Bhraman

Here we come with our first offline event!🎉 Book your seat now!😎

📅 April 13, 2024

📍 Aarambh Hall Omkar Ananta, Film City Road, Goregaon East, Mumbai - 400065.

🕓 4pm onwards!

Registration link in bio.

Topics to be covered:

India's Unheard Fort Culture: From exploring the strategic significance of forts to discovering the fascinating legends that surround them, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these structures shaped India's past and continue to intrigue us in the present.

River Communities and Their Legacy: exploring the customs, traditions, and unique ways of life that thrive in these vibrant riverine societies, offering insights into the rich cultural tapestry of India.

Lanes of The Paranormal: From haunted forts and palaces to mysterious forests and abandoned villages, we'll uncover the true stories behind these haunted destinations, separating fact from fiction and delving into the cultural beliefs that underpin India's fascination with the supernatural

The best thing about Gulal Gotas is that they are so thin and delicate one can easily break them with hand. Gulal Gota is still the favourite of erstwhile royal families and are a part of their Holi celebrations

Gulal Gota is a beautiful Indian craft and tradition gaining popularity worldwide. Seeing love for Indian art forms, we connected with artists in Rajasthan and created platforms to bridge the interest of art lovers and passion of master artisans.

Apart from individual groups and temples, Gulal Gota is now widely being used in events and parties also. This is one of the reasons behind the increase in the demand.

From the bustling streets of Mathura to the serene shores of Goa, Holi is more than just a festival; it's a celebration of life, love, and unity.

As we traverse the length and breadth of India, our aim is to unveil the hidden tales and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Through our posts, we bring to light the lesser-known customs and rituals associated with Holi, shedding light on the rich tapestry of folklore and mythology that colors this festival. From the legendary story of Holika Dahan to the playful antics of Lathmar Holi, each tradition has its own unique significance, adding depth and meaning to the festivities.

Join us this week as we immerse ourselves in the vibrant hues and joyous celebrations of Holi, showcasing the incredible diversity of cultures and communities that come together to revel in this fiesta. From the rhythmic beats of dhol to the mouth-watering aroma of traditional sweets, every aspect of Holi paints a picture of unity and harmony. So, let's come together to celebrate the spirit of Holi and explore the untold tales that make this festival an unforgettable experience. Bhraman Travelogue invites you to join us on this extraordinary journey of discovery and celebration.

Choeung Ek, located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, served as a primary extermination site for the Khmer Rouge. It is estimated that over 20,000 men, women, and children were killed and buried in mass graves at Choeung Ek. The site now serves as a memorial to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime, with a stupa containing thousands of human skulls as a reminder of the atrocities committed.

Visitors to Choeung Ek often report feeling a profound sense of sadness and horror at the site, which stands as a stark reminder of the brutality and inhumanity of the Khmer Rouge regime. Many Cambodians and international visitors visit Choeung Ek to pay their respects to the victims and to learn about this dark chapter in Cambodian history.

One assumption stemming from the historical context of glass bottle production suggests that the standardization of bottles to 750 ml during the 18th century may have been influenced by the practical limitations of glassblowers' lung capacity. With bottles being handcrafted, glassblowers would have had to blow air into the molten glass to form the bottles. This manual process likely set a natural limit on the size of bottles produced, with 750 ml emerging as a common capacity due to the physical constraints of glassblowing. As such, the prevalence of this size could have been more a result of the capabilities and preferences of the artisans rather than any deliberate consumer demand or industry standard🍻

Another assumption proposes that the standardization of the Port bottle to 750 ml at the end of the 18th century in Britain might have catalyzed the global adoption of this size as a standard for wine and spirits. As Britain held significant influence in global trade and commerce during this period, the adoption of the 750 ml size for Port bottles may have led to its widespread acceptance across various alcoholic beverages. This standardization could have been driven by the practicalities of production, distribution, and consumption, with the 750 ml size aligning conveniently with consumer habits and preferences of the time, such as the typical amount of wine consumed during a dinner setting. Thus, the standardization of the Port bottle size in Britain could have inadvertently shaped global norms in bottle sizing for alcoholic beverages🥂

, often referred to as "dakhma" or "Tower of Silence," is deeply rooted in the ancient beliefs and rituals of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions. Central to this practice is the concept of purity, both in life and in death.

In Zoroastrianism, the elements of earth, fire, and water are considered sacred, and any contamination of these elements is to be avoided. This includes the burial of deceased bodies, which could potentially pollute the earth. Instead, the sky burial tradition emerged as a way to honor the purity of the elements while also ensuring a respectful and sacred treatment of the deceased.

When a Zoroastrian passes away, their body is placed atop a raised structure or tower, typically constructed in remote and secluded areas such as hills or forests. These towers are often circular in shape, with a central pit where the bodies are laid. The structure is open to the sky, allowing the elements to interact with the remains.

The bodies are left exposed to the elements and scavenger birds, primarily vultures. The birds consume the flesh of the deceased, aiding in the natural process of decomposition. This practice reflects the Zoroastrian belief in the cyclical nature of life and death, as well as the interconnectedness of all living beings with the natural world.

Incredible India🐍

One of the most fascinating aspects of Shetpal village is the fearlessness exhibited by its inhabitants, including children, when it comes to interacting with snakes. Having grown up alongside these creatures, the children of the village play with them, take them to school, and seamlessly coexist with them. This unique upbringing has led to a harmonious relationship where the snakes roam freely, and the villagers go about their daily lives without fear.

Shetpal village stands as a testament to the remarkable diversity of traditions found in India. While for many, the idea of cohabiting with snakes may seem bewildering, this community showcases an extraordinary bond of trust and coexistence. As this village continues to uphold its unique tradition, it reminds us of the boundless possibilities of human-animal relationships and the power of cultural heritage.

The game bore associations with traditional Hindu philosophy, notably accentuating the dichotomy between karma and k**a, representing destiny and desire, respectively. Unlike games such as pachisi, which intertwined elements of skill (free will) and luck, this game placed a pronounced emphasis on destiny🤞

Moreover, it functioned as an instructive tool, offering lessons on the repercussions of virtuous versus detrimental actions. Its board, adorned with symbolic imagery reminiscent of ancient India, featured depictions of gods, angels, and majestic beings at the pinnacle, while the remainder showcased representations of animals, flowers, and individuals, contributing to its holistic teaching approach🪷

But it's not just the absence of color that renders white torture so devastating. The silence that envelops the victim, courtesy of an impenetrable soundproof room, becomes a suffocating presence, amplifying the torment of their isolation. Days stretch into weeks as they languish in this monochromatic prison, their minds starved of external stimuli.

As time wears on, the consequences of this cruel deprivation become increasingly apparent. Victims report experiencing vivid hallucinations, both visual and auditory, as their fractured minds struggle to make sense of the sensory void. Some become disoriented, losing touch with reality as they grapple with the relentless assault on their senses.

But perhaps the most chilling aspect of white torture is its long-term effects. With each passing day, the victim's grasp on reality weakens, their sense of self eroded by the unyielding monotony of their surroundings. Eventually, they may descend into madness or suffer irreversible damage to their memory and cognitive faculties.

The recipe was plain primitive: make a fire, boil water in virtually any metal container at hand, put the ammo in the boiling water and “cook” for four to five hours. Water did not allow the ammo to detonate accidentally, while prolonged exposure to high temperature was believed to damage the ammo without visually changing the bullets.

However, there was a problem. Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan mostly had two Kalashnikov rifles: the AMK, which used 7.62 caliber bullets and the AK-74, which used 5.45 caliber bullets.

Despite the widespread practice of boiling both types of bullets before selling them to the Afghans, most likely it had no effect on modern ammunition, because of the materials used to assemble them.

The recipe was plain primitive: make a fire, boil water in virtually any metal container at hand, put the ammo in the boiling water and “cook” for four to five hours. Water did not allow the ammo to detonate accidentally, while prolonged exposure to high temperature was believed to damage the ammo without visually changing the bullets.

However, there was a problem. Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan mostly had two Kalashnikov rifles: the AMK, which used 7.62 caliber bullets and the AK-74, which used 5.45 caliber bullets.

Despite the widespread practice of boiling both types of bullets before selling them to the Afghans, most likely it had no effect on modern ammunition, because of the materials used to assemble them.

The recipe was plain primitive: make a fire, boil water in virtually any metal container at hand, put the ammo in the boiling water and “cook” for four to five hours. Water did not allow the ammo to detonate accidentally, while prolonged exposure to high temperature was believed to damage the ammo without visually changing the bullets.

However, there was a problem. Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan mostly had two Kalashnikov rifles: the AMK, which used 7.62 caliber bullets and the AK-74, which used 5.45 caliber bullets.

Despite the widespread practice of boiling both types of bullets before selling them to the Afghans, most likely it had no effect on modern ammunition, because of the materials used to assemble them.

Aokigahara forest presents a unique challenge for visitors due to magnetic iron deposits from volcanic salt, causing compasses and mobile phones to malfunction and lead astray.

This phenomenon makes navigation nearly impossible, contributing to its notorious reputation. Additionally, locals believe that the spirits of su***de victims linger, with reports of eerie occurrences like crying and moving bodies.

While unproven, these beliefs persist, shaping the perceptions of those who venture into the forest. Locals can easily identify three types of visitors: trekkers seeking Mount Fuji views, the curious drawn to its macabre reputation, and individuals who enter with no intention of leaving.

Now, making explosions at the box office instead on the battlefield🍿💥

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Let us know in the comment section!

Note: All images and information provided in the post are taken from open sources and subject experts.

Significant powers such as the Mughal Empire had paid less attention to building the naval arm of their military forces. This scenario changed, however, when the Portuguese arrived in India and started monopolizing and controlling trade on the western coast of the continent. Shivaji Maharaj realized the importance of a strong navy and commissioned the building of the first Maratha naval vessels.

He took up the task of constructing multiple naval bases along the coast of present-day Maharashtra. His ships gradually began to patrol the coast in increasing numbers, ‘defying the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Siddies, and the English and (in all) approximately twenty-seven hostile powers. In this manner, it soon came to be regarded as a formidable fighting force, a veritable army upon the high seas.

The Maratha Navy was primarily a coastal "green water" navy, compared to an ocean-going or "blue water" navy. Their ships were dependent on land/sea breezes. The Maratha did not build ships large enough to engage the British out at sea far from the coastal waters.

Note: All images and information provided in the post are taken from data collected by several reports of authors, experts, historians available in the open domain along with consultation with other history experts as well.

As per reports in open domain, Shoemaker played a significant role in training American astronauts and was even considered as a potential candidate for a lunar mission during the Apollo program. However, his aspirations were halted due to a diagnosis of Addison's disease, a condition affecting the adrenal glands. Despite this setback, he contributed extensively to astronaut training, particularly through field trips to locations like Meteor Crater and Sunset Crater near Flagstaff.

In 1965, Shoemaker was honored with the John Price Wetherill Medal from the Franklin Institute. Upon joining Caltech in 1969, he initiated a comprehensive search for Earth-crossing asteroids, leading to the discovery of numerous asteroid families, including the Apollo asteroids. He championed the notion that asteroid impacts could trigger sudden geological changes, challenging the prevailing belief that astroblemes were remnants of extinct volcanoes, even proposing this theory for lunar features.

Notably, Shoemaker's legacy extends beyond Earth, as his remains are the only ones to have been interred on a celestial body. His memorial capsule, wrapped in brass foil, features depictions of Comet Hale–Bopp, the Barringer Meteor Crater, and a poignant quote from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Hey, did you know about the fascinating story behind Lakmé, that famous Indian cosmetics brand? So, back in the day, when India was still under British rule, there was this big problem with the country spending loads of money on imported . Even after gained independence in 1947, people were still splurging on foreign beauty products, draining the nation's foreign currency reserves.

But then, enter Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. He wasn't just about politics; he had a keen eye for the finer things, including the importance of keeping within India. So, he had this brilliant idea to start making cosmetics right here in India.

He roped in J.R.D. , who was a big deal in Indian industry, to get things rolling. Together, they brought in some French expertise and launched Lakmé in 1952. The name "Lakmé" itself is pretty cool—it's inspired by Goddess , the goddess of wealth and beauty, with a touch of French flair.

Simone Tata, who was married into the Tata family, played a huge role in shaping Lakmé into the household name it is today. She had a knack for business and aesthetics, and under her leadership, Lakmé grew from a small startup to a major player in the cosmetics game.

From its humble beginnings in a tiny rented space, Lakmé expanded its operations, offering a wide range of products tailored specifically for Indian skin tones and climate. With strategic marketing and a solid sales network, Lakmé became a hit not just in big cities but also in smaller towns across India.

So yeah, isn't just a cosmetics ; it's a symbol of India's journey towards economic independence and embracing its own unique beauty standards. Cool, right?

Gandaberunda can be traced to the Puranas, where Shri Hari Vishnu takes an incarnation. When Vishnu, as Narasimha, turns into a destroyer due to uncontrollable rage, following the ex*****on of Hiranyakashipu, Shiva takes the form of Sharabha, and tames Narasimha. Sharabha, enraged, becomes destruction personified prompting Vishnu to become Gandaberunda and tame Sharabha.

Historically, in Karnataka, the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Keladi chiefs, Kadambas, Vijayanagara kings and Wadiyars have used Gandaberunda in various forms like motifs in crests and on seals. The Hoysalas even adopted Gandaberunda as an epithet. Coins embossed with Gandaberunda were minted by the Chalukyas, Vijayanagara kings and Wadiyars.

In Belur’s Chennakeshava Temple, a Gandaberunda sculpture can be seen slaying a Sharabha. In Trichy, a Gandaberunda is seen in Srirangam Temple, believed to mark the visit of Hoysala king Ballala II. Another Gandaberunda motif can be seen etched on the ceiling of Rameshwara Temple, in Keladi, Shivamogga district.

After inventing the afternoon tea ritual, the Duchess started inviting her friends to join in. As those friends were also royal courtiers, the Queen became aware of the nascent custom, and immediately approved. By the 1880s, her Majesty had adopted the ritual herself, and was holding official tea receptions at her palaces👑☕

BASANT PANCHAMI EXCLUSIVE!!🪷🦚

Shahji Temple architecture differs from the usual Hindu temple style. It is built with high-quality white Italian marble, in a mix of Greek, Mughal and style. The spacious terraces are supported by 12 beautiful spiral columns, each cut out of one marble piece💐

Basanti Kamra is open only on two occasions – Basant Panchami and Jhulan Yatra. During these festivals, the idols are brought into the hall, and decorated and worshipped. Thousands of devotees visit Shahji Temple during these occasions🪔

The hall also has colourful paintings done on its marble panels. They feature female figures performing different activities. The paintings are inspired by Mathura sculptures and are quite vibrant. The fountain and chandelier in the hall are other attractions worth noticing⛲

, a popular who is considered to be the remover of obstacles and the god of starts and knowledge. Devotees from across India and beyond offer prayers, perform and ask Lord Ganesha for blessings such as prosperity, success and the removal of obstacles in their endeavours. It's a for introspection, prayer and seeking celestial guidance; it also marks the beginning of new endeavours and the path to enlightenment and fulfilment🪷🦣

The locks of the prison cells were designed in such a way that the inmate would never be able to reach the latch of the lock. The prison guards would lock up the inmates and throw the key of the lock inside the jail. The inmate would try to put his hand out and try to unlock the door but would never be able to do so as his hand would never reach the lock🔒🗝️

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The evocative word took root quickly, and also swiftly gained broader meanings: one referring to a politician without political affiliation (who we'd call an independent these days), and one referring to a person who does any type of work on one's own terms and without any permanent or long-term commitment to an employer. Though freelancer is the noun we now usually use to refer to this last set of people, it's a newer term than freelance. So while "He's a freelance" may sound like modern jargon, it is the original term 🏹💰

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Other legends state that, the magnetic effect of the lodestone was so strong that it caused disturbance in the ships compasses those passed by the coast (Konark being a major port at that time), thus making the navigation very difficult for the sailors. To save their trade and their ships, the Portuguese sailors destroyed the temple and took away the lodestone🛕☀️

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Earlier studies of skeletons have found that most of the people who died were tall - "more than average stature". Most of them were middle-aged adults, aged between 35 and 40. There were no babies or children. Some of them were elderly women. All were of reasonably good health🌊

Also, it was generally assumed that the skeletons were of a single group of people who died all at once in a single catastrophic incident during the 9th Century🏔️

But more interestingly, the genetics study found the dead comprised a diverse people: one group of people had genetics similar to present-day people who live in South Asia, while the other "closely related" to people living in present-day Europe, particularly those living in the Greek island of Crete✨

Other texts claim that the tradition hails from Persia where gilding food with silver and gold paint was a common occurrence. Despite the unsure of its origins, one thing about Varq that is consistent is the fact that it was perfected during the Mughal reign✨

Traditionally Varq was made by silversmiths and craftsmen who pounded real silver by hand into sheets that were 1/8,000 of a millimetre thin. These sheets were then placed on paper for support and only peeled off at the last moment. Today the efficiency of production is far greater since the advent of machine-made Varq which can do the same job to more precise quality🤤

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The is a unique form of , in which the grip is perpendicular to the blade. it was wielded in the right hand, as an independent , or in the left hand, in conjunction with a round shield. Two narrow upright flanges, often bearing fine ornamentation, protect the sides of the hand and wrist🔪✨

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Do you know why Vrindavan is named so??

Well, The name of Vrindavan comes from the words 'vrinda', which means basil, and 'van' meaning forest. In this particular instance, the forest being referred to is believed to be either Nidhivan or Seva Kunj. Here, devotees are seen smearing dust on their forehead as it is considered to be sacred.

The modern town came into existence in the early 16th century, around one of the oldest surviving temples, the Govinda Dev temple, renowned for its stupendous architecture. Govind is another name, by which Krishna is referred to. Since the time of the Mahabharata and the famous Kurukshetra war, where Krishna held centre stage, Vrindavan fell into decline and lost its once pristine glory. Hinduism had by then been undergoing upheavals and revolutionary movements and it was not until Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the singer-saint from West Bengal set out to re-discover Vrindavan, did the world hear once more of this once historic site.✨🎉