Some Popular Games of India

1.Gilli Danda

The smaller stick is called the Gilli and the longer one which is used to strike the Gilli is called the Danda. The objective is to flip the Gilli into the air with the Danda. While the Gilli is in the air, the player must hit it with the Danda as far as possible. The player also needs to run to touch a pre-decided point before the opponent can lay his hands on the Gilli. It can be played by many people at the same time.

2.Kancha

Kancha is another interesting, inexpensive game invented on the Indian land. A favourite amongst youngsters, it is played using dark green glass marbles colloquially known as ‘Kancha’. The game involves a player hitting the selected target marble using one of his own. Traditionally, the winner of the game takes away all Kanchas from the losing players.

3.Kho-Kho

Kho Kho is another popular tag sport invented and developed in ancient India. After Kabaddi, Kho Kho is the most prevalent traditional tag games in the subcontinent.The origin of game may be tricky to trace, but it is believed that it is a modified version of ‘Run Chase’. In its simplest form, Run Chase involves running behind a player and touching him/her to win. Traditionally, it was known as Rathera. 

4.Poshampa  

Poshampa :Two people making a Gate structure and other kids make a line and pass through it… once the songs finished one of the person inside gate i taken and asked a question and accordingly decided n which team s/he goes.

5.Gutte/Five Stones

Gutte is a fun game can be played by both adults and kids. It generally requires five pebbles or small stones. There is no limit on the number of players who can play this game at a given time. The player needs to spin a stone up in the air and gather the remaining stones lying on the floor with one hand without allowing the one in the air to fall to the ground. Next, the player has to throw two stones up in the air and collect the rest and so on. The player who finishes eight steps in the minimum number of tries is the winner.

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 Wedding traditions in Punjab

Choora/Kalire:

The Choora ceremony takes place on the morning of the wedding day or a day before.Choora is basically a set of Red bangles, gifted by girl's mama (mother's brother).Red in our culture is a sign of fertility, prosperity and maturity, and together these colors signify the new role of the bride as she transitions from a girl to a married woman. People touch the choora and give their heartiest wishes to the girl for her future married life. Also, they sprinkle flower petals on the bride. After that, the girl's uncle, aunt, friends and cousins tie kaliras (silver, gold or gold plated traditional ornaments) to a bangle worn by the girl.They signify a blessing of plenty, of wealth and prosperity. 

Mayian/Vatna: 

Traditionally, Mayian is conducted three times, which starts two days before the wedding day, when it's customary to start before midday. The second time is in the morning of the day before the wedding and finally, it is applied that night too.The Maiyan begins with the cousins and sisters of the bride or groom making a colorful Rangoli in the backyard of the homeTaking turns, each family member comes up and applies Vatna/Haldi.Vatna involves applying a paste made from turmeric powder and mustard oil all over the bride's body by her female friends and relatives. This is done to make the bride look more beautiful on the most special day of her life

Jaggo: 

Jago is a celebration initiated by the nankai of bride and groom (maternal families). The nankai arrive at the wedding home of the with much fan fare including signing and dancing. The term Jago means wake. The female relatives take turns carrying a gagger (a decorated old fashioned water container lit with candles) while singing and dancing. One song that is a standard for Jago is Guvandio jaag tha ka sutha (neighhours are you awake or asleep). It is a song that invites people out to participate in festivities. Jago is held a day or two before the wedding.

Traditions at Groom’s Home

Sarbala:A sarbala, in certain wedding customs from the Indian subcontinent, is a nephew or cousin of the groom who accompanies the groom during the ceremony as his protector.

Sehra/Surma: After the groom has dressed up in his wedding clothes, a puja is performed. Thereafter, the groom's sister ties the sehra on the groom's head.When the groom is ready to leave, his brother`s wife (bhabhi) applies surma (kohl) to his eyes and the groom gives her money as a token of his gratitude. After this ceremony, referred to as surma pawai.

Ghodi Chadna: The groom's sisters and cousins feed and adorn his mare. To ward off the evil eye, people use cash and perform the Varna ritual. The cash is then distributed among the poor. After this the boy climbs the horse and leaves his home for the wedding venue.

Traditions at Marriage Venue

Milni:literally means "introductions". In a Sikh marriage, Ardas is performed by the person in charge of looking after the Sikh scriptures, followed by the formal introductions of senior men in the families. For example, both eldest chachas (father's younger brother) will come together and exchange garlands of flowers. In the Milni ceremony, the girl's relatives give shagun (a token of good luck) to the groom's close relatives in descending order of age. Cash and clothes are gifted.

Anand Karaj:

The Laava, or four stanzas, are read and then sung during the ceremony to formalize and sanctify the marriage. The Sikh religious wedding ceremony, which almost always these days takes place in a Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship. The ceremony is held in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Doli:

Vidaai marks the departure of the bride from her parental house. As a custom, the bride throws phulian or puffed rice over her head. The tradition conveys her good wishes for her parents. 

Traditions at Groom’s Home

Pani Varna:When they arrive to the groom’s house, the groom’s mother is waiting to greet her daughter-in-law and son. She stands in the doorway with a garvi (small pot or glass) full of half water, half milk. She blesses the couple before they enter by holding the garvi around their heads and trying to drink it. The groom will playfully try to stop his mother from drinking it. On the seventh attempt, he lets her drink it. The mother pours a little oil on either side of the door.

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5 Most Visited Religious Places Of India

5 Most visited religious places include the Golden Temple, Vaishno Devi, Amarnath cave,Haridwar, Hemkunt Sahib. 

1.Golden Temple:

Known For : Golden Temple  Wagah Border  Jallianwala Bagh

Home of the glorious Golden Temple, the iconic city of Amritsar, portrays the heroic character of the Punjab. A day in this peaceful city starts with the spiritual prayers from Gurudwaras. The original name of first the ancient lake, then of the temple complex, and later the surrounding city, meaning "pool of ambrosial nectar."

2.Vaishno Devi :

Known For : Vaishno Devi Mandir  Ardhkuwari  Bhairavnath Temple Vaishno Devi

Located in Trikuta hills, 13 km from Katra at the height of 1560 m above sea level with bright clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere. It is considered one of the most sacred holy places in India.

3.Amarnath cave :

Known For : Amarnath Cave  Amarnath Yatra  Baltal

Amarnath is one of the most important pilgrimage in India for the worshippers of Lord Shiva. The Amarnath cave is haven to an enshrined image of ice called the Shivaling formed naturally, which resembles Lord Shiva.

4.Haridwar :

Known For : Ganga Aarti in Haridwar  Har Ki Pauri  Chandi Devi Temple

No spiritual journey can ever be considered complete without a visit to Haridwar, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Literally meaning 'the abode of Lord Vishnu', Haridwar, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is a land of legends and myths. Considered as one of the seven holiest cities in India, Haridwar sees millions of people flock to it every year to pay their respects to the Lord, or to wash away their sins. However, with the passage of time, Haridwar has evolved from being a mere religious place in India to a multifaceted cultural and spiritual centre, and only after exploring Haridwar will you realize that there is a lot more to the city than just visiting temples and taking a dip in the holy Har ki Pauri. Haridwar has a perennial mystical air around i, and is the perfect holiday option for anyone seeking spiritual connection as well as a chance to indulge in and get closer to nature.

5. Hemkunt Sahib:

Nestled amid the Himalayan Ranges, Sri Hemkunt Sahib is a sacred pilgrimage revered by thousands of Sikhs every year. Adorned with beautiful scenic view, the holy place offers tranquility at such an altitude.

 

 

 

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