Ghorakatora, Rajgir and Jethiyan - International Hotspots in Bihar Tourism Scene

Bihar tourism is all set to receive a new high in the scene of India tours and travels. The three iconic tourist destinations in the map of Bihar tourism, namely - Rajgir, Jethiyan and Ghorakatora will soon be developed into tourist destinations in the international scale so as to attract international travellers besides promoting the regular influx of domestic tourists. Kudos to the latest high-level review meeting of youth affairs, tourism and art and culture departments, which as revealed by Bihar Chief Minister – Nitish Kumar, was all about developing tourism in Bihar on the International tourism scene by promoting the historical hotspots of Jethiyan, Ghorakatora and Rajgir.

To add to the adrenaline fun besides archaeological fantasies, the Bihar tourism board in these named areas has also promised to add the options of adventure sports like paragliding and parasailing. The chief minister has also been quoted by national daily stating that a large acre of plantation besides a picturesque hill surrounded pond in Ghorakatora will be developed as a destination of ecotourism in Bihar. Plus, the government is also actively dreaming and nurturing the idea of opening ‘Ganga diara’ as an international tourist spot in Bihar and wishes to set up special camps in the area. The project also plans starting the festive culture of “Ganga Aarti” or worship of the Ganges River from the February 2011 and include it as a regular feature.

Seeing that Bihar tourism has already surpassed the 5.5 lakh mark in November 2010, the Bihar tourism board - Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has taken the decision to accommodate the state with some of the finest hotels. Transportation has also seen a major high in the Bihar tourism arena as luxury Volvo coaches have already been enlisted to be purchased to boost up tourism in Bihar. Meanwhile, the progress on the proposed international museum in Patna is also on a speed roll. 

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Heavy snowfall in Europe Affects Jaipur Tourism

The Jaipur tourism industry of Rajasthan has been hard hit as heavy snowfalls enveloped Europe. There has been a steep fall in Rajasthan tourism owing to this as almost 70 percent of the European tourists who had planned travel to India, had to cancel their bookings in the Indian hotels and all India travel arrangements with the various travel agents of India, just due to these heavy snowfall conditions. As most airports in UK, France, Germany and several other countries in Europe are experiencing massive snowfall, the flights had to be either delayed or cancelled, which caused a lot of inconvenience to the travellers. Thus, the inbound tourists were compelled to cancel their travel to India and packages with the Indian travel agents. A 30 to 35% booking cancellation has been recorded by the Indian hoteliers and travel agents. The Jaipur tourism season mainly begins from December 20^th and with the cancellation of some 1,300 European flights, it has resulted to a major dip in the Jaipur Tourism scene as it is one of the hottest travel destinations in India.

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Indian Christmas – One of the Most Gorgeous Festivals of India

Indian Christmas has become an integral part of the Indian tradition of fairs and festivals, since the time the Europeans first set foot on the soils of this Asian subcontinent. With their coming to this golden land, the light of Jesus’ love and the doctrines of Christianity were soon spread to the natives of this country and Indian Christmas evolved as one of the brightest festivals of India. Today, India is proud to have a large population of Christian community who exists with mutual love and respect with all the other religions, all of which together form the exemplary brotherhood of India and a part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Indian Christmas is known as “Bada Din” in Hindi, which means Big Day and the Santa Claus is also known as “Christmas Baba” or Christmas Father.

Indian Christmas Traditions

The tradition of Indian Christmas has evolved in its own way and has its own similarities and uniqueness when compared with the western Christmas celebrations. The Indian Christmas festival has been modified with geographical boundaries, climatic influences and last but not the least, cultural values. One of the striking most uniqueness observed in the Indian Christmas celebrations is the Christmas tree. The Indian Christmas tree may or may not be the traditional pine tree that forms the core part of the Christmas festival all over the world. Instead, the role of Indian Christmas tree is mostly played by the banana trees or the mango trees, which are decorated in their full glory.

It is interesting to note, how the traditional Indian customs have heavily cast an influence on the Christmas celebrations in India. Many Indian Christian homes on this auspicious occasion, decorate their homes with mango leaves. Christmas festival in the western countries is observed by light candles to celebrate light over darkness and the same is done in India too. However, the candles in Indian Christmas tradition is replaced by ‘diyas’ or small oil-burning clay lamps, which are arranged in various patterns near the door, on the railings and near the Christmas tree to accentuate the celebration feel with their ethereal charm.

Evening Church services hold an important custom and tradition in Indian Christmas. The Churches here are decorated attractively with candles and poinsettias. The urban areas of India, mostly use the pine trees for celebrating Christmas and decorate them with the familiar Christmas tinsels, toys, stars and colorful streamers.

No Christmas is ever complete without meeting the Santa Claus. So, after the nativity plays are joyfully showcased, the Santa Claus arrives with his big bag of gifts and distributes them all to the kids along with loads of toffees and goodies. In the metros of India, Santa Claus is easily spotted in departmental stores, restaurants and amusement parks. Carnivals, fairs and DJ nights are common in the cities and the Indian nightlife comes alive in its full fervor during the eve of Christmas and the Christmas Day. Besides these merriments, caroling on streets and colorful processions form a beautiful part of the Indian Christmas tradition. 

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India Travel for the Global Tourists – India Welcomes the HIV+ Tourists

India Travel for the global tourists is not only getting easier but also more interesting by the day. The MEA (ministry of external affairs) has given a fresh facelift to India Travel for the global tourists by recently lifting all the Indian travel curbs against the HIV + foreigner travellers. Foreigner tourists visiting India to get that much talked about “Incredible India” feel will NO MORE have to state their HIV status during their India Travel Visa filling up formalities. Indian tourism industry has thus, made India travel for the global tourists a little easier than before by removing all kinds of travel restrictions against the HIV positive tourists.

TRAVEL BAN ON HIV POSITIVE TOURISTS LIFTED BY INDIA 

The urge for lifting up this restriction had come way back in 2002, when the Union health ministry had requested for removal of this mandatory HIV test for the Indian bound foreign travellers. However, since the consulates and embassies could not enforce it, they continued displaying the need of HIV test certificate on their official web domains and India Travel visa forms. On September 17, the MEA e-mailed the consulates and embassies clarified that there is absolutely NO RESTRICTION for the HIV + travellers coming to India. Soon, the offices will also remove the requirement for HIV certification from all India Travel Visa forms.

Making this noble move, the MEA has not only upheld India's commitment to equal human rights and dignity but also, made India a more favorable travel destination for one and all. Recently, the US, Namibia and China also lifted their decade old restrictions on HIV positive travellers. 

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Bundi Utsav Rajasthan – The Great Indian Carnival

Bundi Utsav Rajasthan, held in the festive month of November is one of the most fascinating festivals of India. Bundi Utsav gets its name from the place where it is held. Called Bundi, this place located in Rajasthan, India sure seems to be straight out of a picture post card. Each of places in Rajasthan have their own special significance, the very fact which has shot this destination in India to be one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the world and it is festivals such as these, which have made Rajasthan tourism more meaningful than ever before.

Bundi Utsav Rajasthan – A cultural representation that’s spell binding

Folklore, handicrafts, dance, music and heritage...you name it and the Bundi Utsav of Rajasthan has each of these gems studded on its festive occasion to keep up the frenzy and fervor of this occasion on the pinnacle. Some of the most respected and famous artists grace the cultural shows and entertainment on the occasion of Bundi Utsav in Rajasthan.

Bundi Utsav Rajasthan – Let’s explore beyond

The Bundi Utsav of Rajasthan, India bundles a lot of vibrancy. Take for example, the colorful procession or the Shobha Yatra that is a fun filled carnival showcasing some of the finest arts and crafts of this artist rich Indian state. From arts and crafts, cultural folk dance and music to ethnic sports and exhibition, there’s no excitement that goes amiss in this impressively entertaining event. The Bundi Utsav also packs in sightseeing, turban competition, musical extravaganza, deep daan, bridal attire, musical band competition and spectacular fireworks display.

Bundi Utsav Rajasthan – Moonlit glories

During the festival of Bundi Utsav in Rajasthan, dresses up in full glory yet another town in Rajasthan, in neighborhood of Bundi, called – Keshorai. The town comes alive under the moonlight flooded sky. The villagers dress up in the traditional best, come together at the banks of River Chambal and the women spray a magical mist in the air with their ritualistic holy chants.

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