Baisakhi Celebrations

Among the rich and glorious celebrations of India, is the festival of Baisakhi, celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in the northern part of India, especially n the state of Punjab and Haryana. According to the Sikh calendar, Baisakhi falls on the first day of the Vaisakh month marking the beginning of the solar year. The festival holds great significance among the Sikhs as it marks the foundation day of Khalsa Panth of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Farmers are euphoric over the festival as for them it is the time of harvest of rabi crops. Baisakhi is celebrated by different names and with different customs and traditions in different parts of the country.

Baisakhi Celebrations :- Baisakhi is the popular harvest festival and after the hard workof harvesting is completed, the farmers celebrate with gaiety and exuberance. It is also known as the 'Thank Giving Day' for the farmers. Men and women of the village perform Gidda on the beats of the traditional drums. People usually wear bright clothes and traditional jewelery items on this occasion. The whole atmosphere looks vibrant in nature.

Baisakhi Fairs :- In several parts of Punjab and Haryana, village fairs are organized where besides the cultural activities, wrestling bouts are also organized.

Baisakhi Customs and Traditions : As the festival holds great significance in the Sikh religion, most activities of the day are organized in Gurudwaras. People wake up early in the morning and prepare for the day long activities and fun. Most of the people start day with the holy dip in the rivers to mark the auspicious occasion. They make a visit to the near by temple or Gurudwara and distribute Kada Prasad or sweetened semolina to all.

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Ambedkar Jayanti

April 14 is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the revolutionary political leader, Buddhists activist, great scholar and a historian. Referred to as the 'Father of Indian Constitution', Dr B.R. Ambedkar was born as the poor Mahar at the Military Head Quarter of War in state of Madhya Pradesh. He devoted his entire life for the cause of humanity in uplifting the minority (schedule caste and schedule tribe) section of the society.

Till date, people from all over the world appraise him for his liberal thoughts and revolutionary ideas. His farsightedness and urge to bring change in the society for the good, brought him national as well as international fame as a great social reformer.

Defeating numerous social and financial crises, he became first untouchables to obtain college education in India. After earning law degrees and multiple doctorates for his study and research in law, economics and political science from Columbia University and London School of Economics, he returned India as a great scholar, after which he practiced law for few years before publishing journals propagating social and political rights for the Indian untouchables.

Dr Ambedkar was the founder of the 'Independent Labour Party of India'. He was considered 'God' for the untouchables in the society. Beyond social reformer, he was also a great philosopher and prolific writer. Some of his popular contributions include The Annihilation of Caste; The Untouchables: A Thesis on the Origins of Untouchability; Who are Shudras etc.

He also played important role in the freedom struggle of India. Post Independence, he became India's first law minister. In 1945, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee and was asked to write free India’s new constitution. Dr. Ambedkar was honored Bharat Ratna in 1990. On 26th December 1956, we lost this great leader.

April 14 is declared as a public holiday in the country. On this day all the Dalit organizations, carry huge possessions and rallied and conduct cultural programees on grand scale. His statues are decorated. Some of the other known Dalit leaders in the country includes Shri Mayawati and K. R. Narayanan.

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Madhya Pradesh Sightseeing Tour

Popularly referred to as the 'heart of erotic India', Madhya Pradesh is the largest state in India bordering Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Petrified with fascinating hills of Vindhyachal to the dense forests and from the mighty rivers to the vast Malwa Plateau, Madhya Pradesh boosts its fair share of tourists sightseeing places. The state is popular throughout the world for its innumerable historical monuments and exquisitely carved temples especially the ancient temples of Khajuraho , depicting the act of sex, ancient charm and romance in every conceivable posture.

Sightseeing in Madhya Pradesh :

Bhopal : Bhopal the capital city of the state, is spread out on seven gentle hills and two lovely lakes. It is an amalgamation of scenic beauty, evocative monuments and contemporary buildings. Old Bazaars and mosques promises the great escape to the tourists. Tour to Bhopal is an enchanting getaway that transport you to the splendour and glory of the kings and nawabs. While in Bhopal check our the Laxmi Narayan temple, Moti Masjid, Taj-ul- Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Sadar Manzil, Bhimbetka caves and Sanchi.

Gwalior : The ancient capital of Gwalior, is dominated by its massive hilltop fort, one of the best specimens of mediaeval architecture. Apart from the number of interesting monuments such as glorified Man Singh Palace, the Teli Mandir and the exquisitely carved Sas Bahu temple, the fort also houses one of the India's leading public schools , The Scindia School, which celebrated its centenary in 1997. A multitude of reigning dynasties of the great Rajput clans of the Tomars, Pratiharas and Kachwahas have left indelible etching of their rule in this city of places temples and monuments.

Orchha : Orchha, the capital of the Bundela rulers (16th and 17th centuries) is famous for its grand palaces and temples. It was founded by the Bundela Rajput chieftain, Rudra Pratap, whose choose his stretch of land along the Betwa River as an perfect site for his capital. The best time to viit Orchha lies between October to march.

Madhya Pradesh Wildlife :

Apart from the sightseeing tour enjoy the wildlife tour to Bandhavgarh National Park. It was once the haunting ground of the royal family of Rewa. It was declared as the National Park in the year 1968. Bandhavgarh has a large variety of tree cover. Bandhavgarh National Park has an excellent tree and foliage concentration.

About half the Bandhavgarh park is covered with fine trees of Sal, while mixed forests are found in the higher reaches of the hills. The major highlights of the park are chital, sambar deer, dholes, nilgais, wild boars, sloth bears, chital, black faced langurs, jungle cats, hyenas, porcupines, jackals, foxes, wild dogs, chausinghas and ratels, among others.

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Goa Tourism

All in all Goa's 105 km long coastline gives an enthusiastic beach lover an opportunity to explore a new beach site every day. The mind boggling variety of beaches in Goa are not only the ideal place to visit but also the ideal place for night parties. Some of the best known beaches of Goa that you will see on beach tours of Goa are Anjuna Beach, Benaulim beach, Baga beach, Candolim beach, Vagator beach, Calva beach, Chapora beach, Benaulim beach, Aguada beach, Palolem beach and many more.

Churches of Goa :
Churches are one of the major tourists attractions in Goa. They are popular for their unique architecture that is usually a blend of many forms. Most of the churches in Old Goa were built during the time of Portuguese in India. Basilica of Bom Jesus is one such Church in Goa that attracts lakh of tourists all around the year. Some of the most famous churches in Goa are Goa Se Cathedral, St. Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Lady Rosary and many more.

Adventure of Goa :
Holidaying on the Goa beaches is a lifetime opportunity. If you are avid water sports lover than you have plenty of options to enjoy your trip. Try out the para sailing which is gaining immense popularity these days. Dragging yourself behind the speed boat attached to the parachute is a real fun. Tourists can take the pleasure of wind surfing on its beaches. It is the superb combination of surfing and sailing, which requires a surfer to balance his body against the currents of water and air. You can hire the surf boards that are easily available. There is also the opportunity of scuba diving in its water.

The joy of exploring the attractive coral heads, lobsters, bright coloured fish and other marine life is truly unique. You can also try out swimming and fishing at some of its beaches. During the night you can be part of the smashing rave parties on the beaches of Goa. Visitors can also indulge in leisure walk to explore its natural environment. Children can try out variety of games on the beach side such as the volleyball and football. You can also kill the time exploring the handicrafts items and trying out the exotic sea food.

Boat Cruising in Goa :
Enhance your Holidays with the exciting cruise tours on the beaches of Goa. The cruise promises you the enchanting getaway with the special soothing effect. The holiday trip on the cruises gives you the best opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding areas. Pass through the tunnels and swim with the dolphins while cruising in Goa. There are variety of cruises that you can choose from – the daytime, sunset and morning cruises.

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Bengaluru (Bengalore)Trip - Tour Package - Aparana Chauhan Sharing Her Experience in Bangalore

Despite being a technological hub, Bengaluru still retains the old world charm that gives the city its own unique identity. Historic parks and gardens and cantonment clubs rub shoulders with upscale malls and jaunty cafes portraying tradition in modern avatar.

Saturday Late evening – Grand entrance

Land into the briskly new Bengaluru International Airport and take a volvo or cab in oder to reach your hotel. There are two official cab operators from airport Meru and Easy that charge Rs 15 per km and will drop you right at your doorstep. Than there are air conditioned volvo buses connecting to various locations in the city with fares ranging from Rs 80 to Rs Rs 200 depending on the distance. Apart from that, there is shared taxi service charging RS 300 per person.

Sunday 8 am : Morning Breakfast

Begin your day with a traditional buffet breakfast at hip South Indies. Enjoy the yummy masala dosa and sambhar idli with chutney and wash it down all with a cup of hot coffee. You can even check your important mails using the restaurant Wi FI.

9 AM : Fruitful Walk

The biggest advantage of the city of Bengaluru is its salubrious climate throughout the year. You can enjoy nature walk in through one of the city's larges lung spaces, Lalbagh, even if it is late in the morning. The beautiful 240 acre garden was established by Haider Ali in 1760, the ruler and Mysore and later developed by his own son Tipu Sultan. Climb up the 3,000 million years old Lalbagh Rock, a designated National Geological monument and take a stroll through the Glass House, a conservatory built as a replica of the crystal Palace in London to commemorate the 'prince of wales, tour to India in 1889. The biggest attraction of Lalbagh is the Flower shows held annually on the eve of Independence Day and Republic Day.

10:30 AM : Spiritual Rejuvenation

Make a visit to the ancient Bull temple at Basavanagudi, built in the Dravidian style of architecture by Kempe Gowda the founder of the city of Bangalore in the 16th century, in the honor of Nandi bull. According to the Hindu mythology, Nandi is sacred and is regarded as vehicle of Lord Shiva.

11:30 AM – Shopping Time

If you are interested in shopping for the best of handicraft items, head to Desi. Desi is a local store in Bangaluru that stocks items crafted by village skilled artisans and promotes ecological lifestyle among the people. Items on display include traditional cotton saris, natural dyed kurtas and beautiful terracotta jewelery.

1:00 PM – Lunch – Bellyful

Transport yourself to the British Raj in the fine dining restaurant called Sahib Sind Sultan serving Anglo Indian inspired cuisine in antique silverware. Savor the taste of delicate sandalwood flavored Sultan sherbet, try the aureate Thamson's Atta Chicken and try out unique flavored pineapple halwa and cake crumbs.

2:20 PM - Mall Tour

Scroll the Forum Mall – the hippest the city, complete with palm trees and Glod Glass movie tickets. Check out traditional clothes at Khaddar, browse booka at Landmark and purchase a woven dhurrie at Maspar.

4:00 PM – Small Coffee Break

Visit the Kalmane Coffee outlet within the Forum Mall and take a break over the redolent smell of roasted coffee beans that are sourced from coffee estates in Chickmanglur.

5:00PM – MG's

Mg's is the favourite hangout destination among the youngsters in the city. While exploring the Mahatama Gandhi road, visit Cauvery, the handicraft store displaying traditional sandalwood carvings, lavish silk scarves, intricate metalware and table cloths at the flaunt away prices. For women there are Silk saree stores namely Deepam and Vijayalakshmi. For gold jewelery there is Jewels De Paragon.

8:30 PM – Back to the Hotel for dinner and overnight Stay

Aparana Chauhan

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