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. While there is a shivratri in every month of hindu calander, only the one occouring on 13th night - 14th day of waning moon in the month of falgun is celebrated as maha-shivratri. Astronomically, it is the darkest night of the year.

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. It is celebrated by the Sikhs and Jains as well.

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. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, on the principles laid by a 15th century scholar Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

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. Each Jyotirlinga is considered to be a different manifestation of Lord Shiva. The Jyotirlinga looks like any other Shivalinga. However, it is believed that a person who has attained a certain degree of spirituality sees these lingas as columns of fire piercing through the earth. Every Jyotirlinga has a different story behind how it came to be.

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. The Banjaras, were welcomed, not only for the trade they brought but also for the wisdom and stories they acquired from their travels. They were fortune tellers, gave ayurvedic solution, entertained people with music, dance and stories of their Journey. Indian culture which is so diverse, yet so similar and unified, All thanks to travelling banjara and their stories.

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.