Showing posts with label Indian Festivals. Show all posts
Konkan Fruit Festival
As the name suggests the Konkan fruit festival is all about the fruits of Konkan region of India. The festival is organized every year in Panjim, Goa. The festival is exhibition -cum sale of the fruits of Konkan region. This three day summer festival is organized by Botanical society of Goa in association with City Corporation of Panjim. Fruit eating and fruit carving contest and other completions of homemade fruit items like jams, wines, squashes etc are fun activities of the festival.
Konkan fruit festival witnesses the wide response from thousands people who are seen visiting the festival and enjoying the event. You can also see at the festival wide variety plants and seedling and edible items made of fruits being sold on large scale. Many stalls set up for the occasion are seen displaying wide variety different fruits of Konkan region. You can have the choice of buying these delicious fruits as they are also available for sell. Though the festival is all about Konkan fruits, it also offers the visitors other entertaining activities like music and dance programs and fancy dress competition thus attracting more and more tourists to witness the amazing event
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Holi - Festival Of Colors
Significance of Holi festival
Festival of color, Holi is a spring festival celebrated by the Hindus in all over the world. It is the most charming festival of India celebrated in each part of the country. There are many stories associated with the origin of Holi festival. It is mainly believed to be related with lord Krishna. It is said that lord Krishna often complained of his dark skin to his mother comparing his skin color to the Radha's fair color. His mother decided to apply the color to Radha. Later on Krishna played such pranks on Radha and other Gopikas. Thus the festival is celebrated to commemorate Radha’s celestial love for Krishna.The festival of Holi is celebrated at the end of the winter. The festival usually falls on the last full moon of day of Phalguna (Feb- March) month. On the eve of the Holi festival particular bonfire is set on fire thus marking the mythological incidence of Holika Dahan in which Holika (a demoness with a boon that she could not be burnt) dies of burning when she sits on pyre with Prhalad (an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu) who escapes the fire unhurt due to supernatural power of the god lord Vishnu.
Celebration of Holi contains the activities of people throwing colors mixed with water and applying colors to each other. The festival of Holi gets different flavor in different parts of the country. There are many form of the festival of Holi celebrated in different ways. Lath Mar Holi in Barsna is very striking. Thousands of people gather at the compound of Radha Rani temple to witness the women striking hard with sticks to men who are seen protecting themselves with some kind of shields. Mathura, Vrindavan, Braj, Agra are some of the places related with lord Krishna and hence celebration of Holi there is very religious and divine.
Holi in different states of India
Holi is also known by different names in different parts of the state. In West Bengal and Orissa it is known as Dolyatra of Basant Panchami while it has other name of Phagawa in Bihar. In Maharashtra and Goa Holi is known as Dhulivandan. Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are some forms of main festival of Holi. Holi festival abolishes the gap between rich and poor, men and women, young and old, rich and poor who all comes together to celebrate colorful Holi.Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Maha Shivaratri festival
Maha Shivaratri is celebrated to remember lord Shiva and take his blessings for personal well being in this life and after. The shivratri is observed a day before the amavasya in the phalgun month according to Hindu calendar. The devotees of Shiva stay awake on 13Th night, generally walking / travelling to some Shiva temple, singing/chanting panchakshari mantra and praising the lord Shiva. They fast on 14Th day as a penance and offering to lord Shiva, people generally restrain themselves from eating grains on this day, only some fruits, milk and milk products and some items like sabudana (sago), nuts and dry fruits can be savored while fasting. Some people take a complete fasting and restrain themselves from eating anything and some even fast without water known as nirjala fast. Bael leaves, flowers, ghee lamp, incense sticks and bhoga are offered at the temples. This is the biggest devotional event among the Hindus and devotees all around the country(India) observe this day with great religious obligations.
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Indian Festivals,
Vasant Panchami - a festival devoted to Goddess Saraswati
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| Vasant Panchami |
Vasant Panchami is a festival celebrated by the Hindus all over the world. The festival celebrates the goddess of Saraswati which is known to be the goddess of Knowledge. Goddess Saraswati is a consort of the lord Brahma who is according to Hindu mythology, considered to be the creator of the whole universe. Devi Saraswati is known to be goddess of learning and wisdom. The Goddess Saraswati symbolizes the Knowledge.
The word Panchami literally means five and the festival falls on the fifth day of Mag (Jan- Feb) month of the Indian Calendar. The day is supposed to be auspicious to teach the children to write their first word in their life. On the occasion of Vasant Panchami Brahmins are invited to home and fed. Yellow color gets importance on this day. People usually try to wear yellow dress on this festival. India’s crop fields are filled with the color yellow, as the yellow mustard flowers bloom at this time of the year.The goddess Saraswati is also adorned with yellow cloths and worshiped.
Pitri Tarpan is done on the occasion of Vasant Panchami. Pitri Tarpan means worshiping ancestors. Kamdev (the god of love) is also worshipped on this holy event. Sweets are exchanged with relatives and friends. Children like to fly kites on this day. Vasant Panchami has a great religious and social importance in Indian society and hence the festival is celebrated with great fervor.
Vasant Panchami is celebrated in Punjab with more fascinating way. First of all the festival is known as Basant Panchami here. On the occasion children and many young boys and girls fly the colorful kites. Thousands of colorful kites presents amazing look in the sky. This is largely seen in Ferozepur (Punjab) where the festival is also known as Kite Festival.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Lohri - Festival in India
Lohri festival popularly celebrated in North India especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and the nearby areas.
Lohri is celebrated on the 13th of January marking the end of the winter season. The next day is the first day of their month. The festival coincides with the Hindu festival Makara Sankranti (celebrated on the 14th of January). Many people believe the festival began as a celebration of the eve of the winter solstice. The day begins with children collecting money from houses in the neighborhood. Children go from door to door singing songs in praise of Dulha Bhatti, a famous legendary Rajpoot hero of the Punjab who robbed the rich and helped the poor. On the eve of Lohri people create huge bonfires in the harvested fields and in front of homes after that they gather around bonfires and pray for good year. Popular songs, peanuts and corn puffs are enjoyed near the flames. Sarson da saag and makki di roti is usually served as the main course at a Lohri dinner. Farmers pray to God for good harvest seasons and good financial year on the eve of Lohri.
Lohri is celebrated on the 13th of January marking the end of the winter season. The next day is the first day of their month. The festival coincides with the Hindu festival Makara Sankranti (celebrated on the 14th of January). Many people believe the festival began as a celebration of the eve of the winter solstice. The day begins with children collecting money from houses in the neighborhood. Children go from door to door singing songs in praise of Dulha Bhatti, a famous legendary Rajpoot hero of the Punjab who robbed the rich and helped the poor. On the eve of Lohri people create huge bonfires in the harvested fields and in front of homes after that they gather around bonfires and pray for good year. Popular songs, peanuts and corn puffs are enjoyed near the flames. Sarson da saag and makki di roti is usually served as the main course at a Lohri dinner. Farmers pray to God for good harvest seasons and good financial year on the eve of Lohri.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Navratri Festival
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
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Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
Fair and Festivals in Shirdi
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| Shirdi Sai Baba |
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).
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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:
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 :
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,
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.
Tag :
Indian Festivals,