Srijoyee Banerjee

From Bengal's sweets to Gujrat's Khakhras, India is so diverse when it comes to delicious recipes. Passed on from generation to generation, its lip-smacking delicacies are a perfect blend of spices and flavour. India is a country where each state is different from one another, yet so alike! So alike in the grandeur, rich architecture, and magnificent structures. Tourism in India promotes National Integration and supports cultural pursuits and local handicrafts. It also develops an international understanding of our values, culture, and heritage.

Warli paintings are one of the most excellent examples of folk paintings in India. This style of tribal painting originated in the early 10th century AD in the North Sahyadri Range in Maharashtra. Rejecting the contemporary culture, the Warli tribe centers their art on the elements of Mother Nature.

A saree can convert a lady into an artist’s muse, is rightly said by several eminent designers. This six yard of sheer elegance has its origin in the Indus Valley Civilisation, which came into being in North-West India during 2800–1800 BC. Each state of our incredible country possesses its own unique types of sarees. Although started as India’s first seamless attire, sarees, progressively became the symbol of empowerment and femininity.

India is an incredibly rich country when it comes to the craftsmanship brilliance of the diverse artisans. Embroidery is the art of embellishing fabric or other materials with the help of thread or yard which is applied using a needle. In terms of traditional textiles, each state of the country has exhibited its unique expertise in crafts.

The stronghold of art and creativity makes the state of West Bengal the cultural capital of India. Among the art, handicrafts, and paintings of Bengal, dokra, terracotta, jute products, hill crafts, cane and bamboo products, chhau masks, Patachitra and Chalchitra paintings play a major role in upholding the rich culture and heritage.

India is the second-largest producer of tussar silk with the Bhagalpur district of Bihar standing at the peak having the largest amount of tussar silk being manufactured. Tussar shares its antiquity with raw silk production, which has been the forte of the tribal people residing in the Eastern part of the country. 

Kumartuli, the potters’ paradise, gives birth to magnificently artistic Durga idols. Wooden walls and tin roofs of the studios shelter the deities and form a traditional home for the artists for centuries. The smell of wet Ganga clay and paints is associated with every Bengalee’s emotions. 

The art, culture, and heritage of the state of Gujarat rank as one of the richest and most fascinating in the country. The unique and diverse cultural heritage of Gujarat attracts several tourists all-round the year. 

The city has witnessed several significant historical events. Gandhinagar, the state’s capital, and Ahmedabad, the largest city of the state abounds with historical art, architecture, and other references, and hence, are among the most frequently visited places. 

Through art, paintings, dance, folk music, festivals, and fairs, Bihar reflects its glorious past and rich cultural heritage. From paintings to visual arts, the themes mostly illustrate myths and legends of the Hindu religion. The folk paintings exemplify the Hindu deities, such as Lord Rama, Sita, Lord Shiva, Parvati, and so on. Ancient stories involving the Gods, Goddesses, sages, and legends are found to be depicted in the meticulously designed handicrafts. Bihar houses several Buddhist Monasteries, and hence, the state is also known as 'The Land of Buddha'.

India abounds in natural fibres and on this independence day, let us celebrate our resources and our skilled artisans and craftsmen who make art out of them.