Latest news with #Navaratri
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
Know Why Chennai City Is The Perfect Destination For Backpackers
Chennai, located in the southern part of India and serving as the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a lively city which masters the integration of traditional and modern practices. Dubbed 'Gateway to South India,' the city presents an ideal mix for backpackers through culture, history, and affordable travel. Even when visiting alone or in a group, Chennai has something distinct to offer its visitors. With that said, here are five compelling reasons why Chennai is the perfect destination for backpackers. 1. Affordable Accommodation Options Chennai's biggest draw for backpackers is the availability of affordable accommodation options. The city is well-known for its extensive range of budget hostels, guesthouses, and hotels as compared to the rest of India. Most of these facilities are located around popular visiting spots such as Marina Beach or the railway station. Moreover, certain guesthouses and hostels are available at the airport for those who need immediate rest upon arrival. In addition, sites like Airbnb and also cater budget-oriented travelers while ensuring comfort. 2. Rich Cultural Heritage Chennai has a rich history and culture that gives backpackers an opportunity to explore south Indian customs. There are also ancient temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple, along with some colonial era sites like Fort St. George. All these places are filled with history and do showcase brilliant architecture. In addition to that, backpackers get a chance to celebrate local festivals like Pongal or Navaratri and get a taste of the culture. 3. Delicious Street Food Scene For enthusiasts looking to traveling places with great food, Chennai is paradise on Earth. The city is famous for its South Indian dishes which include idli, dosa, vada, filter coffee, among many others. What makes this even more attractive for backpackers is the inexpensive prices of street food. Regions such as T. Nagar and Mylapore have great markets where you can get authentic food for very little money. Make sure you try the city's famous biryani and coconut based desserts. 4. Easy Reach Public Transport This city is very easy to navigate due to Chennai's decent public transport system. There are buses called MTC that serve most parts of the city and auto-rickshaws can be used for shorter distances. For train users, there is a Chennai Suburban Railway Network which covers important areas. With these features, traveling in the city becomes easier for backpackers who aim to explore the town without spending excessively on transportation. 5. Gorgeous Beaches and Nature Chennai is renowned for its wonderful natural features such as beautiful beaches and greenery. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, which makes it a favorite to many backpackers who want to enjoy the sun by the water. Other attractions in the area include, but are not limited to Guindy National Park, a small reserve with plenty of biodiversity located inside the city, and the beautiful Besant Nagar Beach. These places greatly aid in photography, bird watching, or just relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Wrapping Up Chennai has a unique bargain. It has a perfect blend of affordability, culture, and convenience making it ideal for backpackers. From historic monuments, beautiful beaches, street food, to the roaring arts in the city, there is truly something for everyone. Additionally, because of its position in South India, it makes the city a central point for traveling to other regions, hence extending the possibilities. So, grab your backpack and get ready to unleash the inner traveler within you to figure out what makes Chennai such a special place.
India.com
5 days ago
- General
- India.com
The Myths And Legends Behind Mysore City's Rich Heritage
Mysore serves as a respected city in the Karnataka southern region of India because of its unique cultural elements along with its spectacular buildings and lively folk traditions. Mysore maintained its position as a royal city since people commonly call it 'City of Palaces.' An intricate network of native legends and myths exists within Mysore City which formed the essential components of its identity development. Most people in the community have deep beliefs regarding these tales which guide their usual activities and cultural traditions. Legend of Mahishasura: The Mythological Foundation Historical records trace the origin of the city Mysore from Mahishur that means 'the abode of Mahisha.' Historical records show that Hindu mythology describes this same region as the kingdom of Mahishasura who served as its dominant ruler. Through his blessing from Lord Brahma Mahishasura obtained protection from defeat by either male victors or divine beings. Fueled by new-found power Mahishasura carried out unrestrained tyranny across earth and heaven which brought heavy misfortune to the people. The force that brought his evil rule to an end emerged when Goddess Chamundeshwari descended from heaven to fight the demon king. The battle between Mahishasura and Goddess Chamundeshwari for various days ended when she destroyed him at his fort's location on the Chamundi Hill summit. According to local beliefs about the mythological battle Mahishuru acquired its name which later became Mysore. Chamundi Hill stands as a significant holy place throughout the current city area. The Chamundeshwari Temple sits on the summit of the hill to honor the goddess who eliminated Mahishasura. During annual festival celebrations of Navaratri numerous devotees voyage to the temple as they honor the victory of good over evil. The legend strengthens the city's religious relevance and enables its residents to embody critical values such as bravery together with uprightness and endurance. Wadiyar Dynasty: A Legacy of Kingship and Devotion Throughout six centuries (1399–1947) Mysore retained its Wadiyar dynasty rule which formed a central element in its identity. A people's myth about the dynasty's inception enhances Mysore's mystical appeal by adding to its traditions. Legends say Yaduraya Wadiyar established the dynasty through marriage to Princess Chikkadevarasi who was from Karugahalli family after he displayed his bravery and loyalty to her. The Wadiyar ascended the throne with divine blessings the gods had provided him allowing Mysore to enter a prosperous period. With royal support from the Wadiyars Mysore developed into an artistic cultural and architectural hub. Vijayadashami or Dasara constitutes an important traditional event in the history of the Wadiyars who celebrated the goddess Durga's triumph against Mahishasura. A basic family prayer practice developed by the royal clan became a grand annual festival that includes majestic parades alongside explosive fireworks and stage entertainment. Today Dasara continues as a major festival celebrated with magnificent displays which draws international visitors to Mysore. The royal palace shines with thousands of lights while demonstrating permanent aspects of the dynasty. Surrounding Mysore Palace The iconic Mysore Palace remained marked by several fascinating historical accounts that have been passed from one generation to the next. Tradition holds that the modern palace replaced a previous wooden structure which burnt down in 1897. British architect Henry Irwin designed the new palace that integrates the architectural characteristics of Indo-Saracenic along with Rajput and Gothic styles to represent the multi-cultural heritage of the Mysore kingdom. According to local beliefs Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV had a dream that led to his inspiration for designing the palace. A large building appeared to him in his dream which would embody the splendid glory of Mysore. He awoke and commanded his architects to recreate his vision which has now become the extraordinary palace structure people observe today. Although there is no proven historical evidence this adds an exciting mythical aspect to why Saras Gopura was built. According to local stories the royal spirits from the palace haunt its grounds. People visiting this location mention strange encounters most commonly in the Durbar Hall since it was the primary space for royal ceremonies. Various stories regarding the site depict elements of both reality and psychic impressions that further enhance the palace's magical reputation. Tales of Brindavan Gardens Located by the Krishna Raja Sagara Dam you will find Brindavan Gardens which carries numerous entertaining local legends. Many visitors from across the world come to see the musical fountains along with the harmoniously designed gardens at this location. Therese few people understand that supernatural powers formed this creation. According to local beliefs the dam engineers struggled through unforeseeable climate conditions and engineering complications while conducting their work. When they encountered such obstacles they looked for divine blessings by performing rituals at nearby temples. The people in the area believe supernatural intervention led to the accomplishment of constructing both the gardens and the dam project. Brindavan Gardens today stands as proof that people combined their creative skills with religious devotion to construct something remarkable which survived to become serene. Conclusion The cultural structure of Mysore rests on legends combined with myths that unite historical events with religious practices and traditional stories into a single unified story. These myths starting with Mahishasura lead directly to Wadiyar dynasty narratives which demonstrate the cultural integrity and core principles of this city. Residents proudly live in these enduring delights which have successfully drawn attention from those outside the boundaries. These narratives will always preserve Mysore's cultural core as the city develops toward modernity. The urban environment exists as more than concrete structures because it embodies the dreams together with struggles and aspirations of local residents. Anyone interested in discovering the essence of Mysore will find it by studying the city's legends and urban myths.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Our baby's name honours our Kodava heritage, say Harshika and Bhuvann
Deciding on a traditional name was as important to Harshika Poonacha and Bhuvann Ponnanna as holding their baby daughter's naming ceremony in their homeland, Coorg. The couple, who welcomed a baby girl in October last year, tells us, 'We named her Tridevi Ponnakkaah because she has a strong number three in her chart and also because she was born on the first day of Navaratri and is a gift from goddess Mookambika.' 'Ponnakkaah is a combination of Ponnanna and Harshika,' they add. Bhuvann notes, 'Earlier, a name would immediately tell you where a person came from. That connection to region and identity is fading. So as a couple, we were keen on our little one having a traditional name that honours her heritage. We also considered her personality, making the name a beautiful reflection of who she is,' he says. Of the ceremony, Harshika says, 'The day began with Kodava rituals, including the symbolic feeding of puttu using a gold coin, and transitioned into a celebration of family and friends.'
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Mangaluru: With non-functional fountain aerators, Gujjarakere stinks again while fishes die
With the five fountain aerators installed by Mangaluru Smart City Ltd., in July 2022 to oxygenate the water body and remove dissolved organic compounds becoming non-functional, the historic Gujjarakere has begun to stink again even as Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has failed to plug sewage seepage into the lake in the heart of the City. While hundreds of people visit the lake for morning and evening walks, they were upset at having to inhale the stench, said Praveen Bappal, a resident of the area. 'Of late, fishes in the lake have been dying apparently because of the reduced oxygen levels and increased dissolved oxygen content. Local residents have been removing dead fish along with other trash sometimes these days,' he said. MCC failure Gujjarakere Tirtha Samrakshana Samithi Secretary Nemu Kottari squarely blamed the MCC for its inability to plug the sewage flow into the lake. Several complaints to authorities concerned, laboratory reports that indicate the lake water being contaminated with sewage and even public outcry did not have any impact on the Corporation to address the issue, he regretted. MSCL installed the fountain aerators to oxygenate the water body. When water was pumped through the fountains, water droplets collected air from the environment and fell back into the Lake. The round-the-clock process oxygenated the water body besides removing dissolved organic compounds. The fountain aerators with colourful lights added beauty to the lake in the evenings. 'We have not seen the aerators working after Navaratri festival,' said Kusuma Devadiga, a resident of the area. The water appeared fresh even as colourful lights in the evenings used to enhance the lake's beauty, she said. Handed over to MCC After rejuvenating the lake in March 2022, MSCL handed it over to the MCC, said a senior Smart City official. MSCL has impounded about ₹1.5 lakh security deposit from the contractor for his failure to properly operate the fountains. The same would be handed over to the MCC to undertake repair works, he said. MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik said he was not aware of fountain aerators going dysfunctional. He would look into the issue, the Commissioner said.
The Independent
29-01-2025
- General
- The Independent
Kumbh Mela stampede: A look back at deadly crowd disasters in India
A stampede at India's Kumbh Mela festival, the world's largest religious gathering, has left several feared dead and many injured. Tens of thousands of Hindu devotees bathe in the sacred river confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati on Wednesday, a holy day during the six-week festival. Authorities were anticipating a record 100 million devotees to participate in ritual bathing on this auspicious day. The festival, held every 12 years, commenced on January 13th and is expected to draw more than 400 million pilgrims to the site this year. There have been other tragic incidents in India over the past two decades. Stampede in Uttar Pradesh in 2024 More than 100 people were killed in a stampede in northern India in July 2024 following a Hindu religious gathering, making it one of the deadliest such accidents in years. Thousands had gathered at a makeshift tent for an event led by a Hindu preacher in Uttar Pradesh state. The victims were crushed to death as they rushed to leave. Video of the aftermath showed the makeshift structure appeared to have collapsed. Bridge collapse at the Navaratri festival in 2013 A collapsing bridge caused a stampede that killed 115 people, mostly women and children, on 13 October, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims had come to a Hindu temple in the remote town of Ratangarh in Madhya Pradesh state on the last day of the popular 10-day Navaratri festival. Stampede at a Hindu temple in Jodhpur in 2008 At least 168 people were killed and 100 injured when thousands of pilgrims stampeded at a Hindu temple in Jodhpur on 30 September, 2008. Severe overcrowding apparently caused the crush, as more than 12,000 people gathered at the temple to celebrate Navaratri, a Hindu festival. Landslide rumours caused deadly crowd surge in 2008 Dozens of women and children were among the 145 people who died on 3 August, 2008, when thousands of pilgrims stampeded at a remote mountaintop temple in northern India during celebrations to honour Shakrti, a Hindu goddess. The devotees attended a nine-day religious festival at the Naina Devi Temple in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh state. Rumors of a landslide apparently started the panic, according to a senior government official. Stampede and blaze during a religious procession in 2005 A stampede during a religious procession to a hilltop temple on 25 January, 2005, killed at least 258 people and injured 200 in western India, near the village of Wai, some 150 miles (241 kilometers) south of Mumbai. The stampede was triggered after several Hindu pilgrims inside the temple fell on a slippery floor and were crushed to death by other pilgrims who apparently walked on them. Angered over the deaths, some pilgrims started a fire that gutted hundreds of makeshift shops along a narrow walkway leading to the temple and set off the deadly rush.
