Kartik, the eighth month of the Hindu calendar is the holiest and most significant month for the Hindus. Many important festivals such as Karwa Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami, Deepawali, Gowardhan Puja, Bhai Dooj, Chhat Puja fall in this month. The Ekadash(eleventh day) after Deepavali is called Devuthana. It marks the end of Chaturmas. Lord Vishnu wakes up and is the time to begin auspicious celebrations like marriages. The month ends on the Full moon day or the Kartik Purnima which is an important and most auspicious day.

Today, is the birthday of Lord Krishna. All over India, Janmashtami is celebrated with high enthusiasm, dancing and chanting of what might be the most recognizable mantra globally हरे राम हरे राम । राम राम हरे हरे ॥ हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण । कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे ॥ This mantra is commonly associated with Hare Krishna movement pioneered by International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Founded in 1966, in New York city, the ISKCON spiritual society was established by A.

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.

The Banjaras are semi-Nomadic tribes, usually found in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra and Telangana. They were an important part of the economy in the medieval period. As professional transporters, the Banjaras travelled in bullock or camel driven carts carrying essential items as salt, grains or anything that they could trade. They were hired by traders to carry their goods to far off places. Their caravans would halt on the outskirts of the town where they stayed for a fortnight or more, to trade with the local people.

Kantha is one of the oldest forms of embroidery that originated in India. It is a craft practised by the women of Bengal and Odisha. It is the story of the ingenuity and creativity of rural women who had mastered the art of transforming rags into useful items. A similar type of craft called ‘Gudri’ is practised in the states of Rajasthan and Gujrat, but it is the execution of the stitches and the motifs by the women of Bengal that makes it unique.

Phulkari is the traditional embroidery of Punjab. Phulkari literally translated as Floral work, the designs include not only flowers but also cover geometrical shapes and other motifs. It was mainly used to make “odhanis.” For the people of Punjab, Phulkari is not just an embroidery, It is a tradition, a pious ceremony that begins with the birth of a child. Phulkari is made in both Indian and Pakistani region of Punjab although they are distinctly dissimilar to each other.

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.

Chanderi fabric, gets its name from its place of origin. Chanderi, a small town in Madhya Pradesh, known for beautiful banks of river Betwa, surrounded by hills, lakes and forests. The city’s rich history can still be witness by its beautiful forts and Monuments. Its city museum is a must visit. The city’s textile industry is as old as its history, It is believed that the art of fabric making in Chanderi was introduce by Shisupal, Cousin of Lord Krishna, Chedi ruler during mahabharat times.

The state of Madhya Pradesh produces some of the finest handloom sarees that are manufactured in Chanderi and Maheshwari. While Chanderi has been a weaving centre since as early as 10th century, weaving of Maheshwari sarees started in the 18th century. Maheshwari sarees are manufactured in Maheshwar, an ancient town famous for its numerous temples built on the banks of river Narmada. Maheshwar is associated for famous Holkar Dynasty, most particularly Queen Rani Ahilya Bai, who ruled the state during 18th century.