Page 68 - Connect 2024-25

industrial yet beautiful state of Maharashtra, the tiniest Punjab and Haryana, Paithani sarees of Maharashtra,
state of India Goa, and UTs of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Terrakota pottery of West Bengal, Rajasthani miniature
and Daman and Diu. Gateway of India, Zuhu, Marine work, Pashmina shawls of Kashmir are just some
Drive, and Elephanta caves of Mumbai are something instances of the wide range of art and crafts produced by
that almost reached the boundaries of excellence and the profusely talented people of that region. These skills
excitement, especially for tourists. Goa has nearly 35 are passed down from one generation to another in a
beaches dotted in the 100 km coastline and there on hierarchical manner. Practice of Medical heritages like
the beaches not only seawater but dynamic energy Yoga and Ayurveda, have their origin in India and are
overflows. The Gir National Park is the only place in recently spreading widely across the globe. Apart from
India that has Asiatic Lions in it. these, with various cultural traditions and ethnicities,
Eastern India includes Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, the attires of the people in India also vary in women’s
Orissa, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Kolkata is dress like Saree, salwar, and Anarkali, which are widely
one of the biggest and most popular cities in the east. popular. Traditional cloths such as Mekhe Sador in
The Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Jorasanko Assam, Chaniya Choli in Rajasthan and Gujarat, Rignai
Thakurbari- the birthplace of poet Rabindranath are in Tripura, Reshmi Langa in South India, Patiala Suits in
enough to mesmerize the tourists. The Puri beach, the Punjab and Haryana beautifully portray cultural heritage
city of Bhubaneswar in Odisha is holy and enjoyable at in India. Male attires like Dhuti Panjabi in West Bengal,
the same time. Dhoti in South India, Kurta pajama, and Angarkha are
On the other hand, the North East region is marked some of the signature garments of Indian culture.
by the presence of fold mountains and it includes the Hence, India is diverse in culture, cuisine, attire, and so
Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, on but the widely regarded theme of ‘unity in diversity’
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. is a pride for Indians. And here in the matter of diversity,
Kaziranga and Cherrapunji are just a few examples of one thing that comes is religion - Hindu, Muslim, Sikh,
the vast serene area. Jain, Christian, and so on. People of various faiths reside
Oh, wait! On a tour, how can we neglect the local food? in the same country and the expression of spirituality,
And here, in a multicultural nation like India, the options generally for that reason, is diversified too. Here, in
are more than generous. Based on the geographical India, many spiritual matters got their manifestation
location and crop production, a wide range of local through festivals. Whether it is Durga puja, Ganesh
cuisine has emerged across the nation. From staple Chaturthi, Navratri, Pongal, Onam, Eid, or Christmas
foods like wheat, rice, and barley to junk the choices one thing that binds all with one thread is their devotion
of platters are many. From delicious aloo paratha, to God. Lamps are lit on the banks of the holy river
chole bhature, and dahi vada of Punjab to south Indian of Ganga and thus every evening the dazzling ritual of
signature dishes like Dosa, Idli, and Sambar or from Ganga- Aarti is performed in sacred cities like Haridwar,
mouthwatering dal bati churma of Rajasthan to milky Rishikesh, and Varanasi. Starting from Hindu temples
white Rosogolla of Bengal the options are so many that to serene Buddhist monasteries to Masjid of Islamic
perhaps the article will not suffice for it. Street food can religion and Sikh Gurudwaras; religious institutions and
be labelled as ‘the cherry on the top’ among Indian places are scattered across the county. And for all these,
food. Golgappa, Fuchka, Panipuri, Batasa whichever whenever someone visits India, there are high chances
the name is, probably there is no Indian who hasn’t to witness at least any of these charming occasions.
gulped this spicy, tangy, chutney and deep-fried puris. Another thing for which a tour in India cannot be missed
Apart from this Bhel, Pav Bhaji, Dahi vada, Jilabi, and is the sundry adventurous activities and sports. Sports
Samosa are some star items in this category. like Cricket and Football, even though originated outside
However, the diversity is not restricted to only food but India, got a major place in the hearts of Indians. Indian
it is reflected in the traditions and cultural practices Premier League popularly (called IPL) is one the largest
too. For example, the practice of dance has developed sports exhibition to reach audiences in various corners
both as a medium of classical dances and folk dances. of the world. Joining in the match stadium is so exciting,
Bharatnatyam of Tamil Nadu, Kuchipudi of Andhra especially for sports lovers. It can be perhaps surprising
Pradesh, Kathakali of Kerala, and Kathak of Uttar to many, but Hockey is not the national sport of India.
Pradesh are utmost pleasant and on the other hand, folk India, officially, has no national sports. Hockey is called
dances such as Chhau of Jharkhand, Bihu of Assam, the same perhaps because of the Historical significance
Garba of Gujarat are so enthralling that it is really hard and successes in India. Other sports like Kabadi, Golf,
not to dive in this rhythm. Across the nation, countless Rugby, Kusti, and Basketball are some of the most loved
poets, musicians, and composers had emerged and with sports in India and the matches are exhilarating to
their prolific work enriched it. Madhubani painting of another level.
Bihar, Dhokra art of Chattisgarh, Phulkari embroidery of Whereas tourism is associated with adventure, in many

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