Mahashivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated annually in the month of Phalguna (February/March) on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Hindu lunar month. The legend behind Mahashivratri dates back to ancient times when a hunter unknowingly entered a forest and ended up spending the night near a Shiva Linga (a phallic representation of Lord Shiva). The hunter unknowingly worshipped Lord Shiva by pouring water over the Shiva Linga, and as a result, Lord Shiva was pleased and blessed the h ..read more

Tis’ the season for carolling and gifting!! Christmas is the time to spend time with your family and enjoy the festive mood around the neighbourhood. This festival is of grave importance to the Christian culture since it celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. We can see houses decorated with vibrant lighting, small statues of elves, snow (of course), Christmas special cakes, and Christmas special Hanging Door Ring!! Did you know that the term ‘Christmas‘ originates from the words ‘Cristes Maesse‘, which means ‘mass of Christ‘!? Christmas’ history dates back to over 4000 years ago as several cus ..read more

Imagine yourself walking on the beach, walking in the shallow end of the sea, and then enjoying some delicious seafood with your loved ones!! Doesn’t it sound amazing?! Well, that’s Goa summarized for you. Although a small-sized state, it is a popular tourist destination for Indians and people abroad. Goan cuisine is a combination of eastern and western influences. The Portuguese, Arab, Brazilian, French, Konkani, Malabari, etc., are some of the few cultures to mould the Goan culture. But the first influence came from the Portuguese when in 1510, they captured the state from the Sultan of Bija ..read more

It’s time to wake up early in the morning because it is the auspicious festival of Chhath Puja. From fasting to singing various puja mantras, it’s a unique festival with celebrations not as loud as Diwali!! It’s one of the most prominent festivals in the Eastern states of India like Bihar, eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Nepal. Did you know that Chhath Puja is the only Vedic festival celebrated in India?! Also known as Chhath or Surya Shashthi, the first day marks the sixth day of the Hindu calendar month, Kartik. Devotees worship the Sun God, Surya, and his wife, Usha, thanking ..read more

After the celebrations of Dussehra and Navratri, everyone starts planning for the Festival of Lights. From welcoming the entourage of Ramayana to honouring Goddess Lakshmi, every culture appreciates the festival’s celebrations, energy, and reverence. It’s the start of Winter, and the zeal amongst people is starting to present itself. Diwali’s history has several stories to tell. However, one topic remains common- the victory of good over evil. Since almost every state celebrates it, let’s look at the different legends based around it!! It’s the story of King Bali and Lord Vishnu. Even th ..read more

Safe and hygienic food is a fundamental right for every human on this planet. But according to a study, more than three billion people (approximately 40% of the world’s population) don’t have access to a healthy meal. For developing countries, this leads to a rise in numerous food-related diseases among the lower class. To reduce these issues, the United Nations commemorates International World Food Day on 16th October. It’s the date for founding the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. Moreover, the World Food Program celebrates this day to combat hunger and food sec ..read more

Bengalis celebrating Durga Puja is the epitome of the Navratri festival, ranging from dances and decorative temples to delicious thalis. The different elements during this period make West Bengal a state worth visiting. Also known as Annabhog in some areas, it’s a festive thali available only during the Navratri. Mainly, the thali is available only for the last three days of Navratri, i.e. Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. This thali dates back to the starting of the 20th century and mainly consists of veg delicacies, which prohibits onion and garlic. The eighth day (ashtami) during ..read more

It’s time to grab your sticks and play the festive songs for Garba because Navratri is here!! To describe Navratri in one word won’t do it any justice. That’s because it’s vibrant, energetic, and offers a never-ending feast. It is a carnival celebrated in almost every corner of India and spans nine days. The term Navratri means ‘Nine Nights’, and people celebrate it in honour of Goddess Durga. Being one of the most significant festivals in India, it’s celebrated four times in a year- in March, known as Chaitra Navratri. However, it is called Sharad Navratri in September/October, Magha Navratri ..read more

It’s time to pack your bags!! World Tourism Day is here. Travelling is a form of breaking free from your daily routine to explore something new and exciting. The tourism industry has taken a hit in recent times, but some people are unfazed by it and take any opportunity to visit different cities. Travelling helps us acquaint ourselves with new cultures, people, and cuisines. With this in mind, there arose a need to spread awareness about the importance of the travel and tourism industry. The United Nations wanted people to realise the importance of tourism internationally. With the help of the ..read more

Name a better time than Ganesh Chaturthi in Monsoon!! It’s an energetic festival filled with zest and an electric atmosphere that never fails to impress. You can hear cheers of ‘Ganpati Bappa Moraya!!’ echoing around cities. People from all cultures celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, with the tourism industry booming during this time. Without any further ado, let’s look at this festival’s background with some famous places of worship and what you can eat!! The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. Some say that t ..read more