All India Radio

  

All India Radio is the largest radio network in the world. Its headquarters is at the ‘Akashvani Bhavan’ in New Delhi. Since 1957, it is officially known as ‘Akashva?i’ and it is India’s National Broadcaster and also the leading Public Service Broadcaster. Keeping in view the motto, "Bahujan Hitaya; Bahujan Sukhaya", AIR aims to provide information, education and entertainment.

History of All India Radio
During the British Raj, broadcasting began in July 1923 with programmes by the Bombay Presidency Radio Club and other radio clubs. The birth of Radio broadcasting in India has started on an experimental basis in the year 1921 through a musical programme. In 1927, private radio clubs proliferated. In the year 1930, radio broadcasting started operating under the Indian Broadcasting Company. On March 1935, a separate office of the Controller of Broadcasting was created .The landmark in the history of broadcasting is the change of the name of the Indian Broadcasting to ‘All India Radio’ (AIR) in the year 1936. In the same year Delhi station was formed.

Akashvani was first used in the perspective of radio by M. V. Gopalaswamy after setting up the nation’s first private radio station in his house, "Vittal Vihar" in 1936. Nine AIR stations opened up in different places like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Lucknow and Trichy. On 12th November, 1947, the voice of Gandhiji was broadcasted in AIR.

Etymology of All India Radio or Akashva?i
Akashva?i is a Sanskrit word, meaning "heavenly announcement," or "voice from the sky". Akashvani was a suitable name for a radio broadcaster and was later adopted as All India Radio's on-air name from 1957.

Objectives of All India Radio
AIR has defined its objectives in the following:

Preserve the country's unity and the democratic values of the Constitution.

Present a reasonable and equilibrated flow of data of national, regional, local and international concern including contrastive views. Citation of any opinion or ideology of its own should be avoided.

Develop programmes which can arouse, communicate, elucidate, train, entertain and improve to satisfy all the audiences throughout the nation.

Formulate different programmes for broadcasting, keeping in mind all sections of people of the nation.

Prepare developmental and reference programmes on various fields like Agriculture, Education, Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology.

Prepare programmes for rustic, illiterate and poor population including the youths, social and cultural minorities, and the tribes and of those occupying the borders, backward or distant areas.

Encourage consolidation and harmony of the nation.

Domestic Services of All India Radio
AIR has a lot of services in a number of languages, each serving different areas from corner to corner of India. ‘Vividh Bharati’ is one of the best-known services of AIR and is popular in Mumbai and other large cities of India. It offers a broad range of programmes including news, films, music and comedy programs. Some programs broadcast on Vividh Bharati are ‘Hawa-mahal: Radio plays based on novels and plays’ and ‘Santogen ki mehfil: Comedy show’.

For more, visit the link below:

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Zen Meditation

  

Zen Meditation or Zazen is a concept of seated meditation. Zen Meditation is performed when seated and this is a discipline performed to calm the body and mind and experience insight into the nature of existence. The Zen Buddhists are known as 'Meditation.

Buddhists' and basically the Zazen is the study of self. Originally Zen referred to a sitting practice alone, but now it is widely used to meditate in any posture.

Zen Meditation has a long history of practice. It is thought that during his enlightenment, Buddha was in a seated meditation. The meditation practice has continued for two thousand five hundred years from generation to generation. The most important aspect of Zen Meditation is its spread from India to China, to Japan, to other parts of Asia and then finally to the West. Zen Meditation is very easy to describe and practice but needs an orderly manner to perform. The great master Dogen said about Zazen "To study the Buddha Way is to study the self, to study the self is to forget the self, and to forget the self is to be enlightened by the ten thousand things."

The common practice in meditation is to see the body, breath and mind separately, but in Zen meditation they come together as one reality. The first important thing is to pay attention to the position of the body. The body has a way of communicating outwardly to the world and inwardly to oneself. Our mind and breath depends a lot on our position of the body. Since the evolution of Buddhism, the most effective posture practiced in Zazen is the pyramid structure of seated Buddha. During Zen Meditation seating on a floor is recommended because it is a very stable way. A 'Zafu' or a small pillow is used to lift the back just a little, so that the knees can touch the ground. With the bottom on the pillow and two knees touching the ground, the body takes a tripod shape that gives three hundred and sixty degree stability.

For more, visit the link below:

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Tourism in Chhattisgarh

  

Chhattisgarh is gifted with rich natural beauty and diversity and pregnant with affluent cultural heritage. It is blessed with varied topography and landscape, filled with ancient monuments, delicately carved temples, Buddhist sites, lush green forests, rare and endangered wildlife, exotic waterfalls, palaces and ancient caves, tribal villages and enthralling hill plateaus.

Almost all of these locations serve as an unexplored and alternate tourist destination and provide an enthralling experience to the travellers. The distinct cities and towns of Chhattisgarh consist of their own respective unique appeal and charm. Bastar region has a unique biological and cultural existence that can invigorate the tourists. Dantewada is dominated by the aboriginals or the tribal people who still continue their age old lifestyle. Bhilai on the other hand is a well developed city and forms the central point of industry and economy of the state.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Chhattisgarh
Various pilgrimage sites are also developed as attractions for tourists. The most popular pilgrim destinations are Champaranya, Sheorinarayan Fair, Ratanpur, Rajim, Girodhpuri, Sirpur, Dongargarh, Ratanpur, Dantewada and several others. Dongargarh and Sirpur are renowned Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Nature Tourism in Chhattisgarh
The stunning and magnificent waterfalls of Teerathgarh, Chitradhara, Chitrakoot, Mandra, Tamda and many others are popular as family picnic spots. Chhattisgarh is a haven for adventurers and nature explorers. The wildlife sanctuaries of Sita Nadi, Barnawapara, Indravati National Park, Badalkhol, Kanger National Park and Sanjay Gandhi National Park provide the chance to observe the diverse wildlife, of the state, in their natural habitat and enjoy the serene and indolent environment. Moreover the various tribal and conventional handicraft villages and several museums also provide the opportunity to get adequate memorabilia and souvenirs.

Leisure Tourism in Chhattisgarh
The grand palaces and ancient temples of Kawardhaa and Kanker Palaceportray the tales of the ancient period. The various museums and conventional handicraft villages are excellent places to browse and pick up assorted merchandise and paraphernalia as gifts. Along with the support of the private sector, heritage sites and monuments and ethnic villages are being developed and maintained. Some of these are Sheorinarayan, Bhoramdeo, Sirpur, Rajim, Malhar and Tala. Moreover, various festivals and occasions are also being marketed, particularly to attract foreign tourists. The most popular festivals are Madai Dance at Dantewada and Narainpur, Raut Nacha, Dussehra at Bastar and Chakradhar Samaroh.

Adventure Tourism in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is also being promoted as an adventure destination and measures are taken to lure adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Facilities for various adventure activities and sports like trekking and hiking, rock climbing, water sports, bungee jumping, parasailing etc are being developed in the various regions.

Eco-Tourism in Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is fast emerging as an eco-tourism destination in India, with it 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 3 National Parks. The conserved regions like Barnawapara, Kanger Valley National Park, Achanakmar and Udanti Sanctuaries and many others added the ecological balance in Chhattisgarh. The State Animal is the endangered Wild Buffalo and the rare and endangered Hill Myna is the State Bird.

For more, visit the link below:

https://www.indianetzone.com/55/tourism_chhattisgarh.htm

Traditional Games

  

Traditional games have always been part of the Indian culture since centuries. If looked at these very closely, one would surely find many striking similarities in most of the famous games played all around the world. For eg: Cricket or Baseball can be called as an improvised version of the traditional 'Gilli Danda'. Then, we also have the famous games like Polo, Rugby, Boat Racing which are again the improvised versions of many other traditional games played in many remotest parts of India. These are:

Kalari Payattu: Kerala's martial art form, Kalari Payattu, is very similar to Karate.

Chaupar: A very similar but more skilful, complex and may be a little older than Pachisi, a game called Chausar, Chaupar or Chaupad is also popular among Indians.

Pallanguli: Pallanguli is a game played mostly played by Tamil women, both in Southern India and Sri Lanka and it is known as the number game. Men also sometimes play it for gambling purposes. The board has 14 cups, each player controlling seven.

Gilli Danda: Cricket or Baseball played with sticks instead of bats or balls, is exactly the structure of Gilli Danda. Gilli Danda is played with two wooden sticks - a gilli and a danda.

Asol Aap: Asol Aap or Canoe Race is an indigenous game of Andaman and Nicobar islands. In this game, a canoe having a length of almost 100' is used.

Vallamkali: Celebrated in Kerala, the festival of Onam is well known for the famous snake boat race that is organized on the occasion.

Gella - Chutt: Gella - Chutt is a famous indigenous game of Tripura. Interestingly, the number of participating in a game of Gella - Chutt differs in the various places the game is played.

Hiyang Tannaba: Hiyang Tannaba is a very famous boat race, which takes place in Manipur, and is an essential ingredient of one of their prominent festivals - Lai Haraoba.

Inbuan: Inbuan is an age-old game played in Mizoram. The game bears a striking resemblance to combat wrestling.

Insuknawr: Insuknawr or rod - pushing is an indigenous game of Mizoram. Played only by the male population of Mizoram.

Kang Shanaba: Kang Shanaba is an indigenous Manipuri game played on the day between Manipur's New Year's Day and the Ratha Jatra festival.

Kho-Kho: Kho-Kho is one of India's very famous traditional games and is also known as a 'Standing Game'. This is the sport where players chase and try to touch a person.

Kirip: Kirip (Nicobarese wrestling) Kirip is an indigenous wrestling form of the Nicobarese tribe. The game begins with the wrestlers clasping each other from behind using their hands- the grip should not be relaxed till the match is over. In this game, the wrestlers must try and push the opposition to the ground using their legs. As soon as a player's back comes in contact with the ground, he loses the match. The game is played in 5 rounds.

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Nine Planets in Astrology

  

Nine Planets in Astrology, according to Vedas, are known as ‘Nava-Graha’. These planets exist in the entire sphere of celestial and astrological studies. In Astrology, Planets are the heavenly bodies, whose movements are tracked by keeping Earth as the central point; the heavenly objects casting their influence on earth, nature and its inhabitants to a great degree. Although, technically Sun and Moon are not planets, and Rahu and Ketu are just lunar nodes, still they are essentially referred as planets according to the Hindu astrology.

Each planet has a specific influence in astrology and governs a certain area of one’s personality or approach to life. For example, Mercury relates to the mental outlook; Venus governs the love nature. It is the placement of these planets in the various zodiac signs that determines how one expresses the different facets of their personality.

The Nine planets in Vedic astrology are of prime importance to Indian astrologers. Each of the nine planets, which are also known as ‘Nava-Graha’, is discussed below:

Surya or Sun
Sun bestows willpower, energy and fortune to each and every individual, enabling them to live life to its grandest level. Right from the looks of a being, to his personality, wisdom and achievements, Sun or Surya has the dominant role to play. Sun provides with the physical, as well as psychological well being of a person. Its benevolence is received by kings, leaders, politicians, artists, jewellers, gemmologists, actors, alike.

Chandra or Moon
Moon or Chandra is responsible for fertility, growth, long distance travel, mental peace, memory, relation with mother and childbirth. An excellent and powerful moon provides good emotional strength and harmonious life. A weak moon can cause mental anxiety, emotional disturbance and tough relations with mother and people all around.

Brihaspati or Jupiter
Brihaspati is known as the planet of luck and is responsible for all the success, fortune, intellect and religious aspects of lives. Jupiter or Brihaspati signifies high ambitions, knowledge and accomplishments. Consequently, it is a prominent planet in the charts of successful priests, religious leaders, politicians and people pursuing deep knowledge.

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Cuisine of Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh

  

Rayalaseema, the southern region of Andhra Pradesh, has some unique dishes in its cuisine. Due to its close proximity to Tamil Nadu and South Karnataka, the cuisine is heavily influenced by Tamil Nadu and South Karnataka cuisines. Generally known for its tangy, hot and spicy taste, the cooking is very diverse due to the vast spread of the people and varied topological regions.

The state being the leading producer of red chilli, rice and millets in India influences the liberal use of spices - making the food one of the richest and spiciest in the world. Vegetarian as well as meat and seafood (coastal areas) feature prominently in the menus. Dal (lentils), tomato and tamarind are largely used for cooking curries. Spicy and hot varieties of pickles form an important part of Telugu cuisine. There are different foods and snacks made in the Rayalaseema region. Some of the main courses include rice, jonna (jowar) and ragi roti with a combination of ghee as well as ragi sangati, usually served with spinach or pulusu.

Types of Food
There are different foods and snacks made in Rayalaseema regions. Attirasaalu (rice-based fritter using jaggery), Baadusha, Jaangri (jalebi), Pakam Undalu (a mixture of steamed rice flour, ground nuts, jaggery), Borugu Undalu (a sweet variety made corn of jowar and jaggery), Pala Kova, Masala Borugulu, Raagi Ball saddi Annam, Jonna, Raagi Roti, Ponganaalu wet rice flour, Alsandala vada, Ulavacharu, Peetala Kura, Chilli Bonda, Mirchibajji Roast and Rava Laddu are the major food items of this region. Raagi Sankati and Naatu kodi pulusu (spicy chicken curry) is a very renowned combination. Raagi Sankati is a rural Andhra staple food.

For more, visit the link below:

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Monasteries of Sikkim

  

Monasteries of Sikkim are popular place of worship for the Buddhist monks who reside in Sikkim. These monasteries mainly follow the Nyingma and Kagyu order of Buddhism. There are about 200 big and small monasteries which not only depict the cultural heritage and life style of Buddhists in Sikkim but also preach the ancient rituals of Buddhism. These are mainly established by the well known and most revered monks who lay the foundation of these monasteries.

Monasteries of Sikkim are mainly known for upholding the tradition folk culture through the monk dances and mask dances that take place according to the calendar of ancient Tibet. Decorated with frescos of Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade fabric are some of the most colourful sites in Sikkim. Established during the 17th and 18th century these monasteries are mainly known for their architecture as well as their religious practices.

Different Monasteries of Sikkim
Monasteries of Sikkim mainly follow the Nyingma and Kadyug order. This relates Sikkim with ancient Tibet. Among these Nyingma is among the four ancient Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Following are the popular monasteries of Sikkim:

Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery is one of the major and most significant monasteries in Asia which is situated next to the capital city of Gangtok. It is the best model of Tibetan architecture in India.

Tashiding Monastery: The Monastery is part of Buddhist spiritual pilgrimage journey in Sikkim. Tashiding Monastery is the most stunning Monastery of North East India, located on top of the hill rising between the Rathong chu and the Rangeet River.

Enchey Gompa: The monastery has a big assortment of masks and Cham dance festival celebrates here each year. Enchey Monastery is one of the olden religious sites of the Buddhists in the state of Sikkim which was built around the then small hamlet of Gangtok.

Dubdi Monastery: Dubdi Monastery is also called as Yuksom Monastery, situated in the Geyzing part. Yuksom Monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim and strongly linked to the founding of the State.

Pemayangtse Monastery: The monastery is located at a height of 2085m and offers wonderful panoramic view of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains and Kanchenjunga peak. Pemayangtse Monastery is situated on a hill top near Pelling and one of the foremost monasteries of Sikkim.

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