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The Vibrant Karma Festival of Birbhum

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  Nestled away in the lush farmland of West Bengal, the district of Birbhum is alive with unique tribal culture. Every year, the tribal villages come alive with the joyful celebrations of Karma as the monsoon disappears and the land gets ready for a great harvest. Their great respect for nature and its life-giving power is demonstrated by th e  colorful event that is rich in tradition. Karma, often referred to as Karam Puja or Karam Parab, occurs during the end of the Bengali month of Bhadra in September and October. Depending on the lunar calendar, the exact times may differ slightly. For the indigenous populations of Birbhum, especially the Santals, who make up a substantial portion of the district's population, the event is extremely important.                                                                   ...

Pushkar Camel Fair is an Occasion of Cultural Celebration

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Nestled away among the golden dunes of Rajasthan, the holy city of Pushkar comes alive once a year with the colourful Pushkar Camel Fair. This is more than just a fair,it's a vibrant celebration of life in the middle of the Thar Desert, filled with customs and colours. In search of an extraordinary experience, the Pushkar Camel Fair is calling.The story of the Pushkar Fair's beginnings is magical. According to folklore, Pushkar Lake, a sacred location for Hindus, was created when the creator god, Lord Brahma, dropped a lotus blossom to Earth. The fair usually takes place in late October or early November, coinciding with the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartik, or Kartik Purnima. This marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season. It has been a centre for livestock trade, cross-cultural interaction, and spiritual travel for generations. Photo Credit-Saumi Biswas The air in the desert vibrates with expectation as you get closer to Pushkar. The surroundings become a sea of colo...

The diverse identities of Varanasi

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  Varanasi, which is sometimes referred to as Kashi and Banaras, is a city woven together by the sacred Ganges River, faith, and the passage of time. It's an urban centre that defies description, where the life-death cycle plays out in a colourful dance. Varanasi, known for being India's spiritual capital, attracts pilgrims, academicians,  and  tourists in equal measure. As  y our guide to understanding the mysteries of this historic city is this blog. We'll delve into its past, discover its well-known sites, and become fully immersed in Varanasi's cultural diversity.                                                             Photo Credit-Saumi Biswas The early history of Varanasi is lost in time. There may have been colonies here as early as the eleventh century B C , according to   the  findings from ...

The Magic of Tadoba’s Wildlife

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Tucked away in the Chandrapur region of Maharashtra, India, is the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, a biodiversity treasure trove and a sanctuary for animal lovers. Founded in 1955, this huge sanctuary holds the title of being the oldest and largest national park in Maharashtra. Tadoba spans more than 626 square kilometres of varied landscape, spreading like a beautiful fabric of lush woods, calm lakes, rocky hills, and an amazing variety of flora and animals.Without a ny  doubt, Tadoba's beautiful Royal Bengal Tiger is its crown treasure. Apparently host to more than 80 tigers, Tadoba is now one of the most prosperous tiger sanctuaries in India. It will take a while to get away to see these amazing spotted animals hunting through the greenery or relaxing near drinking holes. However, the wonders of Tadoba extend far beyond the realm of the tiger.   Photo Credit-Saumi Biswas A mesmerising safari through Tadoba awaits eyes, get ready to be mesmerised by the melody of animals ...

The story of Headhunters in Nagaland

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  Northeast India's landlocked state of Nagaland is a mix of vibrant cultures, stunning scenery, and with a  long history. It is located hidden away among beautiful hills. Due to its historical association with headhunting operations, it frequently gets lost in illusions.  Nagaland presents a far more complex and fascinating story to those who are prepared to dig a little deeper. This blog explores the dynamic current of Nagaland, its cultural tapestry and the fascinating history of headhunting, taking audiences deep into the heart of the state.Nagaland is home to an amazing variety of tribes, each characterised by its unique language, traditions, and dress. A detailed picture of Naga life is painted by the sixteen main tribes and several sub-tribes.The Angami people are known for their beautiful woodcarvings, which are displayed throughout their communities. The Ao Naga, who are well-known for their colourful headdresses and shawls, celebrate holidays like Tsungremong, w...

A Village Reborn as a Bird Sanctuary

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                                                              India, a land of vibrant cultures and diverse landscapes, is also a paradise for birdlife. Home to over 1210 species, the country boasts numerous bird sanctuaries – designated protected areas that provide a safe haven for these winged wonders. These sanctuaries play a crucial role in conserving avian biodiversity, offering critical breeding grounds, stopover points during migration, and shelter for resident and endangered birds. But what exactly is a bird sanctuary? Imagine a protected area teeming with life. Lush wetlands, sprawling grasslands, or dense forests – the specific habitat varies depending on the region. Within these sanctuaries, a symphony of chirps, calls, and songs fills the air. Here, birds can find ample food, water, and suitable nesting sites, allowing the...