Tag Archives: Pondicherry

Deepavali in Pondicherry – the festival of lights comes alive in Pondi

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The charming French-Indo town of Pondicherry comes alive each year during the festive season of Deepavali, the “Festival of Lights” that celebrates the Mother Goddess in Hindu mythology. Soak in the excitement and colour of the city when you check into Pondicherry accommodation that is centrally located, such as the stylish Hotel Atithi that presents all visitors with an elegant Pondicherry hotel from which to commence exploration of this iconic Indian city. Deepawali, or Diwali, especially, is a time of great celebration and joy, with the festivities starting a week before the actual Diwali, and goes on for a week after. All ages are decked out in their Sunday best of ornate silks and scintillating jewellery. It is a public holiday in the country, with schools and business closed for several days during the Diwali week, so visitors are cautioned to get any supplies not already available at your hotel. Families will come together in droves during this time of celebration and merriment, as they light fireworks, buy new clothes in commemoration of a new chapter of life, and purchase and exchange sweet meats and savoury dishes with family and friends. The streets and store fronts are bedecked in vibrant lights and myriad decorations to convey the sheer joy of this important religious festival in the Hindu calendar.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Vinayak Chaturthi Festival – Dedicated to Lord Ganesha

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Observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, the Vinayak Chathurthi festival usually falls between 19 August and 20 September lasting for a period of 10-12 days ending on Anant Chaturdashi. Book a Pondicherry hotel during the festival to take part in all the activity and Hotel Atithi is known to offer comfortable Pondicherry accommodation allowing you to participate the festivities with peace of mind. It is said that this is the day that Shiva declared his son Ganesha as superior to all the gods and it is believed that on this day, Ganesha bestows his presence on earth for his devotees on this day. Hindus prepare for this festival several months before hand by creating clay statues of the Ganesha which are then installed in houses and public places in pandals. Offerings of modakas, Coconut, jaggery, durva, (trefoil) blades of grass and red flowers are made while the statue is anointed with kum kum and sandalwood paste. Mantras are chanted right throughout the festival such as Vedic chants and hymns from Rig Veda, the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and the Ganesha stotra.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Sri Aurobindo’s birth anniversary – An event of grandeur

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An eminent scholar, nationalist, philosopher, freedom fighter, yogi, guru and poet, Sri Aurobindo is a much celebrated character in India. His birth anniversary which falls on the 15th of August sees quite a lot of festivity, pomp and fanfare all over in India, particularly in Calcutta and Pondicherry where he had spent a significant amount of his lifetime. Pondicherry accommodation is not difficult to find if intending to participate in these celebrations as Hotel Atithi is a Pondicherry hotel known to offer the most comfortable abodes in town. There are many events taking place on the day of his birth, particularly at the famous Aurobindo ashram located in the area. This is a favourite spot among Sri Aurobindo devotees who make it a point to celebrate his birthday with much pride and dignity. Because of the grandeur of the event,  Sri Aurobindo’s birth anniversary  is regarded as one of the main events in Pondicherry, celebrated with much elegance and pageantry.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Masi Magam – A Unique Festival in Hindu Culture

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Pondicherry is the capital of the Pondicherry Union Territory of Southern India. This being India’s largest French colony, it is referred to as the ‘French Riviera of the East’. The French architectural buildings have been preserved in their original design and many streets still retain their French name. A beautiful blend of the East and West, there is still a significant French influence, especially in the French quarter with boulevards and rues lined with Mediterranean styled houses, bakeries and cafes.

In the months of February to March, Pondicherry celebrates one of the most significant Hindu Tamil festivals, the Masi Magam, with much reverence and pageantry. Each year Masi Magam is held on the full moon day of the ‘Magam Nakshastra’, which is month of Masi (falling in-between February and March). This festival is also referred to as Masi Ponurnamai, on account of it being held on a full moon day.

On this auspicious day, temple idols of Hindu Gods, in particular Goddess Shakhti, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, are carried in colourful procession to the seashore and bathed in sea water as part of a ritual, with much devotion amidst loud chanting and worshipping. Large numbers of devotees gather on the seashore to view this spiritual experience and receive blessings from the Gods. After the ritual emersion, the idols are brought back to the temples they belong to in huge processions.

Another custom that is observed in all Hindu households on Masi Magam day is the preparation of Payasam, which is a rice pudding made with milk and sugar to offer to the Lord Chandra; the Moon God. It is a Hindu belief that offering of Payasam to Lord Chandra will bring blessings or health and long life to the devotees. People dress in colourful clothes and exchange Payasam and other sweet meats with other neighbours and even strangers. Therefore, it is a must witness festival for tourists wishing to experience local festivities.

To an explorer of India, the laidback city of Pondicherry is the perfect place to relax and experience the slow pace of life, and Hotel Atithi is a tranquil Pondicherry hotel you can choose to stay at. Located in the quaint former French colony, this Pondicherry accommodation is elegant and luxurious. A 10 minutes walk from the beach, the hotel also has a rooftop swimming pool and restaurants, serving international dishes and authentic Goan delicacies.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Pongal Festival: A Harvest Celebration

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A nation that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ethnic diversity’ is the nation of India whose multi-cultural and multi-ethnic communities live in harmony among diverse backgrounds. As a nation filled with a rich cultural heritage and racial and ethnic diversity, the populace of India practices a vast variety of faiths, beliefs and religions. This multi-belief system gives rise to a number of festivals that are celebrated annually.

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The Pongal Festival is one such festival celebrated by the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. A harvest festival, Pongal spreads over four days of giving thanks to Mother Nature for a bountiful harvest and praying for fruitful seasons ahead. The festival usually falls in the middle of January when certain types of cereals and rice are harvested.

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On the first day of the Pongal celebration, the Bhogi Festival takes place. During this day, the devotees give thanks to Lord Indra who is said to exert control over the clouds that provide rainfall. In addition, another ritual warrants the discarding of unusable household items into a bonfire and is illustrative of the final onslaught of winter where people light fires to keep warm. As the next day dawns, so commences the ritual of boiling rice in milk while donning traditional attire and offering this sweet treat to the God of the Sun. Mattu Pongal heralds the third day of the festival: the day devoted to the cows, an animal which occupies a sacred position in India. Cows are decorated immensely with garlands, bells and beads and worshipped reverently. The celebrations take on a festive hue as the youngsters of the village merrily engage in cattle races. The fourth and final day of this festive celebration is marked with a ritual involving the laying down of rice, betel leaves and nuts, plantains and many other types of food on a freshly washed turmeric leaf. The women of the family will then bless the house and their brothers and sprinkle turmeric water in front of the house.

If you are visiting the Indian State of Tamil Nadu during the month of January, do take part in the festivities by staying at a Pondicherry hotel in order to immerse yourself in the culture of the state’s inhabitants. Pondicherry accommodation is rather varied and a hotel can be found for any budget. However, if you wish for style and luxury, one of the best options this serene city affords is Hotel Atithi for it provides you with access to unspoilt beaches, a number of shopping experiences and spectacular views of this mystical city.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
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Churches in Pondicherry- Magnificent resemblance of the French colonial era

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Renowned as one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India, Pondicherry has a great historical background as a French colony. Pondicherry is one of the francophone locations in the world and you can still witness the colonial past etched into the great city and lives of the locals. This coastal town in South India still has remnants of colonial statues, churches and buildings.

This popular tourist destination in India boasts of several architecturally significant churches influenced by the unique fusion of cultural heritage. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine are some of the significant churches you can visit during your holiday to Pondicherry. A visit to these religious sites is not only a popular pilgrimage for the Christian and Catholic devotees, but also a great experience for the non-Christian visitors to these places.

Located in the south boulevard, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a fascinating representation of Gothic architecture. You can witness the intricately designed unique stained glass panels which portray important landmarks from the life of Jesus Christ. Dating back to the 18th century, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built by French missionaries.

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges also known as The Church of Our Lady of Angles is a remarkable historical building which resembles outstanding masonry. During your visit to the place you will notice the features of both Doric and Ionic styles in the imposing facade. Before you enter the church you can get a glimpse of the statue of Our Lady carrying Baby Jesus standing tall in front of the church. This church is considered as a perfect resemblance of the Basilica at Lourdes in Southern France.

Situated on the Cathedral Street in Pondicherry, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is another ancient church which was built in 1692. After going through several modifications, the cathedral took its current form in 1791. This church is significant as it is one of the first churches built in Pondicherry. It houses an orphanage and still receives the highest respect of the devotees.

A luxury Pondicherry hotel will make your vacation in this colonial town an unforgettable experience. Reserve your Pondicherry hotel accommodation at Hotel Atithi prior to your arrival and enjoy a comfortable stay while you explore the magnificent churches in this south Indian coastal city.