Deepavali - Festival of Lights

Deepavali, or Diwali is a major Indian festival, and a significant festival in Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. Many legends are associated with Diwali. Today it is celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. The festival is also celebrated by Buddhists of Nepal, particularly the Newar Buddhists.

In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of King Rama of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest. The people of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) welcomed Rama by lighting rows (avali) of lamps (deepa), thus its name, Deepavali. This word, in due course, became Diwali in Hindi. But, in South Indian languages, the word did not undergo any change, and hence the festival is called Deepavali in southern India. Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.

Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November.

In Jainism it marks the nirvana of Lord Mahavira, which occurred on October 15, 527 BC. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali for a different reason; on this day, the Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind Ji, was freed from imprisonment along with 52 Hindu Kings (political prisoners) whom he had arranged to be released as well. After his release he went to Darbar Sahib (golden temple) in the holy city of Amritsar. There, he was greeted by Sikhs and many other people. In happiness they lit candles and diyas to greet the Guru.

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This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Mylapore Kabaleshwar temple During Navaratri Festival

Kapaleashwarar temple is a Hindu temple located in Mylapore, Chennai, India. The original 8th century Shiva temple was built by the Pallavas and located on the shore but it was destroyed by the Portuguese and was re-built as a church 300 years later.




During Navarathri, big idols of Poompavai, Sambanthar (Thirugyanasambandar), story is kept in display. Lot of cultural events take place. During summer, a small water tank with a Mandapam in the center is decorated with flowers are kept inside the temple. People buy lot of idols from the near by shops during this festive season.

Adyar Poonga Eco-Park @ Chennai

Adyar Poonga, an eco-park proposed in the Adyar Creek area, is being developed to cover the creek's entire expanse of 358 acres, next to Ambedkar Memorial off Greenways Road, Adyar, Chennai. Work also started on the ecological restoration project at the Adyar Poonga site. Tamil Nadu, which plans to take up ecological restoration of Adyar Estuary in Chennai, formed Adyar Poonga Trust in October 2006. A world-class ecological park (Adyar Poonga) would be established in Adyar Creek area measuring 58 acres in phase-I.



The Ecological Restoration Plan will cover the extent of 358 acres, for which the state has sanctioned Rs 100 crore. After extensive studies and stakeholder consultations, a draft plan is ready. These are some of the pictures taken at Adyar Poonga - maybe when we have the Adyar creek ready we will get to take lot more pictures and a better tomorrow for the coming genaration.

Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort also known as Chinji or Jinji in Tamil Nadu. In India this is one of the few surving forts in Tamil Nadu, the fort consists of three hills. The walls of the fort are a mixture of the naturally hilly terrain comprising the Krishnagiri, Chakkilidrug and Rajagiri hills. After the fort passed into British hands, it did not see any further action. The fort at Gingee was declared a National Monument in 1921 and was under the Archeological Department.



For photography, you can take still pictures and no tripods allowed inside the fort. If you want to use tripods, permission is needed from the ASI, Chennai. Yet to know the procedure but then will update on my blog once I get information.