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Monday, December 13, 2010

Utsavam - The Kerala Arts Festival (19 Dec 2010 - 27 Feb 2011)

It is a stage that gets bigger by presence…

It is an event that gets noticed due to its variety and it is a cultural feast that is Kerala's very Own – Utsavam 2010-2011!

In 14 Districts

2010 Dec 19 - 2011 Feb 27

About 364 Programmes... More than 79 art forms... Around 1000 artistes

Be a part of this lavish cultural feast, spread all over Kerala!

On a broad stage called Kerala Theatre, the traditional folk, tribal and classical art forms are many and mesmerizing. It is a delightful experience to witness these art forms in its authentic style, presented by seasoned artistes, who bring out their best, consistently. Over the years, it has become a challenge for these artistes, to sustain their sole livelihood. Besides this, some of the ancient and traditional art forms of Kerala are fast slipping into clutches of extinction.

It was these circumstances that prompted Kerala Tourism to go for a creative interaction, leading to a cultural awakening to sustain and popularize the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Kerala. We found the answer through UTSAVAM, a veritable cultural feast aimed to contribute enough opportunities for the endangered and the lesser-known art forms and artistes of Kerala.
Cultural Kerala
More than its monumental structures, palaces and museums, visitors to Kerala are amused at the State's cultural treasure trove that is rich in artistic marvels, myriad traditions and age-old rituals that are good enough reasons for them to explore and experience the unique cultural milieu of 'God's Own Country – Kerala.'

Utsavam 2010-2011 is one such occasion, where you could invariably witness and experience the spirit and richness of Kerala's fascinating cultural heritage.

The third edition of Utsavam would kick off on 19 December, 2010 and would conclude on 27 February, 2011. The event ensures the active participation of the local bodies, NGO's, Tourism clubs, youth clubs and the local community in its various stages right from the beginning of the selection of art forms and venues. Utsavam 2010-2011 has a plethora of programmes, conceived and staged in a manner that would eventually become a memorable experience for the audience. There will be lecture demonstrations and interpretations with the help of flyers. The senior most artistes in various fields will be honoured during the programmes. The event will be the first of its kind in the State with the active support of the Government and the local community.

Utsavam 2010-2011 is being organized in 14 districts of Kerala. From the list of districts given below, you can find the programme schedule for each of the fourteen districts.
Program Schedule
	THIRUVANANTHAPURAM KOLLAM ALAPPUZHA PATHANAMTHITTA KOTTAYAM IDUKKI ERNAKULAM	THRISSUR PALAKKAD MALAPPURAM KOZHIKODE WAYANAD KANNUR KASARAGOD

ART FORMS

Utsavam 2010-2011 has a repertoire of Folk, Ritual, Tribal as well as Classical art forms of Kerala. These art forms are unique in their performance and sophistication. At Utsavam 2009-2010 you would be treated to a grand spectacle of art forms, staged at venues spread across Kerala. Seasoned artistes and their performances are bound to produce their best, which would in turn provide opportunities to understand the origin, background and etiquettes of each art form.

Be it the simple and down to earth tribal art forms; the vivacious folk arts; the age-old ritual arts or the sophisticated classical art forms…Utsavam 2009-2010 is without doubt the grand theatre for Kerala art forms.

1	Arjuna Nrutham
2	Alamikkali
3	Arambanamuttu
4	Ayyappan Theeyattu
5	Balikkala
6	Chakyarkoothu
7	Charadupinnikkali
8	Chattupattu
9	Chavittukali
10	Chavittunadakam
11	Chonankali
12	Daffumuttu
13	Dharikavadham
14	Gaddika
15	Irulanrutham
16	Kakkarissinadakam
17	Kalamezhuthu
18	Kalidarikan
19	Kambalanrutham
20	Kanyarkali
21	Kathakali
22	Kenthron Pattu
23	Kethrattam
24	Kolattakkali
25	Kolkali
26	Koodiyattam
27	Kooliyattam
28	Koottukottipadiseva
29	Kummattikkali
30	Kurathiyattam
31	Kurumbanrutham
32	Kuthirakali
33	Kuthiyottam
34	Malappulayattam
35	Malyankettu
36	Mangalam Kali
37	Mappilappattu
38	Marathukali
39	Mayooranrutham
40	Mohiniyattam
41	Monthayum Thalavum
42	Mudiyattam
43	Mudiyettu
44	Muduganrutham
45	MulamChenda
46	Nadan Nrutham
47	Nadan Pattu
48	Nangyarkoothu
49	Ottanthullal
50	Padayani
51	Pakkanarattam
52	Panapporattu
53	Paniyartheyam
54	Parichamuttukali
55	Poorakkali
56	Poothanum Thirayum
57	Pulluvanpattu
58	Sangakkali
59	Sasthampattu
60	Shlamakkarol
61	Sopanasangeetham
62	Thacholikkali
63	Thangalum Padayum
64	Theyyam
65	Thidambunrutham
66	Thirayattam
67	Thiriyuzhichil
68	Thiruvathira
69	Tholpavakoothu
70	Thottampattu
71	Thudippattu
72	Thumbithullal
73	Vattakkali
74	Vattayum Thirippu Sambradayam
75	Velakali
76	Vellattu
77	Vilpattu
78	Yakshaganabommayattam
79	Yakshaganam

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

why kerala is called god's own country

Highlight : Most Spectacular Festivals
Major Festivals : Onam Festival, Kerala Boat Race, Pongal
Destinations : Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargod, Malappuram, Ernakulam
What To Do : See Rangoli (Floral Pattern), Taste 'Payasam'

Elephant Festival, Thrissur - Kerala

FACT FILE
Tourist Festivals :	Onam Festival, Kerala Boat Festival, Vishu Festival, Thrissur Pooram Festival, Payippad Jelotsavam Festival, Attukal Pongala Festival, Makaravillakku at Sabarimala Festival, Chistmas Festival, Theyyam Festival.
Famous Festivals :	Onam Festival, Kerala Boat Festival, Thrissur Pooram Festival.
Vacation Festival :	Onam Festival, Elephant Parade.
Religious Festivals :	Jagannatha Festival – Kannur, Sabarimala Festival, Aratttu, Attukal Pongal Festival.
Activities :	Shopping for Rural Artifacts, Boat Race, Cultural Programmes, Elephant Safari.
Festive Magic :	Folk Song and Dances, Elephant Ride, Snake Boat Competition.
Not To Miss :	Boat Race, Elephant Safari and Festive Cuisines.
Timings :	Onam – Aug-Sept, Vishnu Festival – March – April, Thrissur Pooram – April – May.

The most important difference between animals and humans is perhaps, the animals cannot celebrate their good spirits, except in pages of fairy tales. In humans too, we have some people amongst ourselves, who will prefer sitting in front of an idiot-box and increase the level of fatty acids in their body, rather than going out and run wild. However, there are some people still left in this world, who want to enjoy harder and it is only because of their thirst, that we come across so many colourful occasions in our life. Kerala is one such state and why not, afterall it is God's own country. Celebrated with overwhelming excitement and hilarity, Malayali festivals are like priceless gems, trimming the crown of Kerala with irrefutable charm of age-old tradition and culture. Round the year these moments of celebrations create a vibrant trove of merriment in Kerala and bring a revolution amidst the mundane affairs of life. Enjoy festival tours of Kerala to see the most popular festival of Kerala India.

Lose Yourself In The Whirlpool of Merriment

Every month turns up as a new face, every season winds up as a reason to celebrate in Kerala. Each of these carnivals are a true celebration of the bounties of nature and a way to show gratitude for all the things God has bestowed us with. Everything is same, be it a craze for new clothes, rituals or the joyous rhythm that makes everyone twist a step or two, but even then there is something, that individualizes each moment from the other. It is the way these famous festivals in Kerala are celebrated.

Among the most awaited and upcoming Kerala festival and events is the 10 day Onam festival is Kerala's most opulently celebrated festival, honouring King Mahabali, a mythological king of ancient Kerala, whose period is eulogized as the golden age in the history of the state. Onam brings out the true elegance of Kerala; a land where nature is in its full throttle and where the people know how to extract the best out of their life. This is one festival that cuts across the barriers of caste, creed and religion and is marked by cultural events such as folk music and dance performances by locals.

After Onam, Vishu is the most important festival of Kerala, celebrated as the Malayalam New Year day. It is a common belief that the first thing that one sees on waking up on Vishu day ('Vishukkani') is indicative of the fortune of the coming year. At the dawn, the Malayali's begin the first day of the Year by waking up in front of Kani (Kani Kanal), which is bedecked with gold ornaments, white clothes, pots filled up with rice or paddy, bell metal mirror, Konna flowers, halved jack fruits, halved coconuts and yellow cucumber. Behind the pot a garlanded deity of Lord Krishna is kept illuminated by two standing oil lamps. The mosy uncanny part is that Iyers will mot see anything, but a Kani and even children are brought blind folded from their beds to where the Kani is kept.

Karthigai is possibly the only light festival that is celebrated in Malayali houses. The village temple arranges for a bonfire of useless materials and every family takes a burning torch made of palm leaves (Chootu) from this fire to the house. Oil lights are lit in houses and the whole town radiates like a spinning nebula on the face of a black sky, an awesome sight to behold. The place is ready to hold some of the most famous events in Kerala

Onam Festival - Rangoli - Kerala

Minute Minutes of Merry

Thiruvatira is a women's festival, celebrated widely in Kerala in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. The festival commemorates the death of Kamadeva, the cupid of Hindu mythology. The aim of the celebration is conjugal harmony and happiness, with the women adorned in colourful sarees, wearing white, black or red marks, lower down the middle of their foreheads close to the part where the two eyebrows embrace one another and chewing betel leaves, thus reddening their mouth and lips. Enjoy festive tours fo Kerala to be a part of the festive celebrations.

Christmas, too is widely celebrated by Christians and others, to honour the glory of the nativity of Jesus. Perhaps, no other festival is so enriched with so many customs and ceremonies, as Christmas. One can look at the wide array of pageant like Christmas Star, Christmas tree, the Crib, Christmas cake, Christmas presents and above all Santa Claus. The last named is quite a fascinating identity, who claims to be the very incarnation of the most vibrant and quintessence of the gayest of all the festivals. The festival of Pongal is also celebrated in a gala way. However, the practice of making pongal with the new grain and milk, as in Tamil Nadu, is absent in Malayali homes. It is fascinating to see the entire courtyard decorated with Kolam (floral designs made of white stone powder). The next day to Pongal is 'Kanu' or 'Mattu Pongal', which is usually lionized by preparing different types of mixed rice preparations and offering it to crows early in the morning before bath, by the women. The function is generally observed for the happiness of ancestors of the family and the brothers give no cash presents to younger sisters, as in Tamil Nadu. All the festivals of Kerala are an unique time to get drenched in the festivities of the Kerala people

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Weekend Getaways near Pune

Once the capital of Maratha Empire, Pune is the city of legendary Maratha leader Shivaji and has the history of being the alternative capital of British. The city known for its numerous historic monuments, Pune in the present times has evolved as a thriving centre of business and education which also houses Osho Meditation Resort. Thus a popular tourist destination, Pune is frequented not just by vacationers, but also those on business and educational tours. While in the vicinity one must not miss the interesting sites surrounding the main city. Situated a few kilometres away from Pune some beauteous hills are ideal for weekend getaways. Rich with geographical splendour and history dating back to the age of royalty these sightseeing places are located in close proximity and are well connected. Some of the weekend getaways around Pune are:

Lonavala

While opting for weekend packages to tour around Pune one must add this beautiful hill station as well. Well connected with Mumbai-Pune highway, Lonavala is easy to reach. The angelic beauty of this pretty countryside appears best during the monsoon season. With cascading waterfalls and quaint ponds the verdant vistas creating appropriate backdrop, the time of rainy season in Lonavala is ideal for a visit to the region. In Lonavala one must visit Reyewood Park & Shivaji Udyan and the pristine Lonavala Lake.

Panchgani

A scenic hill station, Panchgani is located approximately 100 kilometres away from Pune. Nestled amidst lush Sahyadri mountain ranges its beauty is only enhanced with the beauteous Krishna River flowing nearby. The place is surrounded by five hills and on the top lays a volcanic plateau which is the second highest in Asia. The area is a favourite picnic place for residents of Pune and is dotted with numerous gorgeous sightseeing attractions making it an ideal retreat for enjoying weekend breaks around Pune. The highlights of Panchgani includes the hilltop overlooking Krishna River valley- Sydney Point, the large expanse of laterite rock- Table Land and a beauteous spot overlooking azure waters of Dhom Dam- Parsi Point and more.

Alibag

A coastal town, Alibag is a small city was once renowned for its gardens of mango and coconut trees. In the current times it is the beaches of Alibag that makes it one of the highly preferred Weekend Getaway Around Pune. One can choose from a number of pristine beaches of Alibag including Alibag beach, Varsoli beach, Akshi beach, Nagaon beach, Kihim-Navgaon Beach, Kashid Beach and more. Those eager to see something more than just the beaches can explore other highlights of the region including the famous temples such as Kanakeshwar temple, Birla temple, Uma Maheswhar temple and Balaji temple. Also visit Kolaba fort, Murud-Janjira fort and Magnetic observatory while in the vicinity.

Book Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai

Mumbai is where the dreams of many take wings. Mumbai, mainly a business city, is also the biggest hub of entertainment that attracts tourists across the globe. Mumbai Weekend Getaways package is an excursion to some of the awe inspiring venues like Alibaug, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and Matheran.

The crystal clear water of Alibaug's beaches, the unpolluted air in the hill station of Matheran, the mountainous precinct of Mahabaleshwar and serene lakes of Lonavala forms an important part of the weekend getaway tour.

These cities are to be found in the distance range of 100-500 kms. The holidaymakers get a chance to espy pageantry of beaches, forts and sacred temples. The Mumbai Weekend Getaway suits to the needs of those who covet for fun filled time with their spouse in weekend.

Mumbai Weekend Getaways at Sun N Beach Resort, Alibaug

Sun n Sea Beach Resort is a 3 Star Resort which is just 45 minutes away from Mumbai via catamaran.
Meal Plan: Includes Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner

Mumbai Weekend Getaways at Fariyas Holiday Resort, Lonavala

Fariyas Holiday Resort, situated in Lonavla on natures' lap, leaves you spell-bound with all your tensions melting away as you get wrapped and...
Meal Plan: Includes Breakfast and Lunch or Dinner with taxes

Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Indian Food

India is a land of diversity.Her myriad landscapes, varied tongues, resplendent festivals and multi-ethnicity reflect the culture of this ancient land. indian cuisine, which is as diverse and splendid as the colorful country, has gained connoisseurs, even among the rich and the renowned, across the globe. Since the pre-Christian era, the aroma of the famous indian spices wafted far enough to attract traders, and eventually invaders, from distant lands.

My parents, like most true-blood Indians, love to shower people with their hospitality and feed them till they’re almost ready to burst. We Indians are known for our need to treat our guests with the utmost care and generosity, and one common way we all seem to achieve in doing so is through our food. Food holds a very special place in any Indian household. No festivity is complete without a table laden with colourful dishes end to end, enough to please

a king.It’s no wonder that out of all the rooms in a home, many Indians take the most pride in showing you their kitchens. Truly, we love food, and our life surrounds it. Our conversations, no matter how they begin always seem to divert to the food related with the topic in question. A simple wedding announcement would automatically lead to the designing of the menu. Even meeting up with a long lost friend would be done over lunch or dinner, over food they could reminisce about.

While our meals may be laced with rich aromatic flavours, what I look forward to the most at any Indian-inspired party is the platter of appetizers. Indian hors d’oeuvres range from savoury street food, like the most loved samosas (deep fried pastry filled with potatoes) and pakodas (spiced fritters), to the ever famous tandoori tikkas (marinated meat grilled in a clay oven). They are steamed, grilled and fried. They come in various sizes and shapes, some that can be daintily picked by two fingers, and others that require a spoon and lots of napkins. No matter in what form, they each have something special to offer, and no cocktail party would regret having them.

Ask any one who has ever walked the streets of any major Indian city, be it Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore; and they will attest to the fact that no evening stroll is complete without making a stop at one of the many hawker stalls that surround every busy area in these cities. Street after street, stall after stall, you will be greeted by smiling faces and tempting plates that urge you to come and give it a try. Smothered with spicy and tangy chutneys, yogurt and tons of other fixings, each plate creates a whole new tale in your mouth.

For beginners, eating an Indian meal might be somewhat of problem let alone cooking a balanced Indian meal. Indian food is designed to be eaten with the group. Unlike western food, Indian food cannot be eaten or served without a combination. Thus, even though you like that curried vegetable or chutney, try not to eat it by itself. Combine it with rice or Indian bread or with other dishes. This will help you enjoy the meal more and will not give any digestion problems later.

And don't even get me start talking about Indian Sweets, When it comes to Indian Taste, Sweets are sweeter than sugar , filled with yummy juices!

Tunde Kababs - Aminabad , Lucknow

What is the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear the word "LUCKNOW" ? the response of any Indian would be "Nawabs" and "Kababs" I was born & raised 80 Km from Lucknow so was lucky enough to spends many delicious weekends there. The famous and old Tunde Kabas is a "Kabab Shop" in Aminabad,Lucknow. Its a pilgrimage for food lovers.Lucknow is proud of its Kebabs. The Kakori Kebabs, Galawat ke Kebabs, Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs, Patili-ke-Kebabs, Ghutwa Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs are some of the others among the known varieties.
I am a vegetarian but still I have been to Tunde Kababs (with friends and family!) enough times to take it as a fact and a non arguable universal truth that "Tunde's are the best Kababs in the Milky Way". Legend has it that a rich Lucknowi nobleman once lost all his teeth, yet couldn’t give up his love for kababs. So he ordered his master chef to whip up a kabab that he could eat without missing his teeth, meaning, the kabab had to just melt in his mouth. So successful was the experiment that the recipe lived on.

Food has history in Lucknow. The famous Tunda Kebab is so named because it was a specialty of an one-armed chef. The uniqueness of this kebab is the masala (home made spices)which is a zealously guarded family secret and prepared by women in the family. It is said to incorporate 160 spices.
I counted it in my list as it denotes not just the Avadh delicacies but a century old tradition of taste that has been an inherent feature of the ‘Land Of Avadh’.
Tunde Kababs on Facebook.
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