Buddhism in India

India has a rich cultural heritage reflecting a glorious past in almost all spheres of life, social, economic, educational, academic, cultural and, most importantly, spiritual. India is the origin of Buddhism and is one of the most popular religions in the world. Buddhism started in India and the various sacred grounds are situated in this holy country. The message of Buddha spread rapidly, penetrating caste and class barriers. Buddha preached that the way to salvation was not dependent on God of Divine Grace, but on understanding the way things really are. It is essentially concerned with all living, suffering beings caught in the treadmill of desire and craving.

Buddha’s life is based on various locations such as Bodhgaya, Kushinagar, Varanasi and Nalanda in India. It was in Bodhgaya under the Bodhi tree that Gautam attained enlightenment to become Buddha. King Ashoka erected a shrine near the Bodhi tree, which was replace by Mahabodhi Temple. And Kushinagar is where Lord Buddha passed into Mahaparinirvana. The famous sites are Mahaparinirvana temple and Ramabhar Stupa where Buddha was cremated. Nalanda University, established in the fifth century B.C., was one of the greatest monastic universities of the ancient world. But it was damaged or destroyed by the Turks in 12 century. There is also the city of Varanasi which is a city situated on the bank of the River Ganges. Varanasi is a holy city in Hinduism because it is one of the most sacred pilgrimage places for Hindus of all denominations. Hindus believe that bathing in Ganga remits sins and that dying in Kashi ensures release of a person’s soul from the cycle of its transmigrations.

And India has Bihar a cultural village of the country. To boost Buddhism Relates and complete the course of the Buddhism sacred ground tour, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar, with technical support of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara organized a two day International Buddhist Conclave entitled “Experience Buddhism – In the Land of Origin” in the vibrant environment of Nalanda and Rajgir, adjacent to Bodhgaya. The conclave will help wide-rage of people to enrich their experience with local culture and encourage and involve the local community to conceive, establish, and grow viable and sustainable livelihood through pilgrimage tourism ventures.

There is large number of other Buddhist sacred sites in India, and people from all over the world are eager to visit the destinations to follow the footsteps of the Buddha. India is obviously the most important country for Buddhism believers and many scholars keep study in order to complete the trace of Buddha’s life. Also, the demands of Buddhism sacred ground tour packages are increasing in South Korea and several travel agencies have been operating the products for Korean Buddhists so it is expected that the number of the pilgrimage tourists will increase.

Thus, it will be a great opportunity to know real India if you visit the religious historical country exploring the sacred grounds of the Buddha.

Famous Tourist Places of India

The Taj Mahal receives 2.4 million visitors per year. Celebrities, dignitaries, international artists, and royal visitors invariably choose one and only Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as tourist attraction in India that they would like to visit. Symbol of romance and passion, this lovely marble tomb has a lacework of precious and semi-precious stones and several endearing features that make it stand apart. Shah Jahan built the grand garden tomb as a tribute to his queen Mumtaz Mahal, who bore him 14 children in her short life of 38 years.
India’s old Varanasi city situated on the banks of River Ganges makes the cut for the top religious pilgrimage cities, perhaps to owing its antiquity. The 3000-year old city was once known as Kashi and is believed to be the city of Lord Shiva himself. There are as many as 84 Ghats of Varanasi, each with its own historical and mythological significance, that are best observed from the middle of River Ganges, during the early morning boat ride.
Pushkar is another small town that receives high number of foreign tourists who are lured by myriad cultural attractions its Camel Fair offers. The sacred Pushkar Lake and the world’s only consecrated temple of Lord Brahma at Pushkar do attract thousands of pilgrims here but it is the world’s largest camel and cattle fair that holds the main lure for American and European clients. Folk dance and song performances, traditional puppet shows, interesting turban tying and Mr Desert contests, and strange camel competitions such as camel races, camel dance, and camel beauty contests make for some interesting click able moments during India tour.
Extravagant Custom tours in India offer myriad diversions. Away from shopping malls and amusement parks, India’s true worth lies in its natural, cultural, architectural and spiritual worth. Yoga and Kerala Ayurveda tour to luxurious spa resorts in Kerala can provide you a chance to relax, as you never had before in rich green surroundings, and get rejuvenated for another stint in the urbane world. Pleasure beaches of Goa are popular among westerners for their raging nightlife and carnival-like festivities all the year round. From skiing at Auli to tiger trains at Ranthambore National Park to white river rafting at Rishikesh and to scuba diving in South India, adventure options at India are unlimited too.
Those who are traveling to India for only a week and wish to experience the best of luxury tourism in the country can find good travel agents and tour operators to customize India tours to their dream vacations. Five-star and luxury heritage accommodations all along the way with some of the most comfortable and royal luxury train tour in India can satiate even the most discerning traveler. If you are in a mood to splurge, there is no dearth of unique experiences in India – take a helicopter ride over the Himalayas, stay at Mughal-style princely camps with elaborate canopies and embroidered curtains in the heart of dangerous forests, and sip cocktails at world’s oldest private club. India Luxury Tours now include many of the lesser-known gems that offer just the experiences you have always fantasized about.

Banks In India

1. ABN AMRO Bank
2. Andhra Bank
3. Axis Bank
4. Bank of Baroda
5. Bank Of India
6. Barclays Bank
7. Canara Bank
8. Central Bank of India
9. Citibank
10. Corporation Bank
11. Dena Bank
12. Deutsche Bank
13. GE Financial
14. HDFC Bank
15. HSBC
16. ICICI Bank
17. IDBI Bank
18. Indiabulls Financial Services
19. Indian Bank
20. Indian Overseas Bank
21. ING Vysya
22. Kotak Mahindra Bank
23. LIC Housing Finance
24. National Housing Bank
25. Oriental Bank of Commerce
26. Punjab & Sind Bank,
27. Punjab National Bank
28. Reliance Money
29. Standard Chartered Bank
30. State Bank of India
31. Syndicate Bank
32. Union Bank of India
33. United Bank of India

India Tours- Discover Wonders of India

The name ‘India’ suggests an image of a vast country boasting many attractions and wonderful sightseeing attractions. From the magnificent Himalayas in the north to the thrilling sands of the Rajasthan in the west of India, from exotic hills in the east India to the idyllic, beautiful beaches in the south India, India is a hub for the tourist attractions.

India is not just a tourist attraction country but also a land of cultures, history, myriads, ancient civilization, rich forts and places of the gone by era which really reminds us of the antiquity and greatness of the place. India tours have a lot to offer to the tourists. The feel of the luxury and kings can be taken care by the palace hotels which have the preserved charms of the heritage of the country. One can visit such hotels in luxury tours to the country. A lot of places in India give the glimpse of the culture, heritage and religion, such as Delhi, Udaipur, Banglore, Varanasi, Mysore, Agra, Khajuraho, Jodhpur and Jaipur.

The land of cultural excellence is not only known for the heritage and cultural monuments but also for the fauna and flora, lovely beaches and exhilarating wildlife too. The India tour can be made memorable by paying visits to the exciting national parks, such as Kanha National Park, Jim Corbett Park and Sariska sanctuary that can make the trip a memorable experience.

Traveling in India can make you observe the fantastic forts like Amber fort, Agra fort, Golconda fort and Fatehpur Sikri fort, terrific temples as Lotus Temple and Akshardham temple, and lovely holiday spots in Goa. The beautifully created structures, elegant palaces, majestic tombs, fantastic forts are breathtaking. The architectural wonders in the country have the power to mesmerize you.

The people who have a spiritual bent can also get a treat by the stirring philosophies and sacrosanct sites of the country. The history buffs can also discover the grand vestiges of British rule in India, discover gems, and find battle scarred monuments and forts in the country’s field. The outdoor lovers have a choice too in palm fringed and shimmering waters of Goa, tigers can be explored in the safari at Kanha national park and also the rejuvenating fresh air can be felt by trekking the majestic Himalayas. The food of the country is mouth watering. The food gives a feel of the lovely blend of the different cultures of the country. The idilis and dosas of the south India to reviving North india’s curries, it’s all so amazing.

The must holiday destination includes Rajasthan with the majestic palaces, forts, rustic beauty and the culture. Agra is also a spellbinding place with the beautiful Taj Mahal. Kashmir is known for the natural beauty with extraordinary lakes, gardens, beaches and snow. Delhi can be visited for the Red Fort, India Gate and Qutub Minar. Kerala can offer lovely backwaters and beaches, hills stations like Ooty, Manali, Darjeeling and Nanital.

Visit to India can be a memorable one if you plan the tour in the right manner. You should chalk out itinerary as the country is too big and there is a lot to discover. The tour to India would definitely be enjoyable as every part of the country has a lot to offer to the visitors so much that the visitors would be enchanted by the country’s royalty.

Colleges in Varanasi

• Varanasi Medical Colleges
• Varanasi Engineering Colleges
• Varanasi Pharmacy Colleges
• Varanasi Nursing Colleges
• Varanasi Law Colleges
• Varanasi Undergraduate Degree Colleges
• Varanasi Postgraduate Degree Colleges
• Varanasi Business Management Colleges
• Varanasi Hotel Management Colleges
• Varanasi ITI Colleges
• Punjab Technical University, Study Centre
• M.C.R.P. University, Study Centre

Universities in Varanasi

• Banarase Hindi University (B.H.U.)
• Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidhyapeeth
• Dr. Sampurnanad Sanskrit University
• Tibetan Studies Institutes, Sarnath
• Jamia Salfia Darul-Islamia, Islamic University

Two more swine flu cases in Varanasi

Even as the district health administration could heave a sigh of relief with negative reports of swine flu (Influenza A H1N1) virus in Varanasi. Later, talking to TOI, Dr Shaukat Kamal, nodal officer for swine flu control programme in the region, said the district health administration had demanded additional supply of personal protection kits for swine flu in the region. “Efforts are being made to install thermal scanner at Babatpur airport and other screening measures have also been intensified,” he added.

As per reports of the district health department, while the two suspected patients including Shazia Khatoon, a woman from Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) area and Satish Jaiswal, a native of Chandauli district, who had recently returned from Mumbai were kept in the isolation ward (swine flu ward) of the SPG hospital, their swab samples were also sent to the state capital for confirmation of swine flu virus.

The recent reports of nodal office for swine flu in the region has indicated screening of over 2,400 air passengers in the past two-and-a-half months at Babatpur airport. The reports also indicated that the screening was likely to be continued, especially after revelation of a number of suspected swine flu cases in the region.

Varanasi City Festivals

Varanasi is known as the oldest living city in the world. It is also the culture capital of India. The place became the center for fairs and festivals by virtue of their cultural and religious importance. Festivals are celebrated almost every month. The celebration symbolizes life at its best with the dedication of Varanasi’s beliefs.

Varanasi is commonly known as Banaras or Banares. The city became the center for learning and civilization over 3000 years ago. Its culture is greatly associated with the river’s religious traditions. It has been the symbol for Hindu renaissance and devotion to the gods. People believed that the Ganges River has the power to wash away the sins of mortals. Hence, a person who dies on Varanasi would achieve freedom and salvation.

Many festivals are celebrated in high spirits. A huge number of foreigners visit the place in order to witness the significance of each fair.

Bharat Milap at Nati Imli
Bharat Milap is celebrated from October to November. The festival is held in regard of Lord Rama’s (the chief protagonist of Ramayana) return to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile and his reunion with his brother, Bharat. The festival attracts millions of devotees in a whole day fair following Dussehra. The festival shows the profound love of the Lord Rama and Bharat and the victory of good over evil.

Buddh Purnima in Sarnath
Buddh Purnima is held in May celebrating Lord Gautam Buddha’s birth. This festival connotes the birth and death of Buddha on a full moon day. The relics of Buddha are taken out to view by the public on procession. Sarnath is the place for the large fair celebrated with rare abandon.

Ramlila of Ramnager
Ramlila is a month long feast with regards on Goswami Tulsida’s Ramcharitmanas. A live show of ancient rituals or pantomime is presented in the form of Surpnakha Nasika Chedan, Dhanush Bhang and Ram Janmotsav. The two performances tackle the story of Lord Rama.

Dhrupad Mela
Dhrupad Mela is held every March. It is a 5-day musical festival performed by renowned artists. Tulsi Ghat is a popular place among tourists that come to experience the musical extravagance.

Hanumat Jayanti Janmotsav

Hanuman Jayanti Janmotsav is celebrated at Sankat Mochan Temple. It is a 5 day cultural and musical affair by Indian artists. The fair is based on Hanuman Charitra, Saraswati, Ram and Krishna Lila. It commemorates the birth of Hanuman (mythical character).

The Nakkatayya and Nah Nathaiya are other festivals in Varanasi which is dedicated for Rama and the Lord Krishna.

Nakkatyya – Chetganj
A stage play is reenacted showing the story of Ramayan during this festival. This is a story wherein her sister Surpnakha insisted to attract Laksman and Ram. The cutting of the nose of Surpnakha was enacted in a beautiful way onstage. Decorated lags are taken out for the occasion.

Nag Nathaiya
Nag Nathaiya is part of the Krishna Leela ceremony. It is a mythological tradition depicting the life episode of Lord Krishna jumping into the Ganga River for Nag Nathan. Nag Nathaiya’s origin can be traced back to the Mahabharata. The festival is held at Tulsi Ghat during the month of November to December.

Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva where a marriage procession of Lord Shiv is presented from Mahamritunjaya temple to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Around 50,000 to 60,000 people gather here to see this much loved festival. All the temples are decorated and devotees offer milk, songs, bhajans and hymns to create a sacred atmosphere.

Varanasi Ganges

The Ganges is the hub of life in Varanasi. The holiest of cities, Varanasi is known as the city of light, but is really the city of death. Believed to have been founded by the Hindu goddess Shiva, the city is a mecca for those seeking religious enlightenment. Thousands of Indians seek to cleanse themselves in the waters each morning, which makes for an explosion of activity and colorful dresses. The rest of the day will amaze you even more.

As the holiest Hindu city, many of the Hindu faith believe dying in Varanasi brings enlightenment. Thousands upon thousands of Hindus travel to the city in their later years for this purpose. Charitable institutions and Hindu temples take in the multitude of elderly. Although not as prevalent as in the past, many of the deceased are cremated in the open on pyres overlooking the Ganges. It is truly a site to be seen.

Varanasi City of Living and Dying

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities on earth. It’s kept it’s religious roots since the 6th Century AD by isolating politically. The original part of the city is the area near the Ganges River where we stayed. The maze of narrow laneways, of residences and markets begins right next to the river. The laneways range from about 3 to 12 feet and it’s fairly easy to find your way in and out of them as if you get lost you can always head for the river. Fascinating neighbourhoods, but hot and close and it’s easier and cooler if you keep moving. It also helps you avoid being hassled, run over by motorcycles or stepping in cow pies!
Life on the river feels timeless; it’s been going on in much the same way for many many centuries. It is well worth it to get up at 5:30 am to take a boat ride on the Ganges. It’s the perfect time of day …very peaceful with beautiful sunrises. You’ll see tourists from all parts of the world along with many Indians. The Ganges is sacred to many religions of the world. A sign on the wall reads: “Fortunate are the people who reside on the banks of the Ganga”.
The Burning Ghat, where bodies are cremated is located by the river, not far from the hotel we stayed at. There are over 300 ghats or steps down to the Ganges, some have now fallen apart. A roster of volunteers educate interested tourists about the process.