Tag: Indian Heritage

Travel

Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan to Open for Public from February 3

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The Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan, one of India’s most iconic and meticulously maintained gardens, will open for public viewing from February 3 to March 31, offering visitors a chance to experience its seasonal floral splendour.

The garden will be open six days a week, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the last entry permitted at 5:15 pm. Visitors should note that the garden will remain closed on Mondays for regular maintenance. Additionally, Amrit Udyan will be closed on March 4 on account of Holi.

Entry to the garden is free of cost, making it accessible to all citizens and tourists alike. Visitors can explore a wide variety of landscaped lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and artistic horticultural designs that reflect India’s botanical diversity and heritage.

Formerly known as the Mughal Gardens, Amrit Udyan is a major attraction during the spring season and draws thousands of visitors every year. The opening period allows people to witness the gardens at their peak bloom while enjoying a serene experience within the Presidential Estate.

Visitors are advised to plan their visit in advance and adhere to entry guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

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Renowned Sculptor Ram Sutar, Designer of the Statue of Unity, Passes Away

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India mourns the loss of one of its greatest sculptors as Ram Vanji Sutar, the visionary artist behind the iconic Statue of Unity, passed away late on Wednesday night, December 17, 2025, at his residence in Noida. He was 100 years old.

Confirming the news, his son Anil Sutar shared a heartfelt message stating, “It is with profound grief that we inform you of the passing of my father Shri Ram Vanji Sutar on 17th December midnight at our residence.”

Born on February 19, 1925, in the small village of Gondur in Maharashtra’s Dhule district, Ram Sutar’s journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim is a story of talent, perseverance, and artistic devotion. Drawn to sculpting from a young age, he went on to become a gold medallist from the prestigious JJ School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai.

Over a career spanning several decades, Sutar shaped India’s visual identity through monumental works that celebrate leadership, sacrifice, and national pride. Among his most admired creations are the meditating statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, both located within the Parliament premises.

His most celebrated masterpiece, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, stands as the world’s tallest statue and honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Rising 182 metres, the monument has become a global symbol of India’s unity, strength, and engineering excellence.

Ram Sutar’s legacy lives on not only through stone and bronze, but through the inspiration he offered generations of artists. His work transformed public spaces into sites of reflection, pride, and historical memory.

India remembers him not just as a sculptor, but as a storyteller in stone — whose art will continue to speak for centuries.

Business

Goa Sparkles as C. Krishniah Chetty’s Jewellery Exhibition Lights Up the Diwali Season

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Goa, 10 October 2025: Goa is glowing with festive brilliance as C. Krishniah Chetty Group of Jewellers (CKC), one of India’s most prestigious jewellery houses with a 155-year heritage, brings its dazzling Jewellery Showcase to the sunshine state.

The exhibition opened at Hotel Fidalgo, Panjim (10–13 Oct) and continues at Hotel Nanutel, Margao (15–16 Oct), marking yet another successful year of CKC’s bond with Goa’s luxury market.

The inauguration was graced by businesswoman and professional autocross racer Ashrafi ShetDesai Gaikwad, who praised CKC’s fusion of tradition and innovation. “It’s wonderful to see a brand with such a long history bring something so fresh to Goa. Their designs feel like a collaboration between heritage and the new generation’s sense of style,” she said.

Visitors are enchanted by collections that embody timeless artistry and innovation — from glowing citrines and regal emeralds to ethically crafted lab-grown diamonds. Among the highlights are:

  • The Hoysala Collection – celebrating the architectural grandeur of ancient temples
  • The Pharaoh Collection – inspired by the mystique of Ancient Egypt
  • crash.club™️ Lab-Grown Diamonds – a bold statement in sustainable luxury

Adding festive sparkle, visitors enjoy exclusive Diwali offers:
💍 2% off on Silver Jewellery
💍 4% off on Gold Jewellery
💍 6% off on Diamond Jewellery
💍 9% off on diamond jewellery worth ₹18.69 lakhs & above

Additionally, Rare Scents™️ fragrances and 925 Silver Jewellery starting at ₹599 are part of the celebration, with proceeds supporting rhinoceros conservation, reinforcing CKC’s commitment to ethical luxury.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Gopal Singh, Store Manager, said, “Goa has always been special for us. The warmth and enthusiasm of Goans make this exhibition truly memorable every year.”

For over a century and a half, C. Krishniah Chetty Group has defined artistry, innovation, and ethics in jewellery. This Diwali, their Goa showcase isn’t just an exhibition — it’s a celebration of legacy, luxury, and light.

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Taj Mahal Declared the Most Beautiful Building in the World in 2025

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Agra, India – July 2025: India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal, has been crowned the Most Beautiful Building in the World in 2025 by a global architecture and design ranking released this week. The announcement further solidifies the Taj Mahal’s status as a symbol of artistic excellence and architectural genius.

Constructed in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marble marvel in Agra has stood as a timeless ode to love for nearly four centuries. Its symmetrical design, intricate inlay work, calligraphy, domes, and lush gardens continue to awe millions of visitors every year.

The 2025 recognition was part of an international survey conducted by architectural experts, cultural institutions, and tourism platforms who considered factors like aesthetics, historical significance, architectural style, global influence, and visitor experience.

According to the panel, “The Taj Mahal is more than a building; it is a visual poem in marble, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture that seamlessly blends Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. Its symmetry, serenity, and emotional backstory place it above all others.”

The announcement has been welcomed with pride across India. The Ministry of Culture stated, “This honor reflects India’s unmatched cultural heritage and the global love for the Taj Mahal. It is not just a monument—it is a symbol of beauty, devotion, and timeless craftsmanship.”

Tourism boards are already witnessing a surge in interest following the announcement, as the Taj Mahal continues to be a bucket-list destination for travelers around the world.

📍Located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, the Taj Mahal remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

As the world evolves, the Taj Mahal’s pristine presence reminds us that true beauty stands the test of time.

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Sheesh Mahal Restored to Glory: Delhi’s Mughal-Era Jewel Reopens After 370 Years

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a city layered with history, one of Delhi’s lesser-known yet stunning Mughal-era structures has come back to life. The Sheesh Mahal, located in Shalimar Bagh, has reopened after an elaborate and sensitive restoration, giving Delhiites and tourists a rare chance to step into a forgotten chapter of the capital’s royal past.

Built in 1653 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Sheesh Mahal was part of the opulent Aizzabad Garden, believed to be dedicated to Aizzun-Nisha Begum. The palace earned its poetic name “Shalimar”, meaning “abode of pleasure”, and served as a luxurious retreat for the imperial family.

The monument also holds historical significance as the site of Aurangzeb’s first coronation in 1658, placing it firmly within the timeline of key Mughal events.

The turning point came in 2024, when Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena visited the deteriorating structure and initiated a multi-agency revival. Under his leadership, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) joined forces for a dual restoration: ASI focused on the palace itself, while DDA revived the surrounding garden in the traditional Char Bagh layout—a classic symbol of Persian-Mughal landscaping.

What sets this restoration apart is the use of authentic Mughal materials and techniques. Craftsmen used:

  • Lakhauri bricks
  • Lime Surkhi mortar
  • Natural adhesives made from jaggery, bael fruit, and urad dal
    These were the same materials used by Mughal builders centuries ago, ensuring historical accuracy and preserving the architectural integrity of the site.

Now reintroduced to the public, Sheesh Mahal offers a glimpse into the elegance and craftsmanship of Mughal India. The restored palace features intricate arches, restored domes, and lush gardens, making it a serene escape within Delhi’s urban sprawl.

Visitors can now walk through the Shalimar Bagh complex, reflect on its historic importance, and marvel at the blend of art, architecture, and devotion to authenticity that brought it back to life.

This restoration is more than a facelift—it’s a symbol of Delhi’s commitment to preserving its past, a tangible reminder of a royal legacy, and a new cultural landmark for generations to experience.