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Experience India from the highest peaks in the Himalayas to the serene beaches of Goa with past glories, culture, tradition and values relative to geographic locations in numerous distinctive manners.

Many western artists and entertainers have taken pains to learn and include Indian dances in their performances from time to time. The latest learner happens to be no other than the material girl herself.

During her winter vacation in the Indian state of Rajasthan, it was reported that Madonna has hired a trainer to help her learn Indian dance steps. This dance performance is likely to be included in her next album.

Prior to this, Shakira also took help of an Indian trainer to learn Indian dance steps which she utilized during her various performances in year 2007.

What is so different and unique about Indian dances that these iconic people have fallen for it? Which dance forms they have adapted and why?

Well! that and other related stuff are definitely a matter of interest but to begin with let’s see some basic stuff.

Indian Folk Dances

There are many types of folk dances in India, like:

• Bhangra in Punjab,
• Nati in Himachal Pradesh,
• Bihu in Assam,
• Ghoomar in Rajasthan,
• Garba in Gujrat,
• Tamasha in Maharashtra etc.

Indian Classical Dances

Many forms of classical dances which are widely popular include:

• Bharatnatyam in Tamil Nadu,
• Kathakali in Kerala,
• Kuchipuddi in Andhra Pradesh,
• Oddissi in Orrisa,
• Manipuri in Manipur and
• Kathak in Uttar Pradesh.

As you can see, there are many forms of Indian classical and folk dances available which one can try and learn. We will bring more information on this topic in near future.

Which one are you interested in?

“Ajanta paintings are a treat for the eyes. You will have to see it to understand just how rich and vibrant our ancient culture was.” - Raja Reddy, Dancer

Set amidst lush greenery along the face of a mountain with a small stream cascading through the valley below, Ajanta is any visitor’s delight. A monastic retreat fr the monks, these structures embellished with some of the most lovely paintings and splendid sculptures took 800 years to be carved out.

About 800 monks worked relentlessly on the hillside hanging over the tiny stream, chiselling and drawing int the heart of the rock, digging deep into the hillside, some going 100 ft. deep. It is believed that the caves were strategically located along the trade routes so that monks could travel safely with traders to far flung areas to spread their faith.

For many years the caves functioned as a perfect retreat for the monks but around the 8th century AD they were abandoned for the nearby Ellora caves. The reason for the shift is shrouded in mystery but once past its days of glory, Ajanta slipped into oblivion.

The caves lay hidden for over a 1000 years under dense forest overgrowth before being discovered by sheer chance by a hunting team. The caves are in a wooded and rugged horse-shoe shaped ravine about 35 km from the village of Ajintha about 100 kms from city of Aurangabad(India). These caves date from the 2nd century BC to 8th century AD.

There are 29 caves at Ajanta, two chaityas or prayer halls and three viharas- a place for the monks to rest, study and meditate. The walls and ceilings on the inside are adorned with sculptures and murals depicting stories from the life of the Buddha and the more popular tales from the lives of Buddha’s previous incarnations.

The paintings on the walls are of the highest craftsmanship and depict a mastery of forms, positions and gestures that had never been seen before in ancient India. Some paintings also contain scenes from the royal court and popular life of ancient times.

Since 1983, the Ajanta Caves have become a UNESCO world heritage site. And like many say, its hard for anyone who has not been to Ajanta to imagine the charm of the caves. See it to believe it.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti comes when the sun is in the rasi (zodiac sign) known as ‘Makar’ (Capricorn).

This is considered as most auspicious time. It always falls on 14th January.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India, the manner of celebration may differ, but the sanctity of the occasion is accepted by all Hindu as the Surya (sun) moves into the Northern hemisphere known as “Uttrayan”, an auspicious time.

Lohri
Lohri is a harvest festival of northern India. It is celebrated on the 13th of January every year. Crops, such as wheat, are planted in October and harvested around March or April. January is when the fields begin to show signs of a good harvest and farmers celebrate Lohri before the cutting and gathering of crops. Lohri is thanking God for a good crop and thanking the Sun God for bringing warmth.

To celebrate Lohri, usually a bonfire is lit in the evening and it is considered holy to walk around the fire.

Lohri is one of the most zestful festivals of Punjab. It always falls on 13th January. It is essentially a festival of the farmers of Punjab.

On this occasion the young women have a field day & get intricate mehndi decorated on their hands and feet. They buy colourful bangles, bindis & garments. “Salwar Kamees as Ghaghras” are the favoured clothes for this day.

Food served during Lohri is non-veg. All sons & daughters-in-law of the house get together to celebrate, eat together & dance the Bhangra & Gidda.

Pongal

Pongal is most important festival of Tamilians. This is an harvest festival honouring the sun god & Indra, the god of rain. The festival is celebrated for four days which starts from 13th Jan.

Few days prior to Pongal Festival, every house is cleaned, whitewashed & dusted.

First day is dedicated to Lord Indra, which is also calked as ‘Bhogi’,

Second day is known as ‘Thai’, an this day the outside of the house is decorated with mango leaves. The ‘rangoli’ is prepared with the outline in white flour. Later the outlines are filled with colourful powder. New clothes are donned on this day after early bath.

The third day is dedicated to cow & bulls. The horns of cows & bulls decorated with ‘haldi’ & ‘kum kum’, small bells are field around their necks. Then they are paraded along the streets.

The fourth and last day is for relaxation, nothing new is started on this day as it is believed to be inauspicious day.