Delhi garden festival

Introduction:


Environment smelling with sweet fragrance and colourful bed of flowers is the pleasurable sight to people visiting Delhi’s Garden of the Five Senses.


Delhi heralds a spectacular flower show every year in February. The Garden Tourism Festival was introduced in 2004. A variety of flowers and exotic plants are displayed here.


The event is organised by Delhi Tourism for three days. In 2010, the fest will be held from February 20th to 22nd.

New Delhi's annual Garden Show invites visitors to glance through the implausible exhibition just as the flowers are blossoming and the gardens are bursting with colour.


Displays include plants, flowers, trees and specially designed water gardens with exotic lilies and plants. The entry is open to all and no fee is charged at all. The Garden Festival, at Said-ul-Ajaib displays beautiful flowers, trees, alongside rockeries, fountains, theme based gardens, lily pool, horticultural demonstrations and activities.

The Garden Tourism Festival showcases thousands of variety of flower like dahlias, roses, potted plants, bonsai, home plants and others. Flower enthusiasts and horticulturists find it a great place during festival. Apart from flower display, painting competitions for children, art camp for budding artists and thematic cultural shows to entertain the visitors are also held here.

Flowers arranged in the popular Japanese art of flower arrangement, Ikebana, medicinal plants, hanging baskets, garden equipment, accessories, fresh plants and everything related to garden and gardening are displayed. Garden festival is not only a visual feast of flowers, but also quenches the thirst of gardening enthusiasts and horticulturists by helping them in knowing them about new techniques being employed in the science of gardening. The place is also fun and frolic for children of all ages.

Another annual Garden Festival, held at the ancient Talkatora Gardens also celebrates Garden festival to display hundreds of colourful flowers and exotic plants giving complex to everyone around.

Various Asian countries participate in the festival which helps in promoting a healthy relationship between Asian cities.

Time to celebrate

New Delhi's annual Garden Fesival is organised by Delhi Tourism for three days in Garden of Five Senses or Said-ul-Ajaib. In 2010, the fest will be held from February 20th to 22nd.

How to reach

By Air

Delhi is the main gateway city for northern India. Indira Gandhi International Airport is located at 23km southwest of Central Delhi and the domestic terminal at Palam is 5km away from the international terminal. Many national and international flights connect Delhi to other cities of India and abroad.


By Rail

Delhi has good network of trains touching it from all parts of the country. The city has two major railway stations in New Delhi and Old Delhi. Shatabdi Express operates to Bhopal (via Agra, Gwalior, Jhansi), Lucknow (via Kanpur) and Chandigarh, provides access to some of the neighboring tourist centres.

By Bus

Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi.

Chinakkathoor Pooram

Introduction:


The Chinakkathoor Pooram is an elephant peagent which is held annually at the sacred Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple, at Palappuram in Palakkad district in north Kerala. A huge procession of 33 festooned tuskers is the highlight of the festival. The festival is celebrated in Kumbham month of Malayam calendar.


Localiite performs traditional art forms like Vellattu, Theyyam, Poothanum thirayum, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Aandi Vedan, Karivela on the Panchavadyam or the temple orchestra. The popular ritualistic show puppetry, Tholppavakkoothu, is performed at the temple premises every evening. This show continues for 17 days before conclusion of the festival i.e.pooram. Sixteen decorated models of the kuthira (horse) and eight kaala (bull) are brought ceremoniously to the temple by devotees in a grand procession.


Holiday is declared by the District Collector in all government offices and educational institutions of Ottappalam municipality and the Lakkidi-Perur grama panchayat.


How to reach


By Rail

Nearest railway station is Ottappalam which is about 5 km from the shrine. It is one of the major railway stations between Palakkad and Shoranur in the Konkan route and Wadakkanchery in the Kanyakumari/Alapuzha route.


By Bus

Public as well as private buses running on Palakkad-Shoranur (Kulappully) State Highway passes through Ottappalam.

By Air

Nearest airport is Coimbatore in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu which is about 85 km from shrine.

Calicut International Airport, Karippur, Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery, and Coimbatore Domestic Airport are the other nearest airports.


Time to celebrate

In Kerala, festival dates are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar and the local traditions and customs.


In 2010:

English Date- February 28, 2010
Malayalam Date- Kumbham 16, 1185
Saka Date- Phalguna 9, 1931

Festival of Gardens

Introduction :


The Festival of Gardens is the three day extravaganza full of excitement and joy. The festival is annually organized in February end and is witnessed by large number of people. This fun filled three day festival adds life to the hosting place Chandigarh. The festival of garden was also known as the Rose Festival of Chandigarh



Celebrations :

The Festival of Gardens was started to encourage people to explore the most beautiful creation of nature roses and also to attract people to stunning rose garden of the city for enjoying the grandeur of the blooming flowers.


The flower show presents large number of rose species in world fame Rose Garden. The festival of gardens is not only limited to the flower show but also serves a lot to its visitors.


The exhilarating carnival also presents mind blowing dance and music performances by the celebrity stars and folk artists at Leisure valley.


Many activities and competitions are also organized for visitors of all genres.


The festival of Gardens include exhibitions by local artists, different contests like flower arrangement, flower cutting contests for guests. Even special events are planned for kids coming to attend the festival like spot painting competition or the Rose Prince and Rose Princess competitions. The Festival of Gardens provides a unique opportunity for photographers to show their talent, for various companies to display their products and craftsmen to display their creativity.


Festival of gardens 2010

The Festival of Gardens is a three day mega event usually organized in the last week of February. In 2010, the Festival of Gardens or Rose festival of Chandigarh is from February 22nd to 24th, 2010. extravaganza full of excitement and joy. The festival is annually organized in February end and is witnessed by large number of people. This fun filled three day festival adds life to the hosting place Chandigarh. The festival of garden was also known as the Rose Festival of Chandigarh.

Alwar Festival

Introduction:


The charismatic town Alwar is the Gateway of Rajasthan. Alwar is also known as the land of tigers. Alwar is situated at the foothills of the Aravalli ranges. The city derived its name from the Salva tribe located in that region. The name Alwar is the final outcome of deformation of Salwapur, as it was called earlier.


Alwar festival is an occasion to have lots of fun and enjoyment for three-days. The festival provides the best opportunity to showcase the folk culture, music, handicrafts and colourful traditions of the region.

The district administration organise this festival to promote tourism and highlight the rich cultural heritage of Alwar.


The Alwar festival is held in Magh month of hindu calendar or in February month according to English calendar. The festival begins with the huge procession through the streets of the town.


`Shilp Gram' (handicraft village) is organized by the Alwar Collector and chairman of the festival committee to showcase hand-made items and laying a stress on to promote the manual skills. Main focus is to increase tourism activities in Alwar and also the rural activities of the local people.


Alwar festival holds a variety of events. These events include elephant polo, fancy dress and sketching competitions for children and flower show. The exotic, rare and antique items of the region are exhibited here.

Time to celebrate:

The `Alwar Utsav' is organised in the district town of Alwar in Magh month of hindu calendar or in February month according to English calendar. In 2010, the festival will be organized from 12th to 14th February.

How to reach :

By Air

Delhi Airport is the nearest airport to Alwar, which is 163 km awa.


By Rail

A good railway network connects Alwar with Delhi, Jodhpur, Mumbai and other important cities of India. Shatabdi Express and Superfast Express connects Alwar to New Delhi on one side and Ajmer on the other; whereas Intercity Express connects Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Alwar and Jaipur and Mandore Express connects DelhiSarai Rohilla, Alwar and Jodhpur.


By Road

Regular buses operate between Alwar and Delhi, Sariska, Bharatpur, Deeg and Jaipur and many other key cities of Rajasthan.

Nagaur Fair

Nagaur fair is founded by the great Jodhpur Dynasty king Mr. Umed Singh in honour of Sh. Ramdeoji 56 years back and since then it has been held regularly. Nagaur fair or Ramdeoji Cattle fair is infact a cattle fair, the second largest in Rajasthan.

The Nagaur Fair is held in charming Rajput town- Nagaur, located between Jodhpur and Bikaner.

he Nagaur Fair is held in the month of January-February every year and continues for four days starting on Magh Shukla Saptmi. Every year about 70,000 bullocks, camels and horses are bought and sold in this fair.

The Nagaur Fair is an attraction for tourists. It magnetise visitors from all over the world, who come to see the trading of camels, cattle and horses by their owners dressed in colourful and beautiful attire.

The picturesque sight of people dressed in beautiful dresses and participating locals and tourists in sports is worth capturing with camera.

Nagaur district is the land of fairs. They are not only a hub to sale and buy cattles but also show the true spirit of living life. The rural people take on these fairs as big social events; thus participate in these fairs very eagerly with great enthusiasm.

In addition to the cattle things that are of routine use even from needles to nails are available in these events. Fairs witness strong social harmony and are seen as the true expression of rustic rural Rajasthan.

Shopping and Celebration

Animals that come for being sold in this fair are magnificently garlanded and decorated with loads of accessories to provide a vibrant look to them by their owners. The owners in colourful turban and long moustaches keeps themselves busy in selling cows, bullocks, oxen, horses and camels and are seen conversing and bargaining with the buyers.


 
The Nagauri bull is the most attractive buy besides camels, horses, bullocks, buffalos, goat & sheep. Traders from all over the country gather here and participate actively to vie with each other in purchasing high pedigree animals.

The fair provides an opportunity to see real Rajasthan, rural folk in colourful traditional dresses & turbans in a rural ambience.

In addition to exhibition of animals and their trading, the fair is also popular for its Mirchi Bazaar, which is biggest in India. The Mirchi bazaar in Nagaur fair is a place to market red chilly.

Wooden items, iron-crafts and camel leather accessories and many other things are also sold here.


Celebrations

Amid of business activities, the visitors indulge themselves into exciting sports to enjoy riveting activities at the fair. The major sports held at the fair include tug-of-war, camel races, bullock races and cockfights. The jugglers; puppeteers, storytellers and campfire evenings make it a life time experience. The silence of desert is broken by the musical notes of the folk music of region. The scene of sun sinking below the horizon and the sand dunes glittering in the twilight is worth watching.


Time of Celebration

Nagaur Cattle fair is held for four days in the month of Magha of Hindu calendar, which usually falls in January or February. The fair starts on Saptmi of Magh Shukla and ends on 10th day of same.

In 2010: 22-25 January, 2010

In 2011: 10-13 February, 2011

In 2012: 30 January to 03 February, 2012

The Origin of Kumbh Mela

The 2010 Kumbh Mela in Haridwar will be the next Kumbh Mela in India. It will take place from January 14 to April 28, 2010.

one of the most important activities undertaken by pilgrims at the Kumbh Mela is a dip in the holy Ganges River on certain auspicious dates, to wash away their sins. The majority of the bathing will take place at the Har-ki-pauri ghat.

Allahabad, along with Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, is one of the four cites where the Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years. The origin of the Kumbh Mela goes back to the mythological story of the Sagar Manthan or 'Churning of the Ocean'. Legend has it that once all the devtas, or demigods were under a curse that made them weak in body and mind. They were advised by Brahma (Creator in the Hindu Holy Trinity of Creator-Preserver-Destroyer) to drink amrit, or the elixir of life. But amrit could only be obtained by the churning of the ocean, which, needless to add, was no mean feat. Now the question arose as to how to go about churning the gargantuan ocean. Lord Vishnu (the Hindu Preserver of the Universe) came up with a solution saying that Mount Meru could act as the churning stick, while Vasuki (the mythical serpent) could be used as the coil around Meru. Pleased with the suggestion, the devtas went to the asuras, or demons and sought their help in accomplishing the formidable task. The devtas’ promise to share the amrit with the asuras tricked the latter into consenting to tug Vasuki from one end.

Thus ensued a phenomenal churning that, however, threatened to destroy the three worlds (Heaven, Earth and Hell). The gods simply could not let that happen, so Vishnu appeared in the guise of a giant tortoise or Kurma (Vishnu's second incarnation) and stabilised the churning by acting as a base under Mount Meru. It is said that eventually, spectacular treasures emerged from the great ocean including Laksmi the Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth, Sura the Goddess of Wine, Chandra, or the moon, Apsaras, the celestial nymphs, Kaustabha, the precious gem of Vishnu, Uchchaishravas, the divine horse, Parijata, the wishing coral tree, Kamdhenu, the wish-fulfilling Divine Cow, Airavata, the four-tusked white elephant, Panchajanya, or the conch, Sharanga, the invincible bow, and Dhanvantri, Nimi and Bharadwaj - the physicians and surgeons.

Appeared Halahala, the deadly poison, that had to be extracted before it could spell doom across the universe, and finally emerged the Amrit Kumbh, or pitcher of amrit. The mighty Shiva (the Destroyer of the Universe) stepped in to consume the poison as he was the only one who had the capacity to contain Halahala. Shiva drank the poison but kept it in his neck, perhaps to prevent the poison from entering his stomach. Ever since, he has been nicknamed Neelkantha or the blackneck. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the asuras from consuming the amrit, the devtas took the priceless pot and fled, with the asuras trailing behind in pursuit. Eventually the asuras caught up with the devtas who, in turn, decided to take on the asuras. It is believed that in all this melee, a few drops of amrit fell from the pot on spots that are the present-day towns of Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Allahabad, rendering indestructible and sacred for all times to come.







Auspicious Day For The Holy Dip :

The most auspicious day for the holy dip is the day of the revered saint Amavasya, when the banks of the Sangam are flooded with devotees to as far as the eyes can behold. Other sacred days marked by celebrations are Makar Sankranti, Magi Poornima, Paush Poornima, Basant Panchmi, and Maha Shivratri. (Hindus consider the period when the sun enters the zodiac known as Makar or Capricorn as most auspicious and beneficial, and rejoice and pray on the day of Makar Sankranti. Paush Poornima celebrates the first harvest, while Basant Panchmi marks the onset of spring at the end of harsh winters, and is celebrated with the worship of Saraswati the Goddess of Learning. Maha Shivratri is a festival that commemorates Shiva's marriage with Parvati his consort).


Ardh Kumbh Mela :

The Mahakumbh is interspersed with the Ardh Kumbh Mela that takes place once in six years, whereas the Magh Mela is held annually in the Hindu month of Magh, around January or February on the banks of the Sangam except during the years of the Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela.

During the period of the Kumbh Mela, a tent city comes up for over a month to provide shelter to thousands of devotees. Several Hindu religious organisations set up camps during this period. Folk theatre groups enact different stories and scenes from Hindu religious texts in different patches of the mela grounds. This period of retreat is called Kalpavas, and those who submit to its exigencies are known as Kalpvasees. All these holy fairs commemorate the struggle between the gods and demons over the kumbh of the elixir of life, and draw innumerable crowds in quest of the definitive cleansing of the soul before entering the realm of god.

India - Festivals - Maha Kumbh Festival

The mammoth Mahakumbh Mela occured in the holy city of Allahabad, when millions of Hindu devotees throng the banks of the holy river Ganga, and wait to take the magical dip that shall rid them of their sins.


The Holy City of Allahabad :

Allahabad is located at the confluence of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga. The city is one of the most revered pilgrim centres in the country and has a rich mythological dimension woven into its name. Legend has it that the mythical Saraswati River flows in the recesses of the earth, and joins the Yamuna and the Ganga in Prayag Raj, the ancient name for Allahabad. The confluence of these holy rivers, known as Sangam, is considered a most sacred place for the Hindus. They believe that after they die and are cremated, they would attain moksha, or freedom from the endless cycle of birth-death-rebirth, if their ashes are immersed at Sangam.

The Significance of Ramzan--(Fasting)

What is Ramzan:

Ramzan gives ..........

Strength to love poors who are not able to feed themselves.

Strength to fight all odds.Strength to stand for the truth.

Strength to give alms.Strength to keep up your self esteem.

Strength to devout time for prayer.Strength to avoid anger.

Strength to avoid hunger.Strength to kill your bad habits,

Strength to inculcate good habits.Strength to love all including non-Muslims.

Strength to understand the meaning of hunger.

Strength to stand against the corruption, violence.

Strength to become more humble..

Strength to my Islamic belief that Allah is for the whole humanity and not for the Muslims only

When it comes?

Its the moth that Prophet Muahmmed came to Muslims with gifts from God.....prayers and the Quran.....a lot happened during ramadan or rather the month of ramadan....it can consist of 30 - 29 days or is it 30-31....others can fill in....it is said the Gates of Heveanare flung open.....and the nights of ramdan is equal to a 100 nights.

Ramadan is the 9th month of Islamic, "Hijra calender", The number of days a month, in Hijra calender can be either 29 or 30, (not more than 30 and less than 29), as per sight of moon at different areas locally.So Islamic Hijra date may vary in different countries, by one or two days difference.Gulf countries follow the date announced on the sight of moon in Makkah, and other Muslim countries have their own moon sighting authorities, who declare the sight of moon by witnesses locally in that specific country.The present Ramadan is the Ramadan of 1429 H. we can say today is 09/09/1429 (H)

Source(s):
(1) Muharram,

(2) Safer,

(3) Rabi ul Awwal ,

(4) Rabi us Sani

(5) Jamadi ul Awwal ,

(6) Jmadi ul Sani ,

(7) Rajab,

( 8) Sha'aban ,

(9) Ramadan ,

(10) Shawwal ,

(11) Zequa'ad ,

(12) Zulhajj. Are the names and arangement of 12 Hijra months,

To get to the significance of Eid, one must first understand the meaning of Ramzan. ‘Ramz’ means to burn, and fasting is considered to burn down ones sins. Fasting or Roza starts at sunrise and lasts until sunset. During this time no food or water is consumed. Pregnant women, the handicapped and the ailing, people on a long journey, and ladies in confinement are exempted from Roza, but they must resume fasting on recovery.

The principle behind Roza is to understand the plight of the poor and pledge to live a more significant and meaningful life. Prophet Mohammed said, "if a person observing fast does not shun untruth, his having given up eating and drinking is of little value. Such a person starves for nothing. and those who rise in the midnight to recite prayers but do not give up untruth and evil deeds, lose their sleep for nothing."

Due to the rigorous discipline during the days of Ramzan, a believer becomes one with religion and feels a genuine need to do good and lead a more refined and introspective life. Giving money and material goods away in charity is another Islamic custom that every conscientious Muslim practises. In fact Zakat, or charity is one of the five main tenets of Islam. A true Muslim is expected to be magnanimous throughout the year, all the more so during Ramzan. Every Muslim who owns 52.5 tolas (one tola is approximately 10 grams) of silver or an equivalent amount of wealth must donate at least 2.5% of his total income to the needy during the month of Ramzan.

India - Festivals - Eid Ul Fitr Festival

The Advent of The Festival:

105 million Muslims make India the second most populous Islamic nation in the world. They form India’s largest minority and constitute almost 12% of India’s total population. Islam is also the most recent religion added to India’s already potent cultural concoction. Islam came to India in the 12th century a.d. and opened a dialogue with Indian culture especially under the Mughals. Needless to say, it was a mutually enriching experience. A majority of India’s Muslims live in the north but a significant number are found all around the country. Hence their traditions add yet another dimension to the vast cultural landscape of India.

Eid Ul Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival:

Festival Attractions of pushkar fair

Cattle Fair :

The cattle fair is synonimous to the Pushkar fair. The villagers and the merchants meet at Pushkar and barter. The cattles are decorated in very colorful manner to attract the buyers and the tourists.



Cattle Competition :

Various competitons involving cattles takes place during the festival. The famous camel race and the cattle race also takes place here. There is an intersting event to test the power of the camels. Many people sit on the back of the camel and the camels race. People fall from the back of the camels and the camel who carries the most number of people on the back is declared the winner. Other events like the Cattle fashion show, magix shows are also a part of this event.

Recreation :

The culture of Rajasthan comes alive in Pushkar through the folk lores, music and dance performances. Cultural events, exhibitions and movies reflect the rich culture of Rajasthan.

Other Attractions :

Temples and Ghats:

The temples and Ghats are decorated to worship the Lords. A series of worship processes takes place during the festival. People visit the temples and take bath in the Pushkar lake. The temples of Pushkar comes to a new life during the celebrations.

Shopping :

The ghats and the surrounding areas of the lake becomes a mini Rajasthan market during the fair. Decorative items for Cattles, like saddles, saddle-straps and beads are sold. One can buy jewelry, garments, silver ornaments, bead necklaces, tie 'n' dye fabrics etc. Also for the Tatoo lovers, stalls for body tatoo are made all over.

How to Visit Pushkar :

Air : Jaipur Airport (145 Km) is the nearest airport to Pushkar.
Rail : Ajmer Railway station, 11 Km from Pushkar, is very well connected to the major cities of India and has some direct trains to these cities.
Road : Ajmer and Pushkar are well connected to the cities of Rajasthan and nearby states.

India - Festivals - Pushkar Fair

Pushkar tourism brings alive the rich tradition of Rajasthan during the time of Pushkar Fair in India. Fabulous Pushkar fair grounds in the month of Kartik in Rajasthan facilitated by Rajasthan tourism department. Adorned camels, embellished cattle, adventures competition, awe-inspiring cultural events, colorful people, holy dip in Pushkar lake, exotic Pushkar art and craft shops are the highlights of the Pushkar fair in Rajasthan, India.

The annual Pushkar fair in Pushkar, Rajasthan is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festival is an obeisance to lord Brahma, the creator of this world. Situated in Pushkar is the only temple of Brahma in the world. Celebrated on the occassion of Karthik Purnima (November), it is believed that Lord Brahma, Vishnu and others come down to Pushkar to bath in the lake Pushkar. So it is considered very holy to bath in the Pushkar lake on this auspicious occassion. The festival becomes a hub for the cultural activities of Rajasthan. People come from far places to take part in the festival celebrations. They stay in there tents, named after the village they belong to. They also bring herds of cattles along. These cattles are here for a show and for trading. Other cultural events of Rajasthan also takes place during the festival.