TopYaps

---

• Vasant Panchami: 8 Ways To Understand The Symbolism Of Goddess Saraswati
• 7 National Highways That Pass Through Delhi
• Eating Out In Old Delhi – Classics From Old Delhi Bazaars
• 7 Best Bazaar Walks In Delhi

Vasant Panchami: 8 Ways To Understand The Symbolism Of Goddess Saraswati Posted: According to the Hindu calendar, the beginning of a new year is the mark of spring season and comes somewhere between mid January and mid of February. Hindus call this time period of the year as the month of Magh and celebrate it as Vasant Panchami. As the season promises prosperity and happiness for the approaching year, the festival is usually fêted as the birthday of the Goddess of wisdom, art and learning, Saraswati. Unfolding her name as the essence of the self, the Hindu mythology states Goddess Saraswati as the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddesses Durga. Moreover, Goddess Sawarwati is regarded as the creative power of Lord Brahma and worshiped as the Goddesses of art, science, music and knowledge. Generally, depicted with four arms and a white sari on her body, the Goddess is seated on a white lotus or white swan. Let us know more about the unique symbolism about the goddess of knowledge. 8. A Symphony of Knowledge, Spiritual Vision and Power   Denoted as the goddess of speech and art, Saraswati is also known as Gayatri, the companion of Lord Brahma and the sister to the Sun God. Moreover, the Goddess précised the spiritual direction of Lord Shiva and excelled the knowledge of spiritual vision. Worshiped as the trinity of Goddess Kali, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Durga, Saraswati represents the importance of balance between knowledge and power. 7. The essence of Prosperity, Knowledge and Purity  As the creativity center for Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswati emphasizes on the importance of truth and purity in life. The goddess of knowledge is associated with the prosperity, happiness and the power of transformation. Referred as the essence of the self or the human world mother, Goddess Saraswati acts as the right hand to the Lord Shiva. 6. A Better Living Requires Discrimination, Purity and Knowledge A white swan depicted with Goddess symbolizes the power of discrimination, judgment, purity and the importance of knowledge for a better living. The peacock serves has the vehicle for the Goddess and represents the beauty and fame knowledge brings to the life. The goddess of knowledge resides on a white lotus which denotes the roots of supreme knowledge and reality. Moreover, the white color represents the purity and awareness. 5. Accept Reality as it is and Meditate upon Each Task at Hand at a Time Rosary: The rare right hand representing the ego holds the rosary signifying the power to notice the reality and the importance of concentration and meditation in life. 4. Source of Knowledge and Noticing the Reality of Life Vedas: Holding the scared books of Vedas by the rare left hand which symbolizes alertness, the Goddess shows the Vedas the complete source of knowledge and her perfection in all fields. 3. Wise are those who perfect their Minds and the Intellect Venna: While the front right arm represents the mind and left arm symbolizing the intellect, Goddess Saraswati is portrayed with a veena held in front arms. This signifies the importance of mind and intellect for the perfection of arts and science. 2. Four Hands of the Goddess Represent the Mind, Intellect, Awareness and Ego With the front arms relating to the physical world, Goddess Saraswati keeps her existence with the spiritual world represented by the two back arms. Moreover, the four arms also represent mind, intellect, alertness, and ego which are considered the basic features of human learning. The Goddess is commonly portrayed while the front arms holding Veena and the back arms grab Vedas and rosary. 1.  The Color White Signifies Absolute Purity of the Self Goddess Saraswati is usually depicted with a white sari, which symbolizes the honesty and purity in her supreme knowledge. The white color signifies the purity of true knowledge and the experience of highest reality. However, during festive celebrations of Vasant Panchami, bright colors of budding fields are related to the Goddess of knowledge. The post Vasant Panchami: 8 Ways To Understand The Symbolism Of Goddess Saraswati appeared first on TopYaps.

7 National Highways That Pass Through Delhi Posted: 25 Jan 2014 05:30 AM PST A decade or so ago, travelling to Delhi was an adventure of sorts. Connectivity was poor and confusion was all around. Lone women travelers, who travelled to Delhi and came back safely, were achievers in their own right. Present day scenario is a complete makeover, with state of the art expressways connecting the capital to neighboring states, efficiently. Travelling times have reduced considerably and the roads are now at par with global standards. Here's a list of National Highways that pass through Delhi – many of them are engineering marvels. Take a look- 7. Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway is a 28 km long hi tech expressway connecting Delhi to Gurgaon. It is part of the governments ambitious Golden Quadrilateral project, that will eventually connect Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, by 4 0r 6 lanes. Opened in January, 2008, the expressway has reduced travelling time of thousands of people travelling daily. Toll is collected at three points during the whole stretch. During the initial period there were many accidents due to availability of only two over head bridges for pedestrians. International passengers have benefited from this project and saved on time. This intercity route is very busy and andles more than 180,000 PCU daily. 6. Delhi Noida Direct Flyway / DND DND Is an eight lane express way that has full access control and connects Delhi to Noida. The project was undertaken by the Noida Toll Bridge Company. It also included construction of a flyover at Ashram Chowk and a 552.5 bridge over Yamuna River. This is one of the projects that was completed before time and opened in February 2001, for the public. Commuters travelling to and fro from Delhi and Noida benefit from it and save considerable time. 5. National Highway 1 National Highway 1 is one of the oldest highways, with a lot of historical background. It connects New Delhi to Attari, a strategically placed town neat the Indo-Pak border. It is maintained by NHAI and had originated in Lahore, in Pakistan. It is also the longest highways of India, at 456kms. It has four spur routes and connects most prominent towns in Punjab to the capital. It has originated from the G.T or Grand Trunk road that Sher Shah Suri had made to connect Lahore to Bengal. It is not uniformly lined, some places it is four and other six laned. In Delhi it passes through the most underdeveloped and encroachments of the city. 4. National Highway 2 Is often referred to as the Delhi-Kolkata Road and has heavy traffic most of the time. It was initially part of the G.T. Road, and passes through the states of Haryana, UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The records state that it is running over 1465 kms from Delhi to Kolkata. It is the road which connects the Delhi to the sates thata re on its southern and eastern side. 3. National Highway 8 Is the critical highway that connects New Delhi to Mumbai. It is a very important connection for businessmen who want to travel to Gandhinagar, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodra. This si the first part of the Golden Quadrilateral project to be completed in the first phase. It passes through the teeming suburbs on the Western Line of Western railway, is called Western Express Highway there. This highway aims at decongesting traffic on the Nortehrn Peripheral Road and will be fully developed by 2017. 2. National Highway 10 Is 403 kms and connects Delhi to the town of Fazilka in Punjab. It is an important highway for trade and movement of people from the two regions. Special provision has been made to decline road fatalities by installing rumble strips to slow down traffic. 1. National Highway 24 National Highway 24 is instrumental in connecting New Delhi to the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. It is 21kms in stretch and will eventually connect Nizamuddin Bridge, to divert the flow of traffic from the area. A Delhi Meerut Expressway has been approved that will enable people from Delhi to reach Meerut in 60 mins. The final expressway will be upgraded from 8 to 14 lanes.   The post 7 National Highways That Pass Through Delhi appeared first on TopYaps.

Eating Out In Old Delhi – Classics From Old Delhi Bazaars Posted: Dilli khanewalon ki hai or Delhi is fond of its foodies. They say that when in Delhi, one can try a new dish on a daily basis. You might get tired of eating, but you won't run out of options. There are spicy chaats, savory snacks, mughlai meats and host of desserts to choose from. Each one of them has a story or a place in history. Rightly termed, as the common mans food, Old Delhi will charm you with its architecture, but baffle you with the food to offer. 7. Daulat Ki Chaat Each year in winter, when the temperature starts falling, the Kumars, appear from Uttar Pradesh, with their magical concoction called Daulat Ki Chaat. It's like eating a cloud married to a soufflé. The odd wives tale says that it has to be made in the light of a full moon and by hand, then left untouched to be set by the falling morning dew. Vendors for this delicacy are seen in the shadows trying to protect it from the heat, prevent it from becoming a puddle. It has to be hand;es with care as it is made with the foam of cold milk. Some saffron milk and khoya add to the distinct taste. In the recent past quite a few hawkers are now selling this. Powdered sugar is sprinkled on it before serving and this slice of heaven costs less than a dollar. 6. Kishan Lal Halwai When you walk in to Sitaram Bazar, turn right into Shankar gali and ask for Kishan Lals shop. There are no sign boards and the shop is actually located in an old haveli. You might spot it by men making sugar syrups in huge woks outside. Kishan Lals son now runs the shop and they are known to disappear in no time. They only make Karachi Halwa, sev ki barfi, ghewar and pateesa and sweetmeats, which this generation might not have even heard of. They are trying to keep an old tradition alive. Word has spread far and wide, about how delicious these sweets are and you can take my word for it. As a rule the fsmily has always made quantities that are sold in a day, so you get fresh stuff daily. They have been around for half a century and looks like will be around for many more to come. 5. Aloo puri at Haji Tea Point Located in the congested Matia Mahal Bazar, the ordeal of reaching it is worth it. The place has seating area and serves sooji halwa, aloo poori and also omelet and toast. The halwa with a garnish of zarda, is very famous and has a lng list of loyal sweet tooth customers. Be sure to try the shahi tukda in the evening, to have a heavenly experience. Eat without any guilt thoughts of gluttony and ride the sugar rush it gives you. The poori is served with chick peas or chole, toned down with a spoon full of yogurt. While your poori is fried to perfection have a breathless view of Jama Masjid. All sweet lovers will forever be indebted to Haji for migrating to Delhi in 1960. 4. Gol gappas at Haldiram’s This is the oldest branch of this globally acclaimed food chain. Established in 1983, it has continuously strived to maintain its standard and keep it abreast with the changing times and trends. If you are a gol gappa and chaat freak, then you have arrived at the perfect joint to satisfy your taste buds. Unlike the street it is located at, the management takes special care of the hygiene and cleanliness of its premises. The service is done wearing gloves and served in clean crockery, at very nominal rates. The outlets are always self service and that adds to the whole experience of eating hands on. Located near the Fountain chowk the food is always delicious and staff courteous. Their raj kachori is an internationalay acclaimed dish, must try. 3. Paaya Nahari at Karims's Karims needs no introduction to people who savor non vegetarian food. Serving mouth watering food since 1913, it a favorite hangout for people looking for a robust protein start to their day. Nahari the shank of the lamb and paaya is the hoof of the goat. The excellent taste which attracts people like bees, is the hours that go into cooking this rich curry. Served with tandoori roti at very affordable rates, most people eat this for breakfast and go to work, fully charged. As in all mughlai restaurants, end you meal with a dose of Phirni. Its like the cool breeze from the Himalayas on the dusty plains of India. Located very close to the Jama Masjid, the joint is open after midnight. 2. Rabdi – Falooda at Giani's In old Delhi near Fatehpuri Masjid, is a Sikh gentleman, who has mastered the food for the soul of sweet lovers. He runs the Giani Di Hatti, which serves the ultimate rabri faluda. This is a sweet milk based drink, so thick that you need a spoon to eat it. Faluda or vermicelli noodles are topped with a thick sweetened liquid made from milk, nuts and cardamom. Topped with crushed ice and mixed well before serving. The dish originated from Persia and has been around for centuries. 1. Jalebis at Old and Famous Jalebiwala The smell of these hot, soft and juicy jalebis has broken diet plans and strong commitments of quite a few weight watchers. The smell of pure ghee tickles your nostrils and you can't wait for them to get cold. The taste lingers in your mouth for hours and gives you an overall fuzzy and warm feeling. Located at Dariba Nukkad, the recipe is a family secret and the jalebis are always cooked on a cola fire. The shop has loyal patrons in UK, USA, CANADA  and PAKISTAN. Pandit Nehru and even Rajiv Gandhi could not resist them, so what can we expect from lesser mortals. The owners brag proudly that khand is sued for preparation and not ordinary sugar. Jalebis are like food porn at its penultimate. The post Eating Out In Old Delhi – Classics From Old Delhi Bazaars appeared first on TopYaps.

7 Best Bazaar Walks In Delhi Posted: 24 Jan 2014 09:30 PM PST The beating heart of Delhi was originally christened Shahjahanabad. Exploring always leaves you dumb founded at things you discover at its busiest markets in Old Delhi. You need to have special skills to maneuver between busy lanes, massive traffic, cows, noise and people everywhere. It transforms you to an old world charm, distinct to its origin. Be ready to have a long drawn battle for a good bargain and patience to choose from the cornucopia of shops and places to eat. Despite the chaos you feel, warm and welcomed, first time and every time. 7. Chandni Chowk It is the first location that pops in your head, when you think of shopping in Old Delhi. Traders from Turkey and China have been visitors for over three centuries now. It's like the magical world of Alladin for somebody who loves shopping. Be sure to have a faint notion of what you are looking for, before you get lost and totally weary. You can choose between- Buying perfumes, gold and silver jewellery at Dariba Kalan. Buy spices from Khari Baoli. Zari and zardozi trimmings from Kinari Bazaar. Clothes from Katra Neel. Electronics from Bhagirath Palace. Shawls and pearls from Moti Bazaar. Chemicals from Tilak Bazaar. Shopping here is no less than adventure and a crazy one for sure. But they have their loyal customers who keep coming back to them no matter what. 6. Nai Sarak Or New Street is the link between Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar. It can be approached by taking a left turn from Paranthewali Gali or by taking a right turn from Chawri Bazaar. It is mostly dominated by 20th century architectural buildings and was made in the British era. It is a haven for book lovers, as they can somehow acquire any book under the sky for you. The market has both retail and wholesale books and stationery items too. There are some age old shops selling old and new musical instruments too. The market remains closed on Sundays. 5. Chor Bazaar This is the famous thieves market of Delhi that every Delhiwala must have visited, at least once in his lifetime. Located near the historic Red Fort, the itinerary of goods changes every week. The prices are shockingly low, authenticity can be asked, at your own risk. On your lucky day you might get a PS for as low as a grand, and on a bad day probably nothing. People will give you their self created formulas for shopping here. I suggest have a lot of time on hand, go in a group and use your own judgment. If large crowds make you un easy, hit it around eight when they are still assembling, or else look for a bargain after four. 4. Chhatta Chowk Chhatta Chowk was earlier known as Meena Bazaar or Bazaar-i-Musaaqqaf, meaning market with a roof. You can enter the market through Lahori Gate entrance of the Red Fort. You will notice the vaulted arcade immediately. This market used to personify the growing riches and wealth of the Mughal empire, in the olden days. More than the shopping the market is a visual delight for somebody with interest in Mughal architecture. The shops today generally cater to tourists and sell souvenirs, trinkets, eatables and drinks. The stalls are colorful and the market always buzzing with bargain seekers. 3. Daryaganj Book Market A favorite hangout for book lovers, stretching for more than a kilometer, is often called the world's largest weekly book market. Open only on Sundays, it is a huge source of used books. The most difficult to find books can be traced here and even those out of print and of any topic. The books might be yellow or with dog ears, lying on the pavement, but ask any book lover and he will vouch for this destination. From comics to cookery, from atlases to classics, every genre is found here. The salesmen are avid readers, found gorging on books while waiting for a keen customer. 2. Janpath and Tibetan Market The market was given a makeover recently and is the ideal place to buy a gift to back home. There is something for everyone and at a decent price. They really haggle for a bargain and you might come away feeling cheated still. Open daily, around the year. It's a favorite with foreign tourists, especially hippies. It is located on the outer circle of Connaught Place. You find items here, that you wont see in a mall or a designer showroom. The Tibetan Market here has a wide range of Himalayan arts and crafts to choose from. Teenagers are seen in abundance here buying artificial jewellery from walking salesmen. Don't be surprised to see almost all shop keepers speaking fluent English, French and Spanish. 1. Paharganj Located right next to the New Delhi railway Station, it stretches for almost a kilometer and is always teeming with people, traffic and animals. It is one of the most noisy, and chaotic markets and dirty too. It is a favorite amongst back packers, as there is cheap accommodation available and lots of eating joints. The shops sell anything from books, music, clothes to incense, statues and all kinds of handicrafts. Most of the shops are running an import business with many countries and are well apt to the bargain looking client. Quite a few patient customer has stumbled upon a unique expensive item, to take back home here. Is open daily and till late in the night. The post 7 Best Bazaar Walks In Delhi appeared first on TopYaps.

You are subscribed to email updates from TopYaps To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610