You might have heard about the hospitality in India but you can’t understand it completely if you have never visited India- the land of great Himalayas and the cradle of the Indus civilization.
In ancient time, India used to be known for its spices and silk. But now (on a lighter note), people across the globe recognise India as the home of the popular cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (Indian Cricket God) or Amitabh Bachchan (Star of the millennium).
Well, it is not completely true. Today also we can say with our head held high that we have conserved our culture pretty well. In today’s world, we still consider our guest as God. I live in a country where all the religion has mixed up into my life instead of just being a spiritual practice.
I was in 8th standard when I first had an encounter with the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - a phrase in Sanskrit which says ‘the Guest is God’. Although, I wasn’t completely unaware of its meaning as being born and brought up in Baniya family, so, I had learnt how to honour our guest as God. This practise was not only incorporated by my family but you will be surprised to know that this is something which is completely blended into Indian Culture.
I found some traces of above mentioned sayings in the few T.V advertisements which are being made to promote the tourism in India. One such tag line was spoken by Amitabh Bachchan, the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism in an advertisement by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department is ‘Kabhi toh aao Gujarat mien’ means Come, visit Gujarat once in your lifetime.
India is the land of rich culture, spirituality, diverse ecology and silk-spice-yoga. Some of the world heritage sites such as Taj Mahal, Agra, Konark Sun Temple, Orissa, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra all reside in India. There are 30 such sites in India. So, tourism in India is always at its peak since it gives a vacationer diverse option of touring the country filled with mesmerizing beauty and architecture.
If I ever get a chance to explore India, I’ll start my journey with the enthralling J&K (Jammu and Kashmir), it holds beautiful landscape of Himalaya. I’ll get a chance to cherish the beauty of Ladakh having white sand (white dessert) along the river side. Then, I would like to move towards eastern sides along with the Himalayan ranges where I’ll get the pleasure of visiting some of the world’s best hill station such as Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala, Kangra, Dalhousie, Khajjiar only in Himachal Pradesh.
Starting my journey towards west, I can witness the royal culture of rajputana in Rajasthan and also get a chance to live life of a nomad in the only hot desert of India. Gujarat, the neighbouring state of Rajasthan sprawls its world famous Somnath Temple. Then it’s party time...yes you are getting it right, I am talking about Goa: India’s all time party destination. Then after exhausting all my energy in travelling I’d like to meditate in Kerala. Kerala: a perfect place to relax in the lap of nature and Ayurveda.
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| Atithi Devo Bhava |
In ancient time, India used to be known for its spices and silk. But now (on a lighter note), people across the globe recognise India as the home of the popular cricketer Sachin Tendulkar (Indian Cricket God) or Amitabh Bachchan (Star of the millennium).
Well, it is not completely true. Today also we can say with our head held high that we have conserved our culture pretty well. In today’s world, we still consider our guest as God. I live in a country where all the religion has mixed up into my life instead of just being a spiritual practice.
I was in 8th standard when I first had an encounter with the ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ - a phrase in Sanskrit which says ‘the Guest is God’. Although, I wasn’t completely unaware of its meaning as being born and brought up in Baniya family, so, I had learnt how to honour our guest as God. This practise was not only incorporated by my family but you will be surprised to know that this is something which is completely blended into Indian Culture.
I found some traces of above mentioned sayings in the few T.V advertisements which are being made to promote the tourism in India. One such tag line was spoken by Amitabh Bachchan, the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism in an advertisement by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department is ‘Kabhi toh aao Gujarat mien’ means Come, visit Gujarat once in your lifetime.
India is the land of rich culture, spirituality, diverse ecology and silk-spice-yoga. Some of the world heritage sites such as Taj Mahal, Agra, Konark Sun Temple, Orissa, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra all reside in India. There are 30 such sites in India. So, tourism in India is always at its peak since it gives a vacationer diverse option of touring the country filled with mesmerizing beauty and architecture.
If I ever get a chance to explore India, I’ll start my journey with the enthralling J&K (Jammu and Kashmir), it holds beautiful landscape of Himalaya. I’ll get a chance to cherish the beauty of Ladakh having white sand (white dessert) along the river side. Then, I would like to move towards eastern sides along with the Himalayan ranges where I’ll get the pleasure of visiting some of the world’s best hill station such as Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Dharamshala, Kangra, Dalhousie, Khajjiar only in Himachal Pradesh.
Starting my journey towards west, I can witness the royal culture of rajputana in Rajasthan and also get a chance to live life of a nomad in the only hot desert of India. Gujarat, the neighbouring state of Rajasthan sprawls its world famous Somnath Temple. Then it’s party time...yes you are getting it right, I am talking about Goa: India’s all time party destination. Then after exhausting all my energy in travelling I’d like to meditate in Kerala. Kerala: a perfect place to relax in the lap of nature and Ayurveda.
I completely agree with you...hospitality is in our genes :P
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