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It is the power of faith that can part a river, move mountains, and endure the hardships that come bundled up for being an integral part of Kumbh Mela, a congregation of millions, gathered together to be freed from the vicious earthly cycle of life and death and move towards a heavenly realm, which knows no suffering or pain. It's the mythological history of India and the sacred religious texts that bind us carnal souls to an eternal hope - things will be better, without the ever-imminent fear of them getting worse that cripples us here. "An eternal life free of sins" is the promise that comes attached with the magnificent event of Kumbh Mela.

Where culture echoes, traditions speak, beauty enthralls and diversity delights

India is a whole world in itself. And within its variegated arabesque, you are sure to find something of your choice. India is a fertile land laced by rivers. You can wander 3,200 Kms north-south or 2,800 kms from east to west. In search of Himalayan beauty and peace. Or coastal sun sprawled on golden sands. You may marvel at the jeweled cities of the desert or see the wildest animals among thick jungle greens. Hustle your way through colorful crowds in bustling cities. An enlightened solitude under one guru. For opulence, we have our wondrous palaces. Its covers a total area of 328,7263 sq km. This is divided into 29 states and six directly administered union territories.
Where culture echoes, traditions speak, beauty enthralls and diversity delights

The existence of urban centers and craftsmen implies the regular production of surplus in agriculture. It also presumes the existence of an efficient administration and stable economic system that could make available this surplus to non-cultivators who could then direct their energies in other directions. That such an infrastructure existed is testified to by the rapidly expanding tapestry of art and architecture from the second century on.

Growing ornamentation in stone architecture and sculpture accompanied the spread of Buddhism. At Sanchi Madhya Pradesh, where the relics of Buddha are said to be interred, stone stupas and rock cut shrines seem to emerge out the hillsides. Beautifully sculpted panels and medallions depict the incarnations of Buddha and his teachings in parables. Costumes, jewellery, hair-style and ornamentation all are portrayed in delightful detail. The later, Mahayana Buddhist period, includes images of the Buddha, till now deemed improper to portray. Exquisite murals depicting scenes from his life illuminate the dark caves at Ajanta in Maharashtra and still take ones breath away.

This association of fine arts and architecture with religion is characteristic and is best expressed in the Hindu temple. As the focus of religious, social and economic life, it was the creation of architectural genius. Sculptors and artists as well as thousands of skilled craftsmen contributed their best to create symphonies in stone with every aspect of human existence captured in profuse and intricate detail. The temples at Halebid and Belur in Karnataka carry friezes based on the epics; those at Khajuraho portray an exuberant eroticism; and every one of them draws attention to the all pervasiveness of the absolute being.

Music and dance are also forms of worship and an intrin¬sic part of temple culture, particularly in South India. Their portrayal of the gods and their joyous celebration of the many moods of life is in itself an offering and worship.