Top 10 Favorite Indian Films

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Check out my Youtube channel for the movie trailers! ENJOY....

Indian Music Playlist

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Indian music has been some what perplexing to me over the years. I've always felt so entranced by the music, and its seemingly hypnotic melodies and rhythms.

George Harrison and Ravi Shankar

I am familiar with the great works by Ravi Shankar, notable among other things from collaborating with the Beatles. I knew of the music featured in Bollywood films, yet, that was the extent of my knowledge. I took a music history class last spring called "Music of the World's People", and Indian music was one of the areas we covered. I soon found there was so much more to Indian music than I could have ever imagined.

The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and R&B. India's classical music tradition, including Carnatic and Hindustani music, has a history spanning a millennia and developed over several eras. It remains fundamental to the lives of Indians today as sources of spiritual inspiration, cultural expression and pure entertainment. India is made up of several dozen ethnic groups, speaking their own languages and dialects, having distinct cultural traditions.

Indian folk music, in particular, is music that most interests me. "Dandiya", for example, is a form of dance-oriented folk music that has also been adapted for pop music. The present musical style is derived from the traditional musical accompaniment to the folk dance. It is practised in (mainly) the state of Gujrat. Actually Dandiya is a kind of dance rather than a music, the music is called a Garba in local language.

Indian Folk musicians performing in a local village

"Uttarakhandi "folk music had its root in the lap of nature. The pure and blessed music have the feel and the touch of nature and subjects related to nature. The folk music primarily is related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and simple life of the people of Uttarakhand. Thus the songs of Uttarakhand are a true reflection of the Cultural Heritage and the way people lives their lives in the Himalayas. Musical instruments used in Uttarakhand music include the dhol, damoun, turri, ransingha, dholki, daur, thali, bhankora and masakbhaja. Tabla and harmonium are also used, but to a lesser extent. The main languages are Kumaoni and Garhwali.

The biggest form of Indian popular music is "filmi", or songs from Indian films, it makes up 72% of the music sales in India.[2] The film industry of India supported music by according reverence to classical music while utilizing the western orchestration to support Indian melodies. Music composers like , Naushad, C. Ramchandra, S D Batish, Salil Chowdhury, A. R. Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, , Ilaiyaraja, Thomas Rathnam and S. D. Burman employed the principles of harmony while retaining classical and folk flavor. In Indian film industry A. R. Rehman has mixed Indian classical music with western classical and other music genres.

Read more about the music of India and check out the 10 Indian Songs I Love!
P.S.- Check out my Youtube channel for playlists+video: Indian Playlist

From the Editor: Namaste, Aap Kaise Hain?

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Welcome To India!

India is the top country on my very long list of places to visit, which is why it is my Destination of the Week!. I have had such a deep spiritual respect for India for several years now, and the immense devotion of her people is breathtaking. There are nearly 1.2 billion people in India! India is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the south east. Not to mention, it shares land borders with Pakistan to the west, the People's Republic of China, Nepal and Bhutan to the north east, as well as Bhutan to the north east and Burma and Bangladesh to the east. India's size, population, and evident geographical position in close proximity to several countries make up for her vast and ancient position in historical trade routes and vast empires.

Four of the world's major religions-- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism originated in India. Indian cultural history spans more than 4.500 years. During the Vedic Age, the foundations of Hindu philosophy, mythology, and literature were laid, and many beliefs and practices which still exist today, such as dharma, karma, yoga, and moksa were established.

THE TAJ MAHAL!

Much of Indian architecture, including the Taj Mahal, other works of Mughal and South Indian architecture, blends ancient local traditions with imported styles. Indian cuisine is best known for its delicate use of herbs and spices and for its tandoori grilling techniques (YUM!!!!) Many spices which have become known worldwide are actually native to India.

This week, I am going to be focusing on Indian cuisine, Indian music, Indian art, Indian religious practices and festivals, and of course Indian movies, known as Bollywood!

Top 10 Favorite Mexican films!

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Click the movie title to see the trailer! ENJOY.....

Mexican Music Playlist

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Mexican music is incredibly passionate and vibrant, and plays a big role in shaping the Mexican culture, past and present. The music of Mexico is very diverse and features a wide range of musical styles. Mexican music has been influenced by a variety of cultures, notably indigenous Mexican and European. Mexico has a rich culture that should be boasted about. The Mexican culture integrates the traditions from Mexico and the world cultures the country has been in contact with through the centuries, be it through song, dance, art, food, or language, and forms it into a unique voice for the Mexican people to share and cultivate from generation to generation.

What makes Mexican music and integral part of the Mexican culture, and therefore the lives of Mexican people is how much it is a part of the historical makeup and mexican heritage. Mexican music, for the most part, is the music of the people. Traditional Mexican music depicts vibrancy, folklore, and color. And above all, from folk songs to mariachi music, to the modern upbeat music today, Mexican music speaks volumes for the people.

For example, "Banda" music a form of traditional Mexican music including cumbias, corridos, rancheras, and boleros, was created with the imitation of military bands that were imported during the second Mexican empire, under emperor Maximillian I of Mexico in the 1860s. Banda music actually sounds very similar to polka music, again illustrating the diversity of the Mexican music sound and influence. Banda music was further popularized during the Mexican Revolution with revolutionary leaders like Pancho Villa utilizing the music to be apart of this campaign, appealing to poor Mexican farmers and families.

Below is a playlist of classic and modern Mexican music. Each song integrates a different quality of the Mexican culture. Moreover, this playlist brings light some of the very best aspects and traditions of the Mexican culture.

Read more about the music of Mexico and check out my 10 songs I love in Spanish!

P.s.- Check out my Youtube channel for the playlist + video: Mexico Playlist

Authentic Mexican Recipe: Tacquitos

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Step 1: Ingredients 

• 8 flour (or corn) tortillas
• 3/4 cup water
• 4 pieces of chicken breast (I used 1 big piece, 2 medium pieces, and 1 smaller piece) NOTE: You can also use beef, pork, fish, or no meat at all, if you like!
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 salsa
• 1 cup oil (for frying)
• 1 package of cheese ( I used a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar)

Read more after the jump!

New Feature: Youtube Channel!

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I created a Youtube Channel that will feature all the playlists, movie trailers, and videos for when I create the recipes that get featured weekly on the blog for your convenience! Please subscribe to my channel! Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/DaydreamingTraveler?feature=mhee

ENJOY!