In devotion to Lord Shiva, Maha shivaratri is celebrated annually by Hindus all over the world.  It is observed either on the 13^th night or on the 14^th day of Phalguna every year. The festival falls between the month of February and March. Maha shivaratri is the most important festival among the other twelve Shivratris’ celebrated in a year. It is popularly celebrated to esteem the Lord Shiva’s glanderous dance; Tandava. Some others also celebrate it as the day Lord Shiva got married to Shakti.

On the day of Shivaratri devotees maintain a fast through-out the day, they offer bael leaves to Shiva’s statues and chant on the spiritual mantra of Lord Shiva “Om Namah Shivaya”.  Other rituals of the festival are to perform Puja to the deity of Shiva and visit the Shiva temples with a desire to earn favors from god. Some take the holy bath in the river Ganges during the auspicious time of sunrise.

Step by step rituals performed on the deity of Shiva Linga:

1. Performing Abhisheka by pouring Milk, honey, curd, ghee, sandalwood paste, butter milk or vibhuthi (holy ash) on the deity of Shiva Linga and decorating it with Bael leaves.
2. A camphor and turmeric paste is applied on the deity after the Abhisheka.
3. Offering fruits and yields of labor to the deity.
4. Lighting lamps and incense sticks.

Some devotees stripe their forehead with three horizontal lines of stripes that represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva. The festive day is considered sacred especially for women. Women fast and pray to Lord Shiva for a blessed married life. Unmarried women do the same for an ideal husband.

This year Shivaratri was celebrated on the 17^th of February. Thousands of devotees from all around the world teemed into temples to offer their prayers.

Some famous temples to visit in India during the Maha shivaratri:

1. Mahakaleshwar – Madhya Pradesh
2. Somnath Temple – Gujarat
3. Kedarnath Temple – Himalayas
4. Kashi vishwanath temple – Varanasi
5. Trimbakeshwar – Nasik
6. Srikalahasti temple – Andhra Pradesh
7. Lokanath shiv temple – Bhubaneswar
8. Thillai Nataraja – Chidambaram
9. Ramanathaswamy temple – Tamil Nadu
10. Murudeshwara temple _ Bhatkal, Karnataka
11. Kapaleeshwarar temple – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
12. Arunachaleswarar temple _ Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
13. Srisaila Devasthanam  – Andhra Pradesh
14. Baidyanath temple – Jharkhand
15. Nageshwara temple (three resembling structures are found in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttarakhand
16. Keesaragutta temple – Telangana
17. Mallikarjuna Swamy – Andhra Pradesh
18. Grishneshwar temple – Maharashtra
19. Bhimshankar temple – Maharashtra
20. Omkareshwar temple – Madhya Pradesh
21. Lingaraj  temple – Bhubaneswar

Christmas is an annual celebration; celebrated on 25^th December every year also making it one of the cultural festivals celebrated even by the non-Christians. The main purpose of the festival is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ to a virgin, Mary (mother of Jesus).

The Birth of Jesus Christ:

When Virgin Mary realized she was going to have a baby, Joseph, her to-be husband still considers snowballsmarriage with her. Later an angel of God appears to him in a dream and says “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit, She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21). Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem to deliver the baby. With no place to stay, Mary gives birth to Jesus in a manger (stable).

This was the time of King Herod when he hears the news of the birth of – the king of Jews, he is extremely disturbed. Further, he sends three men to find the baby, who has a dream, warning them not to return to the king. The three wise men follow the dream. Enraged by this, King Herod gives an order to kill every boy child of the age two and below. But Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” (Matthew 2:12).

How is Christmas celebrated?

Traditionally Christmas starts off by attending a Church service or a mass on the Christmas Eve, 24^th of December. Christians also sing carol songs that remark the birth of Christ. Children enact the nativity to illustrate the birth of Christ, by putting up a stage with a baby Jesus, mother Mary, Joseph, sheep, angels and three wise men in a manger with a big star of Bethlehem. These days Christians, as well as non Christians, decorate their homes with lightings, decoration and a Christmas tree. Some also display a nativity crèche, made up of small figurines of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in a manger.

Traditional Christmas cuisine:

Plumcake, fruit cake, and rum cake are some of the specialties. Christmas meals vary from country to country. In the European countries like UK chicken, goose, turkey dishes along with gravy, bread and vegetables are cooked. In India, the Goan and Mangalorean Christians make verities of sweets called kuswar that include sweets like neureos, shankarpali, kulkuls and snow balls; usually given to neighbors and friends on the occasion. In India, people prefer chicken, beef, pork, prawn, fish, and mutton dishes in their Christmas meal, not to forget the soft sannas.

Once you enter this beautiful union territory of India, you can stop think about the errands that need to be followed up after the holiday.  The clean streets, the sustained architecture of the French colonies, churches, temples and beaches will simply take your thoughts away from the hustling bustling city you come from. Not to forget the fine wine and the gourmet. The annual food festival which happens during July is something every foodie should look forward for. Adapt yourself to the “Pondy” lifestyle by going on cycling trips, hiking and horse riding for a change. Hit the beaches, go scuba diving and admire the corals and the marine life.

Don’t forget to visit some of the famous tourist spots before you leave. Here are some of the places to visit in Pondicherry:

1. The French quarters

The white and yellow decorative streets of the French quarters duplicate the streets of old France. Facing the beach with meagerly dressed visitors basking in the sun makes it a frilly place. Moreover, it is a residing home for some of the monuments like the French consulate, Rumain Rolland library, hotel de ville, the Gandhi memorial and the white town.

2. Sri Aurobindo ashram

Apart from being an ashram and a spiritual community of disciples of Sri Aurobindo, you will also find the tombs of Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa popularly known as Mother.

3. Puducherry museum

If vintage is your taste, then don’t miss out this museum. Here you will find furniture’s and décor from the French era exhibited with cosset. Ancient Spanish and Greek pottery and amphorae which were excavated from Arikamedu are also exhibited here.

4. Sacred heart basilica

This red and white brick church was consecrated on December 17^th 1907. With Medieval architecture and decorated with rare to find stained glass art showcasing the life events of Jesus Christ makes sacred heart a pilgrimage to many Christians.

5. Sri Manakula Vinayagar temple

Don’t miss the head pat from the temple elephants and also the precisely hand carved friezes of the temple.

6. Ayurveda holistic healing centre

This place gives you the benefit of Different kinds of ayurvedic massages for different treatments. Body detox and yoga courses are also serviced here.

The authenticity of cuisines can also be found here. Some of the must visit restaurants are:

1. l’espace

With an airy seating and comfortable furnishing, makes l’espace among the top restaurants visited in Pondicherry. The restaurant also serves alcohol.

2. Satsanga

This multi cuisine restaurant is bliss to the eye and the tongue. From serving authentic Indian cuisine to excellent continental satsanga is among the famous restaurants in Pondicherry. Seafood is a specialty here.

3. kasha ki aasha

The heavily decorated restaurant has something very Indian about it, just like its name. If breakfast is your stomachs first desire then don’t miss on the fresh pancakes and the euro- Indian food specialty.

If sophistication had a standard, Wildflower would take the place. Refined style and built with such an excellent taste, Wildflower hall would comprise anything for their guests stay. Towered by pine and cedar forests, the hotel gives a matchless view to its guests. Teak flooring, splashy baroque furnishing, and handmade rugs imitate British India. Eighty-seven suits to suit your stay, including three deluxe suits and a grand Lord Kitchener suit. Twenty four hours laundry, room-dinning and butler services along with Wifi around the premises are provided.

Not to forget the superior spa services. The spa pavilion provides its stressful guests a luxury filled treatments ranging from Ayurveda to western therapy. Yoga, massage, steam, sauna, heated indoor pool lit with crystal chandeliers,’ and an open-air Jacuzzi is like a cherry on the cake. Moreover, it is a great place for trekking, rafting, horse riding, and mountain bike riding.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS INSIDE THE HOTEL:

1. The cavalry bar – The woody Bar of wildflower hall, takes us back in time to the British décor of the 1800s. Not to forget the display of fine spirits.
2. Lutyens – Serves authentic India cuisines.
3. The Wildflower restaurant – offers Pan Asian and continental cuisines to its guests.
4. Coffee shop

Things to keep in mind before visiting wildflower hall:

Situated 8250 feet above sea level, the hotel doesn’t accept children below the age of ten.

Shimla is known for its extreme monsoon, so it is advisable not to visit during that time as landslides take place now and then. The winters are also extreme here; the best time to visit is from October to November and March to May.

How to get here?

There is a direct flight from Delhi to Shimla daily, and the wildflower is 90 minutes from the Shimla airport. A limousine pick will be arranged for the guests. If you like vintage, then consider exploring one of the most exotic heritage hotels in India.

The country is divided into Twenty-six administrative regions, out of them fourteen are regarded as rural parts of Mahe Island with two districts, one on Praslin and the other on La Digue. The biggest of them all is the capital, Greater Victoria consisting of eight districts. The rest are deserted coralline islands except for Alphonse and Destroches, which provides accommodation.

Tourism:

When the Seychelles international airport opened in 1971, tourism was established as the islands most profiting industry. Real estate business has also been flourishing ever since, as hotels keep coming up every other day in Seychelles. The government of Seychelles focuses on sustaining flora and fauna even while promoting tourism. They believe that nature and tourism industry should go hand in hand. The country holds a record of being the largest conserver of nature. The people of Seychelles are very friendly and welcoming. The population is a blend of Africans, French, Indians, and Chinese.

MONUMENTS:

Bicentennial monument:

This monument was built to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the town of Victoria. It is a three wing structure that symbolizes the three ethnic roots of the country.

Cathedral of our lady of Immaculate Conception:

Located in the island of mahe, is one of the first churches build in the country. The stunning architecture is one of the reasons for the attraction, though it has been renovated multiple times. Apart from that the cathedral of our lady of Immaculate Conception is also the tomb of Bishop Felix Paul.

Eustache Sarde’s house:

Constructed with timber, Eustache Sarde house is one of its kinds. The design clearly displays the idea of natural ventilation. Moreover, the house built in the 20^th century leaves the eyes of the beholder with the nature’s perceptions.

Dauban mausoleum:

Amidst the deserted rich vegetation of silhouette stands the dauban mausoleum. The architecture also depicts the status of the dauban family.

ISLANDS

Curieuse Island:

This small island close to Praslin Island is one of the two islands in Seychelles to have red soil earth. Best known for the case of island gigantism, Seychelles houses gigantic tortoises and coco de mer plantation.

Cousin Island:

This Island is the largest conserver of nature in Seychelles. A tourist attraction for bird watchers as the island houses three hundred thousand of sea birds alone. The island is closed on weekends and on public holidays.

Aride Island:

Located ten kilometers from Praslin Island, is another natural reserve island. This island allows more than a million birds of different species to dwell among its habitat.

Other islands and attractions:

La digue

Petite anse

Eagles nest mountain

Coco and felicite Islands

Creole food speciality

A brief history:

Bahrain is said to be the origins of Phoenician civilization in 440 BC. In the 5^th century AD it had become a centre for Nestorian Christianity. Prior to the Islamic era, the country was under the Dilmun civilization after which it was ruled by the Babylonians and Assyrians. In 1235, Bahrain came under the rule of the Persians. The Portuguese seized the island from the hands of the former ruler and administered for 80 years. The Portuguese were overthrown by the Persians in 1602 and governed until 1782, after which unrest broke and lasted till 1820; this is when the British recognized the Al-Khalifa tribe as the rulers of Bahrain. On signing the treaty to protect the island from foreign attacks, British took over the entire dominance. Devoured by the British rule and aiding both the world wars, Bahrain finally got independence on 15^th august 1971. On 14 February 2002, Bahrain changed its name from state of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

If you are looking for a trip that doesn’t require much traveling, yet treat you to an entire trip from desert to sea, we offer you Bahrain. Here are some fun things to do in Bahrain:

Amwaj Island and Durrat Al Bahrain:

Two of the manmade islands that scream luxury, comfort and leisure. Durrat al Bahrain being the largest artificial island of the country will be 220,000,000 square feet after completion in mid-2015, it will include six coral atoll shaped, five fish shaped and two crescent shaped islands. Amwaj is a smaller island compared to Durrat al Bahrain, which is roughly 30 million square feet. It is located in the north Bahrain and is 17km from the capital.

Things to do in Amwaj –

1. Amwaj accommodates the islands best hotels that provide exquisite hospitality.
2. The island is designed in such a way that, every restaurant customer in Amwaj can experience a lagoon side dinning. There are seventy six restaurants solely in Amwaj lagoon which offer cuisines from all around the world; it’s like a food festival but only permanent.
3. The manmade island houses spas and salons that provide high end services. If you are looking for a professional makeover you are in the right place.
4. The Arabian social custom to smoke hookah/Shisha is an experience of a kind. Authentic Sheesha parlors in Amwaj make good Shisha with fresh fruits and offer a huge list of flavors.

Theme parks, malls and shopping:

1. Wahoo Water Park and Bahrain city center: Can you imagine a water park inside a mall? Bahrain city centre has the rarest of amusement park, Wahoo waterpark which is built on the roof top of the mall. Popularly known as BCC and city centre is the biggest mall on the island. Apart from the amusement park, BCC has a line of restaurants, a cinema, over 340 brands from top designers to mid range that includes clothing, accessories, shoes, watches, home décor and supermarkets. The mall is located in the Seef district of the capital. It also accommodates two luxury hotels.
2. Lost paradise of Dilmun Water Park: Widely known as L-pod, is rated as the seventh best among amusement parks in the Middle East. It includes 16 rides and an artificial beach with an outdoor screen where movies are played; they like to call it “dive-in” movies. Located in Al Areen it takes a 45 minutes drive from the capital city, Manama.
3. Adhari Park: Is another tourist attraction in Bahrain. It is located in Tubli, close to Isa town, which is 7km from Manama.
4. Souks: The souk (means market in Arabic) in Bab al Bahrain, Manama is one of the tourists’ attraction. The souk offers varieties of spices and handicrafts.
5. Sailing, Scuba diving, pearl diving, horse riding and royal camel farms are other attraction in Bahrain.

Grand prix:

Bahrain’s biggest attraction is the Bahrain grand prix, which is also the venue for the 3^rd race of the Formula One calendar. Bahrain provides GCC citizens, residents and 37 other nationalities visa on arrival on regular basis, but citizens of Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Hungary, India, Panama, South Africa, Taiwan and Venezuela with Grand Prix tickets are also given visa on arrival during the event.

Historical sites and architecture:

1. Al Fateh grand mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world built in 1988.
2. Khamis mosque is the oldest mosque in Bahrain founded in the 7^th century.
3. Riffa fort built in 1812 during the reign of Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
4. Arad fort was built in the 14^th century AD
5. Qalat al Bahrain (Bahrain fort) previously known as the Portugal fort is inscribed as a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site
6. Tree of life is miracle tree that grows in the middle of the desert; the 400 year old tree gets water from an unknown source.
7. Beit Al Quran which means house of Quran is a museum dedicated to Islamic art.
8. Bahrain museum and pearl diving museum are other that displays the history and culture of Bahrain.

It is a custom to clean, renovate and decorate the house before diwali. Hindus wear new clothes and light diyas (lamps) inside and outside their homes on this day. When seen from space, India is said to be sparkling like stars in the sky during diwali. It is a sacrament for every member of the Hindu family to participate in the family puja customarily to goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Followed by fireworks, feeding each other mithai (sweets) and exchanging gifts makes a typical diwali celebration.

The five days of diwali starting with Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi, diwali, diwali padva and Bhau-beej. Each of these days signifies different things, especially the fourth day is considered to bond husband and wife relationship and the fifth day is dedicated to sister and brother bond.

How to celebrate Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated differently in different parts of India

Karnataka:

Diwali is celebrated a day before amavase (new moon) and the day following amavase is celebrated as naraka chaturdashi. Naraka chaturdashi is treated very auspicious; in northern Karnataka women take aarati on the men. On the fourth day rangoli and flower decorations are put on the entrance of the house to invite bali into their homes. Chakkulis, holiges and kajjaya are the specialties in Karnataka during the festival.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu:

In Kerala and Tamil Nadu diwali is based on Sri Krishna’s victory over the demon narakasura. Hence, memorializes the triumph of good things over evil.

Maharashtra:

The festival begins in Maharashtra by taking aarati of a cow and its calf to symbolize mothers love. Maharashtrian businessmen give a lot of importance to this festival as it is considered to be an auspicious day for trading. Karanji, Chakali, Laddu, Chiwada and other festive snacks and sweets are prepared during the festival.

Gujarat:

When the rest of India celebrates diwali, gujratis have already celebrated the first day of diwali. Just like the maharashtrians gujratis also celebrate the cow and calf festival followed by Dhanteras, naraka chaturdashi, khali chaudas, lakshmi puja, beshtu varsh and bhai bij.

Goa and konkan:

Naraka chaturdashi is the first day of diwali for the Goans. The houses are cleaned and decorated with kandeel, mango leaves and marigold flowers. Straw and paper figures of narakasura stuffed with firecrackers are burnt at four o’clock in the morning, the day after. Kareet a bitter berry is crushed under the feet to indicate death of narakasura, hence the triumph of good over evil.

West Bengal:

In west Bengal goddess lakshmi isn’t worshipped, instead goddess kali is worshipped. Kali puja is celebrated throughout the day on one of the days.

Other countries like Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, and Sri Lanka also celebrate diwali with similar enthuse.

An NRI is a citizen of India, but a resident of another country. When the host country doesn’t provide suitable courses, many NRI’s come back to India to acquire education. Having a mindset, that education in India falls cheaper compared to other countries, is one of the crucial factors for this horrifying journey of an NRI student. Indian Colleges and Universities take advantage of the NRI students by creating an edge between them and the local students. School’s that are set up to teach moral lessons are tricking parents into paying donations like it was compulsory, which itself is morally wrong. Apart from fees and donations, colleges also charge exceptionally high fees, for an admission form. Being an NRI myself, I had to pay 100 USD just for an admission form.

Section 13(2) of the Right to Education Act says that no school or person while admitting a child, can collect any capitation fee and subject the child or parents or guardian to any screening. Any school contravening the provision “shall be punishable with fine which may extend up to ten times of the capitation fee charged.

School fees for nri students in india

So why should study in India for foreign students be more expensive?

Any foreign or NRI student who has studied under an international syllabus, for example, students previously enrolled in A levels in the host country are not admitted in the same class in India. They are either demoted a class or not given admissions. Along with this, the martyr has to go through a cultural shock, has to learn to adjust to the Indian lifestyle, learn new languages, change his /her food habits, and more.

The government of India has reserved seats for NRI students under the NRI quota in many engineering and science colleges. On the other hand, it hasn’t taken much action against the inequality suffered by the NRI students, though we pledged to call each other brothers and sisters. This trend has become so common in India that it is not criticized; moreover, parents and colleges are open about it. The Indian education industry has to focus on ‘education’ instead of on the ‘industry’ part of it.