Bhopal’s Rich Culture

Bhopal is a city situated in Central India. It is Madhyaseasonings. The most common of the these are
Pradesh's capital. It is also Bhopal Division and Bhopalkattha, chuna and supari. The Bhopalis treat their paan
District's administrative headquarters. It is Madhyapreparation as a form Art and Science perfected
Pradesh's second largest city, following Indore. It is alsoalong their streets. In fact, this tradition is passed down
known as the City of Lakes due to numerous naturalfrom generation to generation.
and manmade lakes that thrive in this city.The main cultural center is Bharat Bhavan. It is also the
Much of the popularity of Bhopal is linked to themost important, especially with its open-air
disaster that happened last December 3, 1984 whenamphitheater, art gallery and a tribal museum. Aside
the Union Carbide plant, now part of the Dowfrom this, you will also find the Shiva temple that holds
Chemical Company, leaked methyl isocyanate gas.religious value. For other monuments and temples, you
This is a poisonous gas that killed thousands of peoplecan find this in the city of Sanchi 50 kilometers away.
in Bhopal as well as its neighboring areas. Even after 2There are other noteworthy celebrations too. The
decades, there are still people who suffer from itsDiwali is celebrated with much importance like Eid.
effects. The operator at that time is the Union CarbideDuring this celebration, sweets and gifts are
India Limited, a separate Indian subsidiary. Bhopalexchanged; plus, donations are given to the poor. They
became the center of campaigns and protests sincealso perform the Puja of Lakshmi, the wealth goddess.
this incident.Late at night, firecrackers burst in the open by the old
However, the city is truly abundant with beautifuland the young.
attractions that completely overshadow the pastEid is another special celebration in the city. This is
issues. It takes pride in its unique culture, traditions andwhen all Hindus visit their Muslim friends, greeting them
lifestyle.and treating them with delicacies. The specialty is
Bhopal Culturesweet sewai.
Bhopal is known for many things. The city is noted forThere is also the Durga Puja and Ganesh Puja. During
its zarda, parda and garda aur namarda. Zarda is athis celebration, the Durga and Ganesh idols are
type of tobacco product famous with the Bhopalis.established in Jhankis. The people then offer prayers
Parda is a type of curtain used for veiling women offor their deities.
the house against outsiders. Garda is actually loose dirtBhopal is truly a nice place to visit. It boasts not only of
utilized for blowing around, particularly duing theits temples and tourist attractions; it also has a various
summer. Namarda, on the other hand, means eunuch.celebrations and cultural aspects. Although it
This can be found in Mangalwara, Itwara andexperienced a major blow during the time of the gas
Budhwara among others wherein they collectleakage, it continuously tries to redeem itself. It has
donations or chanda, meant for their big festivals likemore shopping malls, boutiques and dining options now
Eid, Holi and Diwali.unlike before. More schools are also being put up. It has
Bhopal is also noted for the Paan eating. It is a type ofdefinitely progressed and gone a long way.
preparation from betel leaf with a variety of