ENGLISH MONTHLY
AUGUST 2020 - VOLUME 12, ISSUE 06
8 Independence Day Special
- 28 STATES, 1 NATION
80/-
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August August 2020 2020 || CULTURAMA CULTURAMA
EDITOR'S
NOTE A
s we step into the 74th year of India’s Independence, it is a matter of great pride for the Global Adjustments family to share with you, our loyal readers of Culturama, that we have had the privilege of running free virtual emotional strengthening webinars, from GA Foundation, for 12,000 people over 35 sessions since the lockdown. It seems to be the need of the hour to focus on one’s own emotional core and find a technique for cautious optimism for the year ahead. Last week, it was a humbling experience for our leadership life coaches as we interacted with a single session of 6,000 frontline health workers, nurses, hospital attenders, doctors and nursing college students who asked frank and heartrending questions after the webinar. It is their selfless efforts that are able to send back so many thousands of Covid patients safely cured to their homes. Spending six hours on each duty, zipped tightly inside a PPE is suffocating, to say the least, and the nurses risk their own life and the health of the family to perform selfless tender loving care services. Our heart belongs to them. While the rest of us are seen complaining about having to wear masks and so many of us pull the mask down when we speak because we feel uncomfortable, let us remember how much more uncomfortable a ventilator may feel. This too shall pass; the vaccine is coming. Meanwhile, let us remember to be disciplined in the NEW normal. N = namaste, when greeting others with social distancing. E = elbow, use the crook of the arm when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of droplets. W = wear a mask always in public places.
Our nation, our community and the world depends on each one of us playing by the rules, even when no one is watching. We at Team Culturama and Global Adjustments make a national pledge to teach our children well and to spread awareness by our own example. This is the time to remember India’s famous phrase ‘Vasudaiva kutumbakam’, which means ‘The whole world is one family’. Hope you enjoy this special edition highlighting unique facts about each of our Indian states. Jai Hind! Rohini Manian rohini@globaladjustments.com CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Rohini Manian Editor-in-Chief
INBOX
Meera J Pillai Deputy Editor Shobana Sairaj Business Head V. Kathiravan Creative Head S. Rajthilak Graphic Designer
Dear Editor,
Chennai (Headquarters)
It was lovely to read the interview of the Parle Argo sisters. Such inspiring role models.
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Dear Editor, I enjoy the Ex-Camera feature the most. The Gentle giants topic was heartwarming. Ramesh, Bengaluru
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Bharat Bala's Virtual Bharat is a brilliant idea, to see India through a different frame.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
CULTURAMA | August 2020
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INSIDE
CULTURAMA 8
In Focus
Independence Day Special - 28 states, 9 Union Territories, 1 nation
46 Spotlight
Festivities in the air
49 Ex Camera Into India
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
CULTURAMA | August 2020
7
In Focus
28 States, 1 Nation As India readies to observe its 73rd Independence Day, Team Culturama celebrates the rich diversity, heritage, culture and history of the country spread across its 28 states and 9 Union Territories.
GA Special
The One India – 28 States and 9 UTs video was released on October 31, which coincided with the historical day when Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh came
into
Global
effect
as
Adjustments
Union
Territories.
Foundation
This
production
can be viewed on ChampionWoman YouTube. The 8
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
video
has
over
10k
views
already!
Andhra Pradesh
How the Land Lies Andhra Pradesh is one of the southern states of India. It is bounded by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana. Amaravati is its capital. The rivers Krishna and Godavari irrigate the state, and Vishakapatnam, also known as Vizag, is one of India’s major ports. The state is also home to one of the world’s most visited religious sites, the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati. More than 30 million people visit the temple every year. Crafted with Care Kalamkari, a type of block printing, originated in the Machilipatnam area of Andhra Pradesh and is sought after by designers and fashionistas alike. The West Godavari district is famous for crocheted lace, while the wooden toys from the town of Kondapalli are geographical indication (GI)-protected. Ethnic Fingerprint Several tribes are native to the region. Many still retain their own special languages and culture. The Koyas, the Chenchus, the Gadabas and the Konda Reddis are some groups whose traditions fascinate anthropologists. CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Arunachal Pradesh
How the Land Lies
Crafted with Care
The name Arunachal Pradesh means ‘the land of
Distinctive handlooms, carpets, bead and grass
the rising sun’, and it is the largest of the group of
ornaments, thangkha paintings, and much more
states collectively known as ‘the seven sisters’. This
make
state on the north-eastern tip of India is bordered
handicraft-lover’s paradise.
by three foreign countries – Bhutan lies on its west, Tibet on the north and Myanmar to the south.
Arunachal
Pradesh
a
shopaholic’s
and
Ethnic Fingerprint Arunachal Pradesh has over 20
tribes,
Adis, the
including
the
the
Idu-Mishmis,
Monpas
and
the
Sherdukpens. Each tribe has its own characteristic dialect, costumes and customs. For instance, the Nyishi wear their hair long and tie it in a knot just above their foreheads.
CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Assam How the Land Lies The name ‘Assam’ comes from the term ‘assom’ or ‘assama’, meaning ‘unequalled’ or ‘unrivalled’ – and this state is unmatched for its natural beauty, as well as its reserves of coal, petroleum and natural gas. The north-eastern state is bounded on two sides by Bangladesh and Bhutan. Crafted with Care Weaving is part of the life and culture of the state, and the Assamese produce the unique and exquisite Eri, Muga and Pat silk and cotton varieties. These fabrics are much in demand not only in other parts of India but all over the world as well. Assam is also known for its handmade gold jewellery and bell metal utensils. Ethnic Fingerprint The Boro is the largest indigenous tribe of the region. Other than the tribes, the population is a mix of various ethnic origins. The Ahom people were settlers who traced their roots to the Yunnan province of China, while among other settlers were those of Burmese or Aryan descent. The Assamese language is considered the eastern-most member of the Indo-European family.
Photo: Ann Cambier UK
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Bihar
How the Land Lies A land-locked state in Eastern India, Bihar’s name
such as reverence for the sal tree. When the
is derived from the word ‘vihara’ or monastery,
sal blooms, the tribes of the region celebrate,
an indication of the large number of Buddhist
worshipping the spirit of the tree, and seeking
monasteries in the region.
blessings for a good harvest.
Crafted with Care The Madhubani style of painting, a typically Bihari art form, was traditionally done on freshly plastered walls of village houses. Today, it is done on canvas and cloth as well. Another rural art form of the region is Sujani embroidery. Originally a way of recycling old clothes to make quilts for newborns, layers of fabric were stitched together and embroidered in a distinctive style. Now the Sujani embroidery style is used to embellish skirts, stoles and other apparel. Ethnic Fingerprint Like most Indian states, Bihar is home to many tribes. Each has its distinctive patterns of language, dressing and cuisine. But some things are shared, CULTURAMA | August 2020
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
ChampionWoman has introduced Mindfulness as a tool for emotional strengthening to 6,300 12,000 people in corporate India, associations and universities, including INFOSYS, DELOITTE, NASSCOM, MMA, M.G.R UNIVERSITY and M.O.P VAISHNAV COLLEGE, through virtual sessions during the lockdown period.
Follow us We at Global Adjustments Foundation conduct free interactive ChampionWoman workshops for school and college girls and working women. Call at +91 75502 21513 or e-mail championwoman@championwoman.org
CULTURAMA August 2020 2020 CULTURAMA || August
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Chhattisgarh
How the Land Lies A central Indian state, Chhattisgarh is landlocked. It is India’s tenth largest in terms of size and seventeenth in terms of population. Crafted with Care Chhattisgarh is known for dhokra craftsmanship, otherwise called bell metal or lost-wax casting. Initially used to make articles for worship, the skilled
craftsmen
have
now
diversified
into
producing utility and ornamental items, including jewellery. Also famous in this region is Kosa silk. Made painstakingly from cocoons of silkworms that feed on specific tree species, this silk is available naturally in shades ranging from cream through pale gold and orange to dark honey, and traditionally coloured and printed with natural dyes. Ethnic Fingerprint A
state
with
a
significant
tribal
population,
Chhattisgarh has much to interest the anthropologist and the traveller. A visit to the Tribal Museum at Jagdalpur will give visitors a good overview of what life as a tribal involves in this part of the country.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Goa
How the Land Lies Perched on the western coast of peninsular India, bordering the Arabian Sea, this is the country’s smallest state (in terms of area) and among the richest (in terms of GDP). The Western Ghats, clothed in dense rainforests, make it rich in another sense – biodiversity. Crafted with Care Bamboo, coconut and shells are the chief raw material for the handicraft industry in Goa. A wide variety of items, utilitarian and ornamental, are crafted from them, and much loved as souvenirs. Ethnic Fingerprint Goa is a melting pot of varied cultural and religious influences. The advent of the Portuguese had a great impact on the region, and the transition to being a part of the Indian nation was not smooth. Interestingly, as per Portuguese law, those born in Goa before 1961 and their immediate descendants can ‘recover’ their Portuguese nationality. There are therefore many Goans now living in Portugal.
Photo: Helen Taylor UK CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Gujarat
How the Land Lies This state in the west of India is the home state of the country’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. It shares part of its land border with Pakistan, and the Arabian Sea laps its coast. It gets its name from the ancient Gujjar clan, which once inhabited this region. Crafted with Care Shopaholics and fashionistas would go ga-ga over the textiles in Gujarat! Rich, hand-woven Patola silks vie with bright tie-dyed and block-printed cotton and made-ups embellished with beads, embroidery and mirror work. In fact, it might be a case of too much choice!
Ethnic Fingerprint At first glance, Jambur looks like any other Indian village – a Gujarati village, if you go only by the language spoken. But your eyes will belie your ears – the features of the villagers are distinctly African.
They belong to the Siddi tribe, which originated
in
Africa.
One
story goes that a long-ago Nawab visited Africa and fell Photo: Nodari Lucia Italian
in love with a woman there. He married her and brought her home, along with an entourage of slaves, ancestors of the Siddi. The pull of their roots remains strong in them. By night, the Siddi entertain tourists by dancing to African beats. 18 18
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
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Haryana
How the Land Lies This landlocked state in northern India may be small compared to some others, but it is very important strategically, as it cups the national capital Delhi on three sides. A large part of the state falls under the National Capital Region (NCR), and enjoys all the attendant advantages. Haryana shares its capital Chandigarh with the neighbouring state of Punjab. Crafted with Care Anyone who is interested in handicrafts should not miss the Surajkund Crafts Mela. An annual event that is held in February, the mega show brings together craftsmen from across the length and breadth of the country.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Himachal Pradesh
How the Land Lies ‘Him’ means snow in Sanskrit, and Himachal Pradesh, roughly translated, means the ‘Land of Snow’. The region was also once known as ‘Deva Bhumi’ or ‘Land of Gods’. Replete with scenic beauty, this northern Indian state is a favourite holiday and honeymoon destination. Crafted with Care Souvenir hunters will find many distinctive Himachal Pradesh things to take home – the flat-topped Kullu cap with its characteristic embroidered band, footwear made of dried grass and scraps of wool, and flamboyantly coloured hand-knitted socks, to name a few. Exquisitely embroidered rumal or large head-scarfs are part of the traditional attire of women from the mountains, but go well with other clothes too. Namda rugs made of beaten wool make excellent conversation pieces. Ethnic Fingerprint The region is a receptacle of a medley of influences. The Mongols, Sikhs, Gorkhas and the British all left their marks on the state. Varied religious imprints can also be found, not least of them architectural – Christian missionaries built churches, while Buddhists set up monasteries.
CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Jharkhand How the Land Lies
Crafted with Care
The land of jungles, this eastern Indian state is a
Wood and bamboo are the preferred raw materials
landlocked area once almost totally clothed in
that
dense forest. The heavily industrialised cities of
Jharkhand uses to produce handicrafts that are
Jamshedpur, home to India’s first private iron and
both utilitarian and aesthetic. Demand for the
steel plant, and Bokharo comprise the other side of
state’s bamboo baskets, carved wooden spoons,
its face now.
decorative door panels, the paitkar or scroll
the
predominantly
tribal
population
of
paintings and distinctive, puppet-like toys painted in canary yellow, is picking up. Ethnic Fingerprint The Santhals and Oraons are among the largest tribes that call this area home. The Santhals, in fact, are the largest Austro-Asiatic group in India. Each tribe has distinct practices – the Dhumkuria or youth dormitories of the Oraons, for instance, are a sort of finishing school for boys. However, many of these practices are dying out.
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Karnataka
How the Land Lies The seventh largest state in terms of area, Karnataka,
tribes such as the Tuluvas, Kodavas and Konkanis,
in the south of India, has a long coastline, verdant
as well as minor tribes like the Soligas, Yeravas and
hills, dense forests, breathtaking waterfalls, ancient
Todas. It also has the largest Tibetan settlement in
palaces and temples, and also a thriving software
southern India.
industry. Capital city Bengaluru (earlier known as Bangalore) goes by the sobriquet of the ‘Silicon Valley of India’. Crafted with Care Mysore paintings embellished with gold leaf, intricately worked Bidri artifacts in metal and sandalwood handicrafts are all unique crafts of Karnataka. There’s even a real-life ‘toy town’ – Channapatna. The lacquered wooden toys made here have been awarded the GI tag. Parents take note: there’s not a whiff of lead in the bright vegetable dyes used to paint them. Ethnic Fingerprint The majority of the people in Karnataka are Kannadigas. The
state
also
has
a
significant population of CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Kerala How the Land Lies According to legend, Parasuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, threw his axe out into the sea, and the waters receded as far as it went, forming Kerala. Be that as it may, scientists say that a sizeable part of this southern-most Indian state was at one time submerged. Crafted with Care The Aranmula mirror is unique to Kerala. Made of an alloy, the composition of which is a closely guarded family secret, it is produced in a small village, and has been conferred the GI tag. Handmade without glass or mercury, it gives a flawless reflection unmatched by many conventional mirrors. Ethnic Fingerprint Ancient Jewish and Arab traders established settlements here, and some intermarried with local people. The Apostle St. Thomas is believed to have come to Kerala to preach Christianity to the Jewish settlers, and converted some local people too, making Christianity in India as old as it is in Europe. The present-day Syrian Christian community in Kerala traces its origins to the families converted by St. Thomas.
Photo: Marlon Pieris Canada
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Madhya Pradesh
How the Land Lies ‘Madhya’ means ‘middle’ and ‘Pradesh’ is ‘land’. By name and fact, Madhya Pradesh (MP for short) lies at the heart of India. This landlocked state is the second largest in the country. Crafted with Care Madhya Pradesh is well known for its textiles. The handloom Chanderi and Maheshwari variety of silk are much sought after, and so is Kosa silk. Blockprinting by hand and vegetable dyes are widely used in textiles produced here. Ethnic Fingerprint The Gonds, Bhils, Baigas, Korkus, Santias and Kols are some of the major tribes found in Madhya Pradesh. Tribes make up about 20 percent of the state’s population. Many are cultivators by tradition, and earn their living from the land, and crafts related to nature. Some, such as the Santias and Kols, are martial and skilled in traditional forms of warfare. Some tribes are still nomadic, but others are giving up customary practices influenced by modern ways of life. CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Maharashtra
How the Land Lies This western Indian state is world famous for its
everyday scenes. Other trademark Maharashtrian
capital, Mumbai – also known as the ‘financial
handicrafts are Kolhapuri chappals and Paithani
capital’ of India and home of Bollywood, the Hindi
saris.
film industry. Mumbai was earlier called Bombay. There are several other large cities in this highly
Ethnic Fingerprint
urbanised state.
The Bhils, Warlis, the Gonds, Govaris and Korkus are some tribes native to different parts of Maharashtra.
Crafted with Care
The
The unique paintings of the Warli tribe are world
residents of the group of seven
famous. One step more than stick drawings, they
islands, which has now been
were originally done with ground rice paste on drab
merged into the landmass
brown mud walls of huts. The lively figures depict
called Mumbai.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Kolis
were
the
original
Manipur
How the Land Lies Literally and figuratively a jewel of a state, Manipur
and last rites require a different kind, for example.
lies in the northeast region. Mountains, valleys,
Pottery is another wide-spread craft – the appealing
forests, rivers and eye-catching flora and fauna
products come in red, dark red and black.
make
it
breathtakingly
beautiful.
Interestingly, it wasn’t always called
Ethnic Fingerprint
Manipur – it has been known by a
There are many tribes in Manipur. The Meitei, Naga
number of names down the
and Kuki are some of them. They speak different
ages, chiefly Kangleipak and
languages or dialects, and have distinct customs.
Meeteileipak. The state
They practice different faiths – Hinduism, Islam,
borders Myanmar on
Christianity, Buddhism and Sanamahism and folk religions; but they all live together in harmony.
the east. Crafted with Care Basket weaving is
practised
across state,
the thanks
to the abundant availability of cane and bamboo. There are specific baskets for
various
purposes.
Wedding
ceremonies call for special types CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Meghalaya
How the Land Lies Located in the eastern sub-Himalayas, the state is
its own kingdom. Even after a treaty was signed
named Meghalaya – the abode of clouds. True to
with the British during the Colonial rule, the tribes
its name, it is almost always under cloud cover.
continued to live in comparative seclusion.
At Cherrapunji, quite close to the capital Shillong, the average annual rainfall goes up to 12,000 mm, making it the wettest place on Earth. Nearby Mawsynram has been giving it stiff competition for the title of late. Part of Meghalaya borders Bangladesh. Crafted with Care Weaving is a major occupation, and cotton and silk textiles woven in the state are much sought after. The ‘Khasi lock’, a special type of lock, is a unique product, but, sadly, only a few locksmiths in a few villages still practice the indigenous craft. Wood carving and basketry are other handicrafts that the state is known for. Ethnic Fingerprint The Khasis, Jaintias and Garos are the main tribes, the original inhabitants of the region. They are believed to be of either Mon-Khmer (Cambodian) or Tibeto-Burmese origin. Each tribe established 28
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Mizoram
How the Land Lies
Crafted with Care
The name of the state translates to ‘Land of the
Weaving is a traditional craft, and the intricate
Hill People’ – and Mizoram, in the north-east, is just
designs that the women produce on their looms have
that. It shares its borders with two other countries
been handed down from generation to generation.
– Bangladesh and Myanmar. Aizawl, the capital, is
If there’s one item that is typically from Mizoram, it’s
perched at a super-high 4,000 feet above sea level.
the khum-beu – a ceremonial hat woven out of cane and lined with smoked Hnahthial leaves. Amazingly, these hats are completely waterproof! Ethnic Fingerprint As much as 95 percent of the people of Mizoram are of tribal origin, making it the Indian state with the highest concentration of tribal population. Lushais, Kukis, Pawis, Raltes and Himars are some of the tribes. They are believed to
be
descendants
of settlers from Southeast Asia.
CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Nagaland
How the Land Lies
Ethnic Fingerprint
Nagaland is among the smallest states in the
Nagaland is home to 16 major tribes, plus numerous
country, and one of the ‘seven sisters’ as the north-
subtribes! Each tribe has a distinct identity – the
eastern states are collectively known. It is sometimes
clothes, customs and even the languages differ
called the ‘Switzerland of the East’ because of its
from each other.
salubrious climate. Crafted with Care The tribes practise traditional crafts like basketry, pottery, and an of
wood
bead
carving
work.
interesting past
and
In
blend present,
many young Nagas are using traditional textile designs that have been handed down from their ancestors,
in
modern
clothing, to make fashion statements
that
are
much appreciated by the discerning.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Odisha
How the Land Lies Located in eastern India, this state was formerly known as ‘Orissa’. Its coast hugs the Bay of Bengal, and in the hinterland lie rolling hills and lush plains, drained by major rivers. Crafted with Care It is believed that the art of sand sculpture originated here. The first such sculpture is said to have been made way back in the 14th century. Sudarshan Patnaik, the best-known exponent of the art in India, has won national and international acclaim. His Golden Sand Art Institute at Puri trains those who are interested. Ethnic Fingerprint The earliest human settlers here were primitive hill tribes. The Saora tribe, in particular, finds a mention in the great ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. Members of the tribe can still be found across the state.
CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Punjab
How the Land Lies This North-Western state shares a border with Pakistan, and with other Indian states. The capital, Chandigarh, a Union Territory, is also the capital of neighbouring Haryana. The name, which it incidentally shares with a province in Pakistan, means ‘land of five rivers’. Crafted with Care For those with a footwear fetish, Punjab is paradise! Traditional embroidered juttis (shoes) come in many varieties. The tilla jutti with curling tips are hand-stitched with silver or golden wire. Juttis from Abohar are embellished with appliqué work, beads or cutwork, while those from Malerkotla are embroidered even on the insoles. Ethnic Fingerprint Founded by Guru Nanak, Sikhism flourished under the stewardship of his nine successors, also called Gurus (teacher/leader). Today there are over 20 million Sikhs worldwide and the religion is ranked as the world’s fifth largest. The orthodox Sikh sports five physical representations of his faith – the Kara or steel bracelet, Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kaccha (cotton drawstring boxer shorts) and Kirpan (ceremonial sword). 32
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Rajasthan
How the Land Lies Area-wise, it is India’s largest state. Rajasthan shares a border with Pakistan, apart from being bounded by other Northern Indian states. The Thar Desert is a part of Rajasthan. Crafted with Care Colour has high priority in Rajasthan. Bandhini (tie-and-dye) designs embellish a majority of its textiles and cloth-based products. Semiprecious stones, enamelled jewellery and block prints are other prominent ways of adding splashes of brightness to the background of desert sands. The unique blue pottery from Jaipur makes a lovely souvenir. Ethnic Fingerprint The bow-and-arrow-wielding Bhils in Rajasthan are among the oldest tribes to inhabit the subcontinent. The state is home to a variety of other tribes too – ranging from the nomadic Gadia Lohar, Banjara and Kathodi, to the cattle-breeding Rabaris. Among the distinct ethnic groups in the region is the Bohra community, a group of Shiaite Muslims. CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Sikkim Crafted with Care Thangkas or scroll paintings of scenes from Buddha's life are specialties of the state. So are small wooden tables decorated with intricate designs. If you’re looking for something ‘funky’, go for the cups with lids, painted with ethnic motifs, available in local markets. Aside from handicrafts, Sikkim is well on the way to establishing 100% organic cultivation. So, look for some organic produce to take back with you.
Photo: Yana Fetova Ukraine
How the Land Lies In terms of population, Sikkim comes last among Indian states, but has 11 official languages! This landlocked Himalayan state, the second smallest in terms of area, rubs shoulders with Nepal, Bhutan and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. The world’s third tallest peak, the Kanchenjunga, lies on its border with Nepal.
Ethnic Fingerprint The Lepchas, known for their skill in archery, are believed to be the first inhabitants of Sikkim. The Bhutias are another native race. For centuries, people from Nepal moved into this region, and now Sikkim is the only state to have an ethnic Nepali majority. 34
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Tamil Nadu How the Land Lies
Ethnic Fingerprint
One of the southern states of India, Tamil Nadu’s
Much of the indigenous population here trace their
neighbours are Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra
roots to the Dravidians, believed
Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
to be the original inhabitants
It hugs the Bay of Bengal, and the southern-most
of the Indus Valley region,
point on the Indian mainland – Kanyakumari – falls
who, for some reason or
within its borders. It’s just a hop, skip and jump
the other, were pushed
away from Sri Lanka.
southward. Tribes who call this region home
Crafted with Care
include the Todas of the
The GI-protected hand-woven silk saris from
Nilgiris, the Irulas, known
Kancheepuram have distinctive colour combinations
for their snake-catching
and motifs in gold lace or thread. Graceful bronze
idols
and
decorative
wall
skills, the Badagas, Kotas and Kurumbas.
hangings make good souvenirs. So do the ornate Tanjore (Thanjavur) paintings
depicting
deities,
embellished with semiprecious stones and gold leaf. Dolls made usually of terracotta or plaster of Paris and assembled so that the merest tap sets them ‘dancing’ are also a speciality of Thanjavur.
CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Telangana
How the Land Lies The baby in the Indian family, Telangana is encircled by five other states. Its borders encompass much of the catchment areas of two major rivers – the Krishna and the Godavari. Hyderabad is the capital of the state. Crafted with Care Pochampally saris, with their distinctive geometric weave, were named after the cluster of villages where they originated, and have the GI stamp. Another craft of the state also bears the name of its place of origin – Nirmal paintings, which are made with organic colours. Ethnic Fingerprint The Chenchus are a tribe native to this part of India. Members of this aboriginal tribe are still largely forest dwellers and good hunters. They are found mainly in the Nallamala Hill area.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Tripura
How the Land Lies Among India’s smallest states, it is bordered by
against wild animals. The indigenous culture of
Bangladesh on three sides, and only one National
many of these tribes is giving way to modern
Highway connects it by road to the rest of India. Yet,
influences. Take Saimar, for example, the language
this north-eastern corner of India has contributed
of one isolated tribe. It is all but extinct; only some
quite a bit to the country’s ethos.
four people are able to speak it.
Crafted with Care There was a time in Tripura when a woman’s worth was judged by her weaving skills! Now, the striking designs that come off the looms of the state’s highly skilled weavers fly off the shelves of stockists across the country. Shawls and dress materials are much in demand abroad, too. The pan-Indian sari, some say, had its genesis in the rignai, part of the traditional attire of Tripura’s tribal women. Ethnic Fingerprint Chakma, Halam and Usai are some of the tribes from this part of India. Traditional Tripura’s houses were elevated structures, to provide some security CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Uttar Pradesh
How the Land Lies
Ethnic Fingerprint
This state, ‘UP’ in location and in acronym,
The Kol tribals are native to northern and central
encompasses a variety of geographical features
India, and can be found in several states, including
because of its sheer size – mountains and plains,
UP. They are associated with Lord Rama, as they
forests and rivers. It shares borders with several
claim descent from Shabari, the tribal woman who
other states and also touches Nepal.
gave the Prince of Ayodhya berries to eat during his exile in the forest. Breaking with tradition, Shabari
Crafted with Care
tasted the berries first to ensure their sweetness – an
The textiles of UP are world famous.
act that would have traditionally made the offering
The heavy brocades from Varanasi
‘impure’. However, Lord Rama accepted the food
are
graciously, and appreciated her gesture as one that
as
popular
as
the
delicate
chikkankari embroidery of Lucknow, and the opulent zardosi embroidery is highly valued too. A niche craft practised
in
the
Lucknow
region is perfume making. Known
as
spices,
attar, herbs,
essential oils of various flowers and
leaves,
and sandalwood oil
are
some
ingredients of the aromatic art.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
stemmed from the best of intentions.
Uttarakhand
How the Land Lies
Ethnic Fingerprint
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the
The Paharis are literally the mountain people of
location of this state is indicated in its very name
Uttarakhand. The original inhabitants of the region
– Uttarakhand – the Northern Land. China’s
are believed to be the aboriginal Kol tribe, who
autonomous Tibet Region and Nepal are its foreign
were later joined by the Khasas. Then there are the
neighbours. This state is very special because it is
Van Gujjars, a nomadic tribe of shepherds. There
the birthplace of two of the country’s major rivers –
are two distinct regions in Uttarakhand – Kumaon
the Ganga and the Yamuna.
and Gharwal. Each has its own ethnic individuality.
Crafted with Care The state is known for its intricate, almost lace-like wood carving work. Temples and homes are lavishly decorated motifs,
with
delicate
geometrical,
floral or religious. The craftsmen even use their skills to enhance the beauty of
the
plentifully
available
driftwood. These make excellent conversation
pieces
in
the
living room, so pick one up when you’re there.
CULTURAMA | August 2020
39
West Bengal
Ethnic Fingerprint The peace-loving Mru tribe is found mostly in the Jalpaiguri area of West Bengal. There is a fair bit of democracy
in
their
social
setup. The ploong is a type of mouth organ that Mru men play. The more elaborate ones are something like How the Land Lies West Bengal encompasses part of the Himalayas, the Ganga runs through it, and it borders the Bay of Bengal. It also abuts three other countries – Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Although counted among the smaller states size-wise, it’s up there with the big ones in terms of population. Kolkata, its capital, is India’s third largest metropolitan city. Crafted with Care The bankura horse and kantha embroidery are two famous handicraft items of West Bengal. The horses, distinctively stylised, are made usually with terracotta and are considered auspicious. Kantha work is done on either cotton or silk, and looks good on both apparel and furnishings. 40
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
bagpipes.
9 Union Territories
Fort in the old city is from where the Prime Minister customarily addresses the nation on Independence Day. New Delhi is distinct from Old Delhi. The
New Delhi: Capital city The place obviously has something going for it. It has been identified as the capital of Indraprastha itself, the ancient kingdom of the Pandavas, immortalised in the epic Mahabharata. Since then, several empires have left their imprints on this city – or rather cities, for Delhi isn’t just one city but a cluster of cities. The whole area has been categorised as the National Capital Region (NCR), while the capital itself has been marked as the National Capital Territory. Administratively, it is like
present-day administrative area was designed by the famed architect, Edwin Lutyens. It has as its centre the sprawling, magnificent Rashtrapathi Bhavan, official residence of the President of India. Shop till you drop at Chandni Chowk, take a tonga ride through the old city and then hop on to the Metro for a study in contrasts. Gorge on street food – spicy kebabs and piping hot chole bhature, nihari – a slow-cooked meat dish, and cool kulfi are among the top favourites. Foodies, don’t miss the Gali Paranthe Wali – you get Indian breads with a mouth-watering choice of fillings there!
a mini-state, with its own Legislature and Cabinet of Ministers, led by a Chief Minister. In keeping with its history, the architecture and ambience of the capital region is a charming mix of the old and the new. Stately old edifices, burnished with history, rub shoulders with gleaming, modern steeland-glass structures. The many narrow, twisting, crowded lanes and by-lanes are as much a part of the city as the broad, arterial Rajpath, with the majestic India Gate straddling it. There’s history everywhere you turn – at the ancient Qtub Minar and Jantar Mantar, at Humayun’s Tomb and Shakti Sthal, at Raj Ghat and Parliament House. The Red
Photo: Alan Dougans Australia CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Chandigarh: Double Role Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. It is a planned city, designed by French architect Le Corbousier in 1953. Look for the ‘Open Hand’ emblem that stands 85 feet tall, signifying peace, as well as the importance of both giving and receiving.
Daman and Diu: Portuguese Connection
Daman and Diu bear the imprints of Portuguese colonisation.
Diu
is
a
tiny island with a balmy climate,
while
Daman
is on the mainland. The ruins of the Dominican Seminary here are worth a visit. It once attracted Catholic scholars from distant places. 42
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Dadra-Nagar Haveli: Meet the Lion A cluster of 72 villages, Dadra-Nagar Haveli lies in India’s western region, nestling between the states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Silvassa is the capital. The Vasona Lion Safari is a big tourist attraction.
Andaman and Nicobar: In a Time Warp
Photo: Helen Taylor UK
A little over 570 tropical islands in the Bay of Bengal make up the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar. Of them, only 38 are inhabited. They have been largely isolated from external influences and are thus of great interest to anthropologists and scientists specialising in various disciplines. Some of the tribes are of great antiquity. Some are on the verge of extinction. There are just a handful of Andamanese, for example. Entry of tourists, particularly foreigners, is restricted. The Cellular Jail at the capital, Port Blair, is sacred to the memory of many freedom fighters who spent their last days there, in the most wretched and inhuman of conditions. CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Lakshadweep: Islands in Plenty The Archipelago of Lakshadweep are the only coral islands in India. Only five of them are open to tourists, and entry of foreigners is restricted to only two. Kavaratti, the capital, has a whopping 52 mosques, and, of them, Ujra is particularly revered because of a well which is believed to have extraordinary curative powers.
Puducherry: French Flavour The Union Territory of Puducherry, earlier known as Pondicherry, is made up of four disparate enclaves, three on one side of peninsular India, and the fourth on the opposite side. It takes its name from the largest enclave, and the French colonists had a strong presence in all four. Puducherry still has a strong Gaelic flavour, with French architecture and street names. It is the setting for a part of the Booker Prize–winning Life of Pi. And it is the home of the Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo.
Photo: JeanDenis Lenoir France
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Jammu and Kashmir: Paradise on Earth
Photo: Christine Valade France
Think Jammu and Kashmir, and Pashmina shawls come immediately to mind. The genuine article is made exclusively of wool from the undercoat of a breed of goat that lives in high-altitude areas, and is eye poppingly expensive. When mixed with ordinary wool though, they’re more affordable. Carpets, distinctive embroidery in floral designs, and papier mâche artifacts are other specialties of the state. The region was predominantly populated by nomadic herdsmen who moved from one mountain slope to the next in search of pasture for their flocks of sheep and goats. The Dogras are the largest ethnic group; the Gujjars and Gaddis are two others.
Ladakh: The Land of Mystic Lamas The masked dance in the Hemis Monastery of Ladakh is a not to-be-missed experience. Monks, clad in rich costumes and wearing masks to represent mythological characters, put up this ceremonial performance. Wanawun music is distinctly Kashmiri, performed during wedding ceremonies. The Rouff, Dumhal, Nagma and Dogri are famous folk dances, while ghazals and Sufi songs are popular genres of music in the area.
The above content has been taken from 29 Indias: One Nation, a special coffee table book from Global Adjustments. Check out Global Adjustments Foundation’s special video on One India: 28 States and 9 UTs on ChampionWoman YouTube. CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Spotlight
Festivities in the air
Festivals have been bringing people together for centuries. They bring in positive values and a certain zest that helps build a better and blissful society. Festivals in India have always had a certain flair and spirit that make it all the more exciting and fun. Divya Ramesh takes a look at some of the exciting festival line-up this August
Rakshabandhan – August 3 Rakshabandhan or Rakhi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Shravana (August). It celebrates the love and bond shared between brothers and sisters. On this day, the sister applies tilak and ties a Rakhi, a coloured string, on her brother’s wrist, signifying the affection and well wishes for him. In turn, the brother gives a gift or even a small amount of money (kharchi) as a promise to protect the sister from any harm. The festival dates back to the Mahabharatha where Draupadi tied a piece of cloth from her sari onto Krishna’s injured wrist and, in turn, Krishna swore to protect Draupadi from any harm. 46
August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Krishna Jayanthi – August 11 Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month on Bhadon (August/September). Lord Krishna also happens to be the eighth and most powerful human reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees fast till midnight; the image of Lord Krishna is bathed in milk and rose water, followed by aarthi and distribution of sweets (prasaad). The festival is celebrated with joyful dance-dramas of Lord Krishna’s stories, chanting or singing of bhajans and a special event called Dahi Handi, where people form a human pyramid to break a pot filled with butter or ghee, dry fruits and milk, which is suspended in the air. This event takes place to signify the famous term used to describe Lord Krishna as Makhanchor, one who steals butter. Ganesh Chaturthi – August 22 Ganesh Chaturthi, also called Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a grand 10-day festival to honour the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha. He is the younger son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. During this festival, homes are cleaned thoroughly, decorated pandals are set up, and idols of Lord Ganesh are brought home. A ritual called Pranapratishtha is observed to invoke life in the deity. Sweets such as laddus and jaggery are offered to the Lord, along with 21 pieces of modak, as a special Bhog (food given to the Gods). On the 10th and final day, the idol is immersed in the sea, to signify the return to his family in Mount Kailash, during which people celebrate with live drums, Holi colours, and fireworks to bid adieu to the idol. It is believed that Parvati had made Lord Ganesha out of clay/mud with her own hands, which is what the idols are made of, with a few artisan touches, during the festival. CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Onam – August 31 Onam marks the annual visit to the Earth of the mythical King Mahabali. The 10-day festival has two significances, one, it is the celebration of harvest, which is tied to the golden age of prosperity in the month of Chingam (August-September), two, it is held to celebrate Mahabali's return from the netherworld, to where he had been banished by Vamana, to the Kerala he had ruled. People make carpets of flowers known as ‘Pookkalam’. Many activites take place during this time, including Vallamkali (boat race), Pulikali (street dance by trained artistes dressed as tigers), Onathappan (clay structure made for worship), Thumbi Thullal (all-woman folk dance) and Kummattikali (mask dance), followed by a lavish feast or ‘Sadhya’, which is served on banana leaves and topped up with Payasam, on Thirovonam day. The 10 days are named after the stars in the Malayalam calendar as Atham, Chithira, Chodhi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and Thiruvonam, the first and the last marked by their importance.
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
EX CAMERA
Into
Forget crayons, this is the new favourite
INDIA Team Culturama takes a look at some of the Into India moments from our expat friends Photo: Cedric Fontant France
Blessing from the Elephant God
Photo: Anne Lise Mesplont France
Make some noise
Photo: Yoojin Lee South Korea CULTURAMA | August 2020
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Learning the art of printing
Flying high
Photo: Verunka Ondrackova France
New best friend
Photo: Marlon Pieris Canada
Admiring the ancient beauty
Photo: Claudia Gonella UK
Framing the messenger of Lord
Photo: Arnaud Passieux France
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
Photo: Ruxandra Cruceana Passieux Romania
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August 2020 | CULTURAMA
REALTY
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