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Deepavali or Diwali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting fire crackers and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.
It is one time in the whole year that children volunteer to leave their beds long before the day begins. In fact, the traditional oil bath at 3 a.m, is the only chore that stands between them and the pre-dawn adventures. They emerge, scrubbed clean to get into their festive attire, and light up little oil lamps, candles and scented sticks(agarbathis), the wherewithal for setting alight crackers and sparklers.
Who shall set off the first chain of crackers that go boom, bang and vroom? and who is the owner of the 10-minute 'banger' that steals the thunder from your little chain of needle-sized crackers? Does the boy next door have more crackers than me?
Competition is stiff, and even the little girl in silk frocks and their finery are watching out for the best sparklers and flowerpots, the rockets and Vishnuchakras, which light-up the night sky like a thousand stars. Grown-ups are the soul of generosity. Festive bonhomie abounds.
India is a land of festivals. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with fervor and gaiety. The festival is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness and light up their lives. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way.
The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and concludes on Kartika Shudda Vijiya. The first day of the festival Naraka Chaturdasi marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama.
'Puranas' have it that Naraka, son of Bhudevi, acquired immense power from a blessing given by Lord Brahma after a severe penance. He soon unleashed a reign of terror in the kingdom of Kamarupa, harassing celestial beings with his invincible might. Unable to bear the tyranny of the demon, the celestial beings pleaded with Lord Krishna to save them from his torture.
But Naraka could not be easily killed as he had a boon that he would face death only at the hands of his mother Bhudevi. So, Krishna asks his wife Satyabhama, the reincarnation of Bhudevi, to be his charioteer in the battle with Naraka.
When Krishna feigns unconsciousness after being hit by an arrow of Naraka, Satyabhama takes the bow and aims the arrow at Naraka, killing him instantly. Later Lord Krishna reminds her of the boon she had sought as Bhudevi. The slaying of Naraka by Sathyabhama could also be taken to interpret that parents should not hesitate to punish their children when they stray on to the wrong path. The message of Naraka Chaturdasi is that the good of the society should always prevail over one's own personal bonds.
The second day is Amavasya when Lakshmi puja is performed. It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi would be in her benevolent mood and fulfill the wishes of her devotees. One version says that it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from Kshira Sagara (Ocean of Milk) when the Gods and demons were churning the sagara (ocean) for nectar (Amrit)
The other version is that when Lord Vishnu in the guise of Vamana, sought three feet of land from the generous demon king Bali, the latter had to surrender his head as Vamana had conquered the earth and the sky in two strides. Lord Vishnu banishes Bali into the Pathala Loka (netherland) by keeping his third stride on Bali's head. Later, pleased by his generosity, Lord Vishnu grants him a boon and he in turn requests the Lord to guard his palace at Pathala Loka.
Meanwhile, the Goddess is unable to bear the separation and her grief affects the functioning of the entire universe. Brahma and Lord Shiva offer themselves as guards and plead with Bali to relieve Vishnu. So, on the Amavasya day, Lord Vishnu returns to his abode and Goddess Lakshmi is delighted. It is believed that those who worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day would be bestowed with all the riches.
The third day is "Kartika Shudda Padyami." On this day Bali would come out of Pathala Loka and rule Bhuloka as per the boon given by Lord Vishnu. Hence, it is also known as "Bali Padyami".
The fourth day is referred to as "Yama Dvitiya." On this day, sisters invite their brothers to their homes.
However, in the northern part of India it is celebrated as the return of Ram along with Sita and Lakshman from his 14 years of exile after killing Ravana. To commemorate his return to Ayodhya, his subjects illuminated the kingdom and burst crackers. For the Gujaratis, Marwaris and other business community Diwali marks the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and also the beginning of the new financial year.
For Bengalis, it is the time to worship Goddess Kali or Durga. The Goddess Durga continued her "Vilaya Tandava" even after killing demon Mahishasura.
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Mt. Everest at an altitude of 8,848m (29028ft) has been recognized as Top of the universe because it is the earth’s highest point. Annually thousands of tourists assemble to spend blissful moment in the mountain.
This outstanding peak is the prime attraction among all. First scaled by Sir Edmond Hillary and Late Tenzing Norge Sherpa in 1953, since then it has been dream for every adventure seeker to reach on its summit. This is really a challenging job but those who have the courage determine to get it done.
Starting from base camp situated on Khumbu glacier at 5486m (18000ft), climbers set their way crossing crevasses, Sercs and chunks of ice using fixed ropes and aluminum ladder led by climbing guide. The team should be fully equipped with modern equipments, satellite phone, medicine kit etc.
Facts About Mt. Everest
* Tallest mountain in the world.
* Number of people to attempt to climb Mt. Everest: approximately 4,000.
* Number of people to successfully climb Mt. Everest: 660.
* Number of people who have died trying to climb Mt. Everest: 142.
* Height: 29,028 feet, or 5 and a half miles above sea level. This is equivalent to the size of almost 20 Empire State Buildings.
* Location: part of the Himalaya mountain range; straddles border of Nepal and Tibet.
* Named for: Sir George Everest, a British surveyor-general of India.
* Age: approximately 60 million years old.
* Other names: called "Chomolungma" by Tibetans and Sherpas, which means "Mother Goddess of the Earth."
* Countries visible from the summit: Tibet, India, and Nepal.
* First to climb to summit: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953.
* Notable dates:
1921 — Dalai Lama allows British reconnaissance party to visit Tibet and the northern side of Mt. Everest.
1924 — British explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappear near the summit, along the Northeast Ridge. It is possible that they may have actually been the first to reach the summit, but they never returned.
1949 — Nepal opens its borders, making access to the mountain's southern peak possible.
1953 — Hillary and Norgay reach summit.
1963 — First Americans reach the summit.
1989 — First two women, both American, reach the summit.
1990 — Sir Edmund Hillary's son, Peter, reaches summit.
1996 — Eleven people die during spring expeditions.
London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom. It has been an influential city for two millennia, and its history goes back to its founding by the Romans, then named Londinium. London's core, the ancient City of London, the 'square mile', retains its medieval boundaries. However, since at least the nineteenth century, the name "London" has also referred to the whole metropolis that has developed around it. Today, the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region and the Greater London administrative area, with its own elected mayor and assembly.
London is a preeminent global city and one of the world's largest financial centres.Central London is home to the headquarters of more than half of the UK's top 100 listed companies and more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest. London's influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, the arts and culture in general contributes to its global position. It is a major tourist destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. London hosted the 1908 and 1948 Summer Olympics and will host the 2012 Summer Olympics.
London contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; and the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church.
London has a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries. In July 2007, it had an official population of 7,556,900 within the boundaries of Greater London, making it the most populous municipality in the European Union. The Greater London Urban Area (the second largest in the EU) has a population of 8,278,251. while the metropolitan area (the largest in the EU) has an estimated total population of between 12 million and 14 million. The public transport network, administered by Transport for London, is the most extensive in the world, London Heathrow Airport is the world's busiest airport by number of international passengers and the airspace is the busiest of any urban centre in the world.
The etymology of London remains a mystery. The earliest etymological explanation can be attributed to Geoffrey of Monmouth in Historia Regum Britanniae. The name is described as originating from King Lud, who had allegedly taken over the city and named it Kaerlud. This would have had a derivational form Kaerludein, which, by aphaeresis, eventually developed as London. Many other theories have been advanced over the centuries, most of them deriving the name from the Welsh or British languages. It is also believed the name "London" comes from the celtic word "Lyndon", which means "shadowy waters", referring to the Thames River.
Although there is evidence of scattered Brythonic settlements in the area, the first major settlement was founded by the Romans in 43 AD as Londinium, following the Roman conquest of Britain. This Londinium lasted for just seventeen years. Around 61, the Iceni tribe led by Queen Boudica stormed this first London, burning it to the ground. The next, heavily planned incarnation of the city prospered and superseded Colchester as the capital of the Roman province of Britannia in 100. At its height in the 2nd century, Roman London had a population of around 60,000.
WELCOME TO India, the country with amazing tourism options. It is endowed with mesmerising tourism options that is globally famous. India Tourism is world known where tourists from every nook and corner of the world visits to explore its fascinating charm and beauty. Some of the internationally famous tourisms of India are beach tourism, heritage tourism, cultural tourism, wildlife tourism, backwater tourism, hill station tourism, village tourism, medical tourism, pilgrimage tourism, etc.
These are some of the wonderful tourism options of India which you can explore its charm during the tours and travels in India.
India is gifted with scenic natural beauty that never fails to steal the heart of tourists with their mesmerising look. If you want to explore the copious beauty of nature then there are several places to visit India to enjoy your vacation in a delightful and memorable way. Some of the globally famous destinations are Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Manali, Kullu, Shimla, Nainital, Mussoorie, Almora, Ranikhet, Kasauni, Darjeeling, etc. These places are immensely blessed with nature to give these places a heavenly look. All these destinations are the preferred destination of nature lovers, honeymooners, travellers, holidayers and many others. Visit these places on tour to India and you will find the experience unique and off beat to other naturally blessed places of the world.
Well if you want to take the glimpse of the India’s cultural beauty and colourful festivals, then Rajasthan would be the right place for you. Rajasthan is known for its heritage tourism, wildlife tourism, cultural tourism, desert tourism, etc. It is internationally famous for its heritage monuments, palaces, invincible forts, splendid havelis, heritage hotels, world class accommodation, blossoming royal gardens, picturesque lakes and the bustling markets. Touring in the state will offer you the glimpse of the rich culture and the view of the heritage monuments that never fails to steal the heart of tourists. There are several other places such as Mysore, Karnataka, Agra, Khajuraho, Tamilnadu, etc which are also the famous for the heritage and cultural beauty.
Beach tourism of India appeals beach lovers, vacationers, honeymooners and many others to explore the charm of the pristine palm fringed beaches of India. India is gifted with some of the finest beaches in the world that are ideal destination for a mesmeric vacation. In the country there are several beach destinations such as Goa, Kerala, Lakshwadweep, Karnataka, Andaman and Nicobar Island, West Bengal, etc.
If you are a wildlife lover and adventure enthusiast, India wildlife tourism will surely offer you with thrilling experience to make your tour a memorable one. There are several wildlife parks and sanctuaries scattered across India. These parks and sanctuaries are the safe home of several wildlife species, birds, wildlife creatures and astonishing creatures. Wildlife lovers can enjoy jungle safari in these forest which will enable them to explore the rich flora and fauna of India wildlife parks and sanctuaries.
Beside all these tourism option, India is also well known for offering world class accommodation and great hospitality to its guests. You will find several standard hotels across India that offers world class food and lodging facilities. Other tourist attractions that grab the heart of tourists are the colourful festivals and the varied mouthwatering cuisines served by the various tourists destination of India. Well you can explore these exotic tourisms of India by booking India tours package from the travel agents or tour operators. Tour operators in India provides several tailor made package for the travellers to make their tour in India a lifetime experience. You will love your tour and cherish it for lifetime.
