LATTHMAR HOLI - Mathura

During spring, Holi, the festival of colors is celebrated all over India. Holi is a time to make merry. People smear each other with colored powdered and water colors. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion. The Holi celebrations in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna is spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated for a week with exuberant processions, songs and music. Nevertheless the feature that makes it distinct is the fam...ous 'Latthmar Holi' of Barsana and Nandgaon.

Tradition has it that Krishna used to come to Barsana to play Holi with Radha along with his friends. The Gopis after merriment chased away the boys by beating them with "lathis". So it came to be known as the 'Latthmar Holi'. Even today women folk here beat the men with 'Lathis' or Bamboo poles while showering colored water on them with great rejoice and merriment. The playful teasing of the Gopis is enacted by groups of men and women through special Holi songs and dances, called Rasiya..

Source : Bharatonline.com

ALSISAR HAVELI ( JAIPUR )

Alsisar Haveli lies tucked away in the heart of the Pink City, Jaipur. It brings back to life the grandeur of the old days and is a memorable regal Rajasthani experience for the guests. Built in 1892, and refurbished in 1994, The Haveli has been aesthetically restored, incorporating in itself the grandeur of traditional Rajput architecture.

Grandson of Mahraja Udaikaran of Amer, the great warrior Rao Shekhaji, founded the sub-clan popularly known a...s Shekhawat. Alsisar Haveli is owned by this branch of the Kachhawa clan of Rajputs. The descendants of the family have since restructured and refurbished many of their old family mansions (also known as Haveli) as well as some new ones, to give the traveller a taste of true regal splendour with modern day amenities.

... A rambling courtyard dominates the front facade of the Haveli. This area was once used for get-togethers by the men folk of the house, it is now open for guests to enjoy food and drink while they witness puppet shows and folk dance performances.

Well manicured gardens and a rippling marble fountain surrounded by lush greenery provide a haven of serenity for a weary traveler. A quaint patio (chowk), almost a century ago used by the ladies of the house, it is now open to guests for a tete-a-tete.

Its magnificent ambience captures the romance and grandeur of another century. It promises to be a magical experience.


Images - Google
Info. - Rajasthan Tourism

Why our ancestors used copper utensils ?

This is the modern explanation for same. 

Even Gangajal, a sacred water is stored in copper vessel and it remains for years forever, this is nice one.
Immunity:

Copper can destroy undesirable virus & bacteria. It is interesting that the Ayurveda knew this, when bacteria were unknown to science! Ayurveda recommends storing water in Copper Vessels.

Ancient Egyptians used Copper Vessels to keep water fresh.
Even today, management of Siva temple at Rameswaram uses large sized Copper vessels to store water brought from river Ganges to offer to lord Siva. Water, stored thus, stays fresh for years togethe

According to scientists, copper vessel can be the answer to kill the `E-Coli' bacteria which causes food poisoning. British scientists are carrying out research on copper and concluded that copper ions kill these harmful bacteria, a capability not found in any other metals including gold.

It is interesting to see that a research group from Southampton University found that Coli 157 bacteria can live happily in stainless steel vessels for months together, while copper vessel at room temperature can kill them in just four hours. At 20 degree Centigrade, in the stainless steel vessel, those bacteria live for 34 days, while in brass vessel they live only for 4 days

Thus if one uses copper vessels for storing water in factories, shops, hospitals, restaurants, we can get rid of the risk of these food poisoning bacteria. Though stainless steel is much used for its shine and cleanliness, the copper is more useful material for vessels.
Copper and Fertility:

The advantages of drinking copper water was pointed out by Andrew Saul, Contributing Editor for the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, while speaking on fertility, conception & family planning. In his own words -"If you want to conceive, try having the man take mega doses of vitamin C for a few weeks prior. At least 6,000 milligrams a day, and as much as 20,000 mg/day guarantees very high sperm production. Divide the dose throughout the day for maximum effect. And that effect is what, exactly? More sperm, stronger sperm, and better swimming sperm all occurred, at even lower daily C doses, in a University of Texas.

Continued high doses of Zinc can produce a Copper deficiency & sometimes a Copper deficiency anemia. This is very easy to compensate for. To begin with, most Americans have copper water pipes in their homes. Drink a glass or two of cold water first out of the tap every morning and you'll get copper. Secondly, eat more raisins and other Copper-high foods. Third, take a multiple vitamin (as you should be doing anyway) with Copper in it.

Finally, do what those sexpots in India have been doing for thousands of years. Buy a Copper metal cup, fill it with cold water at bedtime, and drink it first thing the next morning!!!

It is also seen that Copper water becomes "sharp" and gets readily absorbed by our body, reaches cells in about 45 minutes. Hence, it is generally recommended that after Ushapan (Drinking water in morning), one should give a gap of 45 minutes before taking tea or coffee. Copper water is also recommended to people suffering from vitiligo, where it helps formation of melanin. After starting on copper water, many do not need cold water to satisfy the thirst. With yoga, pranayama and other breathing techniques, senses become so sharp that taste and quality of water can be sensed adequately. Though copper water is slightly ionic, it does not cause gastric acidity to increase. On the other hand, due to increased Agni and digestion, acidity reduces...

 This is an Email forward .. found it interesting ... so sharing it here.

 

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10 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER

1.Ovarian Cancer Treatment
...
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

2.Colon Cancer Prevention

A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
...
3.Morning Sickness

A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

4.Motion Sickness Remedy

Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.

5.Reduces Pain and Inflammation

One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammato ry properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.

6.Heartburn Relief

Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

7.Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a naturaltreatmen t for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in thecase of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

8.Migraine Relief

Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

9.Menstrual Cramp Relief

In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

10.Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy

A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage)..See More

HOME REMEDIES WITH POMEGRANATE

Grind the seeds and make a thick paste. Apply to face and wash off after 15-30 minutes. Your skin will feel fresh and firmer. Also helps in reducing the spots and blemishes on skin.
... Dip cotton ball in pomegranate juice and apply on skin after cleansing. It will help get rid of acne and pimples. It is an excellent astringent and toner.
You can use the seeds paste as a body scrub. It would remove excess oil.
Use pomegranate juice to make clay masks or other kinds of face masks
For a dry skin, mix honey and pomegranate juice or seeds paste and apply to your skin. It will instantly revive your face giving it a fresh glow without drying your skin....:)