Barbanki mela

The spirit of secularism in India is manifested by the ample varieties of fairs and festivals celebrated here. Indians celebrate almost all festivals of all religions with full swing and Barbanki mela is the perfect illustration of such national integration.

Introduction to Barbanki Mela: 

Barbanki Mela also referred as Deva mela, is principally the occasion of Muslim religion and is celebrated annually in the months of October and November.

The carnival is organized at Deva, 10 km. from Barabanki. The place is popular for the presence of the famous dargah of Haji Waris Ali Shah, the revered Sufi saint. The Urs or commemoration of the sacred shrine of the Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah is celebrated as Barbanki Mela, attended by devoted Muslims from far long areas in Barbanki mela.

Every year thousands of people gather from almost all parts of India to participate in the fair. Pilgrims from Pakistan and Middle East countries also reach here to witness the holy fair.

This fair promotes the feelings of communal harmony and peace among all and even contributes in strengthening bonds with neighboring countries.

Celebration:

Pilgrims from far long areas gather in Barbanki fair to pay their homage to the Sufi Saint and enjoy the religious fair. The arena of fair gets vibrant by the stunning decorations and lightings of shops at fair ground.

The 10 day fair starts with the ceremony of chadar presentation. Silk Sheets are placed on the tombs of Haji Sahib.

Barbanki Fair is filled with lots of exhilarating activities, where one can enjoy and get lost in festivities of the fair.

The fair organizes cultural activities like Mushaira, Kavi sammelan, Music Conference and Debate. All those who are interested in games, can participate in different tournaments of Hockey, Volleyball, and Badminton as well as Rifle shooting and Kite Flying programs.

Cattle market is the main attraction for visitors from distinct places. As shops have always been the vital part of any fair, this fair also set up many shops adding much excitement for people attending the fair. The fair concludes on a higher note with display of fabulous fireworks.

Barbanki Mela

This year the popular 10 days long extravaganza of Barbanki Mela is on October 7.

Autumn Flower Show

Meghalaya one of the most important states of north east India is famous for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Flowers are one of the most attractive gifts of nature and holds special place in the hearts of all people. The Autumn Flower show held in Meghalaya is one of its kinds in India. The variety and range of flowers found in the state of Meghalaya is the most exquisite. 

The Autumn flower show is an annual event that is celebrated with great fun and frolic in the state of Meghalaya. It is organized in the months of October- November. Specifically the show is an exhibition of different varieties of decorative flowers. This show is exhibited in the All Saints Hall of Shillong which is situated in the East Khasi Hills. The exhibition is known for its rare floral collection and the range of plants that are displayed here.

Sunflowers, fire bush trees, different types of hibiscus, zinnias, crepe myrtle, lotus and other beautiful flowers are displayed in the Autumn Flower Exhibition at Meghalaya.

Localites along with nature and flower lovers from all over India come here during the months of October November to witness this grand spectacle of flora.

Although over the years many such shows are organized in different parts of the country, a number of states, yet the Autumn Flower Show of Meghalaya holds its distinction and uniqueness till date.

Meghalaya located in the North Eastern zone of India is blessed with amazing flora and fauna. It is also known to be the greenest state in North East India. The richness of flora and fauna found here is remarkable.

Autumn Festival

Shillong the capital of Meghalaya becomes vibrant and comes alive during the months of October November specifically because of the Autumn Festival held here during this time. It is a cultural extravaganza organized by the government of Meghalaya along with other organizations. The event is a means of entertainment and frolic for the inhabitants of Shillong.

Apart from the localites of the area, tourists and visitors from all over India gather here during the Autumn Festival in October November to celebrate the festive spirit of the state of Meghalaya.

The event is packed with fashion shows organized by government provides an opportunity to different designers to showcase their designs which are made out of indigenous fabric which are woven in the state. Apart from the fashion show there are other events like food and wine festivals, flower shows, kite flying competitions, music and rock festivals, golf tournaments, fishing competitions and a host of other activities, which are organized during the Festival.

Both localites and tourists have a great time during the activities of the festival. It is celebrated on a grand scale and is immensely popular.

Meghalaya literally means “Land of clouds” and is extremely famous for its traditional dance and music. Meghalaya is also a state which gives home to a number of tribes. Many tribal communities with their own set of culture, customs and traditions observe festivals with their own set of customs. Most of the festivals of Meghalaya revolve around agriculture, which is the prime occupation of the state people. Apart from the Autumn Festival other popular festivals include Wangala Festival, Seng Kut Snem, Autumn flower festival etc.

How to reach:

By Air:

The state does not have any airport. The nearest airport is at Guwahati, which is only 128kms from Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya. A helicopter service operates betweenGuwahati, Shillong (30 min) and Tura (60 min), which is convenient and economical.

By Rail:

The state does not have any train service. The nearest and railway station is in Guwahati. The state has very convenient road connection with Guwahati throughout the year.

By Road:

Road Network in the state is quite efficient and covers the state conveniently. National Highway 40 is an all-weather road running through the state. The road connects Shillong withGuwahati, which in turn is connected to other major cities in rest of the country.

Aanvla Navami

The festival of Aanvla Navmi is celebrated with joy by women. Women pray for the success and welfare of their family on the day of Aanvla Navmi. 

According to Hindu calendar, the festival Aanvla Navmi is on the ninth day of Shukla Paksh (waxing Phase of moon) in the month of Karthik. In 2009, the Aanvla Navmi is on October 27.

Preparation for the puja

Anvla navmi Puja is of special significance for women. This day ladies perform special puja and pray before Indian Goose Berry Tree or Aanvla (Amla) tree. If the aanvla tree is not present in close vicinity of the house, a small branch of the tree can be brought to the house for performing puja.

Requirements:

• Indian Goose Berry Tree or Aanvla (Amla) tree or branch of the tree.
• Water in a kalash
• Milk
• Roll, moli, chawal, jaggery, batasha
• Raw white thread, moli
• Doop, deepak, matchstick
• Money for offering
• Saree, blouse—piece and dakshina for Brahminis (optional)
• Blouse piece (either red, yellow or pink in color)

Method

Puja of Aanvla Navmi is performed by women for the well being and prosperity of their family. On the day of Aanvla Navmi, women rise up early in the morning and then take bath and wear new or washed clothes (Pure).

All women of near by places gather and move to the place where aanvla tree is present and if the tree is not present then branch of the tree is brought and set in mud or kalash filled with water.

Puja is always performed in a particular direction. This puja for Aanvla Navmi is performed while facing towards east. First, water is offered to the tree followed by milk, moli, roli, chawal, jaggery, batasha, aanvla, blouse piece and some money.

Deepak and Dhup (Lamp) are lit before the tree then all ladies put tilak (Auspicious red color Mark by roli) on their forehead.

The special trend of Parikrama is practiced in which women revolve around the tree for 8 or 108 times and while moving they wrap the raw white thread or red moli (Red sacred thread) around the aanvla tree.

After performing Parikrama, all women sit together and read or listens Katha associated with Aanvla Navmi. Katha of Bindaayakji is read after the katha of Aanvla Navmi. There is also the practice of keeping few grains in the hand during katha and later placed in kalash filled with water placed near aanvla tree.

There is also tradition of inviting the Brahmini for food and presenting clothes and dakshina (money).

Women should include goose berry or Aanvla in their food on the day of Aanvla navmi.

   

Katha

There was a Raja who used to give away 40 kgs of aanvla made of gold to the Brahmins every day and then only ate his food. One day his son objected to his generosity saying that they will be left with nothing if the Raja continued his charity.

 

The Raja felt very unhappy and along with his Rani left the palace to live in a jungle. A week passed by. As the Raja could not offer aanvla to the Brahmins, he did not eat. On seeing the plight of the Raja, the God was worried that the Raja might die without eating. That night he told the Raja in his dream to have his food assuring him that everything will be made alright.

In the morning with the blessings of the God the Raja found lots of wealth and a tree of Aanvla with fruits made of gold. The Raja along with his Rani gave away the gold fruits to the Brahmins, performed the puja and took his meals.

The news about the generous Raja spread in the surrounding villages. In the meanwhile, the Raja's son and daughter-in-law had lost their kingdom and were very unhappy. After hearing about the generosity of the Raja, they came to him looking for some work. The Rani recognised them instantly but the son did not know that the generous Raja was his father. Rani told the ministers to employ them with high salary but instructed them to assign very little work to them.

One day Rani called her daughter-in-law to give her a bath. As she was giving Rani the bath the daughter-in-law started crying. On inquiring, she told that Rani has a black spot on the back which was similar to that of her mother-in-law whom she and her husband had insulted. Rani told her that she indeed was her mother-in-law. The son and daughter-in-law were very regretful and asked for forgiveness. Raja, Rani, son and the daughter-in-law all started living happily together and daily gave aanvla to Brahrnins.

Hey Almighty, as you blessed the Raja and the Rani by giving them wealth and happiness, so also bless the narrator of the katha, listeners of the katha and the followers of the katha along with their family.

 

Heikru Hitongba

The Festival of Heikru Hitongba is an annual Festival held in the state of Manipur. The festival is always celebrated on the canal in Bijoy Govinda area on eleventh Langban. This festival has a multidimensional significance as apart from being a source of fun and entertainment it also has an associated religious significance to it.

Heikru Hitongba is largely a boat race festival, with the boat race being the most important part and ingredient of the Festival. The race is closely related to the Govindajee Temple. The deities from the temple and the palace are made to supervise the race. The festival is hugely awaited by the localites of the area and is celebrated with great pride and fervor.

The festival is a single day event with the main event being the boat race. Narrow boats are used for this purpose. These boats are able to accommodate a large number of rowers. Not any person wanting to participate can do so, as it requires expertise in rowing the boat. The canal in Bijoy Govinda area is 16 metre wide canal and witnesses maddening rush during the festival time.

The race normally involves teams with huge number of participants, with each team trying to put their level best to win the competition and get good news for their communities. One very famous and widely followed ritual involves installing the idol of Lord Vishnu who is then supposed to preside over the race and smooth running of the festival. The Brahmins give offerings of gold and silver before the presiding deities and idols. Overall the atmosphere is extremely spirited and charged with positivity. All participants and spectators enjoy the race fully and cheer with full gusto.

Time of celebration:

The festival of Heikru Hitongba is celebrated every year in the month of September, ideal to enjoy the boat race.

International Literacy day

Introduction

International literacy day was proclaimed to be held every year on September 8th by the United Nations on November 17th, 1965. The first literacy day however was observed on 1966. The main aim behind starting a day on literacy was to spread awareness among individuals, communities and countries.

Literacy is recognized as a global requirement and various activities and celebrations are made throughout the world on this day. The United Nations and its agency UNESCO, every year launch many programs like seminars, awareness drives, school and college competitions, exchange programs, rural education programs to spread the roots and awareness of an educated and well literate world.


Literacy-importance:

Why is literacy important?

Literacy is not only important to read and write but it leads to an overall more empowered society. Some of the reasons of importance of Literacy are:

• “Right to Literacy” is a human right and a means for personal empowerment.
• It is important for social development.
• A literate society is the core of developing a society free of poverty, child mortality, population growth, gender equality, peace and development.
• A literate individual is the best means to spreading further learning and education. As an example it is easy to visualize that a literate person will definitely send his kid to attain education.

2009-The Power of Literacy


Theme: The theme for Literacy day 2009 is “Literacy and empowerment”. That is all the awareness and development activities will be focused on how a literate society can lead to better economic, healthy and growing world.


2007-2008

Theme: The theme of International literacy day 2007-08 was the relationship between literacy and health.


2005-2006

Theme:” Literacy sustains development”. As it is believed that literacy is the outcome of development, it stated that it sustains development as well.


Literacy Initiatives


Since the inception of Literacy day, it has been widely supported and encouraged by many countries, organizations and institutes. Some of the supporters and initiative takers of Literacy day and the move for education are:

Literacy Initiative (LIFE) (2005-2015)

LIFE, UNESCO’s literacy Initiative for empowerment is

• framework that defines strategies for the activities under the United Nations literary decade(2003-2012) to achieve “Education for all” (EFA)mission.The activities will specially focus on the adult-education and children out-of-school. Although there were many measures taken to achieve the target of increasing the literacy day by 50 %, they were still not enough, and thus, this initiative called LIFE was suggested.
• The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is coordinating LIFE.

Participating countries are:

• Asia and the Pacific: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea;
• Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone;
• Arab States: Egypt, Iraq, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan and Yemen;
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Brazil and Haiti.

The immediate objectives of LIFE are:

• 
  To reinforce the national and international commitment to literacy through advocacy and communication;
• To support the articulation of policies for sustainable literacy within sector-wide and national development frameworks:
• To strengthen national capacities for programme design, management and implementation;
• To enhance countries' innovative initiatives and practices in providing literacy learning opportunities.

Education for all

This literary initiative was started by UNESCO, which was meant to provide literacy needs for all ages till 2015. Ten important things about EFA:
EFA is a right: Since1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that “everyone has the right to education” (Article 26), UNESCO has maintained that obtaining education is not a matter of chance and situations it is a “right.

EFA is everyone’s concern: Time to time different countries and organizations have come together to realize the importance for cooperated efforts and need for literacy.

EFA is a development imperative:

A world of peace, dignity, justice and equality depends on many factors – education is central among them. Literacy is central to a more healthy and developed society as a educated individual is more probable to take informed choices and decisions.

EFA really is FOR ALL:

As a matter of fact still there are lots of discriminations even in the field of education. It is noticed that girls, rural kids, street children, underprivileged children are more in number when it comes to illiteracy. Thus, literacy cannot attain its goal without developing a strategic plan.

EFA is for all ages and in all settings:

According to EFA , it is never too late to learn and never too early to start.

EFA means inclusive quality learning:

Quality learning is one that makes one’s living more sophisticated and easier. The curriculum, teaching procedure and various other factors come into play to define a quality Education.

EFA is making remarkable progress:

With many acitivities under EFA, secondary students has risen substantially, public spending on education has increased, number of secondary students has risen substantially, more girls are enrolled than ever before and many more areas have shown progressive growth.

EFA still faces many challenges:

According to recent calculations, approximately 75 million children are still not enrolled in school and an estimated 776 million adults (16% of the world’s population) have not yet had the opportunity to learn to read and write

EFA needs support from everyone:

For a goal as large as EFA, the progress is not possible until and unless political, technical and economic support is provided from all the participating entities.

EFA has a multiplier effect:

Education does not only influence the lives of an individual but also simultaneously affect the lives of corresponding families, society and organizations.

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan(India)

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is a pioneer program that was started under the then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.The main aim of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan is to provide elementary education to all children in the 6-14 years of age-group. The same has been mentioned in the 86th amendment to the Constitution of India making free and compulsory education to children of ages 6-14. Under SSA, many areas which do not have the facility of schools or with inadequate infrastructure have been provided with additional teachers, ladies staff, clerical staff, convinience facilities etc.


Other initiatives taken:

4. The Writers for Literacy Initiative : Various writers from across the world took up the cause of education and emphasized the need of written knowledge. Some of the writers are: Margaret Atwood, Paul Auster, Philippe Claudel, Paulo Coelho, Philippe Delerm, Fatou Diome, Chahdortt Djavann, Nadine Gordimer, Amitav Ghosh, Marc Levy, Alberto Manguel, Anna Moi, Scott Momaday, Toni Morrison, Erik Orsenna, Gisèle Pineau, El Tayeb Salih, Francisco Jose Sionil, Wole Soyinka, Amy Tan, Miklós Vámos, Abdourahman Waberi, Wei Wei, Banana Yoshimoto.

5. Companies/organizations: Apart from the writers there are many charitable and non-charitable organizations those are fighting against the cause of illiteracy.

6. Contributions of Montblanc: This company is into manufacturing of handwriting instruments and since many years has been supporting UNESCO’s mission by providing underprivileged children with means of education. Also, on international literacy day’2009, Montblanc will auction 12 portraits of famous figures to raise money for the education of underprivileged children.

Mission:Literacy

The goal behind the foundation of International literacy day and other initiatives for literacy remains to achieve literacy and education for all countries, classes, genders, ages at least at the basic level.

Today its definitely a point of jubilation that the number of literate people in the world is approx. four billion, but, the aim to have an “all literate world” remains a dream as today one in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women while 75 million children are out of school. There have been many lacunas in different areas that have made this dream an ever chasing target.


Although there are very ambitious dreams but there are no parallel and leveled efforts and infrastructure to achieve the same. Also, the complexity and level of the mission has been underestimated. All these results of the past have very well emphasized the need to develop an infrastructure that imbibes not only plans and strategies but a system with implementation at all levels- National, local and international.

Renewed Vision:

From the past experimenting and understanding UNESCO’s mission for literacy has been revising and renewing every year. Today UN does not model a single view for literacy. The basic understanding of who is literate and who is illiterate has also modifies since years.

Also with respect to the growing changers in social, economic and technical fields the use literacy has also evolved. Initially, the ability to read, write and understand was considered as literacy, but today it it about using it all in a useful manner. Literacy today is not only academic knowledge but across different facets of life.

Literacy decade

United Nations Literacy Decade (2003 - 2012)

• Proclamation: The united nations literary decade was proclaimed by the General assembly for the years starting from 2003 in its A/RES/56/116 resolution and In resolution A/RES/57/166, the Assembly welcomed the” International “and decided that Unesco would take up different activities for the literacy decade.
• Slogan: The slogan for United Nations Literacy decade (UNLD) is “Literacy as freedom.
• Mission: The mission and the main aim behind the launch of this decade were to empower literacy and education at all levels.
• Role of UNESCO: On the request of the General Assembly UNESCO is taking care and initiatives for all international activities regarding The Literary Decade.
• Overall target of the decade: Since its inception the main target is to increase the literacy rate by 50% till 2015.
• Why Literacy decade? The decade was launched for three main reasons.

On a global scale, one in five adults cannot read nor write. According to the latest estimates, 776 million people are illiterate and two-thirds of these are women. In a modern world, such levels are unacceptable.


Literacy is a human right. Basic education, within which literacy is the key learning tool, was recognized as a human right over 50 years ago, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right continues to be violated for a large proportion of humanity.

Literacy efforts up to now have proved inadequate, at national and international levels. The Decade is an opportunity to make a sustained collective effort which will go beyond one-shot programs or campaigns.


According to the plan of The United Nations literary decade “Literacy policies and programs today require going beyond the limited view of literacy that has dominated in the past. Literacy for all requires a renewed vision of literacy….”

Literacy Reports

According to UNESCO’s "Global Monitoring Report on Education for All (2008), following literacy rates have been estimated, which is a clear indicator of relation between poverty and illiteracy.

• South and West Asia has the lowest regional adult literacy rate (58.6%)
• Sub-Saharan Africa (59.7%)
• The Arab States(62.7%)
• Burkina Faso (12.8%)
• Niger (14.4%)
• Mali (19%)

UNESCO

UNESCOstands for United Nations educational scientific and cultural organization. It was established in 1945. Its main aim since its birth has been to raise the world literacy levels and to spread awareness among people regarding the importance of literacy.

It has been volunteering numerous activities to ensure that there is always an effort flowing to spread the roots of education. Various initiatives like LIFE, EFA and many more have been immensely
appreciated and supported by all the participating countries.

Today it stands tall as a library for ideas that prepares
and monitors activities in the field of education.

Promotes international co-operation among its 193* Member
States and six Associate Members in the fields of education,
science, culture and communication.

Helps nations develop a strategy for national development.
UNESCO pursues its objectives through five major programs:
education, natural sciences, social and human sciences,
culture, and communication and information.

Kallaji Ka Mela

Kallaji ka mela is an annual fair held in the district of Banswara, Rajasthan. The fair is popular among the local people and nearby places. It is held on the first Sunday of Navratri every year. In 2009 it will fall in September. The fair is held at three places in Banswara, namely:

• Gopinath ka gadha.
• Padoli Govardhan
• Bodla.

The fair is also held in Durgapur, Vorda district at Kali Kalyau Dham.
The fair lasts for nine days and is dedicated to Kallagi deity.

How to reach Banswara:

District Banswara is situated in the southern - most part of Rajasthan. It has an area of 5037 square kilometer and lies between 23.11° N to 23.56° N latitudes and 73.58° E to 74.49° E. longitudes.
 

It is bounded on the north by Dhariawad tehsil of Udaipur district and Pratapgarh district; on the east by Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh; on the west by Sagwara and Aspur tehsils of Dungarpur district; and on the south by Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. It also touches the boundary of Panchmahal district of Gujarat on the south-west.

Road Distances from Banswara : 

City/Place	Distance (KM)	City/Place	Distance (KM)	City/Place	Distance (KM)
Jaipur	527	Arthuna	55	Dahod (Guj.)	108
Udaipur	165	Tripura Sundari	19	Ahmedabad (Guj.)	285
Chittorgarh	185	Mahi Dam	16	Vadodara (Guj.)	238
Dungarpur	89	Cheench	18	Ratlam (M.P.)	80
Galiyakot	85	Rishabdeo	151	Ujjain (M.P.)	225
Dev Somnath	78	Jaisamand	115	Indore (M.P.)	212
Baneshwar	45	Sitamata	85
		Sanctuary

Rail Network:

 As such there is NO Railway Station (Meter Gauge / Broad Gauge) at Banswara, But Ratlam Junction (80 KM) is the nearest Railway station to Banswara and it is the Major Junction to go to Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal and Ahmedabad.
 

Air Network:

 As such there is NO Airport at Banswara, But Udaipur (160 KM), Indore (MP) (212 KM) & Ahmedabad (Guj) (285 KM) are the nearest Airports.

Karni Mata Fair

It is a half-yearly Fair, organized by the natives of Deshnok, the town that was established by Karni Mata, to offer prayers to her and celebrate the fact that her blessings always will bless the inhabitants of the town. Charans, sect of people are staunch followers of Karni Mata and gather in the Fair without fail.

Karni Mata

Karni Mata was an ascetic who practiced self-denial as a spiritual practice. She was a saint-like persona to all the down-trodden and poor as she righteously worked towards their enlistment and Rights.

It is popularly believed that Karni Mata possessed supernatural powers. She is worshipped like a goddess in this district and places nearby.
 

When is Karni Mata Fair held?

Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year, in the Deshnok region of Bikaner district. The first Fair is a larger one held during the months of March-April. This period corresponds to Navratras and the month of Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi according to Hindu calendar.

The second Fair is held during September-October, again during the Navratras from Ashvin Shukla to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.

Celebration:

At the by-annual, half-yearly Fair of Karni Mata, it is a common practice of people bringing their child for the first Mundan (Hair-cut), in this town a place them below Mata’s feet for blessings. On the day of the Fair, the temple opens at 4.00 am in the morning, which is followed by Aarti and puja performed by Charan priests called Mangla-ki-aarti and then offer bhog (Prasad) to the Mata.

The rats in the temple are considered auspicious and devotees coming to the temple make offerings to them. These offerings are generally in form of milk, grains, and sweets. Two kinds of offerings, the 'dwar-bhent' is made to the priests and the workers. The 'kalash-bhent' is not consumed at that moment but kept for the temple maintenance and development.

Karni Mata temple:

The Karni Mata temple situated in Deshnok is made of stones and marbles. This temple is popularly termed as “Madh”. Inside the temple there is an idol of Karni Mata of about 75 cms. This image of Mata is decorated with garlands and Mukut.Her image that is placed in the temple is not a single image, it is accompanied by the images of her sisters.

One of the peculiar features of the temple is the large number of rats running across the temple courtyard in groups.

How to reach Deshnok?

The town of Deshnok is believed to be built by Karni Mata and people from across the nearby towns and devotees from far-fetched towns gather to worship her during this Fair. Deshnok is a very small-town, located 32 Kms south of Bikaner, on the road to Jodhpur.

The famous Karni Mata temple is situated 30 Kms from the city of Bikaner.

Kisan Mela

Kisan mela is organized twice in every year by State/Central Agricultural Universities, one each in Kharif and Rabi season in agriculturally backward areas. Organization of this type of mela encourages new technologies in farming and educates farmers about these technologies.  

Government of India grants funds to all State/ Central Agricultural Universities to conduct Kisan Mela in agriculturally backward areas to acquaint the farmers of the region about new discoveries in the field of farming. 

The fund granted by Government to organize Kisan Fair can be utilized for following activities:

For hiring vehicle to bring farmers to the Kisan Mela site. 

For preparation of exhibits used to educate farmers. 

For arranging refreshments for participants and visitors of Kisan Mela. 

For setting up tents, chairs, tables, etc at mela site. 

For preparing publicity materials like banners, pamphlets etc to call maximum number of farmers to witness mela.

Kisan ghostis are also arranged along with Kisan mela. Kisan Ghosti provides the platform for healthy interaction between farmers and scientists about new skills and technologies in the field of agriculture.

The State Agricultural universities should also send the complete report of Kisan Mela after successfully organizing the fair.

The report should include complete details of new technologies introduced in the fair, list of participating farmers detailing their full name and photographs.There is not any fixed date set by Govt. to organize Kisan Mela and dates for Kisan Mela varies from state to state as this is the decision of the State Agricultural university for that particular region.

Kota Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated all over India in the months of September-October, which corresponds to the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar. In the year 2009, Dussehra will fall on 28th September. But, Kota Dussehra is quite different and unique, as, here it is not just a beginning of festive period, but much more than that.

Preparations:

Dussehra is a very auspicious and sacred day for Hindus as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravana and it also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura.

Days and months before Dussehra, craftsmen engage themselves in making huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnath. Over the years the height of these effigies has been rising. These days very tall effigies, upto 75 feet tall are made.

Celebrations:

On the day of Dussehra, a huge fair is organized in large gardens called “maidans”, where villagers gather in colorful clothes to worship Lord Rama and celebrate his victory. The effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakaran are burnt. Normally loud crackers are put inside them that produce deafening noises when ignited.

It is a huge fair, where thousands of people gather from Kota and nearby places to witness this grand celebration of Dussehra. For children it’s an outing with fun, drama, toys, eatables and programs. While, these effigies are burnt, a small child is made to dress like Rama and he hits the effigy of Ravana with his bow.

This is not merely an enactment of an event in the past, but works as a live lesson for children and even adults that it is “good” that ultimately wins, however strong evil might be.

Special Attractions:

The Dussehra fair in Kota, is a huge celebration that not only includes the ceremonial burning of effigies, but, additionally a number of cultural programs and processions are organized. Eminent and popular artists from all over the country are invited to participate in the cultural programs.

The concept of Processions on Dussehra is age old in Kota and over the years it has developed as a major attraction for tourists coming from all over the world and people from India. This fair is a good opportunity for traders to sell and exhibit their products for buyers both rural and urban. As against other places where this fair lasts for a day, in Kota it is one of the biggest fairs lasting for about a fortnight.      

How to Get There 

•  By Air
  Kota is well connected by air. Jaipur, 245-km away is the other convenient airport.

• By Rail
  lying on the Delhi-Mumbai route, Kota is well served by regular super fast rail services. Some important train connections are: Golden Temple Express (Mumbai- Kota-Amritsar); Rajdhani Express (Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi): Dehradun Express (Mumbai-Kota-Dehradun); Paschim Express (New Delhi-Kota-Mumbai); Avadh Express (Mumbai-Kota-Gorakhpur); Swaraj Express (Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi). 
•  
• Local Transport
  Unmetered taxis; auto-rickshaws, tempos and cycle rickshaws are available for commutation purposes within the city.

• By Road
  Good network of road connections link Kota with many important cities inside and outside the state. Some notable distances are: Udaipur 270-km, Bundi 40-km, Delhi 504-km, Ahmedabad 522-km.

              

Manekthari Poonam Fair

Manekthari Poonam Fair is celebrated every year at Dakor in Kheda district of Gujarat. The fair of manekthari is held on the 15th day of Ashwin maas of hindu calendar that is somewhere in September.

The fair is witnessed by large number of visitors as around 1.5 lakhs of visitors gather at the location to enjoy the festivity of this fair. Mainly people worship full moon on mahanekatri poonam.

Celebrations of this fair also marks the happiness of local men towards the changing season. As, the rural masses get a glimpse of full moon on this poonam after the period of monsoon season.