Another good news for food lovers residing in New Delhi. The end of much awaited appetizing weekend is over. The organizers Aditi Kapoor and Ruchi Sibal, in association with NDMC, bang this season with most delicious festival Palate Mini Fest 2015.

This foodie fest will feature some of Delhi’s most favored eateries who will come with their lip-smacking tastes of Apple pies, cupcakes, ice-creams, authentic gelatos and waffles and prepare delicious opportunities to Indian food market.

There are more than 15 leading cafes, 30 shops and live performances that highlight this 3 days gourmet festival that begins today at Nehru Park till 15 March 2015.

The three-day event spread over the weekend at Nehru Park is a miniature version of the civic body’s debut Palate Festival, a grand affair held last November and will showcase food from leading cafes and delis, say organizers.

“There was a lot of demand and it seems people just couldn’t wait for an entire year to please their taste buds. Since, it was not possible to organize another food festival on such a huge scale in this short span of time, we decided to come up with this mini fest,” says Ms. Kapoor.

“This is also, like the Palate, an all-encompassing festival that will invite people to come out in the sun and indulge in a plethora of delicacies. But, desserts will certainly be the main attraction,” says Ms. Bansal.

“Mini Palate has been conceived keeping in mind Delhi’s pleasant climate during this time of the year” she adds.

Welcome to the delicious and foodie weekend again!

Celebrated with the full swing in the first week of December, Hornbill Festival is one of the most renowned festivals of north east India and Nagaland’s biggest annual festival. As the name suggests, the festival named after a bird Hornbill famous for its huge bills. In addition to this, Hornbill is adored by the Nagas (folks of Nagaland) and it can be seen in their tribal dances and songs.

Where is Hornbill festival celebrated?

Hornbill festival is celebrated at an ancient village named Kisama Heritage Village, situated nearly 10 kilometers from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.

When is the Hornbill Festival?

The festival is usually on every year from December 1-7. However, from 2013 it was extended for a few extra days. It now concludes on December 10.

How is the Hornbill Festival Celebrated?

The Festival is attended by all of Nagaland’s major tribes. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs, and games. All this takes place amidst immaculate replicas of tribal hutments, complete with wood carvings and hollow log drum instruments, which are beat in haunting symphony at the end of the day. There are plenty of handicraft stalls, food stalls, and heady rice beer to indulge in as well.

In the evenings after sundown, the main attraction is the Hornbill National Rock Concert. Bands from all over the country come to compete. This is followed by a night market in town. However, the hottest event (literally!) at the festival is undoubtedly the Naga chilli eating competition!

Travel Tips

• The Hornbill Festival is one of the top tourist draws in Nagaland, so if you’re planning to attend, do book accommodations well in advance.
• There’s a very handy Information Center next to the festival venue, which provides brochures listing the events at the festival and other attractions in Nagaland.
• Entry permits are no longer necessary for foreigners visiting Nagaland. However, foreigners will need to register themselves with the Foreigner’s Registration Office (District Superintendent of Police) within 24 hours of entry into the state. Indian tourists need an Innner Line Permit. This is available from any Nagaland House, or Government of Nagaland office. Download application form.
• Kohima doesn’t have an airport. The nearest one is in Dimapur, with flights to and from Kolkata and Guwahati. From Dimapur it’s a two hour drive to Kohima. Or, if you’re in a hurry, a 30 minute helicopter ride.

Attractions of Jodhpur

The city has something extraordinary for everyone. If you are an architecture lover, you can visit the stunning structures like Mehrangarh fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhavan. For the shopping addicted, Jodhpur is not less than a blessing. From the famous embroidered Rajasthani dresses or adorned jewelries to fragrant spices and crafts & handlooms, the city provides every magnificent thing associated with the bygone era. Briefly, you can say that Jodhpur has everything for everyone which make it a perfect getaway.

Mehrangarh Fort: Regarded as the most splendid and stunning fort of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh fort was built by the founder of city Maharaja Jodha Rao in year 1459. The fort stretches to a length of 5 kms and is located on approx 125 meters high elevated land. The best and unique thing about the fort is that, it was constructed in such a way that it was nearly impossible to the rivals to invade the fort. Reaching at the highest point of the fort, the panoramic view of city will surely mesmerize you. On one side, you will witness Jaswant Thada houses beautiful cenotaphs and on another side, proudly stand Umaid Palace showing its lavish structure. While roaming the fort, you’ll find some cultural performers sitting at the corners by presenting the fascinating music. It is their magic that every passerby is easily influenced and the whole atmosphere is echoed on the versions of the bygone era. I would suggest not to forget your camera to capture these moments.

Jaswant Thada: Houses the elegant cenotaphs of the royal families, Jaswant Thada was built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in the year 1899. Constructed in white marbles, this structure presents a fine example of magnificent architecture. Inside the central cenotaph, you’ll find the portraits of many Rajput rulers who had served Jodhpur.

Umaid Bhawan: The luxurious, lavish and extravagant Palace ever constructed in North India, Umaid Bhavan is an example of the early modern period architecture. Built in early 20th century, the palace is divided into 3 major parts. In first part is resident of the royal family which is one of the world’s largest private residences. The second part are now occupied by the esteemed group of Taj hotels and the third one is converted into the museum and the opens for the general public. There is an interesting fact behind construction of Umaid Bhavan. It was actually built to provide the employment to famine struck population of Jodhpur which took over 16 years to complete.

A culinary city

You may be aware that Rajasthani people are food lovers! While the popular dishes like ker-sangri, gate ki subzi, dal-bati churma and badi ka saag are available almost everywhere in Jodhpur, head to some fine local restaurants to savour a variety of cuisines. Within the city, you’ll find some good and value for money eateries offering a great variety of food. These include Jodhpur Coffee House which is also famous for good South Indian snacks, Uttam Restaurant, On the Rocks that offers variety of both veg and non-veg food. How can one forget the famous sweets of Jodhpur! If you were born with a sweet tooth, Jodhpur offers a great variety of sweet delicacies. For the traditional age old recipes, head to Mishrilal, Janta Sweet Home or Jodhpur Sweet Home for mouth watering Mave ki Kachori, Makkhan Vade, Moong Dal ka Halwa and Makhania Lassi which is made from yogurt with saffron.

Best time to visit to Jodhpur

Although there is no particular condition or time for a traveler to plan out, but if you don’t like summers and like others wish to plan out during winters, I would suggest you to visit during the months from October to March.

Location

Lies within the very famous Thar Desert (the Great Indian Desert), Jaisalmer is located 575 kms west of the pink city Jaipur, 350 kms north-east of Bikaner and 307 kms south-east of the blue city Jodhpur.

The city was named after the Rajput king and the founder of the city, Maharawal Jaisal Singh in year 1156 AD. This is because the yellow sand and the sandstone used to make the structures in this city which give it golden yellow appearance.

Attractions

Famous for beautiful forts and palaces, lakes, gardens and of course influential sand dunes, Jaisalmer offers the glimpse of multi-colored culture and a touch of preserved heritage.

1. Jaisalmer Fort : Famously known as Golden Fort or “Sonar Quila” of Rajasthan, Jaislmer Fort was built up by the founder of city, Maharawal Jaisal Singh in year 1156 AD, the same year the city was founded. The fort ranks amongst the largest forts in the world. The hues of golden and yellow mixed sandstone blend with the ambience of Sun offer something magical and marvelous look to the Fort. The Fort stands tall and proud displaying the marvel of Rajasthani architecture.

2. Bada Bagh : Bada Bagh means ‘Big Garden’. The garden constructed for cremations of the member of Royal families. With the great number of beautiful Cenotaphs, the garden offers an impressive view during sunrise and sunset. I suggest you don’t miss to capture these stunning moments on you camera

3. Patwon-Ki-Haveli : Located near to Jaisalmer Fort, these five-storied mansions are masterpieces of Architecture. With the first of its kind in Jaisalmer, these havelis were constructed by an acclaimed merchant Guman Chand Patwa for his 5 sons. The outstanding and finest art can be seen in the walls of corridor of each story. The entire adorn construction adds tremendous impression of heritage and culture of the city. Constructed with yellow sandstones, one of the Havelis is now converted into museum and occupied by Rajasthan government with offices of Archeological Survey of India and State Art and Craft.

4. Sam Sand Dunes : The most astonishing tourist attraction of Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is an excellent spot to loose yourself in the desert safari. Either by Jeep or by Camel, you can enjoy the safari during the picturesque sunrise and sunset on the desert. Located near to the Thar Desert, the Sam Sand Dunes is becoming a major tourist attraction of Jaisalmer. Enjoy your safari on camelback in breathtaking sand peaks. You can also put yourself in the desert camps for a night to make your trip more adventurous and memorable. From Royal to budget, there are many camps where you can stay for a night. A cultural and musical event is organized for the guests by each camp. To see the Rajasthani culture closely, you must attend these activities.

5. Gadisar Lake : Built in the 14th century by Maharawal Gadsi, this freshwater lake was once the main source of drinking water for entire town. Located a kilometer away from the fort, the lake is now a tourist spot with many beautiful shrines around the bank of the lake. The people of the bygone era depended on this tank for their water needs. Famous among the photographers, this is a great spot to capture some splendid snapshots of Jaisalmer Fort in the morning when the ambience of fort blends with golden glitters of sun. Apart from the stunning views, you can also take a ride of boating and enjoy your trip.

Vasant Panchami also known as Saraswati Puja or the Basant Festival of Kites is a Hindu festival that highlights the arriving of spring season and mark the end of winter season. Celebrated every year across India on 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha, that falls during January – February. Vasant Panchami is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, music and culture.

Significance:

This auspicious day observes the birth of goddess Saraswati . Hindu folks celebrate this day with great ardor in temples, homes and even schools and colleges to receive and enhance one’s knowledge and consciousness. The beloved white color of goddess Saraswati has a special significance on this day. Statues of the goddess are adorned in white dresses and are worshiped by devotees dressing white garments. The goddess is offered sweets which are given away as ‘prasad’ to all people attending the ritual worship. The day is also meant to usher new beginnings in the life of infants. Traditionally children were taught to write their first word on this day. It is considered a blessed beginning of learning with the Goddess of Knowledge worshiped as the presiding deity on this day.

Also, Kite flying is associated with the festival of Basant Panchami. Especially in Punjab, the kite flying tradition has been given great importance.

Welcome celebration to springtime

With the start of spring season, fresh and gentle breeze replaces the haunting cold and there’s a touch of rejuvenation in the air. These leaves and blossoms appear in the trees with the promise of new life and hope. Vasant Panchami also announces the arrival of another big springtime event in the Hindu calendar – Holi, the festival of colors.

There are many origins of Lohri: all forming part of folklore. However, the main theme of Lohri is the belief that Lohri is the cultural celebration of the winter solstice. Lohri is meant to be celebrated on the shortest day of the year. A key feature of Lohri is the bonfire. Lighting of the fire has been common in winter solstice festivals throughout time and the world: it signifies the return of longer days. The bonfire is an ancient tradition, forming a key part of Lohri traditions.

Significances:

In Punjab, wheat is the main winter crop, which is sown in October and harvested in March or April. In January, the fields come up with the promise of a golden harvest, and farmers celebrate Lohri during this rest period before the cutting and gathering of crops.

It holds a special significance to the folks of Punjab. They keep busy in making preparations for Lohri. They come out of their homes and celebrate the harvesting of the Rabi (winter) crops and give in to relaxing and enjoying the traditional folk songs and dances. A few days before the festival, the children tend to assemble woods and eatables like peanuts, nuts,  til (sesame) seeds, or sweets like jaggery, gajak, rewri, etc.

Mythologies

It is considered that a Punbaji dacoit named Dulla Bhatti who used to rob the rich to help the poor had once helped two miserable village girls “Sundari” and “Mundari” by getting them married off like his own daughters. In the trouble moment, he helped the girls by convincing  the grooms and their families to marry the girls in a forest and presented them sugar in form of ritual.

Song & Dance

Bhangra dance by men begins after the offering to the bonfire. Dancing continues till late night with new groups joining in amid the beat of drums. Traditionally, women do not join Bhangra. They hold a separate bonfire in their courtyard orbiting it with the graceful gidda dance.

A Celebration of Fertility

Lohri brings fertility and the joy of life, and in the event of the birth of a male child or a marriage in the family, it assumes a larger significance wherein the host family arranges for a feast and merry-making with the traditional bhangra dance along with rhythm instruments, like the dhol and the gidda. The first Lohri of a new bride or a newborn baby is considered extremely important.

Thanksgiving & Get-together!

Nowadays, Lohri brings in an opportunity for people in the community to take a break from their busy schedule and get together to share each other’s company. In other parts of India, Lohri almost coincides with the festivals of Pongal, Makar Sankranti, and Uttarayan all of which communicate the same message of oneness and celebrates the spirit of brotherhood, while thanking the Almighty for a bountiful life on earth.