DESTINATION INDIA

Orissa (PART-VII)

     Puri (3)

Chilka Lake

Chilka Lake - Asia's largest brackish water lagoon with water spread ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nestled in the heart of the coastal Odisha (Orissa). It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjan district in the South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats. 

Chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is home to a phenomenal variety of birds. Chilika Lake offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species in the peak season between November and February. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. 

The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. The core area of about 9 sq km attracts around 400,000 waterfowls of different species. Often underwater, the island gradually emerges with the outset of summer. It is literally a paradise for bird-watchers.

 

Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island. Satpada, bounded by the lagoon on three sides, offers an excellent view and attracts the visitors to its entire 30 km stretch of sand bar. Boats arranged by OTDC are available for both the islands. The lake also supports the local fisherman in earning their living from Chilika's prawn, mackerel and crabs.

Of late, slightly reduced number of birds owing to growth in prawn farming as well as silting and reduced salinity has alarmed the conservationists. The plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of different fishing nets and gears has threatened the flagship species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady dolphin.

Pipili

Pipili (also known as Pipli) is a town and a NAC under jurisdiction of Puri district. It is famous for designing beautiful Applique handicrafts. It is a town of artisans famous for their colourful fabrics.

Pipli Handicraft market

Futher ahead on the National highway 40 Km from Puri one can reach Pipili, a craft village for Applique work. One can find a series of shops decorated with many applique works with bright colors. Applique is an art, a process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers leaves gods, goddesses and other decorative motifs and stitching them on a piece of cloth.

Applique work

The varieties are like umbrellas, lamps shades, wall cloths, table covers, sofa covers, children cloths, bad covers and many more. These are prepared by skilled craft persons, perhaps, a remnant of Mughal days. People love to see the varieties they even like to purchase the handicrafts.

Gundicha Temple

The most important sanctuary of the Lord Jagannath is the Gundicha Temple--the abode to Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Except for these few days, it is unoccupied. But there is a small establishment of servants by whom it is regularly maintained. It is situated at the other end of the great highway (Badadanda).

The distance between the gates of Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple is exactly 2,688.0696 meters (8327 feet). The temple is surrounded by a wall and stands in the middle of garden. It consists of four pars connected with kitchen rooms, by a narrow passage. The tower, a construction of Pidha type, is 75 feet high with a base of 55 feet by 46 feet outside, and 36 feet 8inches by 27 feet inside.

All the four structures (Vimana, Jagamohan, Natamandap, and Bhogamandap) bear the traces of several plastering and are carved in places with obscene figures in mortar. There is a plain raised seat, 4 feet high and 19 feet long, made of chlorite and this is called the Ratnavedi -- the throne on which the images are placed when brought to the temple.

* There are more places to  see in Puri, I just want to share the best.

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! This is 2:00pm.,  21^st November, Wednesday here in India and after a long time, I am here for you with a total set of features of ‘Glimpses of India....’ 

How are you friends? I’m fine and feeling good to talk with you. Winter is almost upon India and I’m very happy for that! I love winter most! I also love romantic films and I remember a name of a film director; we have lost just before some days, I love very much. He is the “King of Romance” of India - Yash Raj Chopra. I want to say something about him.

Yash Raj Chopra

Yash Raj Chopra (September 27, 1932 – October 21, 2012) was an Indian film director, script writer and film producer; predominantly working in Hindi cinema.Chopra began his career as an assistant director to I.S. Johar and his elder brother, B.R. Chopra. He made his directorial debut with Dhool Ka Phool in 1959, a melodrama about illegitimacy and followed it with the social drama Dharmputra (1961).
In 1973, Chopra founded his own production company, Yash Raj Films and launched it with Daag: A Poem of Love (1973), a successful melodrama about a polygamous man. His success continued in the seventies, with some of Indian cinema's most successful and iconic films, including the action thriller Deewar (1975) which established Amitabh Bachchan as the leading actor in Bollywood, the romantic drama Kabhie Kabhie (1976) and Trishul (1978). Chopra directed and produced the cult classic Lamhe in 1991. Considered by critics and Chopra himself as his best work to date, the film became one of the biggest Bollywood hits in the overseas market. In 1992 he directed Parampara which was critically panned. Chopra followed it with the box-office hit and trend setter Darr (1993). Starring Shahrukh Khan in his debut, it showed a sympathetic look at obsessive love and defied the image of the conventional hero. Since then, Chopra directed three more romantic films, all starring Khan; Dil To Pagal Hai (1997), Veer-Zaara (2004) and Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012) before he announced his retirement from directing in 2012.

Movies of Yash Raj Films

Chopra founded and was chairman of the motion picture production and distribution company Yash Raj Films, which ranks as India’s biggest production company as of 2006, as well as the founder of Yash Raj Studios. Chopra's career has spanned over five decades and over 50 films and is considered one of the leading filmmakers in the history of Hindi cinema. He came to be known as the "King of romance" of the Indian cinema. Chopra has won several film awards, including six National Film Awards, eleven Filmfare awards and four Filmfare Award for Best Director.The Government of India honoured him with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contributions towards Indian cinema. BAFTA presented him with a lifetime membership for his contribution to the films, making him the first Indian to receive the honor.

Yash Chopra passed away due to dengue and multiple organ failure on 21^st October in Mumbai, Maharastra, India. No one can fill his space in the history of Indian cinema. May his soul rest in peace.

Well, that’s all for today! Hope you are enjoying my blog! Please keep watching! Have a good day/ afternoon/evening/night! Namaskar.

Festivals of India in the month of November

Bhai Phonta

Friends, I have just finished the celebration of Vai phonta. It is a big event for brothers and sisters. I have enjoyed a lots with my brothers. Let me tell you some words about this event.

Bhai (brother) Phonta (small circle mark) is a Bengali Hindu festival; usually celebrated two days after the Kali Puja, where the sisters mark the foreheads of their brothers with sandalwood paste and pray for their safety, well being and success. The festival is similar to Bhai Dhooj in northern India, Bhai Tika in Nepal and other parts of eastern India and Bhau Beej in western India.

According to the Bengali Hindu lunar calendar, the festival is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla paksha of the month of Kartik in late autumn. Sometimes it is also celebrated on the first day of the Shukla paksha.

Arrangements of Vai-Phonta

The sister is putting a mark on her brother forehead

The sister put a mark of sandalwood paste mixed with curd on her brother forehead with her left hand ring finger thrice, while reciting a traditional rhyme. The rhyme has different variations in different family traditions. After, that the sister puts paddy grains and durba i.e. tender shoots of grass in her brother’s head. During this time, conch shells are blown and the women ululate. After that the sister blesses her brother if she is elder to him. Then the sister hands her brother a dish of traditional Bengali sweets and gifts. The brother in turn showers his sister with gifts.

Lunch

Luchi and Alur dam

Typical bhai phonta breakfasts consist of luchi (a type of puffy fried bread) and alu(potato)-r dam(hot red curry) and an assortment of traditional sweets. The bhai phonta lunch is usually an elaborate affair with delicacies like hilsa, pabda, chicken or mutton. *Payes is a special dish for this event. In Bengal, every year sweetmeat makers come up with new offerings alongside traditional ones.

Bhai phota holds a very important place in Bengali Hindu culture. Sisters usually consider it to be the most important event of the year. In 2009, Railway minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee skipped a cabinet meeting to celebrate the festival along with her family members.

*Payes: It is a special sweet dish; made by rice, suger, milk and dry foods. 
 

Payes

Festivals of India in the month of November

Diwali and Kali Puja

Diwali is one of the Indian festivals celebrated all over India, with equal enthusiasm and zeal. The word 'Diwali' is the abbreviation of the Sanskrit word 'Deepavali', which means 'rows of lights'. One of the major Hindu festivals, it is celebrated to commemorate the victory of good over the evil, when Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from his custody. It is predominantly a five-day festival, with a number of customs and rituals followed during each day. People prepare themselves for the festival weeks ahead, by cleaning and decorating their premises. 

Goddes Laxmi

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day that marks the end of Ashwin and beginning of Kartik month. Celebrated with full of energy and fun by people of every religion, the magical effect of Diwali creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity. Innumerable lamps are lit on the roofs and windowsills of the houses, thus, giving a divine look to the whole scenario. It is said that Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth, roams the earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean and brightly illuminated. Therefore, people, before exchanging gifts and bursting crackers, offer prayers to the deity.

Fire works

Young and old, men and women, all dress up in new clothes on this day to illuminate their home with diyas. The deities of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped on Diwali, after which, the people share sweets and gifts with their relatives and friends. Fireworks, which attract the kids the most, form the highlight of the festival. The festive mood extends to the couple of days following the main day of the festival. Deepawali symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. It is the celebration of victory of good over evil - and the glory of light.

Maa Kali

On the day of Deepawali, and the night, when the whole of India is immersed deep in the festive spirit and worshipping goddess Laxmi, another festival and celebrations for it take place with as much spirit and joy. This festival is Kali Puja. Dedicated to the worship of the first of the ten incarnations of the goddess Durga, Kali, the festival falls in the month of October or November, and is celebrated on the new moon night of Kartik Amavasya in the Hindu month of Ashwin, according to the Bengali calendar. Although the festival is more ornately celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Orissa, and Assam; devotees of Goddess Kali from across the country perform the puja in their own ways. It's believed that worshipping Goddess Kali frees one from the evil, both within and the world outside. For this reason, many a believers, together, seek blessings from the Goddess on this day.

Kali Puja

Devotees from all over, specifically Bengalis, Oriyas, and Assamese set up idols and images and idols of Goddess Kali, along with those of Lord Shiva's at their homes and pandals. Also, in numerous temples and shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali, the celebrations and the ritual takes place, throughout the night till dawn. It is prescribed for the worshipper to carry on the puja from night till morning, by continuously reciting the mantra. Before the puja commences and till the time it goes on; firecrackers, magic shows, and theatre goes on for the people to engage in. Sights of devotees' homes, pandals, and temples adorned with eye pleasing decorations are common. Lights, candles, and diyas; can also be commonly seen on and around this day. Read this section to learn more about the various aspects related to one of the most popular of Goddess worship festivals in Bengal.

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! This is 09:30 am., 13^th November, Tuesday here in India and we are going to celebrate Diwali and Kali Puja. Yesterday was a special day for the Indians especially for Bengali. It was Indian Halloween by name Bhoot Chaturdashi, the night before Kalipuja is celebrated as Indian Halloween- without the “trick or treat” prank. I want to share some story about it.

Bhuta Chaturdashi is observed on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month. The corresponding period in North Indian Hindu calendars is the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik Month. On the day unsatisfied spirits are worshiped. In some regions people offer food – cooked rice and til to the Bhutas (ghosts).

The rituals coincide with the popular Yama Chaturdasi and Naraka Chaturdasi rituals. This particular ritual is of importance in eastern parts of India.

Pradeep, after lightning

Pradeep, before lightning

One has to light up a candle/pradeep on doorsteps (and make the total to 14) to not let them trespass the household and eat 14 types of leafy vegetables to not let them take over the body. Even then it’s suggested to be wise not to go out after darkness. Children stay indoor after night fall because it’s a common belief that ghosts prowl during this night.

Festivals of India in the month of Novembor

Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is a festival that provides an opportunity for all married women to get   close to their in-laws. All married women observes fast that ensures the well-being,    prosperity and longevity of their husbands. This Hindu festival has a cultural and social significance and all Indians celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. The festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated mostly by North India.This event is growing bigger with each passing day. In addition to the traditional items such as henna, beauty products and fashionable clothes, the demand of special eateries are also gearing up. Nowadays, Karwa Chauth is more of fun than a serious festival. Karva is another word for diya (a small earthen oil-lamp) and chauth means 'fourth' in Hindi (a reference to the fact that the festival falls on the fourth day of the dark-fortnight, or krishna paksh, of the month of Kartik). It is uncertain how the festival originated and how it came to be celebrated only in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent. One hypothesis is that military campaigns and long-distance travel usually resumed around the time of the festival, as the area dried and numerous rivers of the region subsided from the effects of the monsoon. Women observed the fast to pray the Moon for the safety of their husbands at this time as they ventured away from home. The festival also coincides with the wheat-sowing time (i.e. the beginning of the Rabi crop cycle). Big earthen pots in which wheat is stored are also sometimes called karvas, so the fast may also have begun as a prayer for a good harvest in this predominantly wheat-eating region. Karwa Chauth is an occasion that encourages people to gather and socialize with friends and family, exchange gifts and share home-cooked meals. The gifts exchanged on this occasion reflect joy, splendor, brightness and happiness of a married life. Sargi Sargi Sargi and Baya are the two most important gifting items, as without them the festival of Karva chauth is incomplete. These gift items are very traditional and are supposed to bring good luck in the lives of the married couple. It is Mother-in-laws who gift 'sargi' for their daughter-in-laws. This 'sargi' is a collection of sumptuous food consists of various types of sweetmeats and sometime clothes. 'Sargi' is given to the married woman so that she can eat them before sunrise, as the fast starts before sunrise and ends only after worshiping the moon at night. It is a tough fast, as the women do not take any food or water. Baya Baya     In the afternoon, mothers of newly wed girls gift 'Baya' to the parents of their son-in-law. This Baya contains few Mathris, Almonds and some gifts. This gift pack should reach the girl's house before evening. A small pooja to Gaura Ma or goddess Parvati is performed. Married women sit around Gaura ma and pray to her for the well being and long life of their husbands. A small pitcher or Karva with some water is placed in the center. While the story is being narrated, ladies circulate their Baya thalis. Apart from traditional gifts, nowadays there is a norm of showering various designers’ clothes, bindies and jeweleries, especially to a newly wed woman.

Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening my friends, wherever you are! This is 09:30 am., 9^th November, Friday here in India and after a long time, I am here for you! Hope you all are doing well. I’m fine as usual! Here was a big problem in my blog-domain, and I know so many of you were having problem to see it; but now, it is doing perfectly and you can see it at the old address – http://koyelischakraborty.blogspot.in

As I told you I was very busy in before about many festivals. A big festival of India Diwali or Kali Puja is coming very soon. In India, specially in West Bengal, after one day of Kali Puja, is a big day for brothers and sisters; because, this day is celebrated as Bhai-Phota or Bhai-Duj, when brothers and sisters are showing there love for each other.

Well, I shall explain briefly this occation in the Festivals of India.  That’s all for today.Have a great/day/afternoon/evening! Namaskar.

Bhai-Phota