Ramayana Food Trail: An Exploration Into What The King Of Ayodhya Survived On During His Exile

<p>The Balmiki sect of Hinduism observes the yearly festival of Pargat Diwas, also known as Valmiki Jayanti, to mark the anniversary of the birth of the legendary Indian philosopher and poet Valmiki, born in 500 BCE. The event is held on the full moon (Purnima) of the month Ashwin, which is usually in late September or early October according to the Indian lunar calendar.</p><h2>Maharishi Valmiki History</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Maharishi%20Valmiki%20History_1728263702691.jpg"></figure><p>In addition to being regarded as the embodiment of divinity by followers of the Balmiki sect, Maharishi Valmiki is renowned in India for penning the epic poem Ramayana. A prominent figure in the Ramayana is the monk Maharishi Valmiki, who takes in the exiled queen Sita and her twin boys, Lava and Kusha, and trains them in the ways of the faith. In ancient Indian poetry, the "epic metre" is said to have originated with Valmiki. The poem's verses are structured in memorable rhyming couplets, which implies that it was written to be recited aloud, a typical practice in India.</p><p>In the Shobha Yatra processions, which take place on Pargat Diwas, members of the Balmiki sect carry statues of Valmiki—usually shown as a monk with saffron-coloured robes and a pen and paper—along with devotional singing from the street.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Maharishi Valmiki in Ramayana and other Hindu epics</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Maharishi%20Valmiki%20in%20Ramayana%20and%20other%20Hindu%20epics_1728263773389.jpg"></figure><p>Legend says that Maharishi Valmiki met him while Lord Rama was in exile. After Lord Rama exiled Sita from Ayodhya, he rescued her and gave her sanctuary. She gave birth to Luv and Kush, twins, at his ashram. Ramayana, consisting of seven cantos and twenty-four verses (shlokas), was taught to them by the great sage when they were children.</p><p>It is also often believed that in his youth, Maharishi Valmiki was known as Ratnakar and worked as a highway dacoit. Before meeting Narad Muni, who turned him into a devoted follower of Lord Rama, he was a thief and murderer. He received the name Maharishi Valmiki after a celestial voice told him his penance had been fruitful after years of meditation. He became famous as Adi Kavi, the first poet to write in Sanskrit, and was worshipped as such. Even now, Hindu followers still recite his writings, particularly the vast epic.</p><ul><li>Part in the Ramayana: Lord Rama's death at the hands of Ravana, commemorated as Dussehra, and Rama's return from exile, commemorated as Diwali, are both mentioned in the Ramayana, penned by Maharishi Valmiki.</li><li>Part in the Mahabharata: Maharishi Valmiki went to see Yudhisthira with other wise men following the Mahabharata war. One of the many benefits of worshipping to Shiva, as Maharishi Valmiki explained to Yudhisthira, is that he may wash away sins.</li><li>First Shloka by Maharishi Valmiki: The first poet, or 'Adi Kavi', was Valmiki. He authored the first shloka and the first poem, the 24,000-verse Ramayana. In his first shloka, Maharishi Valmiki expresses his anguish and fury at a hunter for killing a pair of cranes.</li></ul><h2>How do we celebrate Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti?</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_How%20do%20we%20celebrate%20Maharishi%20Valmiki%20Jayanti_1728263851619.jpg"></figure><p>The Hindu community in India celebrates Valmiki Jayanti with much jubilation.</p><ul><li>Being a part of a Shobha Yatra entails following a local parade while carrying an idol of Valmiki. During the yatra, devotees recite shlokas and other devotional hymns.</li><li>The Ramayana is recited in honour of Valmiki whenever it is spoken.</li><li>Travelling to Temples—Throughout the nation, people visit the temples of Valmiki to pay their respects and offer prayers. Devotees adorn the sage's temples with lights and flowers, provide free food, and say prayers.</li></ul><p>Amritsar, Punjab is home to a revered historic landmark that goes by the name Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal. Legend has it that this is where Valmiki once lived and where he gave Sita sanctuary. Here are Luv and Kush, the kids of Lord Rama and Sita, born into this world.</p>

The festival commemorates the birth or pargat of Maharishi Valmiki, who is revered as the first poet of the Sanskrit language, or the Adi Kavi.


All About Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti 2024 | Zee Zest

Here’s All You Need To Know About Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti

Festivals 

Indian Festivals

Navratri Celebration Guide: Here's How To Celebrate All 9 Days

Navratri Bhog: Here's What To Offer On Each Day Of Navratri

<p>A grand festival that is largely celebrated in the City of Joy, Kolkata, Durga Puja holds great significance throughout the country. Considered as the biggest and the most auspicious festival in the Bengali community, Durga Puja is celebrated with great vigour and enthusiasm. The celebration of Goddess Durga that combines culture, traditions, devotion and artistry, Durga Puja is a vibrant festival that is full of colours and light. To celebrate the arrival of the Goddess, elaborate pandals are created every year. Portraying varied themes and sculptures, Durga Puja and pandal hopping are considered synonymous with one another. Here are some of the best Durga Puja Pandals across India that are absolutely worth visiting this year.</p><p>Check out these Durga Puja pandals in India this year that you surely cannot miss out on</p><h2>Ekdalia Evergreen Club, Kolkata</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ekdalia%20Evergreen%20Club%2C%20Kolkata%20_1728262160170.jpg"></figure><p>Among the most prominent puja pandals in Kolkata, the Ekdalia Evergreen Club creates puja pandals which are stunning replicas of some of the most prominent temples in the country. A Durga pandal which had started in the year 1943, this puja pandal in Kolkata welcomes Goddess Durga through age-old customs and traditions. An amazing work of artistry that is portrayed throughout the puja pandal, the interiors as well as exteriors of the Ekdalia Evergreen Club puja are built with the utmost creativity. A magnificent Durga pandal, the Ekdalia Evergreen Club is a must visit for all those visiting Kolkata this year during the puja.</p><h2>Suruchi Sangha, Kolkata</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD__Suruchi%20Sangha%2C%20Kolkata_1728262251822.jpg"></figure><p>A puja pandal in Kolkata that is renowned for its grand thematic Durga pandals, the Suruchi Sangha puja pandal showcases some of the most innovative pandals every year. With thought-provoking themes and beautiful decorations, this Durga pandal in Kolkata is extremely well known for its unique concepts every year. Featuring a majestic Durga pandal with the most incredible idols, the creativity of Suruchi Sangha never fails to impress those visiting.</p><h2>Chittaranjan Park Mela Ground Durga Puja, Delhi</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD__Chittaranjan%20Park%20Mela%20Ground%20Durga%20Puja%2C%20Delhi_1728262337112.jpg"></figure><p>A place that is often referred to as the mini Bengal of Delhi, the Chittaranjan Park Durga Puja pandal is among the most well known puja pandals in Delhi. Although away from Kolkata, this Durga pandal celebrates the festival in the most authentic Bengali way, while maintaining all the traditions and rituals. One of the oldest and the largest puja pandals in Delhi, this Durga pandal features beautifully crafted idols of the Goddess along with traditional style pandal designs. A puja pandal that celebrates Durga Puja with great enthusiasm along with music and dance performances, catching a glimpse of the Chittaranjan Park Mela Ground Durga Puja is a must while in Delhi.</p><h2>Jayamahal Durga Puja, Bangalore</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Jayamahal%20Durga%20Puja%2C%20Bangalore_1728262409975.jpg"></figure><p>Among the oldest puja pandals in Bangalore, Jayamahal Durga Puja pandal is a renowned one as it is considered as the only themed Durga pandal in the entire city. Showcasing some of the most amazing artistic works through its themes and incredible decorations, this puja pandal in Bangalore also hosts cultural programmes along with maintaining all the necessary puja rituals. A puja pandal that offers a blend of traditions and cultures, this puja pandal in Bangalore is definitely worth the visit.</p><h2>Lokhandwala Durgotsav, Mumbai</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD__Lokhandwala%20Durgotsav%2C%20Mumbai%20_1728262487721.jpg"></figure><p>A popular Durga pandal in Mumbai, the Lokhandwala Durgotsav is also a puja pandal where one can also spot a number of Bollywood celebrities. A traditional Durga pandal in Mumbai, this Durga pandal is among the most prominent puja pandals in Mumbai. A place that celebrates Durga Puja the authentic way, this Durga pandal holds great significance in the city of Mumbai.</p><h2>Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsab, Kolkata</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ahiritola%20Sarbojanin%20Durgotsab%2C%20Kolkata%20_1728262564390.jpg"></figure><p>An iconic puja pandal in Kolkata, this Durga pandal is nearly a hundred years old. Among the most prestigious puja pandals in Kolkata, this Durga puja pandal is renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage. A simplistic puja pandal that reflects upon the various rituals and traditions related to Durga Puja, the Ahiritola Sarbojanin Durgotsab is among the major attractions of North Kolkata. Featuring an idol of Goddess Durga that is very elaborately created every year, the atmosphere surrounding this Durga pandal is also very lively and vibrant. With several exhibitions and cultural programmes happening around this pandal, this place is surely among the major places of interest during Durga Puja in Kolkata.</p><h2>Matri Mandir Durga Puja, Delhi</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD__Matri%20Mandir%20Durga%20Puja%2C%20Delhi_1728262649794.jpg"></figure><p>A traditional Durga puja pandal in Delhi, the Matri Mandir Durga Puja in Safdarjung Enclave, Delhi is among the most famous Durga pandals in the capital. A puja pandal that highlights a unique blend of history, culture and traditions, this place is among the best ones to experience the vibrancy and festivities of Durga Puja. Offering a spiritual experience along with cultural programmes and great food, this place in Delhi is sure to mark a memorable Durga Puja experience for you.</p><blockquote><p>Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead. </p></blockquote>

Welcome the Goddess this year as you visit some of the famous Durga Puja pandals across India.



 Famous Durga Puja Pandals Across India | Zee Zest

Durga Puja 2024: Famous Durga Puja Pandals To Visit This Year Across India

Durga Puja

Pandal

7 Indian Conservation Organisations To Know About On World Conservation Day

India's Majestic Snow Leopards: A Conservation Success Story In Ladakh 

<p>Each year, the 4th of October is quite an important day for animal lovers across the world. Observed as the World Animal Day, the 4th of October is dedicated to raising awareness about our co-habitants on this planet. It helps educate people about animal rights, welfare, and conservation efforts being taken up all over the world to ensure that the ecological balance of the earth is maintained. And not just being important ecologically, if you’ve been around animals, you’d very well know about what a joy they are. Steeped in wildlife conservation and animal welfare, this day not only reminds us of our responsibility towards them but also prompts action from stakeholders.</p><h2>History of World Animal Day</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_World%20Animal%20Day_1728065686409.jpg"></figure><p>The history of World Animal Day is quite fascinating, and in case you didn’t know, 4th October is also the Patronal Feast of St Francis who was the patron saint of animals in Christianity. Not a coincidence but by design, the 4th of October was chosen by German cynologist Heinrich Zimmermann but due to the venue of choice not being available that day, the first-ever World Animal Day that was observed was on March 24th, in 1925 instead. <br>Quite devoted to the job at hand, Zimmermann worked tirelessly to promote World Animal Day. In May 1931, at a congress of the International Animal Protection Congress that was held in Florence, Italy, after much effort, his proposal to make October 4 the World Animal Day was unanimously accepted and adopted as a resolution. <br>Since then, World Animal Day has been observed each year in countries across the world. In 2003, UK-based animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation took over the coordination and organisation of World Animal Day. This also includes the World Animal Day grant that is awarded to an organisation devoted to animal welfare each year.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Animal%20welfare_1728065803443.jpg"></figure><p>Last year, in 2023, the World Animal Day grant was awarded to Jakarta Animal Aid Network, in Indonesia. While the said organisation works with the local government to rescue, rehabilitate and provide veterinary care to stray and wild animals across the country, they sadly do not get paid for it. With the grant that was received on World Animal Day, JAAN purchased a mobile veterinary clinic that has helped them with their vital work around regions of Bali, Java and Sumatra. The mobile clinic contains veterinary equipment, that has better helped them neuter stray animals in residential areas, quickly move animals who have been victims of cruelty by humans, and release rehabilitated animals.</p><p>In India, two organisations have been awarded the World Animal Day grants. In 2018, the grant went to ‘People for Animals Siliguri’, India, for a mobile veterinary vehicle, and in 2014, ‘People for Animals Ghaziabad’, India, for their work administering veterinary care to, and education on, working animals.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Animal welfare at home</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Feeding%20strays_1728065867381.jpg"></figure><p>They say charity begins at home, and we couldn’t agree more! While organisations like WWF and IUCN work on taking care of endangered species and wildlife conservation, there is a lot that needs to be done when it comes to the animal rights of strays around us. Not just being fed once in a blue moon, there’s a lot more that our stray animals need. Stray animals in our cities need better care, shelters, regular checkups, population checks, and of course, regular, nutritional food. It is also important to understand that feeding strays doesn’t mean glucose biscuits like many people resort to. These food items do more harm than good, and in some cases, the animals can also die. If you’re planning to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/culture/feeding-stray-animals-guide-1474">feed strays</a>, here’s how to go about it in a healthy manner.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Animal%20rights_1728066122838.jpg"></figure><p>Apart from these, if you can, consider donating to<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/culture/7-dedicated-animal-shelters-in-india-providing-unwavering-care-to-community-animals-4100"> organisations that run animal shelters</a>. They need every bit that they can get. You can also volunteer with them. This doesn’t have to be limited to physically helping around. These organisations also need legal help, and often even help with their communication and public engagements. If you can’t physically or monetarily help them out, this can be a great way.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Endangered species in India</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Endangered%20species_1728066131373.jpg"></figure><p>IUCN classifies close to 4000 species as endangered, and out of these, around 950 happen to be in India. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/travel/list-of-endangered-animals-species-in-india-zee-zest-1412">endangered species in India</a> include the very elusive Snow Leopard found in the upper Himalayas and rarely talked about Gangetic Dolphins. Many of these species have recovered a bit after the wildlife conservation efforts but still remain endangered. <br>India also hosts <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/travel/8-facts-you-must-know-about-wildlife-in-india-safari-india-1293">4 biodiversity hotspots</a> out of a total of 35 worldwide. This includes the Western Ghats which are probably the richest of them all, the Himalayas, the Indo-Burma region, and Sundaland which also includes the Nicobar Island.</p><h2>Wildlife conservation in India</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Wildlife%20conservation_1728066244335.jpg"></figure><p>With 106 National Parks and 573 wildlife sanctuaries, India has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation and has made considerable progress in the last few decades too. While there are many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/travel/best-national-parks-and-wildlife-sanctuaries-of-india-zee-zest-1682">famous national parks</a> like Jim Corbett which draw a lot of tourists, there are many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/travel/10-lesser-known-wildlife-reserves-in-india-zee-zest-1266">lesser-known wildlife conservation centres</a> like Gorumara National Park in West Bengal too. We’ve become more aware of our actions and the role wildlife conservation plays in maintaining ecological systems, but sadly, the information and understanding is still quite limited. Many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/culture/indian-environmental-organisations-3726">Indian environmental organisations</a> are constantly working to change that, and making sure that the coming generations have something to look forward to.</p>

Dedicated to animal welfare and conservation, World Animal Day is celebrated on October 4th each year.

World Animal Day: How Can You Help | Zee Zest

World Animal Day: History, Importance And How Can You Help

Wildlife

6 Cultural Festivals In India To Soak In The Heritage And History

Museums Of Delhi: Exploring The Capital’s Art, Culture And History

<p>Born in the small town of Porbandar in present day Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or Mahatma Gandhi was hands down the most influential personality in Indian history and politics. His works, writings, and ideals have been some of the most important teachings, and have shaped the world in so many ways. A beacon of truth and nonviolence, he’s remembered fondly, and thoughtfully, each year on his birthday, the 2nd of October, which is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti.</p><p>In 2007, the UN also announced it as the International Day of Non-Violence, marking Gandhi’s contribution to world politics and peacemaking. On Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti, prayer services are held at his memorial in New Delhi, Raj Ghat. Leaders from all around the world pay their tributes, and all across the country, his statues are garlanded, and the celebrations in schools and colleges generally take place a day prior. <br>The interesting thing about Gandhi Jayanti is that it is observed not only in India but many other parts of the world too, especially South Africa, and if you know about his history, you’d know why.</p><h2>Mahatma Gandhi’s early life</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gandhi%20Jayanti_1727859884015.jpg"></figure><p>Born to the dewan of Porbandar, Karamchand Gandhi and his wife Putlibai, MK Gandhi was a passive child. He was also a quite mediocre student, who was neither seen active in the playground nor much interested in the class. What did get him going was long solitary walks. His father had been ailing, and his mother was a devout housewife who only focused on her family, and following her religion, and Gandhi in his own words, for the early part of his life was a child who had learnt to “to carry out the orders of the elders, not to scan them”.</p><p>This eventually went for a toss as soon as he entered the rebellious teenage period. He not only smoked but also ate meat which was quite an abomination in the Vaishnava community he was born in. By the time he was 13, MK Gandhi had gotten married to Kasturba Ben who eventually became one of the strongest pillars of his journey as a national leader.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>Post his matriculation, MK Gandhi needed to figure out what was next for him, and while he’d have ideally wanted to be a doctor, he ended up heading to London to learn law because it better paved the way for him to get work, and Vaishnava sect happened to have a prejudice against vivisection, which would have been an important part of his learning as a doctor.</p><h2>Mahatma Gandhi in London and South Africa</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_MK%20Gandhi%20%281%29_1727859721275.jpg"></figure><p>His days in London were tough, not because he couldn’t manage the academics, but simply because MK Gandhi was a vegetarian, and that was quite amusing to his classmates. Mocked often, he became a member of the executive committee of the London Vegetarian Society, and started writing for them, while he was studying at Inner Temple, which was one of the 4 London law colleges. He also worked hard to get proficient in English and Latin and took exams at the University of London.</p><p>After this, he decided to come back home and practice law in Porbandar. This is where he learnt that his mother had passed away in the meantime, and also that even in Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace, Porbandar and Rajkot, the legal profession already had a lot of practitioners and with his meek attitude, it was nearly impossible to make his way in.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>This was also when he got an offer at an Indian firm in South Africa. This is where he first experienced racial discrimination. This became a turning point in his life. While in Pretoria, Gandhi studied the conditions in which his fellow South Asians in South Africa lived and tried to educate them on their rights and duties, but that wasn’t enough, and he was anyway leaving for India.</p><h2>Gandhi joins the Independence struggle</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Raj%20Ghat_1727859607010.jpg"></figure><p>Once back in India, MK Gandhi tried balancing his Indian roots, and English education. He raised his voice against the wrongs, but also for a long time believed that since the British ruled India, it was our ethical duty to keep the country running, even if that meant that Indian soldiers were a large part of the British military in World War 1. </p><p>By 1919, the Rowlatt Act had come into existence, and this is when MK Gandhi realised that the only way to counter the British suppression was peaceful non-cooperation. By late 1920, he had become quite a prominent figure in Indian politics and had revamped the Indian National Congress. What happened thereafter, is a long struggle of civil disobedience, non-cooperation, and years of persistence, for India to gain independence. This involved Mahatma Gandhi living in different parts of the country, gathering support, strategizing better, sometimes even imprisoned, as he was at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://zeezest.com/travel/8-revered-sites-across-the-nation-to-celebrate-gandhi-jayanti-4106">Aga Khan Palace in Pune</a>, with his right hand Mahadev Desai, and wife Kasturba Gandhi.</p><p>The 2nd of October is not only the birth of date Mahatma Gandhi had, but Lal Bahadur Shastri did too. Both the leaders were the epitome of soft-spoken, courageous leaders, and some of the best that India has seen. Each Gandhi Jayanti, they’re both remembered and cherished for all that they did.</p>

This 2nd October, learn all about Mahatma Gandhi's journey from Mohandas to the biggest influence on Indian history.