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A six step demonstration of how to easily drape a Saree.

This article is for handloom users keen to understand more about the process and those interested in exploring handlooms for the first time. We would like to acquaint you with the different stages in the process, where individual fibres come together to become beautiful fabrics and how you can distinguish pure handloom from imitations. Knowing handlooms also allows you to understand the challenges industry is facing in current times.

Ethnic traditional bedspreads from India are full of vibrant colors! This makes it easy to add a touch of culture to your room decor. Traditional Indian quilting dates back as early as the 17th century, when the technique was used to make clothing such as hunting coats. Usually made from chintz fabric, which was dyed and painted cotton, each was made with running stitches.

If you’ve ever attended a wedding or special occasion, then the chances are that you saw dozens of women wearing jhumka. They’re a style of earrings popular on the Indian subcontinent and hold a cultural significance, dating back to the Mughal Empire. Jewelry is the ultimate form of self-expression and an opportunity to reconnect with your heritage through a form of living art. You can find jhumka earrings in almost every shape and style, each incorporating the signature bell shape into the design. No woman’s jewelry box is complete without a pair of jhumka earrings. These timeless earrings double as an ornament, giving you a statement piece that is sure to be the center of attention wherever you go.

Pattachitra is an ancient Indian art form from Odisha, known for its bold lines, natural colors, and historical themes. These scroll or cloth paintings often depict Hindu deities like Jagannatha, Ganesha, and Radha-Krishna, and are used in rituals, festivals, and storytelling. Over time, Pattachitra has expanded into apparel, palm leaf etchings, and contemporary home decor. It remains a living folk tradition, celebrated for its beauty, spiritual symbolism, and regional heritage.

Pashmina cashmere is spun using the downy undercoat of the Himalayan Mountain goat. These goats famously live at a high altitude of above 15,000 ft. The colder climate of the Himalayan Mountain range means that the quality of the wool is considerably higher. The Chyangra goat is the source of the cashmere for pashmina shawls. For generations, Indian and Nepalese women have been passing down pashmina shawls as part of their daughter’s dowry. This personal connection and idea of a pashmina shawl as a sign of affection dates back to their origin. The artisan behind making pashmina garments and items is believed to date back to 3000 B.C. It’s believed Caesar was a fan of pashmina fabrics.

No one does body art like in India, where the craft has existed for thousands of years. Mehendi or Mehndi, as it’s also known, is the ancient form of temporary body art or skin decoration. In fact, the tradition goes so far back that archeologists have found mummies with forms of Mehendi on their hands. You could say that it’s the early ancestor of today’s common tattoo but one that isn’t permanent. In Western cultures, the temporary skin art is widely known as the henna tattoo. Unlike permanent tattoo ink, Mehendi is applied on the skin using a paste that’s derived from the crushed dried leaves of the henna plant. Hence its western name. A paintbrush, gold rod, plastic cone, toothpick or stick are the usual tools used to apply the paste onto the skin. While the color of the paste is usually a dark brown, it can also vary in shade with Mehendi sometimes applied in red color tones.

Indian stone jewelry is beautifully decorated and available in various stone and precious metal types. Sterling silver, amethyst, and citrine stone jewelry are a few of many gems seen adorning the runways of Indian Fashion Week 2021. From chandelier earrings to choker style necklaces, adding bold indian accessories isn’t a challenge. Keep reading to learn how you can achieve high fashion looks by creating casual and evening outfits with indian stone jewelry! A collar-style necklace is the perfect way to accentuate your neckline. This look also allows you to skip earrings and bracelet accessories, since the intricate detailing of your necklace will become the focal point. You can add a full skirt with a ruffle hem and an all-over embroidered design. This indian stone accessory works best with lighter, neutral colors against darker colors, like white and blue. You can wear your hair in a sweet half up, half down hairstyle and light makeup. For a royal touch, add a matching, sheer dupatta scarf!

A dupatta is a traditional headscarf (usually worn over the shoulders), within Asian cultures including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Dupatta is a combination of two Sanskrit words which means two or double (du) and (patta), which means piece of clothing. The earliest remembrance can be dated back to the Indus Valley civilization when they were worn by both men and women. Males mostly wore their scarves to symbolize royalty and were mainly used to cover the upper body area. An all-over white outfit with linen-style pants and a long tunic is the ideal relaxed look and can be paired with a blue dupatta that has geometric prints and patterns. If the overall look is more casual, the dupatta can be worn by wrapping the fabric around the neck once, allowing it to drape open, and adding a waist belt. A dress that has a sweetheart or square neckline and a ruffle hem pairs well with flat slippers and chandelier earrings.

As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold. However, in India, well, it often is. A magnificent part of Indian culture is traditional Indian jewelry. Imagine intricately formed, ornate gold adorned with the most stunningly brilliant gemstones, pearls, and diamonds. There are actually three major classifications of traditional Indian jewelry. There’s bridal jewelry, spiritual jewelry, and, last but not least, temple jewelry. The origins of temple jewelry can be traced back to South India in particular. From the ninth century until the sixteenth century, the region of South India was ruled by the Chola, Pandya, and Krishnadeva Raya dynasties, who were all fine jewelry connoisseurs. Ruling for such a long period of time, temple jewelry became an intrinsic part of both religious and cultural tradition.

Banarasi Saris originate from the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, which is, naturally, within the region of Uttar Pradesh, India. It was during the Mughal period in the 14th century when the art of intricate weaving began to flourish in the city. During those times, the exquisite silk of the Banarasi Sari was exclusively crafted for royalty and was woven using genuine gold and silver threads. It could often take as long as one year in order to handcraft these silks. Suffice it to say, when it came to garments, the Banarasi Sari represented the pinnacle of quality craftsmanship, luxury, and extravagance.

Buddhism is full of unique religious expressions, in which faith combines with culture to shape all those beliefs that make up this ancient religion. Within Buddhism there are many deities with special characteristics that are worthy of veneration by believers; whether they are from Hinduism or other beliefs, these deities are important and the rituals to worship them are always present. That is why deities such as Tara, a goddess with many forms in which the green Tara stands out, is important to Buddhists, as this divine mother has qualities such as helping you achieve success and get ahead.

A quintessential item of Indian fashion is undoubtedly the Sari. In fact, when considering Indian style, the first thing that many often think of is the sari. The word “sari” itself comes from the Sanskrit word “sati”, which means strip of cloth. From the very meaning of the word, the Indian sari, which can also be spelled as “saree”, is one long piece of cloth, which is unstitched and usually measures between four and a half to nine yards long and twenty-four to forty-seven inches wide. Now, a sari is not just any simple piece of cloth. Saris come in a wide range of eye-catching colors, and striking designs that often feature various prints, embroideries and embellishments, and are made of different fabrics. There are said to be approximately thirty different regional varieties of Saris in India. The nation’s well-known tradition and expertise in dyeing, printing and silk weaving fabrics all come alive in the countless saris worn by women in India and beyond the country’s shores.

Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over evil. Celebrated across India in 2026 from October 11 to October 20, each day is dedicated to one of Durga’s nine forms. Devotees observe fasting, chant mantras, and perform Pooja Vidhi rituals to seek blessings for strength, prosperity, and wisdom. Regional celebrations include Garba in Gujarat, Durga Puja in West Bengal, and Ram Leela in North India, all symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Celebrate Navratri 2026 with daily mantras, Pooja Vidhi, and rituals. Learn about the 9 forms of Goddess Durga, fasting rules, colours, and regional traditions.

When thinking of jewelry, one always immediately considers what earrings, necklace, bracelet and rings to wear. However, beyond the most common categories of jewelry, body jewelry includes styles that one should not overlook. The anklet, in particular, is one style that is subtle yet sexy and actually steeped in history. Beyond a common accessory or piece of jewelry, in Indian culture, anklets actually have a lot of meaning. Also known as a payal in hindi, the piece of jewelry that fits around the ankle is worn by married Indian women, usually on the left ankle. In fact, it is traditionally gifted to a newly married Indian woman upon first arriving at her new husband’s home. However, anklets aren’t actually only reserved for married women. Unmarried women also wear anklets. For single women, the piece of jewelry is a symbol of both their bravery and pride. Wearing one on the right ankle could also signify that the woman is in search of a partner.

Amongst the Indian textile tradition, the simple cotton Kalamkari fabric had a greater impact and revolutionised the garment trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. The vibrant jewel-bright colours, printed and painted, caught the fancy of women in England and France and became the fashion for daily wear. Kalamkari fabrics, dubbed as chintz, by the English traders, formed a major part of the trade of the East India Company. Kalamkari is an ancient Indian art that originated about 3000 years ago. It derives its name from Kalam meaning Pen, and Kari meaning work, literally Pen-work. The Kalamkari artist uses a bamboo or date palm stick pointed at one end with a bundle of fine hair attached to this pointed end to serve as the brush or pen. These paintings were earlier drawn on cotton fabric only, but now we can see these paintings on silk and other materials as well. Centuries ago, folk singers and painters used to wander from one village to other, narrating stories of Hindu mythology to the village people. But with course of time, the process of telling tales transformed into canvas painting and that’s when Kalamkari art first saw the light of day. The Kalamkari art includes both, printing and painting.

The article emphasizes the social and ceremonial roles Bandhani plays, especially in traditional clothing for weddings and festivals. Additionally, it touches on the contemporary revival of Bandhani, with modern designers incorporating this age-old art into new fashion trends. Overall, it celebrates Bandhani as a rich heritage craft that continues to thrive. This craft is one of the oldest in the world for making coloured designs on a fabric. The technique involves dyeing a fabric which is tied tightly with a thread at several points in various colors, thus producing a variety of patterns like Bandhni, Lehriya, Mothda, Ekdali and Shikari depending on the manner in which the cloth is tied. There is a magical quality about Bandhini: vibrant colours, arresting combinations, dramatic swirls and twirl – “Bandhini” derives its name from the Hindi word Bandhan which means ties, relation and therefore tying up. It is an antique art generally practiced mainly in Western India. Bandhani is being sold all over India and the demand has increased over the past few decades. Sales go up during the festive and wedding seasons in India. Majority of the market is domestic. If talking in terms of International demand, Safas and turbans of various kinds are more popular.

Batik painting is a highly beautiful and an ancient art form. Batik paintings represent a highly unique form of art involving various figures and patterns drawn on the pieces of fabrics. These paintings are believed to have originated in Indonesia wherein the original word referred to the dots on clothes. Batik represents the wax-resist dye technique, used in textiles. This art is believed to be more than one thousand years old. Batik art work is widely practised in regions like Java (Indonesia) and India. India is known for its rich tradition in Batik paintings and truly exquisite works of Batik art continue to be procured from different regions of India. From the Javanese origin the word batik is taken.

Have you ever looked at a piece of Indian fabric like a saree, a lehenga, or a Sherwani and marveled at the flowing cuts, ornate designs, hand-crafted patterns, texture of the fabric, and unique motifs? Exotic India has a vast collection of pure and authentic items inspired by Indian culture. Our array of formal wear is unmatchable with the added advantage that each piece portrays a traditional touch to it. We are indeed proud and happy about the heritage that we carry and want to bring it to people who share the same passion for their culture and traditions. Visit our website and browse through an amazing catalogue of Indian products and we assure you that you won’t be disappointed!

It's not a disputed fact that women have the luxury of lots of options to choose from when it comes to wearing an outfit. From our traditional sarees and Lehengas to suits, there is a wide range of female attire in India. There are many different kinds of clothing traditionally worn by Indian women, which are mostly associated with the local culture, religion, and climate which makes the list really vast! Indian fashion is known for its unique and ethnic types of garb. The most common and most popular outfit that we have is undoubtedly the Salwar Kameez. Just like the famous saree, it is traditional attire that can go from simple and comfortable to intricate and decorative. Even among Salwar Kameez, you will have a wide variety to choose from, from Anarkali to Jacket style Salwar kameez. Confusing again, right? So let's look at five Salwar Kameez that must definitely be in your wardrobe.

Comprising saris, shawls and handkerchiefs, this textile is probably the only woven narrative in India. Every piece holds an interesting story in its folds — the lavish lifestyles of Nawabs and European sahibs and bibis. Though much is not known about its origins and also why the tradition stopped, over the years an effort has been made to revisit and revive Baluchari. The Baluchari saree was one of the National Award winners among the main weaving styles in the year 2009 and 2010 presented by the then President of India. hrough time, the visual language of textiles has offered up vital clues to the prevailing social contexts, to ideas of what was desirable and fashionable, to the economy and the body politic that was significant at their time of production and use. Examples abound from the late-16th-century woven Vrindavan Vastra with its images inspired from the Hindu text of the Bhagavata Purana, and on to today’s graphic t-shirts this widespread means of communication continues to endure. The late-19th-century pictorial Baluchari weave can be viewed through this prism of history and context with its enduring continuum echoing its past.

India has a rich history to boast about with regard to arts and paintings. Paintings have always been an integral part of our culture for centuries. It is only through stories woven in artwork that we know so much about our heritage today. From the prehistoric cave paintings to the modern Indian paintings these have changed and evolved to a large extent. Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh, discovered and explored only in 1957, is one of the richest sources of primitive art in the world, with paintings that come right into the historic period. In the Ajanta caves, we can find locales, figures, and episodes of the Jataka stories. The Ajanta artists showed themselves capable of depicting the most moving scenes in the life of Buddha with a classic restraint that has won them a place among the most expressive paintings in the world. The mural traditions and miniature paintings also evolved in the sixth to the eleventh century which is also symbols of great artistic creations.

Does a dull, slightly blackened piece of a metal artefact lie in a corner of your room? Well, I have seen a lot of houses with such a scenario. When asked they say “it lost its shine and is no longer of aesthetic beauty.” The fact is that it still has its shine. It's only a matter of polishing it nicely before it will turn into its bright gold-yellowish colour and spread its beauty and charm in the room. Yes, we are talking about brass here, a highly underrated metal in present times. But did you know that brass had a glorious past in India, in fact worldwide, a past wherein it was put into use for making everything from household utensils to guns and canons? Let us briefly look at how important a role brass played in the development of Indian culture and society. Brass was a commonly used alloy in India as early as the first century B.C. Brass articles of the first century B.C. or A.D. have been found on the excavation of ancient stupas. General Excavation of stupas at Manikyalaya revealed a copper box enclosing a brass cylindrical box cast and beautifully turned on the lathe. The great tope at Manikyalaya has been identified to be a mausoleum of the Indo-Scythian King Kanishka (first century B.C. or A.D.). Another inscribed brass urn of the same date as the former has been discovered in a tope about 30 miles west of Kabul in the district of Wardak. This was similar to the ordinary water vessels used in India.

The glory, and the colors of nature captured skillfully on cloth characterize the famous Jamawars of Kashmir. "Jama" means robe and "war" is yard. King and nobles bought the woven fabric by the yard, wearing it as a gown or using it as a wrap or shawl. The base of the Jamawar was always wool-with perhaps addition of a little cotton. The brocaded parts were woven in silk or pashmina. Most of the designs were floral, with the kairy or paisley as the predominant motif. The art of weaving a Jamawar was painstaking and intricate one. Several kannis or little wooden shuttles of different colors were used for a single weft line of the fabric. Upto 50 colors could be worked into one shawl-the most popular colors being zard (yellow), sufed (white), mushki (black), ferozi (turquoise), ingari (green), uda (purple), gulnar (crimson) and kirmiz (scarlet). Months of hard work went into the preparation for each Jamawar, with not more than an inch being added per day in a 48-inch width of material.

Hanuman, the ancient monkey-divinity of India: for many, he represents the force of life in man's struggle to exist. He is most known for his devotion to the god-king Rama, and for his exploits as leader of the monkey army that helped save Rama's princess from the demon-king of Lanka. Yet in northern parts of the country, Hanuman is a god of great importance in his own right. There he is worshiped as the epitome of strength and vitality; popular legends associate him not so much with the self-restrained Rama as with Siva, possessor of creative and destructive energy. Hanuman is well known throughout India-rural and urban, north and south. He appears in much Sanskrit and vernacular dramatic literature, and in epic poems; he is the central hero of many folk stories, and a popular subject of village plays and dances. His likeness in stone and wood adorns many shrines.

Odisha is considered one of the major handloom-concentrated states in India and its handloom products are recognized all over the country and abroad for their highly artistic and intricate designs, color combinations, and durability even today. The handloom originated from a small village called Bomkai in Patrapur Tahsil of Ganjam district and originally it was woven with coarser cotton yarn. The characteristic of this traditional Bomkai lies in the stepping and shaft formula and the regular motif remains the same in any composition. The uniqueness is that there is no fixed layout for the Anchal panels developed by extra weft in various colors.

Saivagama Tantras, the ritualistic sacred texts of Sadhana or devout single-pointed worship, devised an artistic form to which all human devotion can be directed — Nataraja, the supreme dancer. The form of Nataraja has been hailed as the highest concept of art. Ancient Saivites were known to practise a dance-drama at the famous Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram. In the holy month of Margazhi (December-January) in Tamil Nadu, on the day with the asterism Tiruvadirai, the Arudra festival is especially important to Lord Nataraja in all temples, particularly Chidambaram. Among the five elements, the subtlest space whose essence is sound, is represented by the Akasa Lingam in the temple dedicated to this concept, Chidambaram. Lord Nataraja personifies the descent from the subtlest as an act of creation and also the ascent from the grossest as an act of dissolution.

A reformation in Buddhism at the beginning of our era led to the formation of a new branch known as Mahayana Buddhism. It distinguished itself from the ego-oriented Theravada Buddhism (the original Buddhism), with its arhats (someone who attains salvation) and Pratyeka Buddha (someone who became an arhat without anyone’s help or guidance). The fellow-human oriented Mahayana Buddhism introduced the divine helpers or bodhisattvas who appear on the path to liberation. A bodhisattva is a being (sattva) who has reached enlightenment (bodhi), or nirvana, but who delays entry into parinirvana out of compassion for muddle-headed humanity. Bodhisattvas help people and guide the deceased to heaven. The concept of Bodhisattva was founded upon a significant event in Gautama Buddha’s life. When Siddharta left his home, he had wanted to take his son Rahula with him. But he couldn't do it as the mother’s hand lay protectively over the child. After many years of the inward storm, he won his reconciliation with life when he rediscovered the depth of humanity in that protecting gesture of the mother’s hand even in sleep. And so he said, “As a mother protects her only son, so let everyone cultivate a boundless compassion towards all that has life.” It is this great and enduring compassion that shifts the emphasis from the Hinayana (Theravada Buddhism) ideal of Arhat who seeks enlightenment for himself to that of the Bodhisattva who does not cease striving till the whole world is guided by him towards enlightenment. As long as there is suffering, the bodhisattvas will remain. Here let us look at some of the important bodhisattvas and their depiction in various cultures.

Explore the celestial charm of Apsaras in Indian folk tales and temple art from Vedic lore to timeless sculptures. The apsaras are the celestial nymphs living in svargaloka (heaven). They perhaps got their name since they are supposed to move among waters, among the clouds. Their main work is to please Indra the lord of the gods, by dancing and singing. Indra often deputes them to seduce the sages engaged in severe austerities, since they may become more powerful than himself if they succeed. It also touches on the craftsmanship involved in creating brass Apsara sculptures, showcasing the skill and artistry required. Overall, the article celebrates the fusion of folk tales and artistry, illustrating how Apsaras continue to inspire and captivate through their representation in brass.

What makes the sari stand out from other clothes and fashion garments is the color options it comes in, combined with the long history of India, and with the addition of modern trends. As such, the sari today is the true representation of the beauty and the significance of how one traditional garment can survive the test of time. The abundance of prints and colors were all perfectly combined to deliver pieces that will make every woman beautiful in its own way, and additionally, convey a message that could hold a religious and cultural meaning. As such, the sari has become the ultimate and must-have Indian fashion garment that is still very popular today.

Bronze sculptures in India have a story that stretches back over 4,000 years. From the Harappan Dancing Girl to the majestic Chola bronzes, these artworks reflect not just craftsmanship but also the spiritual, cultural, and ritual life of the subcontinent. This journey shows how a single metal became a sacred medium of devotion, artistry, and identity. Explore the history of Indian bronze sculptures, Harappan, Gupta, Chola & beyond. Learn their ritual use, artistry, and cultural importance.

The world is full of very varied expressions that fill the planet on which we live with color and diversity. These cultural expressions are very varied, therefore there are many varied peoples with very different characteristics such as languages, religions or traditions, but thanks to globalization and technology we also live in a more interconnected world, so we can learn more about other beliefs despite being very distant and Buddhism is a religion that has won the admiration of many people in the West, a place in the world where it has more and more followers. Why is Buddhism so popular with Westerners?

A big fat Greek wedding has got nothing on Indian weddings. It is well-known all over the world that Indian weddings are steeped in ritual and tradition, while also frequently being extravagant (you could even say over the top) and festive. Indian weddings are especially unique, not only compared to other religious weddings or civil ceremonies, but also compared to each other. No two weddings in India are exactly alike. This is because different Indian families of different regions and different ethnicities celebrate and honor the occasion, well, differently. Whether your family is from Punjab, Rajasthan, North India, South India or wherever else in the country, you likely have your own specific rituals and your own interpretations of them, aside from the personal ways a bride and groom would like to celebrate and make the day uniquely their own. Although this is the case, there are still common elements that you’ll find in most, if not all, Indian weddings.

Prayer shawls are traditional Indian garments worn during prayer, meditation, and rituals, symbolizing devotion, protection, and spiritual focus. Originating from Hindu, Buddhist, and ISKCON practices, they feature handwoven cotton, silk, or wool fabrics adorned with sacred motifs and mantras. Today, prayer shawls also serve as stylish accessories in modern ethnic fashion, blending tradition with contemporary trends. They are versatile, suitable for temple visits, meditation, festive occasions, or as meaningful gifts. Explore prayer shawls: their history, types, spiritual meaning, and modern styling tips. Discover traditional Indian craftsmanship with Exotic India.

While Indian women famously wear beautiful saris, for Indian men, the equivalent of the traditional garment is the Dhoti. The Dhoti is a common form of menswear in India. Originating from the Sanskrit word “dhauti”, which means to “cleanse or wash”, the Dhoti refers to a cleansed garment which is part of everyday wear and frequently worn. A form of men’s trousers, the style of the Dhoti actually evolved from the Antriya, which was an ancient garment what was worn by passing a cloth through one’s legs and tucking it in at the back of the waist. The Antriya loosely covered one’s legs and fell into long pleats at the front. Part of Indian men’s national and ethnic costume, the Dhoti is also referred to as dhuti, chaadra, mardani, dhotar, and panchey. The traditional Dhoti is made of a single rectangular piece of unstitched cloth. It usually measures around four and a half to five meters or fifteen feet long.

They say you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes he or she wears. One could say that this is also certainly the case when it comes India’s traditional footwear – you can tell a lot about the country by the style of footwear that’s been passed on from generation to generation. We’re talking about India’s well-known Jutti shoes, of course. The Jutti shoes are one of, if not the most common shoe style in India. However, they are actually also popular way beyond Indian shores. While the traditional style has seen various contemporary interpretations throughout the centuries, many may not actually be familiar with its history and significance.

As a period of celebrations and festivals comes close, we all start planning to purchase the best home décor to prepare our houses for the joyous days ahead. The task of getting the perfect home décor does not have to be a task as such. Visit Exotic India Art, where a dedicated collection of traditional and modern Indian home décor, curated under a useful section is created, especially for times like this, when you should be working less, and enjoying more! Inspired by the grandeur of forts, palaces, and temples, besides rich handicrafts from different regions of the country, the traditional Indian decor never goes out of style. You can incorporate these ideas to effortlessly lend an ethnic flavour to your house.

Ayurveda is an ancient healthy lifestyle system with roots in Indian culture. It is said that Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of Ayurveda, was the physician to the Hindu gods in ancient mythology. Brahma bestowed Dhanvantari with the knowledge of Ayurveda, and Dhanvantari then passed on this knowledge and taught a group of physicians. It is believed then that Ayurveda originates from Dhanvantari himself and that his medical wisdom was passed on to the sages and then to the human physicians.

Chola bronzes are sacred metal sculptures created between the 9th–13th centuries in Tamil Nadu, India. Crafted with the ancient lost-wax casting method and the five-metal alloy Panchaloha, these bronzes depict Hindu gods, goddesses, and saints with extraordinary detail and spiritual presence. Unique for their fluid movement, balanced proportions, and symbolic depth, they were carried in temple processions as living embodiments of deities. Today, Chola bronzes remain celebrated worldwide as masterpieces of devotion, heritage, and artistic innovation.

Thanjavur can be considered the heart of the Tamil country, with a civilization that reached great prominence during the Chola dynasty. It played a vital role in attracting talent and in keeping alive, creative traditions through many centuries. Tanjore or Thanjavur is one of the two major artistic regions and political powers in the southern Indian subcontinent that later spread in western culture during the British Raj. In the 16th century, it had become a great centre of dance, music, architecture, and the arts—sculpture, woodcraft, metal casting, mural painting. Thanjavur is famous for its highly advanced handicraft industries. Describing the city, British officer Hemmingway, writing in 1906, states- “Tanjore was known as the home of the fine arts under the native rulers who by their patronage attracted to their capital, the producers of most articles of luxury". This reputation still survives, though to a much modified degree.

Tanjore Painting: Art of the Gods - When we think of Indian art, many of us immediately imagine resplendent depictions of the Hindu gods. We think of bright colors, beatific poses, and gold leaf. Whether we know it or not, what we are thinking of are Tanjore (Thanjavur) paintings. Also known as “religious paintings with a royal heritage,” this form of south Indian visual art began in the town of Tanjore in the 16th century. These oil paintings have been made by indigenous artists for generations, and it is kept alive by practitioners who faithfully replicate the old ways and the beloved style.

Buddhist Jewelry Jewelry is more than just a fashion accessory. Whether it’s understated, classic styles for every day use or bold, statement jewelry for special occasions, it could be argued that everyone chooses jewelry not only based on their style preferences but also based on their special meaning and personal significance to them. Having said this, many jewelry styles have particular religious and spiritual significance. One such style is Buddhist jewelry.

The article on preparing your home for Diwali offers practical tips and suggestions to create a festive atmosphere. It emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and organization, encouraging thorough cleaning to invite positive energy. The article also discusses decorating with traditional items like diyas (lamps), rangoli (colorful designs), and flowers to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it highlights the significance of creating a welcoming space for family and guests, and offers advice on organizing puja areas for rituals. Overall, the article aims to help readers set the perfect environment for celebrating Diwali and fostering joy and prosperity. Learn how to prepare your home for Diwali with lamps, idols, Rangoli, and puja essentials for a festive and auspicious celebration

Traditional art is an aspect of people's culture, with skills and knowledge passed down through generations. It largely spread through word of mouth or by following in the footsteps of a cultural group. Patta painting is regarded, as an important form of Odia painting, which developed in the 12th century at the Jagannath temple in Puri. Jagannath temple has been a centre of Orissan art and culture. Puri and Raghurajpur are considered a realm of myths and gods, as well as folklore of Pattachitra. This style evolved under the patronage of the Ganga kings and the Bhoi Dynasty's king. The painting's objective was to popularize the Jagannath worship among the millions of pilgrims that visited Puri. The origin of the Patachitra paintings can be traced back to the 8th century AD and, is considered as one of the earliest forms of indigenous paintings. The term Pattachitra is derived from the Sanskrit words patta, which means canvas, and Chitra, which means painting. Thus, Pattachitra creates a scroll painting on canvas that is manifested, by rich colourful application, innovative motif and designs, and depiction of a simple theme, generally mythological in depiction.

Shiva is known the world over as a god of awe-inspiring and terrible power. For many Hindus, he is the god of destruction, rending the universe and bringing existence back to emptiness when the Yuga cycle comes to its completion. In this role, Shiva is an essential element of the godhead, clearing the way for the universe to renew itself. Much like the Death card of the Tarot, his role is a source of horror for those clinging to the way things are, but he is also a necessary harbinger of the new universe. Famously, Shiva accomplishes his destruction through his tandava, also called Tāṇḍava natyam, a dance he performs to bring the universe to darkness. But Shiva’s tandava has many other purposes as well. He dances through the entire cycle of the lifespan of the universe. From its creation to its preservation and, finally, to its end, the tandava accompanies and makes possible all three phases. The tandava is described in many texts, including most notably the Natya Shastra. In this tome on performing arts, elements of the dance are described.

Brahma One of the most significant gods in Hinduism is Brahma. In fact, Brahma is considered the first god and the creator among the three gods that comprise the Hindu triumvirate or trimurti. This Hindu triad also includes the gods Shiva and Vishnu. The god Brahma must not be confused with brahman, which is a spiritual, metaphysical concept and believed to be the supreme force that is present in all things. However, these two are said to be closely intertwined. Hindu scholars suggest that the god Brahma actually originates from the concept of brahman and is the very personification or visible representation of the brahman principle.

Discover the meaning of Samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and its role in Hinduism and Buddhism. Learn how this concept offers insight into living a more peaceful, purposeful life. Samsara is one of the most important beliefs in India. And because of the influence and spread of Indian spiritual beliefs around the world it has become one of the most important beliefs globally. Many have heard this word, but how many of us have grasped its full meaning? And how can we use this idea to live more meaningful, fulfilling lives? To answer this, we must answer the simple question, To understand this important concept, we will look at its definition. But we will also look at how it plays into two of the most beautiful religions on earth: Hinduism and Buddhism. Then, we will try to take what we’ve learned and bring it home with us, so that the idea can take flight in our own lives.

Vishnu is one third of the gods in the holy Hindu triumvirate, along with Brahma and Shiva. Considered the second god, Vishnu is known as the preserver or the pervader. In Sanskrit, Vishnu means all pervasive or “the one who is everything and is inside everything” and therefore, is essentially, the essence of all beings. While Brahma is referred to as the creator and Shiva as the destroyer, the Hindu Trimurti is completed by Vishnu who is considered to be the supreme being that protects and preserves the universe. He has further been described as the master of the past, present and future, and the god who sustains and governs the universe and develops all the beings within it. Vishnu is, therefore, also referred to as Paramatman or supreme soul and Parameshware, which means supreme god.