The Mango Blog !

Rajasthan: Rajasthan is one of the most colorful & wonderful places in India .Rajasthan has been the house of royalty in India. Also called the Land Of Princes Rajasthan is a perfect destination to witness the magnificent lives the Maharajas of Rajputana must have led. The State of Rajasthan offers a plethora of destinations to visit. It is famous for having one of the oldest mountain ranges called the Aravallis and the sun kissed Thar Dessert. In terms of heritage Rajasthan is one of the leading States in India. There are large number of Forts, palaces and Havellis which are world renown for their architectural wonder, delicate carvings and colorful splendor. Territorially the largest State of India Rajasthan covers an area of about 343,000 sq km.


The history of Rajasthan is filled with numerous legends of heroic acts of the Rajput Kings who began to rule Rajasthan from 9th century AD. The chivalrous Kings of Rajputana Prithviraj Chauhan and Maharana Pratap of Mewar fought many wars to save the honor of their land, people and traditions. The State of Rajasthan was formed at the time of Independence of India when the Rajputana's 18 Princely States, two chieftain and one British administered province were merged. The main languages spoken in Rajasthan are Rajasthani and Hindi and chiefly four dialects Jaipuri, Mewati, Malwi and Braj Bhasa.

The cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Amber are all living examples of the royalty that once resided in Rajasthan. The Forts, Palaces and Havellis in these Cities are all testimony to this. The Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, Lalgarh Palace of Bikaner, City Palace of Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer Fort, Junagarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort keeps the traveler or tourist mesmerized by their beauty.

The State of Rajasthan apart from its heritage status is famous for its Wildlife Reserves and Religious pilgrimages. Some of the rare species of animals like Chinkara, Blackbuck, Great Indian Bustard and several migratory birds are found exclusively in Rajasthan. Sariska, Bharatpur Sanctuary, Desert National Park, Tal Chappar Sanctuary are one of the few places in Rajasthan where the rich and diverse Flora and fauna of Rajasthan can be viewed. Rajasthan also is a favorite destination for pilgrims belonging to Hindu, Jain and Muslim Religion. The Dilwara Jain temples, Pushkar temple and Ajmer Sharriff are all examples of Religious and Cultural diversity in Rajasthan. Rajasthan today is a perfect blend of its rich heritage as well as a modern State surging ahead keeping with changing times of Modern banking, Industrial, Technological development in the World. Rajasthan is a visual treat for its vibrant and colorful lifestyle, something that will keep the traveler rapt with attention an experience he will cherish for the lifetime.

Goa: Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, the 25th State in the Union of States of India, was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. It was part of Union territory of Goa, Daman & Diu till 30 May 1987 when it was carved out to form a separate State.

Goa covers an area of 3702 square kilometers and comprises two Revenue district viz North Goa and South Goa. Boundaries of Goa State are defined in the North Terekhol river which separates it from Maharashtra, in the East and South by Karnataka State and West by Arabian Sea. Goa lies in Western Coast of India and is 594 Kms (by road) away from Mumbai city.

Goa, for the purpose of revenue administration is divided into district viz. North and South Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively. The entire State comprises 11 talukas. For the purpose of implementation of development programmes the State is divided into 12 community development blocks. As per 2001 census, the population of the State is 13,42,998.

Administratively the State is organised into two districts North Goa comprising six talukas with a total area of 1736 sq. kms. and South Goa comprising five talukas with an area of 1966 sq. kilometers. In all there are 383 villages of which 233 are in North Goa district and 150 in South Goa district. As per the 2001 census, there are 44 towns of which 14 are Municipalities and remaining are census towns.

A very striking feature of Goa is the harmonious relationship among various religious communities, who have lived together peacefully for generations. Though a late entrant to the planning process, Goa has emerged as one of the most developed States in India and even achieved the ranking of one of the best states in India with regards to investment environment and infrastructure...

Delhi: The capital of India—Delhi— is a great place to explore. Its chaotic bazaars, beautiful gardens and magnificent historic monuments are what attract a traveler to this city. Delhi is the fast growing metropolis in India. There are various places of tourist interest in Delhi that you can visit. Some of the popular landmarks in Delhi include the Red Fort, India Gate, Akshar Dham Temple, Jama Masjid, Birla Temple, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb. Besides, you can check out the cultural scene of the city by visiting various art galleries or shop in the choc-a-bloc markets.

Delhi is India's main point of arrival for overseas visitors, and the major transport hub for destinations in the states of rajasthan, the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh as well as central north India. Delhi city, the showacse of India, has been the centre of political activity from time immemorial. The ancient fortness, majestic buildings and historic ruins find their modern counterparts in the tall skyscrapers, diplomatic enclaves and well-planned townships of New Delhi. The people here, their lifestyles, traditions and even the climate are a rich and varied mixture of all that is india.

Agra: This city is about three hours away from Delhi. It is where the Taj Mahal is located. The Taj Mahal is the 17th century architectural wonder, which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Besides, the Taj Mahal, there are many other historic monuments are located in Agra. There are many hotels in Agra, which cater to the accommodation needs of tourists.

Agra is the one of the prominent destinations of the World Tourism map with three heritage monuments -The Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Red Fort. It is more just a dacadent city of graveyards and stones, but it is a vibrant centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosphies that have enriched mankind and shaped humen thought over centuries. Agra is famous for handicrafts products such as Inley work on Marvel, Leather work,Footwear, Brasswear, Carpets, Jwellery, Zari and Embroidery work.

Kerala:Kerala is wedged between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats Mountain range. It's natural wonders include lush hill stations, spectacular waterfalls, expansive plantations and paddy fields and exotic wildlife.Besides the natural attractions, Kerala has a rich cultural heritage. The state is one of the few of India that was not under British rule but governed by Indian kings. Millennial traditions have been preserved in many aspects of the culture.There are numerous historical and cultural monuments to visit, enchanting festivals in which to participate and local cuisine to enjoy. It is no wonder that Kerala is one of the most sought after travel destinations by tourists from all over the world.

The religious diversity can be witnessed in Kolchi, the commercial capital of India. Travelers can visit an old European church building, a Jewish synagogue and many mosques. Just be aware of dress code and other rules for entrance into each one.From the small town of Kollam, you can take a boat ride to the market town of Allappuzha. This is a great place to find traditional handicrafts that you can take home as souvenirs or gifts.Now matter what your personal interests, you will be sure to find something to enchant you on a vacation to India. Just be prepared to return again in the near future, Rupees in hand.

Read more!

Read more!

Read more!

Read more!

Ramazan Baydan, the owner of Baydan Shoe Company in Istanbul is a happy man. His shoe business has seen many orders come in from all around the world after Muntazer-Al-Zaidi an Iraqi Journalist attempted to hit Bush with the shoe made at the Baydan Shoe Company.




Reports are that Baydan has already got an order for 300,00 pairs of “Bush Shoe” and he has recruited 100 people to meet the growing demand. Around 120,000 pairs have been ordered from Iraq, while a US company has requested 18,000 pairs. A British firm has offered to provide a distribution network to the Baydan Shoe Company. Shoe Federations in Syria and Iran have shown support for Zaidi by offering him and his family lifetime supply of shoes.

Baydan is planning to change the name of the shoe from “Model 271” to “Bush Shoe” or “Bye-Bye Bush Shoe”. "We've been selling these shoes for years but, thanks to Bush, orders are flying in like crazy. We've even hired an agency to look at television advertising," he was quoted by the British newspaper as saying.

Read more!

Thaipusam:(Hindu Hook Piercing Festival)




This festival is celebrated mainly by the Tamil speaking community settled in southern India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka and elsewhere around the world. Many fanatical devotees go to such extent as to torture their bodies to appease the Lord. So, a major feature of Thaipusam celebrations is body piercing with hooks, skewers and small lances called 'vel'. Many of these devotees even pull chariots and heavy objects with hooks attached to their bodies. Many others pierce their tongue and cheek to impede speech and thereby attain full concentration on the Lord. Most devotees enter into a trance during such piercing due to the incessant drumming and chanting of "vel vel shakti vel".

Hadaka Matsuri (Naked Festival In Japan)
A hadaka matsuri(meaning-naked festival) is a type of Japanese festival, or matsuri, where participants wear a minimum amount of clothing; usually just a Japanese loincloth (called fundoshi), sometimes with a short happi coat, and very rarely completely naked. Whatever the clothing, it is considered to be above vulgar, or everyday, undergarments, and on the level of holy Japanese shrine attire.


Naked festivals are held in dozens of places throughout Japan every year, usually in the summer or winter.

El Colacho: (the Baby-Jumping Festival in Spain)


In celebration of the Catholic festival of Corpus Christi, grown men leap over newborns, with full parental consent. Donning scary, vaguely Elvis-like costumes and wielding whips and truncheons, the men attempt to "cleanse" the babies of evil. Evidently, recklessly leaping over them is the best way to achieve this. The town has observed the strange practice (called El Colacho) since 1620, and any onlookers who seem to be in need of a quick exorcism are pulled into the event, as well -- so look normal, by God! And leave your babies with the sitter

La Tomatina - Valencia, Spain
La Tomatina is a food fight festival held on the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Buñol in the Valencia region of Spain. Tens of thousands of participants come from all over the world to fight in a brutal battle where more than one hundred metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets.
The week-long festival features music, parades, dancing, and fireworks. On the night before the tomato fight, participants of the festival compete in a paella cooking contest.

Approximately 20,000–40,000 tourists come to the tomato fight, multiplying by several times Buñol's normal population of slightly over 9,000. There is limited accommodation for people who come to La Tomatina, and thus many participants stay in Valencia and travel by bus or train to Buñol, about 38 km outside the city. In preparation for the dirty mess that will ensue, shopkeepers use huge plastic covers on their storefronts in order to protect them from the carnage.

The Monkey Buffet Festival (Thailand)
Every year, the town of Lopburi in Thailand hosts a special outdoor feast. The guests of honour climb all over the food, steal treats from each other, and toss their leftovers onto the ground. After the meal, some of the guests show their gratitude by pulling hair and stealing earrings from the hosts while others make love in public.


The "invitations" at this annual extravaganza go to the town's estimated 600 monkeys. They are Lopburi's blessing and its bane. According to legend, the hero of the Ramayana epic rewarded his friend and ally, Hanuman the Monkey King, with the fiefdom of what is now Lopburi. Centuries later, monkeys still rule the area around the town's two most sacred sites: The picturesque Khmer ruin of Sam Prang Yod and the nearby shrine of San Pra Kan.

Kanamara Matsuri: (Fertility festival in Japan)
The Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus) is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki, Japan in spring. The exact dates vary: the main festivities fall on the first Sunday in April. The penis forms the central theme of the event that is reflected everywhere—in illustrations, candy, carved vegetables, decorations, and a mikoshi parade.

The Kanamara Matsuri is centered around a local penis-venerating shrine once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. It is said that there are divine protections also in business prosperity and the clan's prosperity, easy delivery, marriage, and married couple harmony. There is also a legend of a demon that hid inside a young girl and castrated two young men on their wedding nights before a blacksmith fashioned an iron phallus to break the demon's teeth, leading to the enshrinement of the item.
Today, the festival is used to raise money for HIV research.
Many travellers from Europe or US visit and attend the festival

Read more!

Gastric brooding frogs - Swallows her own eggs


The female gastric-brooding frogs are a genus, Rheobatrachus, of frogs from East Australia. The curiosity with these frogs is their unique parental care: following external fertilization by the male, the female would take the eggs into its mouth and swallow them. It is not clear, however, whether the females swallowed the tadpoles or the eggs, as it was never observed prior to their extinction. The last captive specimen died in 1984.

Squids - Have sex all day long, for two weeks

Squids are a large, diverse group of marine cephalopods. They begin mating with a circling nuptial dance, revolving around across a `spawning bed' (200 meters, in diameter). At daybreak, they begin having sex and continue all day long --they only take a break so the female can drive down and deposit eggs. When she returns to the circle, the two go at it again. As twilight falls, the pair go offshore to eat and rest. At the first sign of sunlight, they return to their spot and do it all over again.

Porcupines - How do they do it?

There is a common joke: "How do porcupines do it?" "Very carefully." But in reality, the truth is more bizarre than dangerous. Females are only receptive for a few hours a year, so they go off their food, and stick close by the males and mope. Meanwhile the male becomes aggressive with other males, and begins a period of carefully sniffing every place the female of his choice urinates, smelling her all over. This is a tremendous aphrodisiac. While she is sulking by his side, he begins to `sing'. When he is ready to make love, the female runs away if she's not ready. If she is in the mood, they both rear up and face each other, belly-to-belly. Then, males spray their ladies with a tremendous stream of urine, soaking their loved one from head to foot - the stream can shoot as far as 7 feet. It is advised never to stand close to a cage that contains courting porcupines.

Red-sided Garter Snakes - They prefer Orgies

These snakes are small and poisonous, and live in Canada and the Northwestern United States. Their highly unusual mating takes place during an enormous orgy. Twenty-five thousand snakes slither together in a large den, eager to copulate. In that pile, one female may have as many as 100 males vying for her. These `nesting balls' grow as large as two feet high. Now and then a female is crushed under the heavy mound - and the males are so randy that they continue to copulate, becoming the only necrophiliac snakes.

Ichneumon wasps - Tortures other insects

Ichneumon wasps are insects that could inspire a horror movie: it picks a victim, usually a caterpillar, and injects her eggs into the host's body. Often she also injects a poison that paralyzes the victim without killing it. Then, it eats the caterpillar but it keeps the victim alive as long as possible by eating its fatty deposits and digestive organs first and saving the heart and central nervous system for last. Charles Darwin found the grisly life histories of Ichneumons incompatible with the central notion of natural theology which saw the study of nature as a way to demonstrate God's benevolence. In a letter to American botanist Asa Gray, Darwin wrote "I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created the Ichneumonidae with the express intention of their feeding within the living bodies of Caterpillars, or that a cat should play with mice."

Histiostoma murchiei - Creates her own husband

The female mite known as Histiostoma murchiei creates her own husband from scratch. She lays eggs that turn into adults without needing to be fertilised. The mother then copulates with her sons within three of four days of laying the eggs, after which the sons die rather quickly.

Male Anglerfishes - Smell his mate and never leaves her again

Anglerfishes are bony fishes. Some of them have a unique mating method: Since individuals are rare and encounters doubly so, finding a mate is a problem, especially at a time when both individuals are ready to spawn. When a male anglerfish hatches, it is equipped with extremely well developed olfactory organs that detect scents in the water. They have no digestive system, and thus are unable to feed independently. They must find a female anglerfish, and quickly, or else they will die. When he finds a female, he bites into her flank, and releases an enzyme which digests the skin of his mouth and her body, fusing the pair down to the blood vessel level. The male then atrophies into nothing more than a pair of gonads that release sperm in response to hormones in the female's bloodstream indicating egg release. This is an extreme example of sexual dimorphism. However, it ensures that when the female is ready to spawn, she has a mate immediately available.

Adele Penguin - Conquers his mate by rolling a stone at her feets

Penguins in general prefer to be `married', but they suffer long separations due to their migratory habits. When reunited, a pair will stand breast to breast, heads thrown back, singing loudly, with outstretched flippers trembling. Two weeks after a pair is formed, their union is consummated. The male makes his intentions known by laying his head across his partner's stomach. They go on a long trek to find privacy, but the actual process of intercourse takes only three minutes. Neither penguin will mate again that year. The male Adele penguin must select his mate from a colony of more than a million, and he indicates his choice by rolling a stone at the female's feet. Stones are scarce at mating time because many are needed to build walls around nests. It becomes commonplace for penguins to steal them from one another. If she accepts this gift, they stand belly to belly and sing a mating song.

Read more!