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.

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.