India Fairs & Festivals #6 - Travel guide
India
Fairs & Festivals #6
Rajgir Dance Festival - Rajgir, Bihar
Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance Festival every year in Rajgir. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere. This festival held during last week of October attracts tourists in large numbers.
Raksha Bandhan - North India
Sravani is an ancient Vedic festival traditionally associated with the Brahmins on which day they change their sacred thread. Both Raksha Bandhan and Sravani are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August).
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi the more popular of the two festivals, is a Hindu sister's day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affections. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno.
Ramnavami - All over India
The birthday of Lord Rama, the celebrated hero of the famous epic, 'Ramayana', is enthusiastically celebrated on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Chiatra, all over India. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his human incarnation as Rama, the divine ruler of Ayodhya. Celebrations begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. At midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special prayer is performed. People sing devotional songs in praise of Rama and rock, images of him in a cradle to celebrate his birth. Rathyatras or chariot processions of Ram, his wife Seeta, brother Lakshman and devotee Hanuman are held from many temples. People gather in thousands on the banks of the sacred river Sarayu for a dip. Some observe a strict fast on this day.
Ayodhya is the focus of great celebrations. Devotees throng the temples of Ayodhya and Pondicherry, two places closely connected with the events of the Ramayana to participate in Ramnavami festivities.
Rathyatra - Chariot Festival - Orrisa
This spectacular chariot festival celebrated for 8 days is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri (Orissa). Thousands of devotees flock to Puri during the occasion, as they believe that a glimpse of Lord Jagannath in his chariot gives salvation. Images of Lord Jagannath - the Lord of the Universe, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out in a procession in three immense chariots. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels. Thousands of devotees pull these chariots to Gundicha Mandir, a temple 3 km away. After a week, on 'Ashadha Sukla Dasami', the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June-July), return journey or 'Bahuda Yatra' of the deities commences in the same manner from Gundicha temple to the main temple like Rath Yatra. When two months of Ashadha fall in one year, Rath Yatra is observed as the festival of 'Nabakalebar' the old deities are buried within the temple premises ('Koilibaikuntha') and are replaced by new deities, carved out of Margosa trees for which there are set procedures. Double Ashadha occurs at intervals of 8 to 19 years. Construction of the chariots begin as early as April.
Republic Day - All over India
Commemorating the day India became a republic, 26th of January every year is witness to a colourful affair with soldiers marching in unison, followed by folk dancers, school children and floats from different states.
The beating retreat that marks the end of celebrations on the 29th of January is a moving ceremony with military bands playing at Vijay Chock.
Rose Festival - Chandigarh
The biggest Rose Show in the country is held at the famous Rose Garden at Chandigarh. Varieties of magnificent roses are on display during this two-day festival.
Sindhu Darshan Festival - Leh
The Sindhu Darshan Festival is organised annually at Leh. People travel for a Darshan and Puja of the River Sindhu (Indus) which originates from the Mansarovar in Tibet. The festival is a celebration of this river. The Festival aims at projecting the Sindhu river as a symbol of multi-dimensional cultural identity, communal harmony and peaceful co-existence in India. It is also an opportunity for people from around the country and overseas to visit the beautiful regions of Leh and Ladakh.
As part of the celebrations, various groups from different states in India bring water from the other mighty rivers in the country in earthen pots and immerse these pots in the Sindhu river, thereby mingling the river water with other waters of the land.
The Sindhu Cultural Center was inaugurated a few years back as well as the new office complex of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. This complex will be helpful in bringing out the unique culture of the Ladakh region and its people. The facilities proposed at the complex include an auditorium for seating 500 people, an open air theatre, an exhibition gallery, a music room, a small library and a souvenir shop where Ladakh handicrafts could be available to visiting tourists.
Sonepur Mela - Sonepur, Bihar
The famed cattle fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the banks of the River Ganga. The full moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus. Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the reverence of a blessed ground. A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.
The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the widest possible range of cattle and commodities. The array of shops sells all sorts of merchandise. Sonepur Fair is the only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold. These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.
Surajkund Crafts Mela - Surajkund - Haryana
In order to promote the traditional Indian Handicrafts, a delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled artisans from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical rural setting. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also part of this colourful fair.
Taj Mahotsav - Agra - Uttar Pradesh
A ten day event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together the finest Indian Crafts and cultural nuances. Starting on 18th February each year in Shilpgram, the Taj Mahotsav is a much awaited event. It is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. India's extensive arts, crafts and culture are on display. Folk music, shayari (poetry) and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all form a part of the festivities.
Tarnetar Mela - Saurasthra, Gujarat
An exciting and unique three day fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in the state of Gujarat. The fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar temple (three-eyed god Shiva), celebrating the wedding of the legendary 'Mahabharatha' (epic) hero, Arjuna with Draupadi.
Villagers from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery throng Tarnetar during this fair. The fair is a kind of marriage market for the local tribals - the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris who visit Tarnetar to find suitable brides. Tradition holds that if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a sign that she has found the man of her choice.
Lively folk songs and dances-garba, ras, hudo and the Rasada, the captivating folk dance performed by hundreds of women moving gracefully in a single circle, dancing to the accompaniment of drums and flutes are the special attractions of the fair, besides the wonderful Tarnetar "Chhatris" -umbrellas with intricate embroidery and mirror work. There are also exhibitions of rural handicrafts, a cattle show, and competitive sports.
Teej - Rajasthan and Chandigarh
This swing festival welcomes the advent of the monsoon. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Women, colourfully attired, swing on them and sing songs in celebration.
Thai Pusam - Tamil Nadu
This festival usually takes place in the temples dedicated to the Kartikeya or Mariamman. Trenches of burning coal are laid out for the devotees to walk over. People who volunteer to undertake this experience with faith, come away unharmed and unscathed.
Urs - Ajmer, Rajasthan
The Urs are held at Ajmer, Rajasthan every year at the tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay homage. Qawalis (poems) are presented in the saint's honour and religious assemblies (mehfils) and 'fatihas' (mass prayers) are held. The lakeside town of Ajmer also called Ajmer Sharif (holy) comes alive during the Urs which attracts thousands of devotees irrespective of caste, religion etc. At the huge fair the largest Muslim fair in India that springs up at this time, religious objects, books, rosaries, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments are on sale.
Vasant Panchami, Saraswati Puja - North India and West Bengal
Vasant Panchami is the ceremonial welcome of the spring season in the month of Magh from the Hindu Lunar Calendar. This is a special day of worship for Hindu deities Saraswati, Shiva-Durga, Vishu-Lakshmi. People wear colourful attires, especially in bright shades of yellow and they dance, sing and make merry.
In West Bengal "Saraswati" - the goddess of learning is worshipped. The festival is celebrated with fervour in the University town of Shanti Niketan.
Vishu - Kerala
Vishu is one of the important festivals of Kerala. It comes in the month of April usually on the 14th. According to the traditional Malayalam calendar, it is the 1st day of the first month Medam of the New Year. Traditional rituals are followed to bring in another year of prosperity.
|
