Namma Choice - Cultural Market

🎎 Where Craft Meets Culture Nestled in the vibrant town of Channapatna in Karnataka, these colorful wooden toys are more than just playthings — they are a symbol of India’s rich craftsmanship, eco-conscious design, and timeless heritage. Recognized globally for their aesthetic beauty and traditional value, Channapatna toys hold a Geographical Indication (GI) tag , protecting their unique identity and craftsmanship. 🪵 A Glimpse into History: When and How It Started The origins of Channapatna toys trace back to the 18th century , during the reign of Tipu Sultan , the ruler of Mysore. Tipu Sultan, impressed by Persian wooden art, invited skilled artisans from Persia to train local craftsmen in lacquerware techniques . This led to the birth of a new craft — a blend of Persian technique and Indian creativity — now famously known as Channapatna toys. 👨‍🎨 The Inventors: Legacy of the Craft Community While the art form was introduced during Tipu Sultan's time, it was the local ...

Why Do We Celebrate Jagannath Ratha Yatra? Why Do We Celebrate Jagannath Ratha Yatra? A Journey of Faith, Mystery, and Eternal Devotion Every year, the streets of Puri, Odisha, come alive with chants of “Jai Jagannath!” as millions gather to witness one of the world’s oldest and grandest spiritual processions—the Jagannath Ratha Yatra . But beyond the spectacle of towering chariots and rhythmic drums lies a deeper question: Why do we celebrate this festival? 🌿 The Origin: A King’s Dream and a Divine Log The story begins with King Indradyumna , a devout ruler who dreamt of building a temple for Lord Vishnu. Guided by divine visions, he discovered a sacred log floating in the sea—believed to contain the remains of Lord Krishna’s heart . Vishwakarma, the divine craftsman, began carving idols from it. But when the king opened the door too soon, the idols were left incomplete—without hands or feet. Still, they radiated divine presence. Thus were born the woo...

  🍀🌿 Pandharpur Wari – A Divine Walk of Faith By NammaChoice – Preserving Indian Cultural Heritage 📖 What is Pandharpur Wari? Pandharpur Wari (also known as Ashadhi Wari ) is a 700-year-old spiritual pilgrimage in Maharashtra. Every year, lakhs of devotees—called Warkaris —walk barefoot for over 250 kilometers to reach the holy town of Pandharpur , where the temple of Lord Vithoba (Vitthala) stands. This journey is not just a physical walk; it’s a deeply devotional yatra , rich with bhajans, abhangas (devotional poetry) , and seva (service to others). 🌟 Why is Pandharpur Wari Celebrated? The Wari is a symbol of devotion to Lord Vitthala , a form of Vishnu/Krishna, and is celebrated during Ashadhi Ekadashi (usually in June–July). It marks the annual pilgrimage to meet the Lord in Pandharpur, inspired by Saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram , who started this tradition as a movement of equality, devotion, and non-violence . 🕰️ When Did It Start? The Wari tradit...