Davis Cup 1927 - India Vs Yugoslavia and Serbia

Karoly sent me this nice card which was issued in Serbia during the Davis Cup Matches between India and Serbia played at NoviSad from 4 to 6 June 2011. The card has A nice postmark of the Davis Cup match at NoviSad. The card also displays the two teams that played against each other in 1927, namely Yugoslavia and India.
In the 2011 edition, the 2013 finalists Serbia avoided relegation with a dramatic 3-2 victory over India. Despite missing a number of their star players, Serbia came out on top against an Indian side blended with experience and youth. Serbia and India were meeting for the first time.

Dusan Lajovic got the Serbs off to a perfect start with a 63 62 75 win over Yuki Bhambri. Filip Krajinovic then upset Somdev Devvarman 61 46 63 62 to give Serbia a 2-0 lead after the opening day's play.

Indian tennis legend Leander Paes then teamed up with Rohan Bopanna to earn a dramatic victory over Ilija Bozoljac and Nenad Zimonjic, coming from two sets down to win 16 67(4) 63 63 86 and keep the tie alive.

Devvarman then defeated Lajovic 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, to send the tie to a deciding fifth rubber. In case the tie had not been dramatic enough, the final rubber was played on the following Monday due to rain. It was Krajinovic who proved to be the hero of the day, defeating Bhambri 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 to book Serbia's place in the 2015 World Group.

In the 1927 edition of the Davis Cup Tennis Tournament in the Europe Zone, India defeated Yugoslavia 3-0 in the Second Round. The match was played at the Zagreb Tennis Club Courts. India were subsequently beaten by Denmark in the Third Round 5-0 in Copenhagen.  Later in the World Challenge round played at Germantown Cricket Club grass courts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 8–10 September 1927, France beat the USA 3-2, ending a 6 year run by the USA.

Kathakali

Kathakali is a highly stylized classical Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion. It originated in the country's present day state of Kerala during the 17th century and has developed over the years with improved looks, refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming. Kathakali is originated from a precursor dance-drama form called Ramanattam and owes it share of techniques also to Krishnanattam. The word "attam" means enactment. In short, these two forerunning forms to Kathakali dealt with presentation of the stories of Hindu gods Rama and Krishna. Kottarakkarao complement Krishnanattam, which had its origin under the Zamorins of Kozhikode.

Ignoring the first phase when it was Ramanattam, Kathakali had its cradle in Vettattnad. Here Vettathu Thampuran, Kottayathu Thampuran and many dedicated artists like Chathu Panicker laid foundations for what is known as Kathakali now. Their efforts were concentrated on the rituals, classical details and scriptural perfection. The Kottaythu Thampuran composed four great works, ...viz. Kirmeeravadham, Bakavadham, Nivathakavacha Kalakeyavadham and Kalyanasaugandhikam. After this the most important changes in Kathakali were brought about through the effors of a single person namely, Kaplingad Narayanan Nambudiri (1739–1789). He was from the Northern Kerala, but after basic instructions in various faculties of the art in Vettathu Kalari he shifted to Travancore. In the capital and many other centres he found many willing to co-operate with him in bringing about the reformations. This lovely card was sent to me by Kasinath on 11.11.11.

India - Golden Temple - Amritsar

Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, visit Amritsar and pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Guru, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar ) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Guru, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar(the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D. My thanks to Manu for sending me this lovely card.