Jhoti Chita, also known as Rangoli, is a traditional art or painting of Odisha which is mostly found in the rural parts of the state.
Colours of Jhoti Chita Several figures and flower patterns are drawn in Jhoti Chita or Rangoli. Before starting the painting, an earthy red colour named ‘dhau’ is smeared on the walls and floors and then the Jhotis are created. It provides a contrasted colour. Dhau is also used as a background colour of Jhoti drawings.
Religious significance of Jhoti Chita Jhoti Chita is made during certain festivals like marriage, Manabasa Gurubara, Basanti, Kaartika, Dola, Jhulana, Dhanalakshmi puja, Gaja Lakshmi puja and Raja. For different festivals, different types of motifs are drawn on the walls or floors. For example, during Lakshmi puja, a stack of paddy or rice sheaves is drawn on the walls structured like a pyramid as it symbolizes goddess Lakshmi. Small foot marks of goddess Lakshmi are a must in any Jhoti. During Durga Puja, white and red dots are painted on the walls. This combination of red and white signifies the worship of Shiva and Shakti. Intricate and beautiful floral designs like the lotus, elephants, symbols used in Patachitra find place in this form of free hand drawing.
Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh form a vital element in the zest and joy of living of the tribal people in Arunachal Pradesh. The dances of the people of Arunachal Pradesh</b> express their joy, love, gratitude and emotions. Most of the Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh are performed adorn with best traditional costumes, decorated spears and multicoloured beads and ornaments. In Arunachal Pradesh, dance varies from martial steps and folk dances to highly specialized form of dance performed by the Buddhists.
Different Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh The folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh are as follows:
Taapu Dance: This is a war dance of the Adi Tribes based on the myth of a struggling life of Tani (man) for survival. This dance is performed in order to drive out the evils from the village.
Taapu Dance: This is a war dance of the Adi Tribes based on the myth of a struggling life of Tani (man) for survival. This dance is performed in order to drive out the evils from the village.
Ponung Dance: Ponung dance falls in the celebratory dance category where the young women execute the dance holding each others’ hands and moving in circles. The dance celebrates the crop season and mythological songs often relate the source of paddy and crops.
Daminda Dance: This artistic dance belongs to the Apatani Tribes. It is performed during the Dree festival to celebrate the beginning of rice planting season when the people pray for a good harvest and protection from natural calamities.
Classification of Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh can be generally classified into four different groups of dances naturally enacted for a host of purposes. They are as follows:
1. Festive Dance performances which are mostly celebration orientated folk dances celebrated in individual occasions.
2. Ritualistic Dance is another type of folk dance in Arunachal Pradesh done with much enthusiasm through certain rituals.
3. Recreational Dance is performed as part of spare time purpose. These dances are not performed as part of any ceremony or festival although they are part of firm occasions creating a happy and joyful impression.
Different Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh The folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh are as follows:
Ponung Dance: Ponung dance falls in the celebratory dance category where the young women execute the dance holding each others’ hands and moving in circles. The dance celebrates the crop season and mythological songs often relate the source of paddy and crops.
Daminda Dance: This artistic dance belongs to the Apatani Tribes. It is performed during the Dree festival to celebrate the beginning of rice planting season when the people pray for a good harvest and protection from natural calamities.
Wancho Dance: Wancho Dance belongs to a particular tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. According to the name of that tribe, "Wancho" the dance is named. This dance is preformed only in special occasions like festivals and ceremonies.
Taapu Dance: This is a war dance of the Adi Tribes based on the myth of a struggling life of Tani (man) for survival. This dance is performed in order to drive out the evils from the village.
Sarod is one of the leading concert instruments of North Indian Classical Music. This string instrument is most likely non-Indian in origin. The Sarod has four melody strings tuned to Sa, Pa, Sa, Ma and it is played with a triangular plectrum.
Structure of Sarod It has a hollow circular belly to which is attached a tapering neck whose slim top portion holds the tuning pegs. Therefore it is a lute-type instrument. The shape of the belly of the instrument is distinctive in that it is pinched just below the place where the neck is attached. The use of wood for the belly of the Sarod and the use of parchment to cover the belly were retained from Rebab construction. The Sarod is usually three to three and a half feet long and has a body of teakwood overlaid with a fingerboard of polished metal, which facilitates sliding the finger along the strings. One of the distinctive features of the Sarod is that unlike the other string instruments it does not have a fret. The job of the frets is done by the left hand which is used for stopping the strings along the smooth fingerboard.
History of Sarod The details of its development in India are quite different to trace. In all likelihood, it originated from the Rebab, an instrument from the Middle East. Its use in Indian Classical Music can be traced back to one of the master musicians of Indian music, Tansen. He was one of the most fantastic singers andBbinkars in the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Today, the Rebab has been replaced by the Sarod in the performances of Indian Classical music. It is said that Khan Saheb Asadullah Khan introduced the Sarod in Bengal over a century ago, and since then Bengal has become noted for the manufacture and popularization of this instrument.
Types of Indian Dances reflect the rich ethos of the subcontinent. With their sheer intricacies, the different types of Indian dances bring out the innermost feelings and emotion, whilst depicting the cultural aspects of the age-old civilization of India. Like all other aspects of life, the dance forms of India are also varied and different. There are many types of dance forms in India, from those which are deeply religious in content to those which are performed on small occasions.
Classification of Types of Indian Dances Based on the style, dash, intricacies and elan, Indian dance can be broadly classified into four types like, Classical Indian dance, Indian Folk dance, Tribal dance and the Fusion dance.
Indian Classical Dances: Indian Classical dance is also known as the traditional Indian dance which has abundant forms and takes human figure as its basic medium of expressions. Dance performed inside the temple chamber, imperial courts along with music are classified as classical dance. The foundation of the conventions and methodical movements and types of this dance lies in an ancient book of dance, music and drama called ‘Natyashastra’. The Indian classical dance style is unique in terms of movement, grace, style and elan. The major Indian classical dances are as follows:
• Bharatnatyam: Bharatnatyam is one of the oldest forms of classical dance which has its origin in Tamil Nadu. It is inspired from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. Bharatnatyam is considered to be a mystic manifestation of the metaphysical element of fire in the human body. It is a solo dance with two aspects, the graceful feminine movements and also the masculine motion.
• Kathakali: Kathakali originated in Kerala. It is a classical Indian dance-drama known for its attractive make-up of characters, detailed costumes, gestures and well-defined body movements. It is considered to be a combination of dance, music, playing of instruments and drama.
• Kathak: Kathak is a dance form which has its origin in Northern India. It has the influences of Bhakti movement, Persian dance and Central Asian Dance. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as Kathaks, or storytellers.
• Kuchipudi: Kuchipudi is a dance form of Andhra Pradesh. It has derived its name from a village in Krishna District where the Brahmins used to practice this art. It has bright and quick movements. One of the major attractions is where the dancer has to dance on the brass plate with two diyas in her hand while balancing a small vessel containing water on her head.
• Mohiniyattam: Mohiniyattam, also known as dance of enchantress, is a major art form in Kerala performed only by women. It has its influences from Bharatnatyam and Kathakali. It is basically a drama in dance and poetry. • Manipuri: Manipuri dance as the name suggests is the foremost dance form of Manipur. Its main theme is Raslila. The conventional Manipuri dance style symbolises delicate, poetic and poised movements. Its facial and bodily movements are restrained.
Uses of rose are multifaceted and spread across different aspects like gardening, medicines, cosmetics, cooking etc. There is a saying that, "There may be many flowers in a man's life, but there is only one rose. Rose is not only amongst the most beautiful and admired flowers with a number of uses, but also one of the most primitive flowers in subsistence. Rose has its numerous uses in manufacturing of perfumes, essential oils, rose water and other cosmetics. Rose fossil vestiges date back over thirty five million years. It was discovered in Colorado, North America, Europe and Asia. Apart from ordinary regular usages, roses have had their abundant usage in the medicinal sectors. The flowers are also used in culinary purposes. The petals of rose are also used to make herbal tea.The history of the rose has led to it being used often as a symbol. In ancient Greece, the rose was associated with the goddess Aphrodite. In the Greek Epic “Iliad”, Aphrodite protects the body of Hector using the "immortal oil of the rose".Medicinal Uses of Rose The Romans formerly used the rose for medicinal purposes; myth has it that Cleopatra festooned her bed and floors with unsullied rose petals. Roses have diuretic effects as they contain Vitamin C, pectin, malic and citric acids. In addition to substantial proportions of vitamin C, the rose hips contain several other chemical amalgams that encompass 11% of pectin and 3% of a blend of Malic and Citric acids. According to the researchers it is the presence of malic acid and citric acid that contributes to the rose hips' laxative and diuretic effects. As a consequence, physicians frequently recommend the use of rose hips or preparations with it to treat constipation and urinary problems.The flower bears the quality of both an aphrodisiac and an antidote to warfare drunkenness. Its effect in medicinal science proves that it clears toxins and heat from the body resulting in a cooling effect on the body. According to researchers, rose aroma increases brain power and helps sharpen the memory. The rose flower can relieve one from sore throat, runny nose and blocked bronchial tubes. Roses are useful in fighting chest infections. Rose petals relieve fluid retention and hasten the elimination of wastes through kidneys. The practitioners of naturopathy and herbal therapy believe that rose is a wonderful remedy for dysentery, diarrhea and gastro enteritis. As it is a laxative, it works as a remedy for all liver problems including sluggishness and constipation. It has also been said that roses help to cleanse the liver and gall bladder. Roses also promote bile flow.
Dindigul District Dindigul district is an administrative region in the south of Tamil Nadu. The district was carved out of Madurai District in 1985. It has an area of 6266.64 square kilometers and comprises three Revenue Divisions, nine Taluks, and 14 Panchayat Unions. Dindigul district is bounded by Tirupur, Karur, and Trichy districts in the north, the Sivaganga and Tiruchi districts in the east, the Madurai district in the south, and the Theni and Coimbatore districts and the state of Kerala in the west.
Kanyakumari District Kanyakumari district is the southernmost district in Tamil Nadu. It is the second largest district in the state in terms of population density and the second most urbanized, next only to Chennai district. The district stands first in terms of literacy rate in the state. The district headquarters is Nagercoil.
Madurai District Madurai district is second largest in population of the 32 districts of the state of Tamil Nadu, in southeastern India. The city of Madurai serves as the district headquarters. It houses the world-famous Sri Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple and is situated on the banks of the Vaigai River. Thiruparankundram is one of the major tourist places in the district. It is an important hub for various film shootings.
Ramanathapuram District Ramanathapuram District is an administrative district of Tamil Nadu. The city of Ramanathapuram is the district headquarters. Ramanthapuram District has an area of 4123 sq. km. It is bounded on the north by Sivaganga District, on the northeast by Pudukkottai District, on the east by the Palk Strait, on the south by the Gulf of Mannar, on the west by Thoothukudi District, and on the northwest by Virudhunagar District. The district contains the Pamban Bridge, an east-west chain of low islands and shallow reefs that extend between India and the island nation of Sri Lanka, and separate the Palk Strait from the Gulf of Mannar.
Rules of Basketball in India are considered as those rules and regulations, which govern the play, equipment, officiating and other procedures associated with the game. The game of Basketball has several rules that the players obey and follow. The "Father of Basketball", Dr. James Naismith directed a set of 13 such rules of Basketball.
Basic Rules in Basketball Some of the basic rules in Basketball are as follows: 1. Each team consists of five players. Substitutes are allowed up to five. A team can have maximum12 players in such tournaments where more than three games are played.
2. The game begins with a jump ball at the centre circle with the two opponents' feet the half circle.
3. The referee tosses the ball upward (vertically) between them to a height greater than the players can reach.
4. The jumpers are allowed two taps at the ball. Penalty for technical foul by a player is two free throws. Penalty for technical foul by a coach or substitute, or a team follower is two free throws and the ball shall be thrown in by any player of free throw shooter's team from out of bounds at mid court of the side line opposite scorer's table.
5. A basket is worth two points. If a basket is scored from beyond the 3-point line, then it will be three points and if it is scored from a free throw it is one point.
6. Free throw taker must remain behind the free throw line until the ball hits the ring or the backboard. No other player is allowed to enter the free throw line until the throw has been taken, i.e., the ball has left the free thrower's hands.
7. Non-offending team may leave its right to free throws if it so desires.
8. All breaches of rules not considered fouls are known as violations. These include running with the ball, kicking or punching the ball, making illegal dribble or causing the ball to go out of court. In case of a violation or a foul, if free throw is not permitted then the ball is given to a member of the non-offending team at the sideline closer to the point at which the violation has occurred. That player must pass the ball into the court within five seconds.
9. Following a basket or a successful second throw, the opposing team puts the ball back into play from any point behind the end line.
10. Each player is numbered on the front and back of his vest. In international competitions only the numbers 4 to 15, both inclusive, are used.
Jhoti Chita, also known as Rangoli, is a traditional art or painting of Odisha which is mostly found in the rural parts of the state. 
