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Konark Dance Festival, Orissa


   Tourists visiting Konark in the month of December has a great chance of enjoying much more than mere sightseeing and beautiful beaches as  the town of Konark in the state of Orissa (India)hosts its the charming Dance festival every year in the month of December.  The dance festival offers an occasion for the tourists to witness the many renowned classical dancers performing their arts at the backdrop of Sun Temple, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.
    Konark dance festival is an occasion where many eminent dancers from all over the country are seen performing in open theatre. The festival is celebration of classical dance forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak etc. Konark Dance Festival is a joint of initiative of Odissi Research Center and Orissa Tourism. The festival has been successfully organized for the last 19 years. It is an event to honor the classical dance forms and celebrated classical dancers. Konark dance festival also provides a platform to both acclaimed and budding talents who are seen enthralling the visitors by their outstanding performance. The event of festival is witnessed by thousands of tourist from across the country. Craft Mela is another added feature of the festival where many beautiful handicrafts are seen being purchased by many tourists.

Sonepur Cattle Fair, Bihar

 
Sonepur, a small town of Bihar, is famous for its fair popularly called Sonepur Mela. Sonepur Mela is known for its cattle fair (especially elephant) and sometimes it is also called as Sonepur cattle fair.  Sonepur cattle fair is Asia’s one of the biggest cattle fairs. The town of Sonepur, situated at just 22 km of Patna -capital city of Bihar, hosts this fair every year in the month of November.
Sonepur fair has historical importance as it was visited by royal Rajas and Nawabs in the past. They used to camp there during the fair. Sonepur fair holds religious significance as it was held on the full moon day of Kartik month (November) which is considered to be the most sacred month of Hindu calendar. Sonepur is located at the meeting point of two holy rivers namely Ganga and Gandak. People visiting Sonepur fair are seen taking bath in this holy confluence point of two rivers and seeking bless in Hariharnath Mandir located there.
A Sonepur fair is an event and a place where thousands of cattle are sold and bought. The cattle particularly include elephant, horse, camel etc. the fair is held on large ground and is visited by lakhs of people throughout the country and from abroad as well. The fair is not just confined to cattle fair, it is also an event when numerous cultural and entertaining programs like dance, music, folk arts etc are performed.

Navratri Festival


Navratri, the festival of nine nights, is celebrated in all parts of India every year. The festival comes in Ashvin (Sept-Oct) month of Hindu calendar.  The festival sees the worshipping the goddess Durga and her nine Shakti forms during the nine day of the festival. Navratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit. The festival is celebrated to mark the mythological incidence in which the goddess Durga kills the demon Mhaisasura.
Festival of Navratri reminds you of Gujarat which gives the festival a charming look. The festival also brings before you the views of people in Garba playing Dandiyas and dancing to the tunes of Navratri songs. This charming celebration of the festival in Gujarat has also lured people of Maharashtra, Goa and other states to begin to celebrate the Navratri festival that way.
Navratri is celebrated with utmost devotion to the goddess Durga. During the nine days, especially  between evening and pre mid night time, people are seen worshipping the goddess. Idols of goddess Durga are installed in pandals where people gather in the evening, performs the puja (worship) of the goddess. And as soon as the puja is done young boys and girls are seen playing Dandiyas to the tune of special Navratri songs. Bollywood songs are also played for Dandiys in some Pandals.
The festival also marks end of spring and beginning of autumn in India. After the nine days celebration of Navratri, Dussera, which is itself a major festival, is celebrated throughout the country.

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival - Indian Festival


Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival celebrating the birth of elephant headed deity, Ganehsa. Ganesha (also known as Ganapati, Lambodara) is a deity governing the obstacles and wisdom. The deity has a very significant place in any rituals that are done in India. Before starting any new venture, it has been the tradition to do puja of Ganehsa. Ganesha would save from obstacles.
           The festival of Ganesha falls in the month of September usually, in the month of Bhadrapad according to Hindu calendar.  It is celebrated on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing moon period. The celebration lasts for ten days maximum culminating on the eleventh day as Ananth Chaturdashi. Idol of Ganesha would be installed on the first day followed by puja. Earlier people used to install clay idols. Now, plaster of Paris idols are available. People buy the idols from the local artisans. Every day puja would be done to Ganesha as long as he stays. Some keep him for two, some other for four days. On the decided day the idol would be immersed in water.  Ganesha idols would be installed privately at homes, or, by forming into groups one may install Ganesha in public. The freedom fighter ‘Balagangadhar Tilak’ started community processions during Ganesha festival to spread the sense of unity among Indians. People would form into different groups and install their community Ganesha. They would arrange entertainment program on each day. The Ganesha idol would be immersed by taking a procession.
   Ganesha is known as Goddess Parvati’s creation. Stories tell that he is fond of sweets, especially dumplings (‘Modak). So, Modaks would be prepared at homes to appease the deity. Ganesha would be installed in a ‘Mantap’ (on a small stage). The mantaps would be decorated with flowers and lighting. Ganesha idols in various sizes would be installed. On the day of installation (on Chaturthi), it is said that one should not look at moon. Even outside the country this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. There is a need to create awareness among the devotees about the eco friendly idols of Ganesha since the plaster of Paris idols are not environment friendly and the idols should not be immersed in public wells that are used for drinking purpose.

Raksha Bandhan - Festival In India





Raksha Bandhan is a unique festival of India celebrating a special bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion a special thread would be tied on to brother’s wrist by the sister. People of India celebrate this festival on the full moon day in the month of Shravana (according to Hindu lunar calendar). The date usually falls in the month of August.  This festival is very popular in the northern part of India. In the southern part people celebrate the full moon day of Shravan by wearing a new ‘sacred thread’ and it is called ‘yajur-upakarma’.
It is difficult to trace the origin of this festival. Hindu scriptures do not have any specific instructions as such to do such a ritual on this day. However there are instances in Puranas and epics when a sister ties something similar to ‘Rakhi’ and the brother promises to protect her. One such instance is the episode of Krishna and Draupadi. Draupadi seemed to have tied a piece of her saree when Krishna got wounded in some occasion and Krishna seemed to have promised her to help her in danger. So, it is said that there was a sort of brother-sister relationship between the both. Many stories like the one mentioned are quoted while tracing the origin of this festival. However Rani Karnavati’s instance has gained (of Chittur) much popularity. The Mughal ruler Humayun seemed to have evacuated Bahadur Shah’s army from Chittur as a token of acknowledgement to the gesture shown by the queen. The queen (Rani Karnavati) seemed to have sent a Rakhi to Humayun. The tradition of tying Rakhi has been an important part of Indian festivities strengthening the bond of harmony among its people.
Rakhi could be tied to any individual other than our own siblings. On that day sister ties Rakhi (Rakhi is a special thread prepared for this occasion. We can choose to decorate the thread) to her brother and the brother in return presents her something as a token of acknowledgement. That is just a token. The real intention is to strengthen the bond of love and harmony.

Fair and festival in Belgaum




Belgaum culture is largely influenced by the Marathi and Kannada people as it is inhabited by both of these communities. Festival forms an integral part of the culture and hence the influence of multi-cultures can vividly be seen on the celebrations of festivals in Belgaum. Belgaum celebrates with full zest all major national festivals like Diwali, Dussera, holi, Id-ul-fitr, Christmas, etc. Apart from these festivals Belgaum hosts many other festivals and fairs with much pomp and show. Sri  Yellamma  Devi Fair is an important fair of Karnataka state and is organized in the Belgaum district. The fair is attended by thousands of people across Karnataka state. Godachi Fair is another major fair of Karnataka held at Ramdurg tahsil in Belgaum. The fair is visited by thousands of devotees  from far and wide.

Culture of Belgaum



Belgaum is the fine blend of culture of Marathi and Kannada people. Owing to its proximity to Goa and Maharashtra, Belgaum enjoys the cultural diversity. Marathi is the widely spoken language of Belgaum while Kannada is also spoken by many people there. In rural part of the Belgaum district people  are found wearing a turban with long tailpiece in the rear while their women folk are seen wearing sari with the lower half of it worn like a dhoti. People in urban part of the district have changed with the time and have adopted themselves to modern style of dressing and living. A great influence of both Marathi and Kannada can be seen on cultures and traditional customs of Belgaum. Cuisines of Belgaum have Maharashtrian flavor as the city offers many typical Maharashtrian dishes. Belgaum celebrates all major festivals of India with much fanfare.

Culture of Shirdi


Culture of Shirdi
 
Shirdi is a popular town situated in Maharashtra state. Shirdi is famous for its temple of Sri Sai Baba. The temple is visited by many devotees from across the country throughout the year. Marathi is the widely spoken language of the people while Hindi can also be understood and spoken by some.  Sri Sai Baba is revered by the people of different religions like Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. Though the town of Shirdi is inhabited by mainly by Hindu people there other people who belonged to different religion like Muslim and Buddhist. 
The people of Shirdi consider themselves to be privileged ones as it is their town where the India’s most revered saint Sri Sai Baba spent his most of his life. Shirdi has now grown in to a major pilgrimage center visited by lakhs of people from across the country and that had led to the many employment opportunity for the people of Shirdi. People of Shirdi also celebrate many important festivals of India with much fanfare. Earlier the people of Shirdi used to wear their traditional attires. Men used to don the Dhoti and Pheta while their women folk used to wear Choli and Lugda. But now young ones of the town have taken to modern way living. But some elderly men and women are still found in their traditional attires.   

Fair and Festivals in Shirdi



Shirdi Sai Baba
Fairs and Festivals of Shirdi

Shirdi is famous pilgrimage town in India. Situated in Ahamadnagar district of state of Maharashtra, Shirdi is famous for the temple of Sri Sai Baba. Shirdi celebrates all major festivals of India with much fanfare. But there are some festivals in Shirdi that are linked to Sri Sai Baba. 
 Ramnavai is an important festival of India. But in Shirdi the festival has additional importance attached to it. Here in Shirdi celebration of the festival is related to an event happened in the life of Sri Sai Baba. In 1897 Gopal Rao Gund, after he had a child due to the blessing of Sri Sai Baba, proposed to hold Urs (a Muslim fair). Sri Baba conceded to it but asked him to organize it on the day of Ramnavami. The reason behind this was that Baba wanted to bring the people of both communities together and he had succeeded in his purpose to far extent.  Today the celebration of the festival of Ramnavami in Shirdi also witnesses the participation of Muslim people.
 Guru Purnima is another important festival event in Shirdi. Though Guru Purnima is celebrated in all parts of the country, the town of Shirdi witnesses thousands of people visiting the town and seeking the blessings of their guru Sri Sai Baba. On Vijayadashami thousands of devotees visit the temple of Sri Sai Baba in Shirdi as the day of Vijayadashami also happens to be the day of Sai Baba’s Punyatithi (death anniversary). 

Sindhu Darshan Festival



  India, the land of different cultures and religions, hosts Sindhu Darshan Festival every year at Leh of Ladakh district in Jammu and  Kashmir state. The festival is organized on the banks of the river Sindhu in the month of June. The three day long festival is an event to showcase the different cultures of India coming together and thus displaying India’s unity in its diversity. The festival is held on the banks of Sindhu River also known as river Indus which is presented at the occasion as a symbol of communal harmony among people of different religion and cultures.

Ever since the inception of Sindhu Darshan Festival way back in 1997, the festival has gained worldwide popularity with thousands of tourists from different parts of the world attending it every year.  Celebration of the Sindhu Darshan Festival is an indeed proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir state. It serves to be an occasion when people belonging to different religion, cultures and different parts of India are seen showcasing their folk arts, dance, music and thereby displaying multi dimensional cultures of the country. On the occasion of the festival people bring water from different rivers of their regions in earthen pots and pours it into Indus River thus symbolizing the multi cultures of India merging together at one place. Delhi serves to be the main airbase to land at for the visitors coming from other countries. Leh, the place of Sindhu Darshan Festival, is easily accessible from Delhi.

First day of the festival sees wide reception ceremony for the thousands of the tourists come from across the world. The reception ceremony is arranged by the joint association of different religious groups. About fifty lamas are seen performing the prayer as part of ritual on the bank of the river. Then many people and artists from different parts of the country take part in the several cultural activities. Sight- seeing tour is also organized for the visitors on the occasion.

Fair and festival in Bikaner


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 Festival





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.


Fair and Festival in Khajuraho





 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.

Fair and Festival In Alleppey



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.

Culture of Ajmer



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.        

Fair and festival in Ajmer, Rajasthan



 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.

Fair and festival in Gorakhpur



 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.

Fair and festival in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh



 
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.

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