Tag: Cultural Heritage

International

Robbinsville Akshardham: The Largest Hindu Temple Outside India Opens in New Jersey

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Robbinsville, New Jersey | 2023 – The BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville has officially become the largest Hindu temple outside India, marking a monumental achievement in architectural splendor, spiritual dedication, and community effort.

Spread across a vast 183-acre campus, the temple was constructed over 15 years with the help of over 12,500 global volunteers and an extraordinary 4.7 million hours of selfless service. The structure is built using hand-carved Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone, integrating more than 10,000 intricately sculpted statues, arches, columns, and motifs — each reflecting ancient Hindu scriptures and traditions.

The project was inspired by the visionary leadership of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, and brought to life under the guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. It reflects the ideals of unity, peace, service, and spiritual enlightenment.

More than just a religious structure, the Robbinsville Akshardham serves as a living bridge between Indian heritage and American values — welcoming people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds to explore India’s spiritual richness.

The temple also embodies the global mission of BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), which operates over 100 centers in North America and 3,500+ worldwide. The organization continues to spread Indian culture through spiritual teachings, humanitarian services, and youth engagement.

Whether visited for worship, architectural admiration, or cultural curiosity, the Robbinsville Akshardham stands as a beacon of timeless devotion and modern inclusivity, showcasing the enduring strength of community, craftsmanship, and faith.

Events in Goa

Miniature Painting Workshop Inaugurated at Sanskruti Bhavan, Panaji

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Panaji, July 2025: In a vibrant celebration of India’s intricate art heritage, the Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa, in collaboration with the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC), Udaipur, inaugurated a Miniature Painting Workshop at the Art Gallery, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto-Panaji. The event was graced by Shri Sagun Velip, Director of Art and Culture, along with other dignitaries, artists, and participants from across the state.

The workshop, which will continue until July 17, 2025, aims to revive and promote the exquisite tradition of miniature painting, a centuries-old art form known for its precision, storytelling, and deep cultural symbolism. It reflects India’s rich visual history — particularly associated with the Rajput, Mughal, and Pahari schools of art.

What makes this workshop particularly enriching is the involvement of master artists from Rajasthan, a region globally recognized for its miniature painting styles. These experts will lead immersive sessions, providing participants with a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Live demonstrations, practical guidance on brushwork, natural pigment preparation, and traditional techniques form the core of this intensive programme.

Participants will gain a deep understanding of the origins and evolution of miniature painting, the iconography and symbolism involved, and the discipline required to master this meticulous craft. Whether for seasoned artists, emerging talent, or cultural enthusiasts, the workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage with a living tradition passed down through generations.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Sagun Velip expressed his enthusiasm for cultural collaborations like this. “Workshops like these are vital in preserving our rich artistic legacy. By inviting experts and making such art forms accessible to the youth, we ensure these traditions continue to thrive in modern India,” he said.

This initiative is part of a larger vision by the Directorate of Art and Culture to nurture artistic talent in Goa and expose local artists to national and regional art forms. The workshop also fosters cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, highlighting Goa’s active role in India’s cultural dialogue.

For those interested in Indian heritage arts, the Miniature Painting Workshop at Sanskruti Bhavan offers not just a learning opportunity, but a window into the soul of Indian visual storytelling.

📍 Location: Art Gallery, Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto-Panaji
🗓️ Dates: July 5 – July 17, 2025
🖌️ Organizers: Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa & West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur
🎨 Open to: Registered participants, artists, students, and art lovers

Goan Festivals

Chikhal Kalo 2025 concludes with enthusiasm, mud play and a celebration of Goa’s living traditions

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Marcel, 7th July 2025 – The vibrant Chikhal Kalo 2025 Festival culminated today at Sri Devki Krishna Temple, Marcel, with the much-awaited mud play that brought together hundreds of devotees, tourists, youth, and families in a joyous celebration of faith, heritage, and nature. Held on Dwadashi, the concluding day witnessed spirited participation in traditional games, devotional singing, and the symbolic ritual of mud immersion that reimagines Lord Krishna’s playful bond with the Earth.

The Sri Devki Krishna Temple ground came alive with the energy of chendu fali, kushti, and other traditional plays in the mud, as participants celebrated the divine play (leela) of the Lord with laughter and togetherness. The excitement reached its peak during the exhilarating dahi handi, in a spirited and festive atmosphere, cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The entire experience reinforced the core values of devotion, community bonding, and gratitude for the monsoon season, the central themes that have shaped the festival over generations.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan A. Khaunte, who actively participated in the celebrations, remarked, “This is our lok parampara, and it’s time we take it to the world. During Chikhal Kalo, people come together to celebrate, to play, and to reconnect with the soil. It is important to preserve such traditions and pass them on to future generations. Earlier, Goa was known mainly for its beaches—today, we are proudly promoting ‘Goa Beyond Beaches.’ With government support for festivals like these, we are also creating economic opportunities for our local communities. Over the past three years, Chikhal Kalo has received an overwhelming response. I believe everyone should be part of this celebration and help spread the message of unity.”

Adding to the festivities was a Photography and Reel Making Competition, encouraging participants to document the vibrant essence of Chikhal Kalo 2025. The entries captured the playfulness, colours, and emotion of the festival, offering new-age storytelling perspectives to timeless traditions.

The past three days have seen a convergence of spirituality, music, culture, and community. From the soulful Abhang and Kirtan recitals on Day 1, to the devotional Bhajan performances on Ashadhi Ekadashi (Day 2), and culminating in today’s spirited mud rituals Chikhal Kalo 2025 stood as a celebration of Goa’s spiritual and cultural depth.

Goa Tourism, under its vision of Regenerative Tourism, reaffirms its commitment to supporting festivals that reflect Goa’s cultural heritage and strengthen community involvement. The participation from all age groups, as well as the growing interest from visitors and digital audiences, highlights the evolving appetite for authentic, local, and inclusive experiences.

As the curtain falls on this year’s celebrations, Chikhal Kalo continues to remind us of the power of tradition to unite, uplift, and inspire. The festival once again proved that true celebration lies not just in rituals, but in shared moments of joy, devotion, and connection with each other and with the land.

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Goa Unveils ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’ to Promote Spiritual Tourism

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Panaji, June 2025 — In a significant move to diversify its tourism offerings beyond sun, sand, and sea, the Government of Goa has announced a new spiritual tourism initiative titled ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’. The program will spotlight 11 revered temples across the state, crafting a well-curated pilgrimage circuit for visitors seeking spiritual enrichment and cultural immersion.

Reclaiming Goa’s Spiritual Legacy

While Goa is internationally known for its beaches and nightlife, its ancient temples and rich spiritual heritage have long remained underexplored by mainstream tourists. The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra—literally meaning “Pilgrimage of Eleven Sacred Sites”—aims to change that.

The yatra will include stops at 11 iconic temples, representing various deities and regions of Goa. These sacred sites will offer a glimpse into the state’s syncretic history, traditional rituals, temple architecture, and the living culture of devotion practiced by Goans for generations.

“We want to highlight Goa’s lesser-known spiritual richness,” said Tourism Director Kedar Naik, who shared details of the initiative following a strategic meeting held with representatives of the identified temples earlier this week.

Enhancing the Pilgrim Experience

The Goa Tourism Department plans to integrate the circuit with guided tours, devotional music experiences, temple festivals, and local food trails, allowing tourists to engage not only with places of worship but with the broader cultural ecosystem that surrounds them.

Key features under development include:

  • Temple route mapping with historical and mythological context
  • Eco-friendly transport options for pilgrims
  • Spiritual wellness add-ons such as yoga and Ayurveda sessions
  • Souvenir and prasadam kiosks at each site
  • Enhanced infrastructure and accessibility at key temples

Tourism officials also indicated that the yatra will be promoted on both domestic and international platforms, positioning Goa as a holistic destination for the spiritually inclined traveler.

Temples Included in the Yatra

While the final list of temples is yet to be officially released, the circuit is expected to include renowned pilgrimage sites such as:

  • Shri Mangeshi Temple (Priol)
  • Shri Shantadurga Temple (Kavale)
  • Shri Mahadev Temple (Tambdi Surla)
  • Shri Mahalasa Temple (Mardol)
  • Shri Nageshi Temple (Ponda)
    …and others known for their religious and architectural significance.

Promoting Sustainable & Cultural Tourism

The Ekadasha Teertha Yatra is part of Goa’s broader strategy to decentralize tourism and encourage sustainable, culturally rooted travel. By spotlighting spiritual heritage, the state hopes to attract tourists seeking meaningful and reflective journeys, particularly in the post-pandemic era where wellness and mindfulness tourism are on the rise.

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Over 180 School Students Visit Aguad Port and Jail Complex, Sinquerim on Goa Revolution Day

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~ The students engaged with Goa’s rich history through the Aguad Interactive Museum and explored the historic jail cells.

Panaji, June 2025: On Goa Revolution Day, 188 school students from across the state visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex in Sinquerim, getting a firsthand look at a slice of the state’s history. Accompanied by teachers, parents and guides, they joined locals and tourists in marking the day at the former prison that once held freedom fighters during Goa’s liberation movement.

The historic venue had offered free entry for bonafide Goan residents to visit and honour the state’s freedom fighters who were once imprisoned at Aguada prison, now a popular, restored heritage site that is home to the Aguad Interactive Museum (AIM). 

In all, 43 students accompanied by two teachers from Dr K B Hedgewar High School in Bambolim, 122 students and 10 teachers from Hedgewar Primary and High School in Assonora and 23 students, one tour guide and 10 teachers and parents from Vidya Prabodhini Primary School in Alto Porvorim, visited the Aguad Port and Jail Complex on the occasion of the historic day.

“Today, Aguad stands proudly as a diverse historical and cultural hub deeply rooted in Goan identity. It represents the unique cultural legacy of Goa and preserves the legacy of the freedom fighters who were incarcerated at Aguad, providing a memorable experience for all who visit. Students, in particular, can enrich themselves with factually accurate knowledge about Goa’s freedom struggle and learn more about the stellar participants of the movement,” says Savio Mathias, The Aguad Port and Jail Complex’s vice president, Operations and Business Development.  

The students engaged with Goa’s history through the interactive museum’s touch screens, informative displays and immersive installations. They had the opportunity to walk through the historic jail cells that once held Goa’s freedom fighters. In the Core Block of the complex, the students solemnly observed the engraved names of those freedom fighters who had been imprisoned at the jail during the state’s liberation movement, a reminder of their sacrifices.