Cultural Corridor

Fourteen states,
one place.

The exhibition from our Moti Nagar hallway, walkable here.

01 / 14

Assam

Assam, the wonderful state of India, is a unique combination of its rich cultural heritage and amazing natural landscapes. Among the features of its culture, one needs to single out Dr. Bhupen Hazarika the well-known Assamese singer, composer and poet who was nicknamed “Bard of Brahmaputra”. Being awarded the highest title of the country, Bharat Ratna, he dedicated his whole life to singing songs promoting peace, humanism and Indian folklore. The cultural spirituality of the state can be seen in such a historical monument as Kamakhya Temple that attracts many tourists to experience the sacred history of the region. When it comes to the celebration of traditions, there is nothing more expressive than the Bihu Dance that reflects the wonderful rhythm and energy of the people. And what about the natural features of Assam, the most amazing is the Kaziranga National Park.

Icon: Dr. Bhupen Hazarika
Monument: Kamakhya Temple
Dance: Bihu
Nature: Kaziranga National Park

Gujarat

Gujarat, which is an amazing state of India, is an area where historical background along with exotic wildlife blend in naturally. Historical background of Gujarat starts with Mahatma Gandhi, who is considered the “Father of the Nation,” a person who headed Indian fight for freedom from British rule through peace and nonviolence of Satyagraha, and who inspired peaceful movements throughout the world. Gujarat’s pride lies in the gigantic Statue of Unity, a monument glorifying the heritage of the nation. Traditional festivities of the area are marked by the amazing Garba dance. What is more, Gujarat is known all around the world because of its natural treasures that are best reflected in Gir National Park.

Icon: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Monument: Somnath Temple
Dance: Garba
Nature: Gir National Park

Karnataka

Karnataka is a unique state of India, which unites heroes of history and beautiful landscapes naturally. Among other heroes of culture in Karnataka stands out Rani Chennamma – the Queen of Kittur, one of the first female freedom fighters of India. She organized a military uprising against British East India Company in 1824 and became the personification of heroism and pride of Kannada people. In regard to the historical soul of the state, there are the impressive Hampi Ruins – the landmark reflecting rich architectural traditions of the region. Concerning the festive traditions of Karnataka, the performance of Yakshagana is one of them – it represents artistic abilities of the people. Lastly, Karnataka is the state famous for its nature, and Bandipur National Park is a good example of such nature.

Icon: Rani Chennamma
Monument: Hampi Ruins
Dance: Yakshagana
Nature: Bandipur National Park

Maharashtra

A very special Indian state, Maharashtra, is a land where heroic history and picturesque natural landscapes harmoniously complement each other. Right at the heart of the amazing cultural heritage of this wonderful region lies Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj – a great and brilliant person who laid the foundation of the Maratha Empire in India. Shivaji Maharaj was distinguished by his excellent military skills, smart strategies, and just rule. This brave man always adhered to such principles as courage, self-respect, and safety of his people, becoming one of the most revered personalities in Indian history. Historical spirit of the state is embodied in the magnificent Gateway of India – the beautiful monument, which speaks volumes about the architectural heritage and historical importance of the area. As for the artistic tradition of celebration of the region, the dynamic Lavani dance shows the rich cultural spirit and vivid storytelling abilities of local people. Finally, it should be noted that Maharashtra is famous around the world because of its fantastic nature, which is represented by Western Ghats – a very famous mountain range with amazing green peaks and valleys.

Icon: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Monument: Gateway of India
Dance: Lavani
Nature: Western Ghats

Punjab

Punjab, an exceptional state in India, is a place where brave history and picturesque natural landscapes blend seamlessly. In the very center of its great cultural heritage is a legendary Punjabi revolutionary named Shaheed Bhagat Singh, who died for Indian freedom at the age of 23. The bold defiance of Shaheed and his renowned motto “Inquilab Zindabad” made him an eternal national hero and an icon of bravery that inspires generations after generations. The soul of the state is embodied in the holy Golden temple, which serves as a unique example of the outstanding architectural heritage, spiritual peace and historical significance of this land. As for the traditional way of celebration, the spectacular dance form known as Bhangra reflects the great dynamics, energy and spirit of the culture of local residents. Lastly, Punjab is well-known in the whole world because of its amazing nature, which is best reflected in the picturesque Golden Sarson (mustard) fields of Punjab – the unique natural landmark of Punjab.

Icon: Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Monument: Golden Temple
Dance: Bhangra
Nature: Golden sarson (mustard) fields

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, a state that is a combination of the heroic past and the fascinating natural scenery, is truly unique. Right at the center of the amazing cultural tradition is Maharana Pratap, a 16th century king of the Indian Mewar dynasty who is known worldwide as the icon of courage due to his resistance to the Mughal Empire and defense of the independence of his kingdom alongside his faithful horse Chetak. The soul of the state’s history is embodied in the legendary Jantar Mantar, a famous construction which illustrates the incredible astronomical background and architectural heritage of the region. As for the traditions of art celebrations, the Kalbelia dance is the one that perfectly shows the rhythms and movements of the local culture. Lastly, the beautiful nature of the state, best seen in the great Thar Desert, has long been renowned around the world.

Icon: Maharana Pratap
Monument: Jantar Mantar
Dance: Kalbelia
Nature: Thar Desert

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu: A fantastic state of India is the state where the glorious history and stunning natural beauty complement each other perfectly. In the center of the extraordinary cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu lies Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam – a distinguished aerospace scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007 and who is widely known as the “People’s President” and the “Missile Man of India”. His visionary leadership and tremendous contributions serve as a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world. The spiritual core of the state is presented by the splendid Meenakshi Amman Temple – an outstanding monument of magnificent temple architecture and sacred history of the region. If we talk about the classical artistic performances, it is the elegant Bharatanatyam dance form that represents the rhythmic energy and storytelling culture of the people living in the region. Moreover, the state is known worldwide for its stunning nature best embodied in The Nilgiri Hills – an internationally acclaimed mountain range featuring lush green peaks and serene tea plantation.

Icon: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Monument: Meenakshi Amman Temple
Dance: Bharatanatyam
Nature: The Nilgiri Hills

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a special state of India which combines the amazing heritage of heroes and beautiful nature of the state in a very organic way. The heart of its unique culture can be seen in Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, who is one of the most famous freedom fighters in history leading her soldiers against the British army during the 1857 revolt. She passed away on the battlefield and became immortal as a symbol of bravery and resistance in India. The soul of the state is the impressive Ram Mandir, which is a unique monument highlighting the architectural heritage and spirituality of the area. Concerning the traditional arts, Kathak dance, which reflects the rhythm of the people and their cultural spirit, should be mentioned. Finally, the natural heritage of the state can be highlighted by the amazing Ganges River, which is considered to be a famous world river.

Icon: Yogi Adityanath
Monument: Ram Mandir
Dance: Kathak
Nature: Ganges River

West Bengal

West Bengal, a remarkable state of India, is a perfect combination of heroic history and beautiful natural landscape. One of the core figures of its outstanding cultural heritage is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, an eminent freedom fighter of India, who led the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) in fighting against the British rule in India. The slogan “Jai Hind” of Netaji makes him one of the most renowned national heroes of India because of his unyielding patriotism. The spiritual identity of the state is determined by the grandeur of Dakshineswar Kali Temple, an important landmark and embodiment of the amazing architectural heritage and sacred history of the area. In terms of traditional artistic celebration, there is the Chhau Dance, which reveals the amazing rhythm, story-telling skills, and culture of the locals. Finally, West Bengal is famous all over the world for its beautiful nature, symbolized by the unique natural landscape of the Sundarbans.

Icon: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
Monument: Howrah Bridge
Dance: Chhau
Nature: Sundarbans

Delhi

A unique state in India is Delhi; it is a place where legendary history and beautiful natural landscapes blend seamlessly. In the midst of the spectacular cultural heritage of the region is Virat Kohli, an icon of Indian cricket and former captain known to be among the best batsmen ever. With his unmatched run scoring ability and aggressive play, he is an icon of the global sporting world. The legacy of the state is symbolized by the magnificent India Gate, an iconic monument that exemplifies the outstanding architectural heritage of the region. On matters to do with celebration of arts through traditions, the colorful multicultural environment depicts the splendid cultural heritage of the locals. Finally, it is famous across the globe for its splendid natural landscape, which is none other than the Yamuna River & City Parks/Gardens.

Icon: Prithviraj Chauhan
Monument: India Gate
Dance: Clubbing
Nature: Yamuna River & City Parks/Gardens

Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir is a wonderful region in India, wherein heroic history blends with fascinating natural scenery perfectly well. The key figure of its great cultural tradition is Brigadier Rajinder Singh Jamwal, “The Saviour of Kashmir”, who with a small troop managed to protect the area from thousands of invaders at Uri in 1947. His sacrifice helped to prevent the invasion for the time long enough to save Srinagar from the invaders by Indian army. The spiritual heart of the region is represented by the sacred Vaishno Devi – a great monument that demonstrates spiritual wealth and historical significance of this area. What concerns the traditional arts, the light and rhythmic dance Rouf is the perfect example of its rich culture. Finally, Jammu & Kashmir is widely-known worldwide because of its wonderful nature that can be seen on Dal Lake / snow and mountain landscape.

Icon: Maharaja Hari Singh
Monument: Vaishno Devi
Dance: Rouf
Nature: Dal Lake / snow and mountain landscape

Haryana

Haryana - an outstanding state in India - is a place where impressive history and fascinating natural scenery come together perfectly. Among many outstanding landmarks in the cultural heritage of this land one should pay attention to Kalpana Chawla who became the first lady of Indian origin who was on board spacecrafts. Having flown on two flights of NASA shuttles she spent more than 30 days in space and became a world hero whose bravery inspired thousands of pioneers all around the globe. The spiritual center of the state is located in the historic Kurukshetra which is the landmark reflecting the rich heritage of the region. Regarding traditional art festivals one can find the Phag folk dance representing the rhythm, festive atmosphere and cultural background of the region. And finally Haryana is renowned all over the world due to its wonderful nature which is best represented by the Big Crop Fields (Wheat & Rice).

Icon: Kalpana Chawla
Monument: Kurukshetra
Dance: Phag
Nature: Big crop fields (wheat & rice)

Uttarakhand

A unique state in India that combines the elements of heroic history and stunning natural scenery is Uttarakhand. Right at the center of its rich cultural tradition lies Jaswant Singh Rawat, who was a courageous fighter in the Battle of Nuranang. He became well-known as a patriot and person dedicated to his country. The spiritual heart of the region is its sacred Kedarnath Temple, which is an excellent example of the great architectural and religious heritage of Uttarakhand. What concerns the traditional artistic performances, it is the sword dance Chholiya that is a vivid representation of the local rhythm and cultural traditions. On top of all that, Uttarakhand is renowned around the world for its unique nature, as it can be seen from such stunning natural phenomenon as the Valley of Flowers.

Icon: Jaswant Singh Rawat
Monument: Kedarnath Temple
Dance: Chholiya
Nature: Auli

Bihar

Bihar, a truly amazing state of India is one where the heroic history and beautiful natural scenery exist perfectly together. Right at the center of its amazing historical heritage there is Kunwar Singh, a courageous man who has fought for independence from the rule of the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He is well known for his courage and bravery even in his old age. The spiritual heart of the state is represented by the legendary Mahabodhi Temple, a wonderful monument embodying the magnificent architecture and rich history of the region. As for the traditional celebration of arts, the unique folk arts and traditions reveal the true spirit of the people here. Lastly, what must be mentioned is the amazing nature of Bihar, especially Valmiki National Park, the internationally recognized park that reveals the amazing natural beauty of the region.

Icon: Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Monument: Mahabodhi Temple
Dance: Jhijhiya
Nature: Valmiki National Park

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