Wednesday, October 31, 2012

WHY KARNATAKA IS UNIQUE?

Rajyotsava Day

The Rajyotsava Day is the state festival of Karnataka and is observed on November 1st every year. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Karnataka as the state was formed on this day. The Rajyotsava day is marked as a government holiday in the state of Karnataka.
History
In 1950, India became republic and different provinces were formed in the country on the basis of language spoken in the particular region and this gave birth to the state of Mysore including various places in south India, which were earlier ruled by the kings.

Later in the year 1956, all Kannada speaking regions of South India were merged into one state. The new state was named after Mysore, which by itself was a princely state. The name Mysore was not accepted by some regions like North Karnataka and Hyderabad of the present time and people residing these areas demanded the change in the name of the state.

Finally after the prolonged discussion over the issue, in the year 1973 the state of all kannada speaking people was renamed as Karnataka on1st November. The credit for this landmark decision owes to Late Devaraj Urs the then Chief Minister of state and every year the November 1st is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava or Karnataka Rajyotsava meaning "State festival" of Karnataka.

History of Karnataka

History and Geography:
Karnataka has a recorded history of more than 2,000 years. Apart from its subjection to the rule of Nandas, Mauryas and the Satavahanas, Karnataka came to have indigenous dynasties like the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Ganges from the middle of the 4th century AD. The world renowned Gomateshwara monolith at Sharavanabelagola was installed by a Ganga minister Chavundaraya. The Chalukyas of Badami (500-735 AD) reigned over a wider area, from the Narmada to the Kaveri from the days of Pulikeshi II (609-642 AD) who even defeated the mighty Harshavardhana of Kanauj. This dynasty created fine, everlasting and the most beautiful monuments of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, both structural and rock-cut. Aihole has been one of the cradles of temples architecture in the country. The Rashtrakutas (753-973 AD) of Malkhed who succeeded from heaped tributes on the rulers of Kanauj successively in the so-called 'Age of Imperial Kanauj'. Kanada literature developed during this period. Outstanding Jain scholars of India lived in their court. The Chalukyas of Kalyana (973-1189 AD) and their feudatories, the Hoysalas of Halebidu built exiquisite temples, encouraged literature and various fine arts. Noted jurist Vijnaneshwara (work:Mitakshara) lived at Kalyana. The great religious leader Basaveshwara was a minister of Kalyana. Vijayanagar empire (1336-1646) patronised and fostered indigenous traditions and encouraged arts, religion and literature in Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. Revolution in transport, communication and industries was ushered in. The urban middle-class emerged. Mysore dynasty initiated and helped industrialisation and cultural growth.
Freedom Movement was followed by the movement for the unification of Karanataka. After Independence, the Mysore State was created in 1953, wherein all the Kanada dominant areas under different dispensations were unified and the enlarged Mysore state carved in 1956 and was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka State is situated between 11031' and 18014' north latitudes and 74012' and 78010'.

Rich Folk Heritage of Karnataka
Karnataka has very rich folkloric traditions which have been kept alive for centuries. Every part and community of karnataka created and enjoyed the folk music and dance suitable for society. Folk dance in karnataka reflects the rural culture and traditions of the kannadigas. These were many ritual dance, devotional dance, historical dance and rural entertainment dance appeared as traditional way of life.
Yakshagana: Yakshagana is one of the most living art traditions in the Karnataka.

Dollu Kunitha: It is a popular drum dance. The large drums are decorated with coloured cloth, and are slung around the necks of men. The dances are at times accompanied with songs relating to religious praise or wars.

Veeragase: Veeragase is popular folk dance. It is a symbolic presentation of the heroism and valour of God Veerabahadhra.

Kamsale kunitha: The Kamsale dance is named after the instrument held in the hands of the dancer. This instrument comprises a shoola held in one hand and a bronze disc in the other. The main element in the art is the rhythmic clang which blends with melodious music of the Lord Mahadeswara epic.

Nandikolu kunitha: This art form is the domain of male devotees of Lord Siva. The Nandi pole is about 18 cubits in length, each cubit representing a 'dharma'. The length of the pole is fitted with brass pots and plates, and ornate silver or brass umbrella at the top with a silk tassel, which is the flag.
Jodu halige: Halige meaning two percussion instruments used by two artists to produce rhythmic notes of astounding energy and power. Their movements along the stage expressive of their physical energy harmonizes with the notes produced by the instrument.
Boothada Kola: In the Coastal Karnataka, the Bhootha kola (Dance) is very popular among the rural folks. it is mainly intended to ward off evil spirits, pacify devils, and appease whatever detrimental forces around for ensuring both health and happiness and a hearty existence.

Lambani nruthya: Lambani women dressed colourfully and move circularly with clapping and singing. This dance is out of the common. In dress, mode of living and dwelling, they dance on important festivities in a free manner.

Veerabhadra kunitha: The dance form depicts the story of Veerabhadra, the legendary minor god created by Lord Siva to teach a lesson to his father-in-law Daksha.
Gombeyatta: Leather puppeteers are scattered all over the interior of Karnataka. Puppetry stories are taken from the Puranas. It resembles exactly like yakshagana. It need great craftsmanship, stage technique and background music and song. They are called Togalu Gombeyaata because these puppets are made from leather.
Karadi kunitha:Bring a life to these ethnic dance and help to awake these folk dance back to our society to enjoy and develop good society. Preserve these traditional folk life.
Festivals of Karnataka
  1. Makar Sankranti
  1. Mysore Dasara                                                     
  2. Lakshadeepotsava at Dharmasthala 
  3. Mahamastakabhisheka to Bhagawan Bahubali 
  4. Ganesh Chaturthi
  1. Ugadi
  1. Deepavali
  2. Varamahalakshmi Vratha  
  3. Mahashivarathri
  4. Krishnajanmasthami
  5.  Ramanavami
  6. Main Rivers of Karnataka
  1. Cauvery or Kaveri River: Kaveri river, also called Dakshina Ganga (the Ganges of the south), is one of the great and sacred rivers of India. It has many tributaries including Shimsa, Hemavati, Arkavathi, Kapila, Honnuhole, Lakshmana Tirtha, Kabini, Bhavani, Lokapavani, Noyyal and Amaravati. It is also considered sacred by the Hindus as water will purify all sin. The origin of river Kaveri is Talakaveri located in the Western Ghats in Coorg (Kodagu) district. Talakaveri is a famous pligrimage and tourist spot set amidst Bramahagiri Hills near Mercara (Madikeri) in Coorg (Kodagu) district of Karnataka. It flows south and east for around 765 km, emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
  2. Tungabhadra River: The Tungabhadra is a chief tributary of the Krishna River. The Tungabhadra is formed north of Shimoga at an elevatibn of about 610 metres by the union of twin rivers, the Tunga and the Bhadra, which rise in the eastern slope of the Western Ghats, in the state of Karnataka
  3. Krishna River: The Krishna River is one of the longest rivers of India. It originates at Mahabaleswar in Maharashtra, passes through Karnataka and meets the sea in the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh.
  4. Ghataprabha River: The Ghataprabha river rises in the Western Ghats and flows eastwards for a length of 283 km before joining the Krishna. The river debouches by 53 metres at Gokak Falls in Belgaum (Belagaavi) District.
  5. Malaprabha River: The river Malaprabha also rises in Western Ghats at an altitude of 792 metres in Belgaum (Belagaavi) district. The river flows first in easterly and then in north-easterly directions and joins the Krishna at Kudalasangama, about 304 km from its source.
  6. Bhima River: The river Bhima originates in the forest of Bhimashankar in Pune, and flows through the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It flows for 861 km before joining the Krishna near Kudlu in Raichur taluk.
  7. Hemavati River: The river Hemavati rises in the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 1,219 metres and joins the river Kaveri near Krishnarajasagar.
  8. Kabini River: Kabini River is a tributary of river Kaveri, it originates in Wayanad District of Kerala state, south India from the confluence of the Panamaram and Mananthavady rivers, and flows eastward to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudal Narasipur. The total length of the river is about 230 km.
  9. Sharavathi River: The Sharavathi is a river in India that originates at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk, flows north-west through the Western Ghats forming the Jog Falls before joining the Arabian Sea at Honavara.


Language
Halmidi inscription (450 CE) is the earliest attested inscription in Kannada language .
The Kannada language serves as the official language of the state of Karnataka, as the native language of approximately 65% of its population and as one of the classical languages of India. Kannada played a crucial role in the creation of Karnataka: linguistic demographics played a major role in defining the new state in 1956. Tulu, Kodava Takk and Konkani are other minor native languages that share a long history in the state. Kannada features a rich and ancient body of literature covering topics as diverse as Jainism, Vachanas, Haridasa Sahitya and modern literature. Evidence from edicts during the time of Ashoka the Great (reigned 274–232 BCE) suggest that Buddhist literature influenced the Kannada script and its literature. The Halmidi inscription, the earliest attested full-length inscription in the Kannada language and script, dates from 450 CE, while the earliest available literary work, the Kavirajamarga, has been dated to 850 CE. References made in the Kavirajamarga, however, prove that Kannada literature flourished in the Chattana, Beddande and Melvadu metres during earlier centuries.

Karnataka food
Karnataka food is extremely rich in variety. From the strict vegetarian delicacies of Udipi to the non-vegetarian gourmets of Kodava, food in Karnataka has something to bring water to everybody's mouth. Rice is the staple of Karnataka food. However, rotis made of wheat, jowar and ragi are also widely consumed in the northern districts of the state.
Karnataka food is typically non-greasy. There is very little use of oil and food items are largely steamed. Fruits, in their fresh as well as pickled forms, feature prominently in the food of Karnataka. Rice is cooked in a variety of ways. There are red grain rice, sannas, rice rotis and pancakes made of rice. Mangalore presents some of the richest varieties of rice-based delicacies. The paper thin akki rotis of Malnad called talipattus are also extremely popular and a widely sought after item.
Mysore pak
 Special delicacies of Karnataka from different regions

Dharwad peda

Maddur vada
Mangalore bonda

Jola roti

 


Belgavi kunda


PLACES OF INTEREST IN KARNATAKA



Uniqueness of Karnataka

THE uniqueness of Karnataka lies in the variety of  attractions it offers. The State is a veritable mini India: it showcases modern cities alongside heritage and pilgrim centres of the old world. At one end, some of its monuments are recognized as the “cradle of stone architecture” of the old civilization; at the other, it boasts the “Silicon Valley of India”.

The State government's Department of Tourism has divided the tourist attractions into five sectors. The first targets the budding historian and is titled “Heritage Karnataka”. In this sector the tourist can visit places like Hampi (see separate story) and savour the beauty of the ancient temples of Badami.
The richness of Chalukyan architecture in the cluster of 10 beautifully chiselled temples at Pattadakal and the cradle of Hindu temple architecture at Aihole will also fascinate tourists. Bijapur's Gol Gumbaz and Mysore's Royal Palace are majestic structures that cannot be missed.

For the wildlife enthusiast, Karnataka is a smorgasbord of delight. Among the sanctuaries and national parks are the Bannerghatta National Park, the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and the B.R. Hills Sanctuary. There are several tiger habitats. A variety of migratory birds are found at the Kokkrebellur pelicanry, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary.


For the “romantic” tourist, Karnataka has several hill stations with vistas of unmatched beauty – Madikeri, the little coffee capital of India; Kudremukh; Agumbe; Kodachadri; and Kemmangundi. Mangalore and Karwar are only two of the major coastal towns in Karnataka that one must visit.


Divine Karnataka” offers spiritual succour for the religiously minded. Shravanabelagola is a prominent Jain pilgrimage centre and home to Asia's largest monolithic statue, which towers up to a height of 58 feet (7.4 metres). Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Gulbarga and Udupi are also prominent pilgrim centres.


“Cascading Karnataka” boasts the highest waterfall in Asia – the Jog Falls. The tiny island town of Shivasamudram, where forested hills and lush green valleys hold the Shivasamudram falls, forms a retreat of great natural beauty. The Abbey and Iruppu Falls are smaller but no less beautiful for that.


KARNATAKA
  ANIMAL-ELEPHANT
BIRD-INDIAN ROLLER
FLOWER-LOTUS
TREE-SANDAL WOOD











With Regards,

DIVYA.R.C








Saturday, October 27, 2012

WEEKEND GETAWAY TO HIMAD GOPALASWAMY HILLS.

After a hustle and bustle city life I just took a break with my family to HIMAD GOPALSWAMY HILLS.
Himad Gopalswamy hills is the highest peak in Bandipur national park. We took a car to Mysore and headed towards Gundulpet which is a small town located in Chamarajnagar district .After a rustic journey I could see a chain of hills surrounded with lush green forests and the pleasant breeze all around. Just before starting of the hill there is a check post. The check post is open from morning 7.00am to evening 5.00pm.The forest guards checked our car and fee of Rs.50 was collected and a receipt is issued with the time of entry and exit with the permission of 1 and half hours was permitted without any hassle. The forest area is highly protected with electric fencing and it is no plastic zone this area is protected under project tiger. This place is adjacent to Western Ghats constituting Bandipur and Nagarhole.


After a few bends and curves we reached the top of the hill and was very excited to have a glimpse of nature with full of scenic surprises all around. It is the highest point which is about 1454m above sea level. Their’s a small temple at the top of the hill dedicated to lord GopalSwamy(lord Krishna).The sobriquet Himad (fog in kannada)is because most of the year, there is a veil of mist covering the whole area and the winds blowing through trees are like a song in praise of lord.


The view around is simply beautiful. It was kind of refreshing dose for me capturing those entire beautiful nature scene in my camera. It was perfect day out from Bangalore an ideal trekkers delight, a holy pilgrimage and an awesome place for nature lovers. I would like to visit this place once again. I hope even you too visit this place some time.

Please note: Taking food to the top of the hill is strictly prohibited.


with regards,
Divya.R.C

Monday, October 1, 2012

My visit to Gandhiji's Ancestral home at Porbandar in Gujrat

Most of the Indians Still think of Mahatma Gandhi as the real Birth of god. It is true also to some extent, as India would not have got freedom without him. Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October in the year 1869 in Porbandar, one of the cities of Gujarat State. The house where Gandhiji was born is called Kirti Mandir and is converted in to the national monument and many visitors visit this holy place in Porbandar everyday.


Kirti Mandir is situated in the middle of the city of Porbandar. It remains open for visitors on all days between 7.30 am to 1pm in the morning and 2 pm to 7 pm in the evening. As soon as you enter Kirti Mandir, the left hand corner is the actual birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The free guide service is available to see this house. The exact place of birth is marked with a small painting of swastika on the floor. This room consists of a Gaumukh that is considered very holy in Hindu religion. There is a kitchen and the puja room of the grandmother of Gandhiji. There is an old design staircase going to first floor. Be very careful while climbing this staircase as it is maintained in the same condition that was before around 160 years.


The left hand side room on the first floor is a bedroom of Gandhiji's parents and a central kitchen of the house. This was the place where Gandhiji had learnt to walk and run. The further staircase will take you to the second floor. The room on the left hand side is his study room. Gandhiji's father was a minister in the Porbandar State. That is the reason their house is quiet big and is having three floors in all. The pictures of Lord Vishnu's ten births, painted by Gandhiji's father Karamchand can be seen even today. 1995 in the whole country of India. Gandhiji and his father perhaps already visualized this event before around 150 years. The house on the second floor has two main sections. Gandhiji's father used the front part of the house as the office and the family used the part behind as their residence.

                                             Gandhiji's Reading room

Mahatma Gandhi's birth place at Porbandar in Gujarat State have been preserved in the same condition as it was before 160 years. That is why it is interesting to see this holy place.
My trip to Gujrat with my family was an unforgettable one and was very lucky to visit the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhiji.I hope that you also visit this beautiful place some time in your life time.
with regards,
DIVYA.R.C

Friday, September 14, 2012

Engineer's Day special

 We all celebrate engineer's day lets know the man behind this day.

September 15 is celebrated every year in India as Engineer's Day to commemorate the birthday of the legendary engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya (1861-1962).

Internationally recognised for his genius in harnessing water resources, he was responsible for successful design and construction of several river dams, bridges and implementing irrigation and drinking water schemes all over India.

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya


He is known to be the greatest engineers of all times, who with his vision and dedication in the field of engineering made some exceptional contributions to India. Owing to his contribution he was honored with the highest state award of India, the “The Bharat Ratna”, in the year 1955. Some of the contributions of Sir VM are:

  
As an Engineer par excellence:
  • He was the chief engineer during the construction of Krishna sager dam on the Cauvery River.

  • Many dams built by him in Bombay are still functional even till today.

  • The Sri Jayachamaraja Polytechnic Institute of Bangalore was started on the  recommendation of Sir Visvesvaraya.

  • The Block System was invented by him, which was a system of automated doors that closed in the conditions of overflow.

  • Krishnarajasagara Dam built by his help, is still praised by everybody witnessing it.

  • Mysore University, which is a matter of great proud for the people of Mysore, was established because of his will and conviction.

   As a Person:

What was achieved by Sir Visvesvaraya, was not as easy as it seemed, as it required strict discipline from his side.
  • Punctuality: He was very famous for his punctuality, it's said He was never late even by a minute and expected his people also to realize the importance of time.

  • Perfect Clothing: Every person having met Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, proudly remembers his neat and fine clothing.

  • Perfectionist: There are many examples to show that even a little task that he took up, was always completed to perfection. Even if it was to deliver a speech, he would think in advance, write and rehearse it number of times.

  • Fitness: Even at the age of 92, he was never dependent on comforts; he would not only walk by himself, but, take full participation in all proceedings.

  • Dedication to work: Nothing was able to deter Sir, from his commitment to good work; his work was his worship.

  • Courageous: Many of the projects completed by him that India stands proud of today, would not have existed if it was not his will and conviction.

  • Fearless Patriot: When it came to India, even high perks given to Sir by the British Government were not enough for him; he opposed everything and anything that was against the favor of his nation.



Engineering is not merely knowing and being knowledgeable; engineering is not merely analysis; engineering is not merely the possession of the capacity to get elegant solutions to non-existent engineering problems; engineering is practicing the art of the organized forcing of technological change.

with regards,
Divya.R.C

Saturday, August 4, 2012

MY BEST BUDDIES...


Everyone needs a true friend - these friends are  very special one's in my life .


MY SPECIAL FRIENDS

Dedicated to al my frnds who has been a part of my life in this wonderful journey.Thank u one n all ..



WITH REGARDS
DIVYA.R.C

Monday, April 23, 2012

BASAVA JAYANTHI

Basaveshwara (Kannada: ಬಸವೇಶ್ವರ), (11341196)) was a philosopher, Statesman and a social reformer from present-day Karnataka, India.He was the founder of Lingayatism and is popularly called as Vishwa Guru(Teacher of the World) and Bhakti-Bhandari(Champion of Devotion). His teachings and preachings which are universal, go beyond all boundaries of belief systems. He was a great humanitarian and preached a new way of life wherein the divine experience being the center of life regardless of gender, belief, tradition, religion, caste or social status. The key aspect of his preaching is monotheistic concept of God.

Basavanna's Vachanas

Don't rob, Don't kill, Never ever lie
Don't get angry, Don't think negative about others
Don't self describe, Don't tease others
This is the way of self respect, this is the way to get respected by the world.
This is the way of impressing my lord Koodala sangam deva.
ಕಳಬೇಡ, ಕೊಲಬೇಡ, ಹುಸಿಯ ನುಡಿಯಲುಬೇಡ
ಮುನಿಯಬೇಡ, ಅನ್ಯರಿಗೆ ಅಸಹ್ಯ ಪಡಬೇಡ
ತನ್ನ ಬಣ್ಣಿಸಬೇಡ , ಇದಿರು ಹಳೆಯಲುಬೇಡ
ಇದೆ ಅಂತರಂಗ ಶುದ್ದಿ, ಇದೆ ಬಹಿರಂಗ ಶುದ್ದಿ
ಇದೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದೆವನೊಲಿಸುವ ಪರಿ.
-ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದೇವ...

Don't rob, Don't kill, Never ever lie
Don't get angry, Don't think negative about others
Don't self describe, Don't tease others
This is the way of self respect, this is the way to get respected by the world.
This is the way of impressing my lord Koodala sangam deva.
ಕಳಬೇಡ, ಕೊಲಬೇಡ, ಹುಸಿಯ ನುಡಿಯಲುಬೇಡ
ಮುನಿಯಬೇಡ, ಅನ್ಯರಿಗೆ ಅಸಹ್ಯ ಪಡಬೇಡ
ತನ್ನ ಬಣ್ಣಿಸಬೇಡ , ಇದಿರು ಹಳೆಯಲುಬೇಡ
ಇದೆ ಅಂತರಂಗ ಶುದ್ದಿ, ಇದೆ ಬಹಿರಂಗ ಶುದ್ದಿ
ಇದೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದೆವನೊಲಿಸುವ ಪರಿ.
-ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದೇವ...


ಬಸವಣ್ಣನವರ ವಚನ

ಞ್ಯಾನದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅಞ್ಯಾನದ ಕೇಡು, ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
ಜ್ಯೋತಿಯ ಬಲದಿಂದ ತಮನ್ತದ ಕೇಡು, ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
ಸತ್ಯದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅಸತ್ಯದ ಕೇಡು, ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
ಪರುಷದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅವಲೊಹದ ಕೇಡು, ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
ಕೂಡಲ ಸನ್ಗನ ಶರಣರ ಅನುಭಾವದಿಂದ
ಎನ್ನ ಭವದ ಕೇಡು, ನೋಡಯ್ಯ.

basavaNNanavara vachana

GYAnada baladinda aGYAnada kEDu, nODayya
jyOtiya baladinda tamantada kEDu, nODayya
satyada baladinda asatyada kEDu, nODayya
paruShada baladinda avalohada kEDu, nODayya
kUDala sangana sharaNara anubhAvadinda
enna bhavada kEDu, nODayya.

Meaning:
By the power of knowledge, is the destruction of ignorance, You see.
By the power of light, is the destruction of darkness, You see.
By the power of truth, is the destruction of falsehood, You see.
By the power of paruSha stone, is the destruction of iron, You see.
By the experience of the refugees of Lord of kUDala sangama,
is the destruction of my birth cycle, You see.


nIrige naiDile sR^i~NgAra
samuDrake tereye sR^i~NgAra
naarige guNave sR^i~NgAra
gaganake chandrama sR^i~NgAra
namma kUDala sa.ngana sharaNara
nosalige vibhUtiye sR^i~NgAra











Meaning:
For the water (pond) water-lily is the charm;
For the ocean tides are the charm;
For the woman character is the charm;
For the sky moon is the charm;
For foreheads of the refugees (devotees) of the
Lord of kUDala sangama, the holy ash is the charm.
The power of knowledge destroys ignorance;
The power of light dissipates darkness;
The power of truth is foe of all untruth;
The sharana's experience of god is the sole cure of worldliness;
- Lord Kudala Sangamadeva
ಜ್ಞಾನದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅಜ್ಞಾನದ ಕೇಡು ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
ಜ್ಯೋತಿಯ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅಂಧಕಾರದ ಕೇಡು ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
ಸತ್ಯದ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಅಸತ್ಯದ ಕೇಡು ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗನ ಶರಣರ ಬಲದಿಂದ ಆತ್ಮನ ಅಹಂಕಾರದ ಕೇಡು ನೋಡಯ್ಯ
-ಕೂಡಲ ಸಂಗಮ ದೇವ......