Crafts of Indian States

Crafts of Indian states are innumerable and which have attained commercial proportions not only in India but also abroad. Craft making is an ancient tradition in India, which has withstood the test of time, and this tradition has passed on from generation to generation.



Crafts of North Indian States 
The Northern Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, HimachalPradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh are renowned for their exquisite crafts which involve embroidery, carpets -weaving, metal crafts, and wood carving. Punjab's durry-weaving
crafts, shawls of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, wood crafts of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh are some of the different crafts of these portions of India. The crafts of Haryana have never been widely acclaimed and more than artistic showpieces they are utilitarian in nature.



Crafts of North-Eastern Indian States 
Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya are the Indian states which specialise in creating numerous beautiful crafts. One will come across bell metal crafts, sholapitha crafts, brass metalware, 'sitalpith' crafts, wood crafts, fibre crafts and pottery work in Assam. Assam's weaving industry is famous, particularly for weaving mulberry
Manipur is well-known for its production of jewelleries, bamboo and cane crafts, metal bowls and dolls of clay. Pineapple fibre artefacts, especially purses, bags and nets made in Meghalaya are quite popular. Tripura's silver ornaments, 'sitalpati', tablemats, etc are important crafts of this region. The various crafts of Nagaland are woodcarvings, bamboo work, and pottery, which have a commercial demand in the local and international market.


Crafts of South Indian States 
The  bear testimony to the dexterity, and decorative abilities of the craftsperson. The crafts of the state include woodcarving,ivory carving, 'kasuti embroidery', durries, Pottery and 'Cheennapatna' toys. Papier mache, stone craft, durries and metal ware are the various . The craftsmen of Andhra Pradesh are engaged in making bidri crafts, embroidery crafts known as 'banjara needle craft', 'Budhithi brassware', lacquer crafts and others. Kerala produces reputable products of metal crafts, wood crafts, bamboo crafts and ivory crafts.
West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand are the states of Eastern India which manufacture unique crafts. Terracotta crafts, clay crafts, jute crafts, leather crafts, conch shell crafts and 'kantha-stitch' crafts are amongst the reputable crafts of West Bengal. Bihar produces marvellous glassworks, carpet weaving crafts, lacquer crafts and stone crafts. Applique work, 'Patachitra', wood carvings and metal crafts of Orissa are in high demand.

Crafts of Western Indian States 
The embroidery work of Gujarat and Rajasthan are immensely popular, particularly the crochet lace crafts of Jamnagar region of Gujarat, 'gota' stitch and 'pichwai' embroidery of Nathdwara are some of the exclusive embroidery crafts of the state of Rajasthan. Kutch and Saurashtra
Pottery crafts, wood carvings and weaving of 'kosa' silk in Maharashtra are the the other significant crafts of these parts of the country. The crafts of Goa are a commercial success and reflect the perennial glory of Goa. The chief craft forms in the state are woodwork, brass and metal work, crochet embroidery, bamboo craft,  and metal embossing.


Crafts of Central Indian States:The  have attained commercial proportions and are sold in emporiums and shops around the country

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Traditional Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh

The traditional cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is largely vegetarian but the coastal areas have a large repertoire of seafood.

The traditional cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is known for its spicy food all around the country.  It is identified with that among the Mughals. Over the ages, along with the Mughal influence the cuisine has been well known as a fusion of original Andhra and Hyderabad cuisine.


Features of Traditional Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh
The traditional cuisine of Andhra Pradesh is known for its heavy use of spices and chillies and is served on a banana leaf. Its huge assortment of spicy pickles and chutneys are a rage all over the country.

Various Traditional Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, food is served with rice. The rice, sambar and other lentil preparations, and steamed vegetables delicately flavoured with coconut, spices and fresh herbs are quite delectable. During the evenings, snack time is made of many preparations like onion pakodas, vadas and steamed rice muffin like dumplings called idlis

Few of the famous traditional delicacies of Andhra Pradesh are listed below.


Traditional Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh in Hyderabadi Style


Sweets of Andhra Pradesh


To know detail information visit here : Traditional Cuisine of Andhra Pradesh

Traditional Dress of Maharashtra

Traditional dress of Maharashtra replicates the identity of a typical Maharashtrian. It truly reflects the tradition and culture of Maharashtra. 

Traditional dress of Maharashtra comprises of a 9 yard saree as the traditional costume for the women, and dhoti and shirt as the traditional costume of the men folk. Maharashtra, being one of the largest and most populous states of India, demonstrates an array of costumes, which suits the purpose of any occasion, as well as weather conditions.


Traditional Dress of Maharashtra for Men
The men of Maharashtra uphold Dhoti as their cultural heritage. It may be worn along with a shirt or kurta. They also wear ‘Bandi’ over the shirt and turban called ‘Pheta’ and ‘Pagri’.



Traditional Dress of Maharashtra for Women: The traditional dress of Maharashtra for women can be categorized in two types- the Nauvari saree and Paithani saree.
Nauvari saree bears a resemblance to Dhoti and Paithani saree is worn with a long ‘pallu’.
Traditional dress of Maharashtrian, gives a pride to men and women . To know detailed information visit here :

Traditional Dress of Maharashtra

Religious Festivals of South India, Indian Religious Festivals

Religious Festivals of South India put up with the flavor of festivals which are inherent to Southern India.

Religious Festivals of South India bear the testimony to the southern Indian Religious Festivals. The southern region of India comprises of four states namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and the union territory of Puducherry. Festivals are to Indian subcontinent as wind is to the sea. Indian Festivals play a major role in spreading unity in diversity, with emphasis on communal harmony.
Some of the popular Religious Festivals of South India are as follows:

Onam: Celebrated in Kerala, Onam is famous for being a harvest and secular festival. People from different castes, religionsand creeds come jointly to commemorate Onam.




Pongal: It is celebrated on 14th January in Tamil Nadu. The word 'Pongal' is Tamil language mainly signifies the meaning ‘to boil over’.

Karaga: Recognized as one of the oldest festivals of Karnataka, Karaga is one of the lauded festivals of the Thigala community in Karnataka.


Thrissur Pooram: Lauded as one of the significant temple festivals in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is held at Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur.


 The Chithirai Thiruvizha festival is celebrated in the Chitirai Month of the Tamil Calendar which falls in the month of April. It is a one month long festival.

Karthigai Deepam: The Karthigai Deepam festival can be termed as an extension of Diwali in Tamil Nadu as it falls just after the main festival of Diwali. It is the festival dedicated to the immortal light created by lord Shiva


Gowri Habba: Gowri Habba is a significant festival in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is also celebrated in Maharashtra and is known as Hartalika. It is known as Bhaadrapada Shukla Paksha in Goa
These was a brief information, to know in detail visit here :  Religious Festivals of South India

Charminar, Monument Of Hyderabad, Telangana

Charminar has been a historical place for over 400 years and a global icon of South India. This monument is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

We are sharing the article on CHARMINAR, for you to know that

Charminar is an early medieval monument of Hyderabad, Telangana. This old monument was erected in the year 1591.This medieval monument is an example of Muslim art and architecture and the Nizami architecture that was developed in the latter half of medieval era. It is now the global icon of South India. Charminar is one of the most important tourist attractions of Hyderabad. Many local festivals are celebrated here, like Ramzaan.
Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi River; to the west lies the Laad Bazaar, and to the southwest lies the richly ornamented granite Makkah Masjid. It is listed as an archaeological and architectural treasure on the official "List of Monuments", which has been prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India.


History of Charminar
There are several views on the construction of Charminar. But mostly it is said that Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty built the Charminar in the year 1591 after shifting his capital from Golkonda to Hyderabad. Charminar was built at the center of the city to commemorate the eradication of Cholera. This disease was .....
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Costumes of Rajasthan

Costumes of Rajasthan are stunning and graceful depicting the typical Rajasthani culture and designs.

Every person, who wear rajasthani costumes, feel proud and joy to live

Costumes of Rajasthan are exceptionally lively, reflecting the spirit of the people and the culture of the region. The clothes worn by the people of Rajasthan are designed keeping in mind the climate and conditions in which they live. Costumes and jewellery of these desert people are not mere ornaments for them. Everything from head-to-toe including the turbans, clothes, jewellery and even the footwear establish the identity, religion and the economic and social status of the population

Costumes of Rajasthan for Men
The Pagri (turban), Angarkha, Dhoti, Kamarbandh or Patka (waistband) form an integral part of a Rajasthani male’s attire.


Costumes of Rajasthan for Women:
The Rajasthani female’s attire includes Ghaghra-Choli and Odhni.

Both Hindu and Muslim women wear Odhnis. An Odhni with a yellow background and a central lotus motif in red called a ‘Pila’ is a traditional gift of parent to their daughon the birth of a son.

Royal Costumes of Rajasthan:  
Royal costumes in Rajasthan reflect the regal taste of the aristocratic hierarchy. The Rajput kings always dressed up in their most colourful and formal best.

Footwear of Rajasthan & Accessories of Rajasthan :


Wanna, know detail information visit here -> Costumes of Rajasthan

South Indian Jewellery

South Indian Jewellery is all about richness, tradition, beauty and elaborateness and a generous assimilation of brilliant precious metals like gold, exquisite stones and a constellation of all that glitters. South Indian Jewelleries were created primarily in gold and were usually worn during traditional festivals and weddings.


History of South Indian Jewellery
The initial references to the depictions of South Indian jewellery date back to the mural paintings of the Thiruvambadi shrine in the Shri Padmanabhaswami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Even the earliest European reference to jewellery also relates to the use of South Indian jewellery in Vijayanagar. However, the jewellery of Mughal India has been studied much more extensively, thus, comparatively neglecting the jewellery forms of southern India.

Features of South Indian Jewelleries 
Illustrious designs and elaborate crafting make the South Indian Jewellery different from other traditional ornaments from other parts of India. The South Indian jewellery owes its influence to the temple jewellery which has experienced its evolution. Gold is the primary and major stone for jewellery and the other gems like diamonds, rubies and pearls are also used for jewellery crafting. The traditional floral patterns, glittering stars, swans and lotus patterns are mostly seen in South Indian jewellery.

Various South Indian Jewelleries
Each of the state of South Indian region has their own traditional jewelleries, which exhibit their own culture. The jewelleries are designed with different features and motifs.

Jewelleries of Tamil Nadu, Kerala,Karnataka,Andhra Pradesh,Telangana and many more in detail



Here is a great site that you should checkout: South Indian Jewellery 

Traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh

Traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh reflects upon the cultural traditions, the lifestyle, the tastes and preferences and finally the impact of present modernity on the mindsets of its inhabitants.

Andhra Pradesh is the eighth largest state of India, which is extremely rich in culture and heritage. Costumes of this state are quite popular for the cotton and silk textiles. However, traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh is quite similar to that of other south Indian states. The traditional weaving styles have been developed over 3000 years ago.

Traditional Dress of Andhra Pradesh for Men:
Dhoti, kurta, shirt and lungi are the traditional dresses of Andhra Pradesh for men. Muslim men of the state wear pajamas instead of dhoti and kurta with a fez cap (cylindrical red cap).
Traditional Dress of Andhra Pradesh for Women:
Traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh for women is saree &  two-piece or a half saree worn by girls or young women in Andhra Pradesh. It consists of a skirt, blouse and a dupatta

Traditional Sarees of Andhra Pradesh:
Sarees are the pride of Andhra Pradesh, woven in traditional patterns. The patterns on the pallu and border, that represent South Indian culture, add to their timeless appeal.
Traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh also includes some of the most popular cotton and silk sarees which have their own weaving style with traditional designs and motifs like Ikkat, Gadwal, Jamdani, Dharmavaram silk etc. Some of the most popular sarees are detailed below:

To know more in details, visit here : Traditional Dress of Andhra Pradesh

Temples - Dilwara temples

The Dilwara temples are one of the finest Jain temples and Dilwara temple are regarded as the epitome of Jain art. It is known for its extraordinary architecture and marvellous marble stone carvings. This is a pilgrimage site for the Jains. According to the inscription found at Mount. Abu, it was basically a seat of Shaivism and Jainism and made its appearance only in 11th century.
History of Dilwara Temples
Mount Abu located in the southwest part of Rajasthan is a part of the Aravalli Mouintain Ranges and is separated from the Aravalli by a narrow valley and Guru Shikhar is the highest point at the northern end. The Dilwara temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankars and served as storehouses of illustrated manuscripts and treatises. The temples at Mount Abu were constructed between 800 AD and 1200 AD. Vimala Shah,
Architecture of Dilwara Temple 
. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture. The temple is spread across a vast area and most of the temples are single-storied structures.
Temples of Dilwara
The Dilwara Temple complex comprises of 5 temples, each with its own identity and these are named after the village in which they are located. Discussed elaborately below are the 5 main temples of Dilwara....
    
For more, here is a great site you should checkout:   Dilwara Temple have five shrines that are dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabh Dev, Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavira and Lord Parshvanatha respectively.

Hill Stations in Kerala

Hill Stations in Kerala are endowed with lush green vegetation and a wide variety of animals and birds along with vast valleys, cliffs and small rivers.

Hill stations of Kerala are concentrated on the Western Ghats. These hill stations are endowed with a variety of species of animals and birds and are bordered with Indian tropical rain forests. These hill stations experiences an influx of tourists especially during the summers. The hill stations of Kerala contain a wealth offorest resources including minerals, vegetation and wildlife. Thekkady, Lakkidi,Peermedu, Malampuzha, Mattupetty, Ayyampuzha, Gavi, Athirappilly, Charalkunnu, Malayattoor, Kalpetta, Thiruvambadi, Malakkappara, Vithura and Ranipuram are the popular hill destinations which are easily accessible from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengaluru, and Puducherry.

Devikulam,  Idukki District : Devikulam is a tiny hill station in Kerala located almost 16 km to the south western part of Munnar. The best time to visit Devikulam is during the months of September to May.


Idukki,  Idukki District:  Idukki is also known for its sanctuaries. Idukki is enriched with the major rivers which include Thalayar River, Periyar and Thodupuzhayar River. Idukki is named after the Idukku which is known as ‘narrow gorge’ in the Malayalam language. Idukki is a veritable heaven of flora and fauna and is known for its spice and tea plantations.

Munnar, Idukki District: It is an ideal spot for the enthusiastic mountaineer. Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary of Coimbatore District (Tamil Nadu), Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park and Pampadum Shola National Park are the wildlife sanctuaries of South India bordered Munnar with the rich flora and fauna.

Vagamon, Kottayam District and Idukki district: 
While taking a stroll one can come across elephant, which are seen busy fun and frolicking in water pools.  The waterfalls and the deep rain forests are dominant.

Vythiri,  Waynad District :

Vythiri is rich in coffee and spice plantations.
The ideal time to visit this place is from summer to winters.

Ponmudi,  Thiruvananthapuram:

To know more in detail visit here : Hill Stations in Kerala