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India.com
15-07-2025
- India.com
The Untold Stories Of Kochi: Myth, Magic & Legends You've Never Heard
Kochi, lovingly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is not just a beautiful coastal city. Behind its diverse culture and stunning landscape, lies a wealth of legends and stories that have been told over the years. All these stories are ingrained in Kochi and tell us the enchanting blend of history, folklore, and mystique. Let's go on a storytelling trip and discover Kochi's oldest legends and myths. Behind the Chinese Fishing Nets Cheenavala or Chinese fishing nets are one of the well known icons of Kochi. These fishing nets still adorn the shores of Kochi. It is said that these large structures were built by Chinese explorer Zheng He for fishing in the 14th century. Local folklore claims that Chinese merchants offered these nets as gifts to the fishermen of Kochi for spices. Other versions suggest that nets have magical powers, if used properly with devotion, nets guarantee a good catch. Fishermen always say some prayers or do some holy activities before hauling the nets. Thus, the process becomes more than mundane and adds a dimension of spirituality. These extraordinary fishing nets are claimed to be well over 500 years old. Vasco D Gama: Exploring Kochi's Maritime Heritage Shows гиреаon the trade routes connecting China and Kochi. They are true symbols of Kochi's extensive relations with China. Cultures of fishermen are said to infuse magic charm for favourable catch results. da Gama's Ghost Kochi is of historical importance as a port city for European navigation reasons why captains like Vasco da Gama are bound to have memorable renditions associated with them. A local story tells that after dying in Kozhikode in 1524, da Gama's spirit roamed the streets of Fort Kochi in search of peace. He is said to have been sighted multiple times by citizens and tourists around St. Francis Church, which earned him a place in local folklore, being the place from which Padre Francis Xavier, who served for two years before returning to Goa, is known as the first missionary. This ghost has been a source of inspiration for ghost tours and midnight strolls, thus immortalizing the legend. There was a period of time in which Vasco D. Gama was interred in this city of India after his death. He was relocated to Portugal later on. Alongside boasting Portuguese architectural marvels, India is blessed with the old European churches including St. Francis. Elders near the church often share stories of their ghost encounters by the church. Cursed Island of Vypeen Vypeen Island has so many incredible and scary stories that it draws the attention of many travelers. These stories include one of a curse that has natural disasters associated with it and an island inhabited by a sage who was betrayed. When the angered sage cursed the island, it led to all the hardships. Even today, locals, especially the older groups, believe that they are affected by the curse. Vypeen Island is a popular spot for many beaches and historical forts. Vypeen Island has some terrifying and charming folklore, but its beauty adds to that eerie charm that many travelers feel attracted to. Vypeen's folklore adds incredible views making it truly spellbinding. The legend bears deep roots of betrayal and punishment making it incredibly ruthless. Frequently tourists seem to overhear the locals sauntering about the island's amazing yet dark potted history. Legend of the Jew Town Synagogue Paradesi Synagogue, located in Jew Town, Mattancherry is a masterpiece of architecture and depicts cultural diversity around Kochi. Instead of just building, there is also a legend of the reason behind the blissful foundation, claiming it was built on divine guidance. The Jewish people were facing a lot of opposition when attempting to build their envelope so out of desperation prayed and were guided to the site. To this day, the synagogue resides in incredible condition which draws attention to it. The Paradesi Synagogue was established in the year 1568. It is part of the oldest existing synagogues in the Commonwealth. This legend is a testimony of Kochi Jew's faith and endurance. Yakshi of Kerala Folklore The link of Kochi with the broader folklore of Kerala is illustrated by the stories of the Yakshi, a beautiful yet malicious spirit that is said to inhabit certain places. One of the famous Yakshi tellings is about a seductive spirit that drew men to the woods located at the edges of Kochi only to go missing at the climax of the tale. While many of these tales are shared as cautionary stories, they also hint at the region's deep nature and spirituality. Some locals claim that some spots around the city have a mystical feeling to them, where the presence of the Yakshi is felt. Yakshi tales are common in the folklore of Kerala. These are mostly cautionary or definitive stories. The tales have specific sites associated with them in and around Kochi. Cochin Kingdom Story There are many stories about the origins of the Cochin Kingdom. According to them, the kingdom was established by the blessing of Lord Parashurama who is said to have created Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea. Local folklore suggests that Kochi's strategic importance and prosperity was predicted by seers, making it a land of fortune. This myth emphasizes Kochi's significance in the spiritual and historical context of Kerala. Kochi becoming a dominant port city fits into these myths. Lord Parashurama is a significant character in the origin myths of Kerala. The Kingdom of Cochin was a prominent player in the trade and political matters of the region. Importance of These Stories Myths and legends are far more constitutive than fiction; they can be viewed from different dimensions in the case of Kochi as they touch its deep aspects. They link the phenomena to their history and give them a sense of self, as well as enrich the visitor's experience. While walking through the streets of heritage Fort Kochi, Vypeen Island, or viewing the Paradesi Synagogue, the stories will allow for great understanding of the heart and soul of the city.
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First Post
20-05-2025
- First Post
History Today: When new trade routes opened for India with Vasco da Gama's arrival
Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in India's Calicut on May 20, 1498, becoming the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean. After being initially welcomed, tensions quickly arose between the Portuguese and local merchants, particularly Muslim traders who dominated the Indian Ocean trade. On this day in 1873, blue jeans were officially patented in the United States read more A painting by Alfredo Roque Gameiro showing the arrival of the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (c. 1469-1525) at Calicut in India. One of the most remarkable moments in Indian history took place on May 20, 1498, when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in Calicut on the Malabar Coast. His arrival marked a pivotal moment in global history as he was able to discover a direct maritime route to India. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The official patenting of blue jeans in the United States on May 20, 1873, represents the genesis of one of the most enduring and recognisable garments in the history of fashion. Here is all that took place on this day across the world. Vasco da Gama arrives in India Who does not know about Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama? Well, it was on May 20, 1498, that he stepped foot in Calicut (present-day Kozhikode, Kerala), thus, becoming the first European to reach India via the Atlantic Ocean. Departing from Lisbon, Portugal in July 1497, da Gama's expedition navigated around the Cape of Good Hope and subsequently reached anchorage at Malindi, situated on the eastern coast of Africa. Here he met an Indian merchant and with his aid, he set off across the Indian Ocean. Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Representational Image Upon his arrival in Calicut, Vasco da Gama encountered a significant and prosperous trading city under the governance of the Zamorin, a powerful regional ruler. Although his initial reception was cordial, his mission ultimately met with limited success. According to the gifts presented by da Gama were deemed of insufficient value by the Zamorin's court and tensions swiftly escalated between the Portuguese contingent and local merchants, notably the Muslim traders who held a dominant position in the Indian Ocean trade networks. Notwithstanding the challenging diplomatic climate, da Gama successfully procured a limited cargo of spices and returned to Portugal in 1499. Although the expedition spanned nearly two years, it was celebrated as a pivotal achievement, establishing the sea route to India and affording Portugal a considerable advantage in the international spice trade, thereby inaugurating a new epoch of European exploration and colonial expansion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Blue jeans were patented On this day in 1873, blue jeans were officially patented in the United States, marking the birth of one of the most iconic garments in fashion history. The patent was granted to Jacob W Davis, a tailor from Nevada's Reno and Levi Strauss, a German-born businessman based in San Francisco. Jacob Davis had been producing sturdy trousers for miners, utilising denim fabric sourced from Levi Strauss. In 1871, he developed a distinctive technique involving the application of 'metal rivets' to reinforce points of high stress on the aforementioned trousers, specifically including the pockets and the base of the fly. This innovation provided exceptional durability upon the garments, rendering them ideally suited for the demanding conditions faced by labourers during the California Gold Rush . Recognising the significant commercial potential inherent in this concept but lacking the personal resources to secure a patent, Davis initiated contact with Levi Strauss to propose a collaborative venture. The patent was granted to Jacob W Davis and Levi Strauss in 1873. Representational Image Together, they applied for a patent, which was granted as US Patent No. 139,121 for the process of 'improvement in fastening pocket openings.' This patent officially marked the invention of riveted blue jeans. Once the jeans were patented, Strauss brought Davis to San Francisco to oversee the first manufacturing facility for 'waist overalls,' as the original jeans were known. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The first jeans were made from brown duck canvas and blue denim, and featured copper rivets, a button fly and a leather patch - features still associated with jeans today. At first, they employed seamstresses working out of their homes, but by the 1880s, Strauss had opened his own factory. Initially designed as durable workwear, blue jeans gained popularity across different professions and eventually became a staple of American casual wear. With inputs from agencies
India.com
13-05-2025
- India.com
Explore Goa: 6 Stunning Train Journeys You Need To Experience
Goa, sometimes called 'the Pearl of the Orient', lies on India's western coastline. It is famous for its warm weather, rich culture, and Portuguese history which makes Goa a popular destination for many tourists. Goa receives millions of tourists every year due to its unspoiled beaches and rich culture. While air and road travel are common modes of getting to this coastal paradise, train travel provides a unique experience. The train rides leading up to Goa are convenient in nature and give breathtaking sights of the Indian landscape. Here are a few of the most notable railways that lead to Goa and are a treat to the eye. 1. Mumbai–Goa Express The Mumbai-Goa Express (Train No. 12133/12134) is one of the most renowned train journeys that links the metropolitan city of Maharashtra to the calm state of Goa. Onboard the train, passengers are greeted with delight as greenery flourish between gushing rivers and dense forests. Aboard the Konkan Railway, train-goers will pass through many engineering feats like tunnels and towering bridges that were integrated into the difficult landscape. The highlight of the trip is crossing the Sharavathi River Bridge near Honnavar where the surroundings are laden with the beautiful landscape. 2. Konkan Rajdhani The Konkan railway, started in 1998, is one of the most beautiful railway lines in India because its route stretches from Mumbai through Goa to Mangalore, encompassing a distance of 760 kilometers. It goes through 92 tunnels and has more than 2000 bridges! Along the route, passengers traveling to Goa can see breathtaking cliffs descending to the Arabian Sea, sun-kissed paddy fields, and little villages. It is especially spectacular between Ratnagiri and Thivim in the Northeast of Goa. Nature lovers have to see this serene stretch of hills and mountains. 3. Vasco da Gama-Londa Goa is a famous region of India and the Vasco da Gama Londa route brings out the best of what Gpa has to offer. As Londa is in Karnataka, it provides an interesting view of Goa's countryside. The train is accompanied by tiny green hills and thick coffee and spice plantations. After entering Goa, travelers will see their palm trees dancing with the warm breeze in the palm and the drink backwaters along with the many dugout canoes and bright-colored Goan huts. It's a mix of rural and urban Goa and it looks spectacular. 4. Chennai-Goa Express Train Chennai-Goa Express (Train Number 16381/16382) covers southern hospitality along with observing nature's beauty. The train journey begins from the capital city of Tamil Nadu and proceeds through Kerala, Karnataka, and finally, Goa. Passengers are treated to a mesmerizing view of the backwaters, coconut trees, and paddy fields of Kerala in the earlier part of the trip. The terrain transforms into rugged hills and sandy beaches as the train approaches Goa, setting the stage for your dream Goan trip. 5. Delhi-Goa Sampark Kranti Delhi–Goa Sampark Kranti Express (Train Number 12415/12416) is a long-distance train that connects the national capital with the state of Goa. Covering a distance of 1874 kilometers, this train makes stops at many important states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kasargod in Karnataka. Must see sights include the dry plains of Central India, the green Deccan Plateau and most awaited, the tropical Goan coast. This train ride captures the diversity of India and is a captivating experience, including all the diverse states. 6. Ahmedabad to Vasco da Gama Express The Ahmedabad-Vasco da Gama Express(the train No 19019/19020) passes through Gujarat's arid region to the lush greenery of Goa. First, the train begins its journey at Ahmedabad before moving to Vadoda, Surat, Mumbai, and finally the Konkan region, which includes West India's state of Goa. This train ride serves as a witnessed journey of India's view topography. It showcases dry scrublands, green river valleys, and the virgin lush greens of Goa. This train ride literally reflects India's powerhouse diversity all in one trip. Luxury Trains For those who want to add a little spice into their trip, India offers premium trains like the Maharaja's Express, which is coupled with Golden Chariot to provide luxurious rides with stops at Goa. These trains have world class amenities along with guided tours at historical regions and natural wonders. Passengers can enjoy gourmet food, window side views, and hotshot hospitality on the train ride to Goa. Trains like these are definitely an upgrade to regular trains and add a sense of comfort and scenery that will never be forgotten. What Makes Train Travelling To Goa Unique? Travelling to Goa by train can be a steep disappointment for those who expect it to be just an ordinary ride. Firstly, it helps the region economically due to the increase in tourism. There is so much you get to experience like checking out new places, meeting people, and tasting dishes and beverages. Secondly, unlike flights or buses, trains have more space for legs, dining carts, and different types of passengers. Lastly, the pacing of the train makes it however you like and enjoy the breathtaking views of India. You will gain many succulent memories. Final Thoughts, People usually think of Goa simply as a beach destination or a party hotspot. However, travelling to Goa by train opens a new world and helps students, in the future, broaden their scope of interest into geography, culture, and history of the region. You will make the long traditional routes of classical landscapes and castle architecture on the Konkan Railway, or the long Staten Island–Goa Exiles along the coast filled with mesmerizing pictures at their feed. Next time love birds plan a trip , you and your partner should not miss out on these. You will take home unforgettable experiences.
