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India is the land of many festivals and each of them holds a special place in the heart of its citizens. Out of the many cultures that coexist here, Hinduism is one and the most major. Let’s take a look at all the important festivals of the Hindu religion throughout the year.

“If there is paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this”- is a loose translation of the Persian couplet (Gar Firdaus bar roo-e-zameen ast) often quoted to describe the beauty of Kashmir valley. Interestingly, however, there is no solid proof that this was written for Kashmir. People have discovered the same couplet inscribed in Delhi’s Diwan-e-Khaas and scholars believe this was a popular line among Mughal rulers, who preferred it to be written about anything monumental they built- whether the architecture of Delhi or Baaghs (gardens) of the valley

Gemstones, beautiful and radiant pieces are not just adornment for jewelry. Since the ancient period, stones like jade, amethyst, lapis lazuli, and coral have been a part of international trade systems, as luxury items used not only in ornamentation but also in the creation of appealing and refined pieces of art. Crafted into statues and articles of decoration, gemstones are a popular material among elite art lovers, who enjoy the glistening and rich details of precious stones. Ways in which you can add these artworks to your home, and the significance of gemstone decor according to Vaastu principles.

As families gather to celebrate Christmas with lights, music, and gifts, many also turn to Jesus and Mary statues as a way of grounding the season in faith. These sacred icons bring a sense of peace and reverence, transforming holiday decor into a meaningful expression of devotion. Find perfect Christmas decor with Jesus and Mary statues. Shop religious gifts and sacred artworks that honor tradition and bring peace to your home.

Mata Ni Pachedi is more than a traditional painting. It is a sacred cloth shrine created by Gujarat’s Vaghari community when they were denied entry to temples. Painted on cotton with natural dyes, these striking artworks honor mother goddesses such as Durga, Amba, and Visat Mata through vivid colors and mythological storytelling. Today, Mata Ni Pachedi remains one of the most distinctive forms of Gujarati folk art, admired both for its spiritual significance and decorative beauty. Born from exclusion, Mata Ni Pachedi is Gujarat's most powerful folk art, a devotional cloth painting tradition over 3,000 years old. Explore its goddesses, symbols, and legacy.

Colorful and textured embroidery decorating Pashmina and wool shawls, Aari is a technique popularized by Kashmiri artisans. The work involves a curved awl or hook known as “aari”, which is used to pierce the fabric and adorn it with rich patterns. A part of everyday and special occasions, Aari shawls are a traditional Indian winter wear loved all over the globe. Let us take a look at the history, technique, and styles of Aari shawls with this blog. We will end with a list of ways in which you can include Aari shawls in your winter style.

Winter fashion is all about cozy fits and warm fabrics. Men’s winter fashion is no different. Defined by solid colors, classic prints, and layers of sweaters and jackets, it seems like not much has changed in men’s winter wardrobe in the past decades. The list of winter essentials is fairly similar in everyone’s closet. However, there are a few pieces that can make a simple ensemble become luxuriously stylish. One such winter statement is the traditional jacket.

Winters and shawls are synonyms, especially in India, where the warmth and comfort of woolen, silk, and cotton shawls are appreciated more than ever to fight the chilly weather. Even though today, shawls are generally worn by women, historically and fashionably speaking, shawls have been a staple part of men’s wardrobe. Appreciated and donned by kings, elites, and Nawabs, shawls are a symbol of royalty and ease when it comes to men’s ethnic fashion. For a change, we will take a look at the history of shawls for men, and the best ways to include shawls in your winter fashion this season. Let us start!

Gita Jayanti, celebrated in the months of November-December every year is observed on the day when Krishna in his Vishwaroopa gave Arjuna and the world, the cosmic wisdom as Gita or Bhagavad Gita- “Gita as said (vad) by the Lord (bhagwan)”. A festival of Hindu culture that goes beyond India and inspires millions across the globe, Gita Jayanti’s unique history and celebration are discussed in this special blog. The story of Gita Jayanti can be traced to the battle of Kurukshetra when Krishna revealed the truth of the Universe to Arjuna. Included in the epic Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita is a long Sanskrit poem that presents the profound interaction between the soul and the supreme- Atma and Paramatma. The Shukla Ekadashi (day 11 of the Waxing moon) in Margashirsha, falling in Nov-Dec is the day when Gita was imparted on Arjuna, and this day is celebrated in modern times as Gita Jayanti.

Ras Lila is a religious feast and dance drama that portrays the romantic voyage of the incarnation of God Krishna and the cowherd women of Vrindavan. Having emerged from ancient Indian epics as well as the Vaishnavite tradition, this melodious theme spurred an enormous con Genel body of arts throughout centuries. Dance is not the only art that depicts Ras Lila – there are paintings, sculptures, and even performances that try to show what the divine love between Radha and Krishna looks like, and people can find the answer here.

Shirdi Sai Baba was a revered saint and spiritual master in India with many Hindu and Muslim practitioners, even presently following his teachings. Although the year of his birth is not known accurately, some followers consider it either 1835 or 1838. He lived his entire life as a renunciant and formed beautiful relationships with his followers. Much of his life incidents and pastimes have been shared by his close followers. His name Sai Baba is a combination of Persian and Hindi words which denote him as a “Saintly person who is like a fatherly figure for everyone”. In this article, we shall closely observe Sai Baba’s glorious life journey and the message he preached.

If we go back and trace the history of the Sindh culture, we will come across the era of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest civilizations. Since the Sindh region is located along the Indus River (also known as the Sindhu River) and the Arabian Sea, the Sindhi people became skilled traders. Before partition, the Sindh province embraced major parts of the Punjab (Pakistan), Kutch, Kathiawar, and western parts of India. During the Indus Valley Civilization, a similar civilization called “Harappan” grew along the Indus and Sarasvati rivers. However, around the year 1700 BC, a decline took place in both civilizations. The reason is believed to be the disappearance of the Sarasvati River and many disturbances occurring in the Indus River (floods). People faced many losses in their trading businesses. Subsequently, the civilizations met a dead end.

The ancient practice of Yoga is more relevant than ever in today’s fast-paced world, where one needs a routine that blends physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Practicing Yoga at home, in a training center, with friends and family, or as a personal routine is a great way to start your day, and feel relaxed and in touch with your higher self. Building a Yoga routine is the first step towards having the best time as you get into the practice of Yogasana, pranayama, and meditation. We are here with a list of Yoga-essentials for you, starting with the fashionable Yoga pants, to help you start a new, self-care habit.

Looking back at my childhood days, I remember autumn festivity as the time when we got new clothes! The feeling of that rich, colorful, and stylish dress finally arriving and dressing up to participate in the Puja and celebrations will always be a special memory. In a way, times have not changed too much. Even today, we all wait for the festival time to arrive to do a little splurge, buy our favorite fashionable clothes, and flaunt them. Though there a number of fusion and Western attire available in the market, ethnic festive wear remains at the heart of festive fashion.

Pichhwai paintings are devotional artworks from Nathdwara, Rajasthan, depicting the divine life of Lord Krishna, especially in his form as Shrinathji. Traditionally painted on cloth, they feature symbolic elements like lotuses, cows, and peacocks, representing purity and devotion. These artworks are central to the Vaishnavite Pushtimarg tradition and are used in temple rituals, particularly during festivals like Janmashtami and Annakut. Rich in color and story, Pichhwai unites art, worship, and spiritual storytelling. Discover the sacred world of Pichhwai paintings, Krishna’s life told through vibrant cloth art from Nathdwara. Learn their symbolism, stories, and spiritual meaning.

Revered as Brahma in the morning, Shiva during the noon time, and Vishnu as evening comes, Surya is associated with the Prabha (aura) of the divine beings, a deity whose worship continues from the beginning of civilization to the modern period, because his role in nourishing and empowering life in the Universe is unparalleled. In this article, we will bask in the splendor of Surya, going through various interesting facts about the Hindu Sun god, who is a primary member of the Panchayatana (five major sects dedicated to Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, and Surya) worshiped in Hinduism and is a divine being in Buddhism and Jainism.

True appreciation lies in preserving its beauty and meaning for decades. Metals like brass and bronze, woods like sandalwood and teak, and stones such as marble or granite each age differently facing challenges like oxidation, fading, or surface wear. This guide offers expert, culturally accurate methods to clean and maintain handcrafted metal, wood, and stone statues without harming their charm or spiritual significance. From gentle dusting to traditional rituals like Abhishekam, you’ll learn how to protect your collection so it remains as timeless as the traditions that inspired it.

The production of Kashmiri rugs is one of the oldest traditional crafts from Kashmir. This skill has been handed down from one generation to the next to keep this lovely talent thriving. Kashmiri iconography features flowers, vines, paisleys, chinar leaves, tree of life, and a variety of botanical designs from Kashmiri art. Made from natural dyes, the colors in these rugs are relaxed and harmonious, ranging from rich reds and blues to gentler pastels. These colors, when subtly fused, construct layered identity and depth within the rugs, leading to a captivating design that is also graceful.

Whether you're preparing for a sacred ritual or simply looking to elevate your festive decor, these Indian lamps offer the perfect blend of spirituality and style. Explore Exotic India Art’s curated lamp collection and bring home a masterpiece that glows with tradition. For lighting up your festive season, we have curated a list of 10 lamps, crafted by Indian artists and craftsmen from all over the country, representing the best of every region. The list goes from simple stand-alone diya at the altar to magnificent wall pieces with wicks to give a regal look to any space, offering you a variety of options to brighten up your home, as the time of celebrations comes close.

The festival of Onam is celebrated as a Hindu festival in association with the mythological story of lord Vishnu and Asura king Mahabali. According to the regional texts the king of ancient India, Mahabali defeated the gods to rule three worlds. Kerala flourished under the rule of Mahabali which made the gods quite insecure because of the popularity of Mahabali. Gods reached out to Lord Vishnu for help, and Vishnu turned into a short Brahman asking the ruler for three steps. Mahabali accepted the request even when his guru warned him about the god's plan, and soon the Vaman avatar of Vishnu turned almost as big as the three worlds. He covered the earth in one step, heaven in another and as there was no space left for his third step Mahabali offered his head to Vishnu portraying his true devotion. Vishnu granted Mahabali a boon in that he could visit his land once a year. That is why Onam is celebrated yearly to celebrate the homecoming of their generous and hearty king Mahabali.

Ghanta is a Sanskrit term for what we know as a ritual bell used in the religious practices of Hinduism. These ritual bells are made out of five to seven auspicious metals related to the planets namely lead (Saturn), tin (Jupiter), Iron (Mars), Copper (Venus), Mercury (Mercury), Silver (the Moon), and Gold (the Sun). Ghanta is carved with intricate designs and patterns of Hindu idols, a clapper is attached to the Ghanta that creates a high-pitched sound when they are rung. Ghanta plays a major role in Hindu rituals and practices for several years, the ringing of the Ghanta is said to invite positive aura and energies to overcome negative influences. Its sound is thought to purify the environment making it cleanse for the sacred rituals. Some Hindu texts justify that the ritual bell is used to honor the Deities to show respect and gesture to their divine presence.

Not one ounce of doubt about that! Considering the number of stories we hear throughout our lives- the stories we are told by our grandparents and parents as children, the stories shared between friends in school time, the life-lesson-like tales as we grow up, and even the daily discussions we have with our near and dear ones. In essence, these are all stories. However, there are some stories, a handful, which reach a truly timeless character. Traveling across time and space, these stories reach the hearts of the audience and reader so deeply, that their place of origin, author, language, and characters do not matter. What matters is their ability to awe, please, entertain, and guide anyone who picks them up. Lucky for us, India has more than a few stories that gathered an international audience even before the modern period. Three of these- the Panchatantra, the Jataka, and the Hitopadesha are exceptional and stand apart due to the way they have aged.

The Mughal emperors conquered most of India spanning from the early 16th century to the middle of the 19th century having a profound impact on Indian jewelry beyond north India. The typical Mughal jewelry style is majorly seen in regions of Madhya Pradesh, Gujrat, Andra Pradesh, and Odisha. During the iconic rule of Mughal emperors (Akhbar, Shah Jahan, Jahangir) the art of luxurious jewelry-making highly evolved with intricate designs which involved the use of precious stones and metals. Mughal influence introduced a sophisticated approach to Indian jewelry with elaborate patterns and inspiring use of precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. The detailed craftsmanship and legacy of Mughal influence kept on reflecting the rich artistic symbolism of the time.

Oil painting is a process in which pigmented paints are incorporated with drying oils. It is considered to be one of the most respected types of art. World-famous paintings such as The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh and The Kiss by Gustav Klimt were brought to life with oil paints. The most prevalent types of oils used in oil paintings are linseed, walnut, poppy seed, and safflower. Your pick of a certain kind of oil determines the impact on the paint’s properties and the canvas's outcome. The earliest oil paintings were done by a Buddhist artist in Afghanistan, dating back to the 7th century AD. The Europeans used oil paint earlier for statues and wood. From the 12th century, its common use for painting began in Northern Europe, and during the Renaissance period, the use of oil painting was heightened, which led to the removal of egg tempera paints for panel paintings. As far as orthodox icons and wall paintings are considered, egg tempera and fresco were relatively preferred.