March 20, 2017 Events and Festivals, India

Nowruz- An Ancient Persian- Iranian Celebration

In Iran, every year, millions of Iranians celebrate Persian New Year or Nowruz. No one knows exactly how far back Nowruz dates but the best estimate is sometime in the range of 3000 years the important thing to know about Nowruz’s origins is that it is rooted in Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion that predates both Christianity and Islam. So, Nowruz is not an Islamic holiday or a Christian one; it is Persian.

Nowruz greeting — Norouz
Image credit- http://barekat-blessing.blogspot.in/

Shah Jamshid’s Legacy

The festival of Nowruz heralds a time of hope and happiness in the year ahead. Initially, seasons played a significant role in human history and life. Everything depended on the four seasons. After the end of the chilly winter, spring was a great occasion to enjoy as it brought with it new life and new colors. This revelry was popularized by King Jamshid and, as per popular legend, he was the first to celebrate this festival.

Jamshid, the fifth king of the Peshadian dynasty of Persia, flourished 3209 years before the Christian era. The Shah Namah describes him as the first to civilize mankind. Persian writers consider the bas-reliefs at the ruins of Persepolis, still visible in all their pristine glory and beauty after a lapse of 5000 years to be the representations of the court of Jamshid, more especially depicting the festivities of Nowruz. It has also been suggested that the famous Persepolis complex, or the Palace of Apadana and the hundred columns hall, were built for the specific purpose of celebrating a feast related to Nowruz.

Although there is no mention of the term Nowruz in recorded Achaemenid inscriptions, there is a detailed account by Xenophon (Xenophon of Athens 430-345 BC was an ancient Greek philosopher, historian, soldier and mercenary, and a student of Socrates) of a Nowruz celebration taking place in Persepolis and the continuity of the festival in the Achaemenid tradition.

Shah Tahmasp and Humayun on Nowruz — A 16th-century painting of Tahmasp I and Humayun celebrating Nowruz. Image credit -http://www.wikiwand.com

The Nowruznama

In the book Nowruznama (Book of the New Year, which is attributed to Omar Khayyam- a well-known Persian Poet and Mathematician), a vivid description of the celebration in the courts of the kings of Iran is provided: “From the era of Kai Khosrow till the days of Yazdegard, last of the pre-Islamic kings of Iran, the royal custom was thus: on the first day of the New Year, Now Ruz, the king’s first visitor was the High Mobad of the Zoroastrians, who brought him as gifts a golden goblet full of wine, a ring, some gold coins, a fistful of green sprigs of wheat, a sword, and a bow. In the language of Iran, he would then glorify God and praise the monarch.

This was the address of the High Mobad to the king: ‘O Majesty, on this feast of the equinox, the first day of the month of the year, seeing that thou hast freely chosen God and the faith of the ancient ones; may Sraosha, the angel- messenger; grant thee wisdom and insight and sagacity in thy affairs. Live long in praise, be happy and fortunate upon thy golden throne, drink immortality from the Cup of Jamshed; and keep in solemn trust the customs of our ancestors, their noble aspirations, fair gestures, and the exercise of justice and righteousness. May thy soul flourish; may thy youth be as the new-grown grain; may thy horse be puissant, victorious; thy sword bright and deadly against foes; thy hawk swift against its prey; thy every act straight as the arrow’s shaft. Go forth from thy rich throne, conquer new lands. Honor the craftsman and the sage in equal degree; disdain the acquisition of wealth. May thy house prosper and thy life be long!’’

Have you been to these bizarre places?

Have you been to these bizarre places from around the world?

This list is going to be big. Huge actually. And I won’t add a description. Plus I will add some known places too if I find them worth mentioning. If you are comfortable with this, only then proceed further. Thanks

Africa

White desert, Egypt, bizarre places to visit — White desert, Egypt

Black Desert in Bahariya Oasis, bizarre places in the world — Black Desert in Bahariya Oasis

Located to the north a little bit of white desert, formed by the erosion of the mountains to cover the surface of the desert with a layer of powder and black rocks and this was called the black desert, and there at the end of volcanic hills black chronicling on the outbreak of volcanic material dark dubbed «Duliraat» This is due to formation black Rock.

The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia.

Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, bizarre places in the world — Danakil Depression in Ethiopia

Located in the north of the Afar Triangle, a geological depression formed by tectonic plates that are slowly ripping the earth apart, the Danakil Depression is very low in altitude (about 100 meters below sea level), dry (rain is extremely rare) and hot – so hot that it’s famous for being the hottest place on earth in terms of year round average temperatures. Moreover, reaching it requires a day-long drive through the desert, which is both expensive and exhaustively uncomfortable. But it’s worth the effort because this area holds invaluable treasures for the avid photographer. [Source]

The Lac Rose (Or Lake Retba ) in Senegal, bizarre places to visit — The Lac Rose (Or Lake Retba ) in Senegal

Lake Retba or Lac Rose Or Pink Lake lies north of the Cap Vert peninsula of Senegal, some 30 km north-east of the capital, Dakar in north-west Africa. It is named for its pink waters caused by Dunaliella salina algae and is known for its high salt content, up to 40% in some areas. [Source]

Devil's pool, Victoria Falls, bizarre places to visit — Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
Image credit- http://www.devilspool.net/

Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Devil’s Pool is adjacent to the famous Livingstone Island situated on the edge of the Victoria Falls. [Source]

To be continued…

March 15, 2017 Travel, Round the world

5 Most Beautiful Islands Famous for Their Beaches and Natural Attractions

Most beautiful islands and their beaches

Are you fantasizing about a relaxing island vacation? Everyone needs a break from work and other everyday responsibilities. Why not have the vacation you deserve? You’d be able to recharge your batteries and face challenges much easier and more willingly. There are about ten thousand islands on our planet and each of them has its own charm and beauty. The competition was fierce, but we’ve selected 5 of them we find most beautiful.

Here, you’ll learn a bit more about them which might help you choose the perfect candidate for the vacation of your dreams.

Mallorca, Spain

This is the biggest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago and its name derives from the Latin meaning “the larger one”. The shades of its turquoise sea and golden sand will absolutely amaze you. This is why the fact that this island is one of the most popular vacation resorts in Europe shouldn’t surprise you. What’s more, if you are an architecture lover, make sure to visit Palma Cathedral La Seu and Basilica de Sant Francesc in Palma since they are truly impressive.

New Caledonia

Located in the southwest of the Pacific, New Caledonia has so much to offer to tourists. The Caledonian Lagoon is the largest in the world and has been a World Heritage Site since 2007. Its waters are so clear that you can see everything that’s going on underwater without any equipment whatsoever. Its capital, the wonderful city of Noumea, has so much to offer from beautiful beaches to museums, art galleries, and many other sightseeing spots.

Turks and Caicos

This archipelago is the best thing that the Caribbean has to offer. Only 8 of these 40 islands are inhabited, and whichever you choose you won’t be wrong. White sandy beaches and stunning views all around you will take your breath away. The water near the shore is safe and shallow, so you can rest assured that your children will have a blast as well. Don’t miss out on seeing Grace Bay, Pillory, and Long Bay Beach where you can observe people kite surfing.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali, beaches and islands — Image credit pixabay

Bali is known as a little piece of Heaven on Earth and surely for a good reason. There’s no place like Bali, where everything is simply amazing. The accommodation, the beaches, the food – it’s an overall extraordinary experience to spend your vacation on this dreamy island. As far as fine dining is concerned, make sure to visit either Kubu at Mandapa or Blanco par Mandif, both in Ubud. The fish is always fresh and the chefs are real artists.

Cayman Islands

If you’d like to have an active vacation, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman are the perfect spots for you. You can enjoy sailing, snorkeling, and hiking. Little Cayman is widely known as a great diving spot. If you are interested, make sure to visit Bloody Bay Wall and prepare to be amazed. You will be able to see turtles, sponges, and other marine life, including sharks.

There are so many wonderful islands all over the world and all of them have their own appeal. Depending on what you expect from your vacation, you should be able to choose the perfect one to visit. Whether you’d like to go sightseeing, admire natural wonders, or simply lay on the beach and sip iced coffee all day, you can do it in a number of places and have an amazing vacation. However, if you decide to visit one of the aforementioned islands, you can’t go wrong as they really are the top five most beautiful islands on the planet.

About the author

Marie Nieves is a lifestyle blogger who loves unusual trips, gadgets, and creative ideas. On her travels, she likes to read poetry and prose and surf the Internet. Her favorite writer is Tracy Chevalier and she always carries one of her books in her bag. Most of her free time at home she spends walking her Labrador Retriever named Max. She is an avid lover of photography who loves to talk about her experiences. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and Pinterest.