7 Reasons why Kashmir is an important Tourist and Cultural Destination in India

“If there is ever a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”

The term ‘paradise on earth’ might sound like a cliché, but it is a fact that can’t be denied! One would be hard pressed to find another place on earth that matches this description so perfectly!

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Whether it’s the cold, snow-filled winter or bright spring, Kashmir is a sight to behold. Kashmir is like a gorgeous woman who looks good in whatever she wears!

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Apart from its spellbinding beauty, Kashmir also has a lot of cultural and political significance. While recent times have seen a volatile political situation in the land, the fact remains that Kashmir is still an integral part of India. Here are 7 reasons why Kashmir is an important tourist and cultural destination in India.

1. Bio Diversity

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Kashmir is a biologist’s delight. The beautiful environs of Kashmir are home to some particular species of plants and animals. The Kashmir Valley is composed of very fertile soil, which encourages the growth of several types of vegetation. Kashmir is one of the few places in the world where saffron is grown, and Kashmiri saffron is extremely popular globally. Several Himalayan medicinal herbs are also in great demand, especially since people prefer natural solutions over chemical ones.

2. Arts and Crafts

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Cashmere shawls, which originated in Kashmir, are considered the epitome of luxury across the world. These shawls are carefully embroidered in a traditional Kashmiri paisley pattern, a style of embroidery also called Kashida. The pattern is also seen on clothes, hand made bags and in home décor. Besides this, Kashmiri artisans are experts in papier mache, making all kinds of beautiful multicolored objects.

3. Places of Worship

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Apart from tourists visiting to partake of its natural splendor, the state also receives a good number of visitors at its religious centers, particularly the very famous Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu, the Jama Masjid in Srinagar and the Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. The beautiful Mansar Lake in Jammu is also lined with some unique temples. It is said that the Vaishno Devi temple alone receives close to 10 million pilgrims every year, which has boosted the state’s economy significantly.

4. Adventure Sports

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The terrain of Kashmir makes it the perfect place for a variety of adventure sports. The mountains provide the ideal spot for mountaineering, trekking and mountain biking. Springtime gives families a great opportunity to backpack through the beautiful valley and go on camps. This doesn’t mean that things are bleak and dull during winter; Kashmir is one of the few spots in India that offers opportunities for winter sports like skiing.

5. Cuisine

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Kashmir being a mountainous region, the cuisine has a lot of meat dishes; there are as many as 30 varieties of lamb dishes alone! A Wazwan is a traditional Kashmiri feast featuring the best of Kashmiri cuisine like Yakhni, Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Goshtaba and various kinds of breads. Another highlight of the feast is kahwah, a Kashmiri herbal tea made with saffron, spices and nuts.

6. Culture

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The culture of this northernmost state is distinct from the rest of India, yet it bears many similarities as well. The Kashmir Valley has its own combination of Kashmiri Muslim and Kashmiri Pundit culture, Jammu’s Dogra culture is similar to that of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh while Ladakh has strong influences of Tibetan culture. This beautiful melting pot of cultures and religions ensures that most festivals are celebrated with equal fervor. Kashmir is one place where the charm of traditional wear hasn’t had to compete with western attire; most people still prefer authentic Kashmiri clothes to other options.

7. Movie Locations

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Gone are the days when Indian movie makers used to rush to the Swiss Alps for a glimpse of a snowy mountain! While Kashmir was abundantly featured in movies during the 70s and 80s, turmoil in the region resulted in a lull. But recently, just as tourists have increased to the state, movie makers are also drawn to using Kashmir’s scenic beauty in their films. A few recent movies shot in Kashmir are Highway, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Student of the Year, Rockstar and many more!

While Kashmir is still an important cultural and tourist destination in India, we can’t ignore what the people of Kashmir are going through. The floods of 2014 have hit them hard, and many people have lost their homes and jobs. But it doesn’t have to stay that way; we can help them get back on their feet. Join uIndia’s ‘We are there for you, Kashmir’ campaign to support Kashmiri farmers and artisans by buying their products. With everyone’s support, we can help restore peace and happiness in this beautiful state, so that it continues to be our very own paradise on earth. 

5 Myths and Legends of Diwali

Indian culture is often referred to as ‘rich’ and our festivals are in no small measure, responsible for it! There are many festivals in India, some celebrated across the country, and some with regional significance. But even a national festival has several local variations, and Diwali is no different!

Diwali is probably the most grandly celebrated festival in India, with everyone looking forward to it months in advance. It is generally celebrated as a five day festival in this order: Day 1 – Dhanteras, Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi, Day 3 – Diwali, Day 4 – Diwali Padwa, Day 5 – Bhai Dooj. The origin of the festival has several myths and legends associated with it and some households have story or ‘katha’ sessions, where the elders in the family regale the younger ones with stories. Since everyone is caught up in the festive spirit, why don’t we have our own katha session right here? Here are five of the most common legends associated with Diwali.

1. The Origin of Dhanteras

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The legend of Dhanteras begins with the Samudra Manthan, the well known story about the churning of the milk ocean. The Devas were forced to join the Asuras in churning the ocean of milk, using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents, as the churning rope.

During the process, a variety of things came to the surface – an extremely dangerous poison that was swallowed by Shiva and treasure in the forms of precious gems, which were split between the Devas and Asuras. On Dhanteras day, the Lord Dhanvantari, the physician god emerged. He was holding a jar of Amrit, the nectar of immortality. This event is celebrated today by buying a new utensil or appliance for the kitchen, with some even going for silver or gold.

2. The Story of Naraka Chaturdashi

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Naraka Chaturdashi is very popular in Maharashtra and the southern states of India, and is almost as grand as Diwali! The demon Naraka was misusing his powers to abduct women and cause general destruction in the universe. Lord Krishna decided to save the world and along with his wife, he slayed the demon, releasing his captives. He smeared the demon’s blood on his forehead and returned home, where he was treated to an oil bath. This day is celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, and it is the custom to have an oil bath early in the morning before the festivities begin.

3. The Celebration of the Return of Lord Ram

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This is probably the most popular legend associated with Diwali, one that even little kids are familiar with! The Ramayana describes how Lord Ram, his brother Lakshman and his wife Sita were exiled to the forest for fourteen years, during which they defeated the demon king Ravana and rescued Sita. On the eve of the day they were expected to return, it was a new moon night, and there was darkness all around. The people of the kingdom decorated the entire city with lamps, so that the illumination would help their dear king find his way home. This tradition is observed even today, with everyone lighting up their homes and bursting crackers in the spirit of celebration.

4. The Legend behind Govardhan Puja

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Govardhan Puja is also called Annakut and is celebrated with great fanfare in the northern states of India. The people of Gokul had a tradition of worshipping Lord Indra, the God of Rains, at the end of the monsoon season. But when they were stopped by Lord Krishna, Lord Indra was angered and he sent down torrents of rain to submerge the city. Krishna assured his people that he would keep them safe, and he did so by lifting the huge Govardhan mountain over everyone. Today, small hillocks of cow dung are made to symbolize how everyone was protected by Lord Krishna.

5. The Story of Bhai Dooj

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The focus of a Bhai Dooj celebration is a sister placing a red dot or tilak on her brother’s forehead. The legend goes that when Krishna returned after slaying the demon Naraka, he was welcomed by his younger sister, Subhadra with fresh flowers and a red tilak on his forehead. Since then all sisters do the same for their brothers, in exchange for a loving gift.

Now that you know some interesting legends about Diwali, you’re all set to host a katha session at your place this year! uIndia wishes you and your family a very Happy Diwali; stay safe and have a blast!

World Food Day 2014 – Getting Kids involved in Preventing Food Wastage

World Food Day is observed every year on 16 October, to mark the beginning of the U.N.'s Food and Agricultural Organization. Every year, the organization focuses on a particular theme regarding food, in an attempt to create sustainable food sources and to eradicate hunger across the globe.

This year, the theme of World Food Day is 'Family Farming: Feeding the World, Caring for the Earth'. The focus here is on supporting family farmers who, though being involved in food production themselves, are among the 805 million hungry people of the world. India has the largest number of hungry people in the world which is ironic considering that many Indians waste huge amounts of food especially during festivals and weddings. Globally, it is estimated that nearly 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted every year. Imagine how many starving people that much food could feed!!

The only way to turn this situation around is to get started with the youngest members of our society. Our kids need to be educated about the current food situation in the world and how they can help. To start with, train them to prevent food wastage, as cutting down on wastage ensures that the available resources are more evenly distributed among the population. Here are some simple tips to get our kids involved in preventing food wastage.

1. Buy Less

Start with buying only what you need. You save money and avoid wastage too. It always helps to make a menu plan and shop accordingly. Involve your kids in making the menu, taking their choices into account. Take them shopping and ask them to cross items of the list as you get each one. This way they'll not get drawn into impulsive and wasteful shopping.

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2. Buy in Season

Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season are good for your pocket and your health. Out of season produce are usually packed with chemicals and have traveled long distances to reach you, affecting their freshness. Try buying food items that are as authentic as possible and sourced from their original locations, like those available at uIndia. Teach your children about the various fruits and vegetables that grow in each season and make a chart so that they'll remember.

3. Store well

Sorting groceries once you're back home is a fun activity for kids. They can put fruits and vegetables into individual fridge bags and store grains and lentils into designated containers. Keeping everything labeled and organized will go a long way in making sure you use up all the food from your last shopping trip before buying more. You'll also realize what foods aren't readily consumed in your household.

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4. Close the Fridge

Opening and closing the fridge door frequently affects its internal temperature which in turn affects the food inside it. Most kids are notorious for doing this, especially during the summer months! Teach them to take whatever they need in one single trip to the fridge to keep things as fresh as possible. During summer, it's a good idea to have a thermos cooler with a tap outside the fridge. Also ensure that you do not overstuff your fridge or freezer to maintain optimum functionality.

5. Finish Leftovers

We are used to telling children to 'finish what's on your plate', but it's better to always serve a little less in the beginning. We often overestimate kids' appetites and force them to eat the rest. Instead, save the leftover food in proper food safe containers and refrigerate or freeze them if you don't plan to use them in the near future. Most kids will gawk at seeing the very same dish at the next meal, so dress it up in a different form. They'll be impressed at your creativity and will be more understanding towards leftovers the next time! At restaurants, ask the waiter to pack any leftovers, so you can reheat and reuse them at home.

6. Read Labels

This is great for older kids who can read. Ask them to check the expiry date of every product you buy, so that you know you'll be able to finish it before that day. Preteens can also read the ingredient list to understand facts about how much sugar, fiber and fat are in a food item, so they can make wise choices and choose organic whenever possible.

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Another great way to educate kids is when you're having a party at home, especially if it's the child's birthday. Ask him about the number of friends he'll have over and involve him in the discussion about how much food to make. He'll learn valuable skills about estimation and balance in the process.

These changes might seem too simple and small, but when every child learns not to waste food, it means a huge change in the food dynamics in our country. If you can, get them to volunteer at an NGO, so that they can see firsthand how important every food choice they make is. This festive season, ensure that your family prepares only as much food as is required and does not waste any. uIndia wishes everyone a Happy Diwali!

10 Most Popular Indian Sweets You Must Taste

Indian festivals and celebrations are incomplete without relishing sweets with your family and friends.  Commonly known as mithais, these classic Indian sweets are simply irresistible and give a tough competition to exotic contemporary desserts even today. Each state in India has a unique mithai in the offering, each of them known for its delectable taste.

This festive season, how about knowing a little bit about these famous 10 Indian sweets?

1. Sandesh

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Originated in West Bengal, both Bengalis and non-Bengalis are equally crazy about this mouth melting creamy sweet prepared with curdled milk and sugar. People often find it difficult to vote for their favourite pick between Sandesh and Rasgulla!

2. Ghewar

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Ghewar is a mouthwatering Rajasthani sweet especially associated with the Teej festival. Prepared with a combination of flour, khoya, ghee and sugar syrup, Ghewar is in demand during the other festivals too. There are various varieties of Ghewar to choose from including the plain Ghewar, Malai Ghewar and Mawa Ghewar.



3.    Gujia

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Gujia is another scrumptious sweet that is relished from Uttar Pradesh to Rajasthan, especially during Holi festival. This sweet has an outer crunchy covering made with maida flour and a filling that includes almonds, raisins, nuts, coconut, khoya and semolina.

4.    Shrikhand

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Shrikhand is the specialty of Gujarat and is equally loved by the people of Maharashtra. Prepared with strained yogurt, this is one of the most delectable Indian sweets is especially served during festivities and other special occasions in these states. It is available all through the year in these parts of the country.

5.    Dharwad Pedas

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You must have heard of Mathura Pedas, but how about going south to taste a different version of it? Dharwad from Karnataka sells these pedas made out of sugar and condensed milk. If you are on a visit to Dharwad, then tasting these soft round pieces is a must.

6.    Agra Ka Petha

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Who doesn’t carry home a box of delicate Agra Ka Pethas after visiting the city of Taj Mahal? Made of white pumpkin, these pethas are loved for their sweet aroma and delectable taste.

7.    Kalakand

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A specialty of North India, Kalakand is especially popular in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Made with fresh cottage cheese and sweetened milk, this Indian sweet dish is loved for its softness and taste. Garnished with finely cut pistachios and saffron, Kalakand is particularly in demand during Rakshabandhan and Janamashtami.

8.    Rabri

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This mouthwatering sweet dish prepared with thickened milk, saffron and dry fruits originated in Banaras. Relished across the country, Rabri is available in almost every part all-round the year. It tastes best when served chilled.

9.    Pootharekulu

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With its roots in coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, Pootharekulu is made using extremely thin and transparent rice papers stuffed with the filling of powdered sugar, ghee, cardamom and dry fruits.

10.    Khaja

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Khaja is an extremely popular sweet from Bihar, however it is relished in some parts of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh too. It has a filling of khoya and dry fruits stuffed in a savoury crust made of maida, which is deep fried in ghee and served in saffron flavoured sugar syrup. 










Tell us which is your favourite Indian sweet and why!

Navratri Trail Across The Country

Navratri, the nine auspicious days devoted to nine different avatars of Goddess Durga, are celebrated with great pomp and show uniquely in various parts of our country. Let’s embark on a Navratri trail!

Gujarat

The people of Gujarat immerse themselves completely in the festive flavour. An earthen pot filled with water, a silver coin and a beetle nut and covered with a coconut is set at the onset of Navratri by the families observing fasts. The pot is decorated beautifully and both men and women dance around it during these nine nights. Gujaratis perform their folk dance forms garba and dandiya raas decked up in vibrant traditional attires.  

 

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Maharashtra

Maharashtrians perform Ghatasthapana ritual on the morning of the first day of Navratri. This is done by placing a holy kalash in their home, lighting akhandeep diya and hanging fragrant flowers around the idol of the Goddess. They consider Navratri as the best time to start a new business venture, purchase a new car or home. The women in this part of the country follow the tradition of inviting their female friends to their place during this period. They present them with beetle leaves, beetle nuts and coconut and perform haldi – kumkum (dry turmeric powder and vermillion) ceremony. 

West Bengal

In West Bengal, Navratri is referred to as Durga Puja. The idols of Goddess Durga and her sons Ganesha and Kartika, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi find abode in lavish pandals erected in various nooks and corners. The festivities begin on the seventh day and continue till the tenth day. Devotees worship the idols for five days and then immerse them in the nearby river. 

 

 

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Punjab and Haryana

The people of Punjab and Haryana observe fast for seven days during the Navratri festival and serve halwa, puri and chana to eight girls on Ashtami, the eighth day. This ritual is also called Kanya Pujan and followed in several other parts of the country. During these 7 days, they also organize Jagraata where in the devotees of Goddess Durga stay awake the entire night and sing devotional songs in her praise. 

Tamil Nadu

The people of Tamil Nadu worship Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati during these nine auspicious days by celebrating Golu. Golu is an arrangement made on a make-shift stair case. Idols of Goddess Durga as well as other Gods and Goddesses are kept on nine stairs along with various decorative items. Each stair represents each day of this pious festival. Women invite their married female friends to their place and gift them beetle nuts, beetle leaves, coconut and money. They also present them with earrings, bangles, vermilion and other such bridal accessories. 

 

 

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Kerala

In Kerela, the festival is celebrated for the last three days- Ashtami, Navami and Vijaya Dashmi. The Kerelites worship Goddess Saraswati during these days. Books and musical instruments are placed in front of the Goddess Saraswati on Ashtami and are worshipped for three days. These are taken back on the tenth day. These days are considered the best for initiating new learning. 

Andhra Pradesh

Popular by the name Batukamma Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, these nine days are devoted to Goddess Durga. Women prepare beautiful Batukamma, which is a flower stack made with seasonal flowers. They gather in the evening and perform folk dance around the Batukammas decked up in silk sarees and gold jewellery. The Batukammas are later floated in the nearby river or lake. 

 

 

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Karnataka

Known as Naada Habba in Karnataka, these nine auspicious days are celebrated to rejoice Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasur. A special highlight is the Mysore Dussehra festival, which attracts tourists from India and other parts of the globe. Mysore Palace is illuminated with about one lakh bulbs during this festival followed by cultural events. Elephant processions are carried out on the streets of different cities across this state. People sing devotional songs and dance during the procession. Exhibition of handicraft items and artifacts are organized throughout the state.

 

Authentic and Traditional Brews of India

“If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.”

This is an old quote that has often been attributed to Abraham Lincoln, although many doubt its authenticity. Some consider it to be just an old joke where a customer says this to the waiter on being served a questionable beverage.

However, there is no danger of that happening in India! We have such distinct and diverse brews of tea and coffee, that there is simply no question of asking which is which. And it’s not surprising, considering that India is one of the largest tea producers of the world, consuming 70% of its produce within the country itself!

The Indian Tea Story began when the British converted large areas of land into tea gardens with the purpose of breaking the Chinese monopoly on tea. However, it was much later that tea achieved such cult status in India, with a chai wallah setting up shop every few kilometers across the length and breadth of the country! Famous Indian tea varieties are Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri teas.

Coffee in India is concentrated in the southern states, and this is probably due to the fact that coffee was introduced first in Chikmaglur, by coffee beans brought by Baba Budan from Yemen. With the popularity of instant versions on the rise, coffee is no longer restricted to the south of India! Modern varieties aside, here are some of the traditional authentic brews of India, including both coffee and tea.

1. Masala Chai

 

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Paired with hot, spicy snacks, this is probably the most popular brew during the rains! Masala Chai comprises of the ingredients for regular tea, but with the important addition of spices. All kinds of spice combinations are used, though the most common ones are cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and black pepper. The spices are ground and stored in airtight containers to be used when required. A cup of tea usually uses a teaspoon of tea leaves and ¼ teaspoon of chai masala brewed in milk.

2. Filter Coffee

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No visit to a South Indian vegetarian restaurant is complete without a round of filter coffees! The brew, served in a humble looking steel tumbler, can pack quite a punch and a small quantity is enough to keep you going through the day. Arabica or Robusta beans are ground, and placed in the top of the steel coffee filter and then pressed down with a handled disc. This is then placed as is on the bottom part of the coffee filter and boiling water is poured on top of the disc. The filter is covered with a lid and left to brew the coffee which slowly drips through the perforations in the filter. Adequate amounts of milk and sugar are added and served in a steel tumbler placed inside a Davarah.

3. Sulaimani Chai

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Like many other things, the Sulaimani Chai of Malabar has Arab origins. Called ghava in other places, this black tea has become a mainstay of Malabar weddings and Eid feasts, usually following a heavy meal like biryani. Made newly popular by the movie, “Ustad Hotel’, this is a very refreshing beverage. It is made by adding slightly less tea leaves than for regular tea, combined with a few spices (optional) and a squeeze of lime, resulting in a beautiful reddish color.

4. Chukku Kaapi

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Many traditional Indian recipes also have medicinal benefits and a good example of this is chukku kaapi. Roughly translated as ‘Dry Ginger Coffee’, this is a very common brew in Kerala, often served to people suffering from cough, cold, fever and congestion. Chukku kaapi also uses spices like pepper, cumin and tulsi leaves in addition to dry ginger, resulting in a brew that is so strong and spicy, you can literally feel your illness going up in smoke!

5. Kahwa

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You can’t have a list of traditional Indian brews without mentioning Kahwa! This popular Kashmiri breakfast tea is a beautiful aromatic beverage that has a high position during feasts and celebrations. It is traditionally made in a large brass kettle, called a Samovar. The tea is made of green tea leaves brewed with saffron, cinnamon and cardamom and sweetened with sugar or honey. Occasionally roses are also added to the brew and it is sometimes served with crushed nuts.

At the end of the day, even if we have instant and ‘3-in-1’ coffees and teas, nothing beats the flavor and warmth of a traditional filter kaapi or masala chai. This coming winter, be sure to enjoy the weather with a steaming hot cuppa!

Don’t forget to buy authentic Indian teas and spices from uIndia!