50 indian food have you ever tried !!!

A listing of 50 famous Indian dishes that North Americans are likely to have tried (primarily Mughlai dishes with a few dishes from the Punjabi, South India, Goa, Guejarat and Indianized Hakka). This list was loosely inspired by about.com's list & the list on vahrehvah.com.

Mithila Traditions

“For three thousand years, Maithil women have painted the mud walls of their homes with scenes of legends of Hindu gods and goddesses.  The art was temporary, however, because the images were erased when the walls were washed.”- Horizon, the Magazine of the Arts, June 1985.

“Mithila paintings have their characteristic themes which collectively express the Maithili attitude towards life: the feelings, the experiences, and thoughts that govern the Maithili way of living.” –Arun Kumar Bajpai; ‘Mithila Art: A Living Tradition’

Traditional Mithila wall paintings have meaningful importance even today, and new uses are being found for this ancient art.  In the age of abstract art, this traditional, age-old art is thriving day by day.  Thanks to the efforts of many preservationists and the Maithil women themselves, the names Madhuvani of Janakpuriya art are now known to the whole world.

Mithila art is intertwined with ancient Hindu religious tradition.  It is concentrated in the eastern Terai around Janakpur, a Hindu pilgrimage site steeped in legend. The Hindu god Ram and goddess Sita are believed to have been married there.  Historically, Janakpur was the capital of the ancient Mithila kingdom, and is still the center of Maithili culture.  In fact, ‘Maithili’ is one of the many names for Sita.  Historian Shashi Bhushan Chaudhary points out the significance of Mithila art: “the Bhagavata {the oldest Hindu scriptures} refers to the Maithila in general and says that they were skilled in the knowledge of the atman {affection, intimacy}.”

One of the main purposes of Mithila art is to decorate homes for ritual occasions. The wall paintings of the kohbarghar (nuptial chamber), and pujaghar (worship room), and those used for folk festivals, especially on the auspicious occasion of Durga ashtami (the ‘Eight of Durga” festival) are particularly elaborate and fascinating. The walls of the house are often decorated with powerful images of Hindu gods and goddesses Ram, Lakshman, Ganesha, Shiva, Durga, and Lakshmi.  In addition to the images of gods and goddesses, themes of nature are central to Mithila art.  Each plant and animal image has come to have specific meaning, and each artist is free to paint the particular flowers, leaves, fruits, peacocks, elephants, and so on in her own style.

On important occasions, the mud walls of the entrance gate of the house are smeared with rice paste and cow dung powder (which is sacred in Hindu tradition).  The women members of the family use red clay to paint Durga, the mother goddess, riding on a lion or a tiger, or Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fertility. It is generally believed that these will bring good fortune and wealth to the house.  On some occasions women also print fine impressions of their palms, after covering them in rice paste.  The threshold, walls and floors inside the house are decorated with different images according to the specific family, caste, occasion, and inclination of the artists.

Marriage ceremony paintings
Marriage is one of the most important occasions to be blessed with Mithila paintings.  Various motifs are painted on the walls of the bride’s home and/or on the paper wrapping various packets of vermillion tika powder used for the wedding ritual.

Kohbar (lotus) motif: Symbolizing female beauty and fertility, the main purpose of this motif is to create a suitable atmosphere for celebrating the honeymoon night successfully.

Kamaladha (lotus pond) motif:  Symbol of the female sexual organs, this motif is meant to enhance the sexual stamina of the newly married couple.  Maithil women artists are very innovative and imaginative and paint this motif according to their own original ideas and imaginations.

Dasavatara (ten incarnations of god) motif: specifically used on the wrapper of the vermillion sent by the bridegroom’s parents for the face showing ceremony of the bride, as well as for the Gauri puja of the bride. It is said that Sita, the constant companion of Ram, performed this ritual after her marriage, so it has become customary in the whole Mithila region.  A clay elephant and a decorated pot which holds an oil lamp are also made and used for this puja.

Bans (bamboo) motif: The bamboo plant is the symbol of male regenerative energy and the male sexual organ.  The bans motif is also painted on the kohbarghar where the newlywed couple is supposed to celebrate honeymoon night, as well as on the auspicious occasion of the “Duiragaaman” or second marriage, which generally takes place one year after the marriage.

Latpatia Suga (a couple of parrots) motif: This symbolizes and is meant to encourage the union of the bridegroom and bride.  The parrots are often depicted chasing each other as a prelude to mating.

Bidh-bidhata (female and male birds): This motif symbolizes the future destiny of the married couple. Bidhata is a manifestation of Brahma, creator of the universe, and the maker of the fortune of each individual.  He is believed to record an account of a person’s entire future, writing every event –the prosperities and adversities and even accidents and death, in detail.

It is a popular belief that the Bidhhata writes this record on the occasion of the birth of a child, and determines the child’s fate.  For this reason, a good, unused pen is kept beside a new born baby.

Pan ke Ghar (house of betel-leaf) motif: This depicts a beautiful structure covered with betel-leaf creepers.  Betel is planted near a pond or inside a thatched roof hut. The plant is considered to be very pious and auspicious.  It is thought to increase fertility and energy in the body.  (When women chew the betel leaf, it brings out the color of their lips and is used instead of lipstick.)

Drawings of the wedding party itself may also adorn the walls of the family courtyard, celebrating the occasion.

The Patia is a mat made of paper and mothi, a kind of thick grass, on which Mithila designs are embroidered.  This is brought by the bride as part of the marriage ritual. It is healthy and hygienic, cozy and comfortable to sleep on.  The newly married couple spends the whole night on it on the auspicious occasion of Chaturthi (the fourth night).

In addition to all these motifs, the images of many birds and animals, sun and moon, and people have specific interpretations. An elephant stands for good luck; a fish for fertility and good luck; a parrot for teachers and friends; and a Kadam tree for love and affection.  Peacocks, tortoises, and scorpions also appear frequently in Maithila art and have specific meanings.  Human figures may be used to tell stories and illustrate events.

These images are used not only for painting the home, but also are themes found painted on papier mache bowls, plates and other household objects.  They are woven into baskets and used as the basic shapes of kothi, large storage pots made from mud, dung, and rice husk. In recent years, as outsiders have become interested in the art, Maithil women have expanded their range of papier mache objects to include such modern necessities as pencil cans, and have also taken to painting on paper.  This has helped Maithil women support themselves and their communities while preserving their traditions.  These days the women are able to earn a decent income from this art; otherwise they are deprived.

The story-telling aspect of Mithila art has even been put to use by various NGOs and INGOs in assisting local people. For example, when the National Democratic Institute (NDI) was working to encourage women to get involved in the election process and to consider running for office, they used Mithila posters depicting a woman with a microphone speaking to a crowd.  Mark Wallem, former director of NDI, says “The art was simple and beautiful, and it was something local women could relate to. It told women that they didn’t have to give up their traditions in order to be involved in elections.”

Maithila folk art has been handed down from generation to generation.  It is deeply rooted in the soil and soul of the Mithila region, expressing the rituals, customs, beliefs, values, and aspirations of the Maithil people.  The spirit of the people is revealed in this beautiful, bright, and brilliant art and makes it more and more popular day by day.

Making Mithila fashionable

Relationship between Ram and Sita, which has been depicted in traditional Mithila paintings, now finds reflection in designer outfits created by Monica and Karishma

Since time immemorial Ram and Sita have been in the consciousness of everyone for their righteousness. Being paragon of virtue their names have been used as an example of perfect couple and their relationship has been depicted on murals and walls by artists and locals for centuries. Cut to 2016 when the definition of icons has shifted to swashbuckling cricketers and larger-than-life actors of tinsel town, designer duo of Monica and Karishma have highlighted the union of two mythological souls to make a fashion statement and perhaps set a trend of sorts.

The duo, blessed with a knack for showcasing traditional Indian crafts and heritage in a distinct new avatar, has given their take on this age-old painting on modern looking lehengas, anakarkalis and gowns. These outfits, unveiled at the recently concluded "Vogue Wedding Show" in the Capital, are for the duo’s bridal collection titled "Videha’s Siya".

The perfect couple who continue to be depicted in traditional paintings of Bihar which are created with primitive forms like twigs and fingers. Despite enhancement in the paraphernalia of artists, it is these natural instruments which make these paintings distinct.

According to Ambika Devi, Mithila artist, these paintings are made in a unique way with natural products. “For yellow colour we use turmeric. Black is obtained by mixing jaggery with gum and cow dung. It is thickened like an atta (wheat flour) before putting all the ingredients into fire. We use leaves for getting green. Chukandar and red flower are grinded to get red colour. These paintings are used on walls of homes and huts where newly weds reside.”

And it is this unique character of Mithila paintings which have been reinterpreted and contextualized on the fabric.

It is the iconic love story that propelled the duo. “Love story of Ram and Sita is endearing and needs to be told to the present generation. Through Mithila painting, which exemplify wedding celebrations, we have highlighted the couple as symbols of our cultural heritage. We went to Bihar to do in-depth research on the paintings and replicate them on bridal outfits in a way that they get maximum attention,” says Monica.

Corroborating the story, Ambika Devi says stories of Ram and Sita are narrated to every child growing up in the Mithila region. “As a child we heard stories of Ram and Sita marriage and our village is near Janakpur where Raja Janak lived.”

While making a fashion statement, the duo was conscious that the epic story of Ram and Sita, the blossoming of their love affair culminating in marriage had to be depicted in a subtle rather than in a jarring, over-the-top way.

“Ensembles are comfortable yet distinct and versatile. Fashion lovers can discern the crescent of the moon and how the magic of nature’s creations like lotuses and peacocks have been captured on outfits. Woven regal colors like Persian rose, Prussian blue, auburn. Floral motifs have been done on lehengas. Like these indigenous paintings, our bridal outfits too can be passed on from one generation to another.”

While inspiration is traditional, the collection is for the new age bride who wants to experiment with her looks. “Independent whimsical bride, who believes in doing things her own way, is the one we are targeting. Someone with a fascination for vintage heirloom and heritage in bridal ensembles.” So the trick was to show all this in modern vocabulary. Colourful and intricately embroidered jackets can be paired with lehengas. They can be a fashionable substitute for choli and dupatta, while indigenous dhoti pants can be teamed with vibrant capes or crop tops.

Unfortunately, the majestic appeal of Mithila paintings is now confined to only Bihar and neighbouring Nepal. So it becomes important to create a buzz in the market for this type of art which is hitherto practised in weddings and festivals.

“Traced to the Ramayana, Mithila paintings are not just another work of art but represent our ethos. Our collection has been crafted in heirloom fabrics to capture cultural values. Reverberation of poetry, a desire to be united with the divine are what these paintings stand for. For us choosing this ancient art was necessary in order to acquaint the people living in metros with the aesthetic beauty and ancientness of Mithila arts,” sums up Monica

Mithila Festivals

Mithila celebrates its scores of religious festivals and fairs of great local fervor. Each festival is unique in style and is characterised by colour, gaiety, enthusiasm, feasts and heterogeneity of prayers and rituals. Need not to mention traditional Indian festivals like Ramnavami, Dassehra, Diwali and Holi are also feted with great extravaganza in Mithila.

Tila Sankranti (Mid January)

Maghé Sankranti is the first day of the month of Magh. Magh is a sacred month so the first day is celebrated with a feast at home that particularly constitute of til and brown sugar. Lord Vishnu the Preserver is worshipped and thanked for the return of the warm season once more. Through the month of Magh, people busy themselves with religious activities such as taking an early morning bath in holy rivers, visiting the shrines of Vishnu and offering flowers, incense and food, and reading the Bhagavad Gita.

Basanta Panchami & Saraswati Puja (February)

Both festivals occur on the same day. This is the day that ushers in the spring season. Basanta Panchami is celebrated as beginning of autumn season. In Saraswati puja   day goddess of knowledge is worshipped. Many students fast on this day and eat only one meal of pure vegetarian dishes to prove their devotion.

Maha Shivaratri (February)

Maha Shivaratri, or the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is observed in honor of Lord Shiva’s day of birth. A great fair takes place at the Pashupatinath Temple as thousands of pilgrims from all parts of Nepal and India congregate in celebration.

Holi or Fagu-wa (March)

This is a colorful occasion when people smear each other with colored powder and splash water balloons onto one another and youths love to play. This continues for one full week. The fever of this game goes very high on the full moon day which is the last day of celebration. In  this day people exchange greeting as offer various sweets.

Ramnawami (March)

Ramnawami a big day for Hindu is celebrated in honor of the great Hindu King Rama on the 9th day of bright fortnight of chaitra (March). But the main deity to be worshipped on this occasion is the all powerful mother goddess Durga, the wife of Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the Hindu pantheon because as and the holy Hindu scriptures say Rama was a great devotee of Durga her blessings enabled Rama to kill his arch enemy, Ravana, the most dreaded demon king on this day. This day is symbolically commemorated as the victory of virtue over vice.

Nag Panchami (July/August)

In Hinduism, Nag (the divine serpent) is glorified as the provider of rain. Nag is worshipped to provide a good harvest during the monsoon season, and Nag Panchami, the fifth day of the bright lunar fortnight, is set aside for worshipping serpents. Devotees on this day paste pictures of Nag over their doorways with cow-dung. As part of the rituals to propitiate the divine serpents, milk, their favorite drink is offered to the pictures. Failure to appease them may invite droughts and disaster in the days ahead.

Devotees also teats sour food at early morning.

Janau Purnima, Rishi Tarpani (July/August)

On this day, Brahmins (The priestly class) and Rajput  have their annual ritual of changing their sacred thread called the janau. This is also the day for Raksya Bandhan (a safety thread bon). Most prefer their Brahmin priests to put it around their wrists with the chanting of mantra (holy hymns).

Rishi Tarpani is the day to pay ablution to Rishis, as the hermits practicing self-denial are known. The full moon day thus sees hordes of Hindu priests with their clean-shaven heads taking dips in the holy water to purify their bodies before they get on with their business of offering sacred yellow threads to their clients.

Krishna Ashthami (August)
The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is one of the greatest Hindu festivals for the Hindus of Nepal. Krishna’s exploits as a child when he subdued fierce demons and performed miraculous feats specially endear him to his devotees. In his boyhood, Krishna killed the evil king Kansa, his maternal uncle, to liberate the people from his atrocities. During the 18-day war depicted in the great Hindu epic Mahabharat, Krishna served as the de facto commander and strategist for the righteous Pandavas.

Teej (August/September)

Teej is essentially a women’s festival.It is believed that on this day goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years.The invocation of Parvati’s blessings on this day results in continued marital bliss.Henna is decorated on the palms of hands of women.It is a popular belief that the intensity of a man’s love for his wife can be gauged from the color of henna on the wife’s palm.Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati are worshipped by married women who keep a 24-hour fast for the long life of their husband.

Chaurchan (September)

Its mean the fourth day moon of August cosidered as a day sacred to Ganesha, The elephant headed god of good luck. People celebrate this day offering various seasonal fruits and flowers to all powerful Ganesha and pray for protection from unnecessary evils.

Madhusravani
Madhusravani is a great occasion for the newly married couples of Mithila. A lot of rituals are associated with it. Several folksongs are sung by the women and friends of the newly married brides. The entire ritual is performed by females.

These folksongs highlight the spiritual significance, prayer to the god, vegetation, animals, creatures, etc. and also love, emotion, sentiments and culture of the people in totality. Folksongs explain the history, sentiments, meaning, philosophy and tradition of celebrating Madhusravani every year in the area. It also shows the independent status of women in Mithila.

Sama-Chakeva

It is during the winter season that the birds from the Himalayas migrate towards the plains. With the advent of these colorful birds, celebration of sama–chakeva is done. This is a festival especially celebrated in mithila. Mithilanchal dedicates this festival to the celebration of the brother sister relationship. It represents the tradition of this land as well as the art of making idols. This festival starts with the welcoming of the pair of birds sama-chakeva. Girls make clay idols of various birds and decorate them in their own traditional ways. Various rituals are performed and the festival joyfully ended with the ‘vidai’ of Sama and with a wish that these birds return to this land the next year.

Jitiya

Jitiya is an important festival of Nepali married women of Mithilanchal and Tharu woman of all castes. Jitiya vrata is performed for the wellbeing and long life of her sons. It is performed on Aswin Krishna Ashtmi usually during Pradosh time.

Nepali women observe Nirjala fast (without water) on this day and break the fast next day on the end of Ashtami. Sometimes, when Ashtami begins in afternoon, women may have to fast for two days. Since nothing, even a drop of water, is put in mouth, the fast is also called Khar Jitia.

Children who escaped severe accidents are believed to have the blessings of their mother having performed this brat. It is trend or tradition to eat fish and chapatti (roti, bread) made of millet (Marua) the previous day. In the night prior to fast they take a meal just before the beginning of Ashtami. This is peculiar to this fasting only. Often children are awoken and fed the preparations. This is   known as Ongthan.
Buddha-Purnima (April/May)

The Buddha is regarded as the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and passed away, all on the same full moon day of April/May. The day falls in the Vaishakh month according to the Indian solar calendar.Thus, Vaisakhi Poornima, one of the most beautiful full moon nights in the year, is celebrated as Buddha Jayanthi. On this day the Buddhists wear only white clothes,spend their entire day at the vihara and also reaffirm their faith in the five principles called Panchsheel—not to take life, not to steal, not to lie, not to imbibe liquor or other intoxicants, and not to commit adultery. Bodh Gaya is the main centers of celebration of this festival in Bihar.
Chatth puja

Observed mostly by the people of North Bihar, it is dedicated to the worship of the Sun God and therefore, is also known as ‘SuryaShashti’. Chhath is considered a means to thank the Sun for bestowing the bounties of life on earth and also for fulfilling particular wishes. It comes a week after Diwali as the word ‘Chhath’ denotes the number ‘six’ and thus the festival begins on the sixth day of the Hindu month of ‘Kartik’ as per the Hindu lunar calendar.

A fast is observed during the day and in the evening offerings are made to the setting sun. The people of Bihar practically live on the banks of the river Ganga when a ritual offering is made to the Sun God.

Chhath is a very colorful festival and new clothes are a must for the devotees.A popular belife about Chhath is that all the desires of the devotees are always fulfilled during Chhath. Also, an element of fear is present among the devotees who dread the punishment for any misdeed during Chhath.

Madhu Shravani of Mithila
The art of Mithila is also linked to religious ceremonies, particularly marriage and its consequence, procreation in Bihar.The women of Mithila are largely illiterate and these exquisite paintings created for ritual ocassions are a means of their cultural expression.

Pitripaksh Fare
Pitripaksh Fare is celebrated in Gaya.

Sawan Kanwar Festival
(Pilgrims takes Ganges water from Sultanganj & make Water oblutions on Lord SHIVA at DEOGARH).

Sharwani Fare
SHRAWANI FARE from Sultanganj to Deogarh.