Gold has always been an important part of India’s culture and traditions. People buy gold for weddings, festivals, and special occasions. India has many cities where gold is traded and crafted into beautiful jewelry. Some cities are famous for their gold markets and skilled craftsmen. These places attract buyers and traders from all over the country and even from other parts of the world.

Which City is known as the Gold Capital of India?

Thrissur, a city in central Kerala, is known as the Gold Capital of India. It is famous for its large number of gold jewellery shops, skilled artisans, and busy trade networks. The city produces a wide variety of gold ornaments, including bridal and temple jewellery, and supplies jewellery across South India. Thrissur’s historic expertise, concentration of workshops, and strong role in Kerala’s gold market make it the top centre for gold trade in the country.

Why Thrissur is known as the Gold Capital of India?

Thrissur earns the title of Gold Capital because it is the largest hub for gold jewellery production, wholesale trading, and retail sales in India. A large part of the country’s gold jewellery comes from this city. The expertise of its artisans, the number of jewellery workshops, and the city’s dominance in Kerala’s gold market all contribute to this reputation.

Location of Thrissur

Thrissur is situated in the heart of Kerala, in South India. Its central location makes it easy to trade gold across the state and even in other parts of the country. The city’s financial infrastructure and cultural love for gold have helped it grow into a major centre for gold-related businesses.

The Gold Industry in Thrissur

Thrissur’s economy is heavily supported by the gold industry. The city produces a wide variety of jewellery, including traditional temple designs, bridal jewellery, and modern ornaments. Thousands of people, such as artisans, designers, traders, and support staff, earn their livelihood from this sector.

Key Points About Thrissur’s Gold Industry:

• Main Focus: Jewellery manufacturing and wholesale trade
• Popular Products: Gold ornaments, bridal jewellery, temple jewellery
• Economic Importance: Employment generation and contribution to India’s gold trade

How Thrissur Became a Gold Hub?

The city’s connection with gold dates back centuries. Traditional goldsmith communities settled here, creating high-quality jewellery and passing down their skills through generations. In the 20th century, the growth of cooperative banks and trade networks further strengthened Thrissur’s position as a leading gold centre.

Thrissur’s Role in India’s Gold Market

Thrissur is crucial to India’s gold trade. Many jewellery shops and businesses in South India rely on Thrissur for designs and craftsmanship. The city’s gold trade also helps India maintain its position as one of the world’s largest consumers of gold.

Largest Gold Hub of Kerala

Thrissur is not only the largest gold jewellery hub in Kerala but also one of the biggest in India. It produces jewellery for weddings, festivals, and cultural events. Designs from Thrissur are popular across South India and continue to shape jewellery trends.

India’s Global Gold Presence

India is one of the top consumers of gold in the world. Cities like Thrissur supply jewellery rather than raw gold, helping meet this high demand. Thrissur’s gold production also supports economic activities like trading, designing, and retail, making it an important contributor to the national economy.

Interesting Facts About Thrissur

• Long History of Gold Craftsmanship: Many goldsmith families in Thrissur have been creating jewellery for generations.
• High Jewellery Shop Density: The city has a very large number of jewellery showrooms in one area.
• Employment Opportunities: The gold industry employs tens of thousands of people.
• Wedding Jewellery Hub: Thrissur is known for bridal and temple jewellery, especially popular during Kerala’s wedding seasons.
• Financial Support: Cooperative banks and financial institutions in the city help jewellers with credit, loans, and trade expansion.

Safety is one of the most important things people look for when choosing a city to live in or visit. A safe city offers peace of mind, low crime, good public services, and strong law enforcement. In 2026, several cities around the world stand out for providing a secure and comfortable environment. These cities focus on public safety, technology, and community well-being, making daily life safer and more relaxed for residents and tourists.

Safest City in the World in 2026

According to the Numbeo Global Safety Index 2026, Abu Dhabi has been ranked the safest city in the world. With a safety score of 88.9, it has held this top position for the 10th year in a row. The city’s strong use of smart surveillance, artificial intelligence, and data-based policing plays a major role in preventing crime and ensuring public safety.

Why UAE Cities Dominate the List?

One striking fact about the 2026 rankings is the strong presence of cities from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Out of the top 10 safest cities, five are from the UAE. This clearly shows the country’s focus on strict laws, modern policing, and public safety awareness. The UAE is also ranked as the safest country in the world.

Top-10 Safest Cities in the World in 2026

Abu Dhabi, with the safety score of 88.9, stands as the safest city in the world in 2026, followed by Ras al-Khaimah, Doha and Sharjah.

Here is the list of top-10 safest cities in the world in 2026:

How the Rankings were Decided?

The study was conducted by Numbeo, a Serbia-based research company. Around 400 cities from 150 countries were reviewed. The ranking is based on factors like personal safety, crime levels, and how safe people feel during the day and at night.

What makes these Cities Safe?

These cities share some common features such as strong law enforcement, low crime rates, good public infrastructure, and the use of modern technology. Many of them also focus on community policing and strict legal systems, which help maintain peace and order.

Republic Day is one of the most important national festivals of India, celebrated every year on 26th January. On this day, the whole country remembers a historic moment when India started governing itself with its own laws. It is a day of pride, unity, and respect for the values that guide the nation.

What is Republic Day?

Republic Day is the day when the Constitution of India came into force. On 26 January 1950, India officially became a republic. This means the country began to run according to laws made by its own people, not by any foreign power. From this day onward, the people of India became the true source of power.

Difference Between Independence Day and Republic Day

Independence Day, celebrated on 15 August, marks India’s freedom from British rule in 1947. However, even after independence, India was governed under British-era laws. Republic Day celebrates the day when India adopted its own Constitution and became a fully self-governing nation with democratic values.

Why is 26 January Celebrated as Republic Day?

26 January is celebrated as Republic Day because the Constitution of India came into effect on this date in 1950. The Constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 and gave citizens important rights such as equality, freedom, and justice. It laid down rules for how the country would be governed.

Why was 26 January Chosen as the Republic Day?

The date 26 January has a strong connection with India’s freedom struggle. On 26 January 1930, the Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj, meaning complete independence from British rule. Although India was not free at that time, the day became a symbol of national determination. To honour this historic moment, the same date was chosen for the Constitution to come into force.

Importance of 26 January in Indian History

The importance of 26 January lies in its role in shaping modern India. It marks the beginning of democratic governance where leaders are chosen by the people. It also highlights the values written in the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which guide the nation even today.

What Happened on the First Republic Day?

On 26 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took oath as the first President of India. A grand celebration was held in New Delhi, including a parade to show India’s unity and strength. This event started the tradition of Republic Day celebrations that continue every year.

Republic Day Celebrations in India

Republic Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. The main celebration takes place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. A colourful parade is organised, showing India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and achievements. School children, defence forces, and cultural groups participate in various performances. Awards are also given to brave citizens and soldiers.

Significance of Republic Day Parade

The Republic Day Parade is a symbol of national pride. It shows the unity of different states, traditions, and cultures of India. The parade also displays modern weapons and defence equipment, reflecting the country’s readiness to protect itself. People from different countries attend the event, showing India’s global importance.

Republic Day 2026: A Special Milestone

On 26 January 2026, India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day. This occasion will be a time to look back at the nation’s journey since 1950 and reflect on progress made in democracy, development, and unity. It will also inspire citizens to work towards a stronger and fairer India.

Why Republic Day Matters to Every Citizen?

Republic Day reminds people that the country belongs to its citizens. It encourages everyone to respect the Constitution, follow laws, and perform duties responsibly. The day teaches the importance of unity, discipline, and democratic values in daily life.

Since early human history, people have searched for ways to protect themselves and face danger. This need gave rise to martial arts—special fighting systems that teach strength, control, balance, and discipline. Across different lands and cultures, many combat styles were born and refined over centuries. Some became sports, while others remained deeply rooted in tradition. Among all these ancient systems, one stands out for its great age and rich heritage.

Oldest Surviving Martial Art in the World

Kalaripayattu is known as the oldest surviving martial art in the world. It began more than 3,000 years ago in India. Many experts call it the “Mother of All Martial Arts” because its ideas and movements later influenced other fighting systems.

Kalaripayattu is not just about combat. It is a complete life practice. It includes physical training, breathing control, flexibility, healing methods, and mental discipline. Students learn how to fight, how to stay healthy, and how to stay calm in difficult situations.

Where did Kalaripayattu Begin?

Kalaripayattu started in the southern Indian state of Kerala. According to legend, Lord Parasurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, created this art to protect the land and its people.

Historically, it grew during the medieval period when many wars took place between local kingdoms. Warriors needed speed, strength, and sharp skills. Kalaripayattu trained them to fight on battlefields using their bodies and weapons with great control.

Children often began training at a very young age. Both men and women practised this art. Kerala’s stories and folk songs still celebrate brave warriors who mastered Kalaripayattu.

Meaning of the Kalaripayattu

The word “Kalaripayattu” comes from two Malayalam words:

• Kalari – a special training ground or school
• Payattu – practice or fight

So, Kalaripayattu means “training in the Kalari.” A Kalari was more than a gym. It was a place where students learned discipline, respect, medicine, and life skills under a teacher called a Gurukkal.

A Time for Darkness

During British rule in India, Kalaripayattu was seen as dangerous. After local rebellions, the British realised how powerful these warriors were.

In 1804, they banned the practice of Kalaripayattu and the keeping of weapons. Many training centres were closed. However, the Gurukkals did not let the art die. They taught students in secret, sometimes pretending it was dance or exercise. Because of this silent effort, Kalaripayattu survived.

The Modern Revival

In the early 20th century, Indians began to take pride in their culture again. Kalaripayattu returned to the public eye.

A major role was played by Philip Zarrilli, an American teacher who deeply studied this art. He became the first Westerner to master it. He showed the world that Kalaripayattu is not only physical but also mental and spiritual. Today, it is taught in many countries.

How Kalaripayattu Influenced Other Martial Arts?

An Indian monk named Bodhidharma travelled to China around the 5th or 6th century. He taught exercises to monks at the Shaolin Temple to improve their strength and focus.

These movements were inspired by Indian traditions like Kalaripayattu. Over time, they became Shaolin Kung Fu. From there, many East Asian martial arts developed, including Karate and Taekwondo. This is why Kalaripayattu is often called the root of many fighting styles.

Unique Features of Kalaripayattu

• Marma Points: The human body has 107 vital points where nerves and veins meet. Kalaripayattu teaches how to strike or heal these points. A single correct hit can disable an opponent, while gentle touch can heal.
• Animal Movements: Students practise poses based on animals such as the lion, elephant, horse, and snake. These poses improve balance, power, and flexibility.
• Circular Motion: Instead of straight attacks, Kalaripayattu uses circular movements. This helps a smaller person defeat a stronger opponent by redirecting force.
• Healing Through Oil Massage: Every student receives a special full-body oil massage. It keeps muscles flexible, prevents injury, and strengthens the body using Ayurvedic methods.
• Mind and Body Balance: Training improves eye-foot coordination and brain balance. The opening salute itself is a powerful exercise for the mind.