c e oct-nov 2018... · györgy huszti, alexander csoma de kőrös, ervin baktay, aurel stein,...

6

Contents

Bilateral ........................................................................................................................................................ 04Indian Economy .......................................................................................................................................... 09Yoga Corner ................................................................................................................................................. 10Ayurveda ..................................................................................................................................................... 13Impression ................................................................................................................................................... 14Culture ......................................................................................................................................................... 14Music ............................................................................................................................................................ 20Children’s Corner ....................................................................................................................................... 21

18

Editor in Chief: Kumar Tuhin

Editor: Tanuja Shankar

Support team: Anna Simon, Anna Szabó, Eszter Berki

Contributors: Anita Adamecz, N. Venkataraman, Ankita Sood,Asmita Wele, Tanuja Shankar, Eszter Berki, Rajesh Gangani,Schaferné Földvári Ilona

Cover, Design and LayoutINDIA EMPIRE PublicationsN 126, II Floor, Greater Kailash Part-I,New Delhi – 110 048, IndiaM: +91-9899117477, Tel: +91-11-29231515E: [email protected] Web: www.indiaempire.com

AMRITVol. 6. Issue 2, October-November 2018

Bi-monthly Journal of the Embassy of India, Hungary

Amrit is a bi-monthly journalpublished by the Embassy of India,Budapest. It is available online on theMission’s websitewww.indianembassy.hu

The views expressed are those of theauthor and not necessarily of theEmbassy of India, Hungary.

Reproduction in any manner withoutprior permission of the Embassy isprohibited.

18

embassy of india, Hungary OctOber-NOvember 2018 | amrit | 3

It has been about two weeks since I reached Budapest, thebeautiful capital of Hungary. Many emotions race through mymind as I am attempting to put my thoughts on paper.

To serve as Ambassador of India to Hungary, a country with whichwe not only enjoy very close and friendly ties, but also a uniquerelationship that has developed and blossomed over many centuries, isindeed a privilege. To be able to come to the land of personsages likeGyörgy Huszti, Alexander Csoma de Kőrös, Ervin Baktay, AurelStein, Károly Fábry, József Schmidt, Elizabeth Sass Brunner (motherdaughter painters) and numerous others who contributed so much tobuilding the edifice of friendship and understanding between our twocountries, and where the legacies of personalities such as GurudevTagore and Amrita Sher-Gil guide us, is overwhelming.

In this background, what I find very heartening is that the work offurther strengthening our friendship is being continually takenforward by individuals and institutions alike. Engagements at political,business, cultural, educational and people-to-people levels areincreasing as also the quality of such engagement is improving. Wewill strive to provide more support and encouragement for ourengagement in diverse fields.

The love and fascination in Hungary for India’s cultural and spiritualheritage has always been there. The Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centreat the Embassy of India is doing commendable work in this regard.While the regular classes on Yoga, Indian culture, dances, lectures, etcare continuing, the Cultural Centre is starting a broader outreacheffort to reach out to more and more people and bring these treasuresof India to the wider masses.

I am looking forward to my tour of duty and sojourn here and hopeto contribute to the further strengthening of friendship between ournations and peoples.

Kumar Tuhin

Ambassador

Embassy of India, Hungary

From Editor-in-Chief’s Desk

embassy of india, Hungary4 | amrit | OctOber-NOvember 2018

BILATERAL

The official events of celebrating the 150thanniversary of the birth of one of the mostinfluential figures of modern history, MahatmaGandhiji commenced on 2 October 2018 in themagnificent building of the Hungarian

Parliament. The joyous occasion marks not only thebeginning of the celebration of the Mahatma’s birthday, butalso the Year of Non-Violence declared by the UN inhonour of one of the greatest leaders in modern Indianhistory.

At noon, Mr. László Kövér, Hon’ble Speaker of theNational Assembly arrived at the breath-taking Széll KálmánHall named after the former Prime Minister of Hungary tojoin the celebration. Paying their respects to the Mahatma, theevent started with H.E. Rahul Chhabra, Ambassador of India,Mrs. Kavita Chhabra and Speaker László Kövér performing a

Ambassador and Mrs. Kavita Chhabra with Hon’ble Speaker, Mr. László Kövér and Mr. Péter Cseresnyés,

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs presenting the commemorative stamps issued by the

Hungarian Post Service on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji

Hon’ble Speaker, Mr. László Kövér paying his

respects at the bust of Mahatma Gandhiji

150th Birth Anniversary Celebration of Mahatma GandhijiHon’ble Speaker, Mr. László Kövér Inaugurates celebration in Hungarian Parliament

Yoga session led by Ms. Ankita Sood,

Yoga Expert attended by Ambassador, Mrs. Chhabra

and Ministers and MPs alike

embassy of india, Hungary

BILATERAL

OctOber-NOvember 2018 | amrit | 5

Ambassador Rahul Chhabra addressing the Ministers and MPs gathered

together to celebrate the birth anniversary of Gandhiji

floral tribute at the bust of Gandhiji. In his speech, SpeakerKövér emphasized the significance of India’s journey tofreedom through non-violence headed by Gandhiji andpresented this path to lead by example to all the nationscurrently suffering from conflicts. He also marked thecelebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indiaand Hungary this year, and took this opportunity to bidfarewell to Ambassador Chhabra and thank him for histireless work throughout his 3 year tenure in Hungary.Ambassador Chhabra talked about the spirit of Gandhijibreaking through borders and having the power to change allof mankind for the better by stating his thoughts and beliefswere not only for the freedom of his country and for thehappiness and betterment of the Indian people, but that forall of mankind. Concluding his address, Ambassadorexpressed his delight over the first ever celebration by theEmbassy of India housed in the halls of the Parliament, in thepresence of the head of the National Assembly making thisday an important cornerstone in Indo-Hungarian relations.

At the end of the official programme, commemorativepostage stamps featuring Mahatma Gandhiji on the occasionof his birth anniversary issued by the Hungarian PostalService were released by Speaker Kövér and Ambassador.

The event was also attended by several Ministers andMembers of Parliament, who eagerly joined the special chairyoga session conducted by Ms Ankita Sood, teacher ofIndian culture and yoga of the Embassy of India. The hallfilled completely as the Ministers and MPs enjoyed

practicing these simple yet effective yogic techniques whichwould help them managing their stressful schedules. At theend of the yoga session, mats and yoga T-shirts werepresented to these dignitaries to help them continue practiceat home as well.

The event also featured the release of the video ofGandhiji's favourite bhajan "Vaishnava Jana Toh" sung byprominent singer, Ms Jennifer Mága along with a photoexhibition on the Life and teachings of Gandhiji. �


BILATERAL

‘An eye for an eye only end up making the whole world blind’ – the spirit

and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi reflected on the beautiful landmark

on the Danube bank in Budapest, the Buda Castle

Ambassador and Mrs. Chhabra with people gathered

together to enjoy the light painting on the Buda Castle

Led Projection at Buda Castle on the occasion

of Gandhiji’s 150th birth anniversary

Celebration of 150thbirth anniversary ofMahatma Gandhijicontinued in theevening on 2

October, when the historicalBuda Castle was lit up with thepictures and quotes of the lifeand teachings of MahatmaGandhiji, while his favoritebhajan "Vaishnav Jan Toh"played in the background atVigadó tér. H.E. Rahul Chhabra,Ambassador of India and Mrs.Kavita Chhabra were delightedto see the excited crowd whogathered to see this magnificentshowcase of a slice of India’shistory and the wisdom of oneof its greatest figures.


BILATERAL


Ambassador waiting to greet

the guest in Krishna-Valley

On 6 October, 2018Ambassador RahulChhabra and MrsKavita Chhabratogether with

ISKCON Hungary organized apicnic lunch in Krishna-valley to bidfarewell to the Members of theDiplomatic Missions and journalistsattending the event. The programmestarted with a visit to the Gurukul(school) and a dairy-farm by oxcarts, which was followed by acultural programme in the Temple.A presentation on sustainableeconomy in relevance of ancientIndian culture was held by membersof ISKCON. The presentation wasfollowed by vegetarian lunch in therestaurant. After the lunch guestsenjoyed the guided tour to thebotanical garden and getting theirhands henna painted. �

Picnic at Krishna Valley

Ambassador received Sister Didi Sudesh,

European Director of Brahma Kumaris

Visit of Sister Didi Sudesh

On 5 October 2018, during her visit toHungary, the European Director of BrahmaKumaris, Didi Sudesh called on H.E.Ambassador Rahul Chhabra. With her livelysense of humour and generous nature, not

only did she share her wisdom with Ambassador, butpossessing a youthful desire to learn from every humanexperience, she was also incredibly open to listen toAmbassador as well. She also tied a rakhi on Ambassador’swrist and gave him her blessing. Sister Didi Sudesh wasaccompanied by Sister Sophie of the Hungarian Chapter ofBrahma Kumaris and Mr. Romas Kairys, spouse of theAmbassador of Lithuania.

Sister Didi also visited all members of the Missiontying a rakhi sharing her wise thoughts and giving herblessings to everyone present. An outstanding lecturer,teacher and broadcaster on human development,meditation and the creative abilities of the mind herself,she has travelled in over 80 countries, addressing nationaland international conferences and co-ordinating

workshops and seminars. During her stay in Budapest,later on 5 October, she also gave a lecture on ‘Inner crisisand changes – Behind the curtain of loss there is alwaysgain’ at MagNet Ház. �


BILATERAL

LEFT: Ambassador, Mrs. Chhabra and the guests riding the ox cart to the Temple.

RIGHT: The guests enjoying the cultural show inside the Temple

Upon the invitation ofMr. Péter Cseresnyés,Minister of State forParliamentary Affairs,MP and Chairman of

India-Hungary ParliamentaryFriendship Group, Ambassadorcalled on the Minister at theParliament on 9 October to bidfarewell. Ambassador and Mr.Cseresnyés also discussed issues ofbilateral and multilateral interestdefined by an underlying spirit ofwarmth and camaraderie.

Ambassador and Minister Péter

Cseresnyés at the Parliament on

their farewell meeting

Farewell visit toMinister Péter

Cseresnyés

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) was celebrated inthe Embassy on 31 October 2018. On this occasion,Mr.T.P.S. Rawat, Second Secretary (Consular) and Chargéd'Affaires read out the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge to allIndia-based officials of the Mission. Mr Sanjeev Manchanda,

Second Secretary (Political & Commercial), Mr N. Venkataraman, SecondSecretary (Press & HOC) and new Director of ASCC, Ms Tanuja Shankarwere also present.

India-based members of the Mission

reading the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas


BILATERAL


INDIAN ECONOMY

Remembrance Day of

the United Kingdom

Marking the day of signing the armistice thatended WWI, every year since 1919 ‘at the11th hour of the 11th day of the 11thmonth’ Remembrance Day (or sometimesinformally known as Poppy Day) is

observed in the Commonwealth of Nations and theirMissions throughout the world to remember the members oftheir armed forces who have died in the line of duty.

Although scarcely nation-wide, the day is alsoremembered in India usually marked by tributes andceremonies in army cantonments, including at the Delhi WarCemetery.

The Indian Army contributed a large number of

divisions and independent brigades to the European,Mediterranean and the Middle East theatres of World War I.It is estimated that at least 74,187 Indian soldiers lost theirlives in the Great War. Honouring their sacrifice, Field-Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief of theIndian Army from 1942 asserted that the British "couldn'thave come through both wars [World War I and II] if theyhadn't had the Indian Army."

The Embassy of the United Kingdom held theRemembrance Service on 11 November at the SolymárCommonwealth Cemetery. Representing the Mission, Mr.T.P.S. Rawat, Second Secretary, Chargé d’Affaires attendedthe event and paid his respects to those who have lost theirlives in armed conflicts. �

IMF predicts India will grow faster than China in 2018 to regain the

fastest-growing economy tag

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has saidIndia should grow at 7.3% in 2018-2019, upfrom 6.7% last year but lower than its earlierprojection earlier this year. In April, IMF hadprojected India’s growth rate to be at 7.4%,

which it has now revised down given the recent increase inglobal oil prices and tightening global financial conditions,IMF has said in its World Economic Outlook report.

For 2019-20, India’s growth is projected to be at about7.4%, on the back of the rebound from the shocks ofdemonetisation and the goods and services tax (GST), andimproving private consumption and investment climate.

In comparison, China is expected to grow at 6.6% in2018 and 6.2% in 2019. China’s growth projections havebeen lowered in part due to the impact of US tariffs hittingChinese exports and slowing external demand growth and

financial regulatory tightening, according to the report.China was the fastest growing economy in the world in 2017.

According to India’s central bank the Reserve Bank ofIndia, in 2018-19, India’s GDP is expected to grow at 7.4%,a figure the Indian government said it would exceed. IMFhas said that India’s medium-term growth prospects arestrong at 7.75% attributable to structural reforms.

Inflation warningHowever, the recent hike in oil prices and weakening

rupee is expected to affect India’s inflation numbers,according to IMF, which has called for a tightermonetary policy.

IMF has warned that India’s inflation rate is expected toincrease to 4.7% in 2018-19 compared to 4.5% in 2016-17because of rising fuel prices and accelerating demand.


INDIAN ECONOMY

YOGA CORNER

Comparing India to trends in Argentina, IMF has urgedIndia to “re-anchor expectations” where inflation continuesto be high and increasing higher due to a sharp currencydepreciation.

Last week, RBI’s monetary policy committee (MPC) keptinterest rates unchanged at 6.5% partly on expectation thatinflation was manageable, preferring instead a “calibratedtightening of monetary policy.”

—Rimin Dutt, Business Insider

WHY IS BREATH SO IMPORTANT IN YOGA?

Why is there so muchfocus on the breathin yoga? What isthe link betweenyoga and breath,

and why is it so important (besidesthe fact that it keeps us alive)?

In a typical yoga class, we areinstructed to consciously breathe,connect to our breath, breathe deeply,retain our breath, etc. What impactdoes the breath have on us, and ouryoga practice?

Breath and Length of Life

A yogi measures the span

of life by the number

of breaths, not by the number of years.

—Swami Sivananda

It is said that if you breathe 15times per minute, you will live to 75 or80 years. If you breathe 10 times perminute you will live to 100. The speedat which you breathe will dictate thelength of life. If you breathe fast,your life will be shortened. This is whydogs have short lives.

Conscious Breathing

We are continually instructed to“breathe consciously” when we are inyoga class. Breathing consciously isthe essence of yoga as it assists us inconnecting with the subtle energywithin. It is through the breath thatwe are able to navigate different levelsof consciousness. Moreover,

breathing consciously has a biologicaleffect on our mental, emotional, andphysical state.

Firstly, connecting with yourbreath is a method for being inpresent. When you concentrate oneach aspect of the breathing process,you are in present; you let go of the

past and future and are focused on themoment inside the breath. This is whybreathing consciously is its ownmeditation. But this is just thebeginning of why conscious breathingis important.

When you breathe consciously youactivate a different part of your brain.


YOGA CORNER


Unconscious breathing is controlled by the medullaoblongata in the brain stem, the primitive part of the brain,while conscious breathing comes from the more evolvedareas of the brain in the cerebral cortex. So consciousbreathing stimulates the cerebral cortex and the moreevolved areas of the brain. Consciously breathing sendsimpulses from the cortex to the connecting areas thatimpact emotions. Activating the cerebral cortex has arelaxing and balancing effect on the emotions. In essence,by consciously breathing, you are controlling which aspectsof the mind dominate, causing your consciousness to risefrom the primitive/instinctual to the evolved/elevated.

Controlling the Breath

By changing the breathing pattern, you can producedifferent states of mind. Slowing down the breath has animpact on your emotional state. The cerebral cortex isactivated through consciously slowing down the release ofbreath. Then the cerebral cortex sends inhibitory impulsesto the respiratory center in the midbrain. These inhibitoryimpulses from the cortex overflow into the area of thehypothalamus, which is concerned with emotions, andrelax this area. This is why slowing down the breath has asoothing effect on your emotional state.

Channels of Subtle Energy

Breath controls the body, mind, and emotions. Thereare 72,000 nadis, or channels where the subtle energy flowsthroughout the body. Of the 72,000, there are 3 that arethe most important: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.

The Ida Nadi begins at the Muladhara Chakra, coursesthrough the chakras and ends in the left nostril. Ida isaligned with the moon energy and has a calming andcooling effect. The Pingala Nadi originates at theMuladhara Chakra, courses through the chakras and endsin the right nostril. It is associated with the sun energy andhas a heating effect. The Sushumna Nadi is the centralchannel. This is the nadi that the Kundalini energy travels.It is associated with balance.

During the course of the day, the left and right nostrilalternate in which one dominates. This is accomplishedthrough erectile tissue in the nasal passage that inflateswith blood to cut off, or reduce the flow of air. One of thenostrils will dominate based on your mental, emotional,and physical state. They alternate throughout the day. Asthey change over, the Sushumna is activated, but only for acouple minutes. The key is to activate Sushumna for alonger period of time. This is accomplished when both theIda and Pingala are flowing evenly.

Prana And Pranayama

In yoga we learn to control prana, the vital force,through pranayama. We use the breath in pranayama to

learn to control prana, but don’t confuse prana withbreath. Prana is the energy that animates the lungs. It isNOT the breath. Using the breath is the easiest method fortraining prana. Once you are able to control prana throughpranayama you are better able to control the movement ofprana to other organs and areas of the body. The breathbeing the mode of pranayama, we focus on the threestages of respiration: inhalation (pooraka), retention(kumbhaka), and exhalation (rechaka). However, accordingto yogic texts, pranayama is retention. Inhalation andexhalation are methods for affecting retention.

Kumbhaka, or retention of the breath has aphysiological effect on the brain. First, it provides moreopportunity for the cells to absorb oxygen, and eliminatemore carbon dioxide. This has a calming effect on themental and emotional body. In fact, scientific studies haveproven that slight increases in carbon dioxide for a shortamount of time reduce anxiety levels. However, it is onlybeneficial up to a certain level. Carbon dioxide becomesvery harmful, even fatal at high levels.

Furthermore, when the breath is retained, the brainpanics because the carbon dioxide levels increase.Increased carbon dioxide levels stimulate the brain’scapillaries to dilate. In this way, more capillaries in thebrain are opened up to improve cerebral circulation. Thisbuilds up an immense amount of nervous energy in thebrain, forcing the creation of new neural pathways and theactivation of dormant centers; the brain is activated andawakened!

Breath and Sound

Every vibration has sound. Breath, a vibration, also hassound. The Yoga Chudamani Upanishads states that thebreath has a sound that is heard at a particular level ofconsciousness. According to the Upanishads, the sound ofthe breath is “So” during inhalation, and “Ham” duringexhalation. When you withdraw your senses from theexternal, you are then tuned into the internal sound andcan hear the breath. By mentally chanting—So-ham, themantra manifests as an audible sound in the inner ear. InKundalini Yoga, we mentally chant Sat on the inhale, andNam on the exhale which serves the same purpose.

Mind, Prana, and Breath

Basically we can look at the breath like the oil in a car,prana as the gasoline, and the mind as the engine. Byunderstanding their relationship to one another you arebetter equipped to navigate your life to a higher elevation,and repair it when it breaks down. The yoga mat is just thestarting point of your journey. �

—Ankita Sood, Yoga and Lifestyle Expert,

ASCC,Embassy of India


YOGA NEWS

First Ever Event organized in the magnificentpremises of Hungarian Parliament on 2October, 2018 noon started with floral tributeto Mahatma Gandhiji by Speaker of NationalAssembly of Parliament, László Kövér and

H.E. Rahul Chhabra, Ambassador of India. There wereMinisters & Members of Parliament present on this specialoccasion. Commemorative Postage stamps on MahatmaGandhiji were released by Speaker and Ambassador.

Ms Ankita Sood our Yoga and Lifestyle Expertconducted a very Special Chair Yoga Session for theMinisters & Members of Parliament. It was a full houseand the Ministers enjoyed practicing these simple yeteffective Yogic techniques which would help them inmanaging their stressful schedules. Yoga mats and Yoga T-shirts were presented to these dignitaries. The event wasorganized in Széll Kálmán Hall which is named after theFormer Prime Minister of Hungary. �

FIRST YOGA TEACHER TO CONDUCT YOGA

SESSION AT HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT

OctOber-NOvember 2018 | amrit | 13embassy of india, Hungary

AYURVEDA

Dear Friends, It gives me a pleasure to meet you

through the pages of Amrit which hasthe vision to maintain a consistentdialogue between you and India. Theheritage of India is huge in terms ofVedic knowledge, diversity ofinterwoven cultural threads andpractical wisdom. Ayurveda imbibedvery consciously in daily lives ofmillions of Indians, holds eternalprinciples of health and disease cure.So we at Indian Embassy, Budapesthave decided to unfold the secrets ofAyurveda-Amrit for the Hungarianreaders, regularly. The symbolism ofreceiving Amrit or nectar fromDhanvantari - doctor of the Gods - forthe mortal humans; is the secrets forlongevity in the form of Ayurveda,which came to the table after lots ofmeaningful debates like churning ofgreat oceans by innumerable scientist. Ipropose to write in each issue on onetopic of health or disease. Let’s beginwith the first in the series.

My 20 Minutes Journey towards

Health and Happiness

Do you care for your work morethan your life? Yes, at the peak of thecareer everyone has to. But then whatabout happiness and health when youturn 50? Here’s a simple 20 minute helpcan be derived from Ayurveda.

On the busy work day wake up withalarm but do not get out of the bedimmediately. Instead open and closeyour eyes 10 times. Stretch your legs fivetimes. Stretch your hands five times.Then stretch the whole body for sixbreaths and then get down for morningablutions. Does this sound in tune withnature? Have you seen the birds wakingup in the morning or a cat after herintermittent naps? They do the shakingdue to the nature’s rhythm imbibed inthem. It is within us as well but our busymodern intellectual life has forgotten itover the past decades. Let’s get back to

Ayurveda in daily life!

the nature with Ayurveda.

Morning ablutions include brushingwith sweet teeth whitening toothpaste.Have you tried the astringenttoothpastes available in the market?Teeth cleaning and mouth washingusing astringent bitter and spicy pastesor Triphala decoction takes care ofbuccal mucosa, tongue and gums. It notonly keeps away bad breath but alsorejuvenates salivation process and helpsregulating the digestion. Try it for aweek and check for the difference.

Instead of coffee, would you try awarm long herbal tea? Anything havingginger, mint, turmeric, clove,cinnamon, cardamom in differentcombinations. It will replenish waterrequirement and also help bowelmovement. Irregular bowelmovements, unsatisfactory defecation,constipation, indigestion is the rootcause of many non-communicablediseases like diabetes, heart disease,insomnia, joint diseases and allergies.

The simple Ayurveda tea in 300 to 500ML quantity starts taking care of thedigestion process smoothly.

Here comes my 10 minutes extra inyour daily routine. On the emptystomach do six Sun salutations. If youdo it faster, they can be even eight or 10cycles and you will sweat. The sunsalutation cycles include 12 differentpostures which strengthen and stretchalmost all big and small muscles andtendons in your body. You might feelabout the long muscles of legs andarms but the intercostal musclesbetween your ribs are also stretched. Inthe serpent position during sunsalutation the thyroid and supra-thyroidglands are the stimulated too. These 10minutes make your body fresh fortaking any hard work in the office.

My next 10 minutes extra are forabhyanga. It means quick application offragrant herbal oil to the whole body. Asimple principle is to apply oil in thedirection of heart. It is verycomfortable and natural tendency ofstroking. Everyday oiling makes theskin supple, smooth and elastic. Itkeeps the wrinkles away, maintains toneof muscle and nourishes small joints.

After that enjoy a nice warm to hotshower with some refreshing fragranceof rose, lavender, sandalwood, musk oramber. These fragrances subtly work onyour mind and refresh you to take onthe new (quite boring) work day. Nowyou are ready for breakfast. Showerbefore eating and not after, brings in avery important change in metabolismof food.

More about breakfast and meals inthe next issue. Do let me know how the20 minutes of Ayurveda make youhappy everyday! �

—Prof. Asmita Wele. M.D.

[email protected]

Prof. Asmita Wele. M.D.

Ayurveda Chair, Pharmacology and

Pharmacotherapy, School of Medicine,

University of Debrecen


IMPRESSIONS

CULTURE

ImpreSSIonS

Ahimsa Dharma of Gandhiji has connected many Hungarianphilosophers, writers, artists to the timeless Indian philosophy.Similarly Tagore is indelibly connected with Hungary throughthe last 100 years or so. Tagore had come to recuperate,probably strolled in Balatonfured on the banks of the immenseLake Balaton and took a dip in one of the many hot springs, gotcured, and left an indelible impact through his presence so muchso that today his visit is preserved in a memorial.

Last but not the least, how can one forget the artisticconnection of the Indian Frida Kahlo, Amrita Sher-Gil, thepainter, who shares the strongest ever Hungarian-Indianconnection. A painter par excellence, Sher-Gil has left aunique legacy that proudly gives her name to the IndianCultural Centre, here at Budapest. As first impressions go,mine have been full of expectancy, positive vibes and awelcoming atmosphere in a very beautiful city beckoning meto explore its annals of history and conjoin them to createnew inroads into the cultural relationship of my countryIndia and Sher-Gil’s alma mater Hungary. New paths to take,new journeys to partake, new chaptersto write and build some holisticmilestones: that’s in the offing.

As Robert Frost said, ‘Miles to gobefore I sleep....’ �

—Tanuja Shankar

Director, Amrita Sher-Gil

Cultural Centre

Hungary like India is very deep rooted intradition and ancient heritage. Before comingto Budapest, I did a lot of study and research,and one thing that stood out was thechequered past that both India and Hungary

share. Both the countries have suffered shells of war on theirchest, both the countries have lost brethren in bloodshed; boththe countries rebuilt its fabric of democracy and rose fromashes just like the phoenix. Today standing on the banks ofDanube, Budapest revels in its past glory, and pays homage toits war heroes, just like we Indians, bow our heads to thousandsof martyrs who laid their lives for the freedom of India.

On first sight, Budapest is strewn with historical sites,architectural marvels jostling with efficient and fast paced citylife, with excellent transport system. As one draws deeper intothe psyche of the day to day life, one can smell the fragrance ofgoodness, serenity of well- being, and atmosphere offriendliness that envelops any outsider coming into this bustlingcity. Right from the roadside cafes and eateries spilling withcuisines from all over the world, to the myriad shades ofethnicity bubbling over from the lanes and bylanes, to thecheerful personas of people pulling you closer to the city, thecity Budapest is a welcome haven for any person coming here.To add to this list is the smile that lights up everyone’scountenance as soon as they are introduced to you as an ‘Indian’.Their love for India and Indian culture knows no barriers.Undoubtedly the two iconic figures that connect them instantlyto the Indian identity are the great Mahatma Gandhi and theresplendent Rabindranath Tagore. The spiritual philosophy &

Indian Film Club

On first and third Friday of every month filmsare screened under the aegis of “Indian Cine Club”at the auditorium of Amrita Sher-Gil CulturalCentre in Embassy Premises for Hungarian fans.From September-December some feature filmswill be screened in ASCC and some of the filmswill be screened in Ferenc Hopp Museum as perthe agreement released with the museum hostingthe exhibition titled Goddess – Woman – Devi

AMRITA SHER-GIL CULTURAL CENTRE

cults and traditional female roles in India. InOctober ASCC organized Indian Film Festival inPuskin cinema from 4-10 October (details infollowing section) and in Ferenc Hopp MuseumKamla ki Maut (1989, Hindi) was screened on 26October.

993 people attended the Film Festival andaround 50 persons attended the screening in theMuseum.

Details of the activities of the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre, Budapest, during the month of October & November, 2018 are as under:

Kamla ki Maut

embassy of india, Hungary OctOber-NOvember 2018 | amrit | 15

CULTURE

Indo-Hungarian Cultural Evening

3 October, 2018

On 3 October, 2018 Indo-Hungarian Cultural Evening wasorganized at ASCC with colorful danceperformances. The event was preludeto the celebrations of the Indian FilmFestival being organized in PuskinCinema from 4 to 10 October, 2018.Mr. T.P.S. Rawat, director of ASCCgreeted the audience. Captain RahulBali, curator of the Indian Film Weekintroduced Imtiaz Ali, Umesh Shuklaand Rahul Mitra, prominent directorsfrom India, visiting Budapest on theoccasion of the Indian Film Week. Thefirst dance performance was presentedby Judit Ábrahám Rajasthani dancer.The second group came from Indiaand held a contemporary Mizoramdance performance. The ClassicalIndian Dance show of ISKCON groupclosed the cultural programme. Duringthe reception held by Embassy ofIndia audience had the chance to meetand have a chat with directors.Ambassador Mr. Rahul Chhabra andMadam Chhabra briefly joined theevent at the end.

Opening Reception and Opening

Ceremony of Indian Film Week

2018

4 October, 2018

On 4 October, 2018, H.E. RahulChhabra, Ambassador of India toHungary along with the Curator of theIndian Film Festivals Worldwide,Captain Rahul Bali, officiallyannounced the Indian Film FestivalHungary open in Puskin Cinema,Budapest. Around 220 people attendedthe Opening Ceremony. Before theofficial announcement a Reception wasorganized in Puskin Café with VIPsattending the function.

The Indian Film Festival Hungarywas jointly organised by Embassy ofIndia in Hungary and Indian FilmFestivals Worldwide (IFFW) to spreadthe fragrance of India via cinema.During the festival 7 Indian films:

OCCASIONAL PROGRAMMES in ASCC

Ambassador speaking on the occasion Opening Ceremony in Metropolis room

Opening Ceremony in Puskin cinema Imtiaz Ali speaking at the QA session

QA session questions

Metropolis room full of audience

Bahubali - The Beginning, Bahubali -The Conclusion, Saheb Biwi aurGangster 3, 102 Not Out, Jab Harrymet Sejal, Wrong Side Raju & Rustomwere screened. The curator’s thoughtsconnected to Hungary’s Indian FilmFestival; he dwelt on the selection offilms and explained the reason ofbringing these films with an aim tospread sheer happiness and depict


CULTURE

were about male-female emotions,including the fantastic and dynamicflamenco dance performed by MrCsaba. Audience was enchanted by theperformance.

great virtues like love, bonding andvarious human emotions on a largerthan life canvas through songs, danceand music. The Curator also presentedtrophies to Ambassador, to AmritaSher-Gil Cultural Centre, to directorsand other prominent artists.

Special feature of this year’s festivalwas the visit of 3 film directors fromIndia: Imtiaz Ali, Umesh Shukla andRahul Mittra visited Hungary whosefilms were the first 3 days’ speciality.There were QA sessions organizedafter the screenings with them. Severalarticles have appeared in Indian newsabout the event.

Karma the game of life by Sivasakti

Kalananda Dance Theatre

9 October, 2018

On 9 October, 2018, Panni Somiand her group gave a fantasticperformance in ASCC. Theperformance titled Karma, the gameof life is about a parlour game ofIndian origins, which teaches life itselfin compliance with traditions. Thegame is not “fair”, not predictable:sometimes it is fun, sometimesannoying and baffling, but alwaysexciting and thought provoking. Eachplayer reaches the finishing lineprovided he realises that the real goal

is the game itself.

The ballet piece depicted ‘Snakes& ladders’ game, where the course ofgame (or life) depends on thedecisions of individuals as to whatkind of experience they will have inthe game. Conflicts, victory, defeat,teamwork, and individual deeds - allare included in the game, which thedancers showcased with great skillsand professionalism. This piece was afusion of classical Bharatanatyam andmodern contemporary dance.

9 Dreams by Dóra Bittner & József

Csaba Fülöp flamenco dancer

16 October, 2018

On 16 October, 2018, Ms DóraMeenakshi Bittner performed inASCC with Mr József Csaba Fülöpflamenco dancer. The performancedepicted the autumn season, wheneverything changes and new energiesemerge in the Universe. On theoccasion of Navaratri festival, theballet piece depicted 9 dreams,showcasing different aspects ofmythology, love, poetry, humanrelations etc. For example the 4. andthe 9. items depicted Shiva and hispower and Kalidasa’s poemrespectively, while the 5. and 7. dream

Karma, the game of life

Karma, the game of life Panni Somi

and Sivasakti Kalananda Dance theatre

Flamenco-Bharatanatyam

fusion by Dóra Meenakshi Bittner

and Csaba Fülöp

Anna Simon presenting

bouquets to artists


CULTURE


Sopron Body and Mind Festival

27 October, 2018

Group photo

Rajesh Gangani performing solo

Audience applauding

Duett by Rajesh Gangani

and Sonali Roy

On 27 October, 2018 ASCCparticipated in II. Body & SoulFestival organized in Sopron city. MsErika Wollaston and Mr LeeWollaston have been collaborated withus for a few years with regard toInternational Day of yogaprogrammes. This festival wasinaugurated last year and now isbecoming a tradition in Sopron. Thefestival is a one-day programme wherefocus is being given to healthy lifestyleand fitness. Therefore different yogaclasses and lectures are held duringthe day. There are smaller rooms formeditation, workshops, handicraftprogrammes as well. On the corridorthere are stalls where healthy food,jewellery, gift items, sports goods arebeing sold to people. Amrita Sher-GilCultural Centre showcased Indianclassical duett programme given byRajesh Gangani Tabla player andSonali Roy Kathak dancer. Theyperformed on stage for 45 minutesand showcased a tempestuous rhythmand dance session. ASCC also had astall in the corridor where yoga books,brochures on India, T-shirts, small giftitems were presented to people.

Diwali celebration in schools

8 & 9 November, 2018

On the occasion of Diwalicelebrated in India from 6-10November, 2018, Amrita Sher-GilCultural Centre visited two schools inBudapest which gives education tophysically / mentally handicappedchildren. On 8 November ASCCorganized a 60-min programme in PetőAndrás School for 20 children and on 9November for 40 children in Török Béla

Children enjoying

the programme

Director interacting

with children

Director presenting

books to schools

School (where hearing impaired childrenstudy). The programme started with asmall lecture-picture demonstrationabout Diwali, its history, its meaning andthe importance of the celebration. Thelecture was given by Ms Tanuja Shankar,new director of ASCC. This wasfollowed by a short music performancepresented by Pt. Rajesh Gangani, Tablateacher of ASCC. He was followed by aperformance given by Ms Sonali Roy,Kathak teacher of ASCC whoshowcased a piece on the Goddess. Hercolourful dance was followed by giftpresentation to children. They have beengiven chocolate, books and small giftitems by us.

The purpose of the events was tocelebrate Indian Diwali in a specialway, giving not only information buthelp socially & physically challengedchildren in an educative and stillplayful way.

Evening Ragas by Sebastian

Dreyer & Akash Paul

20 November, 2018

On 20 November, 2018, a Sitarplayer from Germany, Mr SebastianDreyer arrived at our Centre

CULTURE


Sebastian Dreyer and

Ashish Paul performing

Bouquet ceremony

Audience enjoying the performance

accompanied by Ashish Paul Tablaplayer. It was the first time heperformed on our stage. Mr Dreyer isone of few European instrumentalistswho picked up Indian Raga music in itstraditional form. He learned the art ofplaying Sitar in Berlin, Jaipur andKolkata. Through studies underrenowned artists as well as regular visitsto India he has become anaccomplished musician. SebastianDreyer teaches at various musicalinstitutions in Berlin. He gave a verypleasant concert showcasing classicalIndian style set up in the mood ofevening Ragas. Musical lover audienceenjoyed the performance andexplanations a lot. The musicians gavetribute also to Mahatma Gandhi withplaying his favourite bhajan VaishnavaJana Toh.

Exhibition ‘Hidden Stories the life

reform movements and the arts’

22 November, 2018

On 22 November, 2018 H.EAmbassador Mr Kumar Tuhin visitedthe exhibition titled ‘Hidden Storiesthe life reform movements and thearts’ where finest paintings & photos

of Amrita Sher-Gil, Tagore & Gandhiwere showcased. Madam TanujaShankar, Director of Amrita Sher-GilCultural Centre was also present at theevent. At the exhibition melodious andclassical rendition was done by Melindaand her troupe on Violin, Sitar andGuitar which was very soulful andbefitting the occasion.

550th birth Anniversary Celebration of

Guru Nanak Dev Ji

25 November, 2018

On 25 November, 2018, on theoccasion of the celebration of 550thbirth Anniversary of the first GuruNanak Dev Ji, H.E Ambassador Mr.Kumar Tuhin gave the closing remarks


CULTURE


at the event. The Ambassadorparticipated in the ‘Paath & Kirtan’ andexpressed his views about theimportance of the occasion and talkedabout the Initiatives that the Govt. ofIndia has taken to celebrate this specialoccasion. Ms Tanuja ShankarDir(ASCC), Mr. T.P.S. Rawat SS(pol),Mr. Venkataraman (HOC) and othermembers of Embassy & ASCC werealso present and had the auspicious'langar' (community meal).

East-West/classical music concert

27 November, 2018

On 27 November, 2018, a specialand innovative musical programmewas organized in ASCC. We had beenapproached by Ms Éva Bodrogi, a

soprano singer to organize a fusionprogramme prepared by her and hermusicians, so ASCC hosted the eventwith pleasure. The event was a fusionmusic concert by Ms Éva Bodrogivocalist, Mr Péter Szalai Tabla playerand Mr Iván Kónya Lutist andconsisted of a mixture of western andeastern classical music.

The musicians also spoke about thebackground of their fusion: the cradleof lute music and the songsaccompanied by lute is the ancientEast. The first emergence of theEuropean short-slewed lutesoriginated in Asian cultures, and havebeen developing into their latest shapefrom the beginning of the Millennium.

Their earliest portraits are from the 1-5. century B.C. in Gandhara Culture.This “ancient lute” later met withother cultures in the 3rd century AD,getting a new name in China as p'i-p'a, in Japan as biwa, and at thePersians as barbat. In the 7thcentury, the Arabs take over from thePersians under the name Ud, andfrom there develops the Europeaninstrument in the 14th century.

In the concert, Europeanmedieval, Renaissance and Baroquesongs accompanied with differentlutes and Indian percussioninstruments were showcased, showinghow they could meet in the past andalso now in the 21st century. �

JOKES

Albert is driving down a remote road in the mountains.

After a curve he notices a street sign that says, ‘Watch For Fallen Rock’.

A couple of miles of careful driving later, Albert spots some pebbles onthe road and stops to pick up a few.

Arriving in the next town, he walks into the road maintenance office.

Placing the pebbles on the counter, Albert says to the official: “Here areyour fallen rocks. Now where’s my watch?”


MUSIC

respected Tabla artist from India,reputed all over the world for hisvirtuosity and extraordinarity.

Rajesh Gangani comes from thetraditional Tabla Gharana of Ajaradaand the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak, sixgenerations in music. He is thedisciple of his father, the great tablamaestro, late Guru Pandit MadanlalGangani who was a Professor ofTabla at the Faculty of PerformingArts of M.S. University in Vadodara,Gujarat, India.

Rajesh graduated in music withTabla and Kathak dance Diplomas atthe Faculty of Performing Arts, M.S.Univeristy. He was awarded “TablaMaster of Kalanagari SwarnimVadodara Gaurav Puraskar SwarimGujarat” in the Year of 2011.

Rajesh Gangani has given TablaSolos, accompanied and played withrenowned artists, musicians, dancersin the Bollywood Cinema MusicIndustry, and also gave classicalperformances and concerts at variousplaces, festivals, samaroh conferencesall over India & and many moreabroad, with artists such as Pt.Jagdish Prasadji, Pt. Jasrajji, late Pt.Govind Prasadji, Late Guru Pt.Sundarlal Gangani, Guru Pt. BirjuMaharajji, Pt. Bhawani Shankarji, Pt.Ronu Majmundar, Pt. RajendraGangani, Sushri Padma Vibhusan(Queen of Kathak) Sitara Devi,Sushri Padma Vibhusan, UmaSharmaji, Padma Shri ShovanaNarayanji and Zoltán Lantos.

At present Pt. Rajesh Gangani isworking at Amrita Sher-Gil CulturalCentre (ASCC) as a Tabla teacher andPerformer at the Indian Embassy ofBudapest. �

TABLA

Tabla is one of the mostdeveloped, dynamic, sophisticated andspiritual percussion instruments ofIndia. TABLA is developed in closeconnection with the ancient Vedicculture of India, and it graduallybecame one of the leading percussioninstruments of the country. itgradually became one of the country.Tabla consists of two different drums:the larger one on the right is calledDayan. The Dayan constructed fromshisham wood and covered by goat orcow skin, and it is played by the righthand. The larger metal Bayan isusually played by the left hand andprovides a deeper bell-sound. Bothdrums contain a metal portion on thetop called Shyahi which is made withiron oxide, ash, ghee and flour. Shyahimakes possible to tune the instrumentto History of Tabla.

Development of Tabla

Between the 11th and 17thcenturies tabla was not a widely-recognized percussion instrument.The tabla compositions we heartoday are invented by Ustad SidarKhan Dhari who lived 300 years ago,and after whom a particular tabla-style is named Delhi gharana. Todaythere are 6 tabla schools in India,which have their own gharananames, and which all derived fromthe main Delhi gharana: Ajradagharana, Lucknow gharana,Farrukhabad gharana, Benaresgharana, Punjab gharna, etc. Theseschools are very important forIndian musicians and artists. Eachgharana has its own founders, artists,organizers, disciples, heritage andtraditions. All gharana namesdeveloped from their owngeographical locations where itsperformers and tabla artists resided.

Popular Beliefs on the TablaA Lecture by Pandit Rajesh Gangani

lector/translator Gina Rubik

What is the meaning of tabla?

According to Pandit RajeshGangani’s personal understanding:

TA is taal which means beatsBA is bol which means words LA is lay which means tempo

Taal is tandav and lashya, thenames of the two dances danced byLord Shiva on Himalaya Parvat(mountain).

“Dambru se bol banne” (“soundsorginated from dambru”): God Shivaafter his pooja ceremony started dancingtandav and lashya while he played the“dambru”, a percussion instrument.Mishrajati lay or tempo therefore,created the origins of tabla bols.

So it is very difficult to find theexact place and development of theTabla, but let it be as it is, and we onlyneed to be thankful to the greatmasters who were part of thedevelopment of this wonderfulinstruments.

Pt. Rajesh Gangani’s Biodata

Pandit Rajesh Gangani is a highly

OctOber-NOvember 2018 | amrit | 21embassy of india, Hungary

Az aranyfarkú kígyó

Messze-messze, Aszámállamnak egyik picifalujában, élt egyszeregy nagyon szegényparaszt, feleségével

és hét fiával. A paraszt és felesége, akitSzudzsátának hívtak, keményendolgozott, hogy megszerezze amindennapi betevő falatot a családnak.A paraszt reggeltől estig a földekendolgozott, Szudzsátá a háztartást láttael. Kisöpörte a házat, vizet hozott afolyóról, tűzifát gyűjtött adzsungelben, hazacipelte, és megfőzteaz ebédet. Legnagyobb fajdalmuk azvolt, hogy mióta világ a világ, nemszületett ilyen lusta fiú, mint amilyen eza hét volt. Csak a napot lopták,szórakoztak, de eszükbe se jutott, hogysegíteniük kellene keményen robotolószüleiknek. Nagyon sokatszomorkodott szegény asszony, ésbánatában így fohászkodott: - Istenem,adj nekem egy olyan gyermeket, akisegít majd rajtunk! A falucska lakóiazzal biztatták őket, hogy a nyolcadikgyermekkel biztosan szerencséjük lesz,s az újszülött nem hasonlít majd hétfivérére. De mikor a gyermekmegszületett, fájdalommal látták, hogyaz újszülött nem gyermek volt, hanemkígyó! Ahogy a világra jött, kikúszott aházból, és eltűnt a dzsungelben.Szudzsátá még szomorúbb lett, hogymost meg kígyót szült, de azt is fájlalta,hogy kígyónak született gyermekeelfutott. Sok-sok napon át sirattabalszerencséjét. Egy éjjel álmábanmegjelent a kígyó. Az ölébe kúszott, ésígy szólt: - Ne szomorkodj miattam,anyám, elátkoztak engem, azértszülettem kígyónak! - Miért átkoztakel? - kérdezte Szudzsátá. - Nagyongazdag ember voltam, rengeteg aranyatgyűjtöttem össze. Soha senkinek nemadtam belőle, még anyámnak sem.Számtalanszor koplalnia kellett,miközben én nagy vagyont halmoztamfel. Ezért arra ítéltettem, hogyvétkemért büntetésül kígyókéntszülessek újra meg. Most úgy fogok

vezekelni bűneimért, hogy mindenáldott nap adok neked egyujjhosszúságú aranydarabkát! - Hogyantudsz te nekem ekkora darab aranyatadni naponta? - kérdezte Szudzsátá. -Minden reggel eljövök hozzád egybögre tejért, és ha megittam, vágj lepontosan egyujjnyit a farkamból.Azonnal arannyá fog változni. - De azfájni fog neked, fiacskám! - féltetteSzudzsátá. - Nem, anyám, semmifájdalmat nem fogok érezni – mondta akígyó. Az álomnak vége volt, azasszony felébredt. Körülpillantott aszobában, de a kígyónak híre-hamvasem volt. Ennek ellenére hitt álmának,és bizonyos volt benne, hogy valóraválik. Reggel letett egy bögre tejet az

ágya mellé, és türelmesen várt a kígyóérkeztére. Hamarosan meg is jött, kiittaa tejet, és anyjára nézett. Szudzsátátudta, a kígyó arra kéri őt, hogy vágjonle egyujjnyit a farkából. Remegett akést tartó keze, de emlékezett álmára,és gyorsan levágott egyujjnyit a kígyófarkából. A levágott darab azonnalarannyá változott, az állat újra eltűnt adzsungelben. Ettől a naptól kezdve akígyó minden reggel eljött. Előszörmegitta a tejet, azután Szudzsátálevágott pontosan egyujjnyit afarkából. A család nem volt többészegény. Elegendő ennivalójuk volt, ésjó ruhákat viseltek. A hét fiú élvezte azéletet. Gondtalanul szórták a pénzt, ésegyre jobban tékozoltak. Kevesellnikezdték a napi aranydarabkát, éspénzért gyötörték anyjukat. -Mindennap egyujjnyi arany üti amarkunkat. Addig nyújtózkodj,ameddig a takaród ér - mondotta abölcs anya. A legidősebb fiú azonbanígy szólt: - Biztos vagyok benne, hogykígyó öcsénk nem bánná, ha kétujjnyidarabot vágnál le mindennap afarkából. Hiszen azért jön, hogysegítsen rajtunk. Nem - felelteSzudzsátá -, nem lehet egyujjnyináltöbbet levágni! De a fiai nem hagytákőt békében. Nap-nap után zaklatták,kérlelték, könyörögtek neki, hogyvágjon le egyujjnyival többet a kígyófarkából. Végül is Szudzsátá engedett.,,Talán nem okozok neki fájdalmat" -gondolta reménykedve. A következőreggelen, mikor a kígyó megérkezett,szokás szerint elé tette a bögre tejet.Aztán fogta a kést, és kétujjnyit vágottle a farkából. A kígyó azonnal véreznikezdett, és pár percen belül meghalt.Szudzsátát mélyen megrendítette azeset, szörnyű bánat tört rá. Hét fiakeserves zokogásban találta anyját.Felvették a földről a kétujjnyikígyófarkat, de bizony az nemváltozott arannyá. - Ó, jaj, ó, fájdalom– kiáltották-, nincs aranyunk, és akígyónk is meghalt! S a tétlenek iszokogni kezdtek. �

Részletek:

SzerkesztetteSchäferné Földvári Ilona

Könyv címeMese a lótuszvirágról

KiadóMóra Könyvkiadó

Kiadás helyeBudapest

Kiadás éve1980

Forrás helyeIndiai

CHILDRENS CORNER

Some of the previous issues of Amrit

Lake Öreg (meaning "old lake") is a lake near Tata,Hungary. The lake is situated in the middle of the town ofTata. Adjoining the South-east quarter of the lake is awooded area. It is fed by the Által-brook (Hungarian: Által-

ér) from the south-east, which then leaves it in a Northerlydirection through the town until it eventually reaches theDanube. On the lake's shores lie Tata Castle and theEsterházy Palace. Tata Castle, built at the end of the1300s on the Shore of Old Lake, is one of the jewels ofTata, Hungary. Its blooming can be dated to the reign ofZsigmond Luxemburg and Mátyás Hunyadi as the summerresort of the king. The walls of the castle reflect the marksof romantic style which is due to the Esterházy family usedto live here.

Wild Geese Festival in TataThe theme of our series of daily events is to greet the

migrating wild geese, who are coming to us from the farnorth regions.

This is not a loud festival with music and merchant’sfair, but still it has its own special flavor. This is an affair,

Published byThe Embassy of India, Hungary

1025 Budapest Búzavirág utca 14, HungaryTelephone: 325-7742, 325-7743 Fax: 325-7745

Email: [email protected], [email protected] Website: www.indianembassy.hu Facebook: www.facebook.com/IndiaInHungary/,

www.facebook.com/ICCBudapestHungary/ Twitter: @IndiaInHungary

TATA & TATA WILD GEESE FESTIvAL

where the many thousands of wild goose provide theentertainment, and we, the visitors are the audience. TheWild Goose Festival of Tata” is not only a cavalcade of wildgeese, but the gathering of fowlers, birdwatchers andconservationists.

What makes this a Europe-wide “unique of its kindattraction” is the “Öreg-Tó” (Old Lake) itself. This is theonly bird resting location, which is surrounded by a wholetown. And it is not just any city! Tata is the “City of Water”with the most significant water castle in Hungary. Thereare several historic monuments of baroque architecturemixed with modern age constructions, that creates aspecial “must see” background for bird watching!

This unusual encounter of nature and culture is whatmakes the city of Tata so special and magical.

The “Wild Goose Festival of Tata” is organized by theKomarom-Esztergom county chapter of the BirdlifeHungary, the National Park Authority of Duna-Ipoly and theNature Conservation of Száz Völgy, since 2001.

c e oct-nov 2018... · györgy huszti, alexander csoma de kőrös, ervin baktay, aurel stein,...

Documents