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Artists in Orissa struggle to revive ancient martial art Bhubaneshwar: 'Paika', a traditional martial dance, which was once the pride of Orissa, is gradually fading into oblivion. The dance is dedicated to the valour and strength of all the practitioners of this highly demanding and exacting dance form. But the Advanced Centre for Indological Studies in association with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has decided to revive this ancient dance form. Over 100 troupes participated in the three-day festival held in the state's Capital city, Bhubaneswar. "When the British came to this place, our forefathers fought with them to protect our motherland. During their battle with the foreign powers, this martial art became popular. We worship our weapons before we practise this martial art," said Rabi, a participant. The participants were determined that they would not let their traditional dance form die a natural death. "As it is our traditional art that we learned from our forefathers, we will not let it die. We are teaching this art to our children also," said Dukha Ram, another participant. This is the first time in a decade that the state government is organizing the festival. The history of the Paikas or "infantry soldiers" of Orissa is interwoven with the general history of the land. To be able to fulfil military obligations and also for their own safety, the hill chiefs had to maintain a well-trained local militia. In time of war the contingent of foot-soldiers or Paiks along with their leaders constituted the bulk of the imperial army. The Paiks practise their exercises in the months when work in the fields is suspended. The daily training comprises ground exercises ("danda"), aerial or acrobatic exercises ("Suna"), wrestling and weight lifting exercises and the different games played with weapons like sword, spear, stick, club and so on. Ramgarh Fort, Punjab's contribution to heritage hotels (Go to Top) Chandigarh: Punjab is home to a rich architectural heritage with its numerous forts and palaces built over the centuries. The magnificent Ramgarh Fort near Chandigarh is one such, and is at par with the best in the heritage hotel business. The fort-cum-hotel boasts of an admix of old-world charm with a modern international standards of service and facilities. The spirit of "Atithi Devo Bhava" or "The Guest Is God Himself'" prevails here. The Ramgarh Fort Hotel dates back to the 17th century and its royal lineage can be traced back to a branch of the Chandel Rajputs of Central India that moved to the region some 1300 years ago. Converted recently into a tourist hotel, the flavour and colours of that bygone era remain as vibrant as before and continue to move and enthrall visitors and tourists entering its portals. "This is not a commercial venture. The idea was not to earn money. Our idea was to renovate this old building and showcase a particular lifestyle. This venture does not earn as much as others," says Ashok For the tourist looking to steep himself in age-old splendour, from the grandeur of the gateways, the ambience of the courtyard, the royal tingle in the room's air itself, the Ramgarh Fort Hotel provides just the right package. The abode of kings, the wealth of lifestyle preserved as it was in their time, even as it warmly embraces modernity, invites the traveller to make this home. "It was a great surprise after travelling 300 km to come to a fort that is also a hotel. I am French and I know castles very well. It is very nice to come to a castle," says Jean Pierre Rousseau, a tourist. The lodging takes on the aura of a tourist attraction in itself. Original artefacts around the fort-hotel - from the 37 feet high gateway, items of daily use of the maharajas in their time, showpieces and mementos, cast a spell. -ANI |
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