Tulunad Daivas

Tulunad Daivas:

1. Dhumavati/jumadi bunta

2. Pancha jumadi bunta

3. Marl jumadi

4. Kaanteri jumadi

5. Kolatha jumadi

6. Kolla pootha jumadi

7. Mardal jumadi

8. PANJURLI

9. Annappa panjurli

10. Kallurti-panjurli

11. Kuppettu panjurli

12. Baggu panjurli

13. Golidadi panjurli

14. Kalyaboodu panjurli

15. Dendoora panjurli

16. Paajei panjurli

17. kadambare panjurli

18. jodu panjurli

19. male panjurli

20. guliga panjurli

21. Varna panjurli

22. alera panjurli

23. Malara panjurli

24. Bollela panjurli

25. Tembailu panjurli

26. Chombakallu panjurli

27. Kaanthavara panjurli

28. Hebri panjurli

29. Kukke panjurli

30. Kadri panjurli

31. kadapu panjurli

32. Ambadadi panjurli

33. potta panjurli

34. Kadambare panjurli

35. Guliga panjurli

36. Kalkuda-kallurti

37. Odilthaye

38. Pilichamundi/ vyagra chamundi

39. Bobbarya

40. Jaarandaya

41. Kodamanithaya

42. Kukkinanthaya

43. Baikadthi

44. Chikkamma

45. Daaram ballalthi

46. Kalabhairava

47. Kalarahu

48. Kaalarkai

49. Kumara swamy

50. Kanyakumari

51. Mahakali

52. Paatala bhairava

53. Mayandal

54. Malaraya

55. Koteda babbu swamy

56. Tannimaniga

57. Chavundi

58. Guliga

59. sankale guliga

60. subbiyamma subbi guliga

61. guliga bhairava

62. raudrandi guliga

63. rahu guliga

64. netther guliga

65. Paatala guliga

66. Neecha (koraga taniya)

67. Kamberlu

68. Abbaga daaraga

69. Kshetra paala

70. Nandigona

71. Maisayndaya

72. Rakteshwari/lekkesiri

73. Raahu

74. Jattiga

75. Naga bermer

76. kaalamma

77. kanapadithaya

78. kuriyodithaya

79. kallerithaya

80. dayyengul

81. ullalthi

82. moovar daivangal

83. naalkatthaya

84. satyadevate/ posa bhuta

85. mantradevate

86. bunta daiva

87. vaidyanatha/ mundathaya

88. ajji bhuta

89. shiradi daiva

90. koragajja

91. korati

92. poyyathai

93. hallathayi

94. koti chennaya

95. bhavana

96. vishnumurthy

97. birnachari

98. padkanthaya

99. brahma mugera

100. uliyathaya

101. pattorithaya

102.mantradevathe

Aruvu Language: An Ancient Language on the Brink of Survival

Aruvu

Aruvu : An Ancient Language on the Brink of Survival

Aruvu (also known as Arava) is an ancient spoken language primarily used by Dalit communities in South Bengaluru, particularly in Anekal Taluk of Karnataka. Despite its rich linguistic heritage and centuries-old existence, the language remains largely undocumented, with no established script and very little recognition in academic, political, or media circles.

Aruvu survives exclusively as an oral language, passed down through generations. Linguistically, it displays remarkable similarities with Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, reflecting the historical and cultural interactions of communities living along the Karnataka–Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh border regions. Scholars and community elders believe that the language may have evolved through a blending of archaic forms of these Dravidian languages.

Although often overlooked, Aruvu is spoken by a significant population. It is estimated that nearly 40% of the Dalit population in Anekal Taluk uses the language in daily life. More broadly, between 6 and 8 lakh people are believed to speak Aruvu across various clusters in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

The language is deeply rooted in the history and identity of marginalized communities. Some local traditions trace its origins back nearly 3,000 years. Yet, despite its cultural significance, Aruvu remains absent from most published linguistic records and has received little institutional support. Without systematic documentation, preservation, and promotion, the language faces the risk of gradual decline.

Major Aruvu-Speaking Regions

1. Anekal Cluster (Bengaluru Urban District, Karnataka)

Anekal Taluk remains one of the strongest centres of the language, where Aruvu continues to be actively spoken in homes and communities.

Town: Anekal

Villages and Surrounding Areas:

* Kittiganahalli

* Thirupalya

* Marsur

* Mayasandra

* Sarjapura

* Mugalur

* Dommasandra

* Numerous surrounding hamlets

2. Kolar and Bangarapet Clusters (Kolar District, Karnataka)

Due to the district's proximity to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Aruvu has remained an important medium of communication among cross-border communities.

Towns:

*Bangarapet

* Malur

* Mulbagal

* Robertsonpet (KGF region)

Villages and Rural Areas:

* Hulkur

* Kamasamudra

* Budikote

* Yeldur

* Rural settlements along the Malur–Hoskote belt

3. Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagara Border Region

The language is also found in villages and farming communities along the rural borders of Bengaluru and Ramanagara districts.

Areas and Villages:

* Hoskote peripheral villages

* Kanva region

* Kanakapura rural stretches

* Sulibele

* Hindiganal

* Forest-border hamlets around Magadi

4. Inter-State Border Regions (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh)

Aruvu extends beyond Karnataka into neighbouring states, particularly in areas historically connected through trade, migration, and shared cultural traditions.

Tamil Nadu (Krishnagiri and Tirupattur Districts):

* Hosur peripheral villages

* Thally region

* Berigai

* Bagalur

* Rural parts of Vaniyambadi

Andhra Pradesh (Chittoor District):

* Villages around Kuppam

* Vasanadu region

* Border settlements connected to Kolar and Krishnagiri

Preserving a Living Heritage

Aruvu is more than a language—it is a repository of collective memory, cultural identity, oral traditions, folklore, and lived experiences of communities that have historically remained on the margins. Documenting its vocabulary, grammar, oral literature, songs, and histories is essential not only for linguistic preservation but also for safeguarding an important part of South India's cultural diversity.

The survival of Aruvu depends on sustained efforts by researchers, community members, educational institutions, and policymakers. Without timely intervention, this unique linguistic heritage may gradually disappear from future generations.

Indian Gurus, Sant, Monks, Yogis and Spiritual Masters.

List of 

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

This is a list of religious people in Hinduism, including gurus, sant, monks, yogis and spiritual masters.

A guru is defined as a "teacher, spiritual guide, [or] godman," by author David Smith. To obtain the title of guru, one must go through a standard initiation process referred to as diksha, in which they receive a mantra, or sacred Sanskrit phrase.

The list

A to C

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada[3] (1 September 1896 – 14 November 1977)

Abhinavagupta (c. 950 – 1020)

Adi Shankara[4] (c. 788 – 820)

Advaita Acharya (1434–1539)

Agastyar (3rd millennium BCE)[5]

Akka Mahadevi (c.1130 – 1160), Kannada literature

Alvar Saints (700–1000)

Anandamayi Ma (30 April 1896{snd}}27 August 1982)

Anasuya Devī, also known as Jillellamudi Amma(28 March 1923 – 12 June 1985)

Andal (c.767), Tamil literature

Anukulchandra Chakravarty, also known as Sree Sree Thakur (born 14 September 1888)

Arunagirinathar (15th Century A.D.)

Avvaiyar (c. 1st and 2nd century AD), Tamil literature

Ayya Vaikundar (1809–1851)

atri (vedic times) rig veda

Baba Hari Dass (26 March 1923 – 25 September 2018)

Bahinabai (1628–1700), Marathi literature

Bamakhepa, or Bamakhyapa/ Bamdev Bhairav (1837 – 1911)

Basava (1105 CE–1167 CE)

Bhadase Sagan Maraj (1920–1971), Indo-Trinidadian Hindu leader and politician, founded the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha

Dhanna jatt (born 1415)

Bhagawan Nityananda[6] (November or December 1897 – 8 August 1961)

Bhakti Charu Swami (17 September 1945 – 4 July 2020)

Bhakti Tirtha Swami[7] (25 February 1950 – 27 June 2005)

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati (6 February 1874 – 1 January 1937)

Bhaktivinoda Thakur (2 September 1838 – 23 June 1914)

Bhaskararaya (c. 1690–1785)

Bijoy Krishna Goswami (2 August 1841 – 1899)

Brahma Chaitanya, also known as Gondavalekar Maharaj (1845–22 December 1913)

Brahmanand Swami (1772–1832)

Brahmananda Saraswati[8] (20 December 1868 – 20 May 1953)

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu[9] (18 February 1486 – 14 June 1534)

Chandrashekarendra Saraswati (20 May 1894 – 8 January 1994)

Chandrashekhara Bharati III (1892–1954)

Charan Singh (Sant) (Radha Soami Sant Satguru) (12 December 1916 – 1 June 1990)

Chattampi Swamikal (c. 1853–1924)

Chaturbhuj Sahay (3 November 1883 – 24 September 1957)

Chinmayananda Saraswati (8 May 1916 – 3 August 1993)

Chokhamela (14th century)

D to F

Dada Bhagwan, founder of Akram Vignan (7 Novembery 1908 – 2 January 1988)[10]

Damodardev (c. 1488 – c. 1598)

Darshan Singh (Sant Mat) (1921–1989), founder of Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission

Dayananda Saraswati (Ärsha Vidya) (15 August 1930 – 24 September 2015)

Dayananda Saraswati, founder of Arya Samaj (12 February 1824 – 30 October 1883)

Dnyaneshwar[11] (1275–1296)

Drona (mythohistorical)

Eknath (1533–1599)

Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999)

G to I

Gagangiri Maharaj (1906 – 4 February 2008)

Gajanan Maharaj (c. mid 19th century)

Ganapati Muni (c. 1878–c.1936)

Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji (1838–1915)

Gnanananda Giri[12] (c. early 19th century)

Gopala Bhatta Goswami (1503–1578)

Gopalanand Swami (1781–1852)

Gopi Krishna (yogi) (1903–1984)

Gora Kumbhar (c. 1267–c.1317)

Gorakhnath (c. 10th or 11th century)

Gulabrao Maharaj (6 July 1881 – 20 September 1915 )

Gunatitanand Swami (17 October 1785 – 11 October 1867)

Gurinder Singh (Radha Soami Sant Satguru) (born 1 August 1954)

Gurumayi Chidvilasananda[13] (born 24 June 1955)

Hans Ji Maharaj (8 November 1900 – 18 July 1966)

Haridasa Thakur[14][15] (born 1451 or 1450)

Hariharananda Giri, (Paramahamsa Hariharananda) (27 May 1907 – 3 December 2002)

Isaignaniyar (c. 7th century), Tamil literature

J to L

Jaggi Vasudev (born 3 September 1957)

Jaimal Singh (Radha Soami Sant Satguru) (July 1839 – 29 December 1903) (Founder of Radha Soami Satsang Beas)

Jalaram Bapa (4 November 1799  23 February 1881)

Janabai (c. 13th century), Marathi literature

Jayatirtha (1345–1388)

Jiddu Krishnamurti (11 May 1895 – 17 February 1986)

Jiva Goswami (c. 1513–1598)

Kabir (c. 15th century), Indian saint and mystic

Kalki Bhagwan (born 1949) [16][17]

Kamlesh D. Patel, also known as Daaji (born 28 September 1965)

Kanakadasa (1509–1609)

Kanhopatra (c. 15th century), Marathi literature

Kanwar Saheb

Karaikkal Ammaiyar (c. 6th century), Tamil literature

Khatkhate Baba (1859–1930)[18]

Kirpal Singh (c. 1894–1974), (Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission)

Kripalu Maharaj (5 October 1922 – 15 November 2013)

Krishna Prem (1898–1965)

Krishnadasa Kaviraja (born 1496)

Krishnananda Saraswati (25 April 1922 – 23 November 2001)

Lahiri Mahasaya, (Shyamacharan Lahiri)[19] (30 September 1828 – 26 September 1895)

Lakshman Joo (9 May 1907 – 27 September 1991), modern scholar of Kashmiri Shaivism

Lakshmanananda Saraswati (1926 – 23 August 2008)

Lalleshwari (c.1320 – 1392), Kashmiri literature

M to O

Madhavdev (c. 1489 – c. 1596)

Madhvacharya[20] (c. 1238 – 1317)

Mahant Swami Maharaj (born 13 September 1933)

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi[21] (12 January 1918 – 5 February 2008)

Mahavatar Babaji[22] (mid 19th – mid 20th century)

Mangayarkkarasiyar (c. 7th century), Tamil literature

Manik Prabhu

Master C. V. V. (4 August 1868 – 12 May 1922)

Mata Amritanandamayi[23] (born 27 September 1953)

Matsyendranath (c. 10th century)

Meera (c. 1498 – c. 1547), Hindi literature

Mehi (28 April 1885 – 8 June 1986)

Mirra Alfassa (21 February 1878 – 17 November 1973)

Morari Bapu (born 25 September 1946)

Mother Meera[24] (born 26 December 1960)

Muktabai (c.1279 – 1297), Marathi literature

Muktanand Swami (1758–1830)

Muktananda[13] (16 May 1908 – 2 October

Namdev (c. 1270 – c. 1350)

Narasimha Saraswati(1378–1459)

Narayan Maharaj[25] (20 May 1885 – 3 September 1945)

Narayana Guru, writer of Daiva Dasakam[26] (c. 1854 – 1928)

Narayanprasaddasji Swami (14 January 1921 – 30 January 2018), also known as Tapomurti Shastri Swami (Gujarati: તપોમૂર્તિ શાસ્ત્રી સ્વામી) and Guruji by his devotees, was one of the most noted Swami of the Swaminarayan Sampraday

Narottama Dasa (born 1466)

Narsinh Mehta (1414–1481), also known as Narsi Mehta or Narsi Bhagat

Nayakanahatti Thipperudra Swamy (c. 15th–c. 16th century), also known as Nayakanahatti Thippeswamy

Nayanmars Saints (700–1000)

Neem Karoli Baba[27] (c. late 19th or early 20th century – 11 September 1973)

Nigamananda Paramahansa[28] (18 August 1880 – 29 November 1935)

Nimbarka[29] (c. 13th century or earlier)

Niranjanananda (c. 1862 – 9 May 1904)

Nirmala Srivastava, also known as Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi (21 March 1923 – 23 February 2011)

Nisargadatta Maharaj[30](17 April 1897 – 8 September 1981)

Nishkulanand Swami (1766–1848)

Nityananda Prabhu (born 1474)

Om Swami (born 1979)

Osho (11 December 1931 – 19 January 1990)

P to R

Panth Maharaj (3 September 1855 – 16 October 1905)

Paramahansa Yogananda[31] (5 January 1893 – 7 March 1952)

Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, also known as chariji (24 July 1927 – 20 December 2014)

Pattinathar (c. 10th or 14th century AD)

Pavhari Baba (birth unknown – 1898)

Potuluri Virabrahmendra Swami (c. 17th century)

Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, also known as Shrii Shrii Anandamurti (21 May 1921 – 21 October 1990)

Pramukh Swami Maharaj[32][33] (born 7 December 1921–13 August 2016)

Pranavananda, also known as Yugacharya Srimat Swami Pranavananda Ji Maharaj (29 January 1896 – 8 February 1941)

Pranavanda Saraswati (28 August 1908 – 28 August 1982)

Prem Rawat, also known as Maharaji, Guru Maharaj Ji, and Balyogeshwar (born 10 December 1957)

Purandara Dasa (c. 1484 – c. 1565)

Puran Puri (born 1742)

Rambhadracharya (born 14 January 1950)

Ramdas Kathiababa (early 24 July 1800 – 8 February 1909)

Ramdev Pir (1352–1385 AD)

Radhanath Swami (born 7 December 1950)

Raghavendra Swami[34] (1595 – 1671)

Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami (1505–1579)

Rajinder Singh (spiritual master) (20 September 1946) (Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission) (Founder of Science of Spirituality)

Rakeshprasad[35] (born 23 July 1966)

Raghuttama Tirtha (1537 – 1596)

Ram Chandra (Babuji) (30 April 1899 – 19 April 1983)

Ram Thakur (2 February 1860 – 1 May 1949)

Rama Tirtha (22 October 1873 – 27 October 1906)

Ramakrishna[36] (18 February 1836 – 16 August 1886) See Disciples

Ramalinga Swamigal (5 October 1823 Disappeared on 30 January 1874), also known as Vallalar

Ramana Maharshi[37] (30 December 1879 – 14 April 1950)

Ramanuja (c. 1017 – c. 1137)

Ramprasad Sen (c. 1718 or c. 1723 – c. 1775)

Ravidas (1398–1540)

Rupa Goswami (1489–1564)

S to U

Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj (1951 se abhi tk)

Sahadeo Tiwari (1892–1972),

Sai Baba of Shirdi (1838–1918)

Samarth Ramdas (1608–1681)

Sanatana Goswami (1488–1558)

Sankardev (c. 1449 – c. 1568)

Sant Charandas (1703–1782)

Sant Nirmala (c. 14th century), Marathi literature

Sant Soyarabai (c. 14th century), Marathi literature

Sarada Devi (22 December 1853 – 20 July 1920)

Satchidananda Saraswati (22 December 1914 – 19 August 2002)

Sathya Sai Baba (23 November 1926 – 24 April 2011)

Satnarayan Maharaj (born 1931), Indo-Trinidadian Hindu leader and son-in-law of Bhadase Sagan Maraj

Satsvarupa dasa Goswami[38] (born 6 December 1939)

Satya Narayan Goenka (30 January 1924 – 29 September 2013)

Satyananda Giri (17 November 1896 – 2 August 1971)

Satyananda Saraswati (25 December 1923 – 5 December 2009)

Satyapramoda Tirtha (1918–1997)

Sawan Singh (Radha Soami Sant Satguru) (20 July 1858 – 2 April 1948)

Sardar Bahadur Jagat Singh (Radha Soami Sant Satguru) (27 July 1884 – 23  October 1951)

Shaunaka,

Seshadri Swamigal (22 January 1870 – 4 January 1929)

Shiv Dayal Singh also known as "Soamiji Maharaj" (25 August 1818 – 15 June 1878)

Shivabalayogi (24 January 1935 – 28 March 1994)

Shreedhar Swami (7 December 1908 – 19 April 1973)

Shripad Shri Vallabha

Shrivatsa Goswami (27 October 1950 – present

Sitaramdas Omkarnath (17 February 1892 – 6 December 1982)

Sivananda Saraswati (8 September 1887 – 14 July 1963)

Sivaya Subramuniyaswami[39] (5 January 1927 – 12 November 2001)

Soham Swami (birth unknown – 1918)

Sopan (c. 13th century)

Sri Aurobindo (15 August 1872 – 5 December 1950)

Sripadaraja (c. 1422 – 1480)

Sri Chinmoy[40] (27 August 1931 – 11 October 2007)

Sri M (born 06 November 1948)

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (born 1956)

Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj (born May 1955)

Surdas (c. late 15th-century)

Swami Abhedananda (2 October 1866 – 8 September 1939)

Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha (born 13 May 1933)

Swami Chidbhavananda (11 March 1898 – 16 November 1985)

Swami Janakananda (born 13 June 1939)

Swami Keshwanand Satyarthi (born 5 September 1943), (Paramhans Satyarthi Mission, Advait Mat )

Swami Nithyananda (born 1 January 1978 or 13 March 1977)

Swami Purnachaitanya (born 1984)

Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri (1855–1936)

Swami Rama (1925–1996)

Swami Ramanand (c. 1738 – c. 1802)

Swami Ramdas (10 April 1884 – 25 July 1963)

Swami Samarth

Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902)

Swaminarayan (3 April 1781 – 1 June 1830)

Swarupanand (1 February 1884 – 9 April 1936), part of Advait Mat lineage

Swarupananda (8 July 1871 – 27 June 1906)

Tibbetibaba (birth unknown – 19 November 1930)

Trailanga (1607–1887)

Tukaram (c. 1608 – 1649)

Tulsidas (1532–1623), also known as Goswami Tulsidas

Upasni Maharaj (15 May 1870 – 24 December 1941)

Uppaluri Gopala Krishnamurti (9 July 1918 – 22 March 2007)

Utpaladeva (ca. 900–950), teacher of Kashmiri Shaivism

V to X

Vallabha Acharya[41] (1479 – 1531)

Vadiraja Tirtha (1480–1600)

Vasugupta (~ 800–850 CE), author of the Shiva Sutras in Kashmiri Shaivism

Vidyaranya (c. 1268 – c. 1386)

Vishuddhananda Paramahansa (14 March 1853 – 14 July 1937)

Vishwesha Tirtha (1931–2019)

Vyasatirtha (c. 1460 – 1539)

Vasistha (Rig Veda)

Y to Z

Yogaswami (1872 – March 1964)

Yogi Ramsuratkumar (1 December 1918 – 20 February 2001)

Yogiji Maharaj (23 May 1892 – 23 January 1971)

Yukteswar Giri (10 May 1855 – 9 March 1936)

Bonalu Festival

Bonalu is another folk festival, which is very famous in the Telangana region. The word "Bonalu" is derived from "Bhojanalu" meaning food, which is offered to the Goddess. This century old tradition is celebrated with utmost gaiety and devotional fervour. It is celebrated during the month of 'Ashadh'. This one-month long festival is marked by devotional singing and ritualistic worship to the village deities "Yellamma", "Mahankali", "Maisamma", "Pochamma", and "Gundamma".

A typical feature of the Bonalu festival are the `Ghatams' or decorated pots filled with flowers, which are carried on the heads by the women folk in a procession. Cooked rice is also taken in highly polished brass vessels or in clay pots decorated with neem leaves, which are carried by women on their heads to the local goddess while the men accompany by playing drums.

Women colourfully dressed dance balancing pots to the rhythmic beats and tunes in praise of the village deity Mahankali. Male dancers called the "Potharajus' follow the female dancers, who is believed to be the protector of the village.

It is celebrated with aplomb in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. During this festival, Sree Jagadambika temple atop the Golconda Fort draws large number of devotees from neighbouring districts. Muslim emperors also celebrated this festival by offering prayers in this temple such was the popularity of this festival. The State government also performs puja officially, on behalf of the people. Thus, Bonalu is a festival of offering and families share the offering among their members.

22 Reasons To Believe ancient Bharat Is Based On Science

22 Reasons To Believe ancient Bharat Is Based On Science

            TREES

People are advised to worship Neem and Banyan tree in the morning. Inhaling the air near these trees, is good for health.

       YOGA 

If you are trying to look ways for stress management, there can’t be anything other than Hindu Yoga aasan Pranayama (inhaling and exhaling air slowly using one of the nostrils).

           PRATHISTAPAN

Hindu temples are built scientifically. The place where an idol is placed in the temple is called ‘Moolasthanam’. This ‘Moolasthanam’ is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum, thus benefitting the worshipper.

          TULSI PUJA

Every Hindu household has a Tulsi plant. Tulsi or Basil leaves when consumed, keeps our immune system strong to help prevent the H1N1 disease.

          MANTRA CHANTING 

The rhythm of Vedic mantras, an ancient Hindu practice, when pronounced and heard are believed to cure so many disorders of the body like blood pressure. 

        ASH

Hindus keep the holy ash in their forehead after taking a bath, this removes excess water from your head.

          KUMKUM

Women keep kumkum bindi on their forehead that protects from being hypnotised. 

        EATING FOOD BY HAND

Eating with hands might be looked down upon in the west but it connects the body, mind and soul, when it comes to food. 

     BANANA LEAF MEAL

Hindu customs requires one to eat on a leaf plate. This is the most eco-friendly way as it does not require any chemical soap to clean it and it can be discarded without harming the environment.banana; palash leaves

     EAR PIERCING CEREMONY 

Piercing of baby’s ears is actually part of acupuncture treatment. The point where the ear is pierced helps in curing Asthma.

          TURMERIC

Sprinkling turmeric mixed water around the house before prayers and after. Its known that turmeric has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.

           COW DUNG

The old practice of pasting cow dung on walls and outside their house prevents various diseases/viruses as this cow dung is anti-biotic and rich in minerals.

 

         GOMUTRA

Hindus consider drinking cow urine to cure various illnesses. Apparently, it does balance bile, mucous and airs and a remover of heart diseases and effect of poison.

           PUNISHMENT

The age-old punishment of doing sit-ups while holding the ears actually makes the mind sharper and is helpful for those with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, learning difficulties and behavioural problems.

           LIGHTING DIYAS

Lighting ‘diyas’ or oil or ghee lamps in temples and house fills the surroundings with positivity and recharges your senses.

          YAGNOPAVITHA

 Janeu, or the string on a Brahmin’s body, is also a part of Acupressure ‘Janeu' and keeps the wearer safe from several diseases.

      MANGO LEAF TORAN

Decorating the main door with ‘Toran’- a string of mangoes leaves;neem leaves;ashoka leaves actually purifies the atmosphere.

         CHARANA SPARSHA

Touching your elder’s feet keeps your backbone in good shape.

          CHITHE(PIRE)

Cremation or burning the dead, is one of the cleanest form of disposing off the dead body.

                ॐ

 Chanting the mantra ‘Om’ leads to significant reduction in heart rate which leads to a deep form of relaxation with increased alertness.

    HANUMAN CHALISA 

Hanuman Chalisa, according to NASA, has the exact calculation of the distance between Sun and the Earth.

         SHANKANAADA

The ‘Shankh Dhwani’ creates the sound waves by which many harmful germs, insects are destroyed. The mosquito breeding is also affected by Shankh blowing and decreases the spread of malaria.

must share it.. Very meaning full  👌👍  logic behind 👌  doing things 👍

CONSERVATION OF CULTURE

    CONSERVATION OF CULTURE

India's languages, religions, dance, music, architecture and customs differ from place to place within the country, but nevertheless possess a commonality. The culture of India is an amalgamation of these diverse sub-cultures spread all over the Indian subcontinent and traditions that are several millennia old 

Several elements of India's diverse culture  such as Indian religions, yoga and Indian cuisine  have had a profound impact across the world.

              

                  India is the birth place of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, collectively known as Indian religions

The religion of 80% of the people is Hinduism. Islam is practiced by around 13% of all Indians. Sikhism, Jainism and especially Buddhism are influential not only in India but across the world. Christianity, Zoaroastrism, Judaism and the Bahá'í Faith are also influential but their numbers are smaller. Despite the strong role of religion in Indian life, atheism and agnostics also have visible influence along with a self-ascribed tolerance to other people

           India land of  rich and varied culture,  India the place we can still find the old traditions and rituals till today.  For every 200 km the culture changes from region to region , India is divide into  28 states each states has its own languages, culture , dressing style. There are 1652 mother tongues and in that 22 are officially recognished  languages . i.e , Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri , Gujarati, Hindi,  Kannada , Kashmiri, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Maithili, Nepali,  Odiya, Punjabi , Santhali, sindi, Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Urdu. India is a secular country where we can find 7 religions and thousands of caste under it, whatever religion or caste may be but everyone proudly represents themselves as Indians.

       

         As day by day as the MNC companies are upcomingup  and also growth of  I.T and B.T companies , people are moving towards  westernization or modernization people are gradually forgetting our culture and traditions. Even  many people are settling in other countries. The craze of foreign traditions and culture is also not stopping people to use their goods and services. 

      

  Indian government is trying hard in preserving and focusing  of Indan culture throughout the world. for  ex

In hyderabad  there is a place  called shilparamam where we can find local artisans showcasing their beautiful hand made goods, handicrafts and handlooms and there is also wax dolls which shows the life style and culture of Andhra  Pradesh. same like this there is tribal museum in Araku valley and Hyderabad where we can see the lifestyle of tribals , their dressing style, food habits, traditional houses etc . as like A.P there are heritage villages or museum throughout the India .

Manipal samskruthi grama , in manipal,  Karnataka where we can find the old  traditional houses  from throughout the state like north Karnataka houses, bhatkal navyathi muslim houses, manlorean catholic houses, malnad houses etc.

In goa we have heritage village where it showcases the culture of entire konkan culture , there we can see lifestyle of goans.

          India is the land of fun and frolic. The Indians celebrate the various fairs and festivals to the extent that there are more number of fairs and festivals in a year than the total number of days. The rites and the rituals followed by the Indians, the enthusiasm and faith that are constant features add to the charm of the fairs and festivals. 

      

        Local festivals are increasingly being used as instruments for promoting tourism and boosting the regional economy. This is often reflected in the level of public assistance made available to them. However, it is difficult to assess the extent of the contribution of the festival to local economic growth,

Not only heritage villages Indian government also organizes fairs and festivals from which we can showcase our inidan culture and also we can preserve it.like

Surajkund craft mela : the indias biggest craft fair helds in haryana .

Hampi utsav: it brings back the lost glory of vijayanagar empire

Mysore dasara: the 10 day event makes us to remember the empire and glorious of  mysore wodeyars .

International kite festival: this is celebrated on 14 jan on the day of uttarayan (makara sankrathi) invites people fromthrouhout the world for competition

Vibrant gujrath : the  gujrat tourism attracts people for 10 days during navaratri festival where the colours relishes in the hearts of people in beautiful chaniya cholis and kediya the traditional dress of gujarathis, the whole 10 days the gujrath doesnt sleep

Pushkar fair : the worlds biggest cattle fair  where buyingand selling of cattles takes place.

Maha kumb mela: this happens once in 12 years where people take bath in triveni sangam that is ganga , yamuna and mystic saraswati

Maha mastakabhisheka : this is a jain festival it also happens once in 12 years where jains from throughout the world confluence in shravanbelagola in Karnataka 

Tarneta fair: this takes place during winter  in kutch state of gujarath 

Desert festival: this festival happens in jaisalmer the desert  district of rajasthan where tourist enjoy camel riding , folk songs and dances, desert food , handicrafts and handlooms .

Indian Unique cultural traditions / rituals

Indian Unique  cultural traditions / rituals

India is throbbing with diversity and there are so many traditions and rituals which are unique to it :). It is almost impossble to list all of them but I will try and summarize some of them.

1. Baby Tossing

Every year in Solapur (a region in Maharashtra, India) parents get together to throw their babies off the top of a 50 foot tower.The babies are caught in a sheet held by other villagers on the ground.The parents believe that the practice will give their children long and healthy lives.This is practiced mostly by Muslims but some Hindu families also engage in it. Parents that part take in this ritual are usually those who have become pregnant after praying at the Shrine of Baba Umer Dargah. Local authorities provide policing for the event despite the fact that national government is opposed to it.

2.  The Aghori Sadhus and Cannibalism

The Aghoris (Aghori) are members of a Hindu sect who worship Shiva, whom they see as the supreme god. Because they believe that Shiva created everything – they consider nothing to be bad. For this reason they engage in a variety of sexual practices, they drink alcohol, take drugs, and eat meat. Nothing is considered taboo. But the thing that makes their ancient traditions bizarre is that they are also practicing cannibals and their temples are cremation grounds. An aghori lives in the cremation ground and is able to support himself there – his clothing comes from the dead, his firewood comes from the funeral pyres, and food from the river. When a person is cremated, an aghori will coat himself in the ashes of the body and meditate on the dead.

The most shocking aspect of the Aghori life is their cannibalism. Dead bodies that are found floating in the river are gathered up and meditated on. The limbs are then removed by the Aghori and eaten raw. If you are interested in watching a fascinating documentary on the Aghoris, here is the link : Aghora .

An Aghori drinking from human skull :

3. Shoe Stealing and hiding (Juta Churai Rasam)

Many of you may be familiar with this particular tradition. It has been shown in many Bollywood movies (Hum Apke Hai Kaun tops the list). Its actually a fun activity and I really enjoyed the whole thing during my sister's wedding. 

This is what happens the groom is required to take off his shoes before approaching the wedding altar. As soon as he does this mayhem ensues ;). The bride’s side of the family (especially brothers and sisters) tries to steal them while everyone from the groom’s side of the family tries to protect them. If the bride’s family succeeds in their endeavor, then they are allowed to hold the shoes hostage until they get paid a ransom! 

There is also a certain amount of pride associated with the stealing (and usually the bridesmaids win.. yes, we won :)). It is said that the side which wins this war will have upper hand in years to come :D

 

Following picture should give you more idea (surf  to find more images, can't paste it here due to copyright issues): 

4.  Dhinga Gavar

Dhinga Gavar is a festival celebrated inJodhpur, in Western Rajasthan in India. "Dhinga" literally means "fun by deception"; Gavar, also known as Gangaur. The festival of Gangaur is celebrated throughout India, but that of Dhinga Gavar is celebrated only in Jodhpur.

Dhinga Gavar is basically a folk deity, the humorous side of Shiva's consort Gangaur. The festival starts on the next day of Holi. The legend is that Shiva once teased his consort Parvati by dressing up as a cobbler. In retaliation Parvati also appeared as Bhiltribal women before Shiva to tease and have some fun out of it. 

The function of Dhinga Gavar starts after sunset when the statues of Dhinga Gavar are put on a dais at 11 important location of old Jodhpur city. Each statue is decorated in typical Rajasthan costume with gold jewellery of 5 KG to 30 KG. The offerings to Dhinga Gavar are made of cannabis and dry fruits powder and is known as “moi”. Here is a image of deity :

The women of whom mostly are fromPushkarna Brahmin families dress up in fancy dress costume as various Hindu Gods and Hindu Goddess, police, saints, dacoit, tribal etc. and carry a stick in their hand. They patrol the narrow streets of Jodhpur city whole night protecting the statute of Dhinga Gavar.

It is a popular belief that any unmarried man who comes near these women and is stricken by the stick gets married soon with a suitable girl. So a lot of unmarried man intentionally roam around on Dhinga Gavar night.

Girls happy after beating boys :D...

5. Mourning of Muharram (This is also practiced in many other parts of world)

To commemorate the death of Husayn ibn Ali (a grandson of Muhammad), some groups of Shia muslims take to the streets and whip themselves with specially designed chains with razors or knives attached. Other groups slit their heads open with knives (as can be seen in the image above). This tradition (called matam) is also practiced by children or forced on them by parents who do the cutting. While some Muslims frown upon the practice, many major Muslim leaders endorse it.

Thousands of mourners slit open their heads with swords, big knives and razor blades streaming their blood to signify their grief over the martyrdom of Al-Imam Al-Hussein – the tragedy which caused the sky to rain blood and the earth to bleed – and thus paid rich homage to Al-Imam Al-Hussein who sacrificed everything in defending Islam which is today under obligation to him.

Wiki Link : Mourning of Muharram

6. Human-Animal Marriage

In some parts of India it is believed that ghosts can inhabit certain people of the living world. Most notably, girls who are born with a baby tooth already erupted through the gum and girls who are very ugly or have some facial deformation are believed to be possessed by ghosts.

The only way to exorcise the ghosts is for the girl to marry an animal, typically a goat or dog. Even though there is a lavish wedding ceremony complete with booze and dancing, the girl is not expected to copulate with the animal – which is good news! She is free to marry a man later on, when the ghosts are proven to be rid from her. I wonder who makes this decision and how they come to the conclusion that the girl is now free from ghosts.

Wiki Link :- Human–animal marriage

7. Lath mar Holi

Lath mar Holi is a local celebration of the Hindu festival of Holi. It takes place well before the actual Holi in the town ofBarsana near Mathura in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The name means "that Holi in which [people]hit with sticks" (laṭh is a thick traditional staff).

Legend has it that Lord Krishna from nandgaon visited his beloved Radha'svillage on this day and playfully teased her and her friends. Taking offence at this, the women of Barsana chased him away. Since then, men from Krishna's village, Nandgaon, visit Barsana to play Holi in the town which has the distinction of having the only temple dedicated to Radha in India.

In the sprawling compound of the Radha Rani temple in Barsana, thousands gather to witness the Lath Mar holi when women beat up men with sticks as those on the sidelines become hysterical, sing Holi Songs and shout Sri Radhey or Sri Krishna. Even today the marriage between residents of Nandgaon and Banaras is not allowed!

8. Worshipping Weapons in Navrati (Ayudha Puja or Astra Puja)

Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratrimeaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Deviare worshiped. 

The festival is celebrated across the length and breadth of India. But in some parts pf India (Gujarat and South India) on the ninth day of the festival, weapons and tools are worshipped!

There are two legends associated with the Ayudha Puja which you can read here:Ayudha Puja

A photograph of Narendra Modi, CM of Gujarat doing Ayudha Puja for which he attracted lot of criticism :

9. Varuna Yajna (Worshipping Hindu God of rain)

Agriculture and allied sectors accounted for 16.6% of the GDP in 2009 and about 50% of the total workforce in India. Agriculture is demographically the broadest economic sector and plays a significant role in the overall socio-economic fabric of India. Most of the country is majorly dependent on monsoon rains for the purpose of irrigation. If monsoon fails the Indian economy suffers a huge setback and more than that there is unrest which is not good.

Considering the importance of rains and given that we have 330 million Gods, we have one rain God as well. Varun dev is considered God of rains and whenever the monsoon is weak Varuna Yajna is performed to please God of rains. 

Hindu priests sit inside barrels containing water as they perform special prayers in order to appease Varun :

10. The Sati Pratha

Sati is an ancient culture that existed amongst the Hindus in India, where a woman would burn herself on her dead husband's funeral fire thus killing herself. It was considered an honorable act and the widow was believed to enter straight into heaven, as a reward for her sacrifice. She became a goddess and statues were built in her honor. A very famous temple Rani Sati Temple is one such example.

The term is derived from the original name of the goddess Sati, also known asDakshayani, who self-immolated because she was unable to bear her father Daksha's humiliation of her (living) husband Shiva.

The act was banned by the British Government, but in the late 1980s, an instance was reported. Another case was also reported in 2002. 

Thankfully, this tradition is not in practice any more. The Prevention of Sati Act now makes it illegal to aid, glorify or commit Sati. All offenses are punishable under the law.

11.  Mangal-Dosha and Marriage with tree

Mangal Dosha is an astrological combination that occurs if Mars (astrology)(Mangal) is in the 1st,2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house of the Vedic astrology Ascendant chart.

This condition is astrologically believed to be unfavourable for marriages, causing discomfort and tension in relationship, leading to severe disharmony among the spouses and eventually to other bigger problems. This is attributed to the "fiery" nature of Mars, the planet of war.

It is believed that the negative consequences for a single-manglik marriage can be resolved if the manglik first performs a ceremony called a kumbh vivah, in which the manglik "marries" a banana tree, a peepal tree, or a silver or gold idol of the Hindu God Vishnu.

Thankfully the new generation doesn't give any credence to such traditions and slowly the practice is fading off.

12. Polyandry

Polyandry is a form of polygamy in which a woman can have two or more husbands.

Polyandry has been practiced in India and is still practiced by a minority. The popular Hindu epic, Mahabharatha provides the first striking example of polyandry,Draupadi, daughter of king of Panchāla being married to five brothers.

Polyandry was mainly prevalent in theKinnaur Region a part of Himachal in India which is close to the Tibet or currently the Indo-China border. As mentioned in the Epic Mahabharata, The Pandavas were banished from their Kingdom for thirteen years and they spent the last year hiding in this hilly terrain of Kinnaur. A minority of the Kinaauri's still claim to be descendant of the Pandavas and thus justify the practice of Polyandry. However this is a debatable issue as Kinnauris existed much before the Pandavas as mentioned in the epic. 

Apart from Kinnaur, Polyandry was practiced by some south Indian tribes, prevalent among the Todas of Nilgiris, Nairs of Travancore and Ezhavas of Malabar. While polyandrous unions have disappeared from the traditions of many of the groups and tribes, it is still practiced by some Paharisespecially in Jaunsar Bawar region in Northern India.

Bengaluru Area Names

We have so many regions and places in Bangalore that most people wouldn't know why are they named what they are named. 

1. HSR: Stands for Hosur, Sarjapur Road

2. BTM: Gets its name from surrounding Byrasandra, Taverekere and Madiwala

3. Banashankari: From the Banashankari Temple

4. Malleshwaram: From the Kadu Malleshwara temple

5. Majestic: From the Majestic Cinema theatre nearby

6. Cubbon Park: Named after British administrator Mark Cubbon

7. Jayanagar: Translates to 'Victory City' named after the first name of a famous king of Mysore, "Jayachamaraja"

8. Indiranagar: Named after Indira Gandhi

9. Basavanagudi: Basava means bull, gudi means temple. Bull Temple

10. JP Nagar: Named after Jay Prakash Narayan

11. Kengeri: Derived from Kempu Mannu (red soil) + Keri (area)

12. Rajarajeswari Nagar: Named after the temple there

13. KR market: Named after King Krishnarajendra Wodeyar

14. Fraser town: Named after Stuart Mitford Fraser, a British officer

15. Hulimavu: Means sour mangoes. Named after mangoes grown in the area

16. Ulsoor: There used to be a jackfruit orchard near the Ulsoor Lake, and the Kannada name for Jackfruit being 'Halasina Hannu', the area came to be known as Halasuru. During the British rule, the name was anglicised to 'Ulsoor'.

17. Marathahalli: They say that there was a temple of Maruti in the locality and Halli meaning village in Kannada. Other people believe that a fighter aircraft called “Marut” crash landed at the place.

18. Whitefield: A huge number of Anglo Indians used this area to settle down post Independence.

19. Bellandur: Named after the Bellandur Lake that was built during the reign of the Western Ganga dynasty in the 10th century (yes the lake is man-made)

20. Vijayanagara: Derives its name from Vijayanagara empire that flourished in South India during the 15th and 16th centuries.

21. Sadashivnagar: Named in honour of Karnad Sadashiva Rao, a veteran freedom fighter, philanthropist and politician.

22. Koramangala: Koramangala used to be swamp land once upon a time, famous for being marshy and mosquito-ridden. Name derived from the Kannada words ‘kora’ meaning overhaul and ‘mangala’ meaning ‘welfare.’ 

23. Lavelle Road: Named after Michael Lavelle, an Irish soldier who discovered gold mining in Kolar

24. Vittal Mallya Road (formerly Grant Road): Named after Vittal Mallya, founder of UB Group

25: Kasturba Road (formerly Sydney Road): Named after Kasturba Gandhi

26. Dollars Colony: As the name suggests, the homes in Dollars Colony was built by NRIs who turned to Bangalore looking for its great weather and quiet lifestyle

27. Arekere: Are in Kannada means half. Kere in Kannada means a water reservoir or pond. Named after lake.

28. Basaveshwaranagar: Named after the famous Kannada poet Basaveshwara

29. Domlur: Derived from Tombalur, a kind of flower which is used to worship Lord Shiva. Other theory being Domalu (mosquito in Telugu) + ooru (village)

30. Hebbal: Named after the lake

31. Jeevanbheemanagar: The area was reserved for employees of LIC (Jeevan Bheema) and KPWD (Karnataka Public Works Department)

32. Rajajinagar: Named after Rajaji the great freedom fighter from Southern part of India

33. Rajarajeshwari Nagar: Named after the temple

34. Nagarbhavi: Literally translates to "well of snakes" in Kannada. Once there used to be a lot snakes in the vicinity

35. Kodigehalli: This place/area was reportedly given as a gift(gift = Koduge in Kannada) by the former King Kempegowda to someone

36. Madiwala: Translates to 'washerman' in Kannada. Years when Bangalore ended in Jayanagar, this area was full of washermen and hence the area got the same name

37. Sunkadkatte: The area was like a tollgate which was next to Lake and in Kannada Sunka means Tax and Katte means place where we can sit

38. Seshadripuram: The area was named after the late Diwan of Mysore Seshadri Iyer

39. Doddanekundi: The area was again dominated by Telugu origin where it was originally called as Dodda Nakka Vundi which means ‘There’s a big jackal there’ which then became Doddanekundi in the Kannada usage

40. RT Nagar: Named after Rabindranath Tagore

Teej Festival

Teej Festivals: 

Hariyali Teej :

On Teej day Married women usually observe fast on this day and await the moon sighting during the night. The legend has it that Hariyali Teej is marked to celebrate the reunification of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. It is this day when Lord Shiva accepted Goddess Parvati as his wife (consort).

It is believed that Goddess Parvati practised austerity for a number of years and observed fast so that she becomes the wife of Lord Shiva. And finally, her dedication won over Shiva and she was accepted by the supreme lord as his better half in her 108th birth. The goddess is also revered and prayed upon this day as the Teej Mata.

Hartalika Teej : 

Celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the North Indian lunar month, Hartalika Teej is one of the three Teej including Hariyali Teej and Kajri Teej that are celebrated throughout India by Hindu women. The Indian monsoon brings along with it this most popular Hindu festival which is celebrated in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Here is all you need to know about the date, history, significance and celebration of Hartalika Teej 2021 in India in the monsoon season:

Date:

Hartalika Teej falls a month after the celebration of Hariyali Teej in India and mostly a day before Ganesh Chaturthi. The day is celebrated on Shukla Paksha Tritiya of the Hindu month of Bhadrapud, that is the third day of the bright half of the North Indian lunar month.

This year, Hartalika Teej falls on August 11, 2021.

According to mythology, Goddess Parvati’s friend had once taken her into a forest so that her father would not be able to marry her to Vishnu against her wishes. Parvati requested her friend to kidnap her after her father, Himalaya, promised her hand in marriage to Vishnu.

Parvati wanted to save this marriage from taking place since she had performed severe austerity along the banks of the river Ganga to have Shiva as her husband. After the planned abduction, Parvati performed penance in a thick forest and immersed herself in the adoration of Shiva for many years.

Being an ascetic, Shiva did not know about her before but he finally took notice of her devotion. Appearing before her in his divine form, Shiva agreed to marry her.

The word Hartalika is derived from ‘Harat’ and ‘Aalika’ which means ‘kidnapping of a woman friend’. Hindu devotees believe that it was on the day of Hartalika Teej that Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife after her 108 re-births.

On this day, married Hindu women observe Nirjala Vrat or a fast where they neither eat nor drink throughout the day. Seeking the wellness of their husband, children and their own self, the women fast for day long.

The devotees pray to makeshift statues of Parvati and Shiva for marital bliss, harmony and progeny to mark the festival since it is dedicated to Parvati’s re

Sanjhi Art

Sanjhi Painting is a tradition of art that originated out of the cult of Krishna and flourished in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is in Vraja, or Vrindavan, the homeland of Lord Sri Krishna, that this art of Sanjhi painting reached its pinnacle.

This art painting is rooted in the folk culture of the region. It was taken to its glory by the Vaishnava temples in the 15 th and 16 th century. Sanjhi came to be regarded as a highly refined art form practiced by the Brahmin priests. Presently, the art of Sanjhi painting is practiced by only a select few and remains a living tradition only in some of the temples of India. One of these temples where Sanjhi painting still survives is the Radharamana temple of Vrindavan. According to mythology,

Radha, Krishna's beloved, used to paint her walls with Sanjhi art to attract her beloved's attention. She used colored stones, metal foils and flowers to paint her freshly plastered cow dung walls. Seeing her, other Gopis of Vrindavan also started painting walls with Sanjhi art to attract Krishna. 'Sanjhi' is a word derived from words like "Sajja', "Shringar' and "Sajavat" which all means 'decoration'. Sanjhi paintings are made at a particular time in the year for the pleasure of Krishna's eyes. 

In today's Hands of Grace article, we take a look at Saanjhi Paper Art, a traditional form of stenciled paper cutting, that serves as a conduit of expression for artists’ devotion to Krishna.

 

Sanjhi Art from Mathura, is a truly unique craft form that features exquisite designs and intricate picture motifs, cut into paper. Craftsmen use specially designed scissors to accomplish this process. Let’s take a look at the history and current state of this artform

Folklore tells us that the origins of this art form lie with Radhe, who made Sanjhirangolis using natural colors, along with flowers, leaves and colored stones, to woo Krishna. The other gopis soon followed suit, also making intricate designs to impress Krishna. Sanjhi has been popular ever since, and during the Mughal period, contemporary themes were introduced for greater perspective. Today, Sanjhi art is found in many homes and spaces. It has been displayed in Delhi metro stations and was recently used for pictograms during the Commonwealth Games

To create a Sanjhi design, stencils are made on paper (mostly handmade) using specially designed scissors. These stencils areplaced on flat surfaces or water, where the rangoli has to be drawn. Dry colors are then sifted onto the surface. Filling the colors and lifting the stencils are as critical as cutting the design. Peacocks, bullock carts, horses, cows, butterflies and trees are some of the common motifs used. The intricate craftsmanship reflects the artist’s devotion and the intimate love for the Blue God. To produce an elaborate Sanjhi design could take anywhere between an hour and a month

The Bohra Gujarati Muslims Rida/Burqa

The Bohra Gujarati Muslims Rida/Burqa

Rida Ritual

No matter what your age, the rida is part of a woman’s daily wear after her misak ceremony of initiation. Petiwala maintains that once a girl comes of age it is “compulsory” to wear the rida before leaving the house. But Aquila Aftab, who has been designing ridas for almost 27 years, disagrees, saying, “It is worn to a masjid… and it’s a very personal thing.”

The misak ceremony introduces a young woman to the rida. “It’s a reason for the entire family to get together and celebrate over a Bohra-style feast in a thaal,” adds Farida Yunus Marvi, who has 25 years of rida-designing experience.

But the ceremony has more to it than just the rida appeal. “The misak, more than anything, is a little ceremony welcoming the consciousness towards the practice and pursuit of the religion,” says Zahra Rangoonwala, the creative manager at Team::ants who had her own ceremony at the age of 13. Her mother affectionately stitched her first rida which was cut out of a pearly white, silky fabric with pink and lilac flower details — purple being her favourite colour. “I wanted to start wearing a rida already, and often practiced doing my pardi on my mom’s rida,” she recalls.

For all-female gatherings, a rida-cum-jori is preferred, as you can simply remove the pardi and wrap a dupatta around yourself.

Farida Yunus Marvi says that all you need is 5.5 yards of fabric for a rida. The beauty of its architecture is that you can turn any type of fabric into one. Although Petiwala says that the women generally avoid see-through materials such as georgette. The type of fabric is mostly chosen by occasion; for weddings you can take your pick from a wide array of silk fabrics or jamavar and stick to cotton or wash-and-wear for everyday ridas.

Along with fabric, the colour selection is also closely allied with the shades of the season. “During summer, pastels and chikkun fabric are in vogue,”