The Chengazhikodan Nendran Banana, often called the Chengazhikode Banana, is a cherished fruit cultivated in Kerala’s Thrissur district. Known for its distinct shape, color, and quality, this banana holds special significance, especially during festivals like Onam. One of its unique features is its use as an offering, or ‘Kazhchakula,’ in temples like the renowned Guruvayur…
Kokum (Garcinia indica), often referred to as the “Kool King” of Indian fruits, thrives in the lush forests of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Particularly in the picturesque Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, Kokum holds immense commercial value and has been integral to the local culture for centuries. Locals say that these districts are home to…
Citrus fruits hold a special place in the horticultural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh, with Arunachal oranges emerging as a standout variety. This fruit accounts for an impressive 90% of the total citrus production in the region, highlighting its significance to local agriculture and economy. Known for their distinct sweet-sour taste and high juice content, Arunachal…
Kalamkari is a traditional Indian textile art with deep roots in Andhra Pradesh, dating back over 3,000 years. The word “Kalamkari” comes from the Persian words “kalam,” meaning pen, and “kari,” meaning craft, a term attributed by the Mughals who encountered the art in the Deccan region. This intricate form of fabric painting uses natural…
Basmati rice, known for its long, slender grains and captivating aroma, holds a special place in Indian agriculture, particularly in regions like Punjab, which secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2010 for this prized variety. Grown primarily in the northern plains of India, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu…
Gulbarga tur dal, also referred to as Kalaburagi red gram, is celebrated for its exceptional quality and unique flavor. Grown in the Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, this variety of dal thrives in soil rich in calcium and potassium, contributing to its superior taste and aroma. The region’s warm, dry climate and rainfed soil create the…
Tiranga Barfi, a symbolic sweet that played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, was invented in 1940 by Madan Gopal Gupta, then the director of the renowned Ram Bhandar sweet shop in Varanasi. It wasn’t just a simple confection; this tricolor barfi became a medium for secret communication and a form of protest…
The craft of making the Amroha dholak, a traditional percussion instrument, is deeply rooted in the rich artisanal heritage of Amroha, a city in Uttar Pradesh. This small town is renowned for its skilled artisans who specialize in the production of dholaks and tablas. The most essential component of the dholak is natural wood, specifically…
Kashmiri papier-mâché is one of the most cherished and vibrant art forms from the Kashmir Valley, celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate designs. This unique craft, introduced to Kashmir in the 14th century, has been passed down through generations, and today, it continues to be an essential part of the region’s rich cultural heritage.…