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Lohri is a famous festival in northern India. Lohri – the popular festival of fire in northern India celebrates 13th January each year. As the date of Lohri is decided according to the position of the sun is a fixed date. Lohri marks the coldest day of winter. The people of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi continue to happily dance around the sacred fires. Lohri Festival will provide some relief to the people, because it ends with a tough winter season. Can be traced back to the story of the origin of Lohri Dulla Bhatti. By the end of first week of January, small groups of boys ring the doorbell and the houses started chanting songs of Lohri Dulla Bhatti. In turn, people give them popcorn, peanuts, crystal sugar, sesame seeds or Gur as well as money. Turning them back empty-handed is considered inauspicious. Lohri Paush ends on the last day in the winter and the beginning of Magha (around January 12 and 13), when the sun changes its course. It is associated with sun worship and the fire has been observed in all communities, with different names, such as the festival of Lohri is the only Punjabi. Questions such as when it started and why it disappeared mists of antiquity.
The home is connected to the central character of most Lohri songs is Dulla Bhatti, Muslim highway robber who lived in Punjab during the reign of Emperor Akbar. In addition to robbing the rich, he rescued Hindu girls forcibly taken to be sold in a slave market in the Middle East. He organized the rituals of Hindu marriages, Hindu boys and provided them with dowries. Understandably, though a bandit, he became the hero of all Punjabis. So every second Lohri song words to express gratitude Dulla Bhatti.
Some believe that Lohri has derived its name Loi, Sant Kabir woman, for in rural Punjab Lohri is pronounced like the salmon. Others believe that Lohri comes from the word “LOH” thick iron sheet tawa used for baking chapattis the party. Another celebrity says that Holika and Lohri were sisters. While the former perished in the Holi fire, the latter survived. Eating til (sesame seeds) and rorhi (jaggery) is considered important to this day. Perhaps the words til rorhi merger and becoming tilorhi, which eventually became shortened to Lohri, Ceremonies to go with the festival of Lohri usually involves a small image to Lohri goddess with gobar (cattle dung), decorating it, kindling a fire beneath it and chanting its praises. Graduation ceremony is a great light a bonfire at sunset, toss sesame seeds, Gur, Sugar-candy, and rewaries it, sit around, sing, dance until the fire dies out. People take dying embers of fire to their homes. In a Punjabi village homes, fire is kept going around the clock to use cow-dung cakes.
While celebrate Lohri, all family members light a fire and sit around. The festival begins when all family members form a circle around the fire and start revolving around it. This revolving around the members of the fire is known as “Agni Ke Phere”. Though they move murmur specific mantra known as the “Gayatri Mantra”. Each round they offered a mixture of 5 edible items. As each round is finished, they put a mixture of fire, to say out loud “Swaha”, while not forgetting. This sacrifice is known as “Aahuti”. This process is repeated 7 times. After doing this ritual, the children dance around the fire and sing and play with each other. Since the weather is rather cold this season and everyone enjoys.
The tale of Dulla Bhatti (ਦੁੱਲਾ ਭੱਟੀ)
Sundri Mundri Hei! Hoi!
Tera Kaun Bechara! Hoi!
Dullah Bhatti wala! Hoi!
Dullah Di Dhi viyahi ! Hoi !
Sher ShaKar pai! Hoi!
Kuri de Mamme aaye! Hoi!
UnaNe ChuRi Kuti! Hoi!
Jimidari Lutti! Hoi!
Ik kola GhuT Gaya!
Jimidar Apni……
Family members sit together around the fire and they would sing, talk and have fun, enjoying the taste of a mixture that is left after the sacrifice of the fire. The remaining stuff is known as “prasad” and to be treated with respect, considering it as the fruit of God (Agni Deva). In Punjabi Lohri is an important festival for families and people can celebrate. Indian Act and the religious culture of marriage shall be considered as a newly wedded wife is expected blessing from God. Taking this into account all the family members who are related to newly wedded couples throwing a huge party to celebrate Lohri. Guests are invited to dinner, and arranged properly. After celebrating Lohri, ie, after the “Agni Ke Phere” and “Aahuti”, all visitors to the newly wedded couples in their blessings and good wishes with gifts that they bring couples. Children sing and dance around the fire, and everyone enjoys the evening. Lohri Tradition of the relatively old, but even today it is celebrated with the same admiration and enthusiasm of all the Punjabi families throughout the world. During the season, when the festival is produced in the winter and cooled environment.
So everyone likes to sit near the fire. It makes them feel welcome and comfortable.
Himachal Pradesh is a very beautiful state situated in North India. As you all know it is also called Divine on earth, Land of temples. It’s also known as queen of hills. There are so many tourist places in Himachal Pradesh. Here are the some most beautiful destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
Shimla is the most beautiful District in Himachal. It’s the capital of Himachal Pradesh. There are many tourists’ destinations in Shimla like The Mall Road, Botanical Garden, summer hill, Jakhoo Temple & Tara Devi temple. Kufri is also one of the very beautiful destinations in Shimla. It is a tiny hill station with high mountains covered with Snow & the beautiful Valley.
It’s the Green valley of Kufri, covered with Snow..
Kullu and Manali:
Kullu & Manali are the other two best hill stations in Himachal. Kullu is known as valley of Gods, while Manali is Famous for its high mountains. The famous places of Kullu and Manali are Rohtang Pass, Vashishtha temple, temple of Manu and Hidimba Devi.
Rohtang Pass:
Rohtang Pass also called Rohtang Darra. It is situated at a short distance from Manali.It connects Kullu valley to Lahaul Spiti Valley. It remains covered with snow all the year. But its very beautiful tourist place.
Chamba:
Khajjiar is often called the Mini Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh and was officially baptized thus by the Swiss Ambassador on July 7, 1992. It has a rare combination of three ecosystems: lake, pasture and forest, all in one place.
Dharamshala:
It is also the very beautiful & hilly area in Himachal. It is closest to the Tibet. If you are looking for spiritual improvement, then this is the best place to visit. It’s a very beautiful hill station. It is situated in Kangra district. McLeodganj is a suburb of Dharamshala. It is nestled beautifully among the Dhaluadhars mountains. There are several sightseeing places in McLeodganj. The most important of all is the Buddhist temple, Tsuglag Khang.
Kangra:
It is the another beautiful tourist place in Himachal Pradesh. It was earlier known as Nagarkot. It is a Simple place but yet it is very beautiful. Here is very famous temple named Jawala Ji temple. Jawala Ji temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India.Jwalamukhi is a famous temple of goddess Jwalamukhi, the deity of flaming mouth. The building is modern with a gilt dome and pinnacles, and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates.
Kinnaur:
Kinnaur is Located on the Indo tibetan border, surrounded by Tibet to the east, Garhwal Himalyan to the south. About 200 km from Shimla strikingly beautiful district of Kinnaur where the the river Satluj carved deep gorges through the the high mountains. Reckong Peo, Sangla Valley,bhawa Valley Kalpaare some of tourist places in kinnaur.Sangla is most beautiful valley of kinnaur.
Hamirpur:
Hamirpur is the one of the most fascinating cities of Himachal Pradesh. It is dotted with some hilly ranges which are covered with pine forests. Come on a tour to Hamirpur & you will have an unforgettable experience after tour.
Deotsidh Temple:
It is the cave temple of Baba Balaknath. It is 30 km away from Hamirpur.Its a very peaceful temple. People from all over India come here.
Sujanpur Tihra : Situated 22 km from Hamirpur, this place is perfect for adventure sports like Paragliding, Angling, Rafting, and Trekking. There is an old fort that is worth a visit. It has a huge ground where the annual Holi fair is held for 4 days, besides being used for sports activities.
So, come & visit Himachal & I promise you, that you will have an unforgettable enjoyment.
Mount Abu is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan. Mount Abu situated at a average height of 1,219 mtr’s above sea level is the oasis in the deserted land of Rajasthan and posses the honor of being the only hill-station in Rajasthan as well as north-west India.It is famous for its natural beauty & the Delwara Jain templates.Mount Abu town is the only hill station in Rajasthan.
History
The Arbuda Mountains (Mount Abu) region is said to be original abode of the famous Gurjaras.The association of the Gurjars with the mountain is noticed in many inscriptions and epigraphs including Tilakamanjari of Dhanpala. These Gurjars migrated from Arbuda mountain region and as early as sixth century A.D, they set up one or more principalities in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Almost all or a larger part of Rajasthan and Gujarat had been known as Gurjaratra or Gurjarabhumi (land of the Gurjars) for centuries prior to Mughal period.
It’s a very very beautiful hill station.There are lots of famous place in Mount Abu
Dilwara Temples : These are located 2 & half kilometers from mount abu.These temples are located in the middle of remarkable forested hills.
Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary : It spreads over a area of 29 square Kms.You can found there every type of animals like ,lions,leopards,Sabhar,bear Etc.Its a very large wildlife Sanctuary.
Nakki Lake – The Heart Of Mount Abu : Nakki lake we can also call it the heart of mount abu.There is a story behind it that it was dug by GOD or DEVTAS with their nails or nakh,that’s why its named Nakki Lake.Its a very beautiful. Nakki lake is also the only Indian artificial lake situated at a height of 1200 Mtr’s above sea level. Its surrounded by beautiful hills & forests.
The beautiful setting Sun in the Aravali ranges is the so beautiful Sight.You will really like it,when you will see it.
Kashmir- The only Heaven on the Earth. It’s not only because it’s an old adage. It’s true in the context of travelling. Kashmir is very beautiful place to be explored. Its scenic beauty makes it more attractive. Ladhak the coldest dessert in the world lies in Kashmir only. Partial fantasy, partial reality… Ladakh is where; the forces of nature combined to provide magical impracticable scenery… a scenery of edges… desert and blue waters. bright sun and chilled winds… glaciers and sand bank… a prehistoric battleground of the gigantic forces which gave birth to the Himalayas. Ladakh is a good place for spending vacations.
Witness the sky touching mountains listen to the musical hymn of Buddhist monks in a prehistoric monastery where time stands motionless. See the speeding up waters of a frozen river rush down from a glacial altitude. It’s all about the description of ladakh. Ladakh, the crown of the world opened to tourists only in the last decade. At an overwhelming height, this raised ground is the bridge between the earth and the sky!
You should know about the few things like weather conditions of Ladakh, the best time to go there, how to reach Ladakh so on and so forth before packing bag for moving to Ladakh. In reality these are the common questions that come to everyone’s mind before going to any trip or tour.
Here are few travelling tips which you should consider before leaving for Ladhak
Transportation
Inc current times, the only two land routes to Ladakh are in use, from Srinagar and Manali. Travelers from Srinagar start their journey from Sonamarg. There is one airport in Leh, from which there are daily flights to Delhi on Jet Airways, Air Deccan, and Indian Airlines and weekly flights to Srinagar and Jammu.
Physically fit
You have to be physically fit to carry out a tour to Leh Ladakh. It is worthwhile to take at least 12-24 hours of rest after reaching Leh to fully become accustomed to the high altitude. If you feel shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or fatigue, immediately take some rest. Always carry drinking water, chocolates or energy bars while traveling.
Always book travel agent
It is always better to book a travel agent, who will help you correctly from beginning to end your trip to Ladakh.travel agent will provide you everything you required of. He will book your accommodation. He will arrange transport facility too.
Perfect time to visit
Ladakh is open for tourist all through the year, while the best period for tour and trek is from June to October. Most of the trekking paths are closed after November due to heavy snowfall at high passes
Accommodations
Guest Houses: Cheapest accommodations in Ladakh comprises of guesthouses. They are classified in to various categories like Upper, Medium and Economy class.
Tourist Complexes and Hiker’s Huts: The facilities of tourist complexes and hiker’s huts have been introduced in ladakh.
Paying Guest: some homes offer paying guests services to solve the difficulty of accommodation in Ladakh.
Tourist Bungalows run by Government: The government runs tourist bungalows are mainly located along the Srinagar-Leh road. These bungalows offer the best possible accommodation in the medium range tariffs.
Medicines and obligatory cosmetics
Essential medicines, sun-screen lotion, moisturizing lotion, tender balms, and pain relief balms are a must when traveling to Leh Ladakh as ladakh is located at very high altitude.
Outfits and shoes
Shirt and shorts will be best for the daytime but in evening you have to wear Jacket or pullover due to cold. While trekking above 4000m, you need warm cloth. Sometimes there is a rain or snow in early June therefore you need Wind sheeter or raincoat. Good waterproof shoes are required while trekking and extra pair of shoes and Sandal is always helpful. You should keep a good quality eye gear.
Backpack, sleeping bag
Always carry a spacious back pack, as it is easy to dangle on back. You also carry a sleeping bag with you.
Means of communication
There is lot of STD booths in Ladakh, but they get closed late evening. So it will be better to be in touch with your near and dear ones by early evening. There is no provision of cellular phones at the high altitude of ladakh
Always carry a camera
The region offers wonderful scenic views, so carry as good quality camera you can. Capture the beauty of the ladakh in your camera.. Some monasteries however may not allow photography within their premises.
Credit Cards & Internet Services
Credit Cards are not accepted by most of the hotels and travel agents except some antique shops. Internet, Email services are available in Leh only.
Provision of banks
The State Bank of India and the J&K Bank has branches at various places in Ladakh, with major branches in Leh and Kargil, where foreign exchange services are too available. The State Bank of India also functions an additional counter at the Tourist Information Centre located in the Dak Bungalow Complex, Leh. Some hotels in Leh are also licensed to transaction in foreign exchange, although these mostly service in-house clients. There is no foreign exchange service outside Leh and Kargil.
Here are few things you should keep in mind while travelling to Ladakh: -
Avoid Plastic
do not use anything in plastic. Always throw empty mineral water bottles in any dustbin or get them refilled.. At the time of buying goods from the market, stay away from plastic carry bags. Always ask cloth, jute and paper bags.
Bound Vehicle Use
Try to make as least as possible utilization of vehicles. You should prefer a walk .probably share rides with others. This will go a long way in dropping the levels of air pollution in the valley.
Save Water
Try to preserve water as much as you can. Make use Ladakhi toilets as an alternative of flush toilets. Do not wash your clothes in a straight line in streams. It will create water pollution.
Save Energy
Just like water, energy should also be preserved. At many places in Ladakh, solar showers are available. Try to substitute them for the other showers whenever possible. Always support places that make use of renewable sources of electricity.
Value the Local Culture
Taking small defense and hold fast to a few rules will go a elongated way in showing appropriate respect to the local culture of Ladakh.
India paints the world with her magical hue as a rainbow colors the infinite sky. India is one of the well-known tourist destinations in the world. This incredible terra firma of all seasons recommends a variety of options to see the sights by its tourists, which comprises beaches, hill stations, historical monuments, pilgrimage centers, backwaters, temples, churches, and national parks. This land of miscellaneous culture is also high-flying for various fairs and festivals that are held all over the year in the different states of India.
India is a dream tour destination that remunerates every traveler with her never-ending tourist attractions. To travel around India is to find out a land gifted with everything that makes up for a ideal travel package. Tours and travel in India are so electrifying and fascinating at every step that will never ends from your minds. There is an array of places to visit in India. Each place is exceptional and incomparable in itself. India is a land comprises architectural wonders or spots of scenic beauty; places of historical interests or wildlife sanctuaries rich in flora and fauna. It will be difficult to find out which is best tourist place in India, as it is filled with tourist places. To know few of them it is categorized as heritage, hill stations, pilgrimage, wild life and honeymoon destinations.
Heritage places in India
India is the place of well-off culture and tradition includes an enormous range of equality and diversity. India is home of the excellent manifestations of art and architecture in various forms and shapes. Long and strong stretches of history have resulted in the creation of several artistic illustrations and cultural depictions. East to west, north to south – travel through the vast stretches of the nation to explore the various heritage destinations of India and peep into the range of intricate forms of art and architecture of India. The legacy destinations in India basically calls for a closer look as the following options are some of the greatest landmarks in the world of culture and ethnicity of the country of ancient glory and grandeur
- Taj Mahal
- Nalanda
- Neemrana Fort
- Devigarh Palace
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Konark Temples
- Mahabaleshwar
- Mahabaleshwar
- Khajuraho Temple
- Ajanta-Ellora Caves
India is a place assorted with cultures, ethnicity and religions. In fact Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism have their roots in India. Usually a tour to India is undertaken for its cultural fondness only; but the religious side of the India no less excites people all around the world. Some of the major Pilgrimage Sites in India are as follows:
- Vaishno Devi
- Tirupati Balaji
- Golden Temple
- Hemkund Sahib
- Bodhgaya
- Rishikesh
- Haridwar
- Varanasi
- Kanyakumari
- Madurai
- Mathura
- Hampi
- Shirdi
- Puri
- Pushkar
- Puttaparthi
- Ranakpur
- Churches of Goa
- Hemkund Sahib
Hindu or Muslim; Sikh or Christian; Buddhist or Jain – each of the pilgrimage sites is a source of deep spirituality and serenity.
Many adventurous people love to explore wild life and forests .The wildlife destinations of India that have preserved the Indian wildlife over the years are as follows:
- Bandhavgarh National Park
- Corbett National Park
- Gir National Park and Sanctuary
- Kanha National Park
- Kaziranga National Park
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ranthambore National Park
- Sasangir Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sariska Tiger Reserve
- Sunderbans National Park
India is a country that inhales unity in multiplicity in healthy equilibrium at all levels; climate is no exemption and the hill stations of India have been the reason of several enjoyable climatic conditions around the country. Let us take a peep into the various tourist spots under this category in various parts of the country.
- Auli
- Dalhousie
- Darjeeling
- Dehradun
- Gangtok
- handala
- Kullu
- Lonavala
- Manali
- Mount Abu
- Munnar
- Kodaikanal
- Coorg
- Coonoor
- Kasauli
- Kashmir
- Khajjiar
- Mussoorie
- Nainital
- Ooty
- Shimla
- Srinagar
- Mahabaleshwar
India is one of the most fine-looking countries in the World surrounded by rivers, seas, Oceans and Mountains making it a perfect Honeymoon destination. The Country is bordered by the Himalayas in the North, the Bay of Bengal in the East, Indian Ocean in the South and the Arabian Sea in the West.
Some of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India include:
Goa: This state of India exists in the Western part of the Indian subcontinent beside the Shores of the Arabian Sea. It is one of the amazing honeymoon destinations for the tourists because of its beaches which are acquainted by tourists from all around the World.A few of the World famous beaches in Goa embrace the Anjuna Beach, Arambol Beach, Agonda Beach, Baga Beach, Dona Paula Beach, and the Palolem beach.
Kerala: The Indian State of Kerala lies in the Southern part of the Indian Subcontinent.. The beaches in the state are a perfect honeymoon destination because of its scenic beauty and peaceful environment. Some of the well-known beaches in Kerala include the Alappuzha Beach, Bekal Beach, Kovalam beach, Marari Beach and the Varkala Beach.
Andaman Islands: The Andaman and the Nicobar Islands are a group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal. These Islands have sandy beaches popular for turtle nesting and are among the well-known honeymoon destinations in India. Some of the most famous beaches in these Islands are Radhanagar Beach, Harminder Bay Beach, Karmatang Beach, and the Ramnagar Beach.
West Bengal: The beaches in West Bengal are famous for its pleasing scenic beauty. These beaches are in the Southern part of the State bordering the State of Orissa. Some of the prominent honeymoon beaches in West Bengal are in Digha, Shankarpur, Junput, Bakkhali, Frazergunj and Sagardwip.
One can also visit hill stations like Nainital, Darjeeling, Kokaikanal, Shimla, Srinagar, Coorg, Khandala Manali and Ooty for an ideal honeymoon vacation.
Visiting the assorted land of India, gives the tourist a lifetime know-how, which they can treasure for the rest of their lives. For an absolute soothing and relaxing vacation, one can also book a tour package to India. There are various travel agents and agencies that offer many tour and packages to all the above-mentioned tourist destinations of the country. So experience the magic of India