Explore Share Inspire

As the harsh winter descends upon the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, covering the barren brown mountains in a blanket of pristine white snow, the land prepares for warmth—not just from fire, but from faith. The mercury plummets to bone-chilling depths, and the mountain passes close, isolating the valley from the rest of the world. Yet, in this deep silence, a vibrant warmth awakens. This warmth arrives in the form of Galdan Namchot, a spectacular festival that transforms the cold desert into a glowing wonderland. Often referred to as the Diwali of Ladakh, Galdan Namchot is a celebration of light, spirituality, and community. It marks the beginning of the festive season in Ladakh, serving as the curtain-raiser for Losar (the Ladakhi New Year) and signaling a time of joy, feasting, and togetherness. The Saint: The Legend of the Sandalwood Tree The primary spiritual significance of Galdan Namchot is to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (passing away) of Je...

The idea of making a Red Velvet Christmas cake, the famous American red velvet cake but in a Christmas style, had been in my head for a long time. I was so eager to make it that Christmas is approaching that today I got to work. For the frosting I prepared a classic cream cheese and mascarpone. I then chose to make my Red Velvet unique by giving it the appearance of a naked cake, plastered and decorated in a Christmas style. In the past I have prepared classic panettone, the quick ones, the low ones, classic and chocolate, mini glazed panettone and with chopped dried fruit. And then the characteristic tiramisu and pomegranate logs as well as the famous chocolate salami and the traditional yellow and Roman pan. The red velvet was missing from the roll call but from today it will be there. It is a delicious and scenic cake that fascinates and conquers the heart at first sight and the palate at the first taste. The mascarpone frosting enriches it with decorations, whichever you choose ...

While Pushkar has its camels and Jaipur its literature, the historic city of Alwar—nestled in the lap of the green Aravalli hills—hosts a celebration that is equally mesmerizing but far more intimate: the Matsya Festival. Known as the Lion Gate of Rajasthan, Alwar transforms every winter into a kaleidoscopic hub of folk music, adventure sports, and royal pageantry. If you are looking for a cultural experience that blends the grandeur of Rajput history with the raw energy of local traditions, the Matsya Festival is your calling. Legends & Myths: The Fish Connection The name Matsya (Sanskrit for Fish) is not merely decorative; it is rooted in the deepest layers of Indian mythology and history. The Matsya Avatar According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu took his first avatar as a giant fish (Matsya) to save Manu (the progenitor of humanity) from a catastrophic deluge. It is believed that this ancient region is spiritually connected to that primordial event, symbolizin...

Nestled in the lap of the mighty Brahmaputra River in Assam lies Majuli, the world's largest inhabited river island. While the island is a serene paradise of biodiversity and spirituality year-round, it truly comes alive every winter during the Majuli Festival. Held annually from November 21st to 24th, this festival is not just a tourist event. It is a vibrant canvas that paints the rich tapestry of Assam's cultural and Neo-Vaishnavite heritage. Organized by the Assam Tourism Department, it serves as a bridge between the island's ancient traditions and the modern world. Majuli is often called the "Cultural Capital of Assam," and the festival is the perfect showcase for this title. The event is a melting pot of the various communities living on the island, including the Mishing, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, and the Neo-Vaishnavite monks. 1. The Satra Tradition & Sattriya Dance The soul of Majuli lies in its Satras, established in the 15th and 16th centuries by...

Modak is a kind of sweet dumpling. It originated in India, in the state of Maharashtra. It is served during Ganesh Chaturthi, a holiday dedicated to Ganesha. The main ingredients of a Modak meatball usually include coconut and brown sugar, a type of sugar. Modaks are considered a vegetarian food, although not vegan, as they often contain butter. Cooking a Modak begins with filling with fresh coconut and raw sugar, brown sugar that has been developed in India. It is a concentrated form of liquid cane sugar, and molasses containing both hard crystals. As for the plate, brown sugar should be shaved off a large hard driving block. Although they are usually the two main ingredients of this cake, the filling may also contain other components. Some examples include raisins, chopped cashews or clarified butter. Spices such as cardamom are also used. Some Modaks are also filled with cucumber, fruit, or Moong, a kind of grains. After creating the stuffing, then the rice flour dough is spoo...

High in the Himalayas, where the air is thin and the silence is commanded by the imposing Kinner Kailash range, the village of Kalpa in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh, harbors a tradition that feels less like a festival and more like a portal to another world. Kalpa. The name itself whispers of ancient secrets, of windswept peaks and valleys carved by time. Nestled in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, this stunning village cradles a tradition as unique as its landscape: the Raulane festival. While the rest of India might mark the changing seasons with vibrant colour-throwing, Kalpa observes the transition from the harsh grip of winter to the hopeful thaw of spring with a surreal, quiet grace. This is the Raulane Festival, a ceremony of masks, cross-dressing, and ancient gratitude, dedicated to the Sauni - the ethereal mountain fairies believed to guard the hamlet when the snows are deepest. For the locals of Kinnaur, Raulane is a sacred duty, a theatrical farewell to the divine g...

Utpanna Ekadashi is a significant festival celebrated by Hindus, particularly dedicated to the worship of Vishnu. Occurring on the eleventh day or Ekadashi of the Shukla Paksha during waxing phase of the moon in the month of Karthika usually around October-November, this day is marked by fasting, prayers, and various rituals. It is believed that observing Utpanna Ekadashi can help devotees attain moksha or liberation and rid themselves of sins. The Mythology Behind Utpanna Ekadashi The origins of Utpanna Ekadashi are rooted in ancient mythology. It is said that during the great churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), the gods and demons sought the nectar of immortality (amrit). Amidst this churning process, various entities surfaced, including a beautiful woman named Mohini, who was actually an incarnation of Vishnu. After distributing the nectar among the gods, Mohini disappeared. Following this, there arose a desire among the gods and sages to appease Vishnu for granting divine b...

Paneer tikka or paneer tikka is a dish originating from India that consists of skewers of paneer cheese , pickled onions and peppers cooked in a tandoor. This dish originated in northern India and is a vegetarian alternative to the stew known as chicken tikka. What is Paneer Tikka? Paneer tikka is a dish consisting of skewers of cream cheese called paneer and diced vegetables, usually peppers, onions, or tomatoes. The cream cheese and diced vegetables are marinated in a marinade of dahi and spices. On the sticks used to make paneer kebabs, cubes of cream cheese are alternated with pieces of green peppers, red peppers, and onions. Some paneer tikka recipes also call for tomatoes. The marinade for paneer tikka consists mainly of thick dahi yogurt , garlic, ginger and several spices such as ground coriander, dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi), garam masala, Kashmiri chili and cumin seeds. Paneer tikka is traditionally served with salad, naan bread , and mint chutney. When paneer t...

Garos prefer to identify themselves as Achchik Mande or hill people. Their most important festival is Wangala. They call this festival - Wanna, Wanagala, Wanma Rangchua and Drua Wanbala. During this time, various preparations for the Wangala festival take place in Garo villages. Also known as the festival of 100 drums, Wangala festival celebrates the Sun god with dances, rhythms and colorful costumes that fill the Garo hills of northeast India with joy and energy. Everyone gets busy rehearsing dances and songs. The tune of the enchanting song Wangala Wangala Achikrang Wangala...Wangala Wanagala...Middina Rugala - is heard in the villages. The Wangala festival is usually held at the end of the monsoon season and before winter, when the new crops are harvested. The word 'wana' means offerings to the gods and goddesses and the word 'gala' means offering. Garos believe that the sun, under the command of the god Missi Saljang, causes the germination and maturation of seed...

Matar Paneer or Methi Matar Malai Paneer is a classic North Indian dish that never fails to delight the taste buds. This vegetarian dish, combining green peas and paneer (Indian cheese), is a spicy and flavorful curry that can easily be prepared at home for a restaurant-quality dining experience. It's as simple to make as it is delicious, and is a perfect option for a filling dinner. This dish pairs wonderfully with basmati rice, naan, roti, or any other flatbread of your choice. Origin of the Methi Matar Malai Paneer Recipe Matar Paneer originates from the Punjab region, but its popularity extends far beyond that province. Every Indian household has its own version of this dish, which means each preparation of Matar Paneer can have a unique flavor. The main ingredient, paneer, is an Indian cheese made by curdling milk, while peas are "matar" in Hindi. This dish can be made in a variety of ways, but the basics often remain the same: a sauce made with onions, tomatoes,...

Nestled in the northeastern corner of India, the Nongkrem Festival of Meghalaya captivates the hearts of all who witness its vibrant traditions and rich cultural significance. Celebrated annually by the Khasi tribe, the Nongkrem festival embodies the essence of joy, gratitude, and community spirit while showcasing the unique tapestry of Khasi heritage. Historical Background The origins of the Nongkrem Festival can be traced back centuries, deeply rooted in the religious and cultural practices of the Khasi people. The festival typically takes place in the month of November, coinciding with the harvesting season. It serves as a time to offer gratitude to the Almighty for a bountiful harvest and to seek blessings for the upcoming year. The celebration takes place over multiple days, with the primary events held in the picturesque Smit village, located around 11 kilometers from the state capital, Shillong. Ritualistic Observances At the heart of the Nongkrem Festival lies a unique ble...