Puducherry

Introduction 

Puducherry is a Union Territory located in the southern region of India. Pondicherry is the capital as well as the largest city in the state. It comprises four districts i.e., Karaikal district, Mahé district, Pondicherry district, and Yanam district.

History

Karaikal, Mahé, Pondicherry, and Yanam were under the French government. Then, these were returned to the British under the Treaty of Paris in 1763. During the colonial period, the French government again acquired the Karaikal, Mahé, Pondicherry, and Yanam. Finally, they transferred all these districts to the Indian government and left India on 31st October 1954 under the De Facto transfer of power.

Fairs and festivals

Puducherry is enriched with traditional culture. It is influenced by Tamil as well as French Culture. It is the land of Sri Aurobindo and his birth anniversary is observed in an imperial manner every year.  There are other fairs and festivals like Fete De, Veerampattinam Car Festival, Bastille Day, Maasi Magam, and Thai Pongal.

Geography 

The total area covered by Puducherry is 483 km².  Mahé district covers an area of 9 km², Karaikal district covers a 161 km² area, Yanam district covers a 20 km² area, and Puducherry district covers a 293 km² area. Puducherry district and Karaikal district cover the largest land. All these districts are located in the coastal area. Yanam district has one river, Mahé district has two rivers, the Puducherry district has five rivers, and the Karaikal district has seven rivers draining into the sea.

Demographics

The population is 1,247,953 of which the highest dominant religion is Hinduism. Other religions are Christianity and Islam.

Culture

The Union Territory has a unique fusion of Indian lifestyle with French culture. The culture and tradition are reflected in their past. The culture of art and crafts has existed since the colonial period. Mainly, locals are involved in wooden serving mats, screen printing, dining mats, candles, batik paintings on clothes, and incense sticks. 

Language

According to the Pondicherry Official Language Act, of 1965, the Union Territory's official languages are Tamil, Telugu, French, English, and Malayalam. Tamil is the official language of Puducherry and Karaikal, while Malayalam and Telugu are the official languages of Mahé and Yanam. 

Tourism

The Union Territory has various tourist destinations like churches, parks, spiritual sites, colonial buildings, and statues. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a major spiritual place, it gives relaxing vibes. There are statues and monuments of Mahatma Gandhi, Joseph Francois Dupleix, Keezhur Monument, Park Monument, French War Memorial, and War memorial. Apart from this, the Union Territory has a deep historical script, which you can find in the museums. The famous museums are Bharathidasan Museum, Jawahar Toy Museum, Bharathi Museum, and Puduvai Museum. There is a museum, especially for children, called the Children's museum. 

Education

According to the 2011 census, the Union Territory had an 80.6% literacy rate of which men and women 84.6% and 76.7%.

Dances and music

The major dances of Puducherry are Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam and popular music is Carnatic style. These are the prevalent traditions.

Cuisine

Puducherry is a fusion of French cuisine and Tamil Cuisine. The food of the Puducherry is mouth-watering due to its Indian style with continental flavor. The famous foods are idli-sambar, ratatouille, baguettes, masala dosa, and croissants.