Know India is an attempt to bring to you some amazing facts about our country. Every second day we post something that tells you more about our land. Starting from issues to history, from culture to literature and fine arts, this is a magic box of small write-ups that you will fall in love with soon.
A silk from Assam that shines like Gold! Muga silk is a wonderful gift of nature extracted from a species of insect not to be found any where in the world except in the North Eastern region of India. Muga Silk is the pride of Assam.The silk produced is known for its glossy fine texture and durability. Due to its low porosity the Muga yarn cannot be bleached nor dyed and its natural golden color is retained.
The Cellular Jail, also known as kala pani (literally 'Black water', a term for the deep sea and hence exile) situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was completed in 1906. The prison was known to house many notable Indian activists during the struggle for India's independence.
History
'Malkhamb' is a combination of traditional Indian gymnastic and martial arts and can be traced back to the 12th century. For centuries, the sport lay dormant but is regaining popularity in the country.
Chhath (also called Dala Chhath) is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya, the chief solar deity, unique to Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai. Chhath is considered a means to thank the Sun for bestowing the bounties of life on earth as also for fulfilling particular wishes. This major festival is also celebrated in the northeast region of India, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Chhattisgarh. Hymns praying to the sun can be found in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.
Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India.
Holi was originally a spring festival of fertility and harvest. Now it also marks some Hindu legends, which provide some of the ingredients for the celebrations.
