5 Smart ways to keep travel documents and valuables safe

Leave a reply

When it comes to international travel, the one of the most common concerns is where, and how to keep your travel documents safe. If you lose your travel documents in a foreign country, it can ruin your vacation, and you will have to go through a lot of stress. These five smart tips can help make your travel easier and keep you prepared.

  • Scan your passport, with visa page, passport photo, and paper tickets. Store it in your web-based account (an email account which you can access from any computer), and only access it from a safe computer. If you are a smart phone user, then you can click pictures of all your documents, but again, keep your phone locked and secure. Even take pictures of your debit and credit cards along with their customer service number. In this way, if you will lose everything, you can increase your chance in having immediate access to all your information.

 

  • In your carry-on, pack your valuables, jewelry and fragile items. To be safe, don’t forget a week’s supply of prescribed medication, and a set of changeable clothes. In case of delayed luggage.

  • Split your bank cards, cash, traveler’s check and credit card as much as possible in different pockets. In case you get one pocket picked, at least you won’t be strapped for money.

 

  • Write your name, home and destination address on a sticky note and tag it inside your luggage in a visible place. If you loose your luggage and the baggage label comes off, the airlines can identify your bag.

 

  • Tie combinations of ribbons, which you can clearly remember, since many travel with similar suitcases, now a days. You can also put some stickers on your checked-in bags. This will help you to recognize your suitcase on the luggage belt.

 

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Leave a reply

Journey to the desert capital of Rajasthan, during the most extravagant time of the year.

Jaisalmer is known as the ‘Golden City’ due to the beautiful yellow sand stone, used in much of the architecture of the city. It was founded by Maharawal Jaisal in the 12th century, and is situated 350 miles west of the state capital, Jaipur.  It is the heart of the Thar Desert, the 7th largest desert in the world.

The Desert Festival is organized every year by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, in the months of January or February, for three days. The city bustles with life during the Desert Festival. It splashes a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the arid city. Truly, it’s the best occasion to experience the desert folk culture of the Rajputana, in the forms of music, dances, and acrobats. The festival is not only a cultural one, but also a musical extravaganza onto itself.

Two very renowned musical family dynasties, Langa and Manganiar perform. They are hereditary musical dynasties, with talents and skills passed down from generation to generation, honed in the desert Royal Courts. The soulful, full throated voices reflect all expressions of Rajasthani life.

The festival is held against the backdrop of magnificent Jaisalmer fort. This festival is a picturesque portrait of desert heritage and folk culture of Rajputana. It starts with a procession, which displays the rich culture, and the life of desert state. Rajasthani folk dancers dressed in vibrant and colorful costumes. The “Gair” and fire dances are spectacular. Colorfully decorated camels are the essential part of life, and any event in Rajasthan. The festival would be incomplete without camel polo, camel race, camel decorations, and camel dances.

Rajasthan is known for its majestic and chivalrous warriors. Turbans and moustaches are deemed to be symbol of honor, in the state of Rajasthan, so make sure you take the time to see ‘the turban tying competition’ and ‘the most glorious moustache.’

The festival finishes with the folk artist performances, with the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam Dunes, on the full moon night, with the fireworks in the sky.

Travelling Tips

  • Make your booking at least 3 months prior to your visit.
  • Ask for a program list, so you can plan which activities you want to see.
  • Carry comfortable walking shoes, sun screen lotion, sun glasses and hat.
  • Afternoons are sunny, but usually nights are cold. So carry some warm outfits.
  • Make sure you have enough memory cards and batteries, for your cameras!
Collage pictures3 976 X 313

Pushkar Camel Fair

1 Reply

One of the most distinctive experiences you can have in Rajasthan, India, is to visit the annual Pushkar camel fair.

Pushkar is one of the oldest existing cities in India. It is situated 11kms north west of Ajmer city, in the state of Rajasthan. It’s one of the five important pilgrims for Hindus. It is a very interesting little town surrounded by hills and sand dunes. This little town used to have more than 400 temples, but many of them were destroyed by the Muslim ruler Aurangzeb in 17th century. In the center of the town there is a famous holy Pushkar lake and Brahma temple. It is the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. Brahma is known as Creator of the universe, and one of the trinity of Hinduism’s principal gods.

Every year, a big livestock fair is held in Pushkar, it is also known as Pushkar camel fair. It is an eight day fair. It starts on the eight day after the new moon night, in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, and lasts till the full moon night. First half of the fair is related to camel trading. The second half is religious period for Hindu pilgrims, which is five days long festival. It begins on the Ekadashi, and is over on Purnima of the Kartik month. This Ekadashi is eleventh day after new moon night and Purnima is the full moon night. I have explained the Hindu calendar in detail in one of my earlier blogs, “Why Indian fairs and festivals have different dates every year”?

It is not only the religious fair but also the region’s central cattle fair. Pushkar Fair is one of the biggest camel fair in the world. During this festival around 300,000 people and 70,000 livestock; camels, horses, oxen, cows take part. Among the 70000 livestock, 50000 are camels, which are there to be traded and sold. It attracts thousands of foreign visitors from all over the world, who come to experience beautiful cultural and rural activities.

It is most dazzling picturesque view, when you see the village folk visit the fair dressed in all their best clothes. Many of them come from nearby villages in their tractors, or camel and bullock carts. Tall Men in bright colored turbans, with their tanned faces and large well kept moustaches, pierced ears with gold and silver rings. Beautiful women are wearing colorful dresses and bright colored scarves on their heads. They wear chunky silver and gold jewelry around their neck, arms, ears and feet. Not only are the people attending dressed in their best, but also their camels are decorated with silver bells, colorful knotted threads, with beautiful throws on their back. Often they shave patterns and designs into the camel’s fur to decorate them. There is entertainment for local people such as; a small fair ride, food stalls, cloths and costume jewelry stalls, and so on. It is also the time of the year when local artist and musicians can perform and show their talent. Lots of folk dancers, musicians and artists participate in many cultural programs. The entire town comes alive, with vibrant folk music and dances, magic shows, horse and camel races and various other traditional entertainment and competitions.

Pushkar fair starts with camel races in the Pushkar Mela ground. It’s a vast specially built amphitheatre on the outskirts of the town. All the contests and competitions are organized here, in the grounds. Throughout the week during the day many activities such as; camel races, camel dance, horse dance, mandana competition (making chalk paste designs on the floor), Indian bride competition, Moustache completion, and many more. In fact in some competitions, foreign visitors are encouraged to participate and enjoy. In the evening, people huddle round campfires listening to Rajasthani folk ballads and music. Different camps have their own private music and dance shows for their staying guests.

The fair reaches its final climax on the full moon night (Kartik, Purnima), when pilgrims take a dip in the holy lake. At dusk, during the beautiful Deepdaan ceremony (hundreds of clay lamps on leaf boats are lit and set afloat on the sacred Pushkar Lake).

The opportunity for photography at the Pushkar fair is tremendous. Pushkar fair can be any photographers delight. It is a one-of-a-kind camel fair, unlike any other in the world. It is a unique annual festival to experience all the vibrant colors of Rajasthan, all in one place.

Travelling Tips

Make your booking at least 3 months prior to your visit.

Ask for a program list so you can plan which activities you want to see.

Carry comfortable walking shoes, sun screen lotion, sun glasses and hat.

Afternoons are sunny but usually nights are cold so carry some warm outfits.

Make sure you have enough memory cards and batteries, for your cameras.

Hot air ballooning can be a good experience during Pushkar fair, but again you have to make reservation in advance.

Photography is not allowed on the bathing Ghats.

Lehariya-and-bangles

Teej festival

2 Replies

 Jaipur’s Teej Procession

We are in the month of July, and it’s known as Monsoon season in India.  In this blog I am going to share a beautiful festival, which is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Monsoon season.  This day is auspicious, because it was the day that Lord Shiva and Parvati were reunited.  This festival is known as Teej festival, and it takes place on the third day after new moon night in the month of Shravana. Teej festival is mostly celebrated in the state of Rajasthan.  Teej is not only a religious festival, but also a festival to celebrate the coming of rains, for renewal and rejuvenation.  These rains bring life, in the dry a hot desert of Rajasthan.  More than 65% of India’s population make their livelihood from agriculture, so it is very important to have good monsoon to get good crops. According to Gregorian calendar this year it will be celebrated on July 22, 2012.

Women have an important role in Indian society.  Hinduism is vastly practiced in India.  It is a way of life and a philosophy.  According to the Hindu concept, this universe is a creation of the supreme mother energy ADI SHAKTI, meaning ultimate energy and power, which provides energy and power to all living beings.  On this festival, women worship goddess Parvati (an incarnation of ADI SHAKTI). Parvati symbolizes many different virtues by Hindu traditions; martial felicity, fertility, devotion to spouse and her family, as well as religious belief.  She has all the qualities which an ideal woman should have. Perhaps, this is the reason why she has many female followers.  There are several different occasions, throughout the year, on which women celebrate festivals in honor of goddess Parvati.

Festival preparations of Sarees, Bangles and Heena painted hands

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan state, in India, where this festival is celebrated every year on a very big scale.  The Jaipur Royal family organizes a large elaborate procession for two days. With lots of tourists coming from around the world witness this elaborate Teej procession at the City Palace, residence of present King of Jaipur.

Teej’s three day festival’s first day, is known as Sinjahara, second day is known as Teej and third day is known as Badi Teej.

Sinjahara is the first day of the festival.  We can call it preparation day.  On this day women and girls paint their hands with Heena (Heena is a paste made by heena tree leaves. When you apply it on your skin, it leaves stain which can last from 8 to 10 days).  Newly engaged girls, yet to be married, receive gifts from their future in-laws.  The gifts consists of Lehariya Saree (a special tie and dye dress), Jewelry, Bangles, Make-up, Heena and Ghevar (a special Teej sweet).  Married women also get some gifts from their mothers and mother-in laws.

The making of Ghevar sweet

Second day is Teej festival.  All married women, and newly engaged girls, dress up in their Lehariya dresses.  They worship goddess Parvati. Mothers of married women invite them for special feast with their family.  They always serve special and traditional vegetarian food.  Ghevar (a crisp fried cake and dipped in saffron, cardamom sugar syrup) and Kheer (milk and rice pudding, flavored with almonds, raisins, cardamom, pistachio and saffron), are the special sweets served alongside Pooris (Bread), two or three types of vegetable preparations, gram flour dumplings, Raita (yogurt flavored with cucumber, tomatoes and onion).

In evening the festival’s biggest event starts in the center of Jaipur city.  The large statue of goddess Parvati, is worshipped by the women of Jaipur’s Royal family inside the palace.  This is the main attraction.  For the procession, the statue is placed in a gold and silver palanquin, to be carried by City Palace Royal Guards.  This procession of Goddess Parvati, is followed by folk dancers, musicians, marching bands, decorated elephants, horses, and bullock carts.  It is amazing to be a part of and witness this elaborate procession.

Travel Tip

The government of Rajasthan state arranges a special sitting area for foreign tourists, for comfortable viewing.  If you are in India around that time of the year, you should try to make arrangements to attend and experience this festival.

You must try the special Teej sweet, GHEVAR.

Special tie and die pattern, called LEHARIYA, is only available at this time of year in the shops.

 

Indian calendar in detail

Why do Indian festivals change dates every year?

Leave a reply

Detailed Indian Calendar

India is a land of 5000 year old civilization, with many different cultures, customs, spirituality, philosophy, people and languages. It is the land of celebrations. Fairs and festivals are the cultural heritage and spirit of Indian society to this day. India has seven major faiths. It has a large agricultural population and a rich historical background. All these Indian fairs and festivals represent people from diverse background, regions, communities and religions. The festivities are marked by folk dances, music played on a variety of local instruments, and traditional food. All festivals have their own spectacle, with important characteristics. There are religious festivals, cattle fairs and seasonal festivals celebrations throughout the year. Indian festivals encompass processions in the streets, decoration of homes and sacred places such as temples, folk song and dance performances. Most religious festivals have elaborate prayers, traditions, customs and rituals attached to them.

Indian festivals don’t have fixed dates because they don’t follow the Gregorian calendar.

The Indian Calendar system and the Gregorian calendar system
The western calendar is known as Gregorian calendar. It is based on the sun, in which, one year is the time required for the earth to complete one round around the sun. Earth takes 365 days, 5 hours, 48minutes and 46seconds to complete a rotation around the sun. In our one year we have 365days, but these extra hours, minutes and seconds every year, create an extra day every four years. The year with an extra day is known as leap year.

The Hindu calendar was founded in the Vedic times, and it has gone through number of changes through the ages. It is known as Panchang, which is based on both the sun and the moon. This calendar covers everything from phases of the moon, the positions of stars and planets, and identifies auspicious times and days, for various activities. It uses a solar year but divides it into 12 lunar months. A lunar month is precisely 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, and 3 seconds long. Twelve such months constitute a lunar year of 354 days, 8 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds. To match the lunar months with the year, every two and a half year an extra months arises. In other words, every 30 months an extra month is added. This extra month is known as Adhik Mas. In the Indian calendar, seasons follow the sun, months follow the moon, and days follow both sun and moon. Lunar days in the Indian calendar are called Tithis. The Tithi system works from full moon night, to new moon night, to full moon night. Indian festivals follow the Tithis calander, this is why festivals in India don’t follow the Gregorian calendar dates. The Indian government and businesses use the Gregorian calendar for administrative purposes.

The above image shows the months of the Lunar calendar. The first month of the year is Chaitra, which starts around the end of March or beginning of April, depending on the Tithi calculation. The following months continue through the rest of the year.

collage

Festivals

Leave a reply

Festivals are an expressive way to celebrate glorious heritage, culture and traditions.  They are meant to rejoice special moments and emotions in our lives with our loved ones.  They play an important role to add structure to our social lives, and connect us with our families and backgrounds. They give us a distraction from our day to day, exhausting routine of life, and give us some inspiration to remember the important things and moments in life.  Festivals were started to pass the legends, knowledge and traditions onto the next generation.

All festivals are cultural in one way or another.  There are many types of cultural festivals such as National, Religious and Seasonal.  They all serve the purpose of bringing happiness to our lives, and strengthen our sense of community.

National Festivals:  They connect us as a people of a nation.  National festivals connect citizens to important moments of a nation’s history such as: the founding day of a nation, our independence day or in Europe VE day (Victory of Europe during WWII) is celebrated throughout the continent, with many nations having a public holiday.  They solidify patriotic spirits in the society.

Religious Festivals: religious festivals are important for families.  To keep this simple we can all agree that religious festivals help us to teach principles and ethics to our next generations.  All different religious festivals bring the same message of love, tolerance and understanding.  On these occasions we express our gratitude to God, for the special thing or event that originated on this particular festival.

Seasonal Festivals: Seasonal festivals reflect attitude of people towards nature.  These festivals are important because they are related to food supply.  Human beings should adore the nature and acknowledge its beneficence before partaking any of its gifts.

Overall in simple terms, universally all festivals are related to harmony, peace and happiness.