Takano and Kamo Rivers to pray for the safety of children. People have stopped doing this now because of fishermen catching dolls in their nets. They now send them out to sea, and when the spectators are gone they take the boats out of the water and bring them back to the temple and burn them.

   The customery drink for the festival is shirozake, a sake made from fermented rice. A coloured hina-arare, bite-sized crackers flavoured with sugar or soy sauce depending on the region, and hishimochi, a diamond-shaped coloured rice cake, are served. Chirashizushi (sushi rice flavoured with sugar, vinegar, topped with raw fish and a variety of ingredients) is often eaten. A salt-based soup called ushiojiru containing clams still in the shell is also served. Clam shells in food are deemed the symbol of a united and peaceful couple, because a pair of clam shells fits perfectly, and no pair but the original pair can do so.

   Families generally start to display the dolls around mid-February and take down the platforms immediately after the festival.  Superstition says that leaving the dolls out past March 4 will result in a late marriage for the daughter. 

KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS

 Everything you need to know about the last major festival of the year 

Why is Christmas celebrated?

    Christmas is an annual Christian festival celebrated on December 25. It is celebrated to honour the birth of Jesus Christ. It is the time of the year when Christians as well as believers of other faiths, decorate their homes with Christmas trees, build creative cribs, prepare sweets and share gifts with family and neighbours. People come together and sing Christmas carols and greet one another a 'Merry Christmas'.

     Christmas is celebrated differently in different places around the world. Some parts of the world celebrate the festival in a quiet, solemn manner while other places have big celebrations with carnivals and festivities. 

Where does the word 'Christmas' come from?

  The word 'Christmas' comes with a combination of two words, 'Christ' and 'mass' from the old English words, 'Cristes maesse'. Christmas was also known as Yule. In Spanish, the festival is referred to as Navidad, in Italian it is better known as Natale and the French refer to it as Noel; all these words are related to the nativity or the birth of Jesus Christ. 

Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25?

     The exact date of Jesus' birth is not specified in the Bible. There are disagreements among scholars as to when exactly Jesus was born, but most believe it was between 6 and 4BC. The first recorded date when Christmas was celebrated December 25, 336, during the time of the Roman emperor Constantine, who was the first Roman emperor. It is believed that December 25 was chosen as it is exactly nine months after Jesus was immaculately conceived on March 25. Christmas was also celebrated by the early church on January 6, which is celebrated as the Epiphany, the Baptism of Jesus or Three Kings Day. January 6 is still referred to as Old Christmas. 

What is a Christmas crib?

     The Christmas crib, also called the nativity scene, shows baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem. Building a crib is a tradition that was started in 1223 by St Francis of Assisi at Greccio in central Italy. He created a live manger scene that was enacted by real humans and animals. It showed Jesus Christ born in a hay-filled stable surrounded by animals and shepherds as described in the Bible. The nativity scene also shows the three Kings- Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar- with their camels following a star, which points to the north. They passed through fields and mountains to pay their respects to baby Jesus. 

     Crib building is now a common Christmas activity and cribs are displayed in churches, homes, shopping malls and on streets during Christmas. 

What is midnight mass?

     The Christmas mass service was the only service that was allowed to take place after sunset and is held on midnight of December 24. The Christmas midnight mass dates back to the early church; it was believed that Jesus was born at midnight, although there is no proof of this. It is also believed that the midnight mass tradition started in the western world in 430AD in Rome, Italy, and it became widely popular by the 12th century. 

What are the symbols that we often see on Christmas trees?

     Have you ever wondered why people hang things around an evergreen Christmas tree? Most of these decorations Have a special meaning. In the 16th century, Germans decorated their trees, which they called paradise trees, with real apples, nuts and berries. Some of the other decorations that go up on a Christmas tree include:

Stars: The Christmas star, which is placed right on the top of the tree, symbolises the star of Bethlehem. According to legend, a star guided the three kings or wise men to the stable where Jesus was born. The star also symbolises shining hope for humanity. 

Gifts with bows: The three wise men who brought gifts to honour the birth of Jesus inspired the concept of exchanging gifts on Christmas. The ribbons tied around the gifts represent how people should be bonded together in unity. 

Candy canes: The Christmas candy cane is originally a concept from Germany and it dates back to some two and a half centuries ago. Candy canes represent the shape of a shepherd's crook and are supposed to remind children of the shepherds that came to visit baby Jesus. Jesus himself was also referred to as the Good Shepherd. The candy cane is red and white in colour, where red represents blood and white represents Jesus' purity.

Lights and candles: The lights around the tree and the candles lit near it bring warmth and brightness to the season. Candles are lit on the eve of Christmas. They represent the light of the star that appeared at the birth of Jesus. Candles were also used as decorations on Christmas trees before electric lights were invented. 

Bells: Bells are rung on Christmas Eve to proclaim the birth of Jesus and to announce the arrival of the Christmas season. On the eve of Christmas, church bells are rung while choirs sing hymns to proclaim the birth of Jesus. 

Red and green colour: For hundreds of years, red and green have been used as the traditional Christmas colours. The colour red represents the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross and the colour green signifies light and life. It also represents the evergreen trees that remained green right through the winter when Jesus was born.