Author: Abhishek Mallik

People living in the cities usually long to escape from their busy lives. However, it isn’t possible for all of us, all the time, to leave everything and go on a vacation. But as and when the opportunity arises, we try and make the most it. GozoCabs is offering rides to the states of Hill Stations: Himachal Pradesh with its best price guarantee. Here are the places you should not miss when you plan your trip to Himachal.

1. Rewalsar
   Rewalsar has long been a traveller’s secret just off  the  beaten track in Himachal Pradesh. Pilgrims come to make prayers, meditate or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere. At its heart lies the holy lake that is home to three Hindu Temples, a Sikh Gurudwara and three Buddhist Monasteries. One of the local names for Rewalsar is Trisangam (Three Holy Communities) and as such it serves as a fine example of religious tolerance and harmony that makes India great. The hidden lake town in the Mandi District has been a well-kept secret from tourists for many years. The lake is shaped like a square with the shoreline of about 735 m. It is held as a sacred spot for Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.
2. Gushiani
   Gushiani is one of the best ever small town ever visited in life. This in the Kullu District best known for trout fishing and the picturesque homestays that have mushroomed here over time. At 4500ft above sea level,It is a place for nature lovers. Less crowded and thus you can experience nature in its pristine condition. Trout fishing in the Tirthan River is an added attraction; which flows in the valley and one of the best river for “Rainbow” with red dotted fish, the seed of this fish was planted hair by British.Valley is close to the Great Himalayan Park where wildife abounds and the animals move freely. Some lovely short treks make it a must visit place for nature lovers. There are also some nearby attractions Shogi and Jalori Pass which is known as India’s second dangerous road.
3. Bir
   Bir is highly influenced by Tibetan culture which is popular destination for adventures sports ( paragliding, treks etc.) It is considered as one of the best spots in the world for paragliding and it hosts the World Paragliding Championship every year. The flying season is from September to November. The village continues to host periodic international competitions and events. This is also an important centre of spiritual studies and meditation. You should visit the serene monastery in Chokling, which serves as an important centre of Buddhist studies as well. You can either come down to Palampur or go further to Baijnath, an important pilgrimage for Hindu devotees, in the context of Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. Baijnath is 12.7 km. away from Bir, via NH 154.
4. Tosh
   “I feel like I’m on top of the world. Honestly, I feel like I’ve climbed a giant mountain, and I’m just standing right on top with my arms wide open and breathing rarified air.” Just the same feeling you experience once you are in Tosh, a village lying at the height of 7900 feet on top of a hill surrounded by mountains from all the sides. Tosh offers some breathtaking views of the Parvati Valley. In recent years this village has gained popularity amongst tourist as it is very close to the famous Hippies Town – Kasol. Tosh is becoming quite popular among the backpackers, many trance and psychedelic parties are being organized here. Tosh Himachal has a pleasant weather throughout the year. If you want to enjoy the snow, you can opt for November to February.
5. Dharamkot
   Dharamkot is a cute little hippie village in the Himalayas. It’s near Dharamshala and McLeodganj – the famous Buddhist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, India.This stunning spot provides panoramic views of the Kangra valley and the Dhauladhar ranges. While Dharamshala and McLeodganj have become extremely crowded because they are popular summer travel destinations, fortunately, Dharamkot has managed to maintain its quaint charm.On the way to Dharamkot, one can visit the Galu Devi Temple, located amidst the dense forest of Deodar and Oak trees and seek blessings while enjoying the scenic views of the Kangra valley. This little Yoga village is ideal for a few days’ time off from the real world. Or even months.. if you’re lucky enough to take time off work for that long.

If you wish to spend your days lazing around in the pleasant air of the mountains, spending days watching birds and reading, Himachal Pradesh is the best state to travel. To travel one-way/round trips call us or visit GozoCabs and unfold the dream of mountains along with snow and many more memories.

The mouth-watering concoction of meat with long grain basmati rice, aromatic masalas, curd and onions makes a delectable and finger licking preparation called Biryani. A must have for any Mughlai food lover, for that matter any foodie, biryani is much more than ‘just a biryani’! If we had to describe biryani in just one sentence, it would be rice cooked with meat and spices. However, there are many different types of biryani that are cooked in different ways using varied ingredients. Biryani is one dish that is available in the widest variety both in India and abroad. It is believed that the first of the different types of biryani was discovered from the Mughal Kitchens.

Lucknowi Biryani

The Lucknowi Biryani also known as Awadhi Biryani is very much popular in Lucknow and Delhi, originated from the Moghul Cuisine. Lucknowi Awadhi Mutton biryani,Lucknowi Mutton Biryani and Lucknowi Murgh Biryani, Lucknowi Chicken Biryani and Dum Gosht Lucknowi Biryani are the most famous types of Awadhi Biryani.

Hyderabadi Biryani

The delicious Hyderabadi Biryani is made with basmati rice and lamb meat or chicken and serverd with yogurt and onions. Hyderabadi Biryani has two types Kachchi Biryani1 and Pakki Biryani both has its own of making. Hyderabadi Haleem, Mughlai and Kababs are well famous and listed as must have dishes while visiting India.

Calcutta Biryani

Kolkata biryani is evolved from the Awadhi style biryani and has rich taste and flavour. The unique style of making Calcutta biryani with much lighter spices and distinct flavour and yellowish color makes it different as compared to other styles of biryani.

Dindigul Biriyani

The Dindigul Thalapakatti Biryani is much famous in the states of Tamil Nadu along with other major cities in India. Dindigul Biriyani is popular for its unique taste and rich spicy aroma and favorite among the most Non-veg lovers.

Malabar Biriyani

The Kerala style biriyani or Malabar Biriyani can be made with chicken, egg, mutton and fish. Malabar Biriyani is available at Malabar region and along with coast from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur to Kasargod.

Bhatkali Biryani

The Bhatkali biryani is the specialty of coastal region of Karnataka and part of the Navayath cuisine. distinct color, taste and flavor along with various kind, which includes mutton, fish, chicken and shrimp makes it quite different from others across India.

Beary Biryani

Beary Biryani is the light, less spicy and is easy to digest dish from the Muslim Community in Dakshina Kannada. Beef, chicken, mutton, fish and prawns are used for the Beary biryani and flavoured with ghee and many local spices.

Bombay Biryani

The mouth watering dish from the deram city of Mumbai, Bombay Biryani is perfect combination of flavoring spices and excellent flavor. As each region has some unique ingredients that adds a distinct taste to biryani,Bombay Biryani ingredients are meat, rice, salt, onions, ginger and garlic paste, yogurt and all Indian spices.

Sindhi Biryani

The popular dish is made with special meat and rice along with its spicy has quite a distinct aroma. Sindhi Biryani is more spicy and tasty biryani is serverd with raita and salad.

Memoni Biryani

The Memoni Biryani is quite similar to Sindhi Biryani made with lamb, yogurt and fried onions. Memoni Biryani is developed by the Memon ethnic group and available with little variations brought by different region.

Bandi Chorh Diwas is a day on which Guru Hargobind Sahib was released with 52 Kings from Gwalior Prison. The word “Bandi” means “imprisoned”, “Chhor” means “release” and “Divas” means “day” and together “Bandi Chhor Divas” means Prisoner Release Day. It is celebrate with great joy as it was a time when “right” prevailed over “wrong”. The Mughals had held many hundreds of prisoners who were effectively “political prisoners” and were otherwise innocent leaders of their communities. They had been held without trial or any other legal process; jailed by brute force; held against their wishes.

The Guru had found a way to get 52 of these innocent leaders released from the prison without a battle. However, it had been a long process as the Guru spent many years in custody. However, in the end the unjust government of the day had to “give in” to the Guru’s just demands. An unlikely victory in a period of history when those in power were completely corrupt and injustice was the order of the day. However, the Guru had found a positive way out of an otherwise very dark situation. The lives of 52 local kings had been saved without a single shot and without a battle!

Bandi Chhor Divas (“Day of Liberation”) (ਬੰਦੀ ਛੋੜ ਦਿਵਸ) is a Sikh holiday which coincides with the day of Diwali. Sikhs historically celebrated Diwali along with Hindus, with Guru Amar Das explicitly listing it along with Vaisakhi as a festival for Sikhs. In late 20th century, Sikh religious leaders increasingly called Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee adopted this name along with the Nanakshahi calendar in 2003.

Unlike the Hindu festival of Diwali whose significance is based on the texts and scriptures of Hinduism, Bandi Chhor Divas celebrates a Sikh historic event related to the sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind. According to Sikh history, on this day, Guru Hargobind was released from prison by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir who freed 52 other Hindu kings with him.

The Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated in a manner similar to Diwali, with the lighting of homes and Gurdwaras, feast, gift giving and family time. It is an important Sikh celebration along with Vaisakhi, Maghi, Holi with Hola Mohalla and Gurpurb.

In addition to Nagar keertan (a street procession) and an Akhand paath (a continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib), Bandi Shor (Shodh) Divas is celebrated with a fireworks display. The Shri Harmandir Sahib, as well as the whole complex, is festooned with thousands of shimmering lights. The temple organizes continuous kirtan singing and special musicians. Sikhs consider this occasion as an important time to visit Gurdwaras and spend time with their families.

Guru Hargobind’s father Guru Arjan was arrested under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and he was asked to convert to Islam. He refused, was tortured and executed in 1606 CE. This event is remembered as a defining moment in Sikh history and as the martyrdom of Guru Arjan. After the execution, Guru Hargobind succeeded his father as the next Guru of Sikhism.

Guru Hargobind, on 24 June 1606, at age 11, was crowned as the sixth Sikh Guru. At his succession ceremony, he put on two swords: one indicated his spiritual authority (piri) and the other, his temporal authority (miri). Because of the execution of Guru Arjan by Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Guru Hargobind from the very start was a dedicated enemy of the Mughal rule. He advised Sikhs to arm and fight. The death of his father at the hands of Jahangir prompted him to emphasise the military dimension of the Sikh community.

Jahangir responded by jailing the 14 year old Guru Hargobind at Gwalior Fort in 1609, on the pretext that the fine imposed on Guru Arjan had not been paid by the Sikhs and Guru Hargobind. It is not clear as to how much time he spent as a prisoner. The year of his release appears to have been either 1611 or 1612, when Guru Hargobind was about 16 years old. Persian records, such as Dabistan i Mazahib suggest he was kept in jail for twelve years, including over 1617-1619 in Gwalior, after which he and his camp were kept under Muslim army’s surveillance by Jahangir. According to the tradition, Guru Hargobind was released from the bondage of prison on Diwali. This important event in Sikh history is now termed the Bandi Chhor Divas festival.

MAY THE LIGHT THAT WE CELEBRATE AT DIWALI SHOW US THE WAY AND LEAD US TOGETHER ON THE PATH OF PEACE AND SOCIAL HARMONY. Happy Diwali.

With the onset of festive season, how can adulteration be far behind? Increased consumption of sweets means more demand for dairy products providing an opportunity to unscrupulous elements to make quick money by selling substandard stuff. Moreover, with a low conviction rate the repeated raids by the health authorities fail to act as a deterrent to check food adulteration.

No Diwali spread is ever complete without a variety of traditional sweets and mithai. All of us have been guilty, at some point or the other, of over-indulging in Diwali-ki-mithai; be it motichoor ke ladoo or the simple khoya barfi, kaju katli, pista barfi and so much more. Thanks to the festivities in the air, these become irresistible and before you realise it, you’ve polished off more than you would have liked! Most mithai shops are now loaded with Diwali sweets, these fly off the shelves as customer after customer walks out with kilos of mithai. However, do spend a few minutes mulling over what goes into the making of these traditional sweets; how are they actually made in bulk to meet the increasing demand and what is the quality of ingredients used? Increasing demand could often lead to some shops compromising on the quality through adulteration.

Around 70% of the samples of paneer, gulab jamun & milk cake were adulterated with soyabean flour and starch. Samples of mustard oil were found adulterated with metanil yellow (non-permitted food colour) and lead chromate (a compound that emits toxic chromium fumes upon heating). Samples of raj bhog, pethas and laddoos were also found adulterated with metanil yellow. Samples of turmeric and chilly powder were found mixed with lead chromate and Sudan dye respectively. Coriander powder was found mixed with dust. Half of the bakery products were found adulterated with substandard flour and low grade fat. “Urea, detergent, refined oil, dry milk and starch was found in milk samples. In two samples, formalin (a preservative) was also found. Drinking such adulterated milk can lead to stomach disorder, liver-kidney problems, nutrient deficiency, skin diseases and hair loss. Mustard oil can be replaced with sesame oil while roli can be replaced with turmeric.

Here are five sweets suggested by Team Gozo that you should be most careful of during any festival season:

1. Khoye ki Barfi
Most mithais that are consumed during festivities are made with khoya. When the demand of khoya is on the rise, some vendors, in order to meet these demands, may indulge in adulterating the dairy product by using harmful chemicals. If you are buying khoya from outside or buying a mithai made with khoya, there is a chance it is not safe for consumption. None of us can detect adulterant in the khoya or mithai visually as they are concealed carefully. The khoya may be adulterated with starch, blotting paper and fine flour. It can also contain urea, detergent or water in the milk that was used to make khoya.

2. Motichoor Ladoo: Vendors use bright and sometimes non-permitted colours of sweets and savouries. These vendors use artificial colours because they are less expensive, more stable and long lasting and give the product an appealing bright colour.” Motichoor ladoo is one such mithai that must only be bought from reliable sellers this festive season.

3. Kaju Katli: Kaju katli has silver varq on it which adds to the appeal of this popular traditional mithai.Adulteration often raises its head during the festive season and the unaware consumer can fall prey to it. Adulteration in Silver Leaf or chandi-ka-warq has been often detected by food regulators which include:
1. Substitution of silver with aluminium.
2. Poor quality of silver used which may not be of 999 purity.
3. Unhygienic preparation methods.
4. Unsanitary conditions in workshops can cause contamination which poses a risk of food borne diseases.
5. Traces of heavy metal contamination like nickel, lead, cadmium have been detected.

4. Kaju Pista Roll: If you think you are eating sweets made using real pista and cashews, you should probably think again. Not real nuts, what ends up being used mostly are artificial or synthetic flavours. Pistas and cashew nuts are expensive nuts, so this is done to cut costs and make the mithai last longer.

5. Paneer Barfi: The paneer that is used to make the barfi could have excessive corn starch in place of milk extract. In some cases, harmful chemicals and urea are also mixed in it. Therefore, it is imperative to take any paneer mithai from a trusted source or just make it at home. The lack of awareness among small vendors selling edible items about the Food Safety and Standards Act that provides for mandatory registration of shopkeepers dealing with sale of edible items is another area of concern. As per the Act, those associated with the food business and having turnover of `12 lakh per annum and above have to procure licence. Outlets having annual turnover less than `12 lakh have to get registration done under the act. Be careful of what you buy next and always buy your share of Diwali and other festival sweets from trusted vendors and seller.

Stay healthy and enjoy! Happy Diwali!

1. Dev Deepawali (Varanasi)
   The Dev Deepavali (“the Diwali of the Gods” or “Festival of Lights of the Gods”) is the festival of Kartik Poornima celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. It falls on the full moon of the Hindu month of Kartika (November – December) and takes place fifteen days after Diwali. The steps of all the ghats on the riverfront of the Ganges River, from Ravidas Ghat at the southern end to Rajghat, are lit with more than a million earthen lamps (diyas) in honour of Ganga, the Ganges, and its presiding goddess. The gods are believed to descend to Earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day.  The festival is also observed as Tripura Purnima Snan. The tradition of lighting the lamps on the Dev Deepawali festival day was first started at the Panchganga Ghat in 1985. During Dev Deepawali, houses are decorated with oil lamps and coloured designs on their front doors. Firecrackers are burnt at night, processions of decorated deities are taken out into the streets of Varanasi, and oil lamps are set afloat on the river.
2. Golden Temple Diwali (Amritsar)
   Sikhs and Hindus in celebrating one of India’s grandest festivals, Diwali – the Festival of Lights at the Golden Temple. It truly is an ineffable experience, one you will not want to miss. You’ll get inspired to add this to your itinerary after being at the Golden Temple. The festival of lights lived true to its name at the Golden Temple as approx tens of thousands of Sikhs gathered in and around the temple complex for one of India’s largest celebrations. The entire complex had been draped in lights and it was quite a sight to behold when the lights came on. The main fireworks display launched from the temple complex itself but all around the temple enthusiastic Sikhs set off endless rounds of deafening crackers.
3. Narka Chaturdashi (Goa)
   Naraka Chaturdashi (also known as Kali Chaudas, Roop Chaudas, Choti Diwali or Naraka Nivaran Chaturdashi) is a Hindu festival, which falls on Chaturdashi (14th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar month of Ashwin. It is the second day of the five-day-long festival of Diwali. The Hindu literature narrates that the asura (demon) Narakasura was killed on this day by Krishna, Satyabhama and Kali. The day is celebrated by early morning religious rituals and festivities followed on.
4. Fireworks at Queen’s Necklace (Mumbai)
   The city of dreams will not let you down and if you still haven’t ventured out during diwali then you are missing something in life. The magnificent fire works seen at Juhu Chowpatty to the spectacular reflection of the fire crackers and lights in the water at Marine Drive, will leave you mesmerized and you would want to behold the beauty of these amazing moments for sure. Marine Drive is unarguably the best place in Mumbai to enjoy diwali. The Queens Necklace is visited by thousands of people during diwali just to watch the amazing fireworks. This long stretch transforms into a street party destinations with bangs and explosions every now and then. The fireworks and lights make the place lively and the view is mesmerizing with amazingly lighted skyline.
   
   
5. Badabadua Daka (Orissa)
   

   The people of Odisha pay obeisance to their ancestors through the – unique ritual known as “Bada Badua Daka”. which is performed on the day of Deepawali or Dilwali. Lord Jagannath witnesses a grand gathering on the day of Deepavali celebration.Holding bunches of burning jute-stems in hand, thousands of devotees invoked their ancestors for peace and harmony in their families. As per the tradition, elder sons of the late fathers perform this popular Badabadua Dakaritual. The ritual aims at invoking the demigods to descend from the spiritual sky and bless their successors on earth. The invocation process began with the chanting of a famous Oriya adage: Badabadua ho andhaare aasa, aalua re jaa (Oh forefathers, come in darkness and go back in the light). The oldest member of a family, accompanied by other family members, chanted those lines, lighted the bundle of jute-stems and pointed the flames skywards. A thick smoke covered the temple area following the mass gathering and burning of jute-stems by devotees.

6. Diwali (Jaipur)
   The Festival of Light – Diwali is celebrated in India with incredible zeal and excitement that is a lot more than any other Indian festival. Jaipur is famous for praising Diwali celebration. Men and ladies, children and old, rich and poor, everyone celebrates this beautiful festival in India. Jaipur during Diwali’s Celebration is decorated in a manner which makes Jaipur special for residents and tourists with extraordinary eagerness and old stories. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a very royal city and Diwali puts more shade to its culture and royalty. Visitors and tourists are present in bulk quantity to advocate in person the magic of Diwali celebration.
7. Kali Puja (Kolkata)
   Kali Puja also known as Shyama Puja or Mahanisha Puja, is a festival dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month Kartik especially in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Bangladesh. It coincides with the pan-Indian Lakshmi Puja day of Diwali. The festival of Kali Puja is not an ancient one. Kali Puja was practically unknown before the 18th century; however, a late 17th-century devotional text Kalika mangalkavya –by Balram mentions an annual festival dedicated to Kali. It was introduced in Bengal during the 18th century, by King (Raja) Krishnachandra of Navadvipa. Kali Puja gained popularity in the 19th century, with Krishanachandra’s grandson Ishvarchandra and the Bengali elite; wealthy landowners began patronizing the festival on a grand scale. Along with Durga Puja, Kali Puja is the biggest festival in Bengal and Assam.
8. Bonfire & Rustic Diwali (Purushwadi)
   A tribal village in the interiors of Maharashtra, Purushwadi is only 220 km away from Mumbai and has its own unique way of celebrating Diwali. These days, the village also attracts tourists from the city to witness the festival of Diwali. The village is also known for its fireflies but these live only for two months of the year and unfortunately are not around during Diwali season. The villagers build a bonfire and children go from house to house singing traditional songs. The women make colorful rangolis outside their homes. In the evening, everyone gathers around the bonfire and they cook a simple meal over it and enjoy amongst themselves. If you want a quietier, rustic Diwali, visit Purushwadi with Gozo Outstation.