The weavers were once so important
that the Chola kings would spend time
and money, trying to draw them from
neighbouring kingdoms. And if you
are tired from all the walking, shopping
and history lessons, visit the Sri Krishna
Vilas Hotel on Kamarajar Street to taste
the spicy Kanchipuram idli. Round off
the meal with strong, milky filter coffee.Bishnupur, West Bengal
Bishnupur, 140 kms from Kolkata, is a
major cultural centre known for its rich
tradition of terracotta art. This form of
baked pottery appears in beautiful
earthenware, jewellery as well as in
depictions of animals and deities. Stun-
ning examples of this work are found
on the numerous temples with intricate
carvings. The architecture of these tem-
ples creates two axes of worship—one
altar facing east, for the temple priests,
and the other facing south, dedicated
to devotees who offer their prayers
through music and dance. Bish-
nupur is also known for dhokra
metalwork and silk saris made
of tussar. The Durga Puja cele-
brations at the Mrinmoyee
terracotta temple are considered
among the oldest in Bengal.Kutch, Gujarat
Kutch is a land of contrasts—a
starkly white salt desert sets
off the vibrant greens, blues,yellows and reds of local threads. While
drought-prone, the region is home to
sumptuous food and generous hospi-
tality. The region’s nomadic tribes are
even known to entertain their guests
by singing and dancing through the
night. When devastation strikes, the
people of Kutch dig deep to find ways
to live and thrive. For instance, the
rebuilding process after the earth-
quake of 2001 in Bhuj had a surpris-
ing side effect—a renaissance of local
art and craft. Visit Ajrakhpur to see
craftsmen create the delicate patterns
of Ajrakh prints on cloth. Usually held
between October and February, the
Rann Utsav is also a great opportunity
to experience music, dance, handicraft
and culture of the region.Kohima, Nagaland
Set among the green slopes of the east-
ern Himalayas, Kohima is a picturesque
city where time slows down. The Na-
gas are not a monolithic culture—
they are made up of a number of hill
tribes with distinct languages, cul-
tures and customs. However, be-
tween 1 and 10 December, they
come together in Kohima for the
annual Hornbill Festival, bringing
a variety of tribal food, tradi-
tional music and dance perfor-
mances to the capital city. It is
also a forum for the various
tribes to interact with each
other and display their skills
in archery, wrestling and
other sports.50 september 2019
Reader’s Digest Travel
A terracotta sculpture
made in Bishnupur