There are many fair and festival celebrated in Bikaner which shows ancient tradition and culture. Bikaner city located in the northwest of the Rajasthan state, India. Bikaner celebrates some of the traditional Rajasthani festivals such as Gangaur, Kartik Poornima and Paryushan. However the city attracts people for its Camel Festival every year.

                                                      Camel festival:
Camel festival is held in the month of January for three days. The celebrations include acrobat show, puppet show, camel race and dance shows. Camel dance show is the main attraction. Trained camels dance to the tune of music. One would get an opportunity to watch the ballad singers, and folk dancers performing on the stage.



                                                      Gangaur :

Gangaur is a festival of Gauri –the consort of Shiva. The festival is one of the popular festivals of Rajasthan. It falls in March or April. Women of the region (married and unmarried) do Puja to Gauri Devi.





                                                      Karni Mata Fair :
The fair is celebrated twice a year in the small town Deshnok in honour of Goddess Karni Mata.This fair held during the months of March-April and again second time in September-October in Karni Mata Temple which is famous in Rajasthan.





Rammat is a part of Holi (festival of colors) festivities that is celebrated uniquely in Bikaner. People spray colors on each other reminding us of s carnival.  Special dramas would be performed based on some of their legends, Dhola Marvaani for instance.

Vata Pournima is a Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Maharashtra state. It is the women’s festival which comes in the month of June (the month of Jyeshta according to Hindu lunar calendar) on a full moon day. The festival takes its origin from the story of the devoted wife named Savitri which is why the festival is also known as ‘Vata Savitri Pournima’. Savitri –a devoted wife follows her husband (Satyavan) even after his death and gets back his life from the clutches of the death deity (Yama). So it is said that by performing that ritualistic ‘Vrita’ the women would be wishing for their husbands’ long life.

The day would be celebrated by the married women especially. They celebrate it for the good health of their husbands. This festival is most popular in Maharashtra state. The women keep fast on the previous day and visit a nearby banyan tree (Vata tree) in groups. All those who are gathered there around the banyan tree would wrap a cotton thread around the tree and then do the ‘parikrama’ (circumambulation) for seven times. The women recite the story of Satyavan and Savitri and do puja to the banyan tree. The story is this:  Satyavan and Savitri were newlywed couple and they were told that Satyavan would be dying soon. Savitri decides to get back Satyavan’s life. Yama, the deity of death tries to dissuade her from following the dead husband. But, Savitri refuses to listen. Yama sanctions three boons to her. He grants her a son in the last boon. Savitri, then, demands her husband back since without him she could not have had a son. Pleased with her devotion Yama grants her Satyavan’s life back. She is known as ‘Sati Savitri’ in India.

Perched on the banks of Panchganga River, Kolhapur is known for its rich culture and tradition.  It is a historic city located in southern part of Maharashtra state. Famous for Mahalaxmi Temple and several other places of interest, the city of Kolhapur draws number of devotees and tourists alike from all over the country.

                                                      Mahalaxmi Temple:
It is an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Mahalaxmi which is considered to be the goddess of prosperity.  The goddess is locally known as Devi Amba Bai. Built in the 7th century during the reign of King Karandev of Chalukya kingdom, the temple of Mahalaxmi in Kolhapur has been under patronage of several dynasties. The temple serves to be a perfect specimen of beautiful Hemadpanthi style of architecture. Mahalaxmi Temple happens to be a major pilgrimage spot in Maharashtra and therefore it witnesses thousands of devotees thronging there from different parts of the state and country as well. The temple’s walls bear the beautiful carving and sculptures. The idol of the goddess in the temple is in monolithic structure and is adorned with precious stones and diamonds.

                                                      Maharaja Palace:

It is another major attraction of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state. Built in the year 1881, Maharaja Palace presents an imposing look to the beholders. The structure of the palace is a beautiful blend of the Indo-European architectural styles.  The palace is designed by famous British architect Charles Mant. The palace also contains a museum which has a fine collection of Maharaja’s cloths, hunting photos, memorabilia and other artifacts. The palace and the museum present us the insights royal life style and culture of those days.

                                                      Rankala Lake:

Rankala Lake is yet another place of attraction in the city of Kolhapur. Situated amidst the beautiful surroundings, Rankala Lake serves to be a perfect place to spend evenings and weekends. The place is popular as picnic spot among the locals and the visitors coming from all over Maharashtra and other parts of the country.


Irwin Agricultural Museum, Bhavani Mandap, Jyotiba temple and Radhanagari Dam are other places of interest located in and round Kolhapur.

Perched in the famous Thar Desert, the city of Jaisalmer is known for its rich historic and cultural legacy. Famous for several places of historic monuments and structures, Jaisalmer is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state of Rajasthan.

                                      Jaisalmer Fort:

Image credit: flickr

It is an imposing historic fort built by a famous Rajput king Jaisal during the 11th century. The fort is located beautifully in Trikuta Hill near Jaisalmer. Also known as Sonar Kila and it's a second oldest fort in Rajasthan. Jaisalmer Fort has witnessed several battles. The fortress once served as a main protective cover for the Rajput Kings from the invasion of foreign invaders. This striking structure of medieval era is completely built in sandstone. Jain temple, Royal Palace and Laxminathji temple form the interior of this majestic fort. 

                                    Raj Mahal:

It is Jaisalmer Palace popularly known as Raj Mahal which once was the residing place of the members of the royal family of Jaisalmer. Built in the year 1500 AD, Raj Mahal presents an exquisite style of architecture of that era. Placed in the majestic Jaisalmer fort, Raj Mahal Palace is a seven storied structure and is famous for its beautiful lattice works.

                                    Gadi Sagar Lake:

Gadi Sagar Lake in Jaisalmer ,Rajasthan is a much frequented place in Jaisalmer.It  was constructed in the year 1156, the work of this artificial lake was originally started under rule of king Jaisal. But it was completed during reign of Maharaja Garsi Singh. It is beautifully situated amid the picturesque surrounding.  The water reservoir has a massive sandstone entrance. A grand temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is situated near the entrance gate.

                                     Potwon-ki-Haveli :

It is famous place in Jaisalmer.Patwon Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan is perfect embodiment of finest architecture. It is divided into six apartment and the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown color.
 

 Khajuraho Dance Festival is one of the most acclaimed events in the travel itinerary of India. It is held annually at Khajuraho, one of the most magnificent tourist destinations of India. The festival is organized at two of the most popular temples of Khajuraho – The Chitragupta and the Vishwanath Temple. The festival is a charming event attended by Indian as well as other tourists from world over. Khajuraho Dance Festival has become a cultural showcase event where the wonderful culture of Indian dances like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Mohniattam and Manipuri is displayed with the glorious backdrop of India’s heritage temples. Many renowned and promising young classical dancers from across the country spellbind the audience with their brilliant performances.
 Shivratri is a prominent festival celebrated in Madhya Pradesh and other parts of India with great religious fervor. Khajuraho is also famous for its massive celebration of Shivratri festival. The festival marks the marriage event of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. On the occasion of the festival 2.5 meter high Lingam of Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho is adorned with white and saffron dhoti and conical and silver paper crown. The night- long ceremony witnesses the anointing of the Lingam with water of holy rivers of India and chanting of hymns. At the end Bel leaves and flowers are thrown on the Lingam as a mark of successful completion of the marriage. On the occasion of the festival thousands of devotees from Madhya Pradesh and other parts of the country throng there to take the blessing of Lord Shiva. Other major festivals of India like Holi, Dussera and Diwali are also celebrated in Khajuraho with much pomp and show.

Alleppey is known as the Venice of India especially for its backwaters channels.located in Kerala state in India. The major event of Alleppey is the boat festival to be held every year. The most famous Nehru trophy boat festival would be held every year in the month of August. The festival attracts thousands of tourists from all across the world.

The first of its kind was held in 1952 in the presence of Jawaharlal Nehru. Since then it has been known as the Nehru Trophy boat race. Many groups would partake in this race. It is a very prestigious race for them.  The rowers singing the Vanchi Pattu (traditional song sung by the rowers) row their boats. These are called the snake boats of hundred feet long. The occasion calls for other merriments including watching the Kahthakkali performances and tasting the typical Kerala cuisine.

Another boat festival to be held in every September is the Payippad Boat festival. This is a three day festival in honor of the deity Subrahmanya of Haripad.  Arthungual Perunal and Edatuva Perunal are the two Christian fairs celebrated every year.

Others than these boat races Alleppy also celebrates the traditional festivals of Kerala. Onam and Vishu are the two important festivals of Kerala. Onam falls in the last week of August normally lasting for ten days.

Allahabad, one of the holiest spots for Hindu, is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It happens to be India’s second most ancient city and lies at the confluence point of India’s three holy rivers- Ganga, Yamuna and Sarasvati. Allahabad serves to be one of the holy places of Kumbha Mela, the biggest religious congregation of Hindu.  Along with its religious significance places, Allahabad is home to several places of tourist attraction.

                                                      Allahabad Fort :
It is a key attraction of Allahabad city. The Allahabad Fort of Uttar Pradesh was built by Mughal emperor Akbar in the year 1583 near the banks of the river Yamuna. The fort has three beautiful galleries surrounded by high towers. At present the fort is used by Indian military and therefore some parts of the fort is not opened to the tourists.


                                                      Triveni Sangam:
It is the confluence of three rivers namely River Ganga, River Yamuna and mythological and invisible River Sarasvati. The place offers the fascinating views of sunset and sunrise. Famous Kumbha Mela, which attracts hundreds of thousands devotees from different parts of the country, is held on the bank of this holy Triveni Sangam in Allahabad. The merging of Ganga River in to Yamuna offers a spectacular view to the visitors.

                                                      Khusro Bagh: 

Khusro Bagh is Close to the Allahabad Railway Station, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.It is a historic garden built by a Mughal king in memory of his beloved son Khusro. Khusro was killed by his own brother Shaha Jahan. The mausoleum of Khusro is located in the garden. Next to this sandstone-built tomb lies the tomb of Khusro’s mother who had killed herself after his son’s murder. Khusro Bagh is dotted with large number of mango and guava trees.

                                                      Allahabad Museum :

Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated this museum in 1947. It has 18 galleries devoted to archaeological findings, stone sculptures,natural history exhibits, art gallery. The museum also displays the documents and the personal effects of Jawaharlal Nehru and the Indian freedom movement.
The museum has excellent collection of sculptures and terracotta artifacts



Apart from these places of interest, the city of Allahabad houses many other places worth a visit. Allahabad Planetarium, Ashoka Pillar, Anand Bhavan and Swaraj Bhavan are other places of attraction to be visited in Allahabad.

Situated amidst the Aravalli Mountain ranges, the city of Ajmer is home to a composite culture and traditions. This green oasis surrounded by barren region boasts of rich history and culture. Ajmer had witnessed to several kingdoms which have left behind their marks on culture and traditions of the city. As a result the city of Ajmer has turned into an amalgam of diverse cultures and traditions. Revered by both Hindu and Muslim, the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer serves to be a place where one gets to see the rare blend of diverse religions.

The state of Rajasthan is known as the land rich of culture and traditions. Ajmer which serves to be the fifth largest city of the state is no exception to it.  Moreover, Ajmer happens to be the cultural center of Rajasthan which is known for its colorful fairs and festivals. Culture of Ajmer is mainly reflected in its arts, crafts, dance, music, etc. The people of Ajmer and Rajasthan state as a whole are most hospitable and are known for their traditional colorful attires. They are also known for their beautiful folk dance and songs which they mostly perform on the occasion of several festivals and culture events.

Fairs and festivals celebrated in Ajmer are integral parts of its culture and traditions. The city of Ajmer like other parts of Rajasthan state celebrates several festivals with great religious fervor. Among the major religious event organized in the city, the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is the most significant one. Ajmer also host many other religious and cultural events which provide us glimpses of its rich culture and tradition.        

 Ajmer is a prominent pilgrimage city in the state of Rajasthan. Perched amidst the Aravalli Mountains, the city of Ajmer is famous for the Shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti which attracts a number of devotees from all over the world. Enriched with historical and cultural legacy, Ajmer is known for its annual Urs (fair) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.  Rajasthan is famous for its culture, tradition and colorful festivals and fairs. Ajmer which happens to be the fifth largest city of Rajasthan celebrates several festivals and fairs with great religious fervor.
Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer is a famous fair held in at the shrine of a Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. It is held every year in the month of May to mark the death anniversary of the Sufi saint.  On the occasion of the fair thousands of devotees belonging to different religions and different parts of the globe throng the Dargah Sharif to pay homage to the saint. Pushkar which lies just 15 km away from Ajmer is famous for camel fair popularly known as Pushkar Fair. Pushkar Mela (fair) is five days long fair held annually from Kartik Ekadashi to Kartik Purnima (Oct-Nov). It serves to be the world’s largest camel fair. The fair witnesses the trading of thousand of camels and other live stocks brought from different part of Rajasthan state. Several competitions, cultural and entertaining programs are organized on during this five day-long fair. 
 Along with Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer also hosts and celebrates many other festivals with much fanfare. Teej, Holi, Dussera, Diwali, Id etc are some of the festivals celebrated in Ajmer with great zeal and zest.  Festivals celebrated in Ajmer and in Rajasthan state as a whole present us rich culture and traditions of the people of the state.

Ramgarh Tal :
Ramgarh Tal is another interesting place to visit in Gorakhpur. Spread over an area of about 723 hectares, Ramgarh Tal is major water reservoir in the region. Its embankment is about 18 km in length. Boating facility provided at the place make it a perfect picnic spot for the people of Gorakhpur.


Veer Bahadur Singh Planetarium :
Famous tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh state.This planetarium is based on Digital Technology and six equipments of CRT, Evans and Sutherland are installed here.





Gita Press :
The Gita Press is one of largest publishers of Hindu religious texts in the world, situated in Gorakhpur.It archives contain over 3,500 manuscripts including over 100 interpretations of the Gita and
has published 71.9 million copies of the Gita (in different editions) and 70.0 million copies of the Ramcharitamanas.

 Situated in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh state, Gorakhpur is home to several religious sites of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim. The city of Gorakhpur which lies near the border of Nepal is one of the very few places in India where one get to see the confluence of different religious faiths. The place is rich in its culture and tradition. Several festivals celebrated in Uttar Pradesh are celebrated in Gorakhpur too.

Khichadi Mela is a major religious fair of Gorakhpur. The fair is held during the festival of Makar Sakranti. It is organized at the shrine of Gorakhnath, a prominent place of worship in Gorakhpur. The city has also has derived its name from this saint Gorakhnath. The temple premise is spread over an area of about 52 acres. Khichadi Mela starts from the 14th January and last for a month. Thousands of devotees throng there from different parts of the Uttar Pradesh state.

Apart from the major festivals like Deepawali, Dussera and Holi, the city of Gorakhpur celebrates many other festivals with great religious fervor. Shivratri, Janmashtami and Chhath Puja other prominent festivals celebrated in Gorakhpur with great zeal and zest. Besides, Gorakhpur also celebrates several Muslim and Buddhist festivals. On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, a number of religious and cultural programs are organized at several Buddhist sites in Gorakhpur.

Events in Varanasi revolve around the rituals concerned with the deities revered there. The city celebrates almost all Indian festivals. Almost every month there would be a festival. Some of them are:

Bharat Milap: This is a festival marking the reunion of Rama and Bharata after 14 years of exile. This falls in the months of October and November, coinciding with the Dassara festival. Kashi Naresh attends the festivities connected with this festival.

Buddha Purnima: It is an important festival for the Buddhists. It marks the birth of Gautam Buddha. The full moon day of the Vaisakh (April/May) would be celebrated as Buddha Purnima. Saranath near Varanasi would be crowded that day.

Dev Deepawali: The full moon day in the month of Kartik is celebrated as Kartik Purnima and the same festival is known as Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. Even Jains celebrate this festival. The Ghats would be lit with clay lamps, and aarati would be done at the Ghats. Government of Uttar Pradesh holds three day cultural festival on this occasion which is known as Ganga Festival.

Hanuman Jayanti, and Maha Shivratri are the two other festivals to be celebrated in Varanasi with great fervor. Naga Nathaiya is another unique festival of Varanasi meant to celebrate the day when Krishna did Kalinga Mardan.

Nakkatayya and Ram Lila are the two events related to the story of the Ramayana. People of Varanasi rejoice these two celebrations. The episode of Shurpanakha would be enacted during the Nakkatayya celebration in October/November. Ram Lila is uniquely celebrated in Varanasi. It was started by Kashi Naresh Udit Narayan Singh based on Ramacharitamanas of Tulasidas. Different stages would be built up at different spots of Varanasi and for 15 nights there would be performances on these different stages.

Like in other places all the festivals are celebrated in Chandigarh. The cultures of the city being lively and enthusiastic people wait for each festival with eagerness and celebrate all to enjoy. The festivals allow people to know each other and learn about other cultures. The chief festivals and fairs celebrated in Chandigarh are discussed here.


                                                   
Baisakhi: 
Baisakhi is the harvest festival of Punjab when people finished with their winter crop production try to pray relax and enjoy food, dance and music on 13Th April every year. 





                                                     
Lohri:
Extremely  popular agricultural winter festival celebrated by the Punjabis. This is celebrated throughout Punjab and it's a thanks giving festival for abundant crops held on 13Th January every year. Fire is worshipped on this day. People enjoy by dancing and singing songs. 





                                                      
Holla Mohalla:
It is the festival of Arsenal celebrated in March when people dance and celebrate. Mock battles of sword and spear are fought, Competitions of poetry, music and wrestling are held.



                                                    
Teeyan :
is the women's dance festival of the Punjab region clebrates in the month of Sawan means in summer.
Dancing usually takes place on the bank of river or under big trees.The festival continues from the 3rd lunar day in the month of Sawan to the full moon day.




Other festivals are Gurpurab, Bhaiya Dooj (Tikka),  Karwa Chauth, Dusshera & Diwali.

Kota is a princely city of the state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is known for its rich culture and colorful tradition. Kota offers no exception to it. Fairs and festival forms an integral part of the culture and hence the fairs and festivals celebrated in Kota serves a platform for the tourists to witness the rich and colorful culture and traditions of the people of Kota. Kota celebrates all major festival like Deepawali, Dussera, holi etc with much enthusiasm. Along with these festivals Kota hosts many other fairs and festivals with much pomp and show.

Gangaur festival is a major festival of the state of Rajasthan. The city of Kota also celebrates the festival with much fanfare. The festival is celebrated in honor of goddess Gauri the consort of lord Shiva. It is the festival of maiden and married women and starts from the following day of holi and continues for eighteen days. It is the uniqueness of the festival in different places. For example in Bikaner married women and maidens fast and prepare sweet dishes for the festival. In Jaipur 'ghewar' a sweet dish is made specially during this festival and people buy this to eat and distribute it amoung their relatives. The festival of Dussera is celebrated in Kota with great enthusiasm. On the occasion of the festival a large effigy of demon king of Ravana is set alight in the public place. The event is witnessed by thousands of people gathered on the occasion.

Chambal Adventure sport festival in Kota is annual event organized in the month of February. The festival is participated by many professional sportsmen and army men. The festival includes the sports activities like water skiing, rafting, wind surfing, etc. Thrilling performances of sportsmen leave the audience spellbound. Chambal River on the bank of which the city of Kota is situated serves as the venue of the festival.  Kota also hosts the Handicraft Mela (fair) every year in the month of December.  Beautiful tribal artifacts, handmade articles, fabrics, paintings, etc can be seen on display and for sale in the fair.

Akkalkot is yet another major place of interest located near the city of Solapur. Situated about 38 km away from Solapur, the town of Akkalkot is famous for its shrine of Akkalkot Swami. It is home to the Vatvriksha temple of Swami Samarth and Akkalkot Swami Math which are frequented by a large number of devotees from all over Maharashtra and other parts of the country as well.

Visakhapatnam is a coastal city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as Vizag, the city of Visakhapatnam serves to be a major tourist destination in the state. Home to several prominent places of interest, Visakhapatnam is visited by a number of tourists throughout the year.

                                           Kailasgiri Park :

Kailasgiri Park located on the top of a small hill is a major tourist attraction in Visakhapatnam. Situated near the cost of Bay of Bengal, Kailasgiri hill offers panoramic views of the city and its beaches. The hill is known as Kailasgiri due to the presence of sacred statues of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. During night entire area is beautifully illuminated offering amazing spectacle when viewed from any part of the city. Rope-way facility has been provided there to reach the top of the hill. One can also enjoy the activity of paragliding which gives a thrilling  experience. 

                                           Borra Caves :

Famous for stalactite and stalagmite formation, Borra Caves situated at Anantgiri in Visakhapatnam is prominent historical site. Discovered in 1807, Borra Caves is an important archeological place in Andhra Pradesh state. Paleolithic implements found there are several thousand years old. The place also assumes religious significance as a Shivlinga and an idol of holy cow Kamdhenu have been placed deep in the caves. This historical and religious significance places is visited by a number of tourist and devotees throughout the year.

                                           Ramakrishna Beach :

Ramakrishna Beach is much frequented place in Visakhapatnam which lies just about 120 south of Srikakulam city, another major coastal city of Andhra Pradesh. It happens to be one of the most beautiful beaches located of the east coast of India.   Ramakrishna Beach serves to be a perfect place for the people of Visakhapatnam to relax and unwind. The beach derives its name from Ramakrishna Mission and is popularly called as R K Beach.

                                           Submarine Museum :

Many places of interest like Visakha Museum, war memorial and aquarium are located along this beach. Apart from the above mentioned places, Visakhapatnam houses many other places of interest in and around it.

How to reach Visakhapatnam :

 

By air:-  

 Visakhapatnam airport is the nearest and easiest airport to reach Visakhapatnam. It is located at 7 km away from the city. This airport is well link with other many Indian cities airport. Traveler can hire a taxi online prior to their arrival through recommended car rental services.

By train:-  

By road:-

Visakhapatnam, the port city of Andhra Pradesh state, is known for hosting several cultural events and festivals. Also known as Vizag, the city of Visakhapatnam is famous for its Visakha Utsav (festival). Visakha Utsav is a three day long festival organized by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department. The festival starts every year from third Friday of January and last for the next three days. To promote tourism in and around Visakhapatnam is the main purpose of hosting this cultural event. Folk dance, music, arts, crafts and cuisines are the main highlights of this festival. Rama Krishna beach serves to be the main venue of Visakha Utsav. A number of artists from different parts of Andhra Pradesh take part in the festival and display their arts and skills. Exhibition, fashion show and food fairs are other noteworthy features of Visakha festival
Chandana Yatra, also known as Chandanostavam, is major religious festival celebrated at Sri Varaha Laxminarasimha temple situated at Simachalam near Visakhapatnam. Held every year in the month of March-April, Chandanostavam witnesses a large number of devotees thronging there from all over Andhra Pradesh and some parts of neighboring states. On the occasion of the festival the idol of the main deity which is kept covered with sandal paste all the time is removed ceremoniously and is covered with new and fresh layer of sandalwood.
Rishikonda Beach Festival is another major cultural event of Visakhapatnam organized every year in the month of December. Exhibition stores, craft Bazaar and food shows are the key attractions of the festival. Another interesting festival of Visakhapatnam is Lumbini festival associated with Buddhism. Organized every year in the month of December, Lumbini festival is marked with various religious and cultural activities.