It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Venkateshwara or Balaji. Around 50,000 people visit to worship the Lord each day. The number is huge, and so is the offerings made by the devotees. You will be surprised to know, that this temple is one of the richest temples in India. Well, this is not it! While having a closer look of the Lord Vishnu, you will notice that the deity has actual hair and has often seen sweating. Shocking, right? Despite the consistent efforts of the priest, the back of the idol stays wet.

There is a Vaikuntam Queue Complex, a network of connected halls that leads to the main temple. It serves as the entrance for the Darshan. With the different amenities offered, these halls are tidy and cozy. Now, while walking around you will find a picture of Lord Venkateshwara in the backside, if you place your ear carefully on it, you can clearly hear the sound of waves, interesting, right!

At last, but not the least, there is one more interesting thing about this temple. To enter the temple, you must fill out a declaration form in which you must affirm your belief in Lord Venkateshwara.

Timings:

Morning: 6:00 to 11:00 AM

Afternoon: 2:00 to 7:00 PM

Night: 8:00 to 1:00 AM

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Venkateshwara temple pic courtesy Avinashx, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lord Venkateswara pic courtesy Kalyan Kanuri, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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The concept of the king’s coronation in Thailand

The king’s coronation is a ceremony that is worth the name in Thailand. It abounds in the best kind of exquisite art which has been passed on through the years for more than a century now. The Chakri Dynasty was established in 1782 by Thai King Rama and it has seen a total of 11 coronations with the 12^th King of Thailand as King Rama X’s. During these coronation ceremonies of the Thai king, several Buddhist customs are incorporated but their main influence is the Hindu Brahmin beliefs together with the Indian civilization.

The performer of the King coronation, which is the most important ceremony in Thailand, is the Chief Brahmin which is because of the Rajasuya (which refers to the ceremony where a king is consecrated) of India.

Indian cultural influence of regal rites at Thailand’s king coronation ceremony

The two significant ceremonial elements in Indian customs & culture are water and fire. Water is highly believed to have power that purifies and for that reason, it is used in the purification of the king. This is done before the King coronation ceremony in a ceremony called ablution. It is believed that the ablution transforms the king to Brahmin and after which he then changes into his regal vestment that is fully decorated as he waits for the next rites.

Water also plays another important role after the purification bath. When the king moves to the octagonal throne, prominent figures who are in eight different directions present him with anointed water and this acts as a sign that he is the fully accepted king by people despite where they may be from. It acts as a symbol of not only governance but also commitment. The water that is used in Thailand for this contains leaves which are believed to be holy, milk as well as fruits.

Indian influence in music played at Thailand’s king coronation ceremony

Music has been considered a ceremonial fulfillment for centuries now. For example, to glorify gods religious texts that were large in volume and were from ancient India were churned. During kings’ coronation in Thailand, the musical bands that are used have remained the same. Some musical instruments are used in the royal ceremonies which are aimed at creating a heavenly sound for the king. An example is the couch shell.

As much as the times are changing, it is quite admirable how Thailand has managed to still have the Indian culture deeply rooted in quite a number of their practices and intend to keep it that way

Indian influence in architecture used for Thailand’s king coronation ceremony

The Indian culture & civilization has influenced the use of colors, construction of temporary structures as well as the use of materials in Thailand’s king coronation ceremony as the king is perceived to be divine. Although with changing times the elements of the architecture used for coronation have changed progressively, there is still a significant gist in the ceremony which has been continuously passed on through the generations. That is the architectural design which is from the belief of Devarajan that is Indian and encompasses the belief of a divine king.

Coronations make use of thrones that have intricate details as well as mystical creatures sculpted on them. This is Hindu beliefs symbolize a place that is regarded as the center of the universe.

As we get dig deeper into it, we find that Thai culture is heavily influenced by Indian culture and not just restricted to Thailand’s king coronation ceremony.

In Bangkok & want to know more about Indian culture? Visit these 5 Indian, Thai temples in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Where is Chokhi Dhani and What is its Significance?

Chokhi Dhani is a small resort village which is located in the Jaipur city of Rajasthan, India and was started in early 1989. It is stationed at the 2 miles, Tonk Road at Jaipur. The same replica has been built now in Sonipat(Haryana Road) Approx 1.5 hrs drive from Delhi.The primary significance of Chokhi Dhani is that the word Chokhi Dhani stands for “Rajasthan Culture” and this village is an outright celebration of just that. The place not just captures the Heritage of Rajasthan beautifully but also of the Indian Culture as well. In case you are in Delhi, don’t forget to visit Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon and visit Culture Gully to experience the culture of India at one place.

Inspired completely by the village theme, the Chokhi Dhani village resort aims to provide tourists the wholesome experience of the Rajasthan culture in one place. Furthermore, stretched into 10 acres of land, this place has been heavily influenced by the Indo – Saracenic style of architecture.

Initially, the first look of the Chokhi Dhani resort might take you by surprise since the place consists of a series of rebuilt village huts which are completed with cow dung plasters and decorated wall paintings. But all the rooms here are well equipped with great facilities and comfortable amenities. The place is well designed for a perfect family vacation.

Best Time to Visit Choki Dhani in Jaipur

One can visit Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur, Rajasthan at any time of the year. Although, October to March is considered to be the ideal time to visit Chokhi Dhani since summer can be very hot here which can be troubling. Moreover, between October and March you can have the chance to see quite a few local cultural events being held at the place. The resort is open to visitors from 5 PM to 11 PM at all days of the week. Also, the entry fee of the place is Rs. 700 – 1100 for adults whereas for the children it can be between Rs. 400 – 700 depending on the chosen dining experience.

Reasons to Visit – Why should you visit & what to explore at Chokhi Dhani, Rajasthan

• Haldighati Battle

You can relive the Haldighati Ka Yudh which was an epic battle fought in the history of Rajasthan. This ferocious battle was fought between the Rajput dynasties and the Mughals with the Rajputs emerging victorious out of it. A roller-coaster play of emotions leading to the enactment of the entire battle is bound to leave you captivated.

• Shopping

Yes, shopping. This place is filled with some of the finest handicraft materials which you may never found anywhere else in the country. The kalagram is working hard to promote the local artisans of Rajasthan here. Also, you can find many unique paintings, adorable decors here.

• Watch a Puppet Show

Puppeteering is a dying art in modern times with the lack of many skilled puppeteers left to enthrall us with their mesmerizing storytelling by their sheer control over the lovely crafted and dressed puppets. Chokhi Dhani is one of the places where you can live those old days of watching a puppet show.

• Dining

Chokhi Dhani has a line of finest of the restaurant where you can enjoy the local dishes and cuisine of Rajasthan and other delicious eateries. These restaurants cater to various people with varied tastes from across the country as well as abroad. Some of these restaurants are the famous Bindola Restaurant, Aragosta Restaurant, Kesar Kyari Barbeque, and Chaupal.

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The Name – Dilli Haat

I visit malls anywhere in India but I was looking for a place in Delhi to explore that showcases India’s culture. Dilli is the traditional name of New Delhi. As Delhi becomes more and more modern with luxury brands, elite shops and shopping malls, I felt Dilli Haat is the one place to get authentic merchandise. The traditional weekly markets in villages in India are called Haat. This name Dilli Haat showcases the traditional and ethnic side of India which many tourists from all over the world come to India to see and experience. I like it because it is a great place to buy Indian souvenirs, clothes, and other merchandise and sample some excellent food.

The following are some of the details of Dilli Haat and the features of this great shopping destination in Delhi:

Shops & Stalls at Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat was a top choice for me because it has quality merchandise at good prices. D.C Handicrafts regulates the system at which the shops and stalls are placed at the Dilli Haat. The artisans and craftsmen who want to sell their merchandise at the Dilli Haat have to register with the D.C Handicrafts authorities before they become eligible to sell at Dilli Haat. The craftsmen, art and handicraft sellers get to establish their shops or stalls at the Dilli Haat on a rotational basis and usually sell items showcasing the Indian culture. This means that there are different stalls and shops at different periods of time at the Dilli Haat. The craftsmen and retailers are given a stall space for a nominal fee for a period of 15 days at a time to sell their products. I liked that prices are usually not inflated at Dilli Haat and customers are encouraged to haggle with the seller to get a good price. This meant I could extend the number of items I could buy within my budget.

The Crafts and Arts Bazaar

The Dilli Haat is designed in such a way that it looks like a traditional bazaar which I found exciting. There is a scenic village-like atmosphere at the Dilli Haat which makes it a unique market in a large city like Delhi. There are beautiful thatched roof cottages, attractive stalls with vibrant designs and also small stalls and charming kiosks which took me into a different rural world. There are many types of native and ethnic products that are available from all over the country. Sellers, craftsmen, and artisans from all over the country sell their merchandise at Dilli Haat. I felt that it is the right place to visit for foreign tourists who want to experience the culture of India without spending months visiting every part of this large country.

Types of Merchandise at Dilli Haat

I felt it was usually a good idea to simply spend an entire day or a couple of days to explore Dilli Haat as it is a very large leisure and shopping destination in Delhi. Many types of merchandise can be bought at the market that showcases the culture, ancient ethnic background and the beautiful history and art that is part of the Indian culture. Clothes and footwear in ethnic patterns and designs are the most popular items on sale. I was immediately drawn to them. Home décor items like showpieces, linen, and hosiery items are also very exciting for tourists to purchase. Good quality silk and woolen fabrics, textiles and even draperies for home décor in the ethnic design are exciting items to shop for in Dilli Haat.

A weekend getaway to explore the stalls is a great idea because there is just so much good quality Indian merchandise to buy at Dilli Haat. I also loved exploring the stalls and shops that sold carvings, beaded jewelry, ethnic jewelry, brassware, and pottery. I was told a good time to visit the Dilli Haat is during the various events and festivals that are celebrated at the Dilli Haat. There are even portrait artists at Dilli Haat which I felt made it a very fun place to visit.

Food Bazaar at Dilli Haat

There are many food stalls at Dilli Haat which made it a very attractive tourist attraction in Delhi for me to visit. As there are craftsmen and sellers from all over the country that sell merchandise at Dilli Haat, there are also food stalls that sell authentic Indian food from different states at Dilli Haat. Some of the best food I liked at the Dilli Haat included lovely dished from Jammu and Kashmir, from Southern India, North-Eastern parts of India and also some great food from Gujarat and Maharashtra. The food is served in a traditional and eco-friendly way which was a different way to have a beautiful meal for me.

Dilli Haat showcase the best India has to offer in terms of its arts, culture, food, and heritage. I loved spending time at the Dilli Haat in Delhi and would recommend this tourist attraction as a must-visit in Delhi.

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The Culture, The Trend, and The Status Quo of Today

What comes to your mind when you hear about Indian Wedding? Off course, a rich cultural exhibition, variety of delicious food, a stately decorated venue, ethically and mesmerizingly attired groom and bride, and lots of dance. Yes, this is the norm of Indian wedding scenes.

Now, how about if I say that people can go to such length that they end up spending crores and crores of rupees, enlivening everything associated with the wedding as magnificent and grand as they can.

Also here is an article you might like: 10 shades of Indian Bride

Without further ado

Welcome to Big Fat Indian Weddings and the world of magnificence & Grandeur? 

What exactly you can call as a Big fat Indian Wedding?

Spotting a big fat wedding isn’t a rocket science after all. When you come across a wedding celebration that has everything written and presented in the utmost grandest way, millions and millions of spending incurred; this is a big fat wedding. And in India, it has turned out to be a way for affluent and wealthy people to show how much they can do for their family when it comes to their D-day, as well as to flaunt their riches.

These types of weddings have all things reflecting luxury, lavishness and extravagance. So, no worry that Indian wedding industry is in itself a very big industry, with world-class and famous wedding planners, decorators, caterers, clothing for Indian brides & grooms and jewellery designers (some of the big names in the industry), performers (even some Bollywood names grace their presence performing in such Indian weddings for a hefty fee) chefs and other vendors flourishing.

I have seen around and have been to a few such Big Fat Indian marriages, and the average spending can range from Rs. 8-10 crores to over a Rs. 100 crore. Big names, including industrialists, politicians, and celebrities, as well several other big guns in their societies possess the prowess and throws out such big wedding event affairs.

Explicit Aspects that Puts Big fat Indian Weddings Different than Other Normal Weddings

• Exotic Locales – Think of an Indian wedding, and you would understand why the even or the wedding location holds so much of significance. Big fat Indian weddings usually don’t take place in the normal venues, but some mega places like a huge palace, a stadium, a fort or private huge farmhouses. Just booking such venues is a big spend. Destinations weddings have also become popular in such a trend.
• Decor – Lavish and lavish. Yes, everything related to the venue décor, right from entrance to stage, and every basic element involved is a big splendour in itself.
• Attendees –Just like everything else grand, the number of guests invited is also huge. You can easily expect to see 4000-5000 people attending a big fat Indian wedding. And these includes some prominent names in the society, on the national and international level as well, depending on hosts’ links and who they are inviting.
• Food – As the food becomes the focal point of a wedding, usually and as there is a huge guest list involved, you can expect to find food delicacies in a wide variety and numbers, representing different food cultures and cuisines. And about drinks? Yes, you will easily get a feeling of a complete bar full with all types of different drink options. Even the serving of food and drinks is magnificent. Get a feel of what royal Indian food is like, read about the rich & royal Indian Rajasthani Thali
• Invitation Cards – For a middle-class person, the wedding invitation is all about getting the details on it and sending it across to contacts, at least possible expense as possible. But for affluent people, the wedding invitation is all about creating the bold statement right at the first impression. Right from gold embossed invitations with studded diamonds to other stately invitations, coupled with boxes of sweets, fruits and expensive gifts is a common method to invite people.
• Jewellery – What is an Indian wedding if there is no display of the jewellery, especially gold. Whether as cultural norm or for whatever other reason, gold usually takes up a large chunk of Indian wedding expenses. And big fat Indian weddings take this many steps further.

Apart from these, the gifts right from extravagant cars to, several other things presented to the Indian groom by the bride’s family is a sight to behold.

Some of the famous Biggest Fat Indian Weddings:

• Rohan Mehta and Roshni Khemlani wedding – Rs. 140 crore approx.
• Sanjay Hinduja and Anu Mahtani wedding – Rs. 125 crore approx.
• Seemanto Roy and Sushanto Roy’s wedding – Rs. 550 crore approx.
• Shrishti Mittal and Gulraj Behl wedding – Rs. 500 crore approx.
• Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia wedding – Rs 220 crore approx.

Well, such whopping spends is the kind amount people dream of to earn throughout their life. And then there are affluent people who splurge this much on a single occasion.

So, what’s your take on big fat Indian weddings? Do you think that such spends are unnecessary? Give us your opinions on what you think of this culture that only seems to be getting bigger and fatter.

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