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India's oldest church celebrates 500 years

     Kochi: Santa Cruz Basilica, a 500-year-old church in Kochi, is famous all over the world. The British had partially destroyed it in 1795. Later, it was rebuilt, and is now the oldest church in the country. Celebrations for its 500th anniversary are on, and will go on throughout the year. The celebrations will be marked by religious and cultural programmes. The church is a sentinel of history. It is situated in Kochi, a city famous world over for its fascinating sights of huge cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, which were brought here by traders from the court of Kublai Khan. When the Dutch conquered Kochi in 1663 they turned every big building in the vicinity of what is now Fort Kochi into storehouses for goods and weapons. Later, British conquest of Kochi in 1795 saw the Cathedral being destroyed. It was rebuilt and consecrated on November 19, 1905. "The church was destroyed and what we see today is the church that was rebuilt after destruction," said Mgsr. George Malat, Vicar of the Basilica. The remains of Indo-European architecture that still exists here can be seen on the streets of Fort Cochin. The Basilica, with its beautiful carved wooden panels and pulpit, was rebuilt in the early 20th century. The Italian paintings on the walls and most of the interiors remains the same. Pope Paul IV raised the Santa Cruz church to the status of a Cathedral. Considering the historic role of the Cathedral, Pope John Paul II raised it to the status of a Basilica through a special decree in 1984.
- Nov 26, 2004

Gurudwara Bad Tirath Sahib, an anti-sinners paradise  (Go To Top)
by Bhushan Sharma

     Ferozepur: A holy pool of water north of the village of Haripur in Punjab's Ferozepur district is where Guru Nanak, the first Sikh guru, is said to have come to quench his thirst in the 15th century. Named 'Bad Tirath', literally "the big pilgrimage", the spot today houses a gurudwara that draws devotees from around the country and abroad.It can be said that this area is a virtual anti-sinners paradise, as people visiting it, go away with a sense of peace and tranquility not the lot of many. "Guru Nanak Dev asked the villagers of their problems and he was told that a demon was terrorising the people of the village. This demon, the people said, came to the village once every six months, ruining their crops and houses, killing the villagers. It so happened that the demon attacked while Guru Nanak was present in the village. At the very sight of Gurudev, the demon lay down and touched Guru Nanak's feet in respect, begging for salvation, claims Sant Singh, the caretaker of the shrine. From the depths of Bad Tirath Sahib were unearthed these footprints on marble, believed to be those of Guru Nanak Dev himself. A metallic rod, also among archaeological findings, is the one that was carried by Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru, suggesting that he too had stayed here. It is believed Guru Gobind Singh had blessed this spot with five arrow tips, which have been preserved in another Gurudwara nearby. "Guru Nanak foretold that the tenth Sikh Guru would visit Haripura and free the villagers from their problems and pains. Guru Gobind Singh did come here and blessed the people with an iron rod which has come to be symbolically associated with him, said the Head Priest.

      Even some 500 years later today, the sanctity that Guru Nanak Dev had given this piece of land is revered and respected. The shrine has thousands of visitors daily, devotees who travel miles for the peace of mind it offers... to listen to hymns of love and brotherhood passed down through the history of Sikhism. For many, offering prayers here is part of daily routine, people who have got out of devotion, what had been closed to them otherwise. So intense is the power of belief. Simran, a devotee, "We are regular visitors to this Gurudwara. We believe the heartest most ardent desires are fulfilled here. All it requires is freshness of hope and devotion. Rajinder Singh, a devotee said "Whatever we have asked for with an earnest heart has always been fulfilled here. We had made a wish only 10 days back and it has come true. We have come to offer prayers of gratitude". Gurudwara Bad Tirath Sahib is also unique in that it stands in a village where there are virtually no sikhs. And many of the activities shine out as examples of communal harmony. The Sikh tradition says that any place visited by the guru, where he set foot, is blessed with a halo. The Gurudwara Bad Tirath Sahib carries just that aura. Nov 26, 2004

Bateswar's unique animal fair  (Go To Top)

     Bateswar (UP): A variety of animals are on display at a fair in Bateshwar village of Uttar Pradesh. Said to be one of north India's biggest animal fairs, the month-long event started after Diwali last week. Hundreds of traders and buyers from neighbouring states are taking part in the fair. Animals brought to the fair are mostly from Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Unlike the more famous Pushkar fair in Rajasthan where only camels and horses are sold, a variety of animals are traded at the Baterswar fair. Saudagar Singh, a horse trader from Mathura said various kinds of animals are brought to the Bateswar fair. "This is a grand fair, we deal in horses and this fair is good for us. It is the biggest fair and we like animals like bullocks, camels, ponys, horses etc," said Singh. The trade volumes are expected to cross more than 100 million rupees this year.
- Nov 21, 2004

Bardari palace in Patiala still retains its grandeur (Go To Top)

      Patiala: Patiala was once a land of kings and princes, of royal pageantry and splendour. Among the several landmarks in the city are the numerous parks, forts and palaces dotting this princely city, the Baradari Palace, set amid lush gardens stands apart in its own grandeur. Constructed as a residence for the crown price, Rajinder Singh in the mid 19th century, for a ruler of worthy of vast interests and rich tastes, the garden boasted not only of architectural marvels but even had plants and saplings of very exquisite variety.

       "The entry was restricted. It was for Maharajas, their immediate family and high ups. Their generals, prime minister, ministers and only those people were allowed inside at that time", said Sandeep grewal, a horticulture development officer at the garden. The highlight of the garden however, happens to be the `Fern House', a grand nursery of horticultural variety and splendour. Nestled amidst 86 big and small fountains, are the numerous varieties of ferns and rare plant species from all over the world like Coleus and Croton, Segonium and Diffenbachia. In addition to the ideal and controlled climatic conditions provided in the nursery, horticulturists monitor the progress of the plants and saplings regularly.

      "Our activities include maintenance of the existing plantations within Baradari and to further beautify the gardens. We do permanent as well as seasonal plantation. The planting season has just begun and we will be planting 60 different varieties of flowering annuals, said Grewal. The Baradari Gardens fell into ill maintenance soon after Indian independence in 1947. However, the state horticultural department took it up for maintenance sometime in the 70s and did a lot of maintenance and beautification work. Presently the garden has also been developed into something of an exercise cum social gathering location. Evening strollers are a regular feature here. "I have been seeing these gardens for the last 60 - 70 years.

      It had a different atmosphere in the times of the Maharajas. The population was less then. Then at one time a lot of students used to come here to study under trees. And later it started to face some neglect. Now once again things seem to be improving," said Mohinder Singh, a regular visitor at the garden. "Its very nice here. The atmosphere freshens the body and mind. And we also find good social company here. I come regularly, every morning and evening," said Amrita Kaur, another local visitor.
- Nov 12, 2004

Devotees throng Panj Peer dargah to fulfil wishes (Go To Top)

     Abohar: The historical city of Abohar is often referred to as the trinity of culture and civilization of the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. Some six centuries ago, the city was named as Aabunagar and was ruled by King Harichand who had only one daughter, a very brave and exceptional shooter. Legend has it that once the king became afflicted with leprosy. He was told that only the blood of horses belonging to the five peers of Multan could cure him. Hearing this the brave daughter snatched 81 horses belonging to the `peers'. The `peers' came to Aabunagar to get their horses back, but the princess refused to do so. Even after persisting for many days the request was not granted. The peers destroyed Aabunagar with their divine powers. The wives of the five peers came in search of their husbands. The peers became angry on seeing them and cursed them as a result of which they got buried under the earth. Later the five sufi saints, Peer Khwaza Khizar, Lalsa Behsat Nuri Tura, Khizarasmal Shakarganj, Mundra and Lalshah Sawaj stayed on the mound in the town.

      Today, the people of Abohar hold a big fair over this very mound on the 15th of every Saawan, and the `Mazaars' built in their memory attract devotees from all over North India. Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs of all caste and creed come to offer a `chaddar', or a piece of cloth, on the mazaars of the Sufi saints to have their wishes fulfilled. Traditionally looked after by a family of Hindu priests, the rituals at the `mazaar' are performed as per the dictates of religion. Students, the diseased and the needy, all come with faith and devotion to this place. "I am doing my B.Ed. in Abohar and wish to do well in the exams. I offered prayer here after scoring good marks. I wish to continue, to do well in future, and visit the place regularly," said Sunita Rani, a devotee. "I have been coming here for one-and-half years because one gets one's wishes fulfilled. My father also comes here regularly as the `peers' and fakirs' are common for every religion, said Baljinder Singh, another devotee.
- Nov 12, 2004

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References: India Travel Times, News, Hotels, Airlines, Indian, Tourism, Tourist, Tour, Ayurveda, Yoga, Hotel,

 

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