Chaitra Navratri festival 2010

Introduction

Navratri, the festival of nine nights is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. According to the Hindu calendar, Navratri begins from the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin which usually coincides with the end of the rainy season.

The nine days have great religious significance as Goddess Durga, the divine mother, had destroyed the evil force (in the form of the demon Mahisashura) during this period.

The festival is celebrated with true devotion and purity all over the country.

People from various sections of the society irrespective of caste and creed celebrate this festival by visiting temples and offering pujas at the Mother’s feet.

In some places special puja samarohas are also held by setting the images of Mother Durga on beautifully decorated pandals.

Temples dedicated to Shakti also make arrangement for pujas and bratas to mark these nine days as true symbols of devotion and adoration towards the divine mother.

Rituals :

Navratri is divided into sets of three days to adore three different aspects of the supreme goddess or goddesses. During Navratri, different forms of Mother Goddess are worshipped. On the first three days Durga or Goddess of Energy is worshipped.

The next three days are devoted to Lakshmi or Goddess of Wealth and the last three days for Saraswati or Goddess of Knowledge. On the fifth day, it is traditional to worship Saraswati to invoke our spirit and knowledge.

On the eighth and ninth day, Yagna (sacrifice offered to the fire) is performed to honor Durga Mata and bid her farewell. The festival of Navratri concludes in Mahanavami. On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. In some regions a young boy also accompanies them who symbolize Bhairav; he is considered as protector against all evils.
Fast is observed by devotees during all the nine days of Navratri. Prayers are also offered for good health and prosperity. Navratri, besides being a period of introspection and purification, is also considered an auspicious time for starting new ventures.

Chaitra Navratri 2010

Navratri, the festival of nine divine nights is full of festivity and merry making. The festival of Navratri is the perfect blend of fun, dance and worship of Goddess Durga.

Navratri is celebrated twice in a year, once in the month of March or April and other in the month of September or October. Navratri is dedicated to worship of goddess Durga and is the most awaited festival for all age groups.

Chaitra Navratri or Chait Navratras or Ram Navratri or Vasant Navratri, is observed during the Chaitra month (March – April) in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India.

Chaitra Navaratri 2010 begins on March 16 and ends on March 24. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and her other three forms– Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati.

It begins on the first day of the Chaitra month and ends with Ram Navami.

Navratri Puja

Navratri is celebrated twice in a year.One after the festival of Holi in the month of Chaitra Shukla Paksha from Ekam (First day) to Navmi (Ninth day). These are called Vasanth Navratri. In this, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu.

Once before Dussehra in the month of Ashwin Shukla Paksha on Ekam (first Day) to Navmi (9th day). These are called Sharadeeya Navratri. In these nine days of Navratri, we pray to Durga Maa.

On the eight day of this Navratri, Durga Maa was born, hence her puja on this day is of special significance.





These nine days also have a special significance for unmarried girls.

Preparation for the puja

- Picture or image of Durga Maa   

 -Durga Sapthashati book, Devi’s armour

- Water in a kalash, mango leaves, coconut

- Roli, moli, chawal, paan, betl nut.

- Cloves, cardamom, sindoor, abhir, gulal

- Dhoop, deepak, matchsticks

- Flowers such as hibiscus, lotus, roses and belpatr leaves

- Fruits such as pomegranate and sweets such as laddoo and peda

- Panchpatra containing spoon and water, pata, mat to sit (Aasan)

Jhuwara is grown - On the first day of Navratri, take a large earthen pot with a wide mouth, put some sand in it and plant either jaun or wheat kernels which have been soaked the previous night. Every day a little water is sprinkled over them and they are put in sunlight for a short time for germination.

Vidhi / Method of performing puja

Place the kalash by putting wheat grains on the pata, fill water in the kalash, place live mango tree leaves in the mouth of the kalash and put a coconut in the middle, Moli is tied on the neck ofthe kalash.

Place Durga Maa’s image on the pata and worship with roli, rice, flowers, belpatr, sindoor, abhir and gulal.

Maa ki jyoti lena

Take a small clay pot, add a burning coal to the pot, pour ghee over the coal and offer a small piece of laddoo, peda or halwa. Keep adding ghee at intervals. The higher the flame the more auspicious it is. This jyoti / light has to be maintained throughout the puia. At the conclusion, fold your hands and circle them around the jyoti.

Light dhoop and deepak.

Perform Durga Saptashati or Devi Kavach (hymn invoking Devi's protection) either yourself or by a Pundit.

Some people go to the temple for these nine days to perform the puia.

Many people fast on this Day. At least one meal should be a phalaahaar and the other can be with cereal.

Many people conclude the puja on the 8th day by doing Devi ki Kadhai. On this day, Maa ki jyoti is taken with halwa. You should make atta halwa, chawal ki kheer, puri, kaala chana (black grain) and one or two vegetables. Unmarried girls are invited for meal. After the food, the girls are given some fruits and money as Dakshina.

sSome people do Devi ki Kadhai on the 9th day.

‘Durga Stuti’ is sung:

“Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu shri rupen sansthita
namas tasye namas tasye names tasye namo namah”


‘Durga Maa ki Aarti’ is sung:

Jai Ambe Gauri, Mayya Jai Shyama Gauri...
Tumko Nishidin Dhyavat, Tumko Sabdin Sevat, Hari Brahma Shivji... Jai!!

Manga Sindoor Virajat, Teeko Mrigmad Ko, Maiya Teeko Mrigmad Ko...
Ujjwal Se Dou Naina, Ujjwal Se Dou Naina, Chandra Vadan Neeko… Jai!!

Kanak Saman Kalevar, Raktambar Raje, Maiya Raktambar Raje…
Raktapushpa Galmala, Lalpushpa Galmala, Kantahan Har Saje… Jai!!
s
Kehari Vahan Rajat, Khadag Khappar Dhari, Maiya Khadag Khappar Dhari…
Sur Nar Munijan Sewat, Sur Nar Munijan Sewat, Tinke Dukkhahari… Jai!!

Kanan Kundal Shobhit, Nasagre Moti, Maiya Nasagre Moti…
Kotik Chandra Diwakar, Kotik Surya Diwakar, Samrajat Jyoti… Jai!!

Shumbhu Nishumbha Vidare, Mahishasur Ghati, Maiya Mahishasur Ghati…
Dhoomra Vilochana Naina, Madhura Vilochana Naina, Nishidin Madmati… Jai!!

Brahmani Rudraini, Tum Kamala Rani, Maiya Tum Kamala Rani…
Aagam Nigam Bhakhani, Aagam Nigam Bhakhani, Tum Shiv Patrani… Jai!!

Chaunsath Yogini Gavet, Nritya Karen Bhairon, Maiya Nritya Karen Bhairon…
Bajat Tal Mridanga, Bajat Dhol Mridanga, Aur Bajat Dumroo… Jai!!

Bhuja Char Ati Shobhit, Var Mudra Dhari, Maiya Var Mudra Dhari…
Manwanchhit Phal Pavat, Man Iccha Phal Pavat, Sewat Nar Nari… Jai!!

Kanchan Thal Virajat, Agar Kapoor Bati, Maiya Agar Kapoor Bati…
Malketu Mein Rajat, Malketu Men Rajat, Koti Ratan Jyoti… Jai!!

Durgaji Ki Aarti, Jo Koi Nar Gave, Maiya Jo Sunder Gave…
Kahat Shivananda Swami, Ratata Shivananda Swami, Sukh Sampati Pave!!

Jai Ambe Gauri, Mayya Jai Shyama Gauri...
Tumko Nishidin Dhyavat, Tumko Sabdin Sevat, Hari Brahma Shivji!!

Bolo Durge Maiyya ki Jai!!!

Nine days of Navratri

First Day

IThe first day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is called Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva.

Second Day

The second day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is known as 'Brahmacharini'. The name is derivative of the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. She is also a form of Mata Shakti.

Third Day

The third day is dedicated to the goddess Chandraghanta, the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.

First Day

IThe first day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is called Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva.

Second Day

The second day is dedicated to the Goddess Durga is known as 'Brahmacharini'. The name is derivative of the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penace. She is also a form of Mata Shakti.

Third Day

The third day is dedicated to the goddess Chandraghanta, the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.

  

Fourth Day 

The fourth day is dedicated to the goddess Kushmandas, the creator of the entire Universe.

Fifth Da

 The fifth day is dedicated to the Goddess Skand Mata, the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army the Skanda.

Sixth Day

Tamil New Year Festival

The Festival

The month of Chitthirai i.e. from mid-April to mid-May is the first month of Tamil calendar. The month usually starts from 14th April, the day known as Tamil New Year. This is an auspicious occasion for Tamilians (people of Tamil origin) living all over the world. People exchange greetings by wishing “Puthandu Vazthukal” – Happy New Year, with great passion. According to Hindu Mythology, this is the day on which Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe) started the creation of the world.


Celebration

The first day of Tamil calendar starts with some popular beliefs and faiths. People rise early in the morning and go for 'kanni' – the auspicious sight. The belief is that this brings good fortune throughout the year. The auspicious things may include gold and silver jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts etc. The auspicious sight is then followed by a ritual bath and visiting temple to pray for a prosperous and happy New Year. After which, the Panchangam (almanac) is read.

The women decorate the entrances of their houses with ‘Kolam’ (design made with rice flour) and the doorway with mango leaves. Another highlight of this festival is the preparation of ‘Maanga Pachadi'. It is a dish made of raw mangoes, jaggery and neem flowers, tasting sweet, sour and bitter one at the same time. This signifies all aspects of our life and tells us to face happiness and sorrow with equal ease.


On this day several fairs and cultural programs are organised at different places all over the state. A grand Car Festival is held at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam every year on April 14th. Also in Madurai witnesses marriage of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) to Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) in the form of ‘Chitthirai festival’ with great grandeur. Offerings to the deities, comprising of food, flowers and fruits is an important component of the festival.

12 months in Tamil calendar

• Chittirai (mid-April to mid-May)
• Vaikaasi (mid-May to mid-June)
• Aani (mid-June to mid-July)
• Aadi (mid-July to mid-August)
• Aavani (mid-August to mid-September)
• Purattaasi (mid-September to mid-October)
• Aipassi (mid-October to mid-November)
• Kaarthigai (mid-November to mid-December)
• Maargazhi (mid-December to mid-January)
• Thai (mid-January to mid-February)
• Maasi (mid-February to mid-March)
• Panguni (mid-March to mid-April)

Bihu festival

Bihu or Bohag Bihu is the biggest festival of the people of Assam. It is a festival that transcends all religious and class barriers bringing people together in a free and uninhabited manner. The Assamese observe not one but three Bihus. Bohag Bihu, which is celebrated in mid-April, the Magh Bihu, which is held in mid-January, and the Kati Bihu which is celebrated in mid-October. The three are connected with the spring, winter and autumn seasons respectively.

Bihu is the biggest festival of the people of the Assam region. This is truly a regional festival, which brings a sense of solidarity and unity among the people of the Assam region. It comes thrice a year and marks the changes in the seasons. The first of the "Bihus" falls on "Chait Sankranthi" (mid-April). It is called Bihag Bihu or Rangoli bihu. In fact bihu is a festival to celebrate fertility. Rangoli Bihu is the most festive and joyful of all the Bihus.

The Rangoli Bihu is a Spring, New Year and agriculture festival, all rolled into one. The first day of Rangoli Bihu is known as Gori Bihu and is reserved for cattle rites. Household cattle get special attention and they are decorated with colorful garlands of flowers and given goodfood. The next day is called "Manuh Bihu". Paying homage to elders is customary on that day.. The next day is "Gosain Bihu", which is reserved for religious services. The seventh day has the people customarilu preparing seven types of leafy vegetables called "SatSak ". Games and sports are also a necessary part of the Bihu celebrations.

The last of the Bihus is the "Kati Bihu" which is a one-day celebration. It falls around October- November, when the paddy crops are yet to mature and the granaries are almost empty. Hence it is called "Kangali" or Poor Bihu.Naturally there is no feasting on this day. Special Tulsi Pujas are held on this day. The first day of Bohag Bihu is known as the 'Goru Bihu' and is reserved for cattle rites. Household is cleaned, the cows feet are washed, oil rubbed on their horns and hooves and some times they are decorated with garlands. The next day is 'Manuh Bihu' day; on this day homage is paid to elders, relatives and friends. The Bihu meal is a special one consisting of Chira, curds and sweets. The third day of Bihu is sometimes called the 'Gosain Bihu' and is set apart for religious services. Games and sports, special Bihu songs and dances, Fairs etc are a part of the Bihu celebrations. These Bihu songs are beautiful specimens of folk poetry set to lilting music and swinging rhythm. The Bihu dance is a vigorous, captivating dance reflecting the spirit of youth and vitality.

Beneshwar Fair

Beneshwar Fair is a five days fair starting from Shukla ekadeshi of Magh month of Hindu calendar. This is the unique and biggest tribal fair of the country attracting lakhs of devotees.

This fair is annually held in Dungarpur, Rajasthan. The name Beneshwar is derived from the holy Shiva Linga located in the Shiv temple in Dungarpur. ‘Beneshwar’ in the local language (Vagdi) means ‘master of delta.

The fair is organized at delta formed by rivers Mahi and Som. The fair continues till Shukla Purnima of Magh. Beneshwar is situated 24 kms. from Aspur in the district of Dungarpur.

The Beneshwar fair is infact the combination of two fairs. One fair is organized to pay tribute to the Lord Shiva, known as Beneshwar Mahadev.

And another fair is held to celebrate the finish of the construction work of the Vishnu temple by Jankunwar, the daughter-in-law of saint Mavji.

The priest or Mathadish arrives in a massive procession to the fair site from Sabha and take a dip into the river water. Then aarti of the Mathadish are performed and Raslila are reenacted during the night in the Lakshmi Narayana temple.

Bhils or tribal people from Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara constitute the major part of the gathering. The fair is very famous and is organized at very large level.

Legend

town named Beneshwar is so named because of the deity associated with place. The sacred Shiva Linga is located in Mahadev temple here. The lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Beneshwar Mahadev.

Shiva is also popularly known as Rudra or Mahesh and he is one of the Trimurti being other two deities Vishnu and Brahma. Brahma is seen as the creator, Vishnu as the maintainer or preserver, and Shiva is the destroyer.

Shiva is believed to have a third eye on his forehead which opens at the time when some destruction is needed to be done.

The devotees of Shiva are called Shaivas and the religious tradition is called Shaivism.

We usually see Shiva linga in temple instead of pictures of Shiva.

Whenever his pictures are seen, he is represented as immersed in deep meditation or dancing the Tandava.

Siva linga is considered the concentration of magnificent light and solidification in the upper part of the ling. The lower base of the structure represents the lamp and the upper section, the flame.

Jankunwari the daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly reverted saint also an incarnation of Lord Vishnu built a temple of lord Vishnu. The day also marked the finishing day of the construction work.

It is believed that two of Mavji’s disciple Vaje and Aje, built the Lakshmi Narian temple near the meeting point of the two rivers Mahi and Som. The pran-pratishtha ceremony of the idols to the temple was performed on magh Shukla Ekadashi. Since then onwards a fair is organized every year to celebrate this auspicious event.

Rituals & Celebrations

Rituals

The large devotees that gathers here at the time of the fair pays reverence and offerings to all the deities in the temple. The priest or the Mathadish comes to the location of fair from Sabha along in a huge procession. A 16 cms. silver image of Mavji sitting on horseback is also brought here.


The Mathadish and the statue or image of Mavji is bathed into the river water. This river water is considered holier.


People considers auspicious to take bath in this holy water. They believe that taking a dip or two will purify them and all their sins will ward off. This will attain them salvation.Prayers are offered five times a day in the temples of Lakshmi-Narayana and Brahma. The temple of Baneshwar Mahadev remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. during the fair.

The Shiva linga is bathed then saffron is applied on the Shiva linga and incense sticks are lighted to make the whole environment fragrant.

The ash or babhut is applied on the linga and aarti is waved with clanging brass gong in the evening which is then followed by colourful celebrations. Devotees offer wheat flour, pulses, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chillies, coconut and cash.


Celebrations

All the tribal people, young or old, who come to attend the Baneshwar Fair sing traditional folk songs loudly sitting around a bonfire every night in high spirit. Groups of villagers are also invited to participate in the programme. The fair is coloured by the cheerfulness of songs, folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats. The fair resonate with the gaiety of people coming there.

The local people also actively participate in various activities. The fun rides on merry-go-rounds and swings furthers the excitement.A temporary mini market is established in the mela place. Many useful items for household, traditional farming tools and fancy items come in these markets. The large number of shops in the fair proves a shopping paradise for both buyers and sellers.

How to reach

Beneshwar fair is held at the delta formed by the meeting of rivers Mahi and Som. The Beneshwar temple is located about one and a half km away from Nawa Tapra village.

Sabla is the nearest bus stand from Nawa Tapra village. The site is 6.5 kms from Sabla village on the Udaipur-Banswara-Dungarpur route. Sabla village is at a distance of 123 kms from Udaipur, 53 kms from Banswara, 45 kms from Dungarpur and 22 kms from Aspur. One can easily get bus for sabla village from above places.

One has to go Beneshwar from Sabla on foot or on private carts in normal days. However, there are special provisions organized by private and Rajasthan roadways buses during Beneshwar Fair.

Time to celebrate

The Beneshwar fair is celebrated for five days in January/Feburary. The fair starts from eleventh day of shukla paksh of Magh and conclude on the fifteenth day of the same. It is celebrated-

In 2010: 26-30 January, 2010

In 2011: 14-18 February, 2011

In 2012: 3-7 Feburary, 2012

Desert Festival

The Desert Festival is a 3-day extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and Fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert Contest are a part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam Dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and even watch the folk dancers and musicians perform.

Once a year in winters and on the middle of the continually rising and falling stark yellow sands of the great Thar Desert, the empty sands around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colour, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. The festival is organised by the tourist authorities as tourist entertainment around January-February.

The very rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for a few days. Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their brightly costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance and tragedy. Traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other in their musical superiority.

The high points of the festival are - snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats, folk performers do rapid trade. Camels, the lifeline of the desert, play a foremost role. Proud moustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics, camel races and dicor, camel polo, tug of war and the like.

The tourist dances, turban tying competitions and tug of war are big draws and laughter. The Mr Desert competitions, which are focused around the length of moustaches by and large, attract many hopefuls.

Ravidas Jayanti

Celebration

The birthday of Guru Ravidass on February 21st every year is celebrated by the name of Shri Guru Ravidass Jayanti.

It is the annual focal point for Ravidasis (follower of Guru Ravidass). Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated on 21st February.On this day there is an Akhand Path read; the Nishan Sahib is changed ceremonially, and there is a special Arti and a Nagar Kirtan procession bearing his portrait taken out to the accompaniment of music through the streets of the temple locality. In Gurdeheras his image is worshipped.

On the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti several processions are taken out and people dress up like Ravidas and his associates. The birthday is celebrated on a huge scale and various programmes remembering the achievements of the great ruler are organized.

Brief Life History

Guru Ravidas was born in a village near Varanasi, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India in 1376 CE. His father was a leather merchant. He was born in a poor family. Nonetheless he rose to a position of great honour through a life of simplicity and piety. He set an example for his followers to break the barriers set up by so called upper castes and set a philosophical and armed path for freedom. He incited his followers against cruel ruling class. He motivated his followers for a sovereign state of Begampura. He was the first to motivate his followers to challenge discrimination on the grounds of caste. Because of his charismatic deeds, he has become an important figure in the Whole World, his followers call themselves Ravidasis. He was the first to motivate his followers to make/call them untouchables who make/call them so. By his deeds he proved that he was a high caste, although others were calling him a low caste. He was the first to scientifically prove the highness of his caste.

Ravidasi Beliefs

Indian religious leader and founder Satguru of the "Ravidasi" beliefs, revered by most Hindus as a Sant, by Nirankari sect, Balmiki sect as a Guru, by Radhasoami organization as a Sant and as a Bhagat by Sikhs, which is a somewhat lesser station than that attributed to him in other faiths. He is referred to as Guru Ravidass by followers of his beliefs.

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