Articles from March 2013

The Soul of India would like to introduce you to a traditional pattern that can be found in cloth design almost everywhere:

The Paisley pattern is a design that uses the boteh, a droplet-shaped vegetable motif of Persian or Indian origin. These designs became very popular in the West in the 18th and 19th centuries and  followed imports of post-Mughal versions of the design from British India, for example on Cashmere shawls.

Design scholars call the distinctive shape boteh and believe it is the convergence of a stylized floral spray and a cypress tree, symbol of life and eternity.

In Bengali (Bangla), the Paisley design is known as Kolke, in Pakistan, Paisley designs are widely termed the Carrey design. Carrey in Urdu means mango seed. In Punjab, this pattern is referred to as an “Ambi”. Ambi is derived from the word Amb which means mango in Punjabi.In Tamil Nadu, the design is known as Mankolam (Mango design). The traditional design is also used in gold jewelleries.

The manga maalai (Mango necklace)with matching earrings is a traditional bharathanatyam/temple jewellery.It is a prominent design in Kanchipuran silk sarees. It resembles a mango and has sometimes been associated with Hinduism.

Resembling a twisted teardrop, the pattern is of Iranian origin, but its western name derives from the town of Paisley in central Scotland, where the designs were produced.

Quilt-makers call it “Persian Pickles”.

Find the pattern on our website!

Indian festivals never lack colour, but the Holi-festival definetly beats all the other ones as it is ALL about colour!

The festivals find a detailed description in early religious works such as Jaimini’s Purvamimamsa-Sutras and Kathaka-Grhya-Sutras. The Holi word originated from “Holika”. The ancient legend of Holika and Prahlad tells the story of victory of good over evil. Prahlad has to fight the demon king Hiranyakashyap, who tries everything to kill him supported by his sister Holika. Finally Prahlad, who keeps reciting a protecting mantra, survives and Holika burns in a fire.

Every year, thousands of Hindus participate in the festival Holi. The festival has many purposes. First and foremost, it celebrates the beginning of the new season, spring. Originally, it was a festival that commemorated good harvests and the fertile land. Hindus believe it is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colors and saying farewell to winter.

Holi is normally celebrated and played with colorful powders that are throughn into the air. Like this entire streets are covered under colourful clowds.  Boundaries between cast and creed disappear as people of all backrounds gather on the streets to celebrate. The festival has become so popular now, that the concept has spread all over the world. Holi-celebrations are organized in different cities like Berlin. Fun will be guaranteed!

When you google Indian Art you often find pictures and reports about Native Americans.

Sorry Mr. Columbus, the Soul of India would like to provide information about genuine Indian art and artisanry in a coconutshell.

We know that art mirrors the social, political and religious situation of a country. Indian art shows the evolution of a civilization of remarkable creators and innovators in many different ways. Therefore, the Government of India aims at preserving the cultural heritage by creating a consciousness for art in its people and by encouraging high standards of expression.

As the cultural and philosophical heritage of India is closely intertwined with the tradition of art, it can even be called an amalgamation of indigenous and foreign influence.

Why Indian art is of unique character:

It features spirals and curvaceous lines, vines and tendrils, round figures, circular amulets, colourful gems, arches and domes, haloed figures, crescent moons and, again and again, pictures of the glorious sun. Sculptures and paintings mirror the diversity, colour and spontaneity of the country and its population, and they also represent the all-embracing nature and the integral Indian way of life.

And that’s why we like it. 

Rise and shine: It’s International Womens’ Day!

The 8th of March has become a day on which the world celebrates and honours the existence, achievements and emancipation of women. In other words: It’s a day that boosts the idea of gender equality in society.

In 1910 the Second International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen decided to establish this holiday. Men traditionally honour their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues and friends with flowers and gifts.

Its importance and impact on societal change in the world can be easily realized when looking at patriarchal hierarchies, in which women still have a lowly societal status despite their talents and knowledge, even today.

Gentlemen: Celebrate the contributions and value women bring to the workplace, local culture and your lives!

We from the Soul of India wish all women a happy day full of joy and inspiration. Rise and shine!

Check out this great video on how far we’ve come:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eaf_X9qSeVY#!

Find out how and where Womens’ Day is celebrated around the globe:

http://www.internationalwomensday.com/