Kerala, Indian state

Kerala is one of the most beautiful states of South India. It is also known as God’s own country.
Kerala is located in the south-west region of India on the Malabar Coast. Its capital is Thiruvananthapuram, which is also its largest city. The commercial capital of the state is Kochi.

History of Kerala
The ancient Keralite legend claims that Kerala originated when Parasurama, Incarnation of Vishnu, threw his battle-axe into the sea.



Geography of Kerala:
Kerala is situated between 8 degree 18 minutes and 12 degree 48 minutes north latitude and between degrees 52 minutes and 72 degrees 22 minutes east longitude. Kerala is bounded by Arabian Sea on the West, Karnataka on the North, and Tamil Nadu on the East.

Demography of Kerala
The population growth of Kerala is far lower than the national average. The people of Kerala are called Malayali. The official language of the people is Malayalam language.



Culture of Kerala 
Culture of Kerala is diversified. The major dances of Kerala are Kathakali, Thullal and Mohiniattam. The folk art forms include Theyyam, Mudiyettu dance Parichamuttukali, Bhadrakali Pattu, Pulluvanpattu and Thiruvathirakali etc.
Kalaripayattu is the comprehensive system of the marital arts of Kerala. Several festivals are also celebrated in Kerala. Onam, Vishu Festival, Thrissur Pooram Festival, Payippad Jelotsavam festival, Attukal Pongala festival are some of the major festivals of the state.
  

Economy of Kerala
The economy of Kerala is mainly dominated by agriculture. However, Kerala lags behind other Indian states in terms of per capita income and economic productivity.

Tourism in Kerala
There are several attractive tourist spots in Kerala. Backwaters, temples, hills and wildlife sanctuaries are some of the main tourist attractions offered by Kerala.

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Muharram, Indian Festival

    Muharram is the saddest event for Shia Muslims. It is a period of intense grief.
Muharram is the tenth day of the first Muslim month. It commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson Hussain and the battle at Karbala in 680 CE.

 The Shias consider the killing of Hussein at Karbala a particularly heinous crime and give themselves up to public lamentations during Muharram. Since Hussein was martyred on the tenth day of Muharram, the first ten days are spent in fasting, prayer and mourning.
 Some parts of India have masked dancers included who lead the procession. After the procession, the Taziahs are buried or sunk in tanks, rivers or the sea where a person does not have to

 fast for the whole month.
The Shias observe this festival in a different fashion. They put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a colour of mourning.

It is a sad occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussein", with loud wails of lamentation. Generally, a white horse beautifully decorated for the occasion is also included in the procession, to mark the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Hussein after his martyrdom.
Some of the elegies sung by the Shias especially in Uttar Pradesh in their Muharram procession include uncomplimentary references to certain Caliphs, held in honour by the Sunnis who register the protest by pelting the singers with stones. The Muslims also believe that Allah created Adam and Eve on the tenth day of Muharram.

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Sachin Tendulkar, Indian Cricket Player

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, popularly known as Master Blaster of Indian cricket is the most complete batsman and the most worshipped cricketer in the world. His doctrine of batting is purely based on balancing and precision of stroke making. He was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India`s highest civilian award on February, 2014.

Sachin Tendulkar nicknamed as "Tendlya" is the most prolific run maker of all time in Indian cricket and the world cricket as well.

Early Life of Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar was born on 24th April 1973 in Mumbai. Ramesh Tendulkar, his father, was a Marathi novelist. Sachin Tendulkar has an elder brother, Ajit and two other siblings, Nitin (brother) and Savita (sister).

Early Career of Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar started playing for domestic cricket at the age of 15 in the year 1988. He had a century against Gujarat and this made him the youngest Indian to score a century in his debut match.

Style of Playing of Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is a right-handed batsman. His batting is completely balanced and poised. He does not prefer slow and low wickets which are typical in India, and has scored many centuries on the hard and bouncy pitches abroad.

Awards of Sachin Tendulkar
At a time when most of his contemporaries have retired or contemplating one, Tendulkar remains indispensable from the national cricket team. Recognizing his contribution to sports Tendulkar has been granted the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Padma Shri Award and Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India.

On 4th February Sachin Tendulkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, by President Pranab Mukherjee in a glittering ceremony in the Durbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. On 10 October 2013, Sachin Tendulkar announced that he would retire from the two-Test series against West Indies in November.

Personal Life of Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is married to Anjali Mehta, a paediatrician by profession. The marriage took place in 1995. The couple is blessed with two kids, Sara and Arjun.

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Ayurvedic Herbs, Ayurveda

Ayurvedic herbs are the most vital components of the Ayurvedic system of medicine that help to support the body’s natural functioning and healing. There are hundreds of Ayurvedic herbs used in formulations and preparations for Ayurvedic treatment.

Ayurvedic Herbs are made out of roots, bark, fruits and plants, found in the deep dark woods of India where the herbs grow freely without pesticides and chemicals.

Classifications of Ayurvedic Herbs
Ayurvedic herbs can be classified into five types; according to origin, habitat, various actions, action on doshas and their use.

The classification of ayurvedic herb as per habitat and life span divides the herbs into four main categories like:

• Sthalaj - Plant and trees that grow on land; e.g. Haritaki, Amalaki, etc,
• Jalaj - herbs that grow in water; e.g. Lotus

Amalaki: Amalaki is a common Ayurvedic herb mainly used to maintain and rebuild tissues.

Arjuna: Arjuna is traditionally given to support circulation and oxygenation of all tissues.It is also a famous cardiac tonic used in Ayurveda for a variety of heart conditions. 

Ashoka: Ashoka is used in Ayurveda as a tonic for the uterus and is believe  d to maintain the proper function of the female generative system.
Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha has been traditionally used for general debility, sexual debility and nerve exhaustion
.
Liquorice: Liquorice has a long and highly varied record of uses as an ayurvedic herb.
Picrorhiza: The bitter rhizomes of picrorhiza have been used for thousands of years in India to treat people with indigestion.

Tulsi: Among all herbs, Tulsi occupies the most respected and important position. The Tulsi plant can be used for prevention as well as cure of illnesses.
All the Ayurvedic medicines are made from natural Ayurvedic herbs of Indian origin, which are used as herbal medicines, herbal extracts, herbal cosmetics, nutrition foods and other alternative medicines and herbal remedies for natural healings.

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Hindu festivals in India

Hindu festivals are observed according to the lunar and solar calendars. These are festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. They are region specific and bear different names.

Hindu Festivals are mainly related with the religious events. The new year's day of those who follow the solar calendar falls on the vernal equinox (Vishu) in mid-April.

Hindus have festivals on the new and full moon. The festival on the New Year is called  Pongal. It lasts for three days and sometimes lasts even longer.


 The Durga-Puja, or Dussehra, Diwali and the Ayudha Puja are important festivals of the Hindus. Durga Puja is celebrated in honour of Goddess Parvati.
Janmashtami is a significant festival which is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the fading moon of Shravana. Janmashtami is a significant festival which is celebrated on the birthday of Lord Krishna.
                                               

Ganesh Chaturthi mainly observed in Maharashtra is observed on the fourth day of the diminishing moon in Bhadra pada.

Navaratri is the first nine days of the month of Asvina. It has significance in different parts of India. The tenth day, Dussehra, is considered as Vijayadasami.

Diwali is the festival of lights which occurs in the, month of Karthika. Every house is illuminated with small diyas.

The festival of Holi symbolize the destruction by fire of evil personified by Holika, the demon sister of Hiranyakashipu. The festival of Sivaratri is observed in the month of Magha. It is observed in honour of Lord Siva.


The different festivals reveal the socio-cultural diversities of the different communities owing their origin from the Hindu religion. The festivals not only reveal the diversities, but also point to the cultural significance of the different communities living in the sacred abode of India.

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Yoga Asanas

Yoga Asanas are comfortable and peaceful postures that make the physical body ready for the higher and more spiritual levels of Yoga practice.

Yoga Asana traditionally means a 'sitting condition' or 'position' of the body, which contributes to the steadiness of the body and mind and a sense of well-being. In a nutshell, the yoga asanas can be defined as postural patterns.

History of Yoga Asanas


Though it was Maharishi Patanjali, who for the first time mentions yoga asanas, the history of these postural patterns goes back even earlier than the days of Patanjali.

Types of Yoga Asanas
Yoga asanas can be classified by considering their features and effects, into three major groups, and one minor group that contains only two asanas. Of the major three, the classification into cultural asanas and meditative asanas is a contemporary innovation.

Indian Texts and Yoga Asanas
Indian texts have frequently referred to Yoga in general and Yoga asanas in particular in several contexts. Several special Indian texts have been written and compiled with the sole purpose of educating practitioners about the practice of Yoga asanas.

Benefits of Yoga Asanas
Yoga Asanas are the practices to culture body and mind for further higher practices of yoga like pranayama, pratyahara, dhyana and so on. Asanas make body and mind healthy and these are trained in such a way that a necessary equilibrium is established in overall functions.

Practice of Yoga Asanas
Daily practice of yoga increases a person's tranquillity, sensitivity, intuition and awareness. Yoga has to be done with breath and with awareness.

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Hill Stations in Sikkim

 in Sikkim are the popular where one can find the mixture of three cultural influences- Indian culture, Tibetan culture and Chinese cultural influences.

Gangtok, Gyalshing, Lachung, Namchi, Pelling, Rangpo, Yuksom and many others are the popular hill stations, which are accessible from Jalpaiguri, Siliguri and Darjeeling (West Bengal).
Gangtok, East Sikkim district
It is also the headquarters of the East Sikkim district. Located in the eastern Himalayan range, at an elevation of 1,650 meters.

Lachen, North Sikkim District
Nathu La, East of Gangtok
Nathu La is located along the Indo-China border. It is one of the most exotic places in Sikkim, which connects with all other cities of Sikkim.

Namchi, South Sikkim District
Namchi is a tourist spot and pilgrimage centre of Buddhism. Namchi monastery, Ralong Monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centers.
Yuksom, West Sikkim District
Yuksom It is a historical town of Geyzing subdivision, where large numbers of archaeological ruins are located.

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Temples of Uttar Pradesh

The temples are mostly dedicated to the Temples of Uttar Pradesh are quite ancient and sacred. Since ancient times, these temples have provided a healing touch to the innumerable devotees. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most culturally vivacious states in India and is the birthplace of two of the most popular deities of Hinduism, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.

Banke Bihari Temple, Mathura
Banke Bihari Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is located in Vrindavan city, in the district of Mathura. The term ‘banke’ implies ‘bent in three places’, while ‘bihari’ implies ‘supreme enjoyer’. Therefore, the idol of Lord Krishna based here displays a ‘Tribhanga‘ position. This

Kesava Deo Temple, Mathura
This Hindu temple is also locally known as ‘Krishna Janmasthan’ and is present in Mathura and is quite sacred since it is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. 

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Situated in the holy city of Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and an important pilgrimage for numerous Hindus who visit this temple every year.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi 
Literally, the word ‘Sankat Mochan’ means ‘deliverer from troubles’. This temple was created by the Indian freedom fighter named Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya during the 1900s, who was the founder of Banaras Hindu University.

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Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka

Male Mahadeshwara Hills is nature and pilgrimage tourism site, offering the tourists with the scenic beauty of the lush green nature and the temple of ancient origin called Malai Mahadeshwara Hill Temple

Location of Male Mahadeshwara Hills
Male Mahadeshwara Hills is the hilly town located in the Kollegal taluk of Chamarajanagar district of southern Karnataka. Male Mahadeshwara Hills is situated at about 150 km from Mysore and about 210 km from Bengaluru.


Male Mahadeshwara Hill Temple in Male Mahadeshwara Hills
The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Male Mahadeshwara is a very popular Shaiva pilgrimage centre. This ancient temple draws lakhs of pilgrims from the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Male Mahadeshwara Hill Temple complex was built by a rich Kuruba Gowda landlord called Junje Gowda. Mahadeva is worshipped as the family God of the hill tribes of Male Mahadeshwara Hill like Soligas,

Nature Tourism in Male Mahadeshwara Hill
Male Mahadeshwara Hill also possesses natural beauty in the form of large tracts of forest area. The beautiful landscapes of Male Mahadeshwara Hill and valleys around the hills are covered with extensive forests. These forest types vary from evergreen forests in Ponnachi Boli to dry deciduous forests in most other parts
.
Read more : Male Mahadeshwara Hills, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka