Pictures India

Qutub Minar, Delhi - India

2008-11-02T20:54:00.000-08:00

Qutub Minar
Architectural patterns of qutub minar on the top of Qutub minar

Qutub minar, the tallest Tower monument in India

Quwwat-ul-islam mosque compound in the Historic structures around qutub minar

The Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish lies, the son-in-law of Qutabuddin Aibak

Different style motifs on qutub minar complex, you can see the mixtures of All Indian Relegion's symbols and style
Asoka Pillar in the Qutub Minar Complex
Ashoka Pilar

Arabic Calligraphy on walls in Qutub minar complex.

This historic place is situated in Delhi, and one of the most visited Tourist place in Delhi.

Photos India Travel destinations

2008-10-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

Sri Krishna

Amazing Photographs

Food India, local Food India, Food thali India, Rajasthani food

2008-09-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

Spicy Indian curry, Mix veg and Shahi Paneer

Indian spicy curries- The Indian spicy curries taste great and visually looks good. One can find little lightly spiced curries to heavy spicy gravies in Indian food market and both the types of curries taste amazing.

You can enjoy a variety of local food in India

Rice - Veg Pulao, Daal, Kadi, Mix vegetables, Rayta, Salad, Pickel, Achaar Etc.

Animals and Wildlife india, Tiger, Deer and Spider

2008-09-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

The Golden Reflection

2008-08-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Golden Temple in Amritsar

Right from my childhood, when I read about Golden Temple in my study books, I used to wonder that how come an entire temple is built up of gold; or it is the golden color that attributes to its name. So, visiting Amritsar had a prime intention – to pay a visit to this religious abode of the Sikhs. The first glance of spectacular Golden Temple left me spellbound, when I first saw it from a distance at evening time.

Though I visited it again at day time, I will never be able to forget the first glance of Golden Temple. It is situated amidst a lake and what I found was a bridge that leads to the magnificent temple. It is really impossible to pen down the beauty of that well lit architectural splendor under the moonlight. It was really impossible to infer which looked more beautiful- the Golden Temple above water or its reflection in the pellucid lake water. It remains to be the most cherishing moment of my entire Amritsar trip.

Golden Temple is not only one of the prime religious buildings of the Sikhs, but its architectural brilliance attracts people from all over the nation, irrespective of religious affinity. It is also known as Darbar Sahib or Harmandir Sahib, though it is much popular by the name of Golden Temple. Pictures India has portrayed the beauty of Golden temple, at its best.

Colorful Vase - Adding Life To The Interior Decor

2008-08-22T16:05:00.000-07:00

Partial View Of A Colorful Vase

For some days I was thinking of changing the interior decor of the house, as I was bored at the arrangement of artifacts and the overall décor. I completely believe in that notion that sometimes a little change in room décor can uplift the mood. As overall remodeling is quite a costly affair, I thought of rearranging the position of artifacts with obviously the inclusion of something new. I am often indecisive about my own room décor, as I am really possessive about that little personal space of mine. So, the décor of the living room became the first experimental venture of my last weekend.

A busy bee right from the morning, I was almost hunting through the unused artifacts, to get better replacement of the existing ones. I was spellbound to see a colorful vase, lying neglected among the unused items. It required less cogitation to decide on making it the focal point of my living room décor. With the perfect blend of a riot of colors - it is an object of mesmerizing beauty. I just placed the vase with some twigs inside it at the corner of the room, where there was already the scope of accent lighting and half of my job was done. I could not help myself but appreciate the beauty of my own creation as I switched on the light. The vase, otherwise a sought after piece for still life drawing, added life to my living room. The glow of the vase imparted a new look to the overall interior décor.

If you wish, you can take a look at the beauty of the colorful vase in Pictures India.

Visit To An Amusement Park

2008-08-19T04:25:00.000-07:00

Flora and Fauna on Display

I have been to Delhi quite a number of times. So, when I thought of spending a couple of weeks at my friend’s place, I made up my mind, to make it a leisure trip than spending my entire time running from one tourist attraction to the other. Rarely, one gets a chance to explore the capital city of India, as I did. Reena, my friend, had also shifted to Delhi quite a few months back. So, it was such a nice experience to explore a city, unknown to both of us. One fine morning, one of Reena’s friends called up and she invited us for an outing in Japanese Garden.

The name ‘Japanese Garden’ was not so familiar to both of us. We were surprised to know that it is an amusement park, very near to Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the place where we visited just two days back. We were rally amazed to see the beautiful destination as soon as we entered the park gate. Located in Sector 11, this amusement park has so much to offer. We spent the entire day sitting on the carpeted grass and gossiping with new friends. Reena and I went for a walk beside the woods and the beautiful lake. It goes without saying that the park is rich in flora, of which, the colorful seasonal flowers demand a special attention. It is undoubtedly a well maintained picturesque garden.

What I liked the most about the park is its beautiful exhibition of flower animals. Does it appear strange? Actually it was an exhibition of flower arrangement. Animal structures were decorated with a variety of colored flowers. There were deer, giraffe, birds and the small children were clapping their hands and they were so happy to find familiarity with the picture of animals in their school books. I think the joy in their faces was the best prize for the people who organized such an exhibition. Pictures India offers a myriad of such beautiful pictures from the plant kingdom.

Salute to National Spirit at Wagah Border

2008-08-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Wagah Border in Amritsar

The bedtime stories of my grandmother about her native place in Dhaka in unpartitioned India, have always made me inquisitive to know about this land, which was once a part of our nation. I have always enjoyed the stories of my grandfather, a renowned doctor of Bhulta, in the then East Pakistan, riding in his horse, to visit his patient’s house. As a child, I refused to understand why we did not visit to our ancestral home, and why it was regarded as a separate nation. Thanks to the history and civics books in my school studies, which answered all my queries, but invoked the urge to see how a border actually looks like. So, I made prior arrangements to pay a visit to Wagah Border, on my trip to Amritsar.

We had to travel almost 28 kilometers from the city of Amritsar, to reach Wagah Border, the only road border crossing in between Pakistan and India. Wagah was just like any other place, only difference being the barriers on both the sides that were guarded by army of the two nations, on their respective sides. Gradually the place became crowded as if some show would begin. Yes, it was indeed worth an experience – the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony that begun quite a few minutes later. At the time of sunset, both the country’s soldiers marched in a perfect drill and sequentially followed the ceremonial lowering of the respective national flags that marked the end of the day.

The nationalistic feelings of the people were clearly visible in their eyes, which they expressed through a huge round of applause. This daily affair, which is celebrated with great pomp, definitely increases the importance of Amritsar, much more than a mere travel destination in the state of Punjab. Catch a glance of this daily ceremonial affair in the image gallery of Pictures India.

Surreal Beauty of Betalbatim Beach in Goa

2008-08-12T02:25:00.000-07:00

Goa Betalbatim Beach

In spite of my visit to Goa quite a few years back, the memory of the pristine blue water of Arabian Sea and the picturesque Goa beaches, each unique in its appearance, are so fresh that it seems I visited just a few days back. I cannot stop but continue describing the natural beauty, when it is about Goa; the reason being my unconditional love for beach destination along with the surreal beauty of these Arabian Sea beaches, which is simply irresistible.

While gazing lazily through the pictures in Pictures India, I was amazed at the picture of Betalbatim Beach in the image gallery. It was an exact representation of the picture, which I had in mind. Before I saw the image, I used to repent for not being able to capture the magic of Betalbatim Beach, in my own camera. Though less talk about in respect to other Goa beaches, Betalbatim has its own seductive beauty.

I did not know much about Betalbatim Beach, and just thought of visiting it once. It was just like any other beach, before the magical show of sunset began. The experience was simply engrossing. Suns rays started playing with the cerulean water of the Arabian Sea thereby changing its colors to nearly every possible hues of a painter’s palate. It won’t be a bit of exaggeration if I say that it was a dream sequence, until the sun bid farewell, allowing the moon to dominate over the sky. I still treasure the beauty of nature in that small but alluring beach of Goa.

A Visit to Qutub Minar

2008-08-09T02:27:00.000-07:00

Qutub Minar

On my way to Rajasthan a couple of months ago I could not resist the lure of Delhi, her monuments and the architecture there and on the spur of the moment decided to spend a quick evening strolling around Qutub Minar in Delhi. I did not have much time in hand, and utilized the entire evening roaming through the premises of Qutub Minar in the enclosure, without attempting to know much of the history behind it or intricacies of the monument. But visiting the territory anywhere near the great monument and not being voluntarily instructed and informed by the locals or the guides is fairly impossible.

The massive imposing pillar of the Qutub Minar still has its impression as strong as when I first saw it. Reluctantly though, I soon got to know the facts: In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din created the Qutub Minar either as a victory pillar or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque of Quwwatu’l-Islam Masjid. Eventually completed by Iltutmish, it tapers from a base of diameter 14.32meters to 2.75meters at a height of 72.5meters. The commentary on beside my ears, I could not take my eyes off the red sandstone tower embellished with projecting balconies with stalactite pendant like type of brackets and inscribed with inspirational verses from the Holy Quran. Moving around led me to other monuments and ancient structures like the Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza, and the Tomb of Iltutmish.

My trip mostly inspired by my short glance at the Qutub Minar images in Pictures India site back home, turned out to a rather fulfilling one.

Spectacular Mayur Morani Dance of Rajasthan

2008-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Mayur Morani Dance

Since a little child, I have learnt to appreciate the folk dance and music, which is very own to out Motherland. So, I was overwhelmed to accept the invitation of being a part of the Loktarang Festival, at the beginning of this year. As a part of Republic Day Celebrations, it is one of the popular Indian cultural festivals, which showcases the creative talent of the Indians. Though I liked all the performances, it was Mayur Morani dance of Rajasthan that compelled me to tap my feet with the tunes of the music.

It seems that folk dance and music is deep rooted in the culture of Rajasthan, without which the existence of the state is at stake. The music is in the air of this Indian state. You can get an idea of the culture of Rajasthan simply by browsing the images of Pictures India.

I have never seen a colorful peacock, dance with joy, during the monsoons. But, as soon as the performers of Mayur Morani Dance took the centre stage, it seemed as if a number of peacocks are dancing with joy, in order to welcome the rain. Dressed in bright blue costume and with the peacock feathers attached to their back, they left no stone unturned to resemble a peacock. Not only their attire, the postures of Mayur Morani Dance was simply splendid – I have rarely seen such a graceful dance before.

While watching the dance, I felt a resemblance with Lord Krishna and Radha. Through this dance, the dancers imitate the love in between these two eternal mythological characters. Lord Krishna in order to please his alleged beloved Radha, disguises himself as a peacock and dances in front of Radha. It is indeed a spectacular dance performance, which is surely one of the memorable dance performances, I have ever watched.

Candle Light Dinner

2008-08-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Colorful Gel Candles

It goes without saying that candle light dinner with the special person of your life, is one of the sought after plans of the modern generation. Though the concept is borrowed from the West, we, the Indians, have welcomed it in our culture whole heartedly. And, when the question is of candle light dinner, it can be said that gel candles are the most indispensable par of it, the other important thing being the food. Jokes apart, it is next to impossible to visualize a candle light dinner without the colorful gel candles.

While lazily browsing through the images in Pictures India, a lovely idea popped in my mind – to organize a candle light re union dinner with school friends; but with a difference. I thought to give it a personal touch by organizing it at my home. So, my planning started right after. Being an ardent explorer of new ideas in Interior Designing, it was not much a brain storming to decide about the décor of the night. The attic room began its dressing with suitable everyday items, as per my fantasy.

It will be completely wrong if I do not say that I wasn’t nervous on the D day. I was the busy bee right from the morning. Just to be safe, prior to the arrival of my guests, I lighted all the beautiful gel candles and as soon as I switched off the electrical light, I was astonished at my own creativity. The room décor was completely mesmerizing with the glow of the colorful candles that was creating an aura of romance. So, it was my first successful event management. I attribute most of my success to the bright and colorful candles that made my event a grand success.

Flavors of the Desert - Rajasthani Food

2008-08-02T03:55:00.000-07:00

Rajasthani Cuisine

Some like it hot; some like it cold – I am talking about the delicious mass of edible chunk that makes your eyes roll, your mouth water and your heart go hop, hop, hop. It is food, and that too your favorite ones that help you make way through your lover’s heart, to quench your own appetite and win many a heart. However, I never ever expected that Rajasthani food would feature in my list of favorites until I visited the state of Rajasthan last winter.

Traveling through the cities of Rajasthan is like turning leaves of a book on Rajasthani history; you can take a peek into its culture, heritage and exotic food. The Marwari food often speaks of the austerity of their desert motherland, particularly in its ingredients, which are quite unique - they are strictly vegetarian, even to the point of refraining from the use of onions and garlic. Treated to a Rajasthani thali was an experience of a lifetime. The thali consisted of fresh lime, ginger, radish, and green chilies as salad; Baingan Boorani, Sookhi gobhi Khichadi, tuwar dal flavored with ghee, and most importantly, asafoetida, cumin and fenugreek seeds. The phulkas, dal, bati and churma spoke typically Rajasthani. The various sorts of pickles served along with vegetables made with dried vegetables and beans were delicious.

The Rajput cuisine of Rajasthan however presented an array of no-vegetarian items that made me go yummy to the core. Murgh ko Khaato (chicken cooked in curd) , Kacher Maas Mookal pithode, Rajasthani murgh soola, Gatte ka saag, Channe ka saag, and the desserts, Raabdi, Mawa Kachori, Malpuas…the list seemed endless. Browse through the Pictures India food and drink section to have a pictorial taste of the same.

Bihu Dance

2008-07-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

Bihu Dance

Even as the little kid reads in his social studies text book as we did in our childhood, that every corner of India exudes a lovely cultural aspect typically characteristic of that particular state, the cultures of this subcontinent attract every individual of the world. Cultural layers of the far-east state of Assam are some of the exclusive facets which attracted me to the core during my visit to the Rangoli Bihu dance performance at the Bihu festival in Guwahati in April last year with my Assamese roommate, Kalpana.

Heralding the advent of the season of colors, the Bihu festival was a treat to my eyes and soul. Brightly dressed women in red and off-white silk mekhlas with red bindi on their foreheads, danced to the tunes of dhol, pepa, gogona, toka, and taal. Kalpana prompted to me that the song being played was Husori – a type of devotional melody sung in praise of Lord Krishna. However, she did not forget to point out that the songs of Bihu generally are woven around subjects of love and romance and more often than not bear erotic overtones. The rapid steps, flinging and flipping of hands and sensuous swaying of hips, representing youthful passion, reproductive urge and a universal sense of joy and happiness were enough to prod me on to trying out a few steps.

Folk dance of every corner of the world breathes of the roots of the particular place and Bihu is no exception. It speaks of the joyous moods and culture of the Assamese people. To have a glimpse of the same you can log on to Pictures India site.

Roar of the White Tiger

2008-07-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

White Tiger
It is a pity that the world’s most charismatic and the rarest of animals is no more found in the wild. Call of the wild, as always, attracted me while I was on the tour to Govindgarh. It was somewhere near the wilds of Govindgarh near the Bandhavgarh tiger reserve that a white tiger was found in the forests long ago. An orphaned white tiger cub was discovered alive in a hunting expedition by the former Maharaja of Rewa who then governed the region. He decided to take the custody of the cub. The white tiger cub was captured by Maharaja’s team and eventually kept in Govindgarh palace. It was named Mohan and the legacy of white tigers continued thereafter.

Pictures India images of the white tiger are extremely regal and exude a sense of pride and arrogance. Mistakenly thought of as an albino by many including me till even a few days ago, the white tiger is actually a rare gene. On a jeep safari with my guide through the trails of Bandhavgarh tiger reserve, I continually prayed to come face-to-face with a white tiger. Rajesh kept commentating on the facts about this unusual species - that it is deficient in the typical yellow pigment of a tiger completely and hence the whiteness of color of the fur which is precisely black and white. However, the habit and habitat of the white tiger is same as normal yellow tigers.

My prayers were answered and we spotted a white tiger crossing our road a few meters away. My God! A beast of utter brilliance! Rajesh said it was on the prowl and a bit of silly mistake on our part could cost our lives. Calm and regal, it slowly waked past the tall bushes and made way through the other part of the forest.

Enchanting Folk Music of Rajasthan

2008-07-25T04:34:00.000-07:00

Folk Musician Playing Ravanhatta
I remember my childhood days when in the lonely afternoons, I used to run to the balcony hearing folk music played by the hawkers to attract the attention of the people in order to sell their items. Since then, I had developed an interest towards folk music and folk musical instruments. On my last visit to Rajasthan, I had a similar experience, which refreshed my childhood memory that was buried within me.

I was busy hopping from one tourist destination to another, when a sweet tune attracted my senses. I could not resist myself and started walking towards the tune, and I found one folk musician sitting on the streets and playing an instrument, which was unknown to me. Later I came to know that it is known as Ravanhatta, one of the popular folk musical instruments of Rajasthani Folk Music. But it was not so easy to play as it seemed to be. Like any other folk musical instruments, playing Ravanhatta to such fine tunes, also requires a lot of expertise. It is actually a royal string instrument that is played with the help of a bow.

Long after coming back from Rajasthan, I can still hear that sweet tune of Rajasthani folk music played by the street side folk musician. It is one of the memorable experiences of my visit to Rajasthan, which I will cherish lifelong.

Browse through the images of Picturesindia gallery to view Rajsthani folk musical instruments.

Tasting Italian Delicacy for the First Time

2008-07-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

Italian Cuisine - Pasta and Pizza

Though I am an ardent food lover, pizza and pasta are two dishes which have never attracted me; somehow I did not even feel the urge to taste it, even for once. I thought that my taste buds were not meant for Italian cuisine, until I was compelled to try pasta and pizza for the first time. It was one of my best friend’s birthdays and she had ordered for Italian cuisine – chicken pizza along with pasta. It was really late when we sat to have dinner and it was then I realized that she had ordered Italian food. I could not refuse as there was not enough time to order for any other cuisine. So, reluctantly, I had to taste Italian cuisine for the first time.

I will remember the first bite of chicken pizza. My friend was wandering whether I would like it or not, and I was sure that the taste would not be palatable. But, to my utter astonishment, I found the Italian food really tasty. I liked it so much that I took almost half of one chicken pizza along with servings of delicious pasta. Of all the pizzas, I like chicken pizza the most and it is one of my favorite dishes. I feel a pinch of oregano enhances the taste of any pizza.

Browse through the food and drink images in Picturesindia gallery, for pictures of pasta and pizza.

A Visit to Fatehpuri Masjid in Delhi

2008-07-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

Fatehpuri Masjid in Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India is a storehouse of historical attractions. I was overwhelmed by the architectural beauty of the historical monuments located at every nook and corner of the city. Each and every Delhi monuments bears the rich history of the bygone era, of which, Fatehpuri Masjid is worth a mention. This mosque is one of the finest specimens of Mughal Architecture in the country’s capital city. It is one of the oldest mosques in Delhi and though it is not so popular like some other historical monuments of the city, Fatehpuri Masjid has its own unique beauty.

Fatehpuri Masjid was built by one of the wives of Shah Jahan, Fatehpuri Begum, in the year 1650. It is situated in Chandni Chowk, one of the popular regions of Old Delhi. This historical monument is built up of red sandstone and it is surmounted by a single dome. I was really fascinated with the beauty of this spectacular Mughal architecture, specially the seven arched openings of the prayer hall. I came to know that there are both double and single storied apartments inside the complex of Fatehpuri Masjid, some of which used to be the school for poor students.

Browse through Picturesindia image gallery to have a look at the popular Delhi monuments, the standing witness of major historical events of the country.

Viewing Manish Arora’s Ensemble

2008-07-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Manish Arora's Ensemble

Like any other modern Indian woman, I also love to know about new trends in fashion and lifestyle; what is in and what is out. Manish Arora is one of my favorite designers and I just love to watch beautiful models walking the ramp in Manish Arora’s ensemble. But, rarely did I know that witnessing a live fashion show is such a spectacular and memorable experience, before watching Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, in my own eyes. I was astonished with the glamour all around and the variety of designs created by the Indian fashion designers. It was just like a dream world.

As usual, Manish Arora came up with new designs, style and patterns in a variety of western wears. I feel proud to know that Indian fashion designers are not only popular in India, but people all over the globe appreciate the western attire designed by these talented people of India. This fashion show is undoubtedly one of the memorable experiences in my lifetime. Models walked the ramp in beautiful party wear attire designed by Manish Arora. If I am asked about my favorite ensemble, without any second thought, I will vote for the zebra print party wear attire, which is undoubtedly a show stealer.

You can take a look at the designs of Indian fashion designers, simply by browsing the Picturesindia image gallery.

Republic Day Parade

2008-07-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

Republic Day Parade

Republic Day Parade is a spectacular event to watch, and the joy doubles when you get to see it live. I got an opportunity to view Republic Day Parade this year. Republic Day tops the list of Indian occasions, as on this day, India got its freedom and constitution of India came into force. On 26^th January, 1950, India was declared as a Democratic, Sovereign and Republic State. Therefore, it is one of the celebrated national events in India.

Parade is a part of Republic Day celebrations, in which all the three armed forces namely, Army, Navy and Air Force participate. Various regiments of Indian Armed Forces participate in the celebration in groups. Marching along the Rajpath, this procession crosses India Gate and ends at Red Fort, one of the historic monuments of the country. Along with the military might, the cultural wealth of the country is also displayed through various programs.

In this occasion, all the Government buildings are illuminated that turns the capital city into a fairyland. Flag hoisting is also an integral part of Republic Day celebrations. Not only in Delhi, Republic Day is celebrated all over the country with great enthusiasm and pride.

You can take a look at the Picturesindia Image gallery for pictures on Republic day celebrations in the capital city of India, Delhi.

Birla Temple at Nighttime

2008-07-14T03:35:00.000-07:00

Birla Temple in Delhi

On my visit to Delhi two months back, I got a chance to visit Birla Temple, that too at nighttime. It is one of the popular Delhi temples, which is a fine example of Modern Indian architecture. Believe me, viewing Birla Temple at night is a real surreal, when the temple bathes in artificial light with black night acting as the perfect backdrop, thus beautifully portraying this architecture of mesmerizing beauty.

As the name suggests, Birla Temple was built by B. D. Birla over a period of six years, from 1933 to 1939. It was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. One unique feature of Birla Temple is that in spite of being a temple of Laxmi and Narayana, deities of Hindu religion, it is secular in nature, which welcomes people of all castes and religious beliefs; it can be said that it is dedicated to Humanity.

It has a unique beauty with a perfect blend of Orissan as well as Mughal style. The first thing which comes to notice about this Modern Indian architecture, is the red and white colored exteriors, arches and windows that bear the characteristic features of the Mughal architecture; These architectural specialties make it popular among other Delhi temples.

Browse through Picturesindia Image Gallery for a virtual tour of Birla Temple, a prominent attraction of Delhi.

Ornaments of a Hindu Indian Bride

2008-07-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

Hindu Marriage Ornaments

Indians know the art of celebrating each and every important event in their lives, but, marriage is perhaps the only occasion that is celebrated with great pomp and glory, all over the country. There are numerous customs and beliefs associated with an Indian marriage, but there is some bridal jewelry, which is common to almost all customs. Mangalsutra and red bangles are one of the most essential forms of Indian bridal jewelry that is very precious and treasured items of a Hindu married woman.

Mangalsutra is a string of black beads with a pendant at the center, usually of gold. You will also find silver and platinum Mangalsutra, with a variety of designs. Lots of jewelry designers are experimenting with the design of this most celebrated In Indian bridal jewelry. During the marriage, new bride gets 'Mangalsutra' from her husband, which she wears like a necklace. It has a special significance; the bride wears it throughout her life, till her husband’s death. Red bangles are also symbols of marriage. Another essential symbol of a Hindu married woman is a touch of vermillion on their forehead, which the groom puts on her forehead as an essential custom of Hindu Marriage. This is an age old tradition of Hindu marriage that is deep rooted in Indian culture.

Nowadays, though most women do not wear these jewelry pieces all the time, but they are treasured ornaments for any Indian married woman, which they love to wear in special occasions.

You can visit Picturesindia image gallery in order to know more about bridal ornaments.

A Visit to Ghazi-ud-Din Madrasa in Delhi

2008-07-08T03:14:00.000-07:00

Ghazi-ud-Din Madrasa

On my visit to Delhi two months back, I got the chance to view some of the well known tourist attractions of the city, Ghazi-ud-Din Madrasa being one of the popular names. Situated in Shahjanabad, it is among the few surviving Madrasas in the capital city of India. One of the popular Delhi monuments, Ghazi-ud-Din Madrasa is a fine example of Islamic architecture of the bygone era.

I came to know that it is the most sought after Madrasa of the city that dates back to 1692. Built up of red sandstone, this Madrasa came to be known as Anglo-Arabic School in the year 1824, when the British introduced English language in the syllabus of this Madrasa. This building is now been transformed to a college known as Zakir Hussain College, which was previously known as Delhi College.

Ghazi-ud-Din was a well known courtier during the reign of Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor. The tomb of Ghazi-ud-Din along with a mosque is situated inside the compound. The tomb is surrounded by ornamented marble walls, which displays exquisite jali work in white marble, one of the common examples of Islamic architecture. Though most of the structure along with the mosque is built up of Kota sandstone, some major portions are whitewashed.

You can visit Picturesindia Gallery for more pictures on Ghazi-ud-Din Madrasa, along with other popular Delhi monuments, the greatest historical attractions of the capital city of India.

Experience of Viewing Gotipua Dance

2008-07-05T01:52:00.000-07:00

Gotipua Dance

Since my childhood I had a passion for dance, which is slightly different from my generation as I was not much inclined to Westernized way of dancing; rather the folk dance movements always compelled me to day dream of being a part of any folk dance festival, where I can witness the performances in my own eyes. According to popular belief, when you have an urge for something, it is bound to happen. Without any prior plans, I could pay a visit to Loktarang Festival, the National Folk Dance Festival of India. This year I was in Delhi in the end of January. A part of Republic Day celebrations, Loktarang gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Out of many dance performances, it was Gotipua Dance that fascinated me the most.

Gotipua is the folk dance of Orissa, which in colloquial language means a single boy. Originated in 16th Century, young boys dressed up as female exhibit a blend of feminine grace with masculine vigor. Bright colored costumes are essential parts of this traditional dance and the bright make up of the performers is impossible to go unnoticed. I was astonished to watch the acrobatic movements that are only possible through a severe training and practice. Each and every posture of this dance form is a real treat for the eyes, which will compel you to even blink your eyes. I will preserve this experience as one of the treasured memories of my life.

Browse through the Picturesindia Image gallery for the glimpses of Gotipua Dance.

Display Of Designer Sarees At WIFW

2008-07-02T21:43:00.000-07:00

Display Of Designer Sarees

Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week or as it is commonly referred WIFW, is one of the most notable events in the fashion calendar of India. Viewing such a spectacular fashion event in my own eyes was a long cherished desire, which was fulfilled this year. Out of the displays of creative talents, the designer collection of Shashi Kant and Anjana Seth impressed me a lot.

Saree has long been one of the favorite attires of Indian women, which can perhaps transform any woman to an epitome of beauty. For this reason, the designers are always into experimenting new styles and drapes with this age old ensemble for creating something new. Undoubtedly, this designer duo from Kolkata is one of the popular names to whom fashion conscious Indian woman can count upon.

One after the other, the models graced the stage of Wills India Lifestyle Fashion week with the designer sarees of the Kolkata designer duo, Shashi Kant and Anjana Seth. They saluted cricket, the most celebrated sports of India, through their ensemble. In WIFW, I really liked the saree that featured portraits of famous cricketers in that 6 yard drape. Another notable mention was the saree with flags of countries, all over the world.

Browse through Picturesindia to peep into the beaming fashion industry of the country.