Saturday, February 12, 2011

Major industrial centres of the world

Centre - Major Industry
Anshan - Iron and steel
Hamilton - Iron and steel
Windsor - Automobile
Quebec - ship building
Shangahai - Cotton Textiles
Glascow - Ship building
San Francisco-Ship Building
Ottawa - Paper
Kimberely - Diamond
Johanesburg - Goldmining
Hawana - Cigar
Venice - Glass
New York - Garments,Ship building
Pittsberg - Iron and steel
Wellington - Dairy
Manchester,Leons - Cotton Textiles,Silks
Dalla - Aircraft

Dances of Maharashtra

Maharshtra, is a land of culture and traditions, where religious festivals are great occasions of social entertainment. Various folk dances are performed during festive or special occasions, representing rich its cultural heritage.
Lavni
Lavani is a combination of traditional song and dance, which particulary performed to the enchanting beats of 'Dholak', an drum like instrument. This dance is performed by attractive women wearing nine-yard saris. The women gyrate on the pulsating beats of traditional music.
The word Lavani originates from "Lavanya", meaning beauty. Earlier, this art form dealt with different and varied subject matters such as society, religion, politics, romance, etc.
Lavani was used as a form of entertainment and morale booster to the tired soldiers during the 18th and 19th century Maratha battle. Many famous Marathi poets like Honaji Bala, Ramjoshi, Prabhakar, etc. contributed to the popularity of Lavani.
Dhangari Gaja
This particular dance form is performed by Dhangars or shepherds of Sholapur district of Maharashtra. The Dhangars earn their living by rearing sheep and goats. Their poetry is mainly inspired by the evergreen trees all around. The poetry is in a form called 'Ovi' which is made up of couplets. These poems also contain tales of the birth of their God "Biruba", in simple and basic lines.
The Dhangari Gaja Dance is performed to please their God for his blessings. The traditional Marathi dresses that Dhangar dancers wear are, Dhoti, Angarakha, Pheta and a colorful handkerchiefs. The group of dancers surround the drum players and move at the rhythm.
Povadas
Povadas are Marathi ballads, describing the events in the life of the great Maharashtrian leader, Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He holds a highly respected position in the hearts the people of Maharashtra. Through these ballads they remember Shivaji, a great hero of his time.
Koli
Koli is one of the most popular dance form of Maharashtra that derives its name from the fisher folk of Maharashtra - Kolis. These fishermen are famous for their distinct identity and lively dances. Their dances consists elements from their occupation that is fishing.
This dance form is performed by both men and women, who are divided in groups of two. These fishermen portray the movement of the rowing of a boat in this dance form. The dancers also portray the movements of waves and the casting of nets to catch the fish.
Tamasha
Tamasha is one of the most important form of folk theater of Maharashtra. The word Tamasha is Persian and means fun or entertainment. This form is a blend of several different influences. Some scholars believe that this form of theater has been inspired by two forms of Sanskrit drama - the "Prahsana" and the "Bhana". This dance form developed in 16th century. The love songs ('Lavanis') are the heart of Tamasha and are very popular. Instruments used are the Dholki drum, 'Tuntuni' (a single string instrument), 'Manjeera' cymbals, 'Daf' (a tambourine-like instrument with a single leather surface), 'Halgi' (smaller Daf), the metal triangle called 'Kade', the 'Lejim' (an instrument with a jangling sound), the Harmonium and 'Ghunghroos' (ankle bells). Tamasha is associated with two of the communities of Maharashtra, they are Kolhati and Mahar.
Religious & Festive Folk Dance
Folk dances generally evolve from the rural areas. In Maharashtra different folk dances are performed during festive occasions that represent their culture and merry-making.
Dindi
Dindi is a folk dance of Maharashtra that is usually performed during Ekadashi day in the month of Kartik. This religious devotional dance describes the playful attitude of Lord Krishna. Dindi is a small drum, like a 'Tamate'. The dancers dance to the rhythm by surrounding the musicians, providing the essential musical background.
Kala
Kala is another folk dance form that describes the playful attitude of Lord Krishna. This dance form features a pot symbolizing fertility. The main attraction of this dance is the beat and the rhythm.

Countries and their Emblems


Australia -Kangaroo,Wattle

Bangladesh -Water Lily

Belgium -Lion

Canada -White Lily,Flower Emblem -Maple Lily

Chile -Condor and Heumul

Denmark -Beach

Dominica -Sisserou Parrot

Germany-Eagle /Cornflower

France -Lily

Guyana -Canje Pheasant

India -Lion Capitol

Iran - Rose

Ireland-Shamrock

Israel -Cabndelabrum

Ivory Coast-Elephant

Japan -Chrysanthemum

Hong Kong-Bauhinta (Orchid Tree)

Lebanon-Cedar Tree

Luxembourg-Lion with crown

Mongolia -The Soyombo

Netherlands-lion

Pakisthan-Crescent,Jasmine

Papua New Guinea -Bird of Paradise

Poland-Eagle

San Marino-Feathers

Spain -Eagle

Senegal -Bao bab tree

Srilanka-Lion

Sudan-Secretary Bird

Syria -Eagle

Turkey-Crescent and Star

United Kingdom-Rose

USA -Golden Rod,Bald Eagle

Zimbabwe-Zimbabwe Bird