Tag: Indian Heritage

Kamakhya Temple

Kamakhya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, located in the city of Guwahati in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site and a cultural icon of Assam. It is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

According to Hindu mythology, the temple is the site where the goddess Sati’s womb and genitals fell after her body was dismembered by the god Shiva. The temple is thus considered to be one of the Shakti Peethas or holy sites where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell to earth.

The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, especially those who worship the divine feminine. The temple complex consists of several smaller shrines and buildings, but the main temple is a large structure made of stone and brick. The temple has a unique design, with a dome-shaped roof and walls made of red sandstone. The main shrine inside the temple houses a rock formation that is said to represent the goddess Kamakhya. The rock is covered with a red cloth and is surrounded by images of other Hindu deities. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.

The temple is famous for its annual Ambubachi Mela, a festival held in the month of June or July to celebrate the goddess Kamakhya’s menstruation. During the festival, the temple is closed for three days as it is believed that the goddess is menstruating during this time. Devotees from all over the country come to the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess.

Apart from its religious significance, Kamakhya Temple is also known for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The temple is located on a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city of Guwahati and the Brahmaputra River. The temple complex is surrounded by lush green forests and is home to several species of birds and animals.

In recent years, the temple has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The Assam government has taken several measures to improve the infrastructure around the temple, including building new roads, parking areas, and hotels.

Mizoram – The happiest state of India

Mizoram, located in the northeast region of India, is often called the “land of the hill people.” This beautiful state is home to many indigenous communities and boasts a rich cultural heritage. In recent years, Mizoram has gained a reputation as one of the happiest states in India. Here are some reasons why Mizoram is considered the happiest state in India.


1. Strong Community Bond

One of the main reasons why Mizoram is considered the happiest state in India is because of its strong community bond. People in Mizoram have a deep sense of community and belongingness. They share a common culture, language, and tradition, and they support each other in times of need. The people of Mizoram are known for their hospitality and kindness, which helps to create a positive and happy atmosphere in the state.

2. Low Crime Rate

Mizoram is one of the safest states in India, with a very low crime rate. This is due to the strong community bond and the fact that people in Mizoram take their social responsibilities seriously. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and are committed to maintaining peace and harmony in their communities. This sense of security and safety helps to contribute to the overall happiness of the people in Mizoram.

3. Natural Beauty

Mizoram is blessed with natural beauty in the form of lush forests, hills, and valleys. The state is home to many waterfalls, caves, and lakes, which attract tourists from all over the world. The scenic beauty of Mizoram is truly breathtaking, and it helps to create a sense of peace and contentment among its inhabitants.

4. Education

Mizoram is one of the most literate states in India, with a literacy rate of over 91%. The state government has invested heavily in education, and this has helped to create a highly educated population. Education is seen as a way to improve one’s life and the lives of others, which contributes to a sense of purpose and fulfillment among the people of Mizoram.

5. Strong Economy

Mizoram’s economy has grown steadily in recent years, thanks to the state government’s efforts to promote economic development. The state has a strong agriculture sector, and it is also rich in natural resources like bamboo and timber. The government has also encouraged the development of industries like textiles and handloom, which has created jobs and helped to improve the standard of living of the people in Mizoram.

The people of Mizoram are happy, content, and proud of their state, and they work hard to maintain its unique culture and traditions. If you are looking for a place to visit in India that will make you happy and fulfilled, Mizoram should be at the top of your list.

9 Indian royal families, their heads and what they’re doing in 2023

Monarchy may have been abolished from the country in 1971. Even after nearly five decades, a few Indian royal families continue to live a life of legacy and luxury. Unfortunately, most of us are either keeping up with Prince Harry and his bride Meghan Markle or binge-watching dramas focused on Queen Elizabeth II of England. However, few of us are as familiar with Indian monarchy. But don’t worry, we’re here to assist. Here’s a rundown of various royal families. Each has one person who is reportedly the “king” at the helm. However, because they no longer have kingdoms to manage, this is all they’re doing now. 

1. The Mewar Dynasty

The Mewar Dynasty, probably India’s most prolific royal family, has produced renowned monarchs such as Maharana Pratap. His descendants now reside in Udaipur. His Royal Highness Arvind Singh Mewar is the head of this dynasty. He is the House of Mewar’s 76th custodian. Arvind Singh is a tremendously wealthy businessman in addition to being a titular king. He is the CEO of the HRH Group of properties, which operates over ten properties. 

He and his wife, Maharani Vijayaraj, live in the Udaipur city palace, a section of which is available to the public for viewing and exploration. Along with that, he has leased several properties that still belong to the royal family, such the Lake Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace, to the Taj Group of Hotels. He is regarded as one of the wealthiest brains in the tourism and travel sector. He also runs the city’s vintage automobile museum and looks after his father’s crystal collection.

2. The Wadiyar Dynasty

The Kingdom of Mysore was controlled by the Wadiyar Dynasty in the past. They may trace their ancestors back to Lord Krishna’s Yaduvanshi clan. Queen Alamelamma of Vijaynagar cursed the Wadiyar family for taking the crown in 1612. She claimed right before she leaped to her death that Mysore rulers would never have children. This curse appears to have remained in effect for the last 400 years, despite the fact that later members of the dynasty created a statue of the Queen and worshipped it on a regular basis. 

Yaduveer Krishnadutta Chamaraj Wadiyar, 27, is the current leader of the family. He was not, however, the immediate successor. Srikantadatta Wadiyar, his uncle, died childless in 2013 and left no heir. And hence, his wife, the Rajmata adopted Yaduveer as their son and turned him into king. With Mysore as the top silk producer in the company, the family’s brand, Royal Silk of Mysore started by Srikantadatta has remained a major success. The new king, however, holds a degree in English Literature and economics. He tied the knot to the Princess of Dungarpur, Trishika Kumari Singh, in 2016. 

3. The Royal Family of Jaipur

Members of the royal family of Jaipur have slowly but surely now attained celebrity status. His Highness Bhawani Singh was the last titular head of Jaipur. However, due to not having any sons, in his old age, Bhawani Singh adopted his daughter, Diya Kumari’s son, Padmanabh Singh. In 2011, Padmanabh became the Maharaja of Jaipur. He is a national-level polo player and is working to bring more awareness to the sport today.

Not only has the royal family given out the Rambagh Palace to Taj Hotels to run, the young king himself partnered with AirBnB recently. Under this new company, he has set up a suite at the Jaipur City Palace on the travel website where travellers may come, stay, and experience the royal lifestyle.  All the proceeds from this would go to the Princess Diya Kumari foundation. Moreover, the young King is an avid traveller and has appeared on magazine covers, across the world.

4. The Royal Family of Alsisar

Another royal dynasty from Rajasthan is the Alsisar family, who once ruled over the kingdom of Khetri. The family now possesses opulent havelis in both Jaipur and Ranthambore. HH Abhimanyu Singh is the present ruler. Abhimanyu Singh is recognised for co-sponsoring the yearly EDM event, Magnetic Fields, in addition to maintaining various hotels on their grounds. As a result, Singh has earned the title “Party Prince of India” in popular culture.

5. The Royal Family of Jodhpur

Jodhpur was once governed by the Rathore dynasty. It is home to the Mehrangarh Fort and the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which are both among the world’s largest forts and private houses. Maharaja Gaj Singh now resides at the Umaid Bhawan Palace with his wife, two children, and their spouses.

A portion of the Palace is available to tourists, while the remainder is administered by the Taj Group of Hotels, which works in collaboration with the family. Maharaja Gaj Singh not only served in the Rajya Sabha, but he was also the Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago a few years ago.

6. The Gaekwads of Baroda

Since the early 18th century, the Gaekwads, who originated in Pune, have maintained control in Baroda (now Vadodara). Samarjitsinh Gaekwad, 52, is the current leader of the royal family of Baroda. He inherited property worth over Rs 20,000 crores when he got to the throne. The 2,000 acres of premium real estate, 600 acres of land, and the 187-room Laxmi Vilas Palace are all included. As if that wasn’t enough, Samarjitsinh also received many paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, as well as numerous valuables like as gold, silver, and royal jewels. He also oversees 17 temple trusts in Gujarat and Banaras. In addition, he built an own 10-hole golf course in the palace. 

Samarjitsinh is a top-tier cricketer who has represented his state in the Ranji Trophy. He dabbled in politics but has been inactive since 2017. One little-known detail about the Gaekwads of Baroda is that they are the maiden family of Jaipur’s famous Maharani Gayatri Devi.

7. Bourbons of India

Did you know that an Indian royal dynasty claims to be the heirs to the now-defunct monarchy of the Kingdom of France? Meet the Indian Bourbons, who live in Bhopal. Balthazar Napoleon IV de Bourbon, a lawyer with three children, is at the helm. This family claims to be a true descendant of the House of Bourbon, descending from Jean Philippe de Bourbon, an exiled French aristocrat who served in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. In his book, Prince Michael of Greece and Denmark claims that Jean de Bourbon was a nephew of Henry IV, the first Bourbon French monarch. 

8. The House of Bhonsales

If you reside in Maharashtra, you are well aware with Shivaji Maharaj and the Chhatrapatis. However, few people are aware that the great Swarajya King’s descendants have now been dispersed among many districts in the state, including Kolhapur, Satara, Nagpur, Mudhol, Savantwadi, and Tanjore. Several significant family heads are dispersed across these areas. Satara’s Udayanraje is claimed to be the 13th Chhatrapati title bearer. He is a well-known politician and a member of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). He recently reported assets totaling Rs 170 crore, which included five automobiles and numerous pieces of jewellery. 

9. Nawab of Pataudi

A list of royals would be incomplete without include Bollywood’s very own Pataudi clan. Back in the day, the Nawabs governed the kingdom of Pataudi, with Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi serving as the final titular ruler. His Royal Highness, in addition to being a Nawab, was a former captain of the Indian Cricket Team. He married actress Sharmila Tagore and had three children with her. Saif Ali Khan, a Bollywood actor, is now the Nawab of Pataudi. Saif Ali Khan also owns the Pataudi Palace, which is valued at Rs 800 crore. In addition, according to Forbes, Saif earned Rs 66 crore in the previous year. 

Handloom Sarees of India

Handloom sarees are an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage. These sarees are woven by hand using traditional techniques, making them unique and distinctive. They are available in a wide range of materials, designs, colors, and textures. Handloom sarees are also considered to be eco-friendly and sustainable as they do not require the use of electricity or heavy machinery for their production.

Handloom sarees are woven using a variety of techniques such as Jamdani, Banarasi, Patola, Kanjivaram, Chanderi, and many more. Each technique has its own unique style and texture, making handloom sarees a popular choice among women across India.

Jamdani sarees –

Jamdani sarees are woven using the traditional Jamdani technique, which involves weaving fine muslin cloth with intricate floral and geometric patterns. These sarees are lightweight and comfortable to wear, making them perfect for summer.


Banarasi sarees –

Banarasi sarees are woven in Varanasi, a city in Uttar Pradesh. These sarees are made from silk and have intricate designs woven with gold and silver threads. Banarasi sarees are considered to be one of the most expensive and luxurious sarees in India.

Patola sarees –

Patola sarees are woven in Patan, a city in Gujarat. These sarees are made from silk and have vibrant colors and geometric patterns. Patola sarees are considered to be a symbol of wealth and status in Gujarat.

Kanjivaram sarees –

Kanjivaram sarees are woven in Kanchipuram, a city in Tamil Nadu. These sarees are made from silk and have bold colors and intricate designs. Kanjivaram sarees are known for their durability and are considered to be a prized possession for every South Indian bride.


Chanderi sarees –

Chanderi sarees are woven in Chanderi, a town in Madhya Pradesh. These sarees are made from cotton and silk and have delicate designs woven with zari threads. Chanderi sarees are known for their lightweight and comfortable feel, making them a popular choice among women across India.


Handloom sarees are not just a piece of clothing but a piece of art that represents India’s rich cultural heritage. They are a symbol of tradition, elegance, and sophistication. With their unique designs and exquisite craftsmanship, handloom sarees are here to stay and continue to be an important part of India’s fashion industry.