Why Nimbu Mirchi | Rollball | Great Bridge | Kutch's Wild Asses | Classical music for kids

Five unique things about India to explore this week

The inexplicable Nimbu Mirchi that dangles from trucks and shops

Seen cars, shops trucks with this weird lime-and-chilli ornament tied to its framework? It’s thanks to a common superstition that doing so wards off evil. Why exactly did this odd custom come about? The tangy stories are varied and quite spiced up. Some say it is to ward off goddess ‘Alaxmi’ (the wicked sister of Laxmi) who is known to bring poverty and misfortune. Some have attempted to give it a scientific twist (disinfectant properties of limes and chillies that might possibly keep pests away et al). Some even claim the combo is an at-hand remedy for snake bites! For better or for worse, the mirchi-limbu charm remains a part of India’s unique traditions.

Basketball on skates? Meet the innovative ‘Rollball’

Roll Ball is a  homegrown game that was first played in 2005 in India and yet no one seems to know about it! Now, there is a World Cup and even an International Roll Ball Federation. Developed by Raju Dabhade of Pune, the game is a unique combination of handball and basketball, played at a fast pace on roller skates. Here’s an exciting look at a Roll Ball match between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The incredible Pamban Bridge

The Pamban Bridge in Tamil Nadu connects the town of Mandapam with Pamban Island, which is an old fishing island that has been used for many years. This rail bridge over the sea is around 6700 feet in length and interestingly has a bascule that allows ships to pass. Built in 1914, it used to be the longest sea bridge in India until the construction of the Bandra Worli Sea Link in Mumbai. A look at the fascinating journey across this old sea bridge can be found here.

One Wild Ass Colony

In the Little Rann of Kutch, you can find a species of rare animals. The Ghudkhur, the Indian Wild Asses are a treat to watch in real life. Their population, which had almost reached extinction, has been going up, making them the poster child for wildlife conservation. Found in Gujarat, it is possible that these creatures could be re-homed in the Thar desert of Rajasthan to help their populations flourish.

Swar, Rag, Taal for kids

This series of videos by Annu Kapoor and Veena Sahasrabuddhe is the perfect introduction to the fascinating world of Indian classical music. It takes you through the fundamentals of Indian Music in a lucid but intriguing way. We highly recommend it for anyone newly interested in classical music.

A game all of you can play together! Play our Family Quiz Night, every alternate Saturdays. It’s LIVE!