Melting Pots

Can any city's inhabitants lay exclusive claim to the city's culture? Can they, in their pride at being original settlers, ignore the contributions made by those settling from outside? In the backdrop of the recent controversy generated in Maharashtra over the issue of North Indian migrants,it is worthwhile to look at how our greatest cities have become great because they have been melting pots of diverse cultural strains -- a characteristic that is best reflected in the foods the migrants brought with them.

Click here to read why our cities have been melting pots and should remain that way.

Colours of the desert

Recently, I visited Jaisalmer for the annual desert festival. It's an event, where all cliches come true. All that one has heard or read about Rajasthan can be seen here. Colourful dancers, moustached warriors, majestic camels, unending sand dunes -- they are all available in full force at this three day event, which is also an opportunity to absorb the local flavour as well as to witness some interesting competitions.

Click here to read about Jaisalmer's desert festival.

The village of peacocks

Tucked away in the hinterlands of Maharashtra, almost 60 kms away from Pune, lies the tiny village of Chincholi Morachi. It's an interesting name, which literally translates into 'abode of peacocks and tamarind trees.' Both of these are in abundance at this unique village, which has a population of 2000 humans and an equal number of peacocks. Which means that there is a ratio of 1 peacock for every villager.

Click here to read more about the village of peacocks.