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Namaste! How else should I begin this post!

The greeting is the first thing that you learn about a place. It is the first thing that you get to hear in your flight, at the airport, in the taxi and of course at the travel destinations. Greeting from your homeland is also something you carry with you.

Namaste is the most commonly used greeting in India. Very often, when people realize you are an Indian, they fold hands and greet you with a Namaste.

However, when nothing in India is universal, how can our greetings be. Here is a list of some of the commonly used greetings across India.

Thanks to my Twitter and FB timeline for adding to this list. I knew most of them, but some of them like Dhaal Karu from Himachal was a revelation for me.

Researching for this post was absolute fun.

1. Namaste & its Variants

Namaste means ‘I bow to the divine in you’. Ask any Hippie and they would even say ‘The divine in me bows to the divine in you’.

The term has many variants – Namaskar, which is ideally used when you address more than one person.

In Kerala it becomes Namaskaram, in Karnataka it goes as Namaskara and in Andhra states Namaskaramu.

Nepal also uses the same term or Namaskar to greet.

They all mean the same – acknowledging the divine or good in you before any conversation or transaction begins.

2. Ram Ram & its variants

After the more popular Namaste greeting, Ram Ram and its various variants are used in most of the Hindi speaking belt to greet each other. In Awadh and Mithila you hear Sita Ram, Sita Ram. At areas of Bihar and Jharkhand, it becomes Jai Siya Ram. In Haryana, it is usually Ram Ram.

The idea behind this greeting to remember Sri Ram who is the 7th Avatar of Vishnu. Considered Maryada Purushottam, it is probably a way to remind each other and oneself to follow his conduct.

3. Jai Sri Krishna in Gujarat

If you have traveled in Gujarat, interacted with Gujarati families or even watched Gujarati content on TV, you know they all greet each other with ‘Jai Sri Krishna‘.

Krishna chose to make Dwarka his golden city, he ruled the world from here and continues to rule the hearts of the people of Gujarat.

In Dwarka, the greeting becomes more specific to – Jai Dwarkadhish.

4. Radhe Radhe in Braj Bhumi

In Braj, Radha rules. She is the queen and she is the Gopika. To reach Krishna too, you have to go through her. You don’t need to read or know anything about her. Just land anywhere in Braj and ‘Radhe Radhe‘ is not just a greeting but it means excuse me, leave my way, an exclamation and anything that does not need other words.

Jai Sri Radhe is a variant that you hear in temples of Braj sometimes.

5. Sat Sri Akaal in Punjab

A common greeting among Sikhs and Punjabis is Sat Sri Akaal. Sat means Truth, Sri is a respectful honorific and Akaal means timeless. So, you are essentially remembering the Timeless Truth or that Truth is Timeless and resides within all of us.

Sat Sri Akaal is a part of the clarion call given by Guru Gobind Singh – Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akaal.

Another longer greeting is ‘Waheguru Ji ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh‘ – it is a reminder that all of us come from that one supreme being which is pure and at the end that is what remains.

6. Vanakkam – Tamil Nadu

Vanakkam is used by Tamil people living anywhere in the world. Essentially it means the same as Namaste. It is bowing down to or respecting the divine inside you. It comes from the root word – Vanagu meaning to bow down. Some literature mentions that Vanakkam specifically refers to the divine at the third eye located between your brows.

7. Khamma Ghani – Rajasthan

I first heard Khamma Ghani in some Hindi films based in Rajasthan. Next, I heard it during my visit to Udaipur. In my mind, it got associated with Rajasthan, but no one could explain what it meant. Now, I have two theories for this:

First is simple – Khamma comes from Sanskrit Kshama meaning forgiveness. Ghani means ‘a lot’. So, the greeting Khamma Ghani simply means – seeking forgiveness for any inadvertent hurt that may have been done or any lapses in hospitality.

The second source one is more historical – in 8th CE AD, 3 successive Mewari Kings, sharing the common name Khumaan, averted many attacks by Arabs. Due to this, the people in their kingdom lived happily for the next 1000 years or so. So, people started greeting each other ‘Khamma Ghani’ meaning ‘May we be blessed with many Khumaans’.

Take your pick for the meaning but when people say it with folded hands – it is a sweet greeting to exchange.

When used with elders Sa is added at the end – Khamma Ghani Sa.

8. Jule – Ladakh

When you travel through the Lahaul Spiti Valley in Himachal or do road trips in Ladakh, you are bound to be greeted with ‘Jule’, pronounced as Joo-Lay. It is a greeting mostly used by Buddhist dominated areas of the Himalayan valleys. It probably means ‘Respect’. I am not sure what it means and what is the root word. If you know, please share.

Just like Radhe Radhe, Jule too can mean thank you, please, excuse me or just Hello.

Tashi Delek is also used in some places.

9. Jai Jinendra – Jains across India

Jai Jinendra is used by all Jains to greet each other. We do not hear it very much as the Jains are a very small minority even within India and they usually use it among themselves only.

Jai Jinendra means victory to Jinendra or the Tirthankar, the souls who have won over their all their senses and have realized the ultimate knowledge.

This greeting directly bows downs to those who have real knowledge.

10. Swami Sharanam by followers of Ayyappa

Swami Sharanam or Swami Sharnam Ayyappa is actually a chant that is also used as a greeting by followers of Ayyappa when they meet each other. They start and end the conversation with this chant. Ayyappa followers are found in Kerala and all other south Indian states.

11. Aadab – Muslims primarily

Aadab is used to greet by followers of Islam and in places where Urdu is spoken. Could not find the meaning or intent of the word. If you know, please share.

12. Dhaal Karu in Himachal

This is another greeting from Himachal, though I will be honest, I am yet to hear it. However, my Himachali friends confirm this is used in Kullu Manali region of the state. The meaning is most probably similar to Namaste.

13. Narmade Har – On banks of Narmada

When you walk with the Narmada, the most common greeting you would hear is ‘Narmade Har’ – may the Narmada take away all your sorrows and sufferings.

Har Har Gange is also heard at places like Rishikesh, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, but not so consistently.

14. Jai Jai – Bikaner

During a trip to Bikaner, I heard the hotel greet us with ‘Jai Jai’. When I inquired, they said, this is how Bikaner greets people. I have not heard it outside the hotel, but it sounds very sweet, royal and full of Veer Rasa or emotion of bravery.

15. Pranam – for the elders

This is an India wide greeting used by the younger people to greet the elders. More often than not, it is complemented by touching the feet.

16. Region-based Greetings

Jai Bhole Nath – Varanasi. The city of Shiva has to have a greeting with his name

Jai Jagannath in Puri and around Odisha

and more

Jai Shri Mahakal in Ujjain

Jai Sri Radhe Govind in Jaipur

17. Hello

Hello is not really an Indian greeting but probably the most used, especially on phone and in urban areas. Before writing this post I had no idea about the origins of the word ‘Hello’, although we used it so many times every day. Apparently, it is not a greeting per se but a way of drawing attention. Another contender for this is Ahoy.

Read this shockingly Short History of Hello.

Hi, it seems is the shortened version of Hello.

18. Good Morning

Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening or Good Night is the neutral or should I say secular ways to greet anyone. I think I picked it up in school and continued using it till my corporate life. The Good Morning though got reduced to just Morning 🙂

19. Jai Jhulelal

Jai Jhulelal is used by the Sindhi community. Jhulelal is supposed to be the incarnation of Varun, the lord of the seas.

20. Jai Mata Di

It is used by the followers of the Devi or the divine feminine. Mata here refers to Jagadamba or the mother who is the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of everything that exists in this universe.

21. Ayubowan in Sri Lanka

Ayubowan in Sri Lanka comes from Sanskrit – Ayushman Bhava which means ‘May you have a long life’.

22. Sawasdee in Thailand

Sawasdee, the ubiquitous greeting of Thailand, also said with folded hands from Swasti which means wishing well.

All the greetings that have an origin in India or Sanskrit are said with folded hands formally, although informally sometimes you just say them.

Have I missed any Indian greeting? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Namaste! Learn 20 More Ways To Greet In India – Surprised? appeared first on Inditales.

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When you talk about the best cuisine in the world, Thai food is right up there. Along with Italian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Mexican, Thai food makes it to the top 10 list of popular cuisines in the world. However, most of the popular dishes include meat, often pork, chicken, beef or seafood, as an ingredient. Because of this, if you’re vegan or looking for vegetarian Thai food you need to know and plan about it during your trip to Thailand. I have got some good news for you. You can still take a foodie trip to the ‘Land of Smiles’ and feast on some delicious vegetarian dishes.

The Thai combination of herbs and spices create ‘to die for meals’ that are spicy, sour, sweet, crunchy and chewy. That’s why a lot of people love Thai dishes because of all the flavors it presents in one meal.

Read to know more about the vegetarian Thai food dishes you must try during your trip, the best places to get them and how to order the food.

Remember to travel to Thailand from India you’ll need a Thailand eVoa from India.

Irresistible Vegetarian Thai Food Dishes To Try

1. Som Tam (Spicy Green Thai Papaya Salad)

Som Tam Green Papaya salad spicy and delicious. Image Shutterstock

This is one of the popular Thai vegetarian dishes you can try in Thailand. The mouthwatering meal is prepared using, galangal, juicy tomatoes, carrots, shredded green (unripe) papaya, lime and tamarind juice, long beans, palm sugar, and peanuts. The ingredients give the meal a sweet, spicy, salty, sour and savory flavor. The salad usually has fish sauce and prawns included, so when ordering you make sure to say you’re vegetarian/vegan for these ingredients not to be included in your dish.

2. Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Rice Noodles)

Pad Thai the stir-fried rice noodles with tofu and mixed vegetables. Image Shutterstock

A vegetarian Thai food cuisine menu cannot miss this dish. It is one of the national dishes in Thailand and is also very popular among tourists. Mostly it is cooked with eggs, bean sprouts, tasty tofu cubes, onions, lime juice, groundnuts, and shrimp or chicken. However, you can ask the chef to omit the meat products. The famous Thai dish is just as tasty without them. Pad Thai is sold everywhere in Thailand from five-star restaurants to the street food stalls.

3. Pad Phuk Tong (Stir-Fried Pumpkin)

Pad Phuk Tong – the stir-fried Pumpkin. Image Shutterstock

You’re probably used to seeing pumpkins begin carved out during Halloween. In Thailand they have a much better use for pumpkins, they use them to create this vegetarian dish. Other ingredients used to prepare Pad Phuk tong are spring onions, coriander leaves, sugar, garlic, water, white pepper, celery, and soy sauce. This is one of the best vegetarian dishes in Thailand and you should try it with Thai fragrant rice.

4. Pak Boong (Morning Glory)

Pak Boong the stir-fried Chinese Morning Glory or Water Spinach. Image Shutterstock

This is one of the healthiest foods you can take while you’re on vacation in Thailand. The delicious salad which is salty, crunchy, spicy and sour has soy sauce, chilies, soybean paste, and garlic. Oyster sauce is often added when preparing morning glory, so again tell the cook making it not to include the sauce to keep it vegetarian.

5. Pad Pak (Fried Vegetables)

As the name suggests this is an all-vegetable Thai dish. Some of the vegetables used to make it are mushrooms, cauliflower, and broccoli. When you go to a food stall you’ll see the different vegetables used to prepare it displayed and you can choose what you want or don’t want in your Pad Pak.

6. Vegetable Noodle Soup with Lemongrass

Should you visit Thailand during the cold season this noodle soup is what you should have to keep you warm on a chilly day. It is known to be a good remedy for a cold or flu and is also said to help boost your mood. To make it lemongrass, several vegetables, thin rice noodles or noodles of your choice, coconut milk is needed. The soup is quite filling and can be had as a meal on its own at any time of the day.

7. Vegetarian Thai Green Curry

Thai cuisine has a wide variety of curries with Panang and Massaman curry being some of the most popular ones. A lot of curries are made with meat but this can be removed in your order. The Thai green vegetable curry, for example, has meat in it but you can substitute this with tofu or wheat gluten. Whichever you choose will be mixed with kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, coriander seeds, green chilies, and coconut milk.

8. Pad Phak (Stir-Fried Vegetables)

This is another all vegetable meal that will ensure you stick to your vegetarian diet. It will also leave you full but wanting for more. Ingredients required to make this meal are vegetable oil, coarsely chopped garlic, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, shallots, carrots, bell pepper, snow peas, mushrooms, soy sauce, spinach leaves, Thai pepper powder, and lime juice. These are all mixed together to give your food several different flavors. You can enjoy this meal with Thai jasmine rice.

9. Tao Hoo Song Kreung (Mixed Tofu)

If you don’t know tofu, it is soya milk coagulated to create curd. It is an excellent source of protein, iron, and calcium for vegans and vegetarians. To make this Thai meal different types of tofu are fried with the basil to make a tasty stir fry. Like most of the other dishes, we have talked about mixed tofu is usually served with some steaming rice.

10. Laab Jay (Vegan Laab)

In Thailand, most Laab salads have chicken, beef or pork but you can have a vegetarian version. Simply replace the meat with tofu and you have an amazing meal. The tofu is mixed with lime juice, Thai roasted chili paste, green onions, coriander leaves, roast rice powder, lemongrass, etc. The spices used to make this meal make it very hot and spicy, so if you don’t like spicy food ask for it to be prepared moderate or mild.

11. Thai fruit

Fruits in the streets of Thailand

If you have had enough of Thai vegetable meals on your trip switch to some fruits. Fruits are very healthy and in Thailand, you can try some of their rare fruits. You can but a bag of fruits from street vendors for 40 Baht (Baht is the official currency of Thailand), which is about $1. Mangosteen, rambutans, banana, durian, pomelos, rose apples, dragon fruit, lychee, coconut, and guava are some of the fruits you’ll find available at the fruit stand on the street corners of Bangkok.

Read More – Parallels in Indian and Thai Cuisine

There are so many more vegetarian Thai food dishes you can try while in Thailand. I’ll just list other options you can taste without going into details about them.

Heavenly pineapple fried rice. This is rice fried with cashews, peas, curry-flavored sauce and chunks of pineapple.

Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls. These make for a good snack as you travel around Thailand sightseeing. Stuffed with vegetables try them with sweet and sour or hot sauce.

Thai Mushroom Fried Rice

Khao Niew Ma Muang (mango sticky rice)

Thai Peanut Noodles

Chao Kuai. This is a Thai dessert prepared using sun-dried stems and leaves of the Chinese Mesona plant which are boiled to make a jelly.

Top Vegetarian Thai food Restaurants in Thailand

Roasted Bananas from streets of Bangkok

You can get Thai vegetarian dishes in most cities in Thailand you go visit. However, to make it easier for you here are some of my favorite vegetarian restaurants you can visit around Thailand:

1. Broccoli Revolution, Bangkok

This vegetarian Thai food restaurant located in downtown Sukhumvit was first opened in Bangkok in 2015. It now has two locations. It not only serves vegetarian dishes from around the world but also has a juice bar, which makes some of the best organic juices you’ll ever drink.

The Restaurant is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm so you can head on there for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I recommend you try the pad thai, mushrooms and basil on rice and green curry. This will cost you about 150-200 baht.

2. Greenlight Cafe & Bar, Koh Samui

This is not an exclusively vegetarian restaurant but their menu includes a wide range of Thai vegetable meals you will enjoy. Most of the ingredients used to make their dishes are organic and come from their kitchen garden.

It is open throughout the week 8 am to 10 pm. You can find the Greenlight Cafe & Bar at 3/28 Moo 1, Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, Koh Samui.

3. Atsumi Raw Cafe

This restaurant located in Rawai, Phuket is well known for its raw vegan and raw vegetarian menu. It also serves an amazing selection of smoothies, desserts, and juices made from organic ingredients. Going through its menu you may be overwhelmed by the large number of vegetarian dishes to choose from. However, the tom ka soup and zucchini pepper wrap will blow you away.  Atsumi Raw Cafe is open from 9 am to 8:30 pm daily. The last order taken is at 8 pm.

4. Tien Sien

At this simple Thai restaurant, you get to choose what you want to eat as the food is served buffet style. You simply get in line and point out what you want on your plate. The restaurant has very friendly staff who will explain to you what the different Thai meals displayed on the counter are.

Meals are affordable and for about 70 Baht you can enjoy a large plate of vegan food. Situated at 439 Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, this restaurant is closed on Sundays but from Monday to Saturday it is open from 7:30 am to 3 pm.

5. May Veggie Home, Bangkok

Their motto is ‘Tasty vegetables amazing dishes. When you’re here, you’re family!’

The all-vegetarian restaurant food has got many tourists taking and it has been dubbed by some as the best vegetarian restaurant in Bangkok. Looking at the reviews made by those who have been there that assertion could be true.

If you visit May Veggie Home try the Tom Kha mushroom soup, yellow curry with tofu, pad thai tofu or Penang curry with tofu, I guarantee you will love these meals. For dessert, there are several vegan cakes and ice creams you can order.

The restaurant is at 8/3 (Asoke-Sukhumvit Intersection) Ratchadaphisek Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok. It is open from 11 am–10 pm daily.

6. Ethos Vegetarian

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to grab a late supper after a long day of touring in Bangkok this is the place to go to. Located near Khaosan Night Market, the market that never sleeps, Ethos Vegetarian is open until a few minutes to midnight every day. So you can pass by here for a meal before heading back to your hotel to call it a day.

Try the yellow curry with potatoes, spicy glass noodle soup, vegetarian Thai spring rolls and don’t forget to ask for some of their fresh fruit juices.

7. May Kaidee

This restaurant has two locations, one in Bangkok and another in Chiang Mai. Both serve mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian meals, such as tofu green curry, banana flower salad, Pad Tai, and som tom.

If you would like to learn how to make Thai food, to cook for yourself or family once you get back home, May Kaidee offers cooking classes you can attend throughout the year. There are open every day from 9 am to 10 pm.

Read more – Street Food in rural Thailand

Conclusion

As you can see there are many Thai vegetarian dishes and places that sell these meals in Thailand. So you don’t have to worry that you won’t stick to your vegan or vegetarian diet when you travel to the country.

However to be on the safe side always tell the chef or waiter serving you that you are vegetarian or vegan. You can do that in Thai by saying “gin jay.”  Because most restaurants prepare your food after you make an order. The chef or waiter will take extra precaution not to add meat to your meal.

For a vegan to ensure no fish sauce or oyster sauce is added to your meal say “mai ow nam bplaa” or “mai ow nam man hoy” This way you get no meat or animal products in your meal.

Let us know which of these meals you have tasted/tried during your trip. How was it? We would also like to taste them if we haven’t already done so on our next trip to Thailand.

The post Vegetarian Thai Food Guide For Thailand Tourists appeared first on Inditales.

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Kanchipuram is a fascinating town, best known for its magnificent temples and beautiful Silk Saris. When I visited, that is all I knew about it. However, it is a town full of stories, stories written in stone, in silk. And in the batter of the Idlis that get their name from the city. I had a long list of places to visit in Kanchipuram.

However, I started by visiting the 5 most important temples of Kanchipuram the must-visit places in the town. Each of them is a gem to explore. Both from historical as well as architectural perspective. Then, I started exploring the many other big and small temples in Shiva Kanchi, Vishnu Kanchi, and Jain Kanchi.

Silk Saris are everywhere in the city to lure you. I wrote a detailed piece on Where to buy Kanchipuram Saris?.

A brief history of Kanchipuram

It is an ancient city mentioned in many Indian scriptures. It is one of the 7 cities that are together called Saptapuris. Other 6 being Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya or Haridwar, Kashi or Varanasi, Avantika or Ujjain, and Dwaravati or Dwarka. Vamana Puran also mentions it as the best city among the cities of India when it says – Nagreshu Kanchi.

The city is divided into Shiva Kanchi and Vishnu Kanchi. Both of them surround the Kamakshi Amman Temple. Although, you would find enough Shiva temples in Vishnu Kanchi and vice-versa.

It has been the capital of Pallava dynasty from 4-10th CE. After which it came under Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara empires. Presence of Jain and Buddhist images tells us that the three sects co-existed in the city. Just like they do in any cosmopolitan city around the world.

It was a great center of learning. Royal students would come here to pursue their higher education. Schools known as Ghatikas used to teach students. Unfortunately, today there is no trace of these ancient Ghatikas. Although new-age universities are coming up.

So, let me take you through the lesser-known aspects of the place.

Temples are the places to visit in Kanchipuram

5 Big temples

The 5 Big temples in the town that everyone visits are:

Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Temple – The reigning goddess of Kanchipuram & the temples around her complex.

Sri Ekambareshwarar Temple – The biggest Shiva temple in the town.

The oldest Shiva temple in this town Sri Kailasanathar Temple

Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple – the biggest of Vishnu temples and the epicenter of Vishnu Kanchi.

Sri Vaikuntha Perumal Temple – the loveliest of Vishnu temple located in Shiva Kanchi.

I spent almost 6 days in the town visiting these 5 most important temples and more places to visit in Kanchipuram. Do read about them in detail before you plan your visit to the place.

Other temples of Shiva Kanchi

Kumara Kottam Temple

The Kumar Kottam Temple

Kumara Kottam temple is located between the temples of Kanchi Kamakshi and Ekamabareshwara. In a way, if you could take the ariel view of the city, the three temples would form a Somaskanda formation. You can access it while going from either of the temples to the other.

Though it is smaller than the two big temples around it, it is still a fairly large temple with two prakaras. The sanctum has an image of Murugan in a seated pose called Brahma Chattam. His consorts Valli and Devyani are present in their Utsav Murtis.

It is believed that Kand Purana was written in this temple.

Sri Ulagananda Perumal Temple

Located not too far from Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, Ulagananada temple is dedicated to Vamana Avatar of Vishnu. A 35 X 25 feet image in black stone, you see him with one leg raised and his hand gesture has two fingers raised indicating the two steps already taken. The size of the image in its dark color can overwhelm you.

His consort here is worshipped as Amruthavalli Thayar.

Sri Kacchapeswarar Temple

Sri Kacchapeswarar Temple

Located close to Kumar Kotta, Sri Kacchapeswara temple is a very large temple with a big temple tank right next to the main city road. It is believed that in this temple Vishnu worshipped Shiva in his Koorma (also called Kacchap in Sanskrit) or Tortoise avatar. Hence the temple came to be known as Kacchapeswarar. They say even Brahma and Saraswati prayed at this temple.

Another version says it is KachiKanchi Ishwara or the lord of the city of Kanchi.

Tank here is called Ishtasiddhi Teertham.

After the 5 big temples, this is the most visited temple in Kanchi.

Sri Chitragupta Swamy Temple

Chitragupta is the assistant of Yama, the lord of death. He is supposed to keep accounts of our good and bad karma. Basically, it is his accounting that dictates our birth and death cycles. It is rare to see a temple dedicated to him. I hear there is a temple in Delhi but I am yet to visit it.

The temple is small with a lovely Vigrah in the sanctum.

Sri Pandavdutha Perumal Temple

Pandavadoota Perumal Temple – Shiva Kanchi

Located close to Ekambreshwarar temple, this is a small and beautiful temple dedicated to Sri Krishna. This temple celebrates the moment when Sri Krishna had visited Hastinapur as the messenger or doot of Pandavas. That is how this temple gets its name – Pandavadootha temple.

This is one of the many temples across India that celebrate a moment of Puranic stories like Kopeshwar Temple in Khidrapur celebrates the moment of the immolation of Sati.

Jwaraharshwara Temple

Located close to Pandava Doota Temple, this is a small but beautiful temple in an apsidal shape. Also called Gajaprishtha or like elephant back. It is dedicated to Shiva as Jvara Hareshwara – the one who takes away your fever.

Mathangeswara Temple

Located close to Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, this is a small temple and you can see the signs of erosion on the lion-faced Pallava pillars.

Sri Kaushikehwarar Temple

Located close to Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, this is one of her Sannidhi temples. Dedicated to the six sects established by Adi Shankara. It is also supposed to be the oldest stone temple in Kanchipuram. It is a tiny temple that is so complete in itself.

Iravathaneswara Temple

Iravathaneswara & Piravathaneswara Temples

These are the two smallest possible stone temples almost standing in front of each other. Though now the main road passes between them. When I visited, both the temples were closed. From what it looked like they always remain closed. Then, a bit of inquiry told me that they are opened only for performing birth and death rituals.

Yama Temple

This is actually a small Shiva temple close to M M Hotel. The name it seems has got distorted over time and people call it Yama temple. These small temples tell you the story of small communities that would have existed in the temple town.

Durga sculpture at Airavateshwara Temple

Airatvateshwara Temple

It is a small temple located close to Kachhapeshwar temple. As the name suggests this temple is believed to be built by Indra.

Vilakoli Temple Tank

Arulmigu Sri Vilakoli Perumal Temple

A fairly large temple dedicated to Vishnu with an intriguingly shaped temple tank.

Sri Muktheeswarar Temple

On Gandhi Road – This is a mid-sized Shiva temple where you see the image of the devotee Thonda Nayanar bending on the Shivalinga here. There are many big and small shrines in this complex.

Sarv Teertham Kulam

Sarva Teertham Kulam

This is a huge square tank with steps painted in alternate white and red stripes. All around it, there are smaller temples like Seeteswarar, Mallikarujeswarar, Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Hanumanteswarar Temple. The tank looks beautiful from a distance. But, unfortunately, it is badly maintained and has a lot of filth all around.

I wish the authorities clean up the place. This could be such a beautiful place for the locals as well as pilgrims to visit.

Other Temples in Vishnu Kanchi

Punyakoteeswara Koil – A small Shiva temple with a narrow moat around the sanctum, closer to Varadharaja Perumal temple in Vishnu Kanchi.

Vyaseswarar & Vasishteswarar Temple – In the lanes of Vishnu Kanchi, these two temples located close to each other with large temple tanks lying dry commemorate the two Rishis – Vyasa and Vasishtha.

Ashtbhuja Perumal Temple – This is the second most popular temple in Vishnu Kanchi, located on the main road. The presiding deity Perumal or Vishnu has 8 arms earning it the name Ashtbhuja Perumal temple.

Yathortkari Perumal Temple – Located not too far from Ashtabhuja Perumal temple, it is an old temple that was undergoing renovation when I visited it.

See this complete list of ASI Temples in the town.

Kanchi Kamkoti Mutt

Kanchi is a seat of Shankaracharya. The Kanchi Kamakoti Mutt is located in the heart of the city. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya spent his last days in Kanchi. It is the fifth Mutt established by him after Badri, Puri, Dwarka, and Sringeri. His samadhi can be seen in the Kamakshi temple complex.

Kanchi Kamkoti Mutt Kacheri

On the walls of Kanchi Mutt, you can read all about Adi Shankaracharya and the lineage of Kanchi Mutt Shankaracharyas. All the charitable work they are doing across India.

Kanchi Mutt is the center for spiritual life in Kanchipuram. People come here to meet the current present Shankaracharya Ji. They wait for hours to get a glimpse of him or to watch him perform the Arti. Some of them get to talk to him. I was one of those blessed ones.

Simple & Wholesome food at Kanchi Mutt

I came back with the blessings of Shankaracharya Ji along with many books to read on the city from Kanchi Mutt.

Your visit to the town is incomplete without a visit to Kanchi Mutt. Temples belong to different eras but Kanchi Mutt is the living soul of the city. I am also told that they hold regular Kacheris or musical concerts, that you can sit and enjoy. Among the must-visit places in Kanchipuram.

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya

Sri Chakra shaped International library at Shankaracharya University

This is a university located a bit away from the city. I visited it to see its international library that has a great collection of Indian scriptures. And also to meet one of the professors who helped me understand the sacred geography of Kanchipuram. I was pleasantly surprised to see its library building built in the shape of Sri Chakra.

After ages I had lunch in the student canteen, chatting with the students there. It was fun.

Jain Temples

Trilikyanatha Jain Temple

There are two main Jain temples located close to each other here at Thirupparuthikundram. These are Trilokyanath Temple and Chandraprabha Temple.

Trilokyanatha Temple is an ASI temple, but the keys are with an old lady. The temple is opened or closed at her whims and fancies. When I visited, thankfully it was open and I could spend some time there. My repeated requests could not convince the lady to open the second time though.

Jain Mandala

This early 9th CE temple built during the Pallava period has typical Dravidian architecture. The mandapa was added in 14th CE and the paintings were done in the 17th CE. The chief deity is Mahavir or the 24th Tirthankar. Other Tirthankaras can be seen in the rest of the temple.

Jain Temple Murals

It has the most beautiful Jain paintings that you can see. Thankfully they are well maintained. You can see the various mandalas representing the universe on the ceiling of the mandapa supported by colorful pillars. I wish someone could explain these finer nuances of Jain philosophy to the visitors. The geometric designs are intriguing. But then, I know the sculptures and paintings in temples of India are for the one who knows them. Not really meant for a casual visitor.

Do read – Jain Kashi in Moodbidri in Karnataka

I am not sure how many people visit this temple. For me, the paintings in the temple are definitely worth a visit.

Buddha Image

Buddha Statue in Kanchi

Although Huan Tsang has mentioned Kanchipuram with many Buddhist monasteries, there is not much that you find in the city today. Except, a lovely Buddha image that was discovered a few years back. It is now housed on the premises of a school near Kanchi Kamakshi temple.

I spent a good hour or so combing the streets of the town to locate this image.

Other Temples – Places to visit near Kanchipuram

Sanjeevi Raya Anjaneya Temple in Iyengarkulam

This is a large Anjaneya temple on the banks of what must have been a huge lake. With a large mandapam, this temple is a delight to visit. The story goes that when Hanuman was taking the Sanjeevani Booti from the Himalayas to Sri Lanka, a part of the mountain fell through his fingers here. Hence the name – Sanjeevi Raya.

Sanjeevi Raya Anjaneya Temple

It was one of the most peaceful temples I visited in the town. There were not many people visiting the temple, yet it was a very alive temple. There is a lovely amphitheater-like setting near the temple tank. I wonder if it was once a place for festivals and celebrations.

Once a year, on Chaitra Purnima, Varadaraja Perumal comes to this temple. And takes bath in the Nata Bhavi Stepwell. There is a platform where his visiting Utsav Murti is kept.

One more must-see places to visit in Kanchipuram.

Nata Bhavi Stepwell

Nata Bhavi Stepwell

A little away from Sanjeevi Raya Temple is a lovely stepwell in stone. An arch with Gajalakshmi on its top welcomes you to the stepwell.

Long and narrow stone stepwell

This long and narrow stepwell in grey stone looks like a cousin of step wells we see across Gujarat and Rajasthan. There are pavilions on the lower floors. They may have been used to beat the summer heat once upon a time. As of now the access to lower floors is closed.

Kanchi Kudil

Kanchi Kudil

Located close to Kailasanathar temple, this is an old Kanchi home now converted into a museum. You can see the Kanchi culture here with the kolams on red oxide floors. Golu dolls for Navaratri on display. Old utensils, wooden furniture including a lovely swing, etc.

I loved the different Kolam designs on the floor, almost like an archive there.

With prior appointment, you can even treat yourself to a local meal here.

Government Museum

Wooden sculpture at Government Museum

It is a small museum, still stuck in the time it may have been built. There are some artifacts like wooden sculptures that you can see. But mostly it is a generic museum. You will not miss much if you skip it.

What to eat?

You get all possible Tamil cuisine in the town. There are a couple of Saravana Bhavan outlets, where you can blindly go and eat. Shakti Ganapathy and Sri Ram Café are other popular outlets in the town.

Kanchipuram Idli

I recommend eating a meal at the Kanchi Mutt – it is a blessing.

Apart from this, two things you must try there are:

Kanchipuram Idli – it is a slightly drier and harder form of Idli with many lentils in it. It may take you a while to get used to the taste of it. But you cannot ignore trying Kanchi Idli in the town.

Sevai Idli

Sevai Idli – you get this Idli with noodle-like Sevai in it. You can get it in small shops in the evenings.

How to reach?

Kolam designs at Kanchi Kudil

The place is well connected by rail and road. It is about 75 km from Chennai city, which is also the closest airport. I took an Ola Cab from Chennai to reach the town.

GRT Regency is the best hotel to stay in the town. I hope more hotels come up in the city for people to stay.

Most people do a day trip from Chennai to this place. I suggest spending 2-3 stays to explore it properly.

Autos are easily available to move around in the city.

From Google Maps, it seems easy to walk place. But in practice, it is not. The place is very hot and humid. There are no footpaths to walk.

Do share your experience of the places to visit in Kanchipuram.

The post Places To Visit In Kanchipuram – See, Eat, Experience appeared first on Inditales.

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Amsterdam attracts millions of tourists a year all flocking to the same attractions throughout the city. But after you have explored the canals, visited Dam Square, and admired the paintings inside the Rijksmuseum, you might be feeling like you want more. Although those attractions are all fantastic and beautiful, they are crowded with tourists, which affects the authenticity of the experience. That is why going off the beaten track, to the places to visit in Amsterdam secret spots of the city is something needed.

The famous Amsterdam canals image Shutterstock

Secret off-beat places to visit in Amsterdam

The best part about these places to visit in Amsterdam is that they have many secrets. It is an old city that has a complicated past which has resulted in secret areas and secret rooms in buildings having been necessary for survival. These hidden spots have since turned into less secret places that people now adventure to and enjoy.

It is time to see a new side of the city and explore some sights and engage in some activities you never knew existed. I hope you find something that intrigues you.

Pancake Boat

Anyone who visits the city knows that brunch in Amsterdam is out of this world. What most people don’t know is that there are more options than they think. One of the best brunch options in the city remains a secret to most visitors. This brunch option is the Pancake Boat.

Pancake boat restaurant ship specialized in traditional Dutch pancakes. Image Shutterstock by StudioPortoSabbia

The Pancake Boat is precisely what it sounds like – a boat that serves pancakes. Except for passengers onboard are given unlimited Dutch pancakes with toppings such as syrup, fresh fruit, and powdered sugar. The Pancake Boat takes off from the Northern Docklands and makes its way through the cities main harbor. The whole tour takes around 75 minutes and allows the special people onboard to eat a delicious Dutch delicacy while admiring the beautiful architecture of the city.

Do read: Best Brunch in the city

In t Aepjen

In t Aepjen is one of the oldest bars in the city. Located in plain sight right in the heart of the Red Light district. All-day and night hundreds of tourists walk by this historic bar with no idea of what they are missing. But now, you will know.

The In t Aepjen bar was founded in 1519 in the time of Dutch East India Company. It was a hot spot for sailors returning from exotic journeys with money and monkeys. Back then, sailors would pay for their drink using these monkeys, and very soon, the sailors had no way to afford accommodation. By then the bar became overrun with hundreds of monkeys.

After a flea issue in the bar, the owner created the Zoo to home these animals. The bar now is free of monkeys and is a very cozy place to enjoy a beer.

Tiny Hidden Houses

One of the most fun and quirky secret spots of the capital city is the tiny hidden houses. If you are not looking closely enough, you will miss these houses all together! And although you cannot enter the houses and see what’s inside taking the time to spot them and snap a photo is worth the search.

The mini houses are not just random either; they are there for a reason and have a good story associated with them. On the street of the mini houses, you may notice that the house addresses go from 70 to 54 between two houses. To combat this, a local Amsterdam advertising agency decided this needed to be fixed. Therefore, they put the tiny houses in between the two buildings to make up for the missing addresses.

If you want to find this secret spot head to Noordermarkt and let the searching begin!

Hortus Botanicas

The Hortus Botanicas is a large greenhouse and botanical garden located in the Plantage district, slightly to the west of the city center. This garden was founded in 1638 and is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. In the 1600’s it was used for growing and harvesting medicinal plants for doctors! More so, Hortus Botanicas was used to discover medicines to fight the plague, but the VOC brought many exotic plants back to the city that was used.

The botanical gardens are one secret Dutch greenspace you should take the time to explore while visiting the Netherlands.

Do read: Gouda Cheese & Taste of traditions

Begijnhof

Cityscape Begijnhof one of the oldest inner courts of the city. Image Shutterstock

The Begijnhof is one of the best kept secret places to visit in Amsterdam. This is quite literally hidden in plain sight. It is a very old and historic Hofje located in the heart of the city off a bustling street. This Hofje consists of a group of houses and a small courtyard. It was made for a group of women who vowed their life to chastity. It is a delightful secret spot that offers a welcome escape from the busy streets nearby.

Museum Van Loon

Many people who visit the city know it is a cultural hot spot that is full of museums. However, most people flock to Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum and are blind to all the other lesser-known ones throughout the city.

Van Loon house interior. Image Abramov Anton Shutterstock

The Museum Van Loon is located on Keizersgracht right in the city center and is stunning both on the inside and out. It is a 19th century home that was lived in by the Van Loon family. This museum is open to any visitor and offers a more intimate and exclusive museum experience compared to that of the other famous museums in the city.

Museum Van Loon also has a secret garden in the back that is wonderful to walk around and soak in the unique and special museum experience.

Do Read – Schindler’s Museum in Poland

Vondelbunker

Every tourist who comes to the city heads to Vondelpark. Some go for a walk around the stunning park, and some sit on the green space for a picnic. But, Vondelpark holds some secrets that are just waiting to be discovered. One of these is the Vondelbunker!

The Vondelbunker is a secret bunker that is hidden under a bridge right in the hub and excitement of Vondelpark. This bunker hosts various events and activities too, such as cinema nights, concerts, dinners, and art exhibits. More so, there is a microbrewery located down here called Bunkerbier.

This secret spot one of the secret places to visit in Amsterdam is an actual bomb shelter built for the Cold War. There are quite a few of these scattered around the city that will transport you back in time and give you a unique perspective.

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder – Our Lord in the Attic – is a secret museum that is full of surprises. The best surprise is the hidden church in the attic. Very few know about this, and you can not even tell from the street. The church is hidden in an attic for an important reason, and the story behind it is quite impressive.

In the 16th century, after the Reformation, the Calvinist Dutch government outlawed Catholicism. Therefore, Catholic worship was strictly prohibited. However, many followers of the Catholic faith continued their religion in secret and built hidden churches for this, despite the severe punishments. This museum holds one of these secret churches that, since 1888, has been preserved as a historic site and museum.

In addition to the two-story church, the building is full of decorations and furniture from the Golden Age. This museum is never crowded, and here you will learn about history, architecture, and religion, all under one roof.

Poezenboot

The Poezenboot is the world’s only floating cat sanctuary. This unique attraction was established in the ’60s and is home to various stray cats who now live on this houseboat as it sits along the cities canals. It is open for free to the public for a few hours each day where people are welcome to come aboard and play with the cats.

Amsterdam Poezenboot floating cat shelter on the canal. Image Alexander Chizhenok Shutterstock

If you or anyone you know is a cat lover, this secret spot is a must. There is nothing like hanging out with cats on a mysterious houseboat to make your day.

De Otter Windmill

Almost all visitors of the Netherlands are lusting to see a Dutch windmill, but the capital city is not home to many, only the surrounding cities are. However, there is one windmill in the city that will allow you to experience a windmill without leaving the city.

De Otter Windmill dates back to 1631 and is a Rijksmonument windmill. This windmill is a great secret as it is the last remaining sawmill in Amsterdam. It is not possible to visit and enter the site, but you can view it from the sidewalk and snap a few fresh photos of it.

Cuypers Library

One of the best-kept secrets of the Rijksmuseum is the secret library inside of it. The library is complete with dark wood shelving and is packed with essential books from floor to ceiling. This hidden gem feels like you’ve suddenly time traveled right into the 19th-century!

Rijksmuseum library neo-gothic, arches, and galleries of books. Image Shutterstock by Hollandfotonet

The Cuypers Library is a Renaissance and Gothic library that is hidden in plain sight. A visit here will be a welcome break from the busy and crowded ‘normal’ Rijksmuseum, into a hidden haven that will shock and awe you.

Oudemanhuispoort Bookmarkt

If you are an art or literature lover, this secret spot is calling for you. Oudemanhusiport – Old Man’s House Passage – is a little hidden walkway that is full of stalls selling second-hand books and unique art pieces. Although this secret spot is located in the heart of the city, it is barely visible from the street and easily missed by people.

This walkway was once frequented by Vincent Van Gogh and is now home to a part of the University of Amsterdam Campus. Oudemanhuispoort Bookmarkt is the perfect secret hideaway to escape the rainy days and to pick up a unique book or piece of art.

Theatre Tuschinski

It is a rainy city; therefore, having some activities planned that are indoor based is a good idea. One idea for an indoor event is going to the movies. Many people think you can go to the cinema anywhere in the world, so why would you go on vacation. But in the city, the movie experience is more than what is on the screen.

Theatre Tuschinski one of the oldest cinemas of Netherlands. Image hollandfoto.net Shutterstock

The movie theatre Tuschinski is a stunning theatre with a lush and unscaled interior that dates back to 1921. The whole theatre is a masterpiece, and you will find yourself looking at the architecture more than the screen.

In case you were wondering the Netherlands does, in fact, show English movies too! If you want to plan a cute date night that is intimate and explores a secret hidden gem of the city, this is the place to do so.

Image Shutterstock

Places to visit in Amsterdam are way more than just the touristy spots that everyone flocks to around the city. It is full of history, charm, and culture. Taking some time during your adventures, to discover the secrets of the city will leave you with a new appreciation of the beautiful capital of the Netherlands.

Guest Post Author

Samantha Karen is the founder of the travel bog Sam Sees World. She is a millennial traveler on a mission to seek the new and unknown so she can document her experiences and inspire others to explore this wondrous world. Her objective is to provide valuable information on the best things to do, see, eat, and experience while traveling and getting some good Instagram photos along the way.

  The post Secret Off-Beat Places To Visit In Amsterdam appeared first on Inditales.

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They say there are only three things from the time of Sri Krishna – Govardhan Parvat, Land of Braj and river Yamuna.

The Yamuna with her dark waters is like Krishna in her looks. She is one of his wives and in Mathura, she is the Pattarani or the chief wife. Your visit to Braj Bhumi can not be complete without visiting the holy river.

Boat Ride on the Yamuna river in Mathura

Taking a boat ride on the holy river is a popular pilgrim and tourist activity. So, one morning I also took a boat to admire the different ghats of Mathura from the waters of the river. I probably wanted to see what the river gets to see every day.

Video of the Boat ride

As I was walking towards the ghat, I heard a group of young boys chanting Vedas, repeating after an acharya, sitting under a small canopy. The bazaars were still opening up, but temple bells could be heard just about anywhere.

Vishram Ghat

Vishram Ghat

We started from the famous Vishram ghat on a colorful boat. It is believed that Sri Krishna took rest here, after killing Kamsa and that is how it got its name – Vishram Ghat. It is located bang in the middle, there are 12 ghats on either side of it.

Boats here have colorful flags all around them and an equally colorful carpet to sit on. The boatman told us stories of Braj Bhumi in Braj Bhasha. Poems and saying just flow from his mouth. They add to the joy of a boat ride on a warm March morning.

Kamsa Qila Fort

Kamsa Qila or fort

He tells us about different ghats and their stories as we row towards the left of Vishram Ghat towards Kans ka Qila or the Kamsa’s fort. I am keen to go inside and see the fort, although I know at best it could be the place associated with Kamsa. The fort in red sandstone is obviously recent. Everyone tells me, there is nothing inside to see. From the river, it looks a fairly large fort. Reflecting on the waters, it looks even more majestic.

Colorful Boats on the river

Holi

Rest of the river is lined with colorful ghats buzzing with activities. I was visiting a few days before Holi when the historical city is already in Holi mode. I saw many families playing Holi with the Yamuna. Yes, you heard it right. Playing Holi with the holy river. They would sing Hori or the Holi songs, throw some color in the river and then play among themselves. In fact, this was a ritual inserted in almost every ritual taking place on the ghats. The mood was that of joy and celebration – which is the eternal mood you associate with a place that was chosen even by Sri Krishna to play and do his Raas Lila.

Do read – Govardhan Parvat Parikrama

The only distinct feature I can remember is a tall tower in red sandstone built in Rajasthani Jharokha style called Sati Burj. Apparently, a queen, who was also the mother-in-law of Akbar, did Sati here and this tower was erected in the memory of that.

Verses of Puranas talking about Yamuna and Mathura

Verses from Puranas

Across the ghats, there are boards with verses from Puranas talking about Mathura in Sanskrit with Hindi Translation. I loved it. Hope other places also replicate this practice of putting the Sthal Purana or the literature on the city in public places.

Do read – Making of Mathura Peda

Unfortunately, the ghats of the river are not clean. I saw the sewerage flowing right into the river. The garbage lines up like a threshold between the steps of ghats and the water. It is a painful sight to look at dirty water.

Having said that, there is no dearth of stories when you sit by the river quietly flowing along the moon-shaped ghats of Mathura. Just sit back and let the Brajwasis regale you in the stories of the land.

Chunri Manorath ritual – When the Yamuna Wears Sari

On the boat ride, my guide told me about this unique ritual that is performed on the holy river. As luck would have it, the boatman informed us that a couple of Chunri Manorath is planned for the day. I quickly reworked the plan for the day and made sure I see this unique celebration.

What is the ritual?

Manorath means a wish. Chunri is the scarf that is worn with Indian dresses. On auspicious occasions, women are offered Chunri as part of festivals or during auspicious functions like weddings and engagements. It is generally a sign of acknowledging the auspicious aspect of the divine feminine.

Chunri Manorath Ritual for the holy river

At Mathura, the ritual involves offering a Chunri to the Yamuna, for she is the most auspicious goddess of the land. Families bring rolls of many Saris stitched together, usually 101 Saris but sometimes as many as 400 saris stitched together. This long roll of clothing is then taken on multiple boats to the other end of the holy river. The long cloth is held in a way that it looks like the Yamuna is wearing a Chunri.

Do read – Holi Festival in Mathura Vrindavan

It is usually done by families to mark an occasion or to say thanks for a wish fulfilled. I saw two Chunri Manoraths that day. A family of 90-100 people from Gujarat was celebrating the 60th birthday of the patriarch, who performed all the pujas with his wife. Another family of 10-12 people of Rajasthan was welcoming the new bride in the family.

Who Does Chunri Manorath?

Families performing Chunri Manorath

Chunri Manorath is mainly done by Vaishnavs from Gujarat and Rajasthan who follow Pushti marg. For the followers of this sect, Yamuna is the prime deity. However, there is no restriction, anyone can do it. Priests there will tell you stories of their famous MP Hema Malini doing this ritual here. I assume for winning the parliament seat.

This ritual can be done almost around the year. A shelter has been built on the steps of a ghat to enable people to sit while the ritual is performed. The ritual is long and can take many hours.

Story of Chunri Manorath

It is said that the Gopis of Braj while playing with Sri Krishna developed a sense of pride that Sri Krishna listens to them and would do anything, they ask him to. As soon as Krishna sensed it, he wanted to correct it. He vanished in the waters of the holy river leaving Gopis in a dire state. They were lost and in despair sang Gopi Geet.

They went from forest to forest, from pond to pond looking for Krishna. Finally, they went to the Yamuna and asked his whereabouts. The holy river was moved by their desperate state and she requested Krishna to come out and bring the joy back on the faces of Gopis.

Gopis thanked Yamuna Ji by offering Chunri to her. Since then this ritual is followed by people who want to thank the holy river for fulfilling their wishes.

Video: Watch the Chunri Manorath ritual

Ritual

Families come in a procession, carrying the Chunri or the roll of Saris on their heads. They are dressed in their best clothes. One family has all the women wearing red bandhani saris. Another one has women wearing heavy silk saris and best of jewelry. I guess most of them were wearing new saris. They come to the ghats of the holy river dancing and singing to the love music. As they pass through the markets, everyone knows that the river is going to look beautiful once again.

They sit on the steps of the ghat as the priest prepares for the Chunri Puja. A platform is a setup to perform the following Pujas in sequence:

Ganesh Puja Kalash Puja Matrika Puja Krishna and Yamuna Puja

Sri Krishna and the Yamuna Murthis

Two pots are painted as Krishna and Yamuna. They are decorated like a bride and groom. Every person participating in the puja offers them clothes and jewelry. They are surrounded by sweets of all kinds. I watched the Murtis being decorated with lots of love and affection by the priests as well as the family members.

Offerings to the Holy river

The holy river at its edge is offered various things that are offered to any deity in temple worship like milk, curd, Haldi, Kumkum. Since this was also the Holi time, they also offered her 5 colors as if playing Holi with her.

Colors to play Holi with the river

Once all Pujas are done, people start boarding the boats in a sequence holding the Saris, Challenge is to keep the Saris high up in the air. It is a beautiful scene to see the colorful Saris unfold as the boats move slowly across the river, adding color to it. However, the best part is the joy on the faces of people offering the Chunri. It is like they are living a dream.

In between the instructions for the boatmen, we could also hear ‘Yamuna Maiyya ki Jai’. Once done, everyone congratulates each other for the task well accomplished.

Long ritual

Going by the amount of time spent on doing the Puja or number of things offered, I am sure it is a pretty costly ritual to undertake.

I spent a good 3 hours observing this ritual. The big family was kind enough to invite me to join in for a part of Puja where you offer color to the river. They even invited me to come on board for taking the Chunri on the other side. I said thanks but stayed back to look at from the ghats.

It is one of those serendipitous experiences that make you present at the right time and right place. Till a day before, I had no idea of this ritual. In the morning, I just thought we will look at the ghats on the boat ride and then go on with exploring the rest of Mathura. The holy river has other plans for me. She wanted me to see her draped in colorful Saris. It could not have happened without her grace. These are moments when you feel fulfilled as a traveler.

I later learned that a similar ritual is done at the Narmada as well. Let’s see when the Narmada decides to include me in her glorious moments.

Do try to witness this unique ritual as and when you get a chance.

Stories of Krishna and Yamuna

On the ghats of Mathura, you hear various stories.

One story says that it was the Yamuna who got to touch his feet first, just after he was born. As we know, when Krishna was born, his father Vasudeva carried him in a basket across the Yamuna to Gokul to the home of his friends Nand and Yashoda. When he was carrying the waters of the river came till his neck. This is when Krishna took out his feet from the basket and let the Yamuna touch them. The waters receded and Vasudeva could easily cross the river.

Another story is if various acts of Krishna, all of which were done on the banks of this river, including his Raas Leela and Playing of Flute.

Yet another story depicts the river appearing in her human form with a garland of lotus flowers to marry Krishna.

The Yamuna, as we know is the daughter of Sun and sister of Yama – the God of death. She is also considered the Shakti of Krishna in liquid form, sometimes called the form of Birja Devi.

Read more here.

Travel Tips for Boat Ride

You need about an hour or so to leisurely enjoy the ghats here, including the boat ride.

I paid Rs 400/- for an exclusive boat ride for an hour. It can easily seat 15-20 people.

Try visiting in the morning when the ghats are buzzing with activity and the sun is favorable.

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