<ul><li><keyword id="520815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pongal-festival" source="Orion">Pongal festival</keyword> is closely related to <keyword id="20154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu" source="Orion">Tamil Nadu</keyword> and Tamil culture and is enthusiastically celebrated by Tamil people all over the world.</li><li><keyword id="38378" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="pongal" source="Orion">Pongal</keyword> is a religious, cultural, and social festival hosted as a thanks giving to the Sun god and the elements of nature for supporting agriculture.</li><li>The harvest festival of Pongal is celebrated in the month of Tamil month ‘Thai’ (January–February) and lasts for four days.</li></ul>The term ‘Pongal’ is considered as a symbol of prosperity in Tamil language and culture. Referring to the dish made with milk, ghee and rice, Pongal literally means ‘overflowing’, suggestive of abundance and affluence. Pongal is one of the major festivals for the people of Tamil Nadu. Pongal falls during the beginning of the month of Tamil month ‘Thai’ and hence it is also known as <keyword id="4099282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thai-pongal" source="Orion">Thai Pongal</keyword>. Pongal has its roots in the Sangam Period roughly identified from 6th century BC to 2nd century AD. Legends say that Pongal celebration is not less than 2,000 years old. The principal theme of Pongal is thanking the Sun god, the forces of nature, and the farm animals and people who support agriculture. Around the time of Pongal, the fields are ripe with plentiful crops and hence the farmers happily celebrate the event while bringing home the fruits of their hard work and the blessings of nature. Festival of harvest Pongal is a festival of harvest. Tamil homes gear up to celebrate the event on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai which coincides with Uttarayana or the northward movement of the sun. This is the same time when many other parts of India celebrate <keyword id="6528818" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sankranti" source="Orion">Sankranti</keyword>. As per the annual agricultural cycle, most regions of the state would have done the harvest shortly before Pongal and hence the homes of farmers and stockyards would be overflowing with the newly harvested paddy. Therefore, Pongal is the occasion to rejoice the gifts of nature that support and enrich our lives. Pongal – what it means Pongal is celebrated as a thanksgiving to the Sun god. On the day of Pongal, the dish known as ‘Pongal’ is cooked in a new earthen pot under the sun, preferably early in the morning just after sunrise. The best of rice from the new harvest is earmarked for this preparation. The ingredients used for Pongal are rice, milk, ghee, jaggery, raisins and dry fruits. When the milk boils and overflows, people shout ‘Pongalo Pongal’, with this slogan believed to bring prosperity into the household. The term Pongal is rich in its connotation referring to the theme and name of the festival, the dish prepared and also the term suggesting prosperity. Interesting elements of Pongal Pongal is the epitome of Tamil culture. Tamil culture is predominantly agricultural and Pongal comes as a major celebration in a year that highlights and venerates several wonderful aspects of the religion, culture, society and people’s lives. New dress, cleaned, painted and decorated homes, colorful rangolis, pujas and celebrations, well-bred cattle, delicious dishes, blessings of elders, rewarding the workforce, gifts, dresses and sweets to near and dear ones, cultural competitions, <keyword id="86993" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jallikattu" source="Orion">Jallikattu</keyword> (sport of controlling the bulls), field trips and temple visits are some of the most interesting highlights of Pongal celebrations that last for four days. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/pongal-2022-wishes-and-messages-for-facebook-and-whatsapp-status/articleshow/88830530.cms">Pongal 2022 – Here is a list of wishes and messages you can send to your loved ones</a>

Pongal festival is related to this state – Here is its origin story

India, often referred to as the land of <keyword id="15246" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festivals" source="Orion">festivals</keyword>, boasts a diverse tapestry of celebrations that showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of its people. Among the multitude of <keyword id="20672365" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festivals-celebrated-across-the-country" source="Orion">festivals celebrated across the country</keyword>, there are some truly unique ones that stand out for their distinctiveness and regional significance. Let's take a journey through India to explore some of these extraordinary festivals: <keyword id="20672363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lathmar-holi" source="keywords">Lathmar Holi</keyword> (Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh) Lathmar Holi is a playful and boisterous festival celebrated in the town of Barsana, Uttar Pradesh. Unlike traditional Holi celebrations where people joyously splash colors on each other, Lathmar Holi has a unique twist. Here, women playfully chase and "beat" men with sticks, reenacting the legendary love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. The festival is marked by laughter, music, and camaraderie, making it a truly memorable experience. <keyword id="86993" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jallikattu" source="Orion">Jallikattu</keyword> (Tamil Nadu) Jallikattu is an ancient bull-taming sport celebrated primarily in the state of Tamil Nadu during the Pongal festival. Brave participants attempt to tame ferocious bulls by grabbing their humps and horns. The event symbolizes courage and valor and is deeply ingrained in Tamil culture, attracting spectators from far and wide. <keyword id="2741872" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hemis-Festival" source="Orion">Hemis Festival</keyword> (Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir) The Hemis Festival is a vibrant Buddhist celebration held annually at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is characterized by colorful masked dances, traditional music performances, and the unveiling of sacred thangkas (religious tapestries), attracting devotees and tourists alike. <keyword id="851515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hornbill-Festival" source="Orion">Hornbill Festival</keyword> (Nagaland) The Hornbill Festival is a cultural extravaganza held in Nagaland, showcasing the diverse traditions and customs of the Naga tribes. Named after the Indian hornbill bird, the festival features indigenous music, dance performances, art exhibitions, and culinary delights, providing a glimpse into Naga heritage and way of life. <keyword id="78069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rann-Utsav" source="Orion">Rann Utsav</keyword> (Gujarat) Rann Utsav is a vibrant festival celebrated in the vast expanse of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The festival highlights the unique landscape, culture, and craftsmanship of the region, with activities such as camel safaris, cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, and traditional folk dances, making it a mesmerizing experience for visitors. Rural Olympics (Punjab) The Rural Olympics, also known as the Kila Raipur Sports Festival, is a unique event held in the village of Kila Raipur in Punjab. It showcases traditional rural sports and competitions, including bullock cart races, tractor races, kabaddi matches, and wrestling bouts, attracting participants and spectators from all over the country. <keyword id="44513" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rath-Yatra" source="Orion">Rath Yatra</keyword> (Odisha) Rath Yatra, celebrated primarily in Puri, Odisha, is a grand procession where massive chariots carry idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra to their temple. It attracts millions of devotees, symbolizing the journey of the deities to visit their aunt's temple. These festivals, each unique in its own right, offer a glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of India, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate and rejoice in the spirit of unity and harmony. From the colorful streets of Barsana to the tranquil valleys of Ladakh, these festivals showcase the vibrant mosaic of traditions and customs that make India truly special. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt.

From Lathmar Holi to Jallikattu: India's most unusual festivals

<ul><li>Darbar featuring <keyword id="14509" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajinikanth">Rajinikanth</keyword> and Nayanthara has crossed ₹2 crore mark in Chennai. </li><li>It is also off to a good start in several foreign countries including Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. </li><li>The movie is already a winner since it earned as much as ₹220 crore by selling rights.</li></ul>Darbar featuring Rajinikanth and Nayanthara has crossed ₹2 crore mark in Chennai on its first day. In Hyderabad, the film has grossed ₹12.05 lakh, according to trade analyst LM Kaushik. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="LMKMovieManiac" handlename="Kaushik LM" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1188062171344732160/vXAEdi-4_normal.jpg" favoritecount="4983" retweetcount="1032" status="GLORIOUS OPENING for #Darbar in Chennai city - Day1 gross is a phenomenal 2.27 CR 👌💥 It's a record second 2 CR+ ci… https://t.co/SdajFBVSN7" createdat="1578594568000" id="1215339822216175617"></div>



 
	<div type="twitter" handle="rameshlaus" handlename="Ramesh Bala" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/759927067681042433/GW1NFtOZ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="905" retweetcount="109" status="#Darbar takes a Massive Opening in Hyd RTC X Roads.. Day 1 Gross: ₹ 12.05 Lakhs.." createdat="1578621867000" id="1215454324513394689"></div>



 Long before release, Darbar has been the twitter trend. The movie is already a winner since it earned as much as <a href="https://twitter.com/LMKMovieManiac/status/1215339822216175617">₹220 crore by selling rights</a>. And, it could bring in viewers en masse since it’s the only movie released during Pongal, the biggest festival in South India. The film, directed by AR Murugadoss, sees Rajinikanth play a cop named Aaditya Arunasalam, who has no rules or mercy. Like most of the heroes in Murugadoss's films, Aaditya Arunasalam has to break the law to ensure justice is served. When he is sent to Mumbai on a special operation to handle the city's drug menace, he goes on a murderous rampage. He gets labelled 'a murderer' and 'a cop with no ethics' by the papers. As part of the operation, Aaditya crosses paths with dreaded gangster Hari Chopra (Suniel Shetty) and the ensuing face-off between them forms the crux of the story. Among the other stars are Nayanthara, Suniel Shetty, Nivetha Thomas, Prateik Babbar and Nawab Shah. It is also off to a good start in several foreign countries including Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. It is the number one debut in Singapore followed by 1917, Ip Man 4: The Finale and Ashfall. The film has earned $615 in the USA as well, according to trade analyst Ramesh Bala. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="rameshlaus" handlename="Ramesh Bala" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/759927067681042433/GW1NFtOZ_normal.jpg" favoritecount="329" retweetcount="58" status="#Darbar debuts at No.1 in #Singapore https://t.co/XkcwD5NUCE" createdat="1578621671000" id="1215453499665707008"></div>



 Twitter was flooded with positive reviews soon after the film was released. At some theatres in South India, people were seen showering flowers and coins to celebrate the movie. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="madraswallah" handlename="Arjun Narayanan" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/861100969823698945/r2By0SvF_normal.jpg" favoritecount="6" retweetcount="3" status="Crackers, drums, flowers. These moments make the experience of cinema special for me. An ode to the good old Rajini… https://t.co/PIHlgxqp6e" createdat="1578540079000" id="1215111280823980032"></div>


 However, film critics are not very pleased with the movie. They believe the movie is strictly for Rajinikanth’s fans and delivers nothing new. “Despite A.R. Murugadoss offering very little substance for him to work with, the superstar just about manages to carry this film on his aging shoulders” <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/darbar-movie-review-a-charismatic-rajinikanth-shoulders-an-okayish-masala-movie/article30521045.ece">wrote Srivatsan S from The Hindu. </a> See also: 
 <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="73182917" title="Rajinikanth’s Darbar becomes an instant hit - with the Internet" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>


<ul></ul>

‘Superstar’ Rajinikanth’s latest blockbuster enters the ₹2 crore ‘Darbar’ on day one⁠— as fans in Chennai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur flock to the theatres

The clouds hang low in <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword>. It feels like if you stand on your toes and stretch high enough, you probably can grab a fistful. The skies often look like walls instead of ceilings and while the pretty island hosted us, these walls were various shades of red. Literally a hop away from the mainland, with flight tickets from down South being cheaper, Sri Lanka is an obvious name on the Indian travellers’ list. But it is also one that often comes far below the lot, because, you know...it’s RIGHT there. It’s the ‘right there’ places that we neglect and push away for times when we are short of money but have a few days to <keyword id="6354692" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel">travel</keyword>. And that has also been true for me, till I got to change that. Sri Lanka has been on my go-to list for over a year, and high up enough. And then I flew through a glorious sunset and landed in rain-splashed <keyword id="6364814" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="colombo">Colombo</keyword>. Colombo’s weather reminds you of Kolkata or Mumbai, with a shade less of humidity but infinitely more pleasant and fresh. The wide roads took us to the <keyword id="719382" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Airbnb">Airbnb</keyword> that was hosting us for the next two nights - <a href="https://www.aathma.com/">Aathma Colombo House</a>. Nestled right next to the Diyawanna Lake, this property is cloaked in green. There isn’t a single spot in the house where you don’t feel transported to another space and another time. Cocooned in that space with the colourful tiles, enough trees to cleanse your soul, a lake stretched out ahead and a pool with night jasmine flowers floating across the ripples - a break from the city hustle seemed to have begun. One of the most vital things in Sri Lanka is the food. Of course. Their breakfast spread has very often been called the best in the world and no, they were not exaggerating it in the least. Besides your delectable Sri Lankan tea, juice and a side of fresh fruits a normal breakfast includes a variation of hoppers, string hoppers, pol roti, kiribath, pittu and pongal served with fish, chicken or potato curry, dhal and a sambol. <div type="image" title="Food photo 1" msid="65674130" hostid="261"></div>

Sri Lankan breakfasts are probably one of the best meals we have ever eaten. This was one of the spreads at the Airbnb property that hosted us in Colombo <div type="image" title="Food photo 2" msid="65674131" hostid="261"></div>

Besides your delectable Sri Lankan tea, juice and a side of fresh fruits a normal breakfast includes a variation of hoppers, string hoppers, pol roti, kiribath, pittu and pongal served with fish, chicken or potato curry, dhal and a sambol The majority of the carbs are rice flour-based and have coconut shavings or coconut milk in it, as does the protein curry preparations. The flavours are very similar to a lot of Thai curries and South Indian curries you may have tried but it feels so much more wholesome and comforting. Or perhaps it was just the weather. And worry not, even after that breakfast, you will be more than ready for lunch. But nothing, no other spread could beat what Sri Lanka unleashes for breakfast. Our Day 1 in Colombo was about press conferences, a long lazy lunch and then a drive around the city. The capital city of this island country is historically steeped in stories. While a glance at the beaches being constructed around the lighthouse for new construction might greatly disappoint you, the city has maintained a lot of its old heritage buildings (many of them are being restored) and a walk around them is highly recommended. You need time, and lots of it, to soak in the feel. 
 <div type="image" title="Property pic 1" tempid="176929" msid="65674211" hostid="261"></div>

Nestled right next to the Diyawanna Lake, Aathma Colombo House is cloaked in green 
 <div type="image" title="Property pic 2" tempid="176931" msid="65674212" hostid="261"></div>

Each section of this property is specially curated to suit the mood 
 <div type="image" title="Property pic 3" msid="65674132" hostid="261"></div>

The common dining area on the property 
 <div type="image" title="Property pic 4" msid="65674133" hostid="261"></div>

If all this is not chill enough, head over to the pool! 
 <div type="image" title="Colombo view" msid="65674134" hostid="261"></div>

Colombo is a whole chapter of stories waiting to unfold 
 <div type="image" title="Colombo Independence Memorial" msid="65674135" hostid="261"></div>

 Colombo is a city with picture-perfect properties, great places to dine, party, shop and the best place to explore the rest of the country from. And not just because the airport is here. Colombo prepares you, most gently, for the experience called Sri Lanka. That’s what it did for us as it nudged us on our long drive to Galle on a fresh sunny morning. Roughly 125 kms away from the capital city, Galle is a world away from the bustle. It’s balmy, slow, languid and almost dreamy in its slow-mo pace. This city used to be Sri Lanka’s main port till Colombo took over the title, so as you might have guessed, the sea is everywhere, mostly a stone’s throw away. And that feeling is magical, also borderline terrifying all at the same time. Honestly, that fear (which only I seem to have it seems, at least amongst the other people I know) is not irrational. Galle was one of the cities that was hit hardest by the 2004 tsunami. Most of the people here lost everything they had and had to start their lives again from scratch. Galle is on the mend and has been for a while, but what remains are the stories and nothing, absolutely nothing can take away that tenacity and the will to fight on from this charming coastal haven. The old city of Galle lies ensconced within the walls of the majestic <keyword id="3244683" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Galle-Fort">Galle fort</keyword>. The fort is called a ‘living’ one because there are residential properties, offices, hotels, churches, shops etc that are up and running for years. Parts of the fort have also been transformed to museums, the road pavings are intact, the doors, windows and arches are still the same and some of the oldest offices have been left as they were, still functioning. Galle is a time-warp. You drive through the fort gates and you are suddenly thrown back a good few decades. And each part of the city has a special feeling to it. Right outside the dark-wood Dutch doors of our hosts in Galle, the <a href="https://yarahotels.lk/">Yara Galle Fort</a>, the serene blue sky, the swaying palm trees, the sea in the distance, boys playing football in the evenings - it reminds of you of a slow town where neighbours greet each other in the morning as you have your perfect cup of tea. It feels strangely like home. 
 <div type="image" title="Galle view" tempid="176947" msid="65674213" hostid="261"></div>

Galle is laid-back time warp 
 <div type="image" title="Sea view" tempid="176954" msid="65674214" hostid="261"></div>

You are always just a breath away from the sea at Galle Walk around the bend into the Dutch Hospital precinct and the yellow walls of the fort on your left and the old courthouse on your right transports you to a chapter in history. There were proceedings going on inside the courthouse while lawyers, in their tiny old offices tapped away at typewriters - there wasn’t a computer in sight. There was something overwhelmingly nice to see piles and piles of documents stacked on shelves. The whole universe seemed to have turned 360 degrees, but Galle was right where it was. 
 <div type="image" title="Galle Fort 1" tempid="176999" msid="65674215" hostid="261"></div>

Parts of the Galle fort are still used for thoroughfare 
 <div type="image" title="Galle Fort 2" tempid="177010" msid="65674217" hostid="261"></div>

Other parts of the fort have been turned into museums 
 <div type="image" title="Galle Fort 3" tempid="177011" msid="65674218" hostid="261"></div>

Built by the Dutch, the fort was eventually taken over by the British who ruled over it till the country got its independence in 1948 
 <div type="image" title="Fort views" msid="65674136" hostid="261"></div>

The views from the fort are spectacular While most people head to Galle for the beaches, you cannot afford to miss a walk around the fort with a local who knows the city like the back of his hand. That’s what Ateeq did for us. This is also the perfect time to point out that the Galle Fort walk is a part of the Airbnb experiences. Experiences are area/location-specific activities that you can book just the way you book a room on the site. For example, Sri Lanka offers experiences like surf lessons, yoga lessons, forest trails etc (you can book a walk with Ateeq <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.in/experiences/257167?source=pdpother">here</a>) . You don’t even need to be staying in an Airbnb to be able to book an experience. 
 <div type="image" title="Walk through Galle fort" msid="65674137" hostid="261"></div>

Our walk through the Galle Fort The walk conducted by Ateeq includes a long stroll all around the fort as he points out the important sites and anecdotes that only a local can offer - like pointing out the spot where every kid in Galle learns to swim. The walk ends with some incredible gelato in the heart of the fort where all the restaurants and cafes are. 
 <div type="image" title="Old jetty" msid="65674138" hostid="261"></div>

One of the oldest jetties in Galle. This is also where the local kids learn to swim After our long, long stroll, we headed to Dewata Beach, a little drive away from Galle, for our first surf lessons. Hosted by Oshan Diluk, these <a href="https://www.airbnb.co.in/experiences/308477?source=pdpother">lessons</a> are your baby steps into an adrenaline overdose. It’s harder than it looks and you will have enough salt water in your system to never need any seasoning in your food again - but you must try this. The <keyword id="443950" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lagoon">lagoon</keyword> where the lessons are have been chosen because of its shallow waters and small waves. And the instructors are incredibly, incredibly patient - which is a huge plus. 
 <div type="image" title="Surfing 1" msid="65674139" hostid="261"></div>

You start with the basics 
 <div type="image" title="Surfing 2" msid="65674140" hostid="261"></div>

Then drag yourselves to the sea 
 <div type="image" title="Surfing 3" msid="65674141" hostid="261"></div>

 Finally, you try to ride the waves Our first day ended with a laid-back dinner at Unawatuna beach, which is also a short drive away from Galle. And even before we could forget how good the local beer and the fresh-grilled seafood tasted like, we were on the way to the airport. 
 <div type="image" title="Unawatuna" tempid="177039" msid="65674219" hostid="261"></div>

The buzzing Unawatuna beach 
 <div type="image" title="Yara Galle fort" tempid="177040" msid="65674221" hostid="261"></div>

Yara Galle fort was our host in the city 
 <div type="image" title="Last breakfast" tempid="177051" msid="65674222" hostid="261"></div>

How could we leave without this? 
 <div type="image" title="Sri Lankan tea" tempid="177045" msid="65674223" hostid="261"></div>

And You cannot miss the Sri Lankan teas when you are there Now, the important deets The Sri Lankan currency conversions are easy - one Indian rupee converts to 2.27 Sri Lankan rupee. Withdraw your money at the airport right from one of the ATMs or change it from Dollar/Euro/whatever you please. For an Indian, the Sri Lankan visa will set you back by $20 (₹1,500 roughly). While you can easily get a place on Airbnb starting from ₹2,000 a night, the experiences come from anything between ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 or more. All of this of course depends on the city you are visiting and what you want to try for yourselves. Sri Lanka was a rush. But it was an exhilarating rush that soothed you and pushed you ahead all at the same time. I am certain all of us were making mental plans to plan a longer trip soon, but then, there we were, flying back to our desks and our laptop screens. I am writing this roughly three weeks after returning from the magnificent island. And I can’t wait to go back. The reporter was invited by Airbnb for this trip.

That island in the sun: The Sri Lanka experience

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/56139041.cms" />October to February is when India sees high spikes in both domestic and local tourism across India. This is the time when charter flights to Goa begin landing, this is when the hotels near the coffee plantations in south India hike their rates. This is also when domestic carriers typically increase rates – this year rates increased by almost 24% in October alone. Other than cooler climes, this is also when most of India’s large festivals are celebrated, many of which are linked to agrarian cycles of harvesting or sowing. 
 
There’s Dussera, Diwali, Christmas, Pongal and Chhath Puja celebrated during this period (Onam is another biggie but that was celebrated in September this year). Smaller ones such as Janmashtami or Govardhan Puja also happen during this time. Many of these festivals are celebrated in situ, and are becoming increasingly popular for non-traditional tourists who converge at temple towns to participate in the festivities and seek blessings. 
 
I’ve travelled across many of these towns and interacted with temple priests, tourists, shop-owners, craftswomen and craftsmen, local residents, hotel owners and finally the most ‘in-you-face’ category of people, the local tourist guides to understand how modern influences are affecting traditions in these temple towns, especially that of oral story-telling. Interestingly and contrary to what most of us might think given the immediate access to information we have via our smartphones, the demand for local stories has dramatically increased over the last few years. 
 Part of this is due to more tourist footfalls (including that of foreign tourists) while the other is due to a demand for more engaging narratives. A demand for more anecdotal and topical stories rather than just a historical narrative. Often this topicality is derived from local <keyword id="1225445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="folk-tales">folk tales</keyword> and <keyword id="22258" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Folk-songs">folk songs</keyword> of that particular region and will be completely missing in the historical information dispensed in the formal tourist brochures. 
 
Take Govardhan Puja or Janmashtami, for instance. You have tourists converging at all places with important Krishna temples across the country. So there would be tourists flocking to Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh or other important temples such as the Guruvayur temple in Kerala, Dwarkadish in Gujarat, the ISKON temples (across India) or the Rajagopalaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu among others. Domestic tourism is the economic mainstay of many of these towns, driving the local economy and providing a livelihood to the local population. In many of these places, the narration of folk tales and folk songs is an important local occupation. Yet, tourism, consumerism and other influences are subtlety influencing these tales and folklores – impacting both content and context. 
 
Nowhere is this more apparent than in Braj in Uttar Pradesh, the region associated with Lord Krishna’s early years and interestingly the region where he spent time with consort Radha. The ancient texts, epics, and folklore within this region create culturally (though not politically) defined borders and demarcations, so that Braj can be said to cover an area of approximately 5000 sq. kms. Braj ranks high in popularity as a pilgrimage destination and tales of Krishna and Radha abound in every household and resonate off every tongue. 
 
I would like to refer to a folktale that is narrated at two different towns of Braj Region, Gowardhan and Barsana. Radha and Krishna are at the focal point of many of narratives. While Barsana is recognized as the place where Radha grew up, Krishna is said to have spent his later childhood days at Nandgaon, 8 kms away from Barsana. Radha is considered to be Krishna’s ‘Shakti’ (strength). The folktale I refer to tells a very famous tale of adolescent Krishna at Gowardhan. In this, he lifted a hill named Giriraj or Gowardhan parbat on the tip of his little finger for seven days and nights to shield the Brajwasi (people of Braj) from a deluge of rain sent down by an angry Lord Indra. Most Indians are familiar with this narrative. However in neighbouring Barsana, where Radha grew up, the same folktale recounts the same plot and form but includes an important element missing in the other tale. It recounts that it was Radha, the embodiment of ‘Shakti’ (female supernatural power) who was the actual enabler of Krishna’s heroic act. The tale states that it was Radha who supported Krishna by giving him her divine power to lift the hill. The power came from her left eyelashes and also enabled her to remain invisible. 
 
The transmission of the folktales and folk songs from one generation to the next results in variations which leads to effective narration for eager audiences. The authenticity of these variations cannot be challenged as each version seems to be true. The narrators comprise the Pandas or Goswamis (local priests) and the local tourist guides. Unfortunately I did not find any female priests or female guides. The use of quotes, proverbs, folk metaphors, and other linguistic clichés is fairly common, depending on the narrator. The story-teller weaves in elements from festivals, social events, occasions and human relationships from across the region. The folk tales are so much a part of the cultural ethos of the region that they have also been converted into folk songs, sung by the young and old alike with local CD renditions of it – always in high in demand by tourists and locals both. Interestingly, the modern renditions of these popular folksongs have even used western songs and musical instruments – such as a popular version called ‘Happy Birthday Radhaji’. Symbolic references to other religions also creep in, often well integrated within the folktale itself. For example, in Barsana, local folklore includes the narratives of Gulab Sakhi, a Mughal soldier who became a devotee of Radha. Local narrators delight in highlighting the tale of Radha staying with an old soldier named Gulab Sakhi, disguised as his daughter. Gulab Sakhi’s own daughter had left him after her marriage and he missed her desperately, and was longing to see her. When Radha got to know this, she disguised herself and lived with him as his daughter. He eventually realized this and subsequently became one of her greatest devotees. 
 
It is through oral transmission that the stories continue to form the textures of the lives and livelihoods in these regions and many other regions as well. Elements of social justice, fairness and humanity combine into a rich tapestry enabling these traditional narratives survive. While it is interesting to see how the telling of these tales, many of which originated in oral traditions, continues to flourish, it will be fascinating to see how continuing modern influences will affect these narratives in times to come! 
 
 
(The article is authored by Tulika Chandra, Associate Professor, Shiv Nadar University)

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