A Glimpse int o Jaipur’s Glorious Past

Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was India’s first planned city. The city was designed by renowned architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, following the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra. The distinct pink colour of its buildings, given as a welcome gesture to Prince Albert in 1876, earned it the affectionate nickname “Pink City”.

Today, Jaipur stands as a proud symbol of Rajasthan’s rich history and architectural brilliance.

Must-Visit Attractions in Jaipur

1. Amber Fort:
   Perched on a hilltop, Amber Fort is one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks. Built with red sandstone and marble, it showcases a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Don’t miss the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) and enjoy an elephant ride up to the fort gates for a royal experience.
2. City Palace:
   Located in the heart of Jaipur, City Palace is a perfect example of grandeur and elegance. The palace complex includes museums, courtyards, gardens, and the Chandra Mahal, which still serves as a royal residence. The Mubarak Mahal and Diwan-i-Khas are other must-see parts of this stunning complex.
3. Hawa Mahal:
   Also known as the Palace of Winds, this five-storey pink sandstone structure was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Its 953 intricately carved jharokhas (small windows) allowed royal ladies to observe street festivities while remaining unseen.
4. Jantar Mantar:
   A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar is one of the largest and best-preserved observatories in India. It houses ancient astronomical instruments, including the world’s largest stone sundial.
5. Nahargarh Fort:
   Offering breathtaking views of Jaipur city, Nahargarh Fort is a great spot for history lovers and photographers. Visit during sunset for an unforgettable experience.

Explore Jaipur’s Colourful Markets

Jaipur’s bustling markets are a shopper’s paradise. From traditional jewellery to block-printed textiles and blue pottery, you’ll find exquisite handicrafts reflecting Rajasthan’s rich heritage.

• Johari Bazaar: Famous for traditional Kundan and Meenakari jewellery.
• Bapu Bazaar: Ideal for Mojris (traditional footwear), handicrafts, and fabrics.
• Tripolia Bazaar: Known for lac bangles and brassware.

Don’t forget to bargain for the best deals!

Relish the Flavours of Rajasthani Cuisine

Your trip to Jaipur is incomplete without indulging in authentic Rajasthani cuisine. From spicy curries to rich sweets, the local food scene is a delightful experience.

• Dal Baati Churma: A traditional Rajasthani thali staple.
• Laal Maas: A fiery mutton curry for spice lovers.
• Ghewar: A popular dessert during festive seasons.

Visit iconic eateries like Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB) and Rawat Mishtan Bhandar to taste the city’s best flavours.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

The ideal time to visit Jaipur is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The city also hosts the famous Jaipur Literature Festival in January, attracting writers and literary enthusiasts from across the globe.

How to Reach Jaipur

• By Air: Jaipur International Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
• By Train: Regular trains connect Jaipur with Delhi, Agra, and other important cities.
• By Road: A comfortable drive on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH48) takes around 5-6 hours.

Conclusion

Jaipur is a city where history, heritage, and hospitality come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you are exploring grand palaces, shopping in lively markets, or savouring traditional delicacies, the royal charm of Jaipur will leave you enchanted. Plan your trip today and witness the timeless beauty of Rajasthan’s Pink City.

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History of Amber Fort

The name “Amber” is believed to be derived from Amba Mata, a revered goddess of the region. The fort witnessed centuries of royal life, court rituals, wars, and strategic alliances, making it a significant chapter in Rajasthan’s regal history.

Architecture and Design

Amber Fort is a spectacular example of Rajputana grandeur, with sandstone and marble structures that blend defense and beauty seamlessly. The fort is known for its massive ramparts, cobbled pathways, ornate gates, and mirror work halls.

Top Attractions Inside Amber Fort

1. Suraj Pol (Sun Gate):
   The main entrance to the fort that leads to Jaleb Chowk, the first courtyard. It was the ceremonial entry for royal processions.
2. Ganesh Pol:
   A beautifully painted gateway that leads to the private palaces. It is adorned with intricate frescoes and lattice windows.
3. Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience):
   A pillared hall where the king addressed the public and listened to their grievances.
4. Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace):
   The most stunning part of the fort, this hall features thousands of small mirror tiles that sparkle under the light. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship.
5. Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure):
   This hall was designed to stay cool even in the hot summers. It has a water channel running through it and features sandalwood doors.
6. Zenana (Women’s Quarters):
   Private chambers for royal women, interconnected through secret passages and guarded entryways.
7. Maota Lake:
   The fort overlooks Maota Lake, which enhances the beauty of the fort and also served as a water source.

Amber Fort Light and Sound Show

In the evening, a Light and Sound Show is held at Amber Fort, narrating the fort’s rich history using dramatic storytelling, music, and lighting effects. It’s a must-attend event to truly understand the cultural legacy of Amber.

• Hindi Show Timing: 8:00 PM
• English Show Timing: 7:00 PM
• Duration: Around 50 minutes

Entry Fee and Timings

• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
• Entry Fee:
  • Indian tourists: ₹100
  • Foreign tourists: ₹550
  • Students: Discounts available with ID
• Light & Sound Show Ticket:
  • Indian: ₹200
  • Foreigner: ₹400

How to Reach Amber Fort

Amber Fort is located about 11 km from Jaipur city center. You can reach the fort by:

• Auto-rickshaws or taxis from anywhere in Jaipur
• Public buses to Amber town
• Private vehicle or bike rentals
• Some visitors also enjoy a short hike up the hill to the fort entrance

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Amber Fort is during the winter season (October to March) when the weather is pleasant for exploring the fort’s vast complex. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid heat and crowds.

Travel Tips for Amber Fort

• Wear comfortable walking shoes as there’s a lot of walking and climbing.
• Carry water, especially in the warmer months.
• Hire a certified guide or use an audio guide to understand the fort’s rich history.
• Avoid elephant rides and instead opt for jeep rides or walks up the fort.
• Photography is allowed, so don’t forget your camera!

Conclusion

Amber Fort Jaipur is not just a historical monument; it is a window into the lavish lifestyle and strategic brilliance of the Rajput kings. From mirror-studded halls to majestic gates, every part of the fort tells a story of valor, romance, and tradition. If you’re planning a trip to Jaipur, make sure Amber Fort tops your list. It promises an unforgettable experience of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.

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1. Explore the Raneh Falls Canyon

Just 20 km from Khajuraho, Raneh Falls is a natural wonder often missed by typical tourists. The waterfall is carved out by the Ken River and is surrounded by a 5 km-long canyon of pure volcanic rock, with hues of red, pink, and grey. The best time to visit is during the monsoon or post-monsoon season when the falls are in full flow.

This area is also part of the Ken Gharial Sanctuary, where you might spot crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife. It’s a perfect spot for nature photography and peaceful walks.

2. Attend the Khajuraho Dance Festival

Every February, the Khajuraho Dance Festival brings the town alive with vibrant performances of classical Indian dance styles such as Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali. Held in the backdrop of the illuminated Western Group of Temples, this cultural event is a visual and spiritual treat.

Apart from dance, there are also handicraft exhibitions, food stalls, and musical shows. If your visit aligns with the festival dates, it’s an unmissable experience.

3. Visit the Tribal and Folk Art Museum

Located near the Western Group of Temples, the Tribal and Folk Art Museum is part of the MP State Museum setup. It offers insights into the life, beliefs, tools, and traditions of the tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh. The collection includes traditional jewelry, masks, weapons, paintings, and musical instruments.

This museum adds cultural depth to your Khajuraho experience and gives context to the motifs and figures found in temple carvings.

4. Discover the Adivart Tribal Museum

Another excellent museum is the Adivart Tribal and Cultural Museum, which showcases the art and life of the indigenous people from central India. The museum is operated by a local NGO and includes interactive exhibits, dioramas, and handcrafted items made by tribal artists.

If you enjoy learning about local lifestyles, craftsmanship, and heritage beyond the mainstream, this place is worth an hour or two.

5. Enjoy a Light and Sound Show

In the evening, the Light and Sound Show held at the Western Group of Temples is a magical way to understand the rich history of Khajuraho. Narrated in both English and Hindi, the show combines music, lights, and storytelling to recount the rise and fall of the Chandela dynasty and the purpose behind the temples’ creation.

It’s informative, atmospheric, and a great way to relax after a day of sightseeing.

6. Shop for Local Handicrafts

Khajuraho’s small markets are perfect for picking up souvenirs, tribal artwork, handloom fabrics, stone carvings, and miniature sculptures. Visit local shops near the temple complex or explore the weekly rural haat (market) for traditional items. Bargaining is common and part of the fun!

You can also find shops that sell Khajuraho-themed postcards, paintings, and books that delve deeper into the region’s art and mythology.

7. Take a Village Walk or Bicycle Tour

Khajuraho is surrounded by rustic countryside and charming villages. A guided village walk, or bicycle tour, can take you through farms, potters’ huts, small temples, and everyday life in rural India. It’s an eye-opening experience and a nice way to connect with the locals.

Some tours also include sunrise or sunset views over the fields, adding a peaceful, scenic element to your trip.

8. Visit Beni Sagar Dam and Lake

For a quiet escape, head to Beni Sagar Lake, located about 1 km from the main temple complex. You can enjoy boating, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the water. It’s especially popular among locals and offers a pleasant natural backdrop.

It’s a great spot for those looking to take a break from temple-hopping and enjoy some open space and fresh air.

How to Reach Khajuraho

Khajuraho is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it accessible from major Indian cities:

• By Air: The Khajuraho Airport (HJR) is located about 5 km from the main town and has flights from Delhi, Varanasi, and other cities. It’s the most convenient way to reach, especially if you’re short on time.
• By Train: Khajuraho Railway Station is around 6 km from the town center. It connects to cities like Delhi, Jhansi, Bhopal, and Varanasi. Alternatively, you can take a train to Jhansi (175 km away) and then drive or take a taxi to Khajuraho.
• By Road: Khajuraho is connected by good roads to nearby cities such as Jhansi, Satna, Bhopal, and Varanasi. Regular buses and private taxis are available. Driving or hiring a cab is a scenic and flexible way to travel, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.

Final Thoughts

Khajuraho is far more than a destination of temples and sculptures. Its natural beauty, rich tribal culture, vibrant art, and relaxed atmosphere make it a holistic travel experience. Whether you’re into history, adventure, art, or just a slow-paced cultural escape, Khajuraho offers plenty to see and do beyond its famous stone carvings.

So, while the temples may bring you here, let everything else convince you to stay a little longer.

The post Top Things to Do in Khajuraho Beyond the Temples appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

If you are an art lover, history enthusiast, or cultural traveler, exploring the havelis and murals of Shekhawati will feel like walking through a living museum.

The Legacy of Shekhawati

The Shekhawati region includes towns such as Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu, and Fatehpur. Between the 18th and early 20th centuries, this region flourished under the rule of wealthy merchant families, many of whom later moved to larger cities like Mumbai and Kolkata for trade. However, before they left, they built grand havelis adorned with detailed frescoes, murals, and architectural features that rival those in royal palaces.

These paintings weren’t just decorative, they told stories of mythology, daily life, colonial influence, and social customs. From tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata to portraits of British officers, trains, telephones, and even aeroplanes, the murals reflect the intersection of traditional India with the modern world of the time.

Famous Havelis to Explore

1. Mandawa Havelis

Mandawa is the most popular town in Shekhawati, often used as a base for exploring the region. Some of the most famous havelis here include:

• Goenka Double Haveli – Known for its detailed frescoes of elephants, horses, and mythical figures.
• Murmuria Haveli – Unique for its modern frescoes of trains, British rulers, and even political leaders like Nehru.

2. Nawalgarh Havelis

Nawalgarh is considered one of the best-preserved towns in Shekhawati.

• Poddar Haveli Museum – Converted into a museum, this haveli showcases not just beautiful murals but also traditional Shekhawati lifestyle and artifacts.
• Morarka Haveli – An elegant building known for its rich color palette and Rajput-style wall art.

3. Fatehpur Havelis

Fatehpur houses the famous:

• Nadine Le Prince Haveli – A restored haveli owned by a French artist who has brought international attention to Shekhawati’s heritage.

4. Jhunjhunu Havelis

Jhunjhunu, the largest town in the region, also offers a number of fresco-filled mansions like:

• Khetri Mahal, also called the “Wind Palace,” which is an architectural gem with open corridors and arched walls.

Themes in the Murals

One of the most fascinating aspects of Shekhawati’s havelis is the storytelling through art. Some recurring themes include:

• Hindu Mythology: Gods like Krishna, Rama, Shiva, and Ganesha appear frequently in various forms.
• Colonial Era: British soldiers, trains, and even scenes of ballroom dances find their way onto the walls.
• Social Life: Weddings, festivals, markets, and rural scenes are painted in vibrant detail.
• Modern Influences: Airplanes, clocks, and even European inventions became part of the artistic canvas.

These murals reflect a rich historical timeline and changing cultural influences over the years.

Preservation and Challenges

Unfortunately, many of these havelis are in various states of decay, due to a lack of maintenance, harsh weather, and migration of the original families. However, local trusts, private owners, and even foreign artists and historians are making efforts to restore and preserve these architectural wonders.

How to Reach Shekhawati

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport (around 150–200 km from major Shekhawati towns).
• By Train: Jhunjhunu, Nawalgarh, and Sikar have railway stations connected to Jaipur and Delhi.
• By Road: Shekhawati is well-connected via roadways, and you can easily hire a cab or take a bus from Jaipur or Delhi.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Shekhawati is during the winter months (October to March). When the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and walking tours.

Conclusion

Shekhawati is not just a destination, it’s a canvas of forgotten grandeur, painted stories, and artistic brilliance. For those seeking an offbeat experience in Rajasthan, away from the usual forts and deserts. Shekhawati offers a rich and colorful journey into the past. Each haveli you step into, each mural you observe, adds a new layer to the story of India’s incredible cultural heritage.

The post Shekhawati Havelis and Murals Discovering Rajasthan’s Art appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Whether you’re a pilgrim, a spiritual seeker, or a cultural traveler, Pehowa has something meaningful to offer. Let’s explore the best things to do in this holy town:

1. Visit the Ancient Saraswati Temple

Pehowa is believed to be situated on the banks of the sacred Saraswati River, which once flowed through the region. The Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and learning, is one of the main attractions in the town. It is said that Rishi Prashar performed rituals here in ancient times. Though the river has dried up, the spiritual presence of Saraswati is still strongly felt. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for knowledge and inner peace.

2. Perform Pind Daan at the Sacred Sarovars

Pehowa is one of the most important sites in North India for performing Pind Daan, the Hindu ritual for paying homage to one’s ancestors. The Prithudak Teerth (now Pehowa) is named after King Prithu, who is said to have performed the first Shraddha here for his father Vena. Pilgrims gather on the ghats near the holy sarovars (ponds), including Prithudak Teerth Sarovar, to perform these rites under the guidance of local priests. The atmosphere is calm, devotional, and deeply moving.

3. Explore the Kapil Muni Mandir

Located near the main market area, the Kapil Muni Mandir is another spiritual site worth visiting. It is believed that Sage Kapil, a prominent Vedic rishi, meditated here. The temple is simple yet significant, and it offers a quiet space for meditation and reflection. The presence of this temple underscores Pehowa’s connection with India’s ancient sages and scriptures.

4. Visit the Pandav Teerth and Draupadi Kund

According to legends from the Mahabharata, the Pandavas visited Pehowa during their exile. Pilgrims visit the Pandav Teerth, associated with their journey, to retrace their steps. Nearby, people believe that the Draupadi Kund is a place where Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, took a holy bath. These spots add a mythological layer to Pehowa’s spiritual landscape and are great for devotees and mythology enthusiasts alike.

5. Experience Local Fairs and Festivals

Pehowa comes alive during religious festivals, particularly during Pitru Paksha (15 days dedicated to ancestors) and Gita Jayanti. During these times, the town witnesses a surge of pilgrims, and the markets, temples, and ghats become vibrant with activity. Local fairs offer traditional crafts, sweets, and devotional items. Participating in these festivals provides a deeper cultural experience of the region.

6. Walk Through the Town’s Heritage

Beyond its temples, Pehowa retains an old-world charm in its narrow lanes, traditional homes, and age-old shops selling religious paraphernalia. Small shrines, ancient Brahmin homes, and kunds (stepwells) dot the town and speak to its historical roots. A casual walk through the town is a journey back in time and allows visitors to absorb its cultural essence.

7. Explore Nearby Attractions

Since Pehowa is part of the greater Kurukshetra region, you can extend your trip to include nearby attractions like:

• Jyotisar, where people believe that Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita.
• Brahma Sarovar, one of the largest water tanks considered sacred in Hinduism.
• Krishna Museum, which showcases art and literature related to Lord Krishna.

These nearby destinations add value to a pilgrimage trip and provide a broader understanding of the region’s historical and religious significance.

How to Reach Pehowa

• By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Kurukshetra, Karnal, and Ambala.
• By Train: In Kurukshetra, they have the nearest railway station, which connects well to Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities.
• By Air: The closest airport is Chandigarh Airport, about 100 km away. You can also fly into Delhi and drive to Pehowa in around 4 hours.

Conclusion

Pehowa may not be a bustling tourist destination, but its spiritual energy, historical depth, and peaceful ambiance make it a truly special place to visit. Whether you’re there to honor your ancestors, seek wisdom at ancient temples, or explore the stories from the Mahabharata, Pehowa offers a meaningful and enriching experience for every traveler. In a world full of distractions, Pehowa stands as a quiet reminder of India’s enduring spiritual legacy.

The post Things to do in Pehowa Temples, History, and Pilgrimage appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

If you’re planning a trip to Kurukshetra, here are the best tourist attractions you must explore:

1. Brahma Sarovar

Brahma Sarovar is one of the most iconic and spiritual landmarks in Kurukshetra. It is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma created the universe. The vast, tranquil water body is surrounded by ghats and temples and is particularly popular during the Gita Jayanti celebrations. Visitors often take a holy dip here, especially during solar eclipses, as it is believed to cleanse the soul.

2. Sannihit Sarovar

Another sacred water tank, Sannihit Sarovar, is believed to be the meeting point of seven sacred Saraswatis. It is considered the abode of Lord Vishnu and is visited by thousands of pilgrims seeking spiritual merit. On the day of Amavasya (new moon), many devotees perform rituals for their ancestors here.

3. Jyotisar – The Birthplace of the Bhagavad Gita

4. Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre

This unique museum combines mythology and science through modern exhibits. The center features a giant, lifelike diorama of the Mahabharata battle and offers interactive displays that explain the scientific concepts behind ancient Indian wisdom. It is a great place for students and families looking to learn in an engaging and educational environment.

5. Krishna Museum

Located near Brahma Sarovar, the Krishna Museum showcases art, artifacts, sculptures, and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. Spread across several galleries, it offers a rich visual narrative from various periods of Indian art. This museum is a must-visit for those who want to immerse themselves in Krishna’s divine journey.

6. Bhishma Kund

7. Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb

8. Kalpana Chawla Planetarium

Named after the famous astronaut who hailed from Karnal near Kurukshetra, this planetarium offers a wonderful experience for space and science lovers. With informative shows on astronomy, stars, and planets, it is especially popular among school groups and families with children.

9. Saraswati Forest Reserve (Saraswati Wildlife Sanctuary)

For nature lovers, the Saraswati Forest Reserve is a refreshing retreat from the city. Spread over a vast area, it is home to various species of flora and fauna. Nature walks and picnics here are ideal for travelers seeking peace and greenery.

10. Gita Gyan Sansthanam

A center dedicated to spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, this institute offers a peaceful environment for study, meditation, and reflection. It also hosts lectures, discussions, and spiritual retreats for devotees and seekers from around the world.

How to Reach Kurukshetra

• By Train: Kurukshetra Junction is a key railway station on the Delhi–Ambala route, with frequent trains from major cities.
• By Road: The city lies on National Highway 44 and is easily accessible from Delhi (approx. 170 km) and Chandigarh (approx. 90 km) by buses and private vehicles.
• By Air: The nearest airport is in Chandigarh, about 100 km away. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (approx. 170 km) is also a viable option.

Conclusion

Kurukshetra is more than just a city, it’s a living chronicle of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, the city offers a rich tapestry of experiences. With its sacred tanks, revered temples, and enlightening museums, Kurukshetra is a journey into India’s soul one you must take at least once.

The post Best Tourist Places in Kurukshetra You Must See appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Why Visit Chopta?

Chopta is a paradise for those seeking tranquility amidst nature. Situated at an altitude of around 2,680 meters, it serves as the base for treks to the famous Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila Peak, one of the most rewarding summit treks in Uttarakhand.

What makes Chopta special is its simplicity and raw beauty dense oak and deodar forests, wide meadows known as bugyals, snow-covered slopes in winter, and vibrant alpine flowers in summer. It’s an ideal destination for trekkers, campers photographers, and anyone looking to unwind in the lap of nature.

How to Reach Chopta

Despite its secluded charm, Chopta is well connected by road and accessible from nearby cities:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, around 220 kilometers from Chopta. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Chopta via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, approximately 200 kilometers away. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Chopta.
• By Road: Chopta is connected by motorable roads to major towns like Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, and Gopeshwar. You can drive your own car or hire a taxi. The scenic drive through winding mountain roads and charming villages is an experience in itself.

Top Attractions in Chopta

1. Tungnath Temple
   A trek of around 3.5 kilometers from Chopta takes you to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, perched at an altitude of 3,680 meters. Believed to be over a thousand years old, this ancient temple is part of the Panch Kedar and holds great spiritual significance.
2. Chandrashila Peak
   A further 1.5 kilometers from Tungnath lies Chandrashila Peak, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of some of India’s highest peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba. The sunrise from Chandrashil is an unforgettable sight, making it one of the best trekking destinations in the region.
3. Deoria Tal
   A beautiful high-altitude lake located about 20 kilometers from Chopta, Deoria Tal is famous for its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding snow-clad peaks. A 2-kilometer trek from Sari village leads you to this serene spot, ideal for photography and nature walks.
4. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
   Located near Chopta, this sanctuary is home to the rare Himalayan musk deer and a variety of other wildlife. It’s a great spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Adventure Activities in Chopta

Chopta is a dream destination for adventure lovers. Some of the popular activities here include:

• Trekking: The Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek is the most popular, but nearby trails like Deoria Tal Trek and Rohini Bugyal Trek are also equally rewarding.
• Camping: Spend the night under star-lit skies amidst meadows and forests. There are several campsites around Chopta offering tent accommodations with basic facilities.
• Birdwatching: The forests around Chopta are home to over 200 species of birds, including monals, hill partridges, and eagles.

Local Cuisine and Accommodation

Chopta doesn’t have luxury resorts, but it offers basic guesthouses, homestays, and campsites run by locals, providing a warm and authentic Himalayan experience. The food here is simple, with North Indian and Garhwali dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Mandua ki Roti, and Pahadi dal. Served in small eateries and camps.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (April to June): Pleasant weather and blooming meadows.
• Monsoon (July to September): Lush greenery, but trekking can be risky.
• Winter (November to March): Snow-covered landscapes and a chance to experience snowfall.

Final Thoughts

Chopta is a hidden gem that combines spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you’re trekking to ancient temples, watching the sunrise over snow-clad peaks, or, in addition, simply sitting by a meadow. Listening to the chirping of birds, Chopta, therefore, promises an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect offbeat destination for those who crave peace and untouched wilderness.

The post Chopta the Mini Switzerland of India appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a honeymooner, a family traveler, or a nature lover, Mussoorie has something for everyone.

How to Reach Mussoorie

Getting to Mussoorie is convenient, with good connectivity by road, rail, and air. Discover the Marvels of Mussoorie the Queen of Hills.

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, located around 60 kilometers from Mussoorie. It is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mussoorie in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, approximately 35 kilometers away. Several trains run from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Varanasi to Dehradun. From the station, taxis and buses are easily available to take you to Mussoorie.
• By Road: Mussoorie is well connected by motorable roads to nearby cities. Regular private taxis, state-run buses, and luxury coaches operate between Dehradun and Mussoorie. You can also drive your vehicle, enjoying the scenic uphill drive that takes about an hour from Dehradun.

Top Places to Visit in Mussoorie

1. The Mall Road
   The heart of Mussoorie’s tourist activity, Mall Road is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a leisurely walk, enjoy local street food, shop for souvenirs, or simply sit on a bench and soak in the mountain views.
2. Kempty Falls
   Located about 15 kilometers from Mussoorie, Kempty Falls is one of the most popular attractions. The cascading waterfall is perfect for picnics and refreshing dips, especially during the summer months.
3. Gun Hill
   Take a thrilling cable car ride to Gun Hill, the second-highest peak in Mussoorie. The viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges and the Doon Valley. It’s a great spot for photography and sunset watching.
4. Lal Tibba
   The highest point in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba, is known for its scenic sunrise and sunset views. On clear days, you can see famous peaks like Bandar punch and Kedarnath through the mounted telescopes.
5. Camel’s Back Road
   A 3-kilometer stretch ideal for peaceful walks and horseback rides; Camel’s Back Road is named after a naturally shaped rock that resembles a camel’s hump. The road offers beautiful views, especially during early mornings and evenings.
6. Company Garden
   A beautifully maintained garden features colorful flower beds, fountains, a small amusement park, and a boating pond. It’s a perfect place for families and kids to relax and enjoy.

Adventure Activities in Mussoorie

Mussoorie isn’t just about scenic beauty; it’s also a hub for adventure seekers. Popular activities include:

• Trekking: Trails like Nag Tibba Trek and Benog Tibba Trek are perfect for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike.
• Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying with paragliding activities offered nearby.
• Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Suitable for adventure enthusiasts looking for some adrenaline rush.

Local Cuisine and Shopping

Mussoorie’s food scene offers a mix of North Indian, Tibetan, and Garhwali flavors. Don’t miss trying:

• Steaming momos and thukpa from Tibetan stalls.
• Aloo ke gutke and Kandalee ka saag, traditional Garhwali dishes.
• Hot masala chai and corn on the cob while strolling along Mall Road.

For shopping, visit the Library Bazaar, Kulri Bazaar, and Tibetan Market for woollen clothes, handicrafts, wooden souvenirs, and local jewelry.

Where to Stay in Mussoorie

Mussoorie has accommodations for every budget, ranging from luxurious resorts and boutique hotels to affordable homestays and guesthouses. Popular options include JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort, Fortune Resort Grace, and charming heritage stays like Rokeby Manor.

Final Thoughts

Mussoorie remains one of India’s most cherished travel destinations. With its perfect mix of natural beauty, colonial charm, adventure activities, and vibrant local culture, a trip to this hill station is an experience you’ll treasure forever. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a leisurely vacation, Mussoorie promises memories of misty mornings, serene sunsets, and the soothing embrace of the hills.

The post Discover the Marvels of Mussoorie the Queen of Hills appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

अमरनाथ यात्रा कब शुरू होती है

अमरनाथ यात्रा हर वर्ष जून माह के अंतिम सप्ताह में शुरू होकर लगभग डेढ़ महीने तक जारी रहते हुए रक्षा बंधन पर अगस्त माह में समाप्त होती है, यह यात्रा लगभग ४० से ५० दिन के मध्य जारी रहती है , जिन यात्रियों को इस यात्रा को करना होता है वो पहले से ही रजिस्ट्रेशन कराकर इस यात्रा में हिस्सा लेते है , यात्रा शुरू होने से कुछ दिन पूर्व यहाँ छड़ी मुबारक यात्रा निकली जाती है जिसमे राज्य के प्रमुख लोग पहुंचकर बाबा बर्फानी के हिमलिंग के दर्शन प्राप्त करते है

अमरनाथ यात्रा का रजिस्ट्रेशन कैसे करे

अमरनाथ यात्रा हर वर्ष जून माह के अंतिम सप्ताह में शुरू होकर अगस्त माह में समाप्त होती है, अथवा इसके रजिस्ट्रेशन मार्च या अप्रैल माह में शुरू हो जाते है, अमरनाथ यात्रा की गत वर्ष से रजिस्ट्रेशन की दो प्रक्रिया है एक ऑनलाइन माध्यम से और एक बैंक के द्वारा रजिस्ट्रेशन, यात्रा के रेजिट्रेशन की तारीख के बारे में आप श्री अमरनाथ जी श्राइन बोर्ड की वेबसाइट से जानकारी प्राप्त कर सकते है जहाँ आप पहले आओ पहले पाओ के हिसाब से सभी भक्तो का रजिस्ट्रेशन किया जाता है ,

अमरनाथ यात्रा का रजिस्ट्रेशन बैंक द्वारा कैसे करें

सबसे पहले आपको श्री अमरनाथ यात्रा श्राइन बोर्ड की वेबसाइट से अमरनाथ यात्रा का फॉर्म निकालकर भरना पड़ता है उसमे आपको कुछ पासपोर्ट साइज फोटोग्राफ की भी जरुरत पड़ती है उस फॉर्म को भरने के बाद आपको श्रीअमरनाथ जी श्राइन बोर्ड द्वारा दी गयी मान्य प्राप्त डॉक्टर्स की लिस्ट में से अपने शहर के डॉक्टर्स से जा कर अपने शरीर का जरुरी परिक्षण कराने के उपरांत वह फॉर्म आप श्राइन बोर्ड द्वारा निर्देशित बैंक में जाकर जमा कराये एवं वहां स्लॉट के हिसाब से आपको दिन और यात्रा की तारीख दे दी जाएगी

अमरनाथ यात्रा का रजिस्ट्रेशन का ऑनलाइन रजिस्ट्रेशन कैसे करें

श्री अमरनाथ जी श्राइन बोर्ड की अधिकृत वेबसाइट द्वारा आप ऑनलाइन रेजिट्रेशन कर सकते है जिसकी प्रक्रिया बहुत ही आसान है और अगर आप ऑनलाइन प्रक्रिया से अनभिज्ञ है तब आप अपने नजदीकी साइबर कैफ़े से जाकर यह रजिस्ट्रेशन करा सकते है श्राइन बोर्ड द्वारा तय फीस जमा कर के आप अपनी यात्रा की तारीख एवं तिथि तय कर सकते है ,वहां रजिस्ट्रेशन करने से पूर्व आपको मेडिकल जांच करना अनिवार्य है और उस फॉर्म को आप ऑनलाइन माध्यम से जमा कर सकते है

अमरनाथ यात्रा कहाँ से शुरू करें

श्री अमरनाथ यात्रा हर वर्ष की भांति दो अलग अलग रास्तो से शुरू की जाती है जिनमे एक है पहलगाम और दूसरा है बालटाल ,पहलगाम वाला जो रास्ता है वो यात्रा का पारम्परिक रास्ता है और ऐसे मान्यता है की भगवान शिव भी माता पार्वती को अमर कथा सुनाने के लिए इसी मार्ग से लेकर गए थे और अपने पीछे जगह जगह अपने शरीर के सभी तत्त्व छोड़ते चले गए थे , इस मार्ग से यात्रा शुरू करने के लिए आपको यात्रा तिथि से एक दिन पूर्व पहलगाम पहुंचकर नुनवन बेस कैंप में ठहर सकते है और यात्रा वाले दिन बेस कैंप से जम्मू कश्मीर सर्कार द्वारा चलायी गयी बस या टैक्सी लेकर चंदनवारी तक पहुँच सकते है जहाँ से आपकी यात्रा प्रारम्भ होती है , अगर आप बेस कैंप में नहीं रुकना चाहते तब आप किसी होटल या गेस्ट हाउस में रूककर वहां से सुबह ५ बजे चंदनवारी के लिए प्रस्थान कर सकते है ,

बालटाल मार्ग से भी ठीक इसी प्रकार आप अपनी यात्रा शुरू कर सकते है , दोनों को तुलना में बालटाल मार्ग छोटा होने के साथ साथ अति दुर्गम और कड़ी चढाई वाला है जहाँ से आप यात्रा प्रारम्भ कर सकते है. Book Golden Triangle Tour 

अमरनाथ यात्रा में कहाँ कहाँ ठहरने की व्यवस्था होती है

श्री अमरनाथ यात्रा हर वर्ष की भांति दो अलग अलग रास्तो से शुरू की जाती है जिनमे एक है पहलगाम और दूसरा है बालटाल ,पहलगाम वाला जो रास्ता है वो यात्रा का पारम्परिक रास्ता है

अगर आपकी यात्रा पहलगाम मार्ग से शुरू हुई है तब आपका पहला रात्रि विश्राम पड़ाव शेषनाग झील के समीप होगा जहाँ सर्कार द्वारा उचित ठहरने की और खाने पीने की बहुत ही अच्छी व्यवस्था की जाती है, यहाँ प्रति व्यक्ति  ४५० रुपए का शुल्क देकर आप कैंप में ठहर सकते है और आपको खाने पीने के लिए फ्री भंडारे और लंगर वहां उपलब्ध होते है , दूसरा पड़ाव पंचतरणी पर होगा जो की शेषनाग झील से लगभग १६ किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित है , वहां भी आपको सरकारी कैंप में ठहरने के लिए ४००-५०० प्रति व्यक्ति का शुल्क देना पड़ता है और खाने पीने के फ्री भंडारे सभी यात्रियों के लिए उपलब्ध होते है

जब आप यात्रा बालटाल मार्ग से शुरू करते है तब आप दोमेल के रास्ते हुए बरारी टॉप और संगम टॉप मार्ग होते हुए सीधे अमरनाथ पवित्र गुफा के लिए प्रस्थान करते है बालटाल से पवित्र गुफा की दूरी सिर्फ १४ किलोमीटर है और इस मार्ग में आपको बीच में रुकने का कोई विकल्प उपलब्ध नहीं होता आपको सीधे गुफा के नजदीक जाकर वहां स्थित कैंप में जाकर नहाने धोने और ठहरने की व्यवस्था उपलब्ध कराई जाती है

अमरनाथ यात्रा में भंडारे कहाँ कहाँ लगते है

श्री अमरनाथ यात्रा प्रारम्भ होने से कुछ दिन पूर्व ही देश के अलग अलग राज्यों से आये हुए लोग विशेष भंडारों का आयोजन करते है जहाँ लाखों यात्री भोजन प्रसाद पाकर अपनी यात्रा संपूर्ण करते है , वैसे तो अगर आप सड़क मार्ग से जम्मू कश्मीर जा रहे है तब आपको हरयाणा पंजाब से ही जगह जगह भंडारे होते हुए मिलते है और जम्मू पहुंचकर आपको इनकी संख्या निरंतर बढ़ती जाती है

अमरनाथ यात्रा के प्रमुख भंडारे कुछ इस प्रकार है

पहलगाम -नुनवन कैंप

चंदनवारी -यात्रा चेकिंग पॉइंट के समीप

शेषनाग – यात्री बेस कैंप

पोषपत्री – अति विशाल भंडारा

पंचतरणी- यात्री बेस कैंप

अमरनाथ पवित्र गुफा भंडारा- गुफा की सीडी मार्ग के समीप

बालटाल भंडारा- बालटाल यात्री बेस कैंप के समीप

अमरनाथ यात्रा में ले जाने वाला जरुरी सामान

अमरनाथ यात्रा अति दुर्गम पहाड़ियों, झरनो, नदियों और झीलों से गुजरते हुए बाबा बर्फानी की पवित्र गुफा तक पहुँचती है यहाँ आपको हर तरह के मौसम की परिस्थितियों का सामना करना पड़ सकता है इसलिए आपको कुछ जरुरी सामान हमेशा अपने साथ रखने चाहिए यात्रा मार्ग कोई सा भी हो ,

गर्म कपडे जो की वहां सबसे जरुरी है जैसे की जैकेट या स्वेटर , ऊनी मोज़े , दस्ताने , टोपा इत्यादि

बरसाती की जरुरत आपको कभी भी पड़ सकती है यहाँ बारिश होना एक साधारण प्रक्रिया है

जरुरी दवाये, कैंडी या टॉफी, टोर्च, कैमरा बैटरी, पावर बैंक, ट्रैकिंग जूते, मोबाइल फ़ोन, हल्का खाने पीने का सामान इत्यादि

अमरनाथ यात्रा कितने दिन में संपूर्ण की जाती है

अगर आपकी यात्रा पहलगाम मार्ग से शुरू हो रही है तो आपको यात्रा पूरी करने में कम से कम तीन दिन का समय लगता है यानि की पहले दिन में आप चंदनवारी से शेषनाग झील पहुँचते है दूसरे दिन में आप शेषनाग झील से चलकर पंचतरणी यात्री बेस कैंप पहुँचते है जहाँ आप रात्रि विश्राम के बाद तीसरे दिन लगभग ६ किलोमीटर की यात्रा करने के बाद पवित्र गुफा तक पहुँचते है और उसी दिन दर्शन करने के उपरांत आप बालटाल के रास्ते सीधे बलतम बेस कैंप पहुँच कर अपनी यात्रा समाप्त कर सकते है।

अगर आप बालटाल मार्ग से अपनी यात्रा प्रारम्भ कर रहे है तब आप एक रात पवित्र गुफा पर रूककर दूसरे दिन बालटाल मार्ग से ही वापस आकर अपनी यात्रा दो दिन में समाप्त कर सकते है

अमरनाथ यात्रा पूरी करने के लिए क्या क्या सुविधाएं उपलब्ध है

यूँ तो लाखों श्रद्धालु हर वर्ष अमरनाथ यात्रा पैदल मार्ग से पूरी की जाती है पर जो लोग पैदल चलने में अशमर्थ है वह खच्चर, पालकी एवं हेलीकॉप्टर मार्ग से भी अपनी यात्रा पूरी कर सकते है। सभी यात्रियों के लिए एक सुझाव है की वह खच्चर या पालकी श्राइन बोर्ड द्वारा अधिकृत पेड  बूथ से पर्ची काटकर ही ले अथवा आपके साथ धोका हो सकता है , कई बार यात्रियों को उनके तय जगह के अलावा कहीं और उतार दिया जाता है जिससे उन्हें विशेष परेशानी का सामना उठाना पड़ता है ,

इसके अलावा जगह जगह आपको भंडारे , नहाने धोने और शौचालय की बेहतरीन व्यवस्था उपलब्ध है , आपको जरुरी सामान उपलब्ध करने हेतु जगह जगह छोटे छोटे मार्किट भी उपलब्ध है जहाँ आपको हर जरुरी सामान यात्रा मार्ग में उपलब्ध हो जाता है. Book One day tour from Delhi

श्राइन बोर्ड और भारत सरकार द्वारा मेडिकल कैम्प्स और हॉस्पिटल्स की भी उचित व्यवस्था यात्रा मार्ग पर उपलब्ध होती है

The post अमरनाथ यात्रा संपूर्ण जानकारी कब कैसे करें appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Roka – The first ritual of Punjabi Marriages

This is equivalent to the engagement ceremony most of the marriages even now in Punjab are arranged marriages families of the bride and groom have an important role to be played. The caste and creed are also an important aspect for fixing the match. Nowadays even the internet is playing an important role in fixing of the marriages. No religious ceremony is conducted at the Roka. The  prospective bride and groom are seated and are showered with gifts from both sides. This ceremony ends the search for eligible bride and groom of the respective families. After this ceremony the bride and groom are declared to be officially engaged.

The marriage dates accordingly are decided as per mutual consultation. Sikhs don’t believe in any astrological / zodiac signs and thus are not consulted for fixing the marriage date, normally Sunday is best suited as its on official holiday when all people can attend end enjoy the marriage ceremony.

Nowadays the marriage ceremony usually is a three/ four day affair just around 50 years back the ceremony used to go for around for a week in the villages but those days were of simple living and not much exuberance was involved.

Akhand Path Sahib and Sagan– Punjabi vyah de reet rivaj

The boys family holds an uninterrupted reading of the holy scriptures of the Sikhs this is called Akhand Path.

A group of learned Sikhs reads the Sri Guru Granth sahib without a pause, it takes around 48 hours to do the same. After the Akhand path a prayer called “Ardaas” is said to invoke the blessing of the lord on the bride and groom and for uninterrupted completion of the marriage. The bride’s family is specially invited and they come all decked in special attire. They present the would be groom with gifts this entire ceremony is followed by a sumptuous lunch. Nowadays after the prayer the “Sagan” is held in marriage halls popularly known as “palace” in rural Punjab. These palaces are very aesthetically engineered and some of them even make the grandest of the architecture look pale. According to their grandeur and aesthetics the hiring rates are fixed.

Jaago – Another important ritual of Punjabi Marriages      

This is an ancient custom in which the groom and bride families respectively dance and party on the marriage night. The women sing folk songs and carry a decorated earthen pot called “Jaggo” Nowadays the earthen pot has been replaced by a decorated urn glittering with electronics. It’s a norm nowadays for families to organize a proper disc jockey as loud music is played and the family dances all night to the popular tunes of Punjabi dance numbers.

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• Symbolic Meaning of Red Colour in Indian Culture
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• Book Taj Mahal Tours
• Book One Day Trip from Delhi 
  

Marriage Day 

The groom’s family rises early and the day starts with the bathing of the groom. The sister and mother of the groom apply haldi and a small ceremony is held as the groom bathes. After getting dressed the sisters of the groom tie “Sehra” on the groom’s turban, the sister in law applies Kajal(Kohl) to the eyes of the groom. The groom leads the baraat(marriage procession) as he is escorted to the Gurudwara of the village by the sisters. After seeking blessings at the Gurudwara the groom sets off in a decorated car leading the baraat. The baraat again congregates near the banquet hall(marriage palace) pre arranged by the bride’s family.

The baraat is led by a music troupe (band baaza). The baraat is received at the gate by the family of the bride and a small ceremony called “Milni” is held, In this ceremony the respective family members of bride and groom meet each other and present gifts to the respective side. After this ceremony the procession leads to the palace where a grand breakfast awaits the baraatis, after the breakfast the close family members go to the near by Gurudwara and the ceremony of “Anand karaj” is solemnized.

Anand Karaj           

This is the Sikh marriage ceremony, hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib are read which pertain to the everlasting relation of soul with the lord. The bride and groom take four laavan  (circumambulation )of Sri Guru Granth Sahib the hymns are sung in classical ragas by the sikh bards.

After the Ardaas (Prayer) the bride and groom are now official husband and wife. The newlyweds along with the family join the festivities in the marriage palace. The marriage palace has grand arrangements for the party. There is a live band entertaining the in house guests. The newlyweds occupy the center stage. They are showered with gifts and sagan by the gathered guests. The party and festivities take the centre stage. The newlyweds enjoy a dance on the dance floor.

Though most marriages in Punjab involve a lot of booze and non vegetarian dishes but there are Amrit Dhari Sikhs who make the entire affair without alcohol and without meat.

Vidaai

After the grand lunch now it’s time to bid farewell to the bride, the girl’s parents specially do get emotional and accordingly the girl is bid farewell with a heavy heart. The newlyweds are welcomed in their home by the mother of the Groom who does old rituals of “Paani vaarna”

The newlyweds and the family again enjoy the evening with loud music being played usually on the DJ.

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Muklawa – Last and final ritual of Punjabi Marriages

This is again an age old tradition in which the newlywed bride again visits her parents homes. After spending a few hours and with gifts she leaves for her in law’s home. The relatives who are living in the groom’s house now start leaving ,they are presented with sweets.

This is happy ending of a Punjabi Sikh Marriage.

The post Top facts of Sikh Punjabi Marriages appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Navratri is one of the major Hindu festivals in India celebrated every year twice one in the month of March called chaitra according to the Hindu Calendars and once in the month of September to October which is called Ashwin as per the Hindu calendar. This festival is dedicated to mother goddess in all her 9 Avatars. This festival celebrates in India from east to west and north to south and most of the states did complete holidays to celebrate this special 9 days.

This festival is celebrating in various ways in India as each state following different traditions and rituals in this festival. Some people make this festival by placing the earthen idols of Goddess in their houses and temples and they did fasting for 9 regular days and worshiped mother goddess regularly.

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An evening and Morning Prayer offer to the mother goddess when family members and other gather to attend the prayer ceremony. On the 10^th day of Navratri 2022 festival the same idols of mother Goddess immersed in the nearby rivers or lakes with a public procession. In many states people make big pandals where they enjoy dance performances, musical events and spiritual ceremonies for 9 days. The beautiful statue of mother goddess were made by the artists from normal to very big size and attracts millions of devotees to offering prayers and enjoy the ceremonies.

Chaitra Navratri  2022 Calendar

1^st Navratri- 2^nd April (Saturday)  Maa Shailputri Puja

2^nd Navrati- 3^rd April (Sunday)  Maa Brahmacharini Puja

3^rd Navratri -4^th April (Monday) Maa Chandraghanta Puja

4^th Navratri -5^th April (Tuesday) Maa Kushmanda Puja

5^th Navratri – 6^th April (Wednesday) Skandamata Puja

6^th Navratri -7th April (Thursday)  Maa Katyayni Puja

7^th Navratri- 8^th April (Friday) Maa Kalratri Puja

8^th Navratri- 9^th April (Saturday) Maa Mahagauri Puja

9^th Navratri- 10^th April (Sunday) Maa Siddhidatri Puja

Navratri 2022 Celebration in North India

This is a festival of the entire nation but in North India this festival will celebrate every year twice with full of joy and excitement. The unique traditions of fasting and offering food to the little girls on the last day of the festival will be followed in every house. Lots of gifts and money offer to these girls and special the dresses of these little girls are amazing which they wear on the special day of feeding. In many parts of India the play of Ram Leela which is related to the epic Ramayan were also performed  for regular 9 days and on the 10^th day this play were end with the festival of Dussehra where the Idol of Ravan were fired by Lord Rama. During this festival lots of big pandals and houses are decorated with flowers and lighting and people come to enjoy this festival in huge groups. Lots of Bhajan concerts (Spiritual songs) were sung in these Pandals and kids will entertain you with various dancer performances. The local temples are also decorated in full swing and people gather to pay homage to the mother goddess. This festival called Navratra in north India or Nau devi festival.

Navratri 2022 Celebration in Eastern India

Eastern India is the major destination for the celebration of Navratri in India. The West Bengal is the main place where Durga Puja is celebrated in every home with full of joy and happiness. During this festival big pandals were organized for the overnight celebration for regular 9 days. The Mother goddess big statues were placed in these pandals and  people offering rituals and prayers.

The state government announce weekly holidays on the occasion of  Navratri so the devotees can enjoy this festival freely. The women’s wear red sarees and traditional jewelry and paint her body with henna. Lots of musical performances were also arranged during this festival. The mother’s goddesses’ temples are beautifully decorated with flowers. Lights and colorful pandals and people come to seek the blessing of mother godess. On the last day of this festival these big idols of goddess Durga immerse in to the water and the festival is over.

Navratri 2022 Celebrations in Western India

If we are talking about the celebration of navratri festival in west of India then Gujarat and Maharashtra are the two state where this festival is celebrated on large scale. In Gujarat, Navaratri is a kind of community gathering festival and huge Pandals and grounds prepare to celebrate this festival where the devotees brought their families to celebrate this festival in huge gathering. On the occasion of Navratri the people of Gujarat organized the Garba Nights which is a traditional dance performance of this state where the dance form known as Dandiya Raas.

The people of Gujarat and specially women’s performing Dandiya Raas or Dandiya Dance in these huge pandals where they dance with two small sticks in groups. This is colorful event when they wear beautiful dresses and  coming their with families and relatives to attend this special events in big pandals. The big groups dancing on folk song and bollywood songs and it is believed that Gujarat will awake day & night for 9 regular days during this festival of Navratri.

In Maharashtra also this festival will be celebrated by offering special prayers and rituals to the mother goddess. In these 9 day festival people worship regularly for the different avatars of mother goddess. On the first day it starts with the worship of Goddess Durga and on the last day this celebration will be over on the occasion of Dussehra or Vijay dashmi.

Navratri 2022 Celebrations in South India

Navratri is also one of the major festival of South India and in different cities it will celebrated by the people with different style and patterns. In Mysore a big procession will be held on the occasion of  Navratri where the  decorated chariots, elephants and  horses did a procession of in between the public where people gatherd to enjoy watching this beautiful procession.

In other states like Kerala a big fiesta ritual is performed on the occasion of  Durga ashtmi which is the 8^th day of the festival. The last day of the festival will celebrate here as a festival of Mahanavmi where the idols of mother goddess worshiped by the huge crowd.  This festival is very special for women’s as they did fasting, dressed in a similar way of Mother Goddess and wear red sarees and traditional jewelries on the occasion of this festival. This festival is celebrated with all age group people where the kids enjoy community feeding and the old age people enjoy watching the rituals and did worship of mother goddess.

The post Navratri 2022 Dates,Timings & Puja appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Chardham yatra is one of the major pilgrimage sectors in India, The Chardham yatra performed every year in the state of Uttarakhand since ages. It is believed that this yat,ra provide salvation to the pilgrims and millions of Hindu religion devotees take part in this holy yatra every year. This yatra will also attracts many tourist every year which are coming to seek the blessing of their divine gods. Chardham Yatra 2022 includes the visit of 4 main site of Uttarakhand states such as Gangotri, Yamnotri , Kedarnath and Badrinath. This yatra will perform every year in between May to mid of October month. This yatra showcasing the strong believes of religion, customs and traditions in India and people believed to perform this char Dham Yatra at least once in their life.

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Char Dham Yatra 2022 Opening Dates 

The sacred CharDham Yatra hosted every year by the state of Uttarakhand. This year the holy yatra will commence from 3rd May 2022. This Yatra will take place only for few months and millions of devotees come to perform this sacred yatra from different places. The four main temples are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamnotri and Gangotri which is open specially on the occasion of Chardham Yatra.

Char Dham Yatra Opening Dates & Time

Yamnotri Temple -3rd may 2022

Kedarnath Temple-3rd May 2022

Gangotri Temple-3rd May 2022

Badrinath Temple- 3rd May 2022

Chardham Yatra 2022 by Helicopter

In the ancient times to perform Char dham yatra is a big task for every pilgrims as this yatra will be performed in between the mountains and forest with typical weather conditions. Earlier there was no roads, transport, lodging facilities are available to perform this sacred yatra. The only option is left to do trek in to these  snow covered mountain ranges to reach on to the main temples even the roads are not maintained here. But in present there are many facilities arranged by the Indian government and the state government to perform this difficult yatra which increases a huge number of devotees in recent years.

A new development added to increase the charm and joy of Char Dham Yatra. The helicopter Yatra is now available to perform this Char Dham Yatra which is a huge relief to old age pilgrims and physically disabled devotees and tourists. This helicopter service also save lots of time as earlier the pilgrims need minimum 10 to 15 days to cover all four parts of this Yatra but now you can do this in just four to five days. This is the most convenient way to visit these high altitude places and also this services provides a high boost up in tourism of the Uttarakhand state. They have different set tour packages according to the needs of tourists and you can buy them as per your convenience.

1.  Dehradun- Gangotri Helicopter Service

This Helicopter service will begin from the capital city of Uttarakhand state called Dehradun, Dehradun is a beautiful hill station located in the middle of the mountains and green forests. This helicopter services will be begin from a nearest place in Dehradun called Sahastradhara which means a point of thousand waterfalls. Here you will proceed at sharp 6 am from the Sahastra dhara helipad up to reach Harsil helipad located in Gangotri. Gangotri is the first stop of Chardham Yatra where a temple is located in between the high altitude mountains dedicated to the river goddess Ganga. Gangotri is also the origin point of the largest river in India the Ganges. Gangotri is also famous for its serene beauty and beautiful valleys surrounded by snow capped mountains. This helicopter journey will only takes 45 minutes to reach Gangotri from Dehradun. After reaching Gangotri you will take a visit to the holy shrine Gangotri and come back to your hotel for stay overnight.

Dehradun Gangotri Helicopter Timings

06:00 AM- Departure from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun.

06:40 AM-Reach Harsil helipad in Gangotri.

2.  Gangotri-Yamnotri Helicopter Service

In the second day of your char dham yatra you will reach again the Harsil helipad to take your helicopter ride to the next  destination yamunotri. This ride will take 45 minutes to reach Kharsali helipad located near Yamnotri Dham. After landing at Harshali Helipad you have to do a trek of 6km to reach Yamnotri main temple. Here the palki rides and mule rides are available for the pilgrims. After paying Darshan at Yamnotri temple you will stay at your hotel in Yamnotri. Stay overnight at hotel.

Gangotri Yamnotri Helicopter Timings

09:00 AM-Departure from Harsil

 09:45 AM- Reach Kharsali Helipad.

3.  Yamnotri- Kedarnath Helicopter service

On the third day of your Char dham yatra you will be reaching again to Kharsali helipad to catch your Helicopter to reach the third prominent destination of Kedarnath. The kedarntah dham is one of the pious hindu pilgrimage site which attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims every year. This temple is related to the epic Mahabharat which is built by Adi Sankaracharya according to the mythology. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most visited site of Uttarakhand state. Upon reaching at sersi helipad which is located on the walking distance from the Kedarnath temple you will pay a visit to the Kedarnath Temple. In the evening you will also catch an evening prayer ceremony performed everyday in the evening. Then take rest at your hotel.

Yamnotri-Kedarnath Helicopter Timings

09:40 AM- Departure from Kharsali Helipad

10:15 AM- Arrival to Sersi Helipad

4. Kedarnath- Badrinath Helicopter Service

On the fourth day of your CharDham Yatra 2022 you will be again catch your helicopter ride to Badrinath temple which is the last destination of Char Dham Yatra. This temple is also famous by the name of Badri Vishal dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. You have to catch your flight from Sarsi Helipad at 14:30 hrs and you will be reaching Badrinath Temple at 15:05 hrs. After reaching you will be leaving for the visit of Badrinath Temple which looks amazing in between the serene beauty. Millions of devotees come to pay homage at this temple from different parts of India.

Your have complete one hour to visit the Badrinath Temple and again you will be coming back to helipad to catch your return helicopter ride to Dehradun.  This helicopter ride will start at 4 pm in the afternoon and you will be reached at 5 pm to Dehradun.

Kedarnath –Badrinath Helicopter Timing

14:30 Hrs- Departure from Kedarnath

15:05 Hrs- Arrival at Badrinath

5. Badrinath- Dehradun Helicopter Schedule

This Helicopter service will drop you back to your base destination Dehradun where the tour starts. This journey will maximum takes 1 Hour to reach Dehradun City from Badrinath Temple.

Badrinath-Dehradun Helicopter Timings

16::00 Hrs- Departure from Badrinath

17:00 Hrs- Reach Badrinath

How to Book Chardham Yatra by Helicopter

The pilgrims can avail the opportunity of booking the Chardham Yatra helicopter ride by two ways one with the private operators and another with the government operators. There is a big difference between private and government operates as the Helicopter rides provided by the government operators are only running for Kedarnath dham whereas the private operators will provide you the Helicopter services for all sites of 4 dham Yatra.

Governmnet operated Helicopter Ride

Kedarnath Dham

Private Operated Helicopter Ride

Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamnotri)

The private operators also selling complete chardham yatra tour packages with inclusions of hotels, taxis, Helicopter service and meals. You have to choose one of the reputed tour operator before avail the tours of helicopter services of Char Dham Yatra.

Useful Tips of Chardham Yatra Helicopter services

1.Eatables are not allowed to carry during helicopter rides

2.Always carry a valid Photo Ids during journey.

3.Explosive and Arms are not allowed to carry

4.Photography is not allowed during the ride

5.You are allowed with only 5 kg of Luggage on per person basis. .

6.You should keep winter clothes and rain coat as weather may varies within minutes

7.You should reach half an hour before to the schedule timings

The post Chardham Yatra 2022 Helicopter Timings & Updates appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

1. Gommateshwara (Bahubali) Temple

Gomateshwara Temple is also famous by the name of Bahubali Temple located in the small village Shravanabelagola in the state of Karnataka. The is one of the prime religious site of Jainism and one of the world heritage site of UNESCO. The statue of Bahubali is 57 feet in height and 26 feet wide erected on Vindhyagiri mountain cliff. This largest stone statue built in the 10^th century. This massive structure has 43 carved images of Jain Tirthankaras who preached the concept of religion and still being worshiped by the followers. In every 12 year a grant festival of Mahamastakabhisheka performed here in which the statue is bathed with Milk, Saffron, Sugarcane and Pure ghee. Pilgrims and tourist come to visit this sacred temple from all over the world. You can easily reach this temple after landing on the Bangalore or Mysore city airport.

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2. Sonagiri Jain Madir

Sonagiri is one of the sacred site of Jain religion located near Datia city in the state of Madhya Pradesh, The region is dotted with more than 100 Jain temples built on a hill top. People believed that earlier these temples were made up gold so it named Sonagiri. The statue of Lord Chandraprabhu is 11 feet high residing in the main temple in a posture of meditation. Most of these temples were built in 9^th and 10 century. This place is also much important in Jainism as millions of devotees have attained Nirvana at the same site. The best time to visit these temples is during the rainy season when the surrounding looks green during rainy season. Gwalior is the nearest airport from where you can easily reach up to Sonagiri by driving of 2 hour.

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3.Bawangaja Jain Mandir

Bawangaja is one of the top sacred pilgrims of Jain religion and famous all over the world famous for its tallest 84 feet high statue of Lord Adinath built in a single mountain piece. This is perfect example of architecture during 12^th century and one of the most visited attractions of Jain religion. This city is also popular as many saints and priest did penance here for many years. This temple is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and the tourist and pilgrims can be easily reached here after getting on the nearest airport of Indore city.

4.Dilwara Jain Mandir

Dilwara Jain Temples is located near the Mount Abu city lies in the state of Rajasthan. Dilwara group of Jain temples is world famous for its beautifully carved marble temples. This temple was built in between of 11^th and 13^th century by Vimal Shah or Vastupal Tejpal and the designs of these temples were given by Dhokla Jain Ministers. The entire complex showcasing a best example of intricate designing and craftsmanship.  This place is popular among both pilgrims and tourists which are coming in th search of peace in between the beautiful surrounding of the temple. The nearest airport is located in Udaipur city from where you can easily reach up to Dilwara Jain temples.

5.Ranakpur Jain Temple

Ranakpur Jain Temples are located in state of Rajasthan between the two most touristic cities Jodhpur and Udaipur. This is the important pilgrimage site of Jain religion which is famous in all over the world for its amazing architecture carved pillars and balconies. This temple is erected on the beautifully carved 111 marble pillars which are about three stories high. The temples was built by the famous business man Dharna shah with the support of mewar kingdom. The Chaturmukha temple is the main place to visit here which is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Adinath. The ranakpur Jain temples is easily reached by taking taxi or bus from the nearest airport located in Udaipur city.

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6.Dharmanath Jain Temple

This site is dedicated to the 15^th Tirthankara of Jain named Dharmanath which is located in Mattancherry town of Kerala. This is the sacred temple for the followers of Jain religion which are migrated from Rajasthan and Gujarat city. This is an important heritage of Jain religion which is around 100 years old and it is built by King Bhanuraja and his wife Suvrata rani. This is the perfect destination to find inner peace and salvation in the lap of God. The beautifully carved pillar and walls of the temple are the main attraction of this site. Pilgrims and tourists can easily reach here after landing on Kochi airport which is the nearest airport from Dharmanath temple.

7. Palitana Jain Temples

The Palitana group of temples is located in Bhavnagar (Gujrat) which is located on the Shatrunjaya hill. This is one of the major religious and tourist destination of the town visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The main temple is dedicated to the first Tirthankara Adinath which was started to build in 11^th century and took 900 years to complete it. This temple was attacked by the Muslims invaders during 14^th and 15^th century. This temples consists 2700 carved temples built in marble and the main temple is located on the elevation of 3500 stairs. This temple is easily accessible from Bhavnagar airport of Gujarat city located on the distance of 50 kms.

8. Kulpakji Jain Temple

Kulpakji Jain Mandir is situated in At Kolanupaka village in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. This temple is believed to be 200 years old and the three main deities of Jain religions Lord Mahavir, Lord Neminath and Lord Rishbhanatha idols were present in this temple. Lord Mahavir statue is about 52 inches tall and carved in a single sapphire stone and the statue of Lord Rishabanath is carved in green stone which is also famous by the name of Manikyaswami. This region was popular during the kaktiya dynasty which represents the grandeur of bygone era.

9. Shikharji Jain Madir

Shikhar Ji temple is a place where about 20 Tirthankaras get salvation and it is one of the top most Digamber Jain temple in India. Its is set on the top of a parsnath hill situated in Jharkhand. Shikarj temple is also famous by name of top of the concentration among the all Digambar Jain temples in India. This religious site is also the home of tourists which are coming to explore the various adventure activities in between the hills. This temple is located on the height of 4430 feet covering a wide area of 200 sq kilometres. You can easily reach after getting to the nearest airport of Ranchi and patna.

10. Lal Mandir, Chandni Chowk

Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is one of the oldest Jain temples belongs to the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb when a Jain officer worshiped A Tirthankar statue in his tent. This oldest temple is located in the capital city Delhi which is built in year 1656. This temple is totally made up of Red sand stone so it is famous by the name of Red temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Parsavnath and the beautiful architecture, carvings, frescoes and art work made this temple famous among the pilgrims from all around the world. You will easily reach to Lal Mandir after getting on to the Delhi airport and from Old Delhi railway station this temple is only 2 kms.

The post Know about Top 10 Jain Mandir in India appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

How to reach Bodhgaya?

Gaya and Bodhgaya are situated in the state of Bihar which can be easily reachable by air, road and Train transport.

By Air- The nearest airport situated near Bodhgaya is Gaya airport which is located on the distance of 12 kms and it will take maximum half an hour to reach Bodhgaya after getting on to the airport, Patna airport is also located on the distance of 140 kms which will maximum takes 3 to 4 hours to reach Bodhgaya.

By Road– Bodhgaya is well connected by the road from major cities in India, Most of the pilgrims reaching Bodhgaya by road from Varanasi city which is the famous religious destination in India. By road the distance from Varanasi to Bodhgaya is 250 kms and it will take 5 hours to reach there.

By Train – Bodhgaya is well connected by all major routes of Trains from the main cities of India such as Varanasi, Delhi, Patna and Kolkata. During the time of festivals the Indian railways will also operate special trains to reach Bodhgaya such as Mahaparinirvan Express Buddhist Tourist Train.

Here in this blog we have shortlisted few main attractions to visit in Bodhgaya and these places are as follows.

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Top Places to visit in Bodhgaya

1. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhgaya

Mahabodhi temple is a major tourist attraction in Bodhgaya which attracts many tourist across the world. This temple was built in the surrounding of the Mahabodhi Tree where Lord Buddha get the enlightenment.

 2. Great Buddha Statue, Bodhgaya – Places to Visit in Bodhgaya

The second major attraction of Bodhgaya is to watching the Great Buddha Statue which is considered as the tallest statute of Lord Buddha in India. This beautiful statue was inaugurated by 15^th Dalai Lama in the year of 1989. This beautiful statue was built by the red granite and beautifully carved sandstone at where Lord Buddha sitting in meditation on a big lotus flower.

3.Cankamana, Bodhgaya

Cankaman Bodhgaya is one of the famous shrine of Bodhgaya located near the Mahabodhi Temple. People believed that this is the Pathway which was used by the Lord Buddha during the third week of his meditation. Buddha practiced here the walking meditation which is later known as Cankamana.Here you will see a shrine of Lord Buddha carved on a black stone lotus.

4.Mahabodhi Temple Complex Book store

This book shop is located inside the complex of Mahabodhi Temple close to the entrance gate. This is a big book shop where you buy famous books based on Buddhism, Buddhism Culture and Lord Buddha. The price are reasonable here with a vast collection of spiritual articles.

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5.Tibetan Refugee Market, Bodhgaya

The Tibetan markets is located near the Mahabodhi Temple and a great attraction for tourists and pilgrims both. This is a actual paradise for the shopping lovers and here you can shop for spiritual articles, Handicrafts , Statues and sculptures of Lord Buddha and traditional clothes.

6.Thai Monastery

The beautiful Thai monastery is known for its magnificent gold-tiled curved roof and you can see a beautiful Bronze made statue of Lord Buddha housing inside the monastery. This monastery is maintained by the Thai pilgrims and devotees.

7.Kundan Bazaar

Kundan Bazaar of Bodhgaya is similar to a paradise for every pilgrim and tourist. Here they can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, spiritual book etc for home. This is the place where tourists can refresh in the evening after a busy day.

8. Muchalinda Lake, Bodhgaya

The popular lake Muchalinda is located next to the Mahabodhi Temple. The legends said that the Lord Buddha was protected from the heavy storm by a snake King Muchalinda at the same place and people pay their homage to this lake.

9.Royal Bhutan Monastery, Bodhgaya

The Royal Bhutan Monastery is one of the most magnificent monasteries in this region. The King of Bhutan got this monastery as devotion towards the Lord Buddha. This is a impressive monastery having splendid architecture, serenity and a seven feet tall statue of Buddha.

10.Bodhi Tree, Bodh Gaya

The most sacred site of Bodhgaya is the Bodhi Tree under which Lord Buddha meditates and get enlightenment. This is the sacred place of Buddhism followers from all around the world.

11.Brahmayoni Temple

The visitors and devotees must go through a grueling climb of 424 high stones steps to reach the top of the hill where the temple is situated. This is the place where Lord Buddha preached the Fire sermon.

12.Chinese Temple, Bodhgaya

The famous Chinese temple Bodhgaya is located just opposite to the main gate of Mahabodhi Temple, This beautiful Chinese temple was built by the Buddhist monks and it displaying amazing artwork of Chinese and Buddhist architecture. Here your visit will gives you a feeling of the visit of real Chinese temple.

13.Vishnupad Temple, Gaya

According to the name, The Vishnupad Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. This temple was built by Queen Ahilya Bai Holkar in 18^th century; this is the place where Lord Vishnu Foot prints can be seen surrounded by a basin of silver dishes.

14.Vietnamese Temple, Bodhgaya

The Vietnamese temple was built by the Vietnamese government to revive Buddhism in India. It is one of the prominent place to visit in Bodhgaya. The most interesting thing to visit here is the smiling statue of Lord Buddha known as Avalokiteswara statue.

15.Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple, Bodhgaya

This was built in 1972 with the help of Buddhsim countries. Bodhgaya is housing many temples and shrines which is donated by the followers of Buddhism from all over the world. This is a must visit place in Bodhgaya which is visited by each pilgrims. This beautiful temple is showcasing Buddhist and Japanese architecture in the heart of religious destination Bodhgaya.

The post Top Places to Visit in Bodhgaya appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Aarti traditions are supposed to be derived from the Vedic ritual of the fire worship. During the Aryian era the homa or the fore worship was in vogue. In the modern Aarti ceremony there is the amalgam of Vedic traditions and neo rituals. Major indigents of Arti one flovers, incense, fire, ghee peacock pluns, rice, vermillion, bells, clarion etc.

According to the Hindu legends there are 5 elements in the universe and the human body is also made of them. Such elements are called Chhiti (Earth) Jal (Water) Pavak (fire) Gagan (Sky) Sameer (Wind). During the Arti ceremony there is the presence of all 5 elements of nature. Water pot or Kalash is given prominence with all sorts of worships. The earthen lamps with burning wicks devotees fire element flowers and incense represents the purest set of mind Ghee or better devotees the Earth element.

How Arti is performed?

Arti is performed normally at dawn and dusk in the houses. Similarly at the temples it is performed five times daily. It is normally performed with the opening of the temple. In the temples lord is considered to reside in worldly form rising early, having lunch, having siesta and after dinner neutering for overnight sleep. Thus with the morning ritual Arti ceremony starts with Mangla Arti. In the Ati ritual a grand plate is prepared with Aarti.

In the Aarti ritual a grand plate is prepared with Aarti lamps and it is waived in clock wise direction around the deity and the rest of the congregation indulge in singing Bhajans or prayers to alore the deity. The Aarti plate is made of copper or bronze and a lamp made of Kneaded flour or metal is placed full with ghee. Besides incense, flowers, camphor is also given place. Thus the practice of Arti is dare to show the gratitude towards the deity which bestows the incessant mercy on the mankind.

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Famous Aarti Songs

The Hindu religion has long traditions of Arti songs. Different sects of Hindu Religion have different Aarti versions. The vaishvarties and Shaivitis. Some of the Aarties certain the short life and deeds of the deities. The most common Aarti as are Om Jai Jagdish Hare, Om jai Shiv Omkara, Om Jai Gange Mata etc.

Ganga Aarti –  As the sun God descends down riding his chariot and the sun beans starts fulling on the pristine Ganges water, it is the time for Ganga Arti. In the Hindu religion the Ganges is worshipped as an embodiment of human being. In this devotional ceremony people worship the river with a lit lamp, incense and flowers and they foat a plate of paper on the river as offering. In the mean while the priests involve in the grand worship ritual having dozens of burning oil lamps and waiving then while same others giving a clarion call and ring the bells. This grand ceremony can be witnessed on the Ganges banks in Haridwar Rishikesh and Varanasi.

Ganga Aarti in Haridwar takes place at Har ki Paudi. This attracts the religious devotees across the country and from entire globe. In this ritual of light and sound the priests pray the river Goddess with bowls of fire and chumming the bells. This eceremony is done every day in Haridwar and Rishikesh for nearly an hour and thousands of devotees assemble to witness thos eloquent ceremony.  Ganga Arti Haridwar timing are 5:30 Am to 6:30 Am and in the evening 6:00 Pm to 7:00Pm. In Rishikesh Ganga Aarti is held at Parmarth Niketan.

Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

Varanasi Ganga Aarti is held at the time of dusk at the famous Dasawedh Ghat which is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The energetic pundits involve themselves in this pageant blowing the couch shell and keep on warning the fire flames facing the Ganges. The movement of their hands synchronizing to the chanting of Vedic hymns.

Varanasi Ganga Arti starts at 6:00Pm and in order to get a close up view the spectators starts gat having at 5:00 Pm. There are so many nearby shanties from where are can have a look or you can hire a boat to utness this grand ceremony.

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• Sarnath
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Mathura Vrindavan Temples Aarti

Mathura and Vrindavan have iconic temples dedicated to lord Krishna. As a devotee, you can visit the famed temples such as Krishna Janabhoomi, ISCON temple, Bankey Vihari temple, Rangjee Temple

Related Blog: – Mathura Vrindavan Temples Facts and Timings

ISCON temple- Vrindavan Aarti Timings

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The post Aarti Significance & Rituals appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Significance of Pitru Paksha

In this Pitru Paksha there is the tradition to donate money and materials as well as feeding a Brahmin and the cow and birds it is believed the donated articles reach the pitrus living in their abode at heaven. Hindu scriptures narrate about the debits in a human life called Rinas. They are known as Dev Rina, Guru Rina, Pitru Rina, It means one owes a lot to the deities, their spiritual leaders and to the parents. Parents give birth to the progeny and inside the veins of a human the blood flows from their parents. Parents rear up the child. So it is the duty of a human to pay respect during the time they are alive and after their deaths as well.

The Hindu scriptures describe the presence of 84 particles in a human being from father’s side. These genetic qualities are derived not only from the father but are from 7 generations back. But predominantly 3 generations have more influence. Thus in Pitru Paksha 3 generations – father, grandfather and great grandfather are more revered. Thus the offerings are done in this time goes to these generations.

There is a popular Puranic story about Pitru Paksha that goes like this – After the demise when Karna went to the Yamlok he was given jewels gold to feed. Karna asked for food in return he was told that he did donations entire his life of such objects, but he never did anything for Pitras any time. He was suggested to do that and he returned back to the earth to satisfy his Pitras in the Pitru Paksha. Thus he was given good food on his return. This instance emphasize or the Pitru Paksha rituals in human life.

What is shradh?

The Hindu mythology believes that the ancestor goes to the Pitru Lok after death. This Lok is located beyond the Moon in between the Earth and the Paradise. This is ruled by Yam, the god of death. Thus the ancestors before going to the paradise reside in the yamlok. For a certain period of 16 days land down on the earth planet to know about the well being of their descendants. These souls come to Martuyalok in minute forms or deceptive forms such as birds, animals or any beggar etc. Thus we should not forbid gratuities to any beggar or the needy and should feed animals such as cows, dogs, ants and birds like crow.

The descendants do tarpan to appease the ancestors and have their blessings. Harvansh Purana tells that Bhishma told the importance of Shradh to Yushidthir and emphasised that those who do Shradha get ultimate satisfaction in the Matralok and Parlok, by indulging in the rituals of Sharadha one gets his wishes fulfilled such as procreation, interest in the religion and theology etc. Shradh Paksha is celebrated in second half month of Bhadrapad which normally occurs in September according to the Gregorian calendar.During the fortnight when the shradha karma is done no auspicious (shubha) act is done in the Hindu families, the people abstain from marriages, new ventures, inaugurations etc

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Pitru Paksha 2021 Important dates

This year according to Hindu calendar Pitru Paksha is going to start from September 20 and will culminate on 6^th Oct ’2021.

Below you find the Shradh Calendar 2021

Shradh Vidhi

Often many people are not aware of Pind Daan Vidhi and timings. This ritual should be done under the guidance of a knowledgeable Pind Daan Pandit. This should be done on the particular death anniversary from early morning to 12:30 PM. The essential ingredients include honey, milk, black seasame seeds, rice pudding and clothes should be donated. If you include basil leaves and Ganges Water it would appease Pitras. The Pitras should be invoked in a hygienic place and the yajna should be done in South East direction. At the culmination of the rituals the Brahmans should be fed in the South facing direction.

Pind Daan in India

The Hindus in India and Nepal visit visit many pilgrimage places during the Pitru Paksha. Such as Haridwar, Nashik, Kurukhetra, Varanasi, Gaya Ji, Soroji etc. In such places they find their Pandas for the Shradh rituals. These pandas maintain genealogy registers with them and they tell about the family tree and about the blood relations easily.

Gaya Pind Daan

Gaya is a famous religious place for the Hindus and close to it is an another twin city Bodhgaya which is famous among the Buddhist religion. To venerate the ancestors people throng various religious places in India and do Pind daan and perform religious sacraments. Among such places for Pind daan and Shradhkarm Gaya tops the list. Hindus not only from India but from every part of the globe come here to pay their homage to their dear ones. The departed soul is liberated from the life and death cycle and gets eternal bliss. It is conceived that the ancestors ascend the ladder to the Swarga(heaven).

Story of Phalgu River in Gaya

Vayu Purana mentions the pious Phalgu River and tells that by doing Tarpan and Pind dan on the banks of this river frees the soul and it gets salvation. This legendary river is a tributary of the Ganges and it is believed that by the curse of Sitaji it flows down the Earth.

Pretshila

Close to Gaya there is a famous religious place called Pretshila. Which literally signify the stone of the Pret. It is believed that the ancestors get easy Pind daan over here close to the main rock there are other stones with holes. It is believed that the souls come through these holes. Thus doing Pind daan in prêt shila by black sesame, Kheer and barley makes the soul freed from the cycle of rebirth.

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Vishnu Pad Temple

This temple is in Gaya and is one famous places to visit in Pind daan ritual. There is a Puranic story which tells that there was a devil called Gayasur who tortured the saints and devtas. Under the request of the oppressed Lord Vishnu killed this tyrant by the thrust of his club and put a stone on his head. Still it is believed that you can see the stone(pretshila) put by Lord Vishnu in this temple. Thus Gaya is considered a place for liberation.

Things to Know for Gaya Pind Daan  

• Pind Daan ritual in Gaya can be done any time of the day or night.
• You can do it for any accidental death, unnatural death or death due to a fatal disease -for the easy salvation.
• The Pind is made from the flour of barley, wheat mixed with powder.
• Pind daan is done in the South direction as it is believed that Pitralok exists in the upper layer of the moon.

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Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is dedicated to the famous Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti who is given the epithet as the Garib Nawaj. This famous shrine is frequented by people from all the sects for any sort of wishes. This place besides being an architectural wonder is a great place for spiritualism . Moinuddin chisti was born in Sanyon in Iran and arrived at Delhi during sultanate period from Delhi he paved his way towards Ajmer and dwelled there until his death in 1236 AD. He had a great veneration among the masses and the rulers. This sacred place was visited by the slave dynasty ruler Iltutmish and prominent Mughal rulers such as Akbar, Jahangeer, and time to time they reconstructed the Dargah Sharif presently this site is one of the most frequented place in Rajasthan.

 Location of Ajmer Dargah

This sufi shrine is located at the foothills of Taragarh hill and is nearly 2 kms away from Ajmer railway station.

 How to reach Ajmer Dargah – अजमेर दरगाह

If you want to travel by train you can book a train ticket to Ajmer. The Ajmer railway station has direct trains to Delhi, Jaipur Kolkatta, Mumbai etc. You can also travel by road to Ajmer from Jaipur or other cities of Rajasthan. You can travel by bus to Ajmer there are very good private buses connecting Ajmer with all major cities of Rajasthan ,the Govt buses are also available from the Govt bus stand you can alight here and then hire a local bus or auto rickshaw to approach Dargah Sharif.

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Architecture of Dargah Sharif

This huge complex of Dargah has several magnificent structures and has 8 entry gates. Presently only 3 gates are operational. The principal gate is called the Nizam Gate which is in yellow color and was made by the 7^th Nizam Mir Osman Ali khan of Hyedrabad in 1911 AD. Another famous gate of Dargah sharif is known as Shahjahani gate. Some other gates are called as Madar Gate, Delhi gate, Bhisti gate, etc.

Inside the complex there are 8 tombs of other family members besides the main tomb of Moinuddin Chisti. The major tomb was erected during Humayun’s period. The famous tomb include Bibi hafiza (Chisti’s Daughter) and Nizam sikka the water carrier who saved the the life of Humayun from drowning in the Ganges after his defeat by Shershah Suri. While Akbar paid his visit to the tomb he donated a chandelier –Ahaat-e-Noor. Close to the Nizam Get there is a drum house where the drumb used to be played to welcome. Both Akabar and Shahjahan made mosques inside the complex. Similarly Jahan Ara added a mosque The mughal emperor Aurangjeb made sandal masjid and Shahjahan donated a water tank Jhalara for the pilgrims. The main mosque is the Jami mosque built by Shahjahan and similar to Fatehpur Sikri Dargah there are nearly 45 graves. Behind Jami masjid.

The prominent structures of the complex include Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Dargah Shrine, Mehfil Kabana you also notice the massive cauldrons in the courtyard which are used during the festivities to prepare sweet dish Kheer.

The grave of the Sufi saint lies in domed chamber which you can enter through Buland gate. This grave has well decorated silver railing and marble screen. You can buy offerings from outside and pay a reverence to the saint

Things to keep in Mind

1. You should be modestly dressed up according to the Indian Norms. Avoid the shorts and cover your legs and arms properly. As a mark of respect you should cover your head.
2. You should be careful about your belongings, do not carry expensive Jewellery or modern gadgets during the visit.

 Best time to visit Ajmer Sharif

Best time to visit the Khwaja garib nawaj dargah is from October to April as it is very pleasant weather. In may & June it gets very hot. If you desire to visit the shrine during the Urs of Ajmer sharif You should plan for first six day of the month of Rajab. During the winters the gates of Khwaja garib Nawz Dargah are open from 5 am to 9 pm, while during summer they are open from 4 am to 10 pm.

Top facts About Ajmer Dargah

During Khwaja garib nawaj epoch this shrine was the main source of water to the people of vicinity. This source is called Jahlra. Even now for the rituals water from this source is used inside the shrine.

After the Namaj session is over, the famed devotional singers sing qawallis in the praise of the Almighty.

In the dargah premises huge amount of food is prepared during the night and distributed among the poor in the form of tabarruk.

You must try degh ka khana which is the soul of Langar service. Here is the langar khana with a big cauldron donated by mughal emperor Akbar. Another choti Degh or small cauldron is gifted by Jahangir. Hazarat preached for the serving of food to the hungry and thus tradition can be witnessed till now, over here the food served in langar is purely veg food and comprises of the ingredients such as rice, ghee, cashewnuts, almonds etc.

The post Ajmer Sharif Dargah – History Timings & Facts appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Location & Timings of Kusum Sarovar – This famous religious place of Mathura is located nearly 22 kms far from Mathura in Govardhan. It is one of the important spots of Govardhan Parikrama Marg. This place is open for the devotees from 6 Pm every day of the week.

How to Reach Kusum Sarovar – If you are in Mathura you can take a taxi or used your private car. You can also take the public transport of bus or the tuk tuk. This place is nearly 60kms away from Agra. You can come to this place from Delhi also by using the Yamuna Express way.

History of Kusum Sarovar

This Pond has a long history. The reservoir is supposed to be built by king Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand. As a devout of Lord Krishna he visited the place and gave donation and thus erected this place. During the Jat rule this place including Mathura was under the domain of the Jat King of Bharatpur. At the demise of well known ruler Raja Surajmal his son Jawahar singh cremated him on the banks of this reservoirs and made an impressive chhatari in his memory. Later the wives of Surajmal and other family members were also cremated and some other Chattaries(Samadi) were built.

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Architecture of Kusum Sarovar

The entire area is built in red and buff colored stone. In the back drop of the Kusum Sarovar lies the towering Chattries. In the central hall there is the cremation point of king Surajmal. The ceilings of the cenotaph are nicely ornate with frescoes. The themes of the painting are the coronation ceremony, Durbar proceedings, Hindu legends etc. You can also witness the idols of the Hindu deities. Right on the top ceiling in the centre is the beautiful painting which you can pictures for the Instagram. From the top cenotaph you can enjoy taking pictures of the reservoirs. Lots of people dive in the Kusum Sarovar.

Radha Kund – Nearby Kusum Sarovar

Next to Kusum Sarovar hardly at a distance of 2kms lies Radha Kund. You have to pass through the narrow alley to reach the Radha Kund. This is another major spot of Govardhan Parikrama. Legends say that Lord Krishna used to be with cowherd in this Govardhan region. A demon Aristasur used to tease the people. This Satan attacked Lord Krishna in the deceptive guise of a calf and was doomed to death. His consort Radha suggested that as he killed the cow family he would be cursed with ignominy. Lord Krishna spontaneously dug a pond by the end of his flute and similarly Radha sunk another pond nearby the thrust of her bracelet. The pond sunk by Krishna is called Shyam Kund and that one by Radha is known as Radha Kund.

The legend says that Lord Krishna and Radha indulged in Maharas after taking bath. To mark the event every year in the Kartik month on Asthami lots of couples come to take bath in the quest of son. This day is called Ahoi Asthami. The ladies wish from Radhaji to bless them with son.

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Chutad Teka – This is a resting place for those who indulge in 7 kos Parikrama of Govardhan. The legends say that Govardhan Parvat is losing it’s height day by day from thousands of feet to 30 meters now. In the holy months of Sravan pilgrims walk around this Parvat which is linked with Lord Krishna. The mythology says that Lord Krishna lifted this mountain on the top of his finger to save Gokul from the tyranny of Indra and saved the common folks from the torrents of rain showers. Thus Govardhan Parvat is a prime center of religion. Lord Krishna appealed the people to worship the mountain which is the suitable place for the cows and cowherds and useful to the vicinity.

The mythology says that while Lord Ram was planning for a bridge over the ocean, Lord Hanuman approached Dronagiri for stones and Dronagiri dictated his son for the noble cause. As Lord Hanuman was carrying Govardhan he got a call that now no need for further stones. Lord Hanuman left Govardhan at the place and had a rest for a while on this seat. Since then this seat is called Chutar Teka. Other story says that Lord Sri Krishna had a rest on the seat after saving the common people from Indra’s rage.

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The post Kusum Sarovar in Govardhan Parikrama appeared first on Same Day Tour Blog.

Kund is a large tank built to hold the water. The Kunds in India were made for different reasons such as to cope with the paucity of water in the arid zones. Some Kunds are built in the hills which look very ancient and have large deposition of Sulphur in water. Many such Kunds are said to have mysterious powers. Folklores say about the residing deity around the Kund. Many other Kunds built in the draught prone areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat have steps and are known as baoli.

Badrinath Tapt Kund             

How to reach Badrinath Tapt Kund?

Tourists can easily reach Badrinath Tapt Kund via NH-58 from Rishikesh to Badrinath. The Badrinath temple is just 10 minutes away from the bus stand.

Badrinath Tapt Kund is the sacred Kund located near the holy shrine of Badrinath temple. Badrinath temple is also famous for the Char Dham Yatra which attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. The Badrinath Tapt Kund lies between Badrinath temple and Alaknanda River. This is famous for its hot water spring where devotees take a holy dip before Darshan of Shri Badrinath.

It is believed that the water of Tapt Kund cures all body ailments as it possesses healing qualities. The devotees take bath in this natural hot spring to purify their body and soul.

This is the only place where you will see the natural hot spring in spite of the cool weather and snowfall. The water of Tapt Kund comes in the form of an eaves trough from the Garun Shila and flows into a concrete stone tank.

Retas Kund Kedarnath

How to reach Retas Kund?

Retas Kund is located near Kedarnath temple which is well connected by road both from Haridwar and Dehradun. Tourists can easily reach the Retas Kund by taking a bus or taxi from Dehradun/ Haridwar.

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Why Retas Kund is Famous?

Kedarnath is one of the four points of Char Dham yatra performed every year by Hindu devotees in the month of summers. This Retas Kund lies just 500 meters away from the Kedarnath temple near the Savitri river. According to the mythology God cupid (Kamdev), God perished by the fury of Lord Shiva, his consort Rati had an incessant cry on the bereavement. She emitted a fountain of tears at the same place which formed this Kund. The magical thing about this Kund is that when you chant Om Namah Shivay under this water, the water of this Kund starts bubbling naturally. One more story goes like this that at this place one of the Pandavas- Bheem did worship lord Shiva and if a human being drinks the pious water of this Kund he gets the divine grace of Lord Shiva.

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Manikaran Kund

How to reach Manikaran Kund?

The nearest airport to reach Manikaran Kund is Kullu airport and from there you can take a taxi to cover the distance of around 40 km. If you are traveling by road you can easily reach by road to Manikaran located on the foothills of Parvati valley.

Why Manikaran is famous?

Manikaran lies in the district of Kullu belongs to the state of Himachal Pradesh. This famous Gurudwara of Manikaran is the famous Sikh and Hindu temple where lots of devotees and tourists come every year to visit this beautiful Sikh temple. This famous Gurudwara is also famous for its sacred Kund where you will see the natural hot water spring. The river flowing here carries hot water which is used to prepare the food of Langar for the devotees. This hot water spring is believed to be as pious as the Well of Kashi. According to the legends, Lord Shiva and Parvati spent almost thousands of years in this holy place during that time Parvati lost his gems called Mani. Lord Shiva sent his Ganas (attendance) to find that celebrated Mani. In this pursuit, they failed. Under the raise, Lord Shiva opened his third eye which created havoc and everything started destroying. Suddenly Sheshnaag appeared from the river with lots of gems and jewelry to make the god and god happy. So the coming of Sheshnaag in this cold water made this water hot so until this time this water is hot and a special attraction for the tourists.

Brathala Kund

How to reach Brathala Kund?

The distance from Agra to Brithala Kund is 25 km. You have to travel through the Shamshabad road up to Iradatnagar which is about 20 km from Agra and then you have to travel on the narrow roads up to Brithala Kund which is nearly 5 km from Iradatnagar.

Why Brithala Kund is famous?

Brithala Kund is famous for its holiness for ages as the locals believed that this Kund was created by the gods by his own hands. The legends say that there was a devil named Vratasur who was in a mood to conquer the divine seat of Lord Indra and thus posed a threat to the authority of Indra. The Gods and Goddesses under the threat had a meeting and devised a plan to kill this demon. Under the plan, they urged Rishi Dadhichi to provide his bones for the sake of making a divine bow.

After killing this demon Devtas performed a Yagna at Vrithala Kund to absolve from the sins of killing Brahmin in the form of the devil. This Kund is having special powers to heal skin diseases. Still, a large number of people flock to this place to take a holy dip in the water of this holy Kund. Here you will also see Vrathala Mata temple, ram temple here near the Kund.

Machkund Dholpur

How to reach Mach Kund?

Machkund or Muchkund is a well-known Hindu and Sikh pilgrim center located in Dholpur place of Dholpur (Rajasthan). It is situated just 4 km from the main city and can be approached easily with a local transport facility from Dholpur city. Auto rickshaws are easily available at a fixed price. The nearest airport to reach Teerthraj Machkund. are Gwalior, Agra, or Jaipur. If you want to travel by train you have to book your train tickets for the Dholpur railway station.

History and Importance of Machkund

If you trace back in mythological accounts, you can find the story of the inception of Machkund with the demon called Kaal Yamana. This demon unknowingly woke up the Raja Machhkund who was sleeping at this place. Due to divine gift from a lord, the king had the power to destroy any person. Therefore, for disturbing his sleep, Raja Machhkund burnt the demon Kaal Yamaan at this place. It is significantly surrounded by small to medium temples built from 775 to 915 BC. These temples were constructed by numerous kings who ruled over this place during that phase of time. This lake is reckoned as sacred by Hinduism and it is the firm belief that tanks are very pious for people taking the plunge in its water. It is considered an important teerth, a holy pilgrimage of Indians. Every year, a huge fair is organized on this venue during the Bhado month of the Hindu calendar. A holy festival of Dev Chat is celebrated in the form of a fair at Teerthraj Machkund in Dholpur.

Guru Hargobind Sahib the sixth Sikh Guru killed a Lion at this place so a Gurudwara is also present at the Machkund ghat.

Pushkar Kund

How to reach Pushkar Kund?

Pushkar city is approximately 125 km from Jaipur. If you are traveling by train the nearest railway station is Ajmer which is only 25 km from Pushkar. If you want to travel by road, you can hire a taxi or bus from Jaipur as well Ajmer to reach up to Pushkar. The nearest airport is Jaipur which has good connectivity of flights from all metro cities in India.

Significance of Pushkar Kund

Pushkar Kund or Pushkar Sarovar is located in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of the Rajasthan Pushkar Lake is a sacred lake according to the Hindu mythology of the Hindus. … A dip in the sacred lake is believed to cleanse sins and cure skin diseases. People believe that Lord Brahma created this Kund by his own hand and here you will see the one and only Brahma temple in all over the world. Lord Brahma the creator of this universe has a temple at Pushkar nowhere else will you find a temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.

The mythology of Pushkar Kund

Pushkar Lake is surrounded by 52 bathing ghats, where pilgrims throng in large numbers to take a sacred bath. Hindu mythology believes that Lord Brahma saw the demon Vajranabha trying to kill his children and harassing people. He immediately slew the demon with his weapon, the lotus-flower. In this process, the lotus petals fell on the ground at three places, where springs emerged creating three lakes: the Pushkar Lake or Jyeshta Pushkar (greatest or first Pushkar), the Madya Pushkar (middle Pushkar) Lake, and Kanishka Pushkar (lowest or youngest Pushkar) lake. When Brahma came down to the earth, he named the place where the flower (“pushpa”) fell from Brahma’s hand (“kar”) as “Pushkar”. This teerth is also popular as this is the Nephew of all the teerth.

Galtaji Kund

How to reach Galtaji Kund?

This Kund is located at a distance of 10 km away from the Jaipur main city. You can reach Jaipur by train, road or by air. The best way to approach this place is to hire a taxi or jeep to reach up to reach  Galtaji Kund.

History of Galtaji Kund

Galta Ji is the famous tourist destination of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Earlier this place was known as ‘Galva Ashram’ because of the holy saint Galva who did penance for more than 5000 years and is supposed to bring River Ganges to Shri Galtaji. According to the legends on every full moon day of the Hindi month ‘Karthik’, Brahmaa, Vishnu, and Shiva the Trinity of Gods visit this holy place. The people believe that taking bath in this Kund provides the divine blessing of the Trinity. Here you will visit series of temples, mandaps, and sacred ponds which make this place appear made like heaven. The amazing fact about this kund is that the kund never faces drought. Every year on the occasion of Maha Sankranti a big fair is organized at Galta Ji Temple.

Indradyuman Kund Jagganath Puri

How to reach Indradyuman Kund?

Puri is well connected with other major Indian cities by road and rail network. The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar which is only 53 km from Jagannath Puri which is well connected to all metro cities of India.

Location significance of Indradyuman Kund

There are so many sacred places to visit in Jagannath Puri. Indradyuman Kund is one among them. People believe without taking the holy bath in this water kund your yatra of Jagannath Puri is incomplete. IndradyumanaKund is located near the Gundicha Temple. The Mahabharat describes King Indradyumna’s performing Ashvamedha Yagna and the advent of the four deities of the Jagannath cult. It describes how the holy Indradyumna Kund was formed by the trodding of the ground by thousands of cows donated by Indradyumna to Brahmins. To this day the Indradyumna Kund is considered holy by pilgrims.

Radha Kund Mathura

How to reach Radha Kund Mathura?

Mathura the birthplace of Lord Krishna is well connected by road and rail network You can easily reach Radha Kund from Mathura railway station by taking an autorickshaw or cab. Radha Kund is only 15 km from Mathura. This place is also connected by road from Vrindavan.

History and significance of Radha Kund

Radha Kund is a sacred pond situated in the holy town of Mathura. Close by in the birthplace of Lord Krishna you can visit one more kund called Shyama Kund.  These two kunds are considered the holiest places as both Radha and Krishna have performed their divine Leela’s on the banks of these Kunds. It’s believed that both Radha Kund and Shyam Kund were the confidential bathing places of Radha and Krishna. They used to meet on the bank of Radha Kund and also performed the celebrated pastime of Rasalila here at this Kund..Thus both of these are most revered among the Vaishnavas. In the era of the Bhakti movement in the 16th century, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu along with his disciples during his visit to Vrindavan excavated these kunds. In the anticipation of the attack by the tyrant ruler Aurangzeb on Vrindavan, all the important deities of the temples of Vrindavan were secretly hidden in the Radha Kund for many days. It’s a belief that one who takes bath in both these Kunds with complete devotion and faith will achieve the grace of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Damodar Kund Gujarat

How to reach Damodar Kund?

Damodar Kund is located in the Junagarh district and the nearest railway station is Junagarh to reach Damodar Kund.

Significance of Damodar Kund

This Kund is located near Damodar Temple Gujarat It is one of the sacred lakes as per Hindu mythology, This is located at the foothills of Girnar hills, near Junagadh in Gujarat, India.

It is considered holy, as per Hindu mythology and many Hindus prefer to bathe and immerse the ashes and the bones left after the cremation of dead bodies, here at Damodar Kund due to a belief that the departed souls would get moksha here.^[

The water of the lake has properties of dissolving the bones.^] The lake is 257 ft long and 50 ft broad and only 5 feet deep. It is surrounded by a well-built ghat.

Devotees are seen taking a holy dip in the sacred bathing tank, Damodar Kund, before offering prayers at the temple. Damodar Kund also has a connection with the famous poet, Narsinh Mehta, who was a Gujarati and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Nearby the lake is two small reservoirs- Revati Kund and Mrigi Kund where pilgrims visit to get rid of their sins by taking a dip. The lake springs to life during the Shivratri festival. Also, a fair is organized on Amavasya day of Bhadarva month as per the Hindu calendar. After seeing the lake, one can say that God has a major hand in the creation of nature.

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History of Pitambara Mandir Datia

It is believed that Peetambra Shaktipeeth was founded in 1935 by Tejaswi Swamiji. There are no concrete proof of Devi’s birthplace, name, family, etc on account of Swamiji’s devotion to the goddess Mata resides in Chaturbhuj form. In this form, she is having Gada (club) in one hand, in another pash (trap). In this third, she is holding Bajra and in the fourth, she is clasping the tongue of the devil.

The devotees believe her to be omnipotent showering her mercies into all. Thus people flock to this Pitambra Devi temple Datia regularly. They are blessed by the supreme darshan of the idol through a small window. Mother is known as Baglamukhi and offering of yellow coloured objects are done. Thus she is called Pitambra owing to the liking of yellow clothes. None is allowed to touch the idol of maa. People believe if the rituals are performed in the right way it may lead to the wishes fulfilled. This is the reason many of those who aspire for political power or riches go to the temple and making wishes.

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Pitambara Mata is considered to be Shastru Nashini and one who goes there with utter submission attains liberty from enemies and the zenith of power.

How to reach Pitambra Mandir Datia?

This place is in Datia (Madhya Pradesh) which is nearly 30 km from Jhansi. You can delight at Jhansi railway station and take a cab from there for Darshan. You can also travel by car from Agra or Gwalior to this place. If you want to fly you have to book a flight to Gwalior and take a car to visit the famous Shaktipeeth.

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Pitambara Mandir Car hire

Things to keep in mind before visiting Pitambara Mandir?

Saturday is concerned very auspicious day to visit Maa Baglamukhi. Thus on Saturdays, it is very crowded, and thus you have to reach the temple early. As very popular people prefer visiting the shrine in yellow colour according to the taste of deity. Thus you can clad yourself in yellow attire and keep yellow flowers and laddos for the offering.

There are three types of lines. One passes right in front of the deity second few feet apart and the third type is from distance. It may take nearly an hour in the first type all depends on the crowd. It is also to keep in mind that the darshan of Dhumavati Devi is not allowed for the married ladies.

Dhoomavati Mata Temple Datia-

This temple is situated in the same campus of Pitambara Temple Datia, This is the strange form of the goddess where Goddess Shakti depicted sitting on a crow wearing a white Saree and open hair. In the first appearance, its looks like a widow. This is a contrast to the other places, you will find goddesses always look in the form of married women with full makeup. This temple is only worshipped by men and widow women. Married women and girls are not allowed to visit this temple.

Dhoomavati Devi Darshan Timings

This temple is only open on Saturday for the public 3 hrs in the morning and 3 hours in the evening. On the other days, it will open just at the time of morning and evening aarti for few minutes.

In this temple, people offer Onion fritters, Samosas, and Mamkeen whereas in other temples people usually offer sweet dishes.

This temple was established by a saint called Swami Ji Maharaj and when it was created the other saints were in fear to see the goddess shakti in this dangerous form. But Swamiji Maharaj convinced them that this form of the goddess is just for the evils and enemies.

On Saturday blackline seeds offer to the goddess in black color of cloth, this temple is also offered by those who believe in the tantric occult process and black magic.

Read the related blog:- How Religious Tourism Can Make A Better Society

Famous places to visit in Datia Madhya Pradesh

1. Govind dev Ji temple-2 km from Peetambra temple, Lord Krishna Temple
2. Datia Fort- Built by King Veersingh dev in 1602.
3. Seeta Sagar
4. Ranagarh Mata
5. Batuk Bhairav Nath Temple
6. Sona gir
7. RajGarh palace- Royal court of king
8. Vankhandeshwar Temple Datia

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