Let’s uncover the top 10 bizarre incidents in India.

33 year old marries a dog

Sounds like a new trend? This is a recent tale of a psychotic 33 year old guy who married a stray dog. After killing 2 dogs about 20 years ago, the man believed that marrying a female dog was the only way by which he could make up for his gruesome act.

Lifetime spent amongst the dead for a good night sleep

60-year-old Indian, Mukund Agte heads towards the city’s crematoriums ever night, in order to sleep in peace. While most people wouldn’t dare doing this, Mukund Apte has spent his entire lifetime sleeping admits the dead corpse.

Happily married with a wife, children and grandchildren, no man in the face of this world could ever imagine this neatly dressed, salaried employee spending most of his time in a crematorium.

He visits his family during weekends, and continues to live this horrifying life.

67 fans die of shock over the death of their leader

In a recent air crash incident, Andhra Pradesh chief minister, Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, left this world, leaving all his fans in great remorse. The news of his death shook some of his fans so badly that 67 of them died of shock or by committing suicide.

1 man and 14 wives

One may find it difficult leading a double life, but you will be surprised to know that a 40 year old employee of Air India was living with 14 wives since several years, until he was caught red-handed.

Tushar Waghmare married 14 women in a span of two-and-a-half years. A high profile job with a great salary worked to his advantage in fooling his bride and their family members.

He was incidentally caught when two of his wives accidentally bumped into each other. The interference of the cops revealed that he had married 14 times. After this, who says, “Marriages are made in heaven.”

Sweet eating contest claims 1 life

A laddu eating contest claims the life of a 39 year old catering worker in India. The man was suffering from diabetes, but couldn’t hold his temptation, and gulped down 7 laddus without stopping. This act proved costly as he was declared dead at the hospital footsteps.

Marriage of two trees

You must have heard marriages of animals, but what about trees marriage? In Orissa, a state in India, villagers performed marriage of a banyan tree with a peepal tree. Over 2000 people attended this marriage with colorful possessions and blessings. The trees were garlanded and rituals were chanted, followed by fireworks, dancing and a grand feast for the 2000 attendees. You thought only human beings can pull crowds?

Father at 88

An 88 year old man fathered a son in the Barmer district of Rajasthan (state in India). His wife is 45 years younger than him, and the couple is happy over their achievement. 88 year old, Budhia Ka Tala eats three meals a day and walks around 10 to 35 km on daily basis.

Elephant robs vehicle owners

India is a home to nearly 50%of the wild Asian elephants. A wild elephant in Orissa (state in India) blocks vehicles on the highway, and do not allow them to pass by unless they offer him with food. It forces them to get down of their vehicles, and bribes them like a traffic policeman.

Child dropping ritual

Would you allow someone to drop your few years old child from 20 feet? In a strange ritual performed in a temple in Karnataka, couples without children for a long time come to fulfill their vow that if they were blessed with a child, they will have the newborn child dropped from the village top.

The village priests throw the children from the temple top with few men holding a cloth beneath to catch the dropping child. A slight mishap would mean death however, not a single child has sustained any kind of injury so far.

Wife union to beat up husbands

Husbands beating their wives are often heard. However for a change, in Madanpur, a village in Uttar Pradesh, housewives have formed a union to beat up husbands. In the Madanpur village, most husbands do not work, and indulge themselves in activities like smoking, drinking, gambling etc. The main agenda of this union is to beat up husbands raising their hands on their wives or indulging in any unwanted activities. Sticks and hands are the weapons of operation.

India is a religious country with lots of belief in old customs and traditions. Some of the old practices can send shivers down your spines, and some can leave you spellbound asking for more.

One would be surprised to know that the sari can be worn in more than hundred different styles. When worn with jewelry, it enhances the look. There are no set rules, and one can have fun experimenting while trying one. Different regions within the country have their own distinct way of wearing the sari. Wearing them properly is an art. Let’s have a look at some of the different ways of wearing a sari.

Maharashtrian Style

The Maharashtrian style of wearing a sari involves placing the center of the sari around the back of the waist. They are usually 9 yards long with the loose ends fixed on the front. The two ends are then enveloped over the legs. The left over length is passed over the shoulder, covering most part of the upper body.

Gujarati Style

In the Gujarati style, the pallu is draped creatively in front of the right shoulder. The loose end is then draped back to the front. The chest is covered, and the edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back side.

Bengali Style

Indian Sari

Unlike other styles, the Bengali style does not have any pleats. The sari is pushed in with care, and then carried over the left shoulder to the right hip. The sari is not folded, but a circular pattern is created with the pallu placed over the shoulder. Some well known films like Devdas, etc has the gorgeous former Miss World and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai displaying the sari worn in perfect Bengali style with the keys attached to the pallu. The keys are usually heavy to ensure that the pallu doesn’t fall off its place.

Tribal Style

In this style, the sari is draped firmly covering the chest by tying the sari around the chest area.

Tamilian Style

The saris worn under the Tamilian style are usually 8 meters in length. The sari is covered around the waist with the left portion positioned over the left shoulder, and the pleats positioned over the left leg. The rest is then wrapped around the waist, and tucked over the left hand side.

Nivi Style

This style is commonly followed in Andhra Pradesh. Under this style the pleats are passed through the legs, and tucked around the waist at the backside. This ensures free movement despite the covered legs.

These are some of the most popular styles of draping a sari. Considered as one amongst the most gracious attire, sari does have a lot of variety to offer.

The whole of India is in the mood of celebrating the 63^rd Independence Day. It’s no doubt a day of pride and honor for citizens of India. Nationwide jubilance and high spirits were apparent amongst the citizens. It’s remarkable to notice high spirits amongst all people despite security threats, swine flu, drought and other worrying issues.

As usual, the Red Fort in Delhi witnessed the biggest celebration admits tight security and Prime Minister’s visit. Other state capitals had their share of celebration as well.

The nation witnessed Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh unfold the flag in New Delhi for the sixth consecutive year. Considering himself fortunate of having an opportunity to address the citizens on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made no direct mention of Pakistan in his hour long statement, but he did address the issue of anti India terrors on nationalism. He said that India has enough resources and belief in itself along with political and economical stability to advance towards a golden future in the years to come.

Indian Independence Day

Dr Singh said that the government will endeavor to remove all social and economic dissatisfactory factors prevailing in the country. Below are the few highlights of the Prime Minister’s speech on Independence Day.

-Black marketers will be booked and punished.

-Government is working towards eradicating H1N1, and there is no need for immense panic over the situation. Dr. Manmohan Singh assured that the center is working with the state government to control the spread of H1N1 flu. New diagnosis and treatment centers are set up across the country.

-Assurance that the benefits of development will reach the masses.

-Restoring the growth rate of the country to 9% in this year. Considering the global recession, the prime minister admitted this to be a big challenge, but was optimistic of reaching the desired figure.

-All possible necessities to be provided to farmers who have been affected by lack of monsoon during this year.

-Special care measures for disabled children.

- Rajiv Awas Yojna will be launched, in order to eradicate slum from the country.

-Appealed to businessman and industrialists to fulfill their social responsibilities so that the country heads towards a better future.

-Better Education laws to be implemented without considering the cost impact, since education is imperative for the growth of the country.

Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the government was doing everything within its powers to control the rising prices of basic food items, and mentioned of bringing in food-security legislation to make sure that that the poor people do not starve.

Thousands of citizens, including school children gathered at Red Fort to notice the unfurling tri-color, followed by the Prime Minister’s speech. The Prime Minister delivered his speech behind bullet-resistant glass, admits tight security from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort.

Despite facing security threats and other surmounting issues, India braced through the 63^rd Independence Day smoothly. As usual, the flag hosting ceremony was a remarkable one, honoring the people who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.

Over 100 festivals of all kinds and types are celebrated in India throughout the year. Each and every festival is considered auspicious, and they are characterized by joy, enthusiasm, colors, prayers and rituals.

Every festival plays an important role in an individual’s life. They are responsible for strengthening family bonds, and bringing together people of diverse religions. Each and every festival has a specific value, and reason for celebration.

Indian Diwali from Daily Times

Diwali is one amongst the most popular festivals celebrated in India, usually during the last quarter of the year. It is also called the festival of lights as it is celebrated with crackers. Every house is literally illuminated with lights during this festival. It is celebrated for Lord Rama, who returned to Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) after defeating his enemies after 14 years of exile.

Holi is another popular festival in India. It’s celebrated with colors and balloons. Holi started in the memory of Lord Vishnu’s devotee Prahlad, who was saved by Lord Vishnu from the clutches of the demoness Holika. The evil demoness Holika was burnt alive in the fire, which is why this festival is celebrated as an ultimate triumph of the ‘good’ over the ‘evil’.

Republic Day is a moment of celebration for every individual. January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day with great pride and honor by all individuals in India. It’s a national festival, and the most important day in Indian history. On 26th January, India became a republican unit, realizing the dreams of great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives fighting for the freedom of the country.

New Year festivals are also celebrated on grand scale in most cities in India. Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Losoong, Naba Varsha and Mela Losar are amongst the New Year festivals celebrated in India.

Every festival in India has a history behind it. India has always been known as a country which encourages diverse cultures and traditions. Hindus celebrate Diwali, Muslims celebrate Ramzan Id, Parsis celebrate New Year, Christian’s celebrate Christmas and so on. Although the causes and reasons for celebration vary, individuals celebrate most festivals without considering the caste, creed, race etc. They believe in enjoying in the moment, forgetting all their prior disputes. Gifts and sweets are exchanged in festivals like Diwali, Christmas and many more.

Most festivals are not only popular amongst Indians, but they have been able to chant a magic spell amongst foreigners as well. Large numbers of foreigners across the world visit India to experience and enjoy the festival moment. The electrifying atmosphere and incredible level of joy and zeal during a festival period is beyond a feeling of expression for most Indians.

All Indian festivals nurtures immense joy, and unite all Indians, inviting a feeling of brotherhood and happiness amongst all Indians. They have been a framework of the country since ages, and will continue to be so for many more centuries to come.

Indian Sari from Exotic India

In India, we view a woman in sari with the highest respect. A well dressed lady in sari commands great hospitality and admiration. It sets up the right impression amongst elders, relatives and colleagues. Despite the climatic conditions and overcrowded city life, females of diverse culture and religions take pride in wearing this traditional outfit. It’s an unstitched cloth wrapped around the body, which runs through the waist with pleats and folds in the front, almost covering most part of the body. It’s usually worn over two stitched clothes, blouse and petticoat.

Generally around 5 to 9 meters long, it can be worn in different styles and for different occasions in India. Although anyone can try their hands on sari, it requires special skill and constant practice to wear it neatly. Although I have grown up in a family where sari is a regular object of view, I still maintain that sari is a cumbersome outfit to wear. Being an avid traveler, I haven’t seen a single place in India as yet, where sari hasn’t proved its dominance amongst females. It’s worn by women of all ages across the Indian Subcontinent. It’s difficult to absorb housewives without a sari in most families across India. Personally, I believe that Indian women look very graceful in sari.

Indian Sari from Indian Shadi

Banarasi sari is extremely popular over here in India. They are considered the finest saris in India. Engraved with great design and prepared from fine woven silk material, Banarasi saris are usually worn on wedding and other important occasions. I think Banarasi saris have their own charm, and they make a moment out of every auspicious occasion.

Varanasi silk sari, Kanjivaram silk sari, Bandhej sari, Rajasthani sari, Mysore silk sari and Bangalore silk sari are few other well known saris in India. The embroidery work done on these saris make them look very classy and astonishing. Over the years, there have been significant changes in female outfits over here in India. However, saris still holds its beauty and charm, and will continue to do so for many more centuries to come.

Translation:

Aloo- Potatoes
Ghobhi – Cauliflower

Recipe:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut each potato into at least 8 cubes.
2. Cut the cauliflower into small to medium size pieces.
3. Only utensil needed is a karahi. Karahi is the Indian version of Chinese wok. Only difference is that that it is much more thicker than Chinese wok and usually it is made of silver.
4. Warm some mustard oil in the karahi and add some zeera (cumin seeds) and ginger.
5. Add potatoes and cauliflower, sprinkle with salt, turmeric and chili power according to taste and mix it a little bit.
6. Cover the karahi and set the heat to slow medium.
7. Check and mix every few minutes. Once all the vegetables are well cooked, remove the heat and keep it covered for few minutes.
8. Serve hot with chapati and plain yogurt. Enjoy!!

Our flag has three main colours:

Saffron or bhagwa colour is the top colour. It represents spirituality as saffron is the colour worn mainly by religious people in India. In the middle, it is white. White represents purity and truth. Green, the bottom colour, represents courage.

In the middle of the white colour, there is a navy blue circle with twenty four spokes. It is called Ashok Chakra as it was taken from the Ashoka’s pillar in Sarnath. Ashok Chakra represents the law and/or the religion. I will talk about the King Ashoka in detail some other day.

Very few people know that the Saffron and Green colour originally represented Hindus and Muslims respectively. Also, there was a Charkha, instead of Ashok Chakra, before 1947. Charkha is an equipment which is used to make a type of cloth, khadi. Today, khadi is the only material used to make the Indian flags.

Dignity of the Indian flag is guarded with a strict protocol. Before 2002, only the government institutions were allowed to fly the flag. Now, general public can also feel the honour in flying the Indian flag, provided the flag’s dignity is always maintained i.e. it must not touch the ground or water, etc.

Few Indian celebrities have gone under the microscope of media for not respecting the flag properly. In most of the cases, media was blamed for blowing it out of the proportion.