On my recent visit to my parental house in Kasganj, I had a chance to go to a nearby village Soron-ji which is located on the banks of River Ganga. This village is known as the birthplace of Goswami Tulsidas, who composed the famous Ram Charit Manas. We were here to attend the “Ganga Arti” that has started as a daily ritual in the evenings at the Haripadi Ganga ghat. This Ghat is the central point of the village and has been beautifully renovated in past few years with the efforts of some local residents.

Mahashivratri is celebrated by Hindus all over the world with great enthusiasm. It is celebrated on the Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the month of Falgun( The last month in Hindu lunar calendar). Mahashivratri as the name indicates, is the great night of Shiva. It is believed to be the day of the union of Shiva and Shakti. The planetary position on this night is such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system.

अवन्तिकायां विहितावतारं मुक्तिप्रदानाय च सज्जनानाम् | अकालमृत्योः परिरक्षणार्थं वन्दे महाकालमहासुरेशम् ‖ 3 ‖ – Meaning: I salute that Maha Kala, Who is the lord of all devas, Who has incarnated in the city of Avanthi, For giving salvation to good people, And to save people from untimely death. The third temple in the series of Jyotirlingas is the Mahakaleshwar temple of Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Located on the banks of river Shipra, Ujjain is among the most ancient cities of India.

श्रीशैलशृङ्गे विविधप्रसङ्गे शेषाद्रिशृङ्गेऽपि सदा वसन्तम् | तमर्जुनं मल्लिकपूर्वमेनं नमामि संसारसमुद्रसेतुम् ‖ 2 ‖ – Meaning I salute him who is the bridge to the ocean of life, Who is in the company of all gods, And living in the union of Sri Shaila, Who resides on the peak of Thula, And who is called Mallikarjuna The second Jyotirlinga, Mallikarjun is situated on Mount Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh. Mount Srisailam is also called Kailash of South India.

सौराष्ट्रदेशे विशदेऽतिरम्ये ज्योतिर्मयं चन्द्रकलावतंसम् | भक्तप्रदानाय कृपावतीर्णं तं सोमनाथं शरणं प्रपद्ये ‖ 1 ‖ – Meaning I seek refuge of the Soma Nadha, Who is in the holy and pretty Sourashtra, Who is dazzling with light, Who wears the crescent of the moon, Who has come there to give, The gift of devotion and mercy. The Somnath Temple is located near Veraval (in Saurashtra region) in the west coast of Gujarat.

Image credit: religionworld.in According to the Hindu calendar, this is the beginning of the holy month of shravan. The month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a lingam. There are numerous Shiva temples across the country, some of them are centuries old and very famous. Among these, the twelve Jyotirlingas are considered the holiest. The Jyotirlingas are said to have self- manifested ‘swayambhoo’ on earth.

Today is the first Monday of the month of July. This year, coincidentally, it is also the first day of the month of Shravan in Hindu calendar. Shravan (श्रावण) or Sawan is the fifth month of Hindu Lunar calendar. An auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. All Mondays of this month are considered highly auspicious. People keep fast and visit temples and pray for a happy family life.

Chikankari is the traditional hand embroidery from Lucknow. It is a symbol of Awadh’s rich heritage and culture.Like most of the embroideries of India, chikankari also traces its origin in Persia and came to India in the 15th-16th century. Chikan means fine and delicate patterns and chikankari is indeed the finest textile decoration style. Chikankari is said to have been introduced by Mughal Queen Nur Jahan, who embroidered a handkerchief for her husband Jahangir.

Kashmiri stitch, popularly known as Kashidakari, is practised mostly by the menfolks of Kashmir. It is said to have evolved during the Mughal era, in the region of modern day Srinagar. The Kashida motifs are distinctive styles of embroidery in India. These motifs are inspired by the natural beauty and culture of Kashmir. Flowers, vines, leaves, fruits and birds found in the valley are beautifully depicted on the cloth. Samovar, the teapot of Kashmir, also finds a place in kashida motifs.

Kota-Doria, simply known as Kota Sarees, are very fine handloom that is woven with cotton and silk threads. The fabric is woven in a manner that the final material is light-weight and translucent, which makes it ideal for the warm and dry climate of Rajasthan. The weaving technique creates a one of a kind square pattern, known as “Khat”. A Marwari lady’s wardrobe is incomplete without kota doria. Doria, meaning thread in native language, is manufactured primarily in Kaithoon, a small village about 15km from Kota.