Asia's Biggest Lit Fest – Welcome to Jaipur Literature Festival

The countdown for the Asia's biggest lit festival has begun. Welcome to DSC Jaipur Literature Festival to be held in the Pink City of Jaipur at the heritage property called Diggi Palace from 21st January – 25th January 2010.

According to the organizers, the event now in its fifth year promises a amalgamation of mix discussions, talks, and lectures by some of the world leading authors followed by vibrant theater performances, films and after sunset music. Each night renowned writers and lecturers give way to talented performers such as Susheela Raman, Titi Robin, Djaima, Rajasthan Roots and Paban Das Baul.

Presenting the literary and cultural identity, Jaipur Literature Festival will once again bring life to world of books. Described as the most interesting event, the fifth edition of festival is the biggest of its kind in the literary world, accessible to the common people free of cost. Piquant readings, lectures, panels and debates showcase both upcoming and renowned authors, according to Namita Gokhale, festival director, DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2010.

Apart from showcasing the best of Indian language and English writing from India, this year the event will fetch' a Nobel laureate, a winner of the Samuel Johnson Prize, two Booker winners and five winners of the Pulitzer Prize for literature, as well as renoned writers from the world of history, biography, literary criticism, and travel, in addition to the stars of the world of fiction and the novel", said William Dalrymple, festival director.

The writers include Hanif Kureishi, Shobhaa De, Niall Ferguson, Louis De Bernieres, Roberto Calasso, Amit Chaudhuri, Geoff Dyer, Vikram Chandra, Tina Brown, Claire Tomalin, Michael Frayn, Mahasweta Devi, Indira Goswami, Krishna Sobti, Krishna Baldev Vaid, Steve Coll, Stephen Frears, Pavan Varma, Lawrence Wright, Christophe Jaffrelot, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, Alexander McCall Smith, Wole Soyinka, Roddy Doyle and Anne Enright.

Aparana Chauhan

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Ananda in the Himalayas

Erstwhile residence of Maharaja of Tehri in Garhwal, Ananda in Himalayas is a best rejuvenating spot for today's traveler, who come here to seek peace for mind, body and soul. Discover India invites you to experience lavishness and comfort in the lap of nature.

In modern day time, we emphasize on to make wise use of time to combat stress and sullenity of stereotyped daily life. And perhaps a visit to the luxurious spa, Ananda in the Himalayas, would help you learn art of living for the constructive lifestyle as is very much needed today. Spread to the total area of 21,000 sq ft. spa offers its visitors an exclusive range of 79 beauty and body treatments and closely discloses the age old concept of holistic living and contemporary spa approach.

The amalgamation of both these atomistic methods bring in a synchronization of various energies, the spa aims to achieve ever lasting compatibility between the mental and physical orbits of the individual.

The spa offers alternative and traditional system of medicines that comprises of Yoga, Ayurveda along with other therapies. For the unexperienced, a visit here enables the exhausted business traveler and corporate honcho to help attain fitness, detoxify, combat strain and loose weight as well as other health benefits after the detailed consultation with our experts and professionals.

Panchakarma is a special five fold purification therapy aim to correct the imbalances of the body's bio- energies (the doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha) in order to maintain their integral equilibrium. Than there is Abhyanga massage performed by two professionals using special medicated oil selected as per the body type.

Pizhicil therapy is a combination of two traditional Ayurvedic treatments – Swedana (Sudation) and Snehana (Oleation). Sirodhara is a special therapy wherein lukewarm medicated herbal oil is poured onto the forehead in a continuous stream that revitalizes mind and body.

At Ananda, Yoga session mainly includes Hatha Yoga, Kriya Yoga and Raja Yoga. Than there are other fitness segments that includes aerobics, walking, jogging, hiking and swimming.

Aparana Chauhan

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Adventure Tour To Gulmarg and Sonamarg, India

Adventure in India couldn't have been better if Gulmarg and Sonamarg were not there! For the adventure bones, these destination solves the purpose with unmatchable excitement.

Popularly known as the meadow of flowers, Gulmarg, is the landscape of unearthly beauty. It is situated at the height of 2730 m, 51km from Srinagar. Gulmarg legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it the most sought after destination of India. Gulmarg was the favourite haunt of Emperor Jahangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Gulmarg is also the place for enjoying long walks through the wood and green hills.

Located 96 km from Srinagar, Sonamarg, is a resort set in a pristine village lying next to the Lidder river. Popularly known as the 'meadow of Gold', it is surrounded by the fragrant fine forests. It has a golf course and the spots for angling. The fast flowing Sind river makes it popular for trout and mahseer fishing in summer. You can take the pony ride to one of the glaciers for some fun in snow and ice. Sonamarg is also the home to many Himalayan Brown Bear.

Adventure sports in Gulmarg :
Trekking : For the adventurous mountain trekker, few destinations are more magnetic than the Himalayas. Gulmarg offers exiting treks to the tourists, especially in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Some of the popular treks from the Gulmarg are Gulmarg - Alpather Lake, 13 km from Gulmarg, Gulmarg - Ferozepur Nala - Danwas - Tejjan – Samaidan, Gulmarg – Tosamaidan. It provides the excellent view of the Nanga Parbat in the north and Khilanmarg to the west. Trekkers also get the chance to glimpse the exotic wildlife along the trekking route. You can take a walk up to the Ferozepur Nala and beyond to the hamlets of Danwas, Tejjan and Samaidan.

Golf courses in Gulmarg : Situated at an altitude of 2,650 m, Gulmarg has got the highest green Golf Course in the world. That is something like you have never imagined before. The origin of the Gulmarg golf course dates back to 1911, when it was started by the British as a holiday resort. The Golf course of Gulmarg has attracted many golfers for almost a century.

Skiing in Gulmarg : Gulmarg is the ultimate destination for skiing in Jammu and Kashmir. You can easily hire the skies and sticks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles and caps from here. Slopes in Gulmarg vary from 8,700 ft to 10,500 ft. Ski slopes command a panoramic view of the high Himalayan peaks. The best time to enjoy skiing in Gulmark rests between November to February.

Adventure sports in Sonamarg :

Trekking : Sonamarg is the trekkers paradise and the small treks can be taken up with many other leisure activities from this place. It is the starting point of a major trek passing several mountain lakes that include Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. One of its trek leads to the Amarnath trek cave.

Prime attractions from Sonamarg : One of the major attractions of Sonamarg is Nilagrad. The water of the river is reddish in colour. Visitors visit this palce to take bath in the river, which has the curative power of many diseases. Another prime location is the Bisansar lake via Nichinai Pass.

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Exploring North East India

Arunachal Pradesh :- By far India's most pristine state, Arunachal Pradesh is as naturally diversified as it is tribally varied making it a magnificent Garden of Eden in a rugged landscape of the industrial development. It is also the part of India's seven north eastern states with the lowest inhabitation. Being the nature lover, I was bewitched with the diversed wildlife delighted spotting the hornbill bird and the graceful but subtle striped yellow tiger, among the host of other species of animals.

Untouched by the ill effects of the industrial over development, it is one of the most popular ecological regions of India, its unique tribal culture, exquisite scenic beauty, vibrant craft tradition and fascinating spectrum of unique flora and fauna. Most of the region in Arunachal Pradesh is covered with forests, varying from subtropical jungles to the alpine at the foot of the Himalayas, turbulent streams passing the dense greenery of rain forests and swiftly flowing crystal blue valleys and meandering rivers make the most of it.

Sikkim : Sikkim is a dreamland in the blossom of fascinating eastern Himalayas with its ever expansive natural beauty and magnificent tableau. The Shangrila, the Mt. Kanchenjunga makes Sikkim a fascinating land representing a intermixture of Buddhism. Reaching its capital, Gangtok, is altogether a different experience. Gangtok is definitely very scenic and adventurously tantalizing. It offers you adventure of white water rafting on the fast flowing river Teesta. The city offers some of the excellent trekking destinations and opportunity for mountain biking through the dense forests of rhododendron.

Assam : Considered as the most prosperous region of north east India, it is also the country's foremost producer of tea – producing half of the Indian tea. Staggeringly large tracts of the mountain side have been cultivated for the tea, employing inundation of workers, both men and women. I was extremely delighted to see the sight of tea pickers extracting tea leaves from the splendid tea gardens. The highlight of the state of Assam is the mighty Brahmaputra river which is considered as the main source of prosperity both agriculturally as well as industrially as it it flows through creating some very fascinating views in its path. While in Assam, make a visit to the renowned Kaziranga National Park popular for the species of one horned rhinos. Take a excursion trip to the famous Majuli island, which is the world's largest inhabited island and the essential center for the Vaishnava culture which holds special importance in the heart of Assamese.

Aparana Chauhan

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SurajKund Mela Haryana

The ancient village of Surajkund becomes alive with frenzy activity and riot of colors during the annual Crafts Mela, held every year in the month of February in Haryana. The Surajkund Mela is the spotlight of the Haryana Tourism. It is a unique opportunity for the discerning tourists to take a glimpse of true colors of Indian an its real magic presented through spectacular array of unforgettable scenes, finest of art and craft and flavors of authentic Indian cuisine, creating an experience that you will cherish forever.

This fair is the time, which brings thousands of artisans from various parts of the country under one platform to showcase their talent and won appreciation for their good work. Every year a new state is selected for the theme and the entire decoration is changed is changed accordingly. Beneath the thatched roof platform skilled craftsmen, weavers, painters and sculptors display the finest handlooms and handicraft items. Prices of these items are quite affordable and relatively low as compared to Government Handicraft items and emporiums. Handicraft of some of the regions presented at Surajkund mela includes :-

Phulkari embroidery of Punjab
Banjara and Bunni embroidery of Gujarat
Chikri woodcraft of Kashmir
Lace and crochet from Goa
Chikan work of Lucknow
Sandalwood and rosewood carving of South India
Kantha work of West Bengal and North Eastern states

Shops at Mela bustle with fancy items like delicate lace items, folk motifs, beautiful embroidery, glittering bangles, shimmer of silk sarees, toys and trinkets.The enjoyable fair celebration every year, comes as a small food carnival. Some of the popular food delicacies arrive from South India and Punjab. Apart from that Chinese and snacks food is also available along with sweets like sandesh, ramalai, gajar ka halwa, moong daal halwa etc. The Highlight of the craft mela are the Natyashala folk dances and the traditional music programmes organized at open air theatre.

Aparana Chauhan

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Soon at Dilli Haat: See how handicraft, handloom products are processed

Delhi Haat a popular art and craft center in Delhi, will soon have additional attractions to maintain its reputation of being a showcase of Indian culture and handicraft. Delhi Tourism authority which looks after the place, took initiative to ensure people not only explore the finished products, but also witness the live production of these handicraft items.

Delhi Haat has stalls on Kanjeevaram sarees from Tamil Nadu, Madhubani Paintings from Bihar, and bamboo products from North East India among others.

Starting from August 2010, apart from art and craft items, there would also be artisans from various parts of the country, who will be seen weaving, carving and painting for travelers from all around the world. Each one of them will be accompained with a guide, who will guide and introduce their art to the visitors.

All these ideas are the part of the project to restore Delhi Haat back to its original look and use it for the original purpose - representing the diversity of Indian art and culture.

Rina Ray, Managing Director of Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation the project has three main parts -restoration, addition and maintenance.

Aparana Chauhan

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Maha Shivratri Festival

2010 :- 12 February
2011 :- 3 March
2012: - 20 February

Maha Shivratri is a well known Hindu Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one aspect of Trimurti. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival usually falls on the 13 or 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha or Phalguna (February/ March) when the Hindus offer special prayers to the destroyer of Universe.

Maha Shivratri holds special importance as compared to other religious festivals of India as it is the night when Lord Shiva performed 'Tandav', his cosmic dance. The day also celebrates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati, the mother of divine. Night represents hatred, evil, injustice, voilence and misfortune.

Temple Celebrations of Maha Shivratri : On the auspicious occasion of this festival, temples are beautifully decorated by lights and flowers. Pilgrims gather at these temple in large numbers to pay homage at the lord – chanting the divine mantra of 'Om Namah Shiva' and attend the special pujas ceremonies. As per the tradition special pujas are conducted every three hours during the day of Maha Shivratri. The important part of pujas include Abhishek's wherein milk, ghee, sugar and honey are poured over the Shiva Linga.

On the eve of Maha Shivratri most devotees observe fast for the whole day, when they do not consume anything other than fruits and beverages including milk, tea or coffee. Non Vegetaian food is strictly prohibited for the day.

Lord Shiva is offered special bhog (prasad) made of coconut, fruits and root vegetables. Young girls usually observe fast on this day so that god bless them with good husband. Mahasivratri celebrations mainly take place during the night when the devotees sing aarti and bhajans and chant Lord Shiva mantras.

Shiv Aarti :

Jai Shiv Onkara Har Shiv Onkara,
Brahma Vishnu Sadashiv Arddhagni Dhara.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...
Meaning: Glory to you, O Shiva! Glory to you, O Omkaara! May Brahma, Vishnu and the assembly of other gods, including the great Lord Shiva, relieve me of my afflictions!

Ekanan Chaturanan Panchanan Rajai,
Hansanan Garudasan Vrishvahan Sajai.
Om hara hara Mahaadevaa...

Maha Shivratri Bhajans :

Om namah shivaay jai shiv shankar
Om namah shivaay jai shiv shankar
Karuna sindhu hey priy bholeshwar
Maha tapaswee hey yogeshwar
Dayaalu daata hey deveyshwar
Amarnath hey sarv gyaneshwar
Kailash ling rudradev vishdhar
Satya mahesha jai shiv sundar
Trishul dhar jai jai deveshwar
Bam bam bhola jai sarveshwar
Tandavraaya shiva bhayankar
Tribhuvanswaami jai akhileshwar
Gangaadhaari mahadeva har har
Damru bajaayay bhin roopi natwar
namo namami jai durgeshwar
trinetri shiv sampoorna shaktiwar
om namah shiva om shiv har har
om namah shiva om shiv har har
Contributed by: Sanjana Harjani

Jai Shiv Shankar
Jai Shiv Shankar
Jai Shiv Shankar, Swami Jai Shiv Shankar
Kasht haro Swami humaar, Swami kash haro humaar
Sharan mein apni le ke Bhagwan, mauka do apni sewa ka
He mere Bholenath, yehi vinti karta hun swaminath
Kya maya hai kya nahi, main agyaani nahi jaanu
Mere Swami main to aapko sarvasv maanu
Apna sewak bana lo bhagwan, main na chahun ye sansar
Main aur meri ardhangni, sewa karen aapki aur maa parvati ki
Is Sansar se humein mukt kar, apne charanon mein jagah den
Yehi vinti karta hun swaminaath , yehi prarthna karta hun
Jai Shiv Shankar, Swami Jai Shiv Shankar
Sharan mein apni le ke Bhagwan, mauka do apni sewa ka
Jai Shiv Shankar, Swami Jai Shiv Shankar
Contributed by: Puneet Jain

Khade Hain Dar pe Darshan Ko
Khade hain dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.

Agar main jal chadati hun to wo machli ka jhuta hai
isiliye paer nahi padte tere mandir mein aane ko.
Khade hai dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.

Agar mein phool chadati hun to wo bhanware ka jhutha hai
isiliye paer nahi padte tere mandir mein aane ko.
Khade hai dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.

Agar mein dil chadati hun to wo paapon ka jhutha hai
Agar mein phool chadati hun to wo bhanware ka jhutha hai
isiliye paer nahi padte tere mandir mein aane ko.
Khade hai dar pe darshan ko
Charan Shivji ke chune ko.
Contributed by: Mona

Aparana Chauhan

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Haridwar Maha Kumbh Mela 2010 – Lifetime Experience

Kumbh Mela is the world largest religious gathering of pilgrims that happens at four different locations in the country – Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) and Nasik (Maharashtra). In 2010 it will take place at Haridwar followed with the sacred bath on 14 January, 12 February and 13 February.

2010 Kumbh Mela Dates and Calendar :-

January 14, 2010 - Makar Sankranti Snan - First Snan (bath)
January 15, 2010 - Mauni Amavasya and Surya Grahan - Second Snan (bath)
January 20, 2010 - Basant Panchmi Snan - Third Snan (bath)
January 30, 2010 - Magh Purnima Snan - Fourth Snan (bath)
February 12, 2010 - Maha Shivratri - Ratham Shahi Snan (First Royal Bath)
March 15, 2010 - Somvati Amavasya - Dvitya Shahi Snan (Second Royal Bath)
March 24, 2010 - Ram Navmi - Fifth Snan (bath)
March 30, 2010 - Chaitra Purnima -Snan
April 14, 2010 - Baisakhi -Pramukh Shahi Sanan (Main Royal Bath)
April 28, 2010 - Shakh Purnima - Snan

Naga Babas :- One of the most interesting highlight of the 2010 Kumbh Mela are the Naga Sadhus, who will dance naked during the fair highlighting the disastrous effects of climate change and global warming. Naga Babas will urge people to contribute reducing the ill causes of global warming by planting trees, using natural resources of energy, saving jungles and wildlife to help prevent the earth.

Where to Stay During Kumbh Mela :- 
Ashrams For Kumbh Mela 

Soham Ashram
Name of Swamiji- Sri Sw. Maheshananda Bhavan Turst
President - Sri Sw. Vivekananda Ji Maharaj
Address- Bhupatwal

Yogananda Yogashram
Name of Swamiji- Sri Yogananda Saraswati
Address - Sapta Sarover, Ananda Van

Umeshwar Dham
Name of Swamiji - Sw. Satguru Dev Paramhansa Uma Bharti Ji Maharaj
Address - Sapta Sarover Marg

Parmarth Ashram, Sukhdevananda Trust
President - Sw. Chinmayanand Saraswati
Manager - Sw. Mangalanand Saraswati
Address - Sapta Sarover

Jai Maa Ashram
Founder - 1008 M.M. Sadgurudev Chakravarti
Caretaker - Jyoti Maa Usha Mata Ji Maharaj
Address - Motichoor

Vivek Niketan
Name of Swamiji - Sw. Vivekanad Ji Maharaj
Address -Ananada Van, Sapta Sarover

Sri Sadhu Guru Kabir Gurukul Ashram
Founder - Mahant Sri Gurumukh Sahib Ji
Manager - Sri Dev Narayan Das
Address - Sapta Sarover

Sri Madhwashram
Name of Swamiji - Sri Ram Vithala Turst
Address - 336, Haripur Kalan, Sapta Sarower

Hari Sharanam Satsanga Bhavan
Manager - Sw. Shailendracharaya Ji
Address - Ananada Van, Haripur Kalan

Sri Bhrama Nivas Ashram
President - M.M Parmarth Dev Ji
Address - Sapta Sarover Road

Shivananda Ashram
Founder - Sri 1008 Shivananada Ji Maharaj
Address - Sapta Sarover Road Bhupatwala

Siddeshwar Mahadev mandir
Name of Swamiji - Sachchidananda Ji Maharaj,
Address - Jigyasu Ashram, Sapta Sarover Road

Mataji's Ashram :-

Ashram - Parvati Ashram
Address - Kankhal

Ashram - Balabharti Ashram
Address - Kankhal

Ashram - Bhuma Shakti Peeth
Address - Sanyas Marg, Kankhal

Ashram - Gita Bharti
Address - Kankhal

Ashram - Sri 1008 Sri Shubha murti Maa
Address - Niranjani Akahara Road

Ashram - Santoshi Maa Ashram
Address - Shravana Nath Nagar

Ashram - Radha Mai Ashram
Address - Shravana Nath Nagar

Ashram - Janki Mai Ashram
Address - Bhima Goda

Ashram - Radha Mai Ashram
Address - Bhima Goda

Ashram - Sita Mai Ashram
Address - Bhima Goda

Ashram - Mira Krishna Kunj
Address - Bhima Goda

Ashram - Lalita Yoga Ashram
Address - Bhima Goda

Ashram - Navajyoti Ashram
Address - Bhima Goda

Anandamai Maa
Address - Daksha Prajapati Kankhal

Ashram - Tripura Yoga Ashram
Address - Kankhal

Ashram - Basanti Ashram
Address - Kankhal

Ashram - Santoshi Ashram
Address - Kankhal

Ashram - Mahila Milan Mandir
Address - Kankhal

Reaching Kumbh Mela 2010 in Haridwar :-

By Air :-

The nearest airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (20 km).

By Rail:-

The different trains that are connected to Haridwar are Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Chennai, Howrah, Puri, Chennai, Ujjain and Varanasi. Apart from that to cater the rush of pilgrims due to Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, railway authority has announced special trains from Jammu and Amritsar on special days.

By Road:-

The National Highway (NH) 45 goes through Haridwar. The other major roads that are connected to Haridwar are;
Delhi-216
Agra-386
Ambala-168
Badrinath-325
Dehradun-52
Kedarnath-250
Saharanpur-81
Nainital-286

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Makar Sankranti / Lohri

Makar Sankranti is the traditional harvest festival celebrated in different parts of the country with great joy and enthusiasm. According to the solar calendar, when the sun moves from Dakshinayana to Uttarayana, in the month of Poush, it marks the end of long winter season and beginning of harvest season. Makar means 'Capricorn' and Sankranti is the the day when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is one of the few Hindu festivals which are celebrated on the fixed date i.e. 14 January.

History :- Apart from being the auspicious harvest festival, Makar Sankranti is also regarded as as the 'holy phrase of transition', marking an end to the unfortunate phase, which according to the Hindu Calendar begins around mid-December. According to the legends, Sankranti is a deity, who killed demon named Sankarasur. The day followed by Makar Sankranti is known as Karidin or Kinkrant. It is believed that the person who dies in the dakshinayan period is freed from the cycle of birth and rebirth and attains Moksha.

Celebrations :- Considered as the most auspicious day among the Hindus, the day begins with people taking the holy dip in the waters of rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krushna and Kaveri and worship of Sun God . The day is celebrated with diverse traditional rituals and customs and is known by different names in different parts of the country.

In Punjab, Sankranti is called Lohri. On this eve Punjabis worship fire, at night friends and relative gather around fire, and throw puffed rice, til and popcorns into the flames of bonfire. People make merry by singing traditional folk songs and dancing around the fire. Bhangra is quite popular on this day.

In Uttar Pradesh eve of Makar Sankranti is celebrated as 'Khichiri'. Taking a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is considered as highly sacred on this day.

In Gujarat, there is custom of flying kite and exchanging gifts among the relatives. In Maharashtra on the Makar Sankranti day people exchange til guds and tilladoos. Deep south in Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

In Madhya Pradesh and Bundelhand the festival is popular as 'Sukarat'. People in Madhya Pradesh make special dish and celebrate the festival with great merriment accompained by traditional singing and dancing.

In Bengal a big fair is held at Ganga Sagar every year where the river Ganga enters into the sea. The mela is attended by large number of tourists from all around the world.

List of Other Festivals in India 

Dates of Makar Sankranti 2012 -14 jAN 2012

Lohri 2012 - 13 Jan 2012

Dates For Pongal 2012 -January 14 to January 17

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Ooty Tour Picture

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