All about Yoga Holiday Destinations in India

Life today is filled with the perennial pandemonium of a concrete jungle combined with mundane struggles. All this leads to stress and anxiety that permeates deep within us. Each year, hordes of people travel in search of inner peace to the land that is considered as the birth place of spiritual awakening – India. The Upanishads and the Vedas have been propagating Yoga as the answer to stress since 3000 BC Today, the world beholds the rise of Yoga holidays in India.Ancient yet modern – even after years of birth, Yoga in India continues to proliferate, with its teachings traversing the borders of religion, language and culture. So vast is its influence that, today, this practice has turned into Yoga tourism, which is thriving tourism opportunities in India. Thousands of people today, from all over the world, flock to India to learn Yoga and find their inner calling while doing so. Two very famous places where Yoga tourism has flourished greatly are Rishikesh and the bounty of Kerala, better known as God’s own country. Rishikesh is also called as the “Yoga capital of world”. Many ashrams are set at this sacred place located at the foot of Himalayas along the floating Ganga. The holy spirit of the Ganges and the picturesque beauty makes Rishikesh the right choice for the ultimate spiritual retreat. This very reason has drawn hordes of tourists from across the world to the small city of Rishikesh.

Rishikesh Yoga Peeth (Photo: Erin Jarrett Sparks)

Tattva Yoga Shala (Photo: Hatena)

Ved Nikethan Ashram (Photo: Bill)

Some of the popular Yoga centers promoting Yoga in Rishikesh are Himalayan Yoga Gurukul, Rishikesh Yoga Peeth, Tattva Yoga Shala, Ved Nikethan Ashram, Institute for Higher Meditative Consciousness, Braham Yoga Rishikesh and many other ashrams that have emerged with an aim of offering qualityspiritual retreats while propagating the ancient yogic practice. Ashrams in Rishikesh are equipped with basic as well as luxury amenities which can leave any traveler with a peaceful and comfortable staying experience ornate with the simplicity of ashram living. The rich heritage, picturesque value and economic living has made Rishikesh one of the favorite Yoga destinations among local and international tourists alike. Most Yoga ashrams here conduct Yoga courses along with organizing other activities like lectures by prominent Gurus from all over India and providing comprehensive exposure to tourists on the importance if Ayurvedic medication in life.

Yoga in Kerala (Photo: Ambria)

Another spiritual retreat for Yoga is Kerala in India. Set along the serene waters of the Arabian Sea, Kerala is the perfect spot for peace of mind and complete relaxation. The best way to spend a Yoga holiday in Kerala is to book a package especially meant for those aspiring to experience Yoga in Kerala.

Ayurved Yoga villa in Karakula

Shivananada Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantri

Kerala has a number of spiritual retreats and ashrams perched along its beautiful beaches of Arabian Sea, serving as exotic locations at the foot of beautiful Western Ghat hills of Kerala for a pleasurable stay and a life time experience. Each year, thousands of people from around the world take home the experience of indulging in Yoga in Kerala. Yoga retreats like Ayurved Yoga villa in Karakula, Sanathan Yoga in Cochin, Yoga shala in Kovalam, Shivananada Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantri, and other Yoga and ayurvedic resorts greet tourist seeking Yoga in Kerala with the best of hospitality and service.

Ayurveda in India

Ayurvedam treatments

Yoga in Himalayan (Photo: Quench Connections)

Other than Yoga retreats, the Ayurvedam treatments and spas offered here are famous for curing many untreatable diseases and for complete refinement of body and soul. Besides being a Yoga holiday spot, there is lot to discover in Kerala. The geographic beauty, the backwaters, boat races and the sand strewn beaches are other things that a tourist can indulge in whilst in Kerala. Many Yoga ashrams also offer Yoga courses for the elderly and organize special yoga camps for the kids. So come home to India – and experience one of the ancient sciences attributing to physical and mental healing like no other!

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The Nine Day Festival Of Navaratri

Since the Navaratri thrill is on, so here we would talk about the places to explore and celebrations during this time across the country. Navaratra is among the most celebrated festival among Hindus. It begins on the first day of Ashwina and goes on for nine long days. Navaratra is known to be the period of celebration of Goddess Durga.

Durga and her Symbolism:

Durga means the one who eliminates the sufferings. Thus, Hindu devotees believe that Goddess Durga helps them to face and get over all sufferings in life. There are many forms of Durga like: Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Rajeswari, etc. It is believed that Goddess Durga united the divine powers into one (herself) and killed the immortal demon “Mahishasura”.

Like Shiva, Goddess Durga also posses the ‘Third eye” on the forehead. The third eye is said to have the fire. Durga also has eight to ten hands signifying the then directions in Hinduism. This suggests that she is a protector of devotees from all directions. Durga stands on her vehicle ‘Lion” signifying fearlessness.

Celebrations:

This festival is celebrated by all Hindus across the country, but in different ways. In Northern India, people generally celebrate it by rigorous fasting and celebrations. In Eastern India, people celebrate Durga Puja starting from the 6^th day of Navaratri. In Southern India, it celebrated with a lot of fanfare. In Western India, various forms of dances and prayers are performed during this time. We will elaborate further on the celebrations of Navarata here:

Eastern India:

In Bengal, Navaratri basically means Durga Puja. Festival of Durga Puja is the awaited festival for Bengalis. They shop throughout the year and look forward for this puja. It takes place in the last four days of Navaratri and is followed by a grand farewell to the idol of Durga on the tenth day called as Vijay Dashami or Dussehra.

Durga Puja Pandals

Idol Visarjan on Dussehra

During this time huge decorative structures called as Pandals, where the worship of Goddess takes place are seen everywhere. The earthen idol of Durga is accompanied by Ganesh, Kartik, Saraswati and Laxmi. Goddess Durga is bid an adieu by a grand farewell on Dussehra and the idol is submerged in any nearby water body.

Western India:

People in western India are inclined to celebrate Navaratri is a very joyous way. In Gujrat, spend nine days of festival in dance, music and merriment where women and men dress up in colourful attires and dance gracefully in a formed circle called as ‘Garba’. Besides Garba, ‘Dandiya’ is also a sort of dance in which men and women dance using decorated bamboo sticks. The dance has a complex rhythm and people have to match up their beats.

Navratri Celebration in Gujarat

Ras Garba and Dandiya dance forms has been extracted from the Krishna stories from Saurashta and Kutch. The focal point is the shrine placed in the centre around which the dance takes place. Each night puja is performed worshipping Goddess Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati. In case you are fond of dances and want to enjoy this joyous festival then Gujarat is the place to be in Navaratra.

Northern India:

Ashtami Celebration

In Northern India, the festival of Navaratra is celebrated by fasting rigorously for nine days. Devotees of Durga celebrate this festival with full faith.

On the 8^th day or Ashtami people tend to break their fast by treating young girls with Puri-Halwa at home and worshipping them alike as Goddess. On the ninth day or the Navaratri signifies the end of the holy period.

Ramlila – Depicting the story of Ram

In places like Varansai and other parts of Uttar Pradesh, Navaratri collides with Ramlila. Ramlila is the depiction of stories from the holy Ramayan in the form of play. It goes on for nine long days which covers the whole story of Ramyana and ultimately ends the killing of Ravana on the 10^th day or Dusserhra.

Rath Yatra in Kullu – Dussehra Celebration

In places like Kullu, special tradition of carrying Lord Raghunath is experienced. It is thought to be a very special form of celebration in Northern India.

Southern India:

Ayudha Puja in Karnataka (Photo: AswathiBabu)

In South India, people set up steps and place idols on them. This is known as golu. In places like Karnataka, Ayudha Puja, the ninth day of Mysore Dasara, is celebrated with the worship of implements used in daily life such as computers, books, vehicles, or kitchen tools.

Dasara Celebration in Mysore (Photo: The Hindu)

Mysore is well known for the festivities that take place during the period of Dasara, the state festival of Karnataka. The Dasara festivities, which are celebrated over a ten-day period, were first introduced by King Raja Wodeyar.

Saraswati Puja in Kerala (Photo: Nell)

Books are worshipped (Photo: Nell)

In Kerala, three days: Ashtami, Navami, and Vijaya Dashami of Sharad Navarathri are celebrated as Sarasvati Puja in which books are worshiped. The books are placed for Puja on the Ashtami day in own houses, traditional nursery schools, or in temples.

Navaratra is a festival that can be enjoyed by all. If you are one who wishes to have world class experience during Navratri, then find your suitable property from The Other Home and roam around the whole country.

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Phoolwalon Ki Sair: A Unique Festival of Flower Sellers in Mehrauli Village

Festivities have always been an integral part of the Indian Culture. Every year, we Indians celebrate a variety of festivals to mark the important days and dates that are related to our culture and tradition. Amongst all the festivals,Phoolwalon ki Sair or the flower sellers festival is a unique festival celebrated with vibrancy and in high spirits. Also connoted Mehrauli flower festival, each year the fair witnesses the procession of flower-sellers proceeding towards the flower-sellers promenade in Mehrauli, Delhi after the onset of monsoon.Touching Back History

In 1942, during the British rule in India, this festival was abolished. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru re-instituted the festival in the year 1962 and since then, every year the flowers festival in Delhi is celebrated with great pomp and show.

Origin of the Mehrauli Flower Festival dates back to the times of Emperor Akbar Shah II. Bahadur Shah Zaffar was chosen as prince to succeed the throne of Emperor Akbar. But Mumtaz, the favourite queen of the emperor persuaded him to change the decision to make her son Mirza Jahangir, the successor to the throne. The attempt failed and Mirza Jahangir was sent to exile by the Britishers. Mumtaz Mahal then took a vow that if her son returned safely back to Delhi, she would offer a massive flowerbed at the holy shrine of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki at Mehrauli. Later the prince returned back safely to Delhi and a beautiful flowerbed with fans was offered at the tomb of the saint. This flowerbed along with the fan was carried by the queen in ceremonial procession towards the tomb.

The festival became a grand celebration in the reign of Bahadur Shah Zafar. Since then, every year the King, the Queen and the entire court would visit the tombs of Humayun, Safdarjung, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia and then further move towards Mehruali for the reception. The delicacies for the occasion were prepared by the queens themselves.

What to Expect?

Mehrauli Flower Festival (Photo: Prashant Bhardwaj)

The uniqueness of this festival lies in its celebrations as the procession proceeds from Temple of Jogmaya to the tomb of Saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki while passing through the streets of Mehrauli. The atmosphere looks vibrant with the sounds of Shehnai and enthusiastic fire dancers dancing to its tunes.

Yogmaya Temple also known as Jogmaya temple, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, the sister of Krishna, and situated in Mehrauli. (Photo: Ddlogo)

Tomb of Sufi saint, Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki in Mehrauli (Photo: Ekabhishek)

Both Hindus and Muslims celebrate this festival together marking the spirit of oneness and peace among the two most talked about communities of the world. The festival is observed by one and all in the village of Mehrauli. It is also known as Sair-e-Gulafroshan with floral tributes offered simultaneously both at Dargahs and temples. One may witness the foot tapping kathak dances, unforgettable qawwalis, blaze of lights; palm leaves fan, colorful décor at this festival.

Qawwalis

Quirky cultural programmes also take place at Jahaz Mahal, which was originally built by the Lodhis on the banks of Shamsi Talab (Large Pool). Near the Jahaz Mahal stands the Jogmaya Temple which was once the identity of the bustling city of Delhi. Muslims throng the tomb of Saint Qutubbudin Bakhtiyar and sing hymes and prayers in memory of this great saint.

Jahaz Mahal, Mehrauli

The entertaining part of this festival is when the young boys of villages jump into the nearby wells from heights to entertain the audience present during the celebrations. On the first day, the procession begins from the Jharna, a beautiful garden strewn with flowers, fans, musicians, athletes and soldiers in their colorful uniform. The streets of Mehrauli are lit with sparkling and decorative lights in order to welcome the procession. The ritual of Muslim ladies paying obeisance in gratitude to the saint has become a practice over the years.

Dangal at Mehrauli (Photo: Daily Mail)

Transcending the community barriers, this traditional fair celebration potrays a great example of communal harmony. So come, be a part of the Delhi Floral Festival 2012 on 28^th of October and celebrate the feeling of oneness strewn with flowers!

Phoolwalan ki Sair (Photo: Nvvchar)

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The Splurge of Diwali 2012

With Durga Puja coming to a close, the countdown for Diwali 2012 has already begun. People all over the country are going berserk on a shopping spree and the malls are brimming with customers! As the festive mood spreads across the country, The Other Home brings to you the best places to shop from, so that you can shop the smart way and buy everything to make this Diwali a memorable one. Go out and relish the colourful atmosphere!

Diwali - Crackers (Photo: Jaspal Singh)

Diwali / Deepawali - Festival of Lights (Photo: Jaspal Singh)

Diwali - Crackers (Photo: Jaspal Singh)

Sweets

Festivals are all about mouth-watering sweets and cuisines. But also remember that during Diwali, adulterated sweets flood the market. So make sure that you buy those sweets only from reputed stores and authorized business operators. The Other Home would recommend the following:

Dehradun- For cakes, pastries and biscuits, go to The Oven, Dalanwala and Ellora’s Melting Moments, Rajpur Road.

Bathing Beauties - The Ellora Bakery (Photo: Maya Sara Matthew)

Delhi- For Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Sohan Papdi and Gaza, go to Nathu’s, Agrarwal sweets (various branches), Bikaner sweet shop, Chandni Chowk. There are 4-5 good sweet shops in Gol Market, Connaught Place; try mixing and buying sweets at these shops.

Indian Sweet - Jalebi (Photo: Desi Grub)

Mumbai- Buy shrikhand from Naivedyam Mithai, Church gate, bit expensive but good. On the way to Navi Mumbai, you can go to Zama Sweets and Ghasitaram Karachiwala, Chembur. At Chitale Mithaiwale, taste India’s best amarkhand!.

Mumbai Kesar Shrikhand

Kolkata- If you have a sweet-tooth, Kolkata is the place to be. Sandesh, Rasgulla, MishtiDoi, Kheerkadam, Kalakand, Kalo jam and what have you; get the best of Indian sweets here!  Buy them from Gupta Sweets, Tiwari Sweets, Bancharam and Haldiram.

Kolkata Rasgulla

Misti Dahi Kolkata

South India-Buy Mysore Pak at Adiar Anandha Bhawan and Krishna Sweets, Chennai, Jangry from Pulla Reddy Sweets, Hyderabad, Ata Payasam from Kerala, Poothareku from Andhra and Vijaywada

Mysoorpak (Photo: Wikipedia)

Clothes and Apparels

New clothesare the first thing to be included in Diwali shopping list. Wearing an ethnic dress on the occasion of Diwali is almost a tradition in India. Here are the places you should check out:

Chennai- Go to Nalli Chinnaswamy Chetty, T. Nagar for the best silk sarees. Also try Madarsha andSpencer Plaza for superb Diwali Collections.

Rasi Silk - Chennai (Photo: Duriraj)

Kolkata- Beautiful ethnic wears like salwarsuits, Kurtas in silk, brocade are the glitters for the Diwali moods available at Max store at City Centre. For western wear too, the collection is great and there are plenty of options. Besides, there are special discounts available for this festive season. So hurry!

Shopping in Kolkata

New Delhi- Diwali shopping can be great fun in Delhi. Buy the ethnic stole from Janpath, opposite Connaught Place; go to Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar Central Market for traditional wear like sarees and salwar kameez and footwear like jootis. If you are looking for brands, go to South Extension Market andKhan market which are a little expensive than the rest.

Diwali Festival - Shopping Mall in Delhi

Mumbai-Choose the best apparel and shoes for yourself from places like Colaba Causeway, Crawford Market and Linking and hill Road, Bandra. Crawford Market is known for selling good quality fabric. Linking Roadhas popular brand outlets.

Diwali - Shopping in Mumbai

Jewellery

On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, people love to indulge themselves in jewellery shopping. It is believed that buying gold symbolises attaining the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Reputed jewellery stores also give special offers and gift vouchers with every purchase. Here is a list of some popular names and places to go:

New Delhi- Silverline at Khan Market, Tanishq at South Extension Market are popular names. Go to Connaught Place for purchasing gold jewellery.

Tanishq Shop Delhi

Surat- For diamonds, go to Surat. 92% of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished in Surat! After the economic slump that hit the industries across the world, the prices have started to stabilise once again. So what are you waiting for?

Diamond Jewellery in Surat

Jaipur- Jaipur is known for its Kundan jewellery. Many shops sell this kind of jewellery at Bapu Bazaarand Johri Bazaar. An easy way would be to look for a shop that is patronised by the women.

Gold Jewelery

Hyderabad-Hyderabad is the hub of India’s most famous pearls! Check out Moti Jewellers, Char Minar. The ‘rice- pearl’ is available at Char Kaman, Gulzar Houz and General Bazaar.

Diwali Gifts

Make this Diwali a special festival with gifts! There are various items available in the market that can make for an excellent gift, for both friends and relatives. The Other Home would suggest to you the following:

Decorative items: Buy stylish Diyas, candles and lamps from Dilli Haat (New Delhi) or antique wooden showpieces from Chor Bazaar (Mumbai). Idols of Gods and Goddesses can be bought from Matka Market, near Sarojini Market (New Delhi). Buy flowers from Ferns and Petals (outlets in major cities) and avail yourself of the heavy festive discounts.

Diwali Shopping at Delhi Haat

Pets- Gift each other a pet this Diwali and spread love and care! Established pet shops in major cities give discounts on purchase of pets during festivals. So go for it!

Gift a Pet this Diwali

Gadgets and Home appliances- Gift your neighbour a cutlery or fill your own kitchen with several items: Pressure Cooker, Mixer-grinder to name a few. During Dhanteras, there is heavy discount on kitchen-ware everywhere. Also, trendy gadgets make for a great gift, such as Ipads, Iphones, Apple Ipod Shuffle etc. Gift yourself a four wheeler this Diwali, as auto majors roll out new models with special offers!

Electronic Gadgets

Others- Greeting cards, chocolates, leather wallets, penholders, gold coins, Audi CDs or devotional songs are other items that you can gift. These are not difficult to locate as most shops keep a collection of gift items during Diwali. If you are at Delhi, check out Good Earth in Khan Market.

Chocolates Gifts For Diwali

Chocolates Gifts

(*Note that most reputed shops can also be contacted online, in case you are not a resident of that city).

So, grab your purse and run to the stores. This Diwali, shop till you drop!

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