FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS IN SEPTEMBER
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Ternetar
Mela (Saurashtra,
Gujrat):
An exciting and unique fair held annually at
Tarnetar in Saurashtra. The fair coincides with festival
at the Trineteshwar Temple, celebrating the wedding of
the legendary Mahabharat hero, Arjuna with Draupadi. The
fair is kind of marriage market for the local tribals
–the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. The traditional
costumes, exquisite jewelLery
and lively folk dances – garba, ras, haro, are
the special attractions of the fair, not forgetting the
wonderful Tarnetar “Chhatris”- umbrellas with
intricate embroidery and mirror work.
Ganesh
Chaturthi (Maharashtra,
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka):
This day is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, the
elephant-headed god of all good beginnings and success.
Held annually this festival is a ten daylong event. The
images of Lord Ganesha are installed and worshipped and
on the last day these are taken in procession to be
immersed in flowing water. The sea front at Mumbai,
packed with people, is a spectacular sight.
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In Himachal Pradesh ,a week – long fair in the hill town of
Kullu , is apart of
the Dussehra celebration . From the little temple
in the hills, deities are brought in procession to the
‘maidan in Kullu, to pay homage to the reigning deity,
Raghunathji.
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FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS IN OCTOBER
Dussehra
(All Over India)
:
Celeberated
to mark the defeat of Ravana
by Lord Rama, Dussehra symbolizes the triumph
of good over evil. The Ramlila-an enactment of
the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days
preceding Dussehra .On the Tenth day, larger than life
effigies of Ravana , his son & brother – Meghanth
& Kumbhakarna , are set
alight .
In West Bengal, puja pandals have beautifully
decorated images of the goddess Durga &people gather
here in large numbers to enjoys the festivities.
In South India , houses
are decorated
with display of toys & clay image of gods
.Relative & friends visit each other to exchange greeting.
In Gujarat, the exuberant Navaratri celebration
include dancing the lively garba & dandaiya ras.
Mysore – the city of palaces, celebrates the
ten days Dussehra in a royal style. The Mysore palace is
illuminated with a myriad lights. Majestic procession, a
torch light parade & musical events enliven the
tranquil city.
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Marwar
Festival (Marwar, Rajasthan ):
The festival celebrates the Maand’ style of folk music
– an evolved classical style that describes the
romantic life of Rajasthan ‘s rulers . Held during
sharad purnima , the folk artistes bring alive
the legends & folk lore of earlier times .
Diwali (All
over India):
This festival of lights is the prettiest & the most
eagerly awaited occasion
in India . It celebrates the return of Lord Rama , to
Ayodhya after
fourteen year exile. The flickering lights of the
traditional clay lamps or diyas’ illuminate the houses
& fireworks resound through the night. The godess of
wealth & prosperity- Lakshmi, is worshipped on this
day. Houses
are white washed & elaborated designs drawn at the
thresholds to welcome the goddess. The exchanging of
gifts & sweets among friends & relatives &
playing go games of chance at night , are all an
integral part of the celebrations .
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Muharram
(Allover
India)
Commemorates the martyrdom of the prophet
Mohammed’s grandsons- imam Hussein .Tazias ,
glittering replicas
of the martyr’s tomb , are carried in
procession through the streets . The tazias of Lucknow
are noted for their splendor.
Gandhi
Jayanti (All
over India):
The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi – the Father
of the nation . The President & Prime Minster, along
with other eminent political leaders, pay homage at raj
Ghat – the samandhi of Mahatma Gandhi. All the offices
& schools, throughout the country, remain closed on
this day.
Rajgir
Mahotsav (Rajgir,
Bihar):
This colourful festival of dance & music is held at
Rajgir , the ancient capital of the Magadha kings –
the land where the Buddha meditated & preached.
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Pushkar
Mela
(Pushkar
, Rajasthan)
Click for Info & Tour!
Guru
Purab (All
over India ):
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak – the first guru
of the Sikhs, is celebrated with great fervor . The
Akhand path ‘- recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib ,
is held in Gurdwaras all over the country .Taking the
holy book out in procession , is also an integral part
of the celebrations.
Hampi
Festival (Hampi,
Karnataka):
The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, once the capital
of the Vijayanagar Empire , comes alive once again
during this lively festival of dance & music , held in the first week of November.
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FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS IN NOVEMBER
Ka pomblang Nongkrem (Shillong, Meghalaya)
The
most important festival of the Khasis in Meghalaya. This
five day long festival, held annually near Shillong, is
an occasion for thanks giving for good harvest &
to pray for peace & prosperity. Khasimen
& women, dressed in traditional splendour, perform
the famous Nongkrem dance.
Lucknow Festival
(Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh):
This
festival celebrates Lucknow’s living culture. The
capital city of Uttar Pradesh is a alight with
excitement during this ten day long event. Colourful
procession, traditional drams, kathak dances in the of
the famous Luknow gharana,
sarangi & sitar recitals along with ghazals qawalis
& thumri create
a festive atmosphere
. Exciting events like ekka races, kite flying, cock
fighting & other traditional village games recreate
an atmosphere of Avadh’s nawabi days.
Sonepur Mela (Sonepur
Mela):
Asia’s biggest cattle fair is held at Sonepur , on the
banks of the River Ganga .During this month – long
fair , cattle , decorated for the occasion , throng the venue .
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FAIRS
AND FESTIVALS IN DECEMBER
Shilpgram
Crafts Mela-(Udaipur,
Rajasthan)
Some of the magnificent crafts of Rajasthan are on
display at a colourful festival, held in the royal City
of Udaipur.
Vishnupur Festival: (Vishnupur,
West Bengal):
The festival celebrates the rich heritage of the
town of Vishnupur, temples and elegant silk Sarees.
Kurukshetra
Festival (Kurukshetra,
Haryana):
The festival coincides with Gita Jayanti, signifying
the birth of the Srimad Bhagvad Gita. Pilgrims gather
here to take a dip in the sacred tanks of Srahma Sarovar
and Sannehit Sarover . Weeklong Bhagwad Katha, dance,
drama and ‘deep daan’ are part of the religious
festivities.
Kornak
Dance Festival
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for Info and Tour!
Christmas
(All over
India):
Christmas is celebrated in India with great
fervor. All the major Indian cities wear a festival
look. Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion
and offer attractive bargains.Carol singing,
get-togethers and the exchanging of gifts enhance the
Christmas spirit. Christmas parties launch off
celebrations for the New Year, thus retaining the
festival mood for at least a week.
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