Uttarakhand, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a land rich in culture, traditions, and folklore. Among its many musical treasures, Chapeli stands out as an essential part of its folk heritage. Chapeli, a form of traditional folk singing, has been an integral part of festivals and social gatherings in Uttarakhand for generations. These […]Read More
Patua scroll painting is an ancient storytelling art form practiced by the Patua community in parts of India, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Known locally as Pattachitra, this tradition is a blend of painting and oral storytelling. The artists, called Patuas, create long, vertical scrolls filled with colorful, hand-painted scenes that depict […]Read More
The worship of local gods is at the core of the socio-cultural and spiritual identity of the mist-laden hills of Himachal Pradesh. Among the sacred gods is the guardian of justice, the protector of the oppressed, and the emblem of divine authority, Shirgul Devta. He is primarily revered in the regions of Sirmaur and Shimla, […]Read More
The easternmost state of Nagaland is really a treasure trove of culture, customs and unique forms of arts and crafts and for this reason, it is fondly called the ‘Land of Festivals’. Interestingly among the richest cultural assets is the Zeliang Naga song which are the tribal songs which tell rich histories, spirituality and togetherness […]Read More
West Bengal has a great heritage for festivals and special occasions and music and dance are inevitable parts of each occasion. One of the most distinctive forms of folklore of Bhadu geet is a popular song of love, togetherness and harvest. Bhadu Geet has been an essential component of the people of rural India, although […]Read More
The goddess Danteshwari is deeply revered in the tribal region of Bastar, located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. She is regarded as a powerful deity associated with protection, strength, and fertility, and holds a central place in the spiritual and cultural life of the local communities. The Danteshwari temple, situated in the town of […]Read More
Devi Mavli is deeply venerated in certain parts of India, particularly in regions where folk traditions and local deities play a significant role in the spiritual lives of the people. Unlike the more universally worshipped gods and goddesses of Hinduism, Devi Mavli holds a special place in the hearts of her devotees, who turn to […]Read More
Uttarakhand, known for its majestic Himalayan landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, is home to several traditional art forms that reflect its rich history. Among these, the Chhapeli Dance stands out as a unique and romantic folk tradition. Originating in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand, the Chhapeli Dance is a vibrant expression of love, […]Read More
Venerated as the most finest colossal epic of the Hindu Literature, the Ramcharitmanas or Ramayana is still widely read and referred to in not only India but also has been deciphered into numerous versions inked and archived across regions of Southeast Asia, Africa, Caribbean and Oceania. Entailing around 24,000 verses, the Ramayana also known as […]Read More
Jyotirlingas are religious representations of the Hindu god Shiva. The term is a Sanskrit composite of Jyotis (‘radiance’) and linga (‘sign’). The Śiva Mahāpurāṇam (also Shiva Purana) lists 64 original jyotirlinga shrines in India. According to a Shiva mythology from the Shiva Purana, Brahma (the deity of creation) and Vishnu (the god of preservation) had […]Read More