Know your nation

Discovery Channel to telecast a week-long celebration of India

DISCOVERY Channel is telecasting a week-long celebration of India, its breathtaking landscapes, age-old rituals and colourful people. Called Journeys, the series will be aired beginning today through April 20, from 10 pm to 11 pm, and repeated on April 22 from 12 pm to 6 pm.

Journeys begins with Beneath Indian Skies: Temples And Pilgrims, an insightful look at the sacred rituals practised in India. It strives to capture the spirit of worship that drives the world’s second largest population. The episode will feature interesting aspects of Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and Jainism, all of which are an integral part of India’s diversity. The highlights include Pushkar, home to Brahma, the most powerful god; the holy river Ganges, which has the power to wash away sins, and the fabulously wealthy mountain shrine at Madurai. April 15, 10 pm.

Details are not currently available for Destination Kashmir (April 16, 10 pm) and Destination Rajasthan (April 17, 10 pm).

The fourth episode will take you on a journey through north India from Varanasi to the Himalayas with intrepid traveller Andrew Daddo. From Varanasi, where pilgrims bathe in the ghats along the river, to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, to Shimla, home of the British Raj in India, to Ladakh, Daddo’s journey is a colourful insight into India (April 18, 10 pm).

Next is a journey to Kerala, the land of the snakeboat races, run traditionally on the day of the festival, Onam. Onam serves the dual purpose of paying homage to an ancient king and celebrating a harvest festival in which ornate carpets of flowers spill over from homes and huge feasts are prepared (April 19, 10 pm). On Friday, you can join Megan McCormick on her exploration of western India. Megan begins her journey in Rajasthan, one of India’s most colourful states. In the holy city of Pushkar, she enjoys the festivities of the world-renowned camel fair that attract thousands of visitors and camels each year. From rat temples to desert fortresses, Megan finds adventure at every turn (April 20, 10 pm).