Rash Mela

West Bengal is the festive land which celebrates many colorful festivals and Rash Mela is one such festival. Rash Mela is mainly celebrated in the district Cooch Behar, West Bengal. The month long fair is one of the most important fairs of this region. 

Celebration

The most popular annual festival of Bengal is celebrated in honor of Lord Krishna and his eternal love Sri Radhika.

 

The Rash Festival is observed to memorize the glorious days of Lord Krishna in Vrindyavan spent with Shri Radhikaji deeply lost in their perpetual love.

The Rash Yatra is mainly celebrated in northern parts of Bengal but these days also observed in different cities of the state. The popular procession called Rash Yatra, is the main attraction for tourists, the yatra features clay models which  depicts the deeds and various phases of Lord Krishna’s life.

Nowadays the festival has taken the form of communal celebrations while in older days was only limited to royal families.

These days also during the time of Rash Mela, Rajbari the palace of Cooch Behar is festooned beautifully and adorns a jovial appearance all around the palace retaining the imperial customs and traditions. The month-long fair is the biggest festival of the region and thousands of people from across the state participate.

Visitors from distant places reach at Cooch Behar to witness the carnival. Many cultural programs are organized which provide platform for singers, dancers and musicians all over the west Bengal along with this many renowned artists of the state are also invited to perform during the month long festival.

Besides the cultural activities festival also presents various stalls of delicacies to pamper taste buds of the visitors. Popular Bengali sweets like Rasogolla, Jilipi, Goja and many other Bengali dishes can be experienced at these stalls. Fair also provides the rich collection of local handicrafts and different products for sale.

Time for celebration

 

The month long carnival of Rash Festival is very popular in the country and attracts tourists from far long places. Large number of crowd reaches Cooch Behar for witnessing the fun filled occasion of Rash Festival. Rash Festival is celebrated for a month time in the month of December.

 

 

Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

Perumithitta Tharavad is an extremely popular traditional festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. The festival is held in Kottamkuzhy, Kasaragod District of Kerala. In popularity the festival is rated very high as large number of tourists and visitors gather here during the festival.

The main attraction at the festival celebrations includes Grand performances of different variety of Theyyam Dances.

Theyyam dance is not a single dance form rather a collection of about 400 dance forms each representing a mythological, historical character.

Varieties of theyyams are presented at the festival like Elayor theyyam, Chamundi theyyam, Panchoorla theyyam, Muthor theyyam etc.

Theyyam is not only high on entertainment value but also has great religious significance. Throughout the festival a number of rituals are performed according to the traditions of the state.

These dances are among the oldest forms of art in India.The dance carnival held at Kottamkuzhy is truly a visual treat for all the onlookers who gather here from across the country.

The dance presentations include colorful costumes, body painting, and trance-like performances. These performances are accompanied with splendid ancient shrines and temples contributing to the atmosphere.

The festival is generally lasts for ten days spreading across December-January.

How to Recah?

Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 26 km away.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km away.

Chumpha Festival

The Chumpha Festival is an annual harvest Festival held in the state of Manipur every year.

This Festival is mainly celebrated by the Tanghul Nagas of Manipur, for whom it is one of the most important festivals and they celebrate this festival with great joy, merriment, fun and frolic.

The Festival is celebrated for seven days and a week after the harvest season in December.

During the last three days of the festival, cultural events are organized including dance and music performances. 

These celebrations include gatherings of family and friends for everyone to rejoice and enjoy. As against other festivals where women have a limited role to play and participate, this festival of Chumpa gives them immense roles and responsibilities The end of the Chumpha Festival in Manipur is marked by a procession that is carried out within the village premises.

Manipur as a state is famous for its culture and traditions. There are numerous fairs and festivals held in Manipur throughout different seasons of the year. One very interesting aspect to be noticed regarding the fairs and festivals held here is that although there are different festivals, events for different races and communities, they all are celebrated with equal passion and zeal.

Time of celebration:

Chumpha Festival is an annual harvest Festival which is largely celebrated by the Tanghul Nagas community. The festival is celebrated after the successful harvest in the month of December. Specifically speaking the celebrations is held one week after the harvest season.

Naga Festivals

Background of Naga festivals: 

Nagaland is a land of festivities. People of Nagaland celebrate

Nagaland is also famous for its scenic beauty. Most of the people live on hill tops overlooking the streams. Enjoying the bliss of nature, the Nagas celebrate all their festivals with equal enthusiasm. their festivals with great fervor and honor. Nagas are an agrarian lot and therefore their festivals revolve round agriculture.

While celebrating the festivals, the Nagas offer prayers to the Supreme Being which has different names in different dialects. The festivities are marked with sacrifices and are mostly celebrated either before the sowing season or on the eve of the harvest season.

Some are celebrated to thank the Almighty for a good harvest. The locals celebrate various festivals in their own different ways. 

Angami:

Sekrenyi is celebrated in the month of February and falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of Kezei. It is a 10-day long festival and the Angamis also call it Phousanyi. .

Number of rituals and ceremonies are associated with Sekrenyi. The first ritual is “Kizie” followed by “Dsuseva” or touching the sleeping water. The most interesting part of the festival is known as the Thekra Hie where young men and women sing traditional songs throughout the day.

Bridge pulling or gate pulling is an important ritual of the festival which falls on the eighth day. People stop working during this time as most of them indulge in feasting and singing.

The statue was bathed with 504 kalashas on the second day while 1008 kalashas were used for the rest of the days. 

Aos:

Moatsü Mong is celebrated by the Aos after the sowing is complete. It is observed for three days from May 1st to the 3rd. The most important ritual is the Sangpangtu where men and women sit around a big fire.

Like most of the Naga festivals it is marked with food, music and dance. The women serve meat and wine to the men. Another festival that the Aos celebrate on the eve of harvest is Tsungrem Mong. Village elders demonstrate their physical and intellectual skills.
 
Chakhesangs:

The Chakhesangs celebrate seven festivals in a year. They are:
SUHKRUHNYE - 15th January
NGUNYE - 1st February
TSAKRONYE - 1st Sunday of March 4
TSUKHANYE/TSUKHENYIE - 6th May
KHUTHONYE - 15th July
TURHINYE - 25th August
THURINYE KHILUVAT? - 1st December
Of these Suhkruhnye is the most important festival and is spread over 11 days.
 
Chang:

The Changs observe six festivals in a year. They are Poang Lem, Jeinyu Lem, Kundang Lem, Muong Lem, Naknyu Lem and Monyu Lem. While the first three are monitored by the Haongang Clan, the last three are observed by the Ung Clan.

Kundang Lem which is the youngest festival and is fixed five days ahead is observed in the eighth month of the Chang calendar while Naknyu Lem is fixed just two days ahead and celebrated in July.

Several cultural programmes and exhibitions were held during the mahamasthakabhisheka in 2006. The stalls in the exhibition were devoted to various themes related to Jainism. Different state and central government organizations also took part in this exhibition.
 
Khiamniugan:

Khiamniugans celebrate Miu which is held in the first week of May every year. It is a festival to forgive and forget. During this festival, the maternal uncle builds a friendly relation with his sister’s children. The Changs offer a thanksgiving prayer to the Almighty during Tsokum which is observed during the first week of October.
 
Koyank Community:

The Koyank community celebrates Aoleang Monyu in the first week of April each year. The Koyanks celebrate the beginning of spring and thank God for the bountiful harvest. It is spread over six days and each day has its own significance. The days are named as ; Hoi Lai Yah Nyih, Yin Mok Pho Nyih, Yin Mok Shek Nyih, Lingnyu Nyih , Lingha Nyih and Lingshan Nyih.
 
Lothas:

The harvest festival of the Lothas is known as Tokhu Emong. It is spread over nine days and is celebrated each year in the first week of November. It is a festival marked with reconciliation, thanks giving and sharing. Past animosity is forgiven and new ties and bonds are formed. The festival is also marked with feast, song and dance.
 
Phoms:

The Phoms celebrate four festivals in a year. They are Monyu, Moha, Bongvum and Paangmo. Out of these Monyu is the most important festival and falls in the month of Aril each year after the sowing season. It is usually celebrated from the 1st of April to the 6th of April each year. It heralds the New Year and bids farewell to the passing year. While Moha is celebrated to mark the sowing season, Bongvum is the harvest festival.
 
Pochury:

The Pochuries wait for the whole year to celebrate their harvest festival, Yemshe. All Pochuries participate in this festival with great pomp and gaiety
 
Rengmas:

Ngadah is celebrated by the Rengmas just after the harvest season. It usually falls towards the end of November. People rejoice and offer thanksgiving prayers to the Almighty.
 
Sangtams:

The Sangtams celebrate about 12 festivals in a year. Amongmong which is celebrated in the first week of September is the most important festival of the Sangtams. It is spread over six days.
 
Sumis:

The Sumis celebrate Ahuna, a post harvest festival with great spirit and fervor. The Sumi people celebrate Tulini, another important festival with drinking and feasting.
 
Yimchungrü:

Metumniu festival is the most important festival of the Yimchungrüs. It is spread over five days and has five names for five different days namely, SHITO, ZHIHTO, ZUMTO, KHEHRESUK, SHERESUK. Tsungkamniu is another significant festival of the Yimchungrüs which is celebrated every year between the 14th and the 16th of January.
 
Eliang:

The Zeliangs celebrate Hega festival in the month of February from the 10th and 15th of every year. The festival lasts for five days and it invokes the Almighty to shower his blessings upon the people.

Chega Gadi is another important festival of the Zeliangs. The Zeliangs believe that God showers his blessings and brings good harvest and health. Earlier the festival was celebrated for 4-5 days. Now, it is usually celebrated for only 3-4 days. 

Hornbill Festival

The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with gusto and fervor. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve round agriculture. They consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these festivals is compulsory. 

Nagaland is known as the land of festivals as each tribe celebrates its own festival with dedication and passion. Some of the important festivals celebrated are: Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs in January, Mimkut by the Kukis in January, Bushu by the Kacharis in January, Sekrenyi by the Angamis in February, Aoling by the Konyaks in April, Moatsu by the Aos in May, Tuluni by the Sumis in July, Nyaknylum by the Changs in July, Tokhu Emong by the Lothas in November and Yemshe by the Pochurys in October. 

To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. 

Celebration

Organized by the State Directorate of Tourism, Nagaland, Hornbill Festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof. This festival usually takes place between the 1st and the 5th of December in Kohima.

Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions.

For visitors it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland. It must be included in your itinerary, if you are visiting Nagaland during that time to enjoy the food, song, dance and custom of Nagaland. 

Important Features

The Festival is named after the hornbill, the globally respected bird and which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes.

 

The week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colorful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and religious ceremonies.Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display. Festival highlights include Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley-songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical Concert. 

About Nagaland

A vibrant state on the north-eastern end of India, Nagaland is bounded by Myanmar in the East; Assam in the West; Arunachal Pradesh and a part of Assam in the North with Manipur in the south.
  

It is the 16th state of the Indian Union and was formally inaugurated on December 1st, 1963. Folklore and music are integral parts of Nagaland’s tribal culture.

There are 16 tribes and sub tribes that live in Nagaland. Each tribe has its own distinguished costumes, jewelry and custom. Nagaland is a land of festivals and each tribe celebrates its own festival with loads of fun and gaiety. Most of the festivals revolve round agriculture as it is primarily an agrarian community.

Charta Festival

Charta Festival is the harvest festival of Chhattisgarh. The festival is celebrated in Koriya district of the state. Charta festival falls on the poornima or full moon day of the Hindu month of Paush in December end or beginning of January. In 2009, the festival is on December 31.

The festival is celebrated by all tribal communities in the region. The festival is marked by the grand feast on the banks of near by water bodies. All people eagerly wait for the most awaited festival. Celebration begins from the morning by the preparation of special mid day meal at their home. Later in the day, kids of the village gather and move to different houses for collecting rice grains. The collection is later cooked by married females of the society on the banks of water bodies, which is enjoyed and eaten as a grand feast.

The festivity is marked by the joyous ambience created by the dancing and singing population of the region while waiting for the grand feast.

Rann Utsav

Rann or Kutch Utsav is a three to four days of cultural extravaganza organized at different locations within Kutch in Gujarat. The fair is like a mirror to the traditional art forms and culture of India.

Rann Utsav is organized by the Gujarat tourism department to celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of the Kutch district.

The people of Kutch are known for their hospitality and warmth of conduct.

The three day fair has the basic motive of highlighting the cultural splendor of Gujarat.

Kutch is the most ecologically and ethnically diverse areas in the state of Gujarat. The people and geography of Kutch can be described by the hospitality, warmth and diversity of culture and communities found here.

The spirit of Kutch people comes alive in this Festive environment of Kutch Rann Utsav. There is a perfect blend of enthusiasm, hospitality and spirit of celebration that glorifies the magnanimous aura of Rann Utsav. The three days of Utsav are packed with cultural Dances, Music, Craftsmanship, Carnival processions, Pageantry and in all an encapsulation of the true spirit and zeal of the inhabitants out here

For every visitor to the Festival there is a warm hug of natural scenaric beauty and traditional Cultural flux.

Celebrations:

The Rann Kutch Utsav held during the full moon time in winters every year is an unparalleled showcase of the ethnic widely different yet hugely diffused spectrum of Indian traditional art forms.

People from far and near gather during the festivities of Rann Utsav to celebrate and salute the spirit and warmth that people of Kutch have inherited and protected.

There are numerous cultural activities organized during Rann Utsav that engage all visitors. Semi parched Grasslands of the Banni hosts the most magnificent display of vernacular architecture as the exhibition platform for the varied range of arts and crafts of the region.

The most enchanting experience in the Festival is the presentation of different art forms, dances, Music during the shade of Full moon and in an aura of chilling winters.

Many tourists from outside the state of Gujarat enjoy various tour packages that involve sightseeing of the Kutch and adjoining areas during the fair.

New Year Event

Introduction 

New Year is a spanking new initiation of freshness almost in every sphere of life. New Year Eve is the most awaited festival across the world. People wait for the festival with high excitement as it marks the new beginning of the next phase of life. The New Year Carnival in India is perhaps one of the occasions which quite ideally unfurl the real allure of the country where tradition and culture blends with convention and rituals. 

The craze for the festival in India has risen from recent past due to the influence of western culture. December 31st is celebrated as New Year’s Eve, the final day of the Gregorian Year, and the day before the New Year's Day. The celebration of the day usually starts in the evening and gets to full swing at 12 "0" clock midnight and lasts till late night.

In India, New Year celebrations are lavish and grand in metropolitan cities with the western influence while in smaller cities and towns these celebrations tend to be comparatively unfussy. There is the trend of family and friend’s gatherings and partying together on this eve to bid farewell to the by-gone year and welcome the New Year bountifully. Many discos and restaurants organize special programs and sparkling fireworks for the celebration.

The breeze of celebrations of New Year Eve is followed by New Year’s Day that is the day after the New Year Eve, January 1st. All people try to follow their New Year resolutions, right from the first day of the New Year. People exchange gifts and welcome the coming year with lots of pleasure and excitement.

 Legends

New Year’s Celebration was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible cresent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a newyear. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and ofblossoming. It is purely arbitrary. The Babylonian New Year celebration lastedfor eleven days. Each day had its own particular grand mode of celebration.


The Romans continued to observe the New Year in late March. In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 B.C, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the New Year.

But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 B.C, established the Julian calendar. It again established Jan1 as the New Year. But in order to synchronies the calendar with sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days!!!

Although in the first centuries of A.D the Romans continuedcelebrating the New Year, the early Catholic Church condemned festivities aspaganism. But as Christianity became more widespread the early Church beganhaving its own religious observances concurrently with many of the pagancelebrations, and New Years' Day was no different. New Year's Day is stillobserved as the Feast of Christ's Circumcision by some denomination.

During the middle ages, the Church remained opposed tocelebrating New Year. January1 has been celebrated as a holiday by Westernnations for only about the past 400 years. Catholic countries adopted it soon. Germanyadopted it in 1700, Great Britainin 1752, and Swedenin 1753.
The Oriental countries through the influence of religiousgroups such as the Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists and Muslims, considered the newCalendar as the Christian Calendar, but also adopted it as their official one. Japanwelcomed it in 1873 and Chinain 1912.

The Eastern Orthodox adopted it even later, in 1924 and1927, Russiatook it twice - first in 1918 and after trying out its own calendars, again in 1924. 
  
Celebrations

Celebrations of New Year Eve have become more popular in the country from last decade. The Eve is celebrated with great gusto and zeal all over the country.

Although it is considered that celebrations for the New Year Eve are the outcome of the western influence but every festival celebrated in India reflects the richness of Indian culture. Same go true for the New Year Eve’s celebrations.

New Year Eve’s celebrations are the perfect blend of the western and Indian culture. People adorn their houses with fresh flowers and colorful rangoli on the occasion. The eve comes with exciting plans for each age group.

People plan their programs for the New Year Eve well in advance right from youth to elder people. Youth wait eagerly for the day and have their own styles to welcome the New Year by enjoying together with friends and family members.

Metropolitan cites have special charisma of New Year Eve. The cities are decorated and there are a lot of lightings on the roads and many such efforts are taken to add to the enthusiasm in the air. The discos and pubs in these cities are found jam packed with the younger people. Metro cities also organize concerts or musical shows for the entertainment of the public.

The elder people and other senior citizens enjoy family gatherings and social parties at restaurants or houses while some few prefer watching different programs on television. There is also trend of playing several indoor games which are designed by the hosts of the party. The major heart throb of the evening which is practiced almost every place of the celebration is the sparkling fireworks right at the time of the farewell of the older year and welcome of the New Year.
   
Different New Year Party Games  

Many people enjoy their New Year Eve by simply joining personal parties with their friends and family. Basically India strongly follows the culture of family life so still the tradition of discos and dance clubs is not that popular in the country; Personal parties are still more common in different parts of the country. New Year Eve party includes delicious cuisine accompanied by music and dance of the family members but games add another star to the enjoyment on the eve.

There are options of many amusing and exciting indoor games which can be played on the New Year eve. Playing such games also treasures exciting memories in every one’s heart which keep rejuvenating through out the year. Commonly played games in the New Year Evenings are Scrabble, Chinese whisper, passing the parcel, memory games etc. Choice of games should be such which include players from every genre from old to young and elders to kids. Following are few of the unique game ideas for the New Year Eve:

1. Musical Chair

This is the game, which can be played and enjoyed by people of all age groups. Kids play this game with full excitement and add color to the New Year’s celebration while elder people memorize their days of youth and relive those thrilling moments of their life. This game makes the celebration a bit active and interesting.

Steps:

• Chairs are arranged less than the number of people.
• Short snippet of music is played while the people move around these chairs.
• Those playing the game move around the chair.
• When the music stops everyone tries to sit on a vacant chair.
• The person who doesn't find a chair is 'out'.
• Similarly, one chair is taken out after every round.
• Person who is left at the end of the game is declared the winner'.

 2. Newspaper Game

This game is also amusing and lovely one. The game is played in the parties, which include couples. The game is musical and also includes dancing, truly the most interesting one for couples.
 Steps:

• All couples com on the dancing floor.
• According to number of teams, newspapers are totally opened and spread on the floor.
• Each couple has to take position on one of the Newspaper spread on the floor.
• Music is played and couple has to dance on the beats with the area of paper and should not come out of it.
• After each short snippet of music, Newspaper is half folded and again the music is started.
• Couples have to take care of not coming out from the limited area of the newspaper, those failing this are out of the game.
• With the each new snippet of music, paper is folded and dancing area becomes shorter and shorter making the game more difficult and interesting.
• The couple remaining on the floor till the end is declared the winner.

3.   Funny Face Contest

This game is played and enjoyed by people of all ages. The game includes loads of fun and laughter. People playing the game forget their all worries and get involved in gratification and celebration of the New Year Eve.

Steps:

• Take picture of all the guests present in the party one by one.
• Have them make a funny face and be sure to tell them there is a prize for the best face.
• After taking all the snaps, download these to computer or laptop.
• Gather everyone around the monitor and let everyone see all the snaps.
• The winner will be judged on the blast of greatest laughter.

4.  The Grouping Game
This game is again enjoyed by the people of all age groups. The game is the good method to cause interaction between unknown people and joining each one in the spirit of joy and celebration.

Steps:

• It starts out as everyone collects in one big group.
• The leader initially calls out a number, usually a number between two and fifteen.
• The number shouldn't be more than half of the number of total participants.
• When the number is called out everyone must try to collect in a group that contains that number of people.
• The group members should be latching arms or have their arms wrapped around each other so that the leader can see who is in the group.
•  If someone cannot enter a group because the number of required members has been reached, he is out of the game.
• As different numbers are successively called out the number of participants gets smaller and smaller.
• Eventually, there are less than ten people. The last group, or winning group, should have anywhere from two to five people.

• 
  Dumb Actions

This is again the game full of enjoyment and fun. The game is played between different teams of size ranging from 5 to 8 members each. The game is commonly played in the small sized parties.

Steps:

• All players are divided into different teams.
• One team decides the name of the movie and whispers it to a single player from the opposite team.
• The player has to act the name of the movie in the best possible way, to make it understood by his team members in the minimum time.
• The player while enacting the name of the movie should not utter a single word and even avoid the lip movement.
• Time taken to guess the name of the movie by the team is noted down and the same steps are followed by the opposite team.
• If any team fails to guess the movie the 1 point is granted to that team.
• At the end, the team with the least number of points or 0 points wins the game.

New Year Tips

It’s that time of the year again when our minds don’t think anything else but of partying and celebrating to the most. Yes, you guessed it right. Its New Year’s eve. And the countdown to the New Year has begun. Everybody is in a party mood. Celebrations have been planned at various places across the country. Whether its hotels, pubs or discos, all have braced themselves up wonderfully to welcome the New Year with open arms. On the night of 31st December, when the clock ticks 12, the whole world will usher in New Year and the celebrations across the world will reach a high.

You too must be gearing up to wear your party hats to raise a toast to the New Year. But before you revel in the New Year Masti, we suggest you some tips. They will certainly make your New Year eve celebrations more exciting and memorable.

• If you and your bunch of friends have decided to ring in the New Year by attending a party at a hotel, then its better to reach the ‘hip and happening place’ together instead of going alone by one’s own vehicle. By pooling the vehicle, you will not only be contributing in reducing heavy traffic that is a common feature on the New year’s eve, but also have fun all along the way.
  
• New Year is the time when no body minds boozing with friends at the dos. But if you are heavily drunk, make sure that you do not drive. Don’t try to show your manliness by driving in a drunken state. Ask your friend to drop you at home. Drinking, mixed with driving does more harm than good.
  
• If you are bored of throwing the same New Year bash every year at your home, then try something different this time. No, we are not asking you to leave your place, but we simply want to say that ask your friends to come dressed up according to a particular theme. And arrange for a prize that would be awarded who comes best dressed up. This will certainly add fun to the party.
  
• At New Year’s Eve, everybody takes resolutions but only for one’s own self. Take a resolution this time that you would take out some time from your busy schedule during the year and educate a child who cannot afford school education. And make sure that you fulfill your resolution.
  
• Who says one can’t celebrate at home? Infact, home is the best place. You too can make your new year exciting at home. You just have to sit together with your family members, have ‘Ghazar ka Halwa’ with them and discuss your plans for the New Year. Your eve would certainly be exciting.
  
• Fun and Masti are a part of New Year celebrations but not at the cost of somebody else’s peace. If an old person or some patient stays near house, then try to keep the volume of your music systems a little low. There is no point in having fun when the others are getting disturbed.
  
• Take out your all your crackers which you didn’t burst at Diwali. This is the perfect time to burst them. But don’t forget the rules that you kept in mind at Diwali’. Always lit the crackers from a distance and keep a bucket of water always ready with you.
  
• In the age of cell phones and internet, we have forgotten to wish our near and dear ones in person. SMSes and e-cards have become a rage amongst us. New Year is the best time when one can catch up friends and relatives. Go to their places and give them your good wishes. Your loved ones will surely admire this gesture of yours.
  
• In the midst of celebrations, we usually forget when the dawn sets in. It’s always wise to finish the celebrations at a proper time and go to sleep. Its not wise idea to reach office late on the first working day of the New Year.
  
• Don’t shake a leg too much on the dance floor at the party. If you feel you are tired, just relax. Don’t dance all night just because some body is asking you to do so. On the first day of the New Year, should be fully charged and active.

New Years Countdown

The countdown for the most awaited event in the year has already begun across the world. The entire world will bid adieu to the current year 2009 and welcome New Year 2010 with blasting celebrations as soon as the clock will struck 12:00 midnight on December 31st. New Years countdown will embark the jovial good times that will adorn every one’s lives with joyous merriment and celebrations.


Explore the following table to find out the country entering first to the New Year 2010. This table lists the exact time for the beginning of New Year in countries around the world.

New Year Time Around The World

GMT	Country
31st December 10:00 a.m.	Kiritimati (Kiribati - Christmas Islands)
31st December 10:15 a.m.	Chatham Island (New Zealand)
31st December 11:00 a.m.	New Zealand, Tonga and the South Pole
31st December 12:00 p.m.	Parts of eastern Russia, Fiji and some Pacific islands
31st December 12:30 p.m.	Norfolk Island - Australia
31st December 1:00 p.m.	Parts of eastern Australia and some pacific Islands
31st December 1:30 p.m	South Australia
31st December 2:00 p.m	Queensland - Australia, a part of Russia and some islands far east in the Pacific
31st December 2:30 p.m	Northern Territory- Australia
31st December 3:00 p.m	Japan and Korea
31st December 4:00 p.m	China, parts of South-East Asia and rest of Australia
31st December 5:00 p.m	Indonesia and rest of South-East Asia
31st December 5:30 p.m	Myanmar
31st December 6:00 p.m	Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and parts of Russia
31st December 6:15 p.m	Nepal
31st December 6:30 p.m	India
31st December 7:00 p.m	Most of Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgystan and parts of Russia
31st December 7:30 p.m	Afghanistan
31st December 8:00 p.m	Armenia, Azerbaijan, parts of Russia and Arabia, some islands in the Indian Ocean
31st December 8:30 p.m	Iran
31st December 9:00 p.m	Most of western Asia and Arabia, parts of Russia, and eastern parts of Africa
31st December 10:00 p.m	Eastern Europe and Turkey, parts of Africa - from North to South.
31st December 11:00 p.m	Western Europe, parts of Africa
1st January 00:00 am	London (U.K. - England), Dublin (Ireland), Casablanca (Morocco), Lisbon (Portugal), Reykjavik (Iceland), Yamoussoukro (Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)), Glasgow (U.K. - Scotland), Freetown (Sierra Leone), El Aaiún (Western Sahara), Dakar (Senegal), São Tomé (Sao Tome and Principe), Conakry (Guinea), Bissau (Guinea-Bissau), Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cardiff (U.K. - Wales), Bamako (Mali), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Nouakchott (Mauritania), Monrovia (Liberia), Lome (Togo), Belfast (U.K. - Northern Ireland)
1st January  1:00 am	Azores in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
1st January   2:00 am	Eastern parts of South-America
1st January   3:00 am	Rest of eastern South-America
1st January  3:30 am	Newfoundland in Canada
1st January   4:00 am	Eastern Canada, many Caribbean islands, parts of South-America
1st January  5:00 am	Eastern Time in Canada and USA, Western South-America
1st January   6:00 am	Central Time in Canada and USA, Mexico and most of Latin America
1st January  7:00 am	Mountain Time in Canada and USA
1st January  8:00 am	Pacific Time in Canada and USA
1st January   9:00 am	Alaska - USA
1st January  9:30 am	Marquesas Islands as part of the French Polynesia
1st January   10:00 am	Hawaii - USA, Tahiti and Cook Islands
1st January  11:00 am	Alofi (Niue), Apia (Samoa), Pago Pago (U.S.A. - American Samoa)

Winter Festival

Winter Festival is held every year in the month of December in Mount Abu. Mount Abu known as the summer capital of Rajasthan is the only hill station in the entire North West India. It is attributed as “Oasis in Rajasthan”.

Situated on the highest peak of the Aravali range of mountains, Mount Abu is covered with lush green forests and splendid waterfalls.

Every year more then three million national and international tourists visit mount abu enjoying its scenic beauty, rich flora & fauna as well as the marble art of Delwara Jain temples.

This three-day colorful festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism and Municipal Board of Mt. Abu.

History of the Winter Festival in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The Winter Festival is a result of the joint initiative taken by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Municipal Board of Tamil Nadu to attract tourists as well as to give the citizens a break from the monotony of everyday existence.

Celebrations:

The winter festival of Mount Abu is a three day long festival that glorifies the beauty and warm heart of this hill station. The celebrations generally start from the RTDC hotel named Shikhar and proceed further through the hill.

Three main ingredients of the Festival that have given it a world platform today are the hospitality of the people, their colorful culture and exotic location. The processions ultimately end at the nakki lake chowk. Followed by the magnanimous procession there are folk songs and dances performed by troupes coming from Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and other nearby states and places.

Along with these cultural activities water sports also form part of the festivities. Rowing competitions are held on the lake. Cricket matches are organized.The grand finale of the festival is made brighter by a display of dazzling fireworks on three days.

Mount Abu:

GENERAL INFORMATION

Population: 30,000

Area: 25 Sq. Km.

Altitude: 1220 Meters.

Temperature : Summer 33.3 °C to 23.3 °C

Winters 23.3 °C to -2 °C

Rainfall : 153 to 177 mm.

Languages : Hindi, English, Gujarati, Rajasthani.

Time of Celebration:

The Winter Festival of Mount abu is celebrated in the last week of December. This year in 2009, the Festival will be observed from 28-30th December.

How to Reach:

By Air:

The nearest airport is Udaipur, which is 185 km away from Mount Abu. There are direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur.

By Rail:

Abu Road, 28 km from the main city is the nearest railway station. It is well connected by Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur.

By road:

Mount Abu is well connected by road with major cities of the country like Delhi, Ajmer, Bundi and Udaipur.Deluxe buses run by the Rajasthan roadways provide comfortable travel fro Jaipur and Abu road to Mount Abu.

Dance Festival

Dance Festival – Mamallapuram

The Dance Festival is celebrated with great joy and vigor at Mamallapuram. The festival begins on 25th of December every year and is continued till the first week of February.

The festival is packed with excellent cultural performances by esteemed artists of the country. Even there are stunning performances from the artists from abroad.

Beginning from 25th December, cultural programs are conducted on every weekend and any other govt. holiday falling in the period so that people could enjoy and celebrated to the fullest.

Crowd gets a visual treat by the incredible performances of Indian folk dancers where artists perform beautifully decked up in the finest traditional attire representing the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam

Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam is an extremely popular grand Dance Festival held in the state of Kerala. It is also termed as a “Theyyam Festival” as Theyyam refers to a traditional ritual dance form of Kerala. The Theyyam dance form is one of the oldest art forms of India.

Theyyam dances are performed generally by men in Kerala. These dance performances are extended across a number of days illuminating the New Year’s Eve.

Theyyam is not a single dance form it is a culmination and collection of about 400 types of dances. Each of these 400 dance forms represents a mythological, divine or heroic character.

During the Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam Festival a variety of Theyyams are presented including Chamundi theyyam, Vishnumoorthy theyyam and many more.

Ancestral spirits and historical characters are worshipped during this festive celebration.

The dance carnival held at the Kanathoor Nalvar Bhoothasthanam is truly a visual treat for all the onlookers who gather here from across the country. The dance presentations include colorful costumes, body painting, and trance-like performances. These performances are accompanied with splendid ancient shrines and temples contributing to the atmosphere.

Although each dance form denotes a deity, a mythological figure who is worshipped through the dance performance, even the individual dance performer is treated like a deity.

How to Reach?

Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 20 km away. Nearest airport: Mangalore about 50 km away.