Cricket in India

 

Cricket is the one of the most popular sport in India, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it is a religion with millions of followers.

During cricket matches hosted in India, it is not uncommon to see the stands filling up hours before the start of the game, and people here are so passionate about the sport that it can be overwhelming for someone who is not a fan. The commercialization of cricket in the 1990s has also made it a lucrative business, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) becoming one of the wealthiest organizations in the world.

Before the 1980s, the lives of Indian cricketers were filled with struggles and difficulties. However, India's victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup marked the beginning of a change in Indian cricket with private funds flowing into the sport and big industries like Reliance sponsoring the 1987 World Cup. The Indian cricket team's constant victories in various tournaments and the support of the fans have made the sport extremely popular in the country. The BCCI has also made sure to reward players who perform well and has provided grants to improve the infrastructure and other sports in India.

Almost every Indian has a favorite cricketer that they follow closely, including their personal lives. Sachin Tendulkar, in particular, is revered as a god by cricket fans in India. Sachin Tendulkar is a retired Indian cricketer who is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket. He is the highest run-scorer in international cricket, having scored more than 34,000 runs across all three formats of the game. Tendulkar made his debut for the Indian cricket team at the age of 16 and went on to play for more than two decades, retiring in 2013. He is considered a national hero in India and is revered by millions of cricket fans in the country. Tendulkar has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to cricket, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

The Indian cricket team has had numerous victories and has produced world-class players in recent decades, excelling in all three formats of the game and being ranked as one of the best teams in the world. They even won the most recent Cricket World Cup, a significant milestone in Indian cricket history.

Despite the large number of followers, the level of cricket in India has not reached its full potential. Many fans are solely focused on their team winning, rather than the development of the sport. If cricket wants to become a global game, it needs to be taken more seriously in India, where it has the most followers. Otherwise, the BCCI's success will only be temporary, cashing in on the emotions of the masses. India should take cricket to new depths and introduce it to nations that do not currently participate or are new to the sport.

How is Cricket played

Cricket is a popular team sport played in India and many other countries around the world. It is played on a rectangular field called a pitch, which is 22 yards long. The game is played between two teams, each consisting of eleven players. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible, while the other team bowls and fields, trying to get the batsmen out and limit the number of runs scored.

In cricket, the team that is batting tries to score runs by hitting the ball and running between the wickets. The team that is fielding tries to get the batsmen out by dismissing them, which can be done in several ways:

Bowled: If the ball hits the stumps (the three vertical sticks at either end of the pitch) and the bails (the small wooden pieces on top of the stumps) fall off, the batsman is out bowled.

Caught: If a fielder catches the ball before it hits the ground, the batsman is out caught.

Run out: If a fielder throws the ball at the stumps and hits them before the batsman reaches the crease (the line in front of the stumps), the batsman is out run out.

Leg before wicket (LBW): If the ball hits the batsman's body and would have gone on to hit the stumps, the umpire may give the batsman out LBW if the ball would have hit the stumps if it had not hit the batsman's body.

Cricket is usually played over the course of several days, with each team getting two innings (turns) to bat. The team that scores the most runs wins the game. There are also several shorter forms of cricket, including One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20, which are played over a limited number of overs (sets of six balls bowled).

What is the future of cricket in India

It is difficult to predict the exact future of cricket in India right now as it depends on many factors such as the performance of the Indian national team, the popularity of other sports and the overall economic and cultural climate of the country. However, cricket has a strong history and following in India, and it is likely to remain a popular sport in the country for some time.

One factor that could impact the future of cricket in India is the emergence of other sports. While cricket is currently the most popular sport in India, other sports such as soccer, basketball, and kabaddi are gaining in popularity, especially among younger people. It is possible that these sports could become more popular in the future and potentially challenge cricket's dominance.

Another factor that could affect the future of cricket in India is the growth of professional leagues and tournaments. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a highly successful Twenty20 cricket league that has attracted top players from around the world and has a large fan base in India. The success of the IPL and other professional leagues could lead to the growth of cricket as a professional sport in India, which could help to attract more talent and investment into the sport.

Overall, it is likely that cricket will continue to be a popular and influential sport in India for the foreseeable future. However, it will face challenges and will need to adapt to changing conditions in order to remain relevant and successful.

India For Children: Introduction To India For Kids

The meaning of Namaste

 
Namaste is a significant part of Hinduism, as well as being incorporated in various cultures. It is frequently observed in many Western spiritual practices, including yoga, and is also used as an expression of politeness and esteem. However, what is the real meaning of Namaste, and why is it so important to so many cultures?

Namaste is a Sanskrit term that is composed of two words: nama, which means “bow,” and te, meaning “you.” It can be translated to mean “I bow to you.” This is usually done in a physical manner, with the hands placed together in a prayer-like position with the fingers pointing upwards near the chest and accompanied by a bow. This is a common salutation and a way of showing respect.

It is more than just a polite way to greet someone; it carries more weight than that. Namaste is a sign of appreciation, respect, and modesty. It symbolizes the recognition of the divine energy present in each person and is an acknowledgement of the unity of all human beings, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or social standing. It is an expression of admiration for someone’s being.

When Namaste is used as a greeting, it has a greater purpose than simply a pleasantry. It is a way of expressing the spiritual link between two people. It signifies the acknowledgment of the divine in one another, as well as honoring the connection that binds us all together. It is a way of displaying mutual respect and dedication to a serene and harmonious relationship.

In Hinduism, Namaste has even more significance than as a salutation. It is usually used to pay homage to a deity or to greet a mentor or guru. In this context, Namaste is a way of expressing the highest degree of deference and humility, and of recognizing the divine within each other. It is a method of demonstrating the interconnectedness of all life, as well as expressing reverence for the power of the divine.

Furthermore, Namaste can also be used as a means of expressing appreciation, as in “thank you for your presence.” This is an acknowledgement of the blessings received and a way of showing gratitude for them. It is a way of recognizing the force of the divine in one’s life.

In yoga, Namaste is generally used as a gesture of appreciation towards the teacher and other students, as well as to demonstrate humility and respect for the practice. It is used to signify the end of the practice and to show gratitude for the teachings. It is a way of acknowledging the divine in one another, and of honoring the connection between the student and the teacher.

Namaste World. I am Diya. My life in India: (Multiculturalism for Children: Introduction to Global Diversity, Cultures and Customs) (India for kids)

Namaste is an important term in Hinduism and one which is present in many cultures. It is a gesture of respect and appreciation, and is a recognition of the divine energy in each individual. It is a way of honoring another’s existence, and of displaying humility and mutual respect. In yoga, it is used to signify the end of the practice and to express gratitude for the teachings. Namaste is a meaningful way of showing the highest level of respect and acknowledgment, and of recognizing the power of the divine in each other.

Hinduism Made Easy: Hindu Religion, Philosophy and Concepts

Indian Weddings

Marriage is a sacred bond between two people, and it is an important decision that has consequences that can last a lifetime. When it comes to marriage, different cultures have different ideas and traditions when it comes to celebrating the union of two people. In India, the culture is heavily influenced by Hinduism and traditional values, while Western marriages have their own cultural aspects, such as Christianity, secularism, and a variety of other influences. This essay will compare and contrast the differences between Indian and Western marriages, and discuss why they are different.

Indian marriages are generally considered to be more traditional, and most often involve an arranged marriage between two families. There is a large focus on the families involved in the marriage, as the families will often be responsible for arranging and celebrating the union of the two people. Indian marriages also involve a lot of rituals and ceremonies that are steeped in Hinduism, such as the exchanging of garlands and the seven vows. Indian marriages are often seen as a sacred union between two families, and are generally seen as a more serious commitment.

Indian vs Western Marriages

In comparison, Western marriages often involve more individual choice and freedom. It is more common for two people to choose to marry each other out of love and commitment, without much interference from the families involved. Western weddings also usually have a more secular or Christian focus, and the ceremony is usually much more simplified than Indian weddings. Western marriages are seen as more of a partnership between two people, with less emphasis on the importance of the families involved.

Overall, Indian and Western marriages are very different in their approach and focus. Indian marriages tend to be more traditional, with a heavy emphasis on rituals and the importance of the families involved. In contrast, Western marriages are usually more individualistic and based more on the love and commitment between the two people getting married. Each type of marriage has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is ultimately up to the two people getting married to decide which type of marriage is best for them.

The traditions in Indian weddings

Indian weddings are an event of great magnitude, filled with hundreds of years of culture, tradition, and celebration. In India, weddings are a very big deal and typically include several days of pre-wedding ceremonies and rituals, as well as the wedding ceremony itself. These traditions have been passed down from generation to generation, and each region has their own unique spin on them.

One of the most important and elaborate ceremonies is the Sangeet. This is a day of song and dance that celebrates the union of the couple, and the family and friends of the couple. Typically, family members and close friends of the couple are invited to this ceremony, and they sing, dance, and exchange gifts to honor the newlyweds.

The next ceremony is the Mehendi. This is a traditional practice of henna application, which is believed to bring good luck to the bride and groom. In this ceremony, the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna designs. Usually, the mother and female relatives of the bride assist in this ceremony. The Mehendi ceremony is also a chance for the bride to show off her henna designs, which are meant to be a reflection of her beauty.

The wedding ceremony itself is a beautiful and elaborate affair. The bride and groom are both dressed in traditional wedding attire, typically chosen by their families. After the traditional vows and rituals are exchanged, the newly married couple is showered with blessings and gifts from the guests. At the end of the ceremony, the couple takes their first steps together as a married couple, often in an archway decorated with flowers.

The fire in Hindu weddings

The fire in Hindu weddings is an integral part of the ceremony and holds immense symbolic value in the Hindu tradition. The ritual of the sacred fire, or agni, is a representation of divinity and is believed to be a witness to the marriage. The fire, as a representation of Agni, is viewed as a purifying and protective agent, providing strength and blessings to the couple throughout their journey together.

The wedding fire is lit at the start of the ceremony, and the couple encircles it, taking seven steps around it to signify the seven steps they will take together during their life together. Each step has a special meaning associated with it, such as loyalty, commitment, and unity. At the conclusion of the seven steps, the couple makes a pledge to each other to remain together through thick and thin.

The fire is then used as a witness for the couple's marriage vows. The couple places their hands in the fire, and the priest chants mantras. This part of the ceremony is known as the “Sapthapadi” or seven steps. After the couple has taken the seven steps, they exchange garlands and declare their commitment to each other.

The wedding fire is then used to offer prayers to the gods and goddesses and as a medium to seek their blessings. The couple prays to the gods and goddesses and ask for their grace, love and blessings to lead a happy and content life.

Finally, the wedding fire is a symbol of hope and optimism for the couple. In ancient times, the fire was used to ward off evil and bad omens. In modern times, it symbolizes the couple's commitment to each other and the hope for a bright and happy future.

The fire in Hindu weddings is a rich and meaningful ritual that has been passed down from generation to generation. It has a powerful symbolic significance and brings joy and blessings to the couple's life.

Finally, the wedding is not complete without the traditional Reception. This is a time to celebrate the newly married couple and share their joy with family and friends. At the Reception, there are speeches, a lavish meal, and plenty of music and dancing.

Indian weddings are steeped in tradition and culture, and they are a fantastic way to celebrate the joining of two families. The days-long event is full of ceremony and celebration, which has been passed down from generation to generation. The next time you attend an Indian wedding, take a few moments to appreciate the beautiful traditions that make the event so special.

India for Kids

Are you travelling to India with your kids? If yes then why not give them something to read about India before you go? This way they will get to know India better! Even better give them something to listen. My book “All about India: Introduction to India for Kids” is now available in audio format on Amazon, Audible and iTunes. The book has been narrated by theatre artist Linda Roper. I am sure they will love the soft British accent.

This book is similar to my other book “India For Kids” and covers everything that a child or any traveller to India would want to know about India. This version is however is slightly more detailed and children of advanced reading age will find it particularly useful.

Namaste world I am Diya Children’sMulticulturalism book 

Here are the topics covered in All about India: Introduction to India for Kids”

Introduction to India – A brief introduction to the book and India.

Capital of India – Detailed information about the capital of India.

People of India – This chapter covers what the people of India is about.

Ancient history of India – Introduction to the history of India.

Modern history of India – Introduction to current and modern India.

Culture of India – Introduction to the culture of India.

Religions of India – This chapter talks about Hinduism other religions of India.

Languages of India – India has lots of languages and this chapter looks at what they are.

Geography of India – Many don’t know where India is so this chapter looks at the geography of India.

India’s neighbour – The chapter looks at India’s various neighbours.

Festivals of India – India is known as the land of festivals. This chapter looks at the popular festivals of India.

Overview of Indian food – India is known for its food. This chapter looks the types of Indian food.

What do Indians eat? – The chapter talks about the types of food eaten by Indian people.

Bollywood, the Indian film industry – India makes a lot movies and this chapter talks about India’s film industry.

Basic Hindi – This chapter has some basic Hindi for children and adults to practice.

Quiz questions on India – Some questions based on this book. See how many children can remember.

 The book has lots of beautiful pictures and is a visual feast on India and its culture and food and everything else about India. Anyone of reading age and beyond will find it useful. The audio format of this book would be useful to those who find it easier to listen. Click on the link below to find out more.

All About India: Introduction to India for Kids

Things to know about India before visiting

 1.       Shalu I know a little about India, but can you tell us a little more about the demographics of India, i.e. location, population, primary language, size, etc.

India with its capital at New Delhi is located in the south of the Asian continent. It is so big that is dubbed as the Indian subcontinent. In Fact, it’s the seventh largest country in the world. India has borders with 7 countries namely Pakistan, Burma, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal lies in the west and the east respectively. The population of India is 1.2 billion and rising, the second most populous country after China. There are 17 official languages of India and Hindi is the most prominent. English is used extensively. The main religion of India is Hinduism while Islam occupies a major space. Other religions include Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism and Zoroastrianism.

2.       Some people think ethics only count when someone else is watching or listening.  How is ethical behavior viewed in India in other words are ethics a big part of decision-making?

Ethics is big in India mainly in personal and family affairs. Children are taught morality and some schools even have “Moral Science” as a subject. We are taught how to talk and respect elders, behave in public, help the needy and so on. In fact, the Indian way of life and behavior revolves around “karma” and attaining “mokhsa” or nirvana in other words free form the recycle of birth. 

3.       What is the biggest ethical challenge in the Indian workplace?

India is one of the most corrupt counties in the world. In fact, it’s so bad in some places; you have to bribe the officer-in-charge in order to get some work done. I remember paying a bribe to get my marriage certificate. The biggest challenge in the Indian workplace is eliminating bribery, corruption and shear laziness.

4.       Favoritism at work is one of my most searched queries; does the Indian workplace deal with favoritism at work and what issues are most prevalent in the Indian workplace?

Favoritism and nepotism is rife in Indian workplace. We don’t deal with it, we live with it. It will take another 50 years to get rid of this practice. Bribery is one of the major issues we have to deal with. Although more and more people are being punished for taking bribes and things are getting more transparent but we are a long way away from a bribe-free society. Employees arriving late especially in government establishments is another issue but some administrators are cracking down on this.

5.       You wrote a post about bhang sales (marijuana), is it an ethical issue for the Indian government to support bhang sales?

I don’t think it’s an ethical issue but a cultural one. Consumption of Bhang or marijuana is somewhat ingrained in Indian society. The government of India facilitates the sale of bhang especially during some festivals and some places so that tourists and occasional bhang users do not fall in the trap of drug dealers.

Introduction to India: Culture and Traditions of India: India Guide Book

6.       What are the main uses of bhang by the people of India?

It’s used in “bhang lassi” or bhang milkshake during the Hindu festival of Holi. I am not aware if there are any medical uses of bhang but I have read and heard that it’s used for depression and cancer.

7.       Bootlegged cd’s, movies, and video games are illegal and viewed by most Americans as unethical.  How does India deal with bootleggers and is bootlegging a major problem?

Bootlegging is a big problem in India. Bollywood is the biggest film industry in the world and large numbers of the sales of CD’s and DVD’s are pirated. Unfortunately, it’s sold openly in many places and it’s not considered as unethical by the sellers and most buyers are perhaps not aware of it. There are periodic raids on illegal workshops and the police are trying to crack the bootleggers.

8.       Most Americans have heard about the unethical treatment against women in India; I even wrote an article addressing how women have resorted to using “women only trains”, in your opinion what needs to be done for women rights in your country?

India is highly male dominated society. Women is often subjected to abuse, ill treatment and dowry system is rife. Unfortunately, female infanticide still prevails. Although laws protect women and majority of the time, law is on the side of women but more is still required. Women need to be given reservations in government jobs which will uplift the status of women and will make them financially independent. But to be honest, I think it’s getting better, we’re not the Middle East. Indian women are getting better at fighting for their rights.

9.       You left a comment on my article “Should your house stay inspection ready for a surprise visitor?”, You stated it is very common for people to come by for a visits at any time.  Is surprise visiting anyone at any time acceptable by most Indians?

Visitors in particular relatives often turn up without warning. You just have to play along and allow them to stay in your house as long as they want (sometimes for months or years). Most Indians are not surprised to see visitors at their doorsteps without being warned of their arrival.

10.   Thank you Shalu for your honest candor and being the first international blogger to be part of this series.  I know from reading your blog (Travel guide to India) you are a proud Indian citizen.  Is there anything you would want people to know about India?

Here some facts you might have not known about India;

India is one of the few countries that launch satellites. It was India where zero, the number system, algebra, trigonometry, decimal system, and calculus were invented. Chess and “snakes and ladders “were invented. India has the most number of offices in the world.

India For Kids: Amazing Facts About India

Cow in Indian culture

Years since, it has been believed in the Hindu religion that Cow is more or less revered as the source of food and a symbol of life that may never be killed. With many interpretations made by non Hindus, believes that Hindus worship cows considered to be sacred.

Prior of being sacred, Cows don’t have a charmed life in India. People around the world visit India and see cows in public places being unlashed, unrestrained and unfenced. It’s a false idea to consider cows as gods in Indian culture rather they are being fancied on the name of god. Here’s some more information about the cow in Indian culture.

Hinduism for those visiting India

History of the Sacred Cow

In the past, bulls and oxen were trolled down before the gods as offering and their meat was eaten. This practice was not done to cows that were producing milk. As mentioned in the verse of Rigveda it has been significant that the cow is referred as Devi or goddess and is being identified as Aditi or mother of the gods.

The concept of meat eating still prevailed though one of the scriptures signifies that there is no sin to eating of meat but in turn brings reward in other forms.

Considering cow in providing abundant products like milk, butter and fuel from dried dung. Hindu stopped the practice of eating beef during the fertile period that introduced Buddhism and Jainism. In early century AD the cow was considered as an appropriate gift to Brahmins signifying that killing a cow will symbolise killing a Brahmin. Adding elementary significance to Krishna’s stories in late 10^th century it was reinforced cows as sanctity.

Hinduism Made Easy: Hindu Religion, Philosophy and Concepts

Mythological Significance

It’s admirable to watch at calf that nuzzles for its mother’s udder around the courtyard of most Hindu temple in old streets of Delhi. Hindus have provided shelter locally called goshala for cows just to avoid disrupting traffic, wandering everywhere and feeding on rubbish.

From mythological point of view Nandi, a bull was considered as the most prominent solder in the steed of the Lord Shiva. In other scenario it has been noted to have heard of Lord Krishna that he was horn as a cow herd.

Cows are considered effective to human life as seen in many rural households in India are being recognised as the biggest producer of milk in the world with a support of at least one cow or buffalo. The owner of cow makes the best use of the cow till it pass the reproductive life and after that the owner least cares about further feeding to the cow in no return.

                                    Village woman making goitha from cow dung

Beef Industry

Considering the case of export of beef, Buffalo makes up to the India’s beef exports but as far cows are considered the cow meat is being banned from being exported but still some trace are found in abroad.

One of the business holders named Mahendra Singh of Aligarh for production of buffalo meat says that the production of buffalo meat has certainly increased to 150 tonnes a day from 100 tonnes around a year ago. The industry works on both secrecy and trust as the company has made a long standing tradition among the Muslim traders.

Qureshi one of the business partner sighted that the business is profitable at its best and will continue to flourish later.

Eating beef in India

Practices related to cow

To the current world cows are considered to be a protected animal in Hinduism and in support Hindus have stopped eating beef. Speaking of present scenario the families in rural areas are now available with only one dairy cow and is being treated as the member of the family. Today, it can be said that the cow in Indian culture is  considered holy and revered.

In rituals the Indians use five products of the cow like milk, ghee butter, curds, dung and urine. Each product being significant in their own way as milk helps in growth of children in a family, dung commonly known as gobar is used a tikal for spiritual cause or as a source of energy for household throughout India.

Despite of being sacred and unique status cows are still not being appreciated in India. From visitors point cows in India are found walking neglected in streets and found dwelling in garbage areas.

To be predictable the cow is honoured once in a year as the Indian celebrate it as Gopastami. With joy and cheers the “cow holiday” is celebrated in India with cows being washed and decorated in temple premises, in hope that her gift of life to continue.

Types of greetings in India

India is a country that is known for its rich culture, hospitality, various religions, languages, and lots more. People living in different states have their own sets of principles, rules, customs, traditions, and rituals. There are various ways of greeting and each particular state has its unique way. It is very important to know about these greetings or gestures before visiting a particular state or the country.

Take a look at some of the types of greetings in India

• Namaste

This is one of the most common and profound methods of greeting each other in India. This traditional form of greeting is practiced in every region. Namaste is made of two words; Namah and Te. This word is derived from Sanskrit and it means “Not me, they”. It has also been said that it means ” I bow to the goodness in you”. In this case, they are refereed to all the Gods in the Hindu mythological. This can be further explained as, Namaste is a form of greeting or statement that indicates the doer of everything is not me but God. All you need to do is, join both your palm, fingers sticking to each other, and a simple bow and say Namaste. This is a very warm type of greeting in India and is practised by most individuals when they first meet each other. More on meaning of Namaste.

• SAT SHRI AKAL

People living in Punjab greet each other by saying SAT SHRI AKAL. This form of greeting is highly practiced by Punjabis and Sikhs living in different parts of the country. Sat means truth, Shri is referred as honorific word and Akal means timeless. In other words, Sat Shri Akal can be defined as God is the Ultimate truth. This form of greeting is used by the Sikh community whenever they meet each other regardless of their native language.

• Khuda Hafiz

People who follow Islamic religion greet each other with Khuda Hafiz. This is generally used by Muslim people when they meet each other. Khuda Hafiz means let God be your protector. At the time of Good Bye or see off, people greet by saying Allah Hafiz, which also means the same. This is again an old form of greeting that is strictly followed in the Muslim community.

• Vanakam

When you visit south India, you will see people greeting each other by saying Vanakam. It means welcome in Tamil and is usually greeted when a person arrives at your house. This form of greeting is practiced by Sri Lankans, Tamils, and Malayalams. In many cases, people also use this word to say Goodbye.

• Pranam

The Hindu mythological or philosophy teaches us to do Pranam when we meet someone who is elder to us. When you greet someone with Pranam, you are required to touch the feet of the elder and say pranam. It indicates respect and love you have for the other person in your heart. People follow this type of greeting whenever they meet their Guru, parents, or while leaving home for the day. There are six types of pranam; Ashtangana, Shastanga, Panchanga, Dandavata, Namaskar, and Abhinandan.

• AS SALAM ALE KUM

This is another form of greeting that Muslim community follow. This Arabic word means Peace be unto you. This is one of the most common form of salutation followed by people of this religion. This greeting was deployed to Muslim people whenever and wherever they meet each other, be it place of worship or at social events. Whenever someone greets you with AS SALAM ALE KUM, you can return by saying WaAlaikumSalaam, which means “And unto you peace”.

• Jai Sri Krishna

When you come to Gujarat or visit a Gujarati family, you will come across Jai Sri Krishna. This form of greeting is used by every Gujurati when they meet each other in praise of lord Krishna. In other words, Jai Sri Krishna also means Victory to Krishna. This form of greeting is used by many individuals in many parts of the country.

Be it any form of greeting in India, you are always welcome with a warm smile and positivity. People in India consider guest as their God and you will often come across people saying “AtithidevoBhav”. So, before you visit India, it would be great if you have some knowledge about these greetings to blend with the people of this country.

Swami Vivekananda’s speech text at Chicago in 1893

Someone recently asked me about Swami Vivekananda’s original voice. I looked into this but as far as I understood I do not think there is any recordings of Swami Vivekananda’s original voice. There are lots of videos claiming to be Swami Vivekananda’s original voice and speech but they are fake. No recordings were made at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

At the famous World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, he delivered a speech where the audience loved his opening remarks so much that they clapped for several minutes as he was the first one to address them as sisters and brothers. In his famous speech in Chicago, Swami Vivekananda introduced Hinduism to America and asked for religious tolerance and an end to radicalism that was raging the world.

Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Dutta (12 January 1863). He was follower a Hindu mystic called Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. Swami Vivekananda is credited for the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the West.

His speech in text form at the Parliament of the World’s Religions 1893:

Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Destination wedding in India

With intimate weddings becoming the need of the hour, many couples have now decided to host destination weddings. And rightly so, with all the guests staying at the same property as the venue at which the pre wedding and wedding functions are held would be so much feasible and convenient. Bride, Groom, their friends and family spend some quality time together while the wedding festivities take place. Destination weddings surely brings everyone together and closer in these times of fast paced life.

Now with the recent government relaxations and rise of searches for locations for destination weddings in India, we have shortlisted some destinations in India that are perfect to host the celebrations. Without further ado, start reading:

1) Goa

Whenever someone plans to host a beach wedding, the first name that pops up in many heads is of Goa. And if you are the one who wishes to get married with a stunning view, sound of the waves crashing and the sun setting in the backdrop, then Goa is definitely your place to be.

2) Udaipur

Do you remember the wedding in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and absolutely adore the wedding venue shown in the film? Well that my friends in Udaipur, the city of lakes. It has some stunning view from almost all the properties and is a top choice for those who wish to tie the knot in the royal manner. One of the most popular cities in Rajasthan for hosting marriage ceremonies.

3) Mumbai

If you are a resident of Mumbai and want to host your wedding in your own city, well choices for you are endless. There are some great wedding banquet halls in Mumbai that are perfect for hosting destination wedding. The pleasant climate all year round is like an added advantage.

4) Kerala

Are you one of those who loves being in the nature and want to get married with greenery all around, the Kerala is the ideal location for you. Known as the Gods own country, this city has some gorgeous beaches, is rich in heritage and culture and has serene backwaters. Now imagine all your loved ones by your side while you take your vows.

5) Ooty

A quaint town of Tamil Nadu, Ooty is one offbeat location for destination weddings in India. If you want to get married away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this district in the Nilgiri hills has many hotels and banquets that can host your guests for the wedding ceremony.

6) Neemrana

About 3 hours’ drive from Delhi, Neemrana has various hotels and resorts that are a great pick for hosting wedding ceremonies. If you love history and mythology and want to incorporate such elements into your special day do select it.

Some typical and some offbeat, here were a few locations that we suggest. Choose one for your upcoming nuptials and start planning right away!

Incredible India - 30 Things to Know Before You Go

Known for its deep spiritual history and unbelievable beauty, India remains one of our customers’ top locations for a reason. No matter the type of vacationer you are, there’s something for you in this superb country — whether it’s the complex and flavourful cuisine or the uniquely colourful culture.

Holidays in India suit a wide variety of tastes and preferences. If you enjoy bustling and vibrant cities then you would be right at home any of their sprawling urban areas. Or if you want to relax outdoors, you can spend your time surrounded by the imposing Himalayas or relaxing on the beaches of Western India. A paradise for foodies, you can experience dining unlike any other in some of Asia’s top restaurants or sample the regional flavours from food carts and street vendors. India’s history runs deep and the entire region is home to some of the most famous UNESCO Heritage sites. There’s so much to see and do in India, where you will encounter some of the richest and long-lasting cultural traditions in the world.

If it’s your first time considering India or even if it has been your dream destination for years, you should always try to learn as much as you can before heading off on your eastern adventure. India is an enormous subcontinent and with so much to do, planning your journey can be a little daunting. To help you along, we’ve assembled this handy list of facts and attractions to consider when looking at this location, so that you can spend your time taking in the sights, rather than on last-minute bookings.

Source: https://www.tdactiveholidays.ie/blog/incredible-india/

Meaning of Namaste

Namaste is a popular greeting in India, Nepal and countries where Hindu population are in large numbers. Like Arabic ‘Salam Aleikum’ or Spanish ‘Adios’, ‘Namaste’ crosses the boundaries of language and region. Irrespective of your location inside India or Nepal, people will know your intentions are not bad if you join your hands and greet them by saying ‘Namaste‘.

If you are travelling to India then the word Namaste would come very handy as the most widely used greeting in India. Let’s take a look at the meaning of the word Namaste.

What does Namaste mean?

Namaste is the corruption of a Sanskrit greeting. In Sanskrit, it is a combination of three words.

“Namah” which means ‘bow’,

“Ast” is a grammatical case of ‘I’ and finally

“Te” which is rendered into English as “you.”

So it literally Namaste translates as “I bow to you.” In ancient India, it was used to show one’s respect to the addressee. The effect of that Hindu old tradition still influences the way ‘Namaste’ is used in contemporary India.

Usage in modern India

Mostly this way of greeting is used by the by the children or young people to greet those who are older. It’s rarely used between friends and people of the same age; with these groups preferring English “Hi!” or “Hello!” Also, when older people greet children or young people, they usually ask “How are you?” It’s rare to find an old person who will greet a child with a Namaste.

Foreigners and Namaste

However, it’s different with foreigners. They are not expected to be familiar with the customs or the culture of India, so they can use ‘Namaste’ when meeting anyone. Rather than making fun of foreigners, Indians will most likely appreciate the effort and reply with a “Namaste.” The US President Barack Obama greeted Indians with a Namaste when he came to India few of years ago, and it went down well with the Indians.

Namaste at any time

Unlike English, where there are special greetings for the morning, afternoon and evening; Namaste can be used at any time of the day, or night. You will often hear children greeting relatives or older people with a Namaste even when they meet them at night.

Types of Namaste

There are two popular ways to say Namaste. A more modern way is to bow a little and just say it. It’s mostly used in the cities. A more traditional way is to place your hands together near your chest, close your eyes, bow a little (not like the Japanese!) and then say Namaste. The latter is a little old fashioned and extremely formal. You may find Indian air-hostesses, or employees at a big hotel greeting you in this manner but outside you will be hard pressed to find someone who closes his eyes while greeting.

There is still a third way to say Namaste. It’s formal in another way. Here after greeting, a person touches the feet of the addressee to show their respect. It’s never used among friends, or people of the same age. You will not encounter it in any hotel. Nonetheless, children greet their parents, grandparents and other relatives this way. Children are expected not to overdo it, as it may appear slavish.

Indian sadhu performing Namaste

Next time you see your Indian friend; don’t be shy to greet them in Namaste.

Holi - Festival of Colors

Holi is the festival of colours, one of the most awaited festivals in the country and celebrated by Hindus all over the country. The festival is celebrated with much joy and vigour all across the country especially in North India. Holi is not just a festival; it’s a tradition which dates back millenniums. It’s one of those festivals that brings out the child in everyone.

The colourful festival of Holi spans over two days and marks the beginning of spring. On the first day, known as day of “Holika Dahan”, fire is lit marking the victory of truth over evil. The second day is “Phag”, when the actual Holi is celebrated with vibrant colours and water. The festival bridges gap between people of different communities and age groups and people hug each other while smearing each other’s face with paint.

The Legend of Holi

Hiranyakashyap’s who was a mighty demon who beat the gods and became the master of the universe. He had a son named Prahalad. Prahalad was hated by his father as Prahalad was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, one of the most worshipped gods among Hindus.

Prahlad was confronted many times by his father for worshipping Vishnu. The king decided to kill Prahlad. Prahlad was thrown off a cliff, attacked by the king’s soldiers, crushed by elephants and many such antics were used by Hiranyakashyap but all these attempts failed. After many failing attempts, Hiranyakashyap thought of a master plan and called his sister Holika. Holika was blessed by gods in a way that she was immune to fire, that she wouldn’t get burned. Hiranyakashyap asked her to kill his child. Holika initially hesitated to kill Prahlad but agreed when forced. Holika held Prahlad in her lap and sat in the middle of fire.

As Holika was immune to fire, they thought it would be a perfect plan, and their motive would be fulfilled. But something unexpected unfolded. As Holika was using her power for evil, her power was taken away by the gods and she was burnt to ashes. Prahalad as always was unharmed who kept chanting the name of Vishnu. Vishnu protected his greatest devotee and Prahalad escaped unhurt.

Later, Vishnu killed Hiranyakashyap by appearing as Narsingh avatar and Prahlad was crowned as the king. Narsingh was half human and half Lion. Lord Vishnu had to appear in a Narsingh avatar as Hiranyakashyap was blessed by powers that he could not be killed by any human or animal or be killed in the sky or on land.

Celebrating Holi

Holi is celebrated in March, every year. Though Holi is a Hindu festival, not much religious practices are attached with the festival. To celebrate the victory of good over evil, bonfires are lit on the first day of festival and a dummy of Holika is burnt.

The festival is welcomed by everyone in great spirits with a lot of singing and dancing involved. Holi is celebrated with much joy in North India and the Holi of Mathura is extremely famous. It starts a week before the actual festival and attracts enthusiastic people from far off places.

The morning of Holi is awaited by much anticipation especially by kids. They throw coloured water with water guns on their friends and family and some almost anyone. You will find youths (their face and hair drenched in colour and in almost unidentifiable state) on their bikes and open jeeps zooming around the cities. In the noon when everyone is done with colours, comes the time of food that has been specially prepared. People on this day usually have sweets and many even drink bhang (marijuana).

The festival of Holi is usually held around March. And the best place to visit during Holi is in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and Vrindavan where he spent this childhood, all of which can easily reached from Delhi. Holi is not particularly celebrated in South India.

Those travelling to India will find Holi very interesting. It’s one of its kind! Due to large numbers of Indians living in the USA and Europe, Holi and Diwali have also become popular in the West. The date of the festival changes year after so you need to check if you wish to travel to India during Holi. This year’s Holi (2013) is on the Wednesday, March 27.

Video of people playing the festival of colour, in Delhi, India

Open your heart and enjoy. You will love Holi…

This year in 2019 Holi will be celebrated on March 20 and March 21.

10 melodious songs in Hindi for your next travel

Hindi films are India’s best exports. People from all over the world have shown love and appreciation of Hindi cinema. Great thing about Hindi films is that it still depicts songs in its movies. Many Hindi songs from the movies are known for its melody and lyrical beauty.

If you are on your travels and looking for some melodious Hindi songs to listen to then here’s a pick of some of my favourite melodious Hindi songs. It was very difficult to pick out from a huge list of melodious songs Bollywood has to offer. But nonetheless here’s a few of the ones I would listen to for my next travels. It consists of old and new Hindi songs and all of them are melodious, easy going and pleasing to the ear. So bookmark this page so that you can come back to it later.

Melodious songs in Hindi

1. “Tere Bin” from the recent movie Simmba featuring Ranveer Singh and Sara Ali Khan. This song has been a huge hit. Although this song is mainly in Punjabi some parts are in Hindi as well. The song is mainly directed for the Hindi speaking audience. Let me know if you thing this song is melodious or not. Singers include Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Asees Kaur and Tanishk Bagchi.

2. “Yeh zameen gaa rahi” featuring Kumar Gaurav and Poonam Dhillon from the movie Teri Kasam. It does not have many hits on YouTube but it certainly is a very melodious Hindi song. This song was sung by Amit Kumar, the son of legendary Kishore Kumar. The song got Amit Kumar nominated for the Filmfare Best Male Playback Singer Award.

3. “Tum ko dekha toh ye khayal aaya” sung by none other than the King of Ghazals Jagjit Singh from the movie Saath Saath. Starcast of the movie includes Farooq Shaikh and Deepti Naval. Jagjit Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the government of India in 2003. The song has a lovely tune and a great melody.

4. “Thoda sa pyar hua hai” from the movie Maine Dil Tujhko Diya featuring Sohail Khan and Sameera Reddy. The song has been sung by Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. The song has a beautiful melody and is certainly one of my favourites from this list of my best melodious Hindi songs.

5. “Jo waada kiya woh nibhana padega” sung by the legend Mohammed Rafi and India’s nightingale Lata Mangeshkar from the movie Taj Mahal. The movie Taj Mahal (1963) is based on the stories of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who built the monument Taj Mahal in remembrance for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The movie is mostly remembered for its melodious music.

6. “Aan milo sajna” from the film Gadar starring Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel. The song has been sung by the Hindustani classical vocalist Ajoy Chakraborty and Parveen Sultana. Ajoy Chakraborty’s father moved to India during the partition in 1947 from now what is Bangladesh. This song is a semi-classical song and is very pleasing to listen to.

7. “Isharon isharon mein” from the film Kashmir Ki Kali featuring Sharmila Tagore and Shammi Kapoor. The music of this film was composed by O.P. Nayyar known for composing melodious Hindi songs. The movie was a huge hit in 1961. The song is still popular today.

8. “Tere mast mast do nain” from the movie Dabangg featuring the popular movie star Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha. The song has been sung by the Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Indian counterpart Shreya Ghoshal. The movie Dabangg and its song was a major box office hit.

9. “Pehla nasha” sung by Udit Narayan and Sadhana Sargam from the film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992) featuring Aamir Khan and Ayesha Jhulka. This song has a beautiful melody and no matter how many times you listen to you it, you still enjoy it. This song is so popular that many singers have re-sung them in their own voice.

10. “Pyar ka dard hai meetha meetha” sung by the legendary singer Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle from the film Dard (1981) featuring Rajesh Khanna and Hema Malini. This is a great melodious song that grows on you as you listen to it.

I hope you have enjoyed my list of best melodious Hindi songs. So next time you are on your journey then you might wish to listen to these Hindi melodious songs that I am fond off. Do you have your own list of Hindi melodious songs that you listen to when travelling then feel free to comment below?

Here are some Hindi words and phrases for your travels in India.

Copyright: The poster art belongs to the distributor and producers of the movie Kashmir ki Kali.

Peaceful places to visit in India

If you want a little bit of peace and tranquillity and get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life then why not visit some of the peaceful paces India has to offer. Many people say that you don’t visit India for a holiday but you visit the place for a lifetime experience. The truth is that India is a huge place. If you want hustle and bustle then Mumbai or Delhi would be the appropriate place however if you want some peace, quietness and a bit of spirituality thrown in then you can have them in India too. So let’s take a look at some of the peaceful places to visit in India.

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol is a small hamlet in the district of Kullu in the state of Himachal Pradesh situated on the banks of the river Parvati. It has great weather all year round. You will find Kasol very peaceful. If you love nature, wildlife and trekking then this is a very peaceful place to visit in India.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh is a spiritual place for Hindus. Rishikesh is situated in Dehradun district of the Indian state, Uttarakhand. It is considered as the ‘Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’ and the yoga capital of the world. Lots of people are now visiting Rishikesh in large numbers from all over the world. However you still can get find peace in this wonderful place. You can look for Ayurvedic treatment centres and ashrams to stay. Rishikesh has plenty of camping sites on offer, just look for Rishikesh camping packages without rafting or rafting if you like those kind of things.

Kalimpong, West Bengal

There are plenty of hill stations in India. One of my favourites is Kalimpong in the state of West Bengal. While you are there you can also visit Darjeeling known for its Himalayan Railways and tea plantations. Coming back to Kalimpong; it’s a cultural centre for Buddhists. There are plenty of resorts in kalimpong where you can find yourself in a very peaceful environment. Just look for Kalimpong resorts.

Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Ziro is a small town in the north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh about 167 km from the capital Itanagar. In 2012, it was included in the list of UNESCO for inscription in the World Heritage Site. Not many people know about this place hence making it an ideal destination for peace and tranquillity seekers. If you love lush green meadows, green forests and amazing landscapes then Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is the place to visit. Best time to visit Ziro valley would be in all year round making it an idea destination to get away from the harsh Indian summer. Some of the places to visit in Ziro include Tarin fish farm, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Namdhapha National Park and the nearby pine groves.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi is one of the holiest cities of India. It’s not a place that everyone would like. If you want to experience Hinduism in its raw form then Varanasi is the place to visit. If you walk the banks known as “ghats” you will see beggars, holy men, bodies being cremated and people taking a dip in the River Ganges trying to rid the sins to get moksha. However busy this place may seem, people from all over the world come to this place. If you are looking for spirituality then Varanasi is the place you should be visiting. Just look for ashrams in Varanasi. You will be surprised that there are some free ashrams in Varanasi for those seeking spirituality.

These were some of the few places if you are looking for peaceful places to visit in India in pursuit of happiness. I will be listing a few more so subscribe here for updates. If you are looking for holiday deals, car rentals and hire then try Easyrentcars to find good deals.

Happiness Journal: 101 Happiness Quotes Journal: Write It Down Let It Go Gratitude and Happiness Journal (Happiness and Gratitude Journal)

Introduction to India – My new book

I am excited to announce that I have published another book related to India. This one has to be one of my favourites. The book is called, “Introduction to India: Culture and Traditions of India: India Guide Book”. The book is mainly written for those who have never been to India, or those who are travelling to India and wants to learn a few things before they travel to India.

Introduction to India

Here are the things you will learn about India: Introduction to India: Culture and Traditions of India: India Guide Book

Introduction to India
People of India
History of India
Hinduism- The main religion of India
Caste system of India
Cricket – The most popular sport in India
Indian food – What Indians eat and how
Indian women: Arranged marriages and the dowry system
Bollywood – The film industry of India
The cow – India’s holy animal
Best places to visit in India for cultural experience
Languages of India
Hindi for fun – Learn some basic Hindi
Popular Festivals of India
Ramayana – Epic story of right and wrong
Mahabharata – The ancient epic poem of India
The Taj Mahal
Traditional dresses of India

You will find plenty of information about India. So if you want a copy of this book then you can buy it on all Amazon stores. Introduction to India is available as kindle ebook and paperback.

Best places to visit in Rajasthan during Diwali

Rajasthan is an Indian state that is known for its many big celebratory festivals and events that take place there each year. Although people are spread out over the state in small numbers, they all come together and forget about their troubled lives in order to celebrate the occasion. Out of all the festivals that take place in Rajasthan, the most popular one is the Diwali festival. The purpose of this festival is to celebrate light in every sense of the word. That is why it is nicknamed the Festival of Light.

Diwali fireworks

The creation of the Diwali festival can be linked to the ancient Hindu poem entitled “Ramayana.” In this poem, Lord Ram was in exile for 14 years and then finally returned to his kingdom called Ayodhya. As he arrived, there were lamps called diyas that were set up all throughout the kingdom to welcome him back. So, the tradition continued where the people in Rajasthan would set up as many illuminating objects as they could. When you go to Rajasthan on Diwali day, you will see electric lights, candles, diyas, fireworks and anything else that could possibly illuminate at night.

Johari Bazar Jaipur: Photo by Olga

Of course, Rajasthan is a big state so you might be wondering which towns and cities have the most exciting celebratory events to witness. There is no better city than the capital of Rajasthan, which is Jaipur. There you can visit the Johari Bazar at nighttime and just take a walk through this jewelry marketplace that is lit up like Broadway. Every single shop and dwelling along this marketplace will have decorative lights all over it. And if you see a piece of jewelry that catches your eye, you can purchase that too.

The Nahargarh Fort will give you a beautiful view of the entire city of Jaipur as it is lit up at nighttime during Diwali. You will see yellow lights, purple lights, and red lights spread out everywhere. The yellow lights, of course, dominate the city which is why it looks like a gold city from the point at Nahargarh Fort. Also, if you happen to travel near the Jal Mahal palace which lies in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, then you will see the entire palace lit up out in the water too.

As a tourist, you can fly into Jaipur International Airport to land right in the middle of the festivities. You can also try Rajasthan tour package and let them find you the best places in Rajasthan. There are plenty of buses and taxis that can take you around the city and bring you to these locations where Diwali can be experienced at its best. Two roads in particular that you should travel on are Tonk Road and Mirza Ismail Road. There are so many different colored lights on these roads that it will make you feel like you’re driving down Las Vegas Blvd. The only difference is you’ll see people celebrating in the streets with live music and dancing. You’ll truly get a sense of the culture and historical significance of Diwali as you move throughout Jaipur at nighttime.