Himalayan Mountain Range

  

Himalayan Mountain Range has received its name from a Sanskrit word, Himalaya. Hima stands for ‘snow’, whereas alaya stands for ‘abode’. Thus, Himalaya means ‘the abode of snow’. Kalidasa has described the Himalayas as the ‘King of Mountains’. The Himalayan Mountain Range stretches across the countries of Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Afghanistan. From the Pamirs in Pakistan to the easternmost bend of the Brahmaputra in Assam, the Himalayas cover a length of about 2,400km. The Himalayan Range has about 100 mountain peaks exceeding 7,200 meters, including the world’s highest mountain peak namely, Mount Everest. The mountain range encompasses many glaciers like the famous Siachen Glacier. It is the longest glacier in the Karakoram Mountain Range. The higher regions of the Himalayan Mountain Range are snowbound throughout the year in spite of their proximity to the tropics. An estimated 750 million people live in the watershed area of the Himalayan Rivers, which also includes Bangladesh.

Geology of Himalayan Mountain Range
The Himalayan Mountain Range is known to be one of the youngest mountain ranges in the world. In the Miocene Period, there was a sea known as the Tethys Sea, where the Himalayan range is located now. The process of formation of these mountain ranges began in the Oligocene period and continued up to the Post-Pliocene period.

Divisions of Himalayan Mountain Range
There are five divisions of Himalayan Mountain Range. They are the Greater or Central Himalayas with the highest and oldest peaks in the world (many of which are in Nepal), the Shiwaliks or Outer Himalayas located in between the Great Plains and Lesser Himalayas, the Lesser or Middle Himalayas (including ranges like the Pir Panjal Mountain Range and the Dhauladhar Mountain Range), the Trans-Himalayas and the Purvanchal Hills or Eastern Hills. These divisions are described below.

Greater Himalayas Greater Himalayas comprise a zone of high snow-capped peaks, which are 128 to 144 km above the plains. Two important peaks of Greater Himalayas located in India are Nanda Devi (7816 meters) and Kanchenjunga (8586 meters). Other significant peaks are Mount Everest (8848 meters), Dhaulagiri (8167 meters) and Mount Godwin Austin (8611 meters).

Outer Himalayas Outer Himalayas extend continuously along the foot of the Himalayas for about 2,400 km, from the Potwar Plateau in the west to the Brahmaputra Valley in the east.

Lesser Himalayas Lesser Himalayas is 64 to 80 km wide and has an average altitude of about 3000 meters. Between 1500 and 1600 meters of height, this zone is covered with evergreen and oak forests. Between 1600 and 2124 meters, the zone is covered with coniferous forests of chir, deodar, pine, oaks and magnolias. Above 2436 meters, the zone is covered with birch, spruce, silver fir, etc.

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Sev Tameta Nu Shaak, Gujarati Cuisine

  

Sev Tameta Nu Shaak is a popular dish of Gujarati cuisine that is sweet and sour tomato curry prepared with tomato, sev, onion and other Indian spices. In this recipe, first tomatoes, onion and spices are sautéed in oil and then steam cooked with water, sev is added only toward its final stage of preparation. ‘Sev’ is a deep-fried, vermicelli-like snack made with gram flour. It should be noted that the tomatoes can be cooked earlier, but the sev should be added just before serving so that it remains fresh and crisp. It is usually served with paratha and ‘Thepla’ for a delicious meal.

Sev Tameta Nu Shaak is also known as "Sev Tamatar Ki Sabzi" in Hindi, is made popularly during the Jain festival of "Paryushan Parva" when roots and other vegetables are not included in the diet. Tomatoes are used in most often used as bases for many vegetables and accompaniments. But Gujarati’s have taken it to a next level, by using it as a main course vegetable. This dish is very popular among the Jain Gujarati community has it has no root vegetables, no onion and garlic.

Ingredients:

Red Ripe Tomatoes - 5 medium size, chopped

Nylon Sev or Thick Sev - 1/2 cup

Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp

Mustard Seeds - 1/4 tsp

Onion - 1 medium size, finely chopped

Ginger-Garlic Paste - 1 tsp

Green Chilli - 1, finely chopped

Sugar - 2 tsp

Coriander Leaves - 2 tbsp, finely chopped

Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp

Coriander Powder - 1 tsp

Garam Masala - 1/4 tsp

Red Chilli Powder - 1/2 tsp

Water - 1/2 cup

Salt to taste

Oil - 2 tbsp

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Chakra Meditation

  

In Hinduism and in some related Asian cultures, a chakra is thought to be a nexus of metaphysical and/or biophysical energy residing in the human body.

Chakra Meditation involves Chakra Anusandhana, which means "discovery or search of the chakras". It is a simple way for beginners to explore the chakras self-tutored. It helps in awakening them gently, and in a balanced integrated way.

Within our bodies there are focal points of energy, called Chakras, that we use, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Chakras are located in important parts of everyone's body. Any organ within the area of these Chakras are used to control; and are, therefore, directly affected by the properties of that Chakra. There are seven Chakras located throughout the body, each with their own unique attributes and characteristics:

The Root Chakra is located directly at the base of the spine, also known as the coccyx. This Chakra is closely related to the body and our ability to master it. One's health, constitution and security are linked to this Chakra. In addition, the realization of how our bodies connect to the material world is focused here.

Take a deep breath and pull it down through your body to the very base of your spine, the seat of the first chakra. As you release the air, relax all the muscles in your toes, feet and legs. Take in more air and focus on your connecting point to the earth. Now release the air, relax down through your body, and continue to send your attention deep into the center of the earth. Picture magnetic lines of force coming from the earth's core, connecting with your own root center. Allow that force to arise within you, from below. Imagine a feeling of power surging into this "root" center from the deep center of the earth. As it increases, keep your attention on this powerful magnetic energy at the bottom of your spine.

Focusing at the base of the spine, imagine that with each breath, energy collects and builds up there. Continue to relax, and sense the feelings in the coccyx, perineum, anus, and deep inside your pelvic cavity, the foundation of your body. Sensing your root center, breathe as if the earth's energy is coming directly into you from below. Allow the energy to build, like a growing, magnetic force.

The Naval Chakra or Libido is located in the lower abdomen. This Chakra is tied into the more physical feelings of love, passion and sexuality. The feeling of pleasure is also linked with this Chakra, so one may feel focus and feedback in this Chakra during moments of harmony, generosity, group creativity and selflessness.

Keeping the first chakra open, take a long deep breath in, and lift your awareness from your root center, up to the second chakra, the area of your sexual and reproductive organs. Take in more, letting the red energy from below heat up to a glowing orange surge... Now let the air rush out and begin to consciously relax your genital muscles, buttocks, abdomen, hips, and pelvis. Breathe the warm energy into the second chakra, deep inside your sexual center. Allow the power generated below to surge upwards and spread out at this second energy level, like warm, orange lava flowing out of a volcano. The Solar Plexus Chakra is located just above the navel and below the chest. This Chakra is a focus point for our force of will and our sense of transformation. Concentration and control of our personal energies originate from this point. One's sense of power and authority, as well as self-control and discipline of the ego converge here.

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Hand Block Printing in Kutch

  

Kutch has been an ideal shopping destination for textiles with hand block printing. In this technique, fabric is decorated by printing designs on it. Hand block printing in India was the chief occupation of the chippas - a community of printers. They use metal or wooden blocks to print designs on the fabrics by hand.

Ajrakh prints
Ajrakh printing is one of the popular traditional crafts of Kutch. The wold "AJRAKH" means "keep it to day" and probably served as means of publicity. It also means beautifying and in Arabia, Ajrakh denotes the blue colour which is an essential of the craft. The Khatri community has been engaged in this craft for many centuries and the technnique is handed down from father to son. Recently Harijan artisans trained under Khatri crafts people are also pur suing this craft. Dhamanka and Khavda are the two most important centres.

Batik Prints
Batik is one of the most attractive and important crafts of Kutch. In this printing paraffin-wax is used as the resist material. In the 18th and 19th century, the East India Company used to export Batik. Nowadays the craft depends more on local demand than on the export market.

Tie and Dye
Tie and dye, popularly known as Bandhani, is a famous traditional handiwork of the Kutch district, gandhanis are very closely associated with deep rooted social customs. It is treated as a symbol of married life. It is a must in the marriages of Hindus and Muslims. Discovery of dyed cotton fabric dating back to the Indus valley civiliation shows that the art of dyeing using mordant was well known to the dyers, 5000 years ago. Tie-dye still continues to have an important position in Gujarat. Bandhani designs are carefully built up in a number of colors, starting with the lightest and working through to the darkest. Designs are usually lightly printed with block made up of small dots. The crafts man or woman will then tie tiny knots where the dots are shown. The parts of the design to be in the lightest colour will remain knotted throughout the process, but as each new color is applied, some of the knots will be strategically untied allowing the color to penetrate. Printing with Vegetable dyes Printing with dyes of Vegetable Origin is a traditional art of the district. Introduction of synthetic dyes have almost entirely replaced the indigenous dyes. However a handful of craftsmen still follow the laborious process of preparation of natural mellow dyes and print colours such as indigo (Indigofers Tinctoria) katho (Acaciacarecha) lakas (Red, wood Adenantherapavonia) haldar (Curelums Louga) harda (Terminalia nebula) majitha (Rubia carditolia) padvas (Termarics Indian) and which used a kaiya type of clay. Lac (a type of resin) is used in the preparation of colors for printing and dying.

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Costumes and Make Up in Kathakali

  

Costumes and Make Up in Kathakali conserve its masculine aspect in its essential vigour. Strong ‘Malayan’ and ‘Tibetan’ influences are recognized in the decorations of the actors. ‘Kathakali’ Dance form is noted for its ancient costumes and grand headgears. The costumes used are heavy, intricate, elaborate and colourful. They transform the actor mentally and physically to portray a particular character. The costume is the most characteristic feature of ‘Kathakali’ Dance. The beautiful costumes of the ‘Kathakali’ dancers are the essence of the entire performance.

Costumes in Kathakali
There are numerous kinds of costume in ‘Kathakali’ Dance. These are: ‘Sathwika’ (the hero), ‘Kathi’ (the villain), ‘Minukku’ (females) and ‘Thatti’. These essential divisions are subdivided in a way which is very famous to ‘Malayali’ (Keralite) audiences. Each character is right away recognisable by their characteristic makeup and costume. The ‘Sathwika’ characters or the hero put on diverse attires as compared to the evil characters. The ‘Pachcha’ characters generally dress in a jacket of purple, blue or yellow colour. The red-beards wear a red jacket and the white-beards wear a white jacket.

The lower half of the costume of ‘Kathakali’ dancer is general including the ‘minukku’ characters. An effort is made to broaden the actor’s parts by using greatly plaited skirts. Under this amazing make-up, a colossal headgear and fantastic costume is elastic, flexible, thin and well-trained. Most male characters dress in dark complete-sleeved jackets with coloured or white rounded long skirts. Lengths of white cloth thrown over the shoulders are also there. The female characters tie a knot on the top of their hair and the ornamented scarf is falling over red jackets coupled with a white saree covering the lower half of the body.

Ornaments in Kathakali
The ornaments and jewelleries consist of necklace, bracelets, bangles, gilt breast-plates and bunches of small bells strung round the ankles. ‘Kathakali’ Dance is the decoration of the eyebrows, eyelids, the eyeballs, the iris and the pupil to the highest degree for eye expression. In this style of dance, the presentation of the eyes of all the characters is blushed by the application of gentle nuisance of a flower to give prominence to the eyes. The bright red eyes suit better to the various moods of the characters and. The red eyes together are decorated brilliantly and colourful make-ups, head-dresses, beautiful costumes and jewellery give on ‘Kathakali’ dance an extraordinary feature which changes the whole dance-drama.

The name of the different ornaments and jewelleries which are used in ‘Kathakali’ Dance are - ‘Tholpoottu’, ‘Thoda’, ‘Valla’, ‘Chamaram’, ‘Chevipoovu’, ‘Hasthakhadakam’, ‘Padiyaranjanam’, ‘Pattuval’, ‘Parithikkamini’, ‘Santham-Peace’, ‘Kachamani’, ‘Chuttithuni’, ‘Kazhuthu Nada/Netti Nada’, ‘Marmala’, ‘Kurunira’, ‘Keshabharam/Kireedam’, ‘Kuttichamaram’, ‘Hanumanmudi’, ‘Krishnamudi’, ‘Konda’, ‘Makudamudi’, ‘Kaattalan’, ‘Kazhutharam’, etc.

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Rudra Veena, Indian Musical Instrument

  

Rudra Veena is an extremely prestigious stringed instrument, held in a lofty position by many since time immemorial. The Vedas mention the usage of the Rudra Veena and it can be witnessed in several excellent sculptural works of temples in the country. The instrument finds usage of its counterparts in the South Indian musical arena. One gathers information that the Rudra Veena had evolved from the Lord Shiva, gazing in overwhelmed admiration at Parvati. The specialty of this stringed genius is that it only such an instance that has the widest ranges of octaves and, as a result an extensive range of tonal improvisations. According to maestros, it is a perfect amalgamation of feminine wonder and masculine gravity. India has seen some of the legendary beenkars to overtake the heights of sublimity, Ustad Wazir Khan and Ustad Bade Ali Khan.

Musicians regard the Rudra Veena to be the mother of all Indian stringed instruments. Vedic writings, literary and philosophical works of ancient India abound with references to the veena. Variations of the present-day Rudra Veena can be seen in the sculptures of the temples at Sanchi, Amaravati, Nagarjunakonda, Ellora and Mahabalipuram. There are scholars who hold that the Rudra Veena's prototype was the Kinnara veena. Numerous variations of the Veena existed in different regions in the country at different periods of time, in diverse shapes and with varying numbers of strings. But, in the present times, there exist only a few types of veena all of which produce different tonalities and are also different in shape. The Rudra Veena and Vichitra Veena are the two types known in the north; while the Saraswati Veena and the Vichitra Veena, also called gottuvadyamlchitra veena, are used in the Carnatic tradition.

Several poetic images were coined to describe the beauty of the Rudra Veena. Of these, the loveliest one says that the instrument originated when Rudra Shiva gazed in awe and wonder at the marvellous form of Parvati. When he emerged out of this wondrous contemplation, he supposedly gave the world an instrument that resembled his consort's form. Perhaps it is for this reason instrument is called Rudra Veena. The tone of the Rudra Veena brims with the masculine grandeur of the meditating Shiva. In fact, it is the most masculine sounding of all the Indian instruments. The Rudra Veena maestro Ustad Asad Ali Khan believes that, tonally, the instrument is a confluence of masculine gravity and feminine softness, giving it thus an ardhanareeshwara (androgynous) bhava. Stringed instruments like the sitar and the surbahar originate from it.

Design of Rudra Veena
The instrument consists of a stem approximately three feet long that supports the fret-board made of bamboo on which frets are fixed by means of wax. The bridge of the veena is made of ivory or horn and at the two ends are two large resonators (tumbas), made from gourd, which give the instrument the deep resonant bass effect. These technical features alone make it the only Indian instrument with a vast tonal range, ranging from as high as four to four-and-a-half octaves. The instrument has four melody strings on which the raaga is played. The auxiliary strings suspended on the sides of the instrument provide the drone (chikari) and rhythm (laraj). The melody strings are plucked by the index and middle fingers of the right had using a metallic plectrum or mijrab while the two little fingers play the drone. The index and the middle fingers of the left hand stop the strings over the frets. Rudra vainiks or beenkars sit in the vajrasana posture or the darbari baithak with the upper resonator resting on the left shoulder and the lower one by the right waistline. A few players hold the instrument sitting on the cross-legged posture with the instrument held in a horizontal manner. The latter position is, predominantly adopted only in the South Indian tradition.

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Doordarshan, Indian Television Broadcaster

  

Doordarshan, operated by the Prasar Bharati, is a television broadcaster in India and is an undertaking of the Government of India. Due to the transmitters and infrastructural facilities of Doordarshan, it is considered amongst the leading broadcasting organisations throughout the world. Doordarshan successfully completed its 50th year on September 2009.

History of Doordarshan
Doordarshan started with a tentative telecast on September 1959 from Delhi. The infrastructure at that time was small supported by a temporary studio. Regular transmission commenced on 1965, and formed a part of All India Radio. By 1972, the telecast was expanded to Amritsar and Mumbai. Doordarshan was the only channel available at time and by 1975, it was available in seven cities around the nation. In 1976, it was detached from All India Radio and was fully managed from New Delhi, by two different Director Generals. In 1982, colour television sets became available in country and the speech given by the Prime Minister of that time, Indira Gandhi, was telecast live through out the nation. After this, the 1982 Asian games, Delhi, was also broadcasted by the channel.

Early Programmes of Doordarshan
Doordarshan gained exceeding popularity during the 1980s with its new and groundbreaking shows that could easily connect with the urban and rural audiences alike. Shows like Hum Log, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Buniyaad, Nukkad, along with the epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata were watched by viewers throughout the country. Later programmes like Bharat Ek Khoj, Chitrahaar, Sword of Tipu Sultan, Rangoli, The Great Maratha, Ek Se Badkar Ek, Shaktimaan and Superhit Muqabla also were watched widely.

Other popular programmes included thrillers like Byomkesh Bakshi, Karamchand, Barrister Roy, Tehkikaat, Reporter and Suraag. Family oriented shows like Wagle ki Duniya, Fauji, Mr. Yogi, Talaash, Kashish, Srimaan Srimati, Dekh Bhai Dekh, Zabaan Sambhal Ke, Swabhimaan, Shanti, Saagar, Lifeline, Udaan, Circus, Sansaar, Jaspal Bhatti's Flop Show, Meri Awaaz Suno, Sangharsh, Gul Gulshan Gulfam, Sea Hawks, Tu tu mein mein and Junoon were also widely accepted. Mythological programmes like Dastan-E-Hatim Tai, Chandrakanta, Alif Laila were also very popular among the viewers.

Shows targeted at kids were also much appreciated. Programmes like Captain Vyom, a Desi version of Star Wars, Potli Baba Ki, Malgudi Days, Stone Boy, Tenali Raman, Sigma, Vikram Betaal, Kile ka Rahasya and Dada Dadi ki Kahaniyan are worth mentioning. Many popular international programmes were also aired, after being dubbed in Hindi, such as Johnny Soko and his flying robot, Street Hawk, Knight Rider, Superhuman Samurai Cyber Squad, and animated shows like the jungle book, He-Man and the masters of universe, Spiderman, Disney adventures were also admired by the young audience.

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Types of Water Therapy

  In modern times, water treatments was popularised by many European water-cure pioneers. They raised water cure to an institutional level and employed it successfully for the treatments of almost every known disease. Beneficial effects are exeted by water on the human system. It equalises circulation, boosts muscular tone and aids digestion and nutrition. It also tones up the activity of perspiratory gland and in the process eliminates the damaged cells and toxic matter from the system. Hence, in recent times, there are numerous spas in most all countries where water treatment is used as a major healing agent. The common water temperature chart used for water therapy is as follows:

Cold: 10 degree C to 18 degree C
Neutral: 32 degree C to 36 degree C and
Hot: 40 degree C to 45 degree C.
It should be noted that above 45 degree C, water loses its therapeutic value and is destructive. Let us discuss the usage of water in various therapeutic treatments.

1. Cold Compress: This is a local application using a cloth, which has been wrung out in cold water; One just has to place essential aroma oils in 100 mI. cold water with six ice cubes in a bowl and use the cold compress. The cloth should be folded into a broad strip and dipped in cold water or ice water. Cold Compresses are used for headaches, sprains, inflammation, fever, swollen bumps, burns, blisters, sore feet, rashes, measles, chicken pox, sunburn or a hangover.

2. Enema: An enema involves the injection of fluid into the rectum and is also known as rectal irrigation, where only lukewarm water is used for cleaning the bowels, since it not only the safest system for cleaning the bowels, but also improves the peristalic movement of the bowels and thereby relieves constipation. In this form of nature cure treatment, the patient is made to lie on his left side extending his left leg and bending the right leg slightly. The enema nozzle, lubricated with oil or Vaseline, is inserted in the rectum. The enema can, containing the lukewarm water is then slowly raised and water is allowed to enter into the rectum. Generally, one to two litre of water is injected. The patient may either lie down on his back or walk a little while retaining the water. After five to 10 minutes, the water can be ejected along with the accumulated morbid matter.

3. Heating Compress: This is a cold compress covered in such a manner as to bring warmth. It consists of three or four folds of linen cloth wrung out in cold water, which is then covered completely with dry flannel or blanket to prevent the circulation of air and help accumulation of body heat. The duration of the application is determined by the extent and location of the surface involved, the nature and thickness of the coverings and the water temperature; it is sometimes applied for several hours. The area should be rubbed with a wet cloth after removing the compress and then dried with a towel. A heating compress can be applied to the following organs of the body:
i. Throat Compress: It relieves sore throat, hoarseness, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis.
ii. Chest Compress: Also known as chest pack; relieves cold, bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, fever and cough.
iii. Abdomen Compress: It helps those suffering from gastritis, hyperacidity, , jaundice, constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery and other ailments relating to the abdominal organs.
iv. Joints Compress: It is helpful for inflamed joints, rheumatism, rheumatic fever and sprains.

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Beaches of West Bengal

  

Beaches in West Bengal offer the most tempting of sunsets and seashores. Bengal is endowed with some of the most famous beaches. Most of the beaches of Bengal are exotic and presents a spectacular effect. The sun kissed beaches of Digha, Sankarpur, Junput, Bakkhali and a lot many lures the travellers to take a break in the lap of nature. These mostly offer wide, flat, hard beaches, a gently rolling sea, rows of casuarina forests and a pleasant, warm weather round the year. Although one can visit these beaches throughout the year but the best time to visit is July to April. October to March are probably the best time to visit these beaches. Here in West Bengal, only one beach has a religious significance- Gangasagar Beach, which is also known as Sagardwip Beach. This beach in West Bengal offers lakhs of pilgrims of Hindu religion the famous Gangasagar Mela, that holds every year during the month of January.

Digha
Digha is positioned on the southern tilt of West Bengal. Digha, originally known as Beerkul, is one of the most popular destinations in the state and is among the top tourism destinations. The shallow waters make it a safe haven for swimmers. The old Shiva temple at Chandaneshwar is just 9 kilometers from Digha. The beauty of this place was discovered as early as the days of Warren Hastings. Digha is well connected by good roads and rail heads. The nearest station is Digha.

Sankarpur
Sankarpur Beach is an identical twin beach of Digha. This beach is refreshingly devoid of the commotion of its more popular sibling. It is girdled with casuarina plantations. A major project for development of Shankarpur as a high-class beach resort is in the pipeline. Shankarpur is among the newer discoveries in the beach circuit of West Bengal. Shankarpur is well connected with the rails, roads, and the airways. The nearest station is Ramnagar and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport is the nearest airport.

Bakkhali
Bakkhali Beach is the second popular sea resort of West Bengal. It is located on one of the many deltaic islands, which spread across southern Bengal. Despite being isolated and having limited accommodation, it is very popular among the citizens of Kolkata. It is quiet and charming. Bakkhali is situated only 132 kilometres away from Kolkata and there is a 7 kilometres long beach stretching from Bakkhali to Frazerganj with gently rolling waves. The beach is not crowded, except on an occasional holiday. It is a hard beach suitable for cycling or even driving. The road journey from the fringe of Kolkata to Bakkhali takes about three hours. West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation and many other private bus organizations run a direct bus service from Kolkata to Bakkhali via Namkhana.

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