ARTS

• Sometimes referred to as Southern Asia, South Asia is described as the eight nations around the Indian subcontinent - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Asia is considered to be the most densely populated place on earth with 24% of the world population living in this region.
• South Asia had the world’s largest population of Sikhs, Jains, and Hindus. It has the largest population of Muslims in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The Maldives also has the highest literacy rate in South Asia with 98.6 percent while Sri Lanka follows with 92%. Fourteen of the tallest mountains known on Earth collectively as the “Eight Thousanders” are located in South Asia.
• One of the most significant festivals of India is Diwali. Also known as Deepawali and Deepavali, Diwali is the brightest and biggest among all Hindu festivals.
• Its name is derived from the Sanskrit words deep meaning “light” and avali which means “to row,” thus regarded as the festival of lights among Hindus.
• Diwali occurs in late October or early November and is celebrated

  for four days, which is marked with different traditions each day.
• Some believe that it is a celebration for the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, with Vishnu while others say it is her birthday celebration. In Bengal, it is dedicated to Kali, the dark goddess of strength.
• Some Hindu homes also dedicate this occasion to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of and symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom.
• However, the most popular legend incorporated of

  Diwali’s origin is that it commemorates the return of Rama from a 14-year long exile and from rescuing his wife Sita from an evil king from Lanka (which some people associate with Sri

  Lanka).
• It is said that the people of Ayodhya, the capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen oil lamps called diyas and set off firecrackers to welcome their rulers.
• Kathak is one of the most major classical dances in India.
• It originated from the traveling bards of Northern India referred to as Kathakars or storytellers.
• These Kathakars wandered around telling stories via music, dance, and song. From performing to temples and courts, Kathakars transformed stories of ancient mythology and great Indian epics, especially from the life of their god, Krishna, into entertainment.
• Kathakars communicate the stories through their rhythmic foot movements, hand gestures, facial expressions, and even eye work.
• There are three gharanas or schools of Kathak, which mostly differ in terms of their footwork and acting. These are the Jaipur gharana, Benaras gharana, and the Lucknow gharana which are names as per their geographical areas.
• décor which is the Kireetam or

  the headgear, the Kanchukam or the oversized jacket, and the long skirt over the padding of cushions. In kathak dance, the mudra known as gestures in Kathak is given more emphasis in the feet than in the hands.
• This dance is performed straight-legged and bells called ghungaroo

  are wrapped around the ankles of the dancers with adept control.
• Mehndi is one of the oldest forms of body art. Globally, it is known as Henna associated with the Henna tattoo, which is the Arabic word for Mehndi. Mehndi is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘mendhika’ which refers to the plant used for the dye.
• tradition with Mehndi or henna spread to parts of the world like Egypt, Asia Minor, and the Middle East.
• Mehndi is a small tropical shrub that gives out a rusty red pigment when its leaves are dried and ground into a paste.
• Step 1: The mehndi paste must be prepared by powdering the dried leaves and mixing it with water.
• Step 2: The paste is then put into a cone similar to what bakers use in adding designs in their cakes. The paste is then squeezed through the tip of the cone to draw patterns on the skin.
• Step 3: The designs will be left to dry for 3 to 4 hours until it becomes hard and crusted.
• Step 4: After it dries, the gruff remains of the paste are washed away and the skin is left with a dark rusty red pigment that will stay for weeks.
• It is considered a religious rite before and during the nuptials.
• Sahasrara: It is a Hindu flower that is said to unite the soul with a divine sense of force.
• Peacock: It symbolizes beauty in Indian culture.
• Swans: These majestic white birds symbolizes success and beauty.
• Flowers: Flowers symbolizes pure happiness and joy.
• Vines and leaves: This often represents devotion and vitality, which is commonly done at weddings.
• Eyes: This is said to turn away bad luck and serve as a talisman or for protection.
• Snakes and lizards: Reptiles are considered the seekers of enlightenment.