Originally the street was divided by a canal that was part of a water supply system for the city. Today, Chandni Chowk is a heavily congested market center but still retains a lot of it’s historical charm.

Chandni Chowk is famous for it’s historical mosques and temples, and is heavily populated with bridal shops where very ornate jewelry, and traditional clothing can be had for very good prices. Sauris and hand looms as well as beautiful Indian textiles are abundant.

The perfumes of spice markets will draw you in, if not to buy, at least to learn all about Indian spices.

Make sure you have time on your hands. Chandni Chowk is loaded with Indian culture.

View Larger Map

The India Gate, New Delhi India

Originally built in 1921, the India Gate is a war memorial for the 90,000 Indian soldiers that lost their lives fighting in World War 1 and the Third Anglo-Afgan war.

Shortly after India’s independence, the India Gate came to be known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or Amar Jawan Jyoti (The flame of the immortal soldier). A memorial flame has been burning in the shrine since 1971.

The India Gate is now closed to street traffic and it’s become a prominant family picnic area in the evenings where street vendors sell food and ice cream while people lounge on the surrounding lawn.

Every Republic day (January 26th), the India Prime Minster pays his respects to the fallen soldiers here at the India Gate, then joins in the parade.

View Larger Map

Daryaganj book fair in old delhi

Darya Ganj or Daryaganj located in Old Delhi is world famous for it’s Sunday book market. So famous in fact that Daryganj has become home to many of the worlds largest publishing houses. Companies like S. Chand & Co., Prentice Hall India, and Oxford University Press.

On Sundays the streets are lined with vendors and their books for sale. You’ll find new and used books in just about every Indian language as well as English.

Arrive early. You’ll need the time to work your way through the hundreds of thousands of books up for sale.

The food in Daryganj attracts a lot of locals too. Look for dishes like Baniyaan of Gupta ji, Devi ke Kulche, or Pindi ka Dahi. You’ll find food for everyone’s palate. North Indian, South Indian, Streetfood (Chaat), Vegetarian, ice cream, snacks, and sweets, and even Chinese food.

View Larger Map

Mysore Palace inSouthern India

By Ramaswamy Sundaram

While talking about cultures of a particular nation – anyone outside the country will not, in the normal course, be able to distinguish them by the location. For example, viewing from outside, all Americans will be classified as one to follow “American Culture” although the people belong to different parts of America – like Texans, Californians or Georgians- and there may be slight differences in culture. Similarly, all the people living in the United Kingdom are “British” for the outsiders, irrespective of their place of origin in England. As for languages spoken – all Americans and British – speak English, of course with the slang of nativity specific to the region they live. Therefore if you ask anyone what is the language spoken in America, invariably they will answer as “English”.

This is not the case with India. Indian citizens spread over the wide land areas and regions of India, speak multiple languages – Hindi, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Marathi, Bengali, Oriyan, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu etc. – just to name a few. In spite of these language differences, India has been a country, reckoned as one of prestige and an ancient civilization in the world arena.

Owing to the 300 years of British Rule, India is still keeping English as the National and link language, not only among the people of India, but also other countries of the entire world. This enables the State Governments of South India – Tamilnadu; Kerala, Karnatka, Andhra and the Union Territory of Puduchery – that are not having Hindi as the official language, to interact with other Hindi-speaking North Indian States, including the National Capital New Delhi. But foreigners are thinking that all Indians speak Hindi since they do not have the inside info. The screening of only Hindi films mostly across the world countries of America, Russia, U.K. and Europe contribute to this notion generously.

Thus the variety of languages spoken in India differentiates the cultures to a certain extent, prevalent in the said region. For example, among the masses of North Indian population of Bihar, or Madhya Pradesh, entering a temple for worship, without taking bath is not a matter at all, whereas a Keralite or Tamilian will forbid it as a sin. Thus you can see diverse cultures region-wise, broadly separated as North India and South India, where a total of 1,139,964,932 Indian population lives together.

Taking for review the South Indian culture, it is preserving the traditions left as a legacy from generations, dating back to thousands of years. Indian civilization history starts hundreds of thousands years old from the Sind Plateau, on the banks of River Ganges. While North India was invaded and captured by foreigners, including Alexander the Great, and then by the Moguls centuries back, South India escaped the wrath of foreign invasions comparatively.

Ancient South India – particularly Tamilnadu, which consisted the present Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra States within its embrace earlier, was ruled by Kings and Emperors of Hindu Religious faith. Hence there is a distinct Hindu religion-based culture most prevalent in all South Indian States.

Habits and life-styles as also literature of the region’s language form the basics of any culture. An example can be cited here that the British Culture is born out of social norms prescribed by English Literature, especially Shakespearean works of art. Likewise, South Indian culture is refined by the rule of Hindu Kings for centuries and the literary works like Thirukkural, Silapathikaram etc. in Tamil language, dating back to 2000 years from now. People revere these literary works in adopting the vices and social behavior embodied in them for day-to-day life. The derivatives of age-old Tamil like Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam languages have great literary works adored by the respective people and followed in their cultures ardently.

True the impact of 300 years of British Rule, which starts from the era of Robert Clive landing in Madras Port (presently Chennai) to form the East India Company of Great Britain and extending it all over India, has its adverse and also appreciable effects in South Indian culture. But the traditional South Indian culture, preserved over generations, certainly still holds well on a majority South Indians.

We will see more on this subject later.

Ramaswamy Sundaram is Indian. Senior Citizen. Retired Personnel Manager. M.A. English Litt., Post Graduate Diploma in Personnel Management; Diploma in Commerce; Typewriting and Shorthand. Certified Expert Author at Ezine Articles.com. Having written more than 1500 write ups on various subjects, he possesses the expertise to write on any subject with due research online. You can contact him for your writing jobs through mail at sulosundar03@gmail.com and get quality deliverables at competitive cost.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramaswamy_Sundaram
http://EzineArticles.com/?Origin-of-South-Indian-Culture—An-Overview-by-a-Native-Indian&id=4308884

Indian woman with nose ring

By Julie S. Montgomery

Piercings have a long history throughout many world cultures. Nose rings date back at least 4,000 years and were even mentioned in the bible. They are a common tradition in African cultures, reflecting status and marriage within that society. They have come to be known as a sign of beauty across the world.

Nose rings are huge in India. While the practice did not originate in India, it was brought there from the Middle East in the 16th Century by Moghul emperors. Indian women commonly wear a stud called phul or a ring called nath in their left nostril. The left nostril is the preferred choice because it is believed that the left side is associated with the female reproductive system. That position is though to make childbirth easier and lessen menstrual pain.

The rings can be worn in the nostril, septum or the bridge under the nose. Some piercings are so heavily ornamented by jewels that they need to be supported by chains, which are joined to the ear or hair.

There is a strong association of nose rings with the Hindu religion and more Hindu women than any other religion wear the piercings. The first nose piercings that appeared in India were not actual rings. They were small, flat ornamental flowers that were put in place by a screw on the inside of the nose. They are now most commonly made out of 14 or 18 karat gold, but titanium, nickel, niobium, and stainless steel are also used widely in India.

Nose rings became an American accessory in the 1960s after hippies who had traveled around Indian adopted the fashion. They grew in popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as a symbol of rebellion. They came back to widespread popularity in the mid-1990s, a trend that has continued.

Julie enjoys sharing health and beauty tips. A great resource for flat irons, curling irons and hair styling tools of all kinds is My Hair Styling Tools.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie_S._Montgomery
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Tradition-of-Nose-Rings-in-Indian-Culture&id=5313369

By Oliver Wakefield

Indian culture is one of the most complicated around. It’s a vast country with huge culture differences but it’s still possible to find some things in common everywhere you go, Bollywood, India’s equivalent to Hollywood and the other is sport. Cricket is huge in India and every village or street you work down you’ll find numerous games taking place, most of which you will be invited to join in. Big games like those between India and Australia, England and especially Pakistan are cause for huge celebrations and amount to pretty much a national holiday. You’ll find massive, excited crowds around television shops, games going on everywhere you look but most noticeably the singing and dancing that company’s these sorts of special events. English football is also hugely popular out there and a huge topic of conversation between natives and foreigners so it’s worth investing a little time in finding a favourite team and also learning the names of the English cricket team, both of which I failed to do before I left and felt a little ashamed after every encounter!

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Indian culture that I encountered was their love for singing and dancing. I remember taking a ferry to Elephanta Island, outside and Bombay and the whole boat burst into song and dance for no apparent reason and it continued for the entire duration of the journey! Of course, me and my friend being the only westerners on the boat were dragged up onto the Dance floor and proceeded to sing our rendition of Kay-sara-sara.

However popular music, films and sport are, a large part of Indian culture and a hot topic of conversation, whether it be lowly farmers or swanky business owners, is politics. Indians take more interest in the politics of their own country than any other I have come across. For good reason too, India’s political history is probably one of the most exciting of any country and is riddled with assassinations, revolutions, corruption, wars and invasions.

Another thing about Indian culture that will stand out to you when you travel is how everyday life is influenced by religions and spirituality. Early morning Puja (prayer) is performed at shrines on the sides of roads, temples, in the home and for many, in cars and buses and shopkeepers won’t open for business until appropriate blessings have been made to various gods. Hinduism, the main religion in India, is greatly known for its acceptance of other religions and culture, of course history hasn’t always proved that but it hasn’t stopped India being populated by a whole collection of different culture and religions and attracts thousands of religious and spiritual seekers from around the world every year.

Alongside religion the family is also highly respected and central to Indian society so expect much scrutiny about this from enthusiastic locals and possibly some very disapproving head wobbles especially about marriage, sex and your parents! Most Indians regard being unmarried and with no children after the age of 25 as inconceivable let alone 30! Families are core to most Indians and when you chat with the locals you realise how important their extended family are to them, often with uncles, aunts, grandparents, kids and siblings all living under one roof and sometimes in one room!

21st century, modern Indian culture is a huge melting pot of time honored tradition and new age technology, money and western influence. Modern business women carry mobile phones down the street next to old women in colourful saries carrying buckets of water on their heads, flash cars parked next to slums and a whole host of juxtapositions that are enough to give you a headache! However strange this might sound the contrasting lifestyles blend together with real beauty.

The age old caste (class) system in India is dieing out slowly but remnants remain although mainly in rural areas. Over the years it has been a main reason for disgusting cruelty, genocide and corruption. It’s a hugely complex part of Indian culture and society but can be broken down into about five levels. At the top are the Brahmins or the holy men and land owners down to the Dalits or the ‘untouchables’ as they were known. It seems that within each caste there are subclasses, people who performed different tasks in the community ie. tanners were the lowest of the low and cobblers etc. The belief was that the rigid caste system kept the universe in perfect balance and if the person lived a good and honest life they would be reincarnated into the caste above.

One of my favorite aspects of the Indian people is the head wobble. It is hard to go a day in India without being subjected to the infamous headwobble. It can be translated as yes, no, maybe, don’t care, go away and millions of other things. It was the subject of many discussions between me and my fellow travellers while I was out there, of course everyone has there own view, however, for me it was a great method of communication with everyone. Being a westerner in some parts of India can cause a great deal of excitement and some times large crowds come to have a quick stare. A quick wobble of the head can make you a local celebrity or at least a small time comedian. It seems that if you get in your mind what you want to put across to someone, wobble your head and the simple movement becomes the thought. Its seems ridiculous but it somehow works and deserves some practice when you get there, soon you’ll lose all control of your head and you’ll barely have to speak!

Oliver Wakefield from http://www.all-about-India.com.
For the Experience.
For anything to happen, something has to move…Albert Einstein.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Oliver_Wakefield
http://EzineArticles.com/?Indian-Culture—The-Modern-Amalgamation&id=1968114

Local Hotels in Gurgaon and Delhi, India

By Mel Davey

If you are thinking of vacationing in North India, there are a number of local hotels that would gladly provide you with comfortable lodging. The North India tour is popular among retired Americans who have saved for years to be able to travel the world. There is so much to see in this vast and rich subcontinent. The tour of the north part of India includes such beauties as Corbet National Park, the palaces of Rajasthan, and of course the world famous Taj Mahal.

The Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, is a family owned five star hotel group that has hotels in the major cities of India. You will find their hotels extravagantly designed to match the traditional Indian culture. There is no doubt that the hotel is viably one of the best five star hotels in India, and a terrific place to stay. The Oberoi in New Delhi is decorated after the manner of the rich Mugal rulers who used to occupy the Delhi Region. With hints of rajasthani art, rich carpets, and spacious lounges, the Oberoi in Delhi is an experience in itself.

Apart from the decor and beauty of the hotel, you will find the staff courteous, helpful, and polite. The staff are highly trained and happy to be of service. Places to eat within the hotel include a large coffee house, a lounge bar, Indian, Thai, and Chinese restaurants, as well as a pastry corner. Relaxation spots include a massage and beauty parlor, indoor lap pool, gym, and outdoor swimming pool. Needless to say, the prices are not cheap. Rooms start at 300 to 400 dollars a night, but the food is reasonably priced.

The Courtyard Marriott, Gurgaon, is among the local hotels that provide rooms to low budget travelers. The courtyard holds five stars and is one of the best hotels in Gurgaon as far as service goes. With over 150 rooms, a gym, three restaurants, Sunday brunch, and roof top swimming pool, the Courtyard is a lovely place to spend a week enjoying the modern nightlife of India’s fastest growing city. Twenty minutes by car into the heart of Delhi, the Courtyard provides an affordable lodging for business travelers as well as tourists.

Among the local hotels in the National Capitol Region are the many small lodges that are found on the highway near the New Delhi Airport. Hotels with as few as 15 rooms are not uncommon. For travelers who only want to spend one night and move on, these are not a bad option.

The author has spent a lot of time learning about local hotels in London and other related topics. Read more about Travelling Everywhere at Mel Davey’s website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mel_Davey
http://EzineArticles.com/?Local-Hotels-in-Gurgaon-and-Delhi,-India&id=4951817

By Thomas P

The cuisine of India is as diverse as it culture and terrain. It is basically the interaction and trade with the other neighboring countries in ancient times that lend this variation. It has been highly influenced by Persia, ancient Greece, Mongols and West Asia. Each region of India boasts of its own way of cooking and varied dishes. This mainly depends on its staple food, spices and the particular types of vegetables that are grown in that region.

The Indian cuisine is globally famous for its use of varied spices. The main spices used are fenugreek seeds, chili pepper, black mustard seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin and asafetida. Aromatic spices also form an important part of this cuisine. So there is a wide use of aromatic spices known as garam masala; they include cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. Aromatic leaves like cassia leaves (tejpata), mint leaves, coriander leaves and curry leaves are also used to provide a zing to the flavor along with aroma.

The staple foods of India are rice, wheat flour and a whole variety of pulses like masoor (red lentil), rad (black gram), mung (green gram), chana(Bengal gram), toor(yellow gram) and many more.

The cooking is done in vegetable oils mostly. In north and west India you will find foods cooked mainly in peanut oils while in eastern Indian mustard oil finds application. Coconut oil forms the only medium of cooking in south India. The rich dishes are mainly prepared in hydrogenated vegetable oils known as vanaspati ghee and even desi ghee (clarified butter).

Want to know more about the Indian Food then refer to my articles listed under the same category. You can also to get to know about the 4d Movies by following my articles in the forum.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_P
http://EzineArticles.com/?Indian-Food&id=3755380

By Muhammad Saleem Awan

The Indian culture has very long history, because in the past this is our Sub-Continent. This is the oldest place of living peoples. In India many changes occurred with the passage of time. With the changing of time in India, Its culture also changed. In India different type of peoples came and lived, their religions were also changed, and in this time many different religious communities are living in India, So all have different types of culture, their living styles, language, food, climate, religions, customs and traditions are totally different with one another. So in India every religion’s people live according to their styles, they celebrate religious festivals. In India a big part of the people are keen to the music, dance, architecture etc. We can distinguish Indian culture on the basis of following contents:

Religion:

In India many types of religions finds. In which Hinduism, Buddhism, Muslims, Christians are included.

Relations:

In Indian people relations have very importance. They all do much care according to their Relations. The most elders usually the male person will be the head of the house, and all important decisions will do that person, of whole the family.

Caste:

In India people are divided into categories according to their caste, and the caste must be the part of their name for distinction.

Holidays(Functions):

In India following functions celebrates with very emotions:

1 Independence Day

2 Republic Day

3 Gandhi Jiyanti

These three days are National holidays of the India.

Extra festivals and functions are also like these:

1 Diwali

2 Durga Pooja

3 Chatorthi

Islamic festivals are as follows

1 Eid-ul-Fitar

2 Eid-ul-Azha

3 Ramadan

Dressing:

Dressing style is also different in India according to their religions like as Hindu women use Saarhi and men use Dhoti Kurta. Women also use Bindiya, Mangal Sutar, Sandoor. Some modern males use Pent Shirts, Jeans and females use Skirts, Shorts etc. While Muslim Women use Qameez Shalwar With Dopata or Scarf and men use with Shairwani.

Music and Dance:

In India People likes music and dance at extreme level. They use different types of music and dance like Pop, Folk, jazz, Raag, Classic and in dances Bhangra, Khatak, Jhoomar, Garba Bihoo etc are include.

Architecture and Buildings:

Indian architecture is very famous among all over the world. Their buildings are also great pieces of their skills like Taj Mehal, Qutab Minar and Red Fort etc.

For more information about bollywood indian culture visit http://bollywood-photos.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Muhammad_Saleem_Awan
http://EzineArticles.com/?Indian-Culture-(Hindu-Religion)&id=3798518

By Aparajita Shankar

Every day thousands of tourist from all around the world arrives at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). IGIA is the main gateway to tours in India. All kinds of tourists prefer hotels near IGIA, as it’s convenient for arrival and departure. The hotels near Delhi airport are a good choice for business travelers too.

There are many hotels in Delhi in all star categories near IGI Airport that provides world class service and facility at affordable rates. Tourist can also opt for lodges available at cheap prices. Most of these hotels offer pick and drop facility to airport as a compliment to their guests.

Here we have listed few best accommodations available for the tourists near IGI Airport.

Ashok Country

Ashok country is a boutique hotel based on ecological theme; offering homely comforts, warm hospitality and travel desk ready to help you round the clock. This resort is surrounded by beautiful natural panorama, lush green lawns.

Westend Inn

This 4 star Inn is the world of comfort and luxury. The interior is very impressive with very comfortable accommodation and all the tourist facilities available at your call.

Clark Greens

Hotel Clark Green is fast becoming commercial hub in Gurgaon, very close to IGI Airport. It’s a perfect blend of contemporary architecture and warm hospitality. Exceptionally good service, well decorated comfortable AC rooms, courteous staff.

Radisson Delhi

This one is the most award winner 5 star business hotel in the city. The hotel offers truly superb accommodation facilities. The hotel also offers complimentary transfer facility to Airport for every guest.

Shanti Palace

Shanti Palace is the top 3 star hotels near Delhi airport. Located at stone’s throw distance from Delhi’s International and Domestic Airport, it provides superb service at very reasonable price. The hotel is true mixture of luxury and style.

Hotel Uppal’s Orchid

Uppal’s Orchid is the finest few 5 star Deluxe Ecotel resort near IGI Airport, spread over a huge 10.5 acre of beautiful grandeur and greenery. Hotel personifies the magnificent historic places and is the first hotel to be certified environmentally sensitive.

Centaur Delhi

Centaur Hotel is one of the finest 5 star deluxe hotels near IGIA. The hotel was constructed in record time during the 1982 Asian Games held in New Delhi. This is a truly world class business cum leisure hotel.

Qutab hotel

You can call it the paradise on earth, equipped with all modern amenities, caring staffs, and restaurant and bar, Wi-Fi facility, oriental cuisine.

Vasant Continental

Vasant Continental is the perfect business hotel located in south Delhi. Well decorated rooms & elegant lobby, lovely swimming pool and nice lawns. The 24 hour coffee shop is the big attraction.

Now with all the information about hotels near Delhi airport you will be comfortable choosing good accommodation for you. Do some advance planning and book your rooms early as it is very uphill task to get rooms near New Delhi Airport.

To get more information on hotels in Delhi visit the site. Also get information on bed and breakfast accommodations in Delhi.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aparajita_Shankar
http://EzineArticles.com/?Hotels-Near-Delhi-Airport&id=4290795