Ramlila Festival

Introduction

Ramlila is simply an enactment of complete Hindu epic-Ramayana. It covers the complete life, values, principles and journey of Lord Rama. Every episode of his life is enacted with lots of detailing is very informative and is called a “Lila”.

It is celebrated across India yet Ramlila of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are typically very popular and special. Ramlila is one such event or celebration that till date embodies and encapsulates Hindu tradition and ethics very well.

The life and values of Lord Rama is the best lesson to be learnt in one’s life and especially to Hindus Ramlila remains the best visual treat and learning experiences in life. It is observed every year in the month of September- October.

Significance

Ramlila is followed across India with great vigor and enthusiasm. Perhaps many Hindus would not have read complete Ramayan but its enactment in the form of Ramlila is not only a learning experience from the life of Shri Ram , but also is fun and entertaining.

Especially for children, who may find it cumbersome to Read the epic find it interesting to watch Ramlila and through it their young minds absorb many things. To move from one episode of lord Rama’s Life to another through the process of Ramlila is like a Pilgrimage to Hindus and indeed “worship In Action”.

Since ages Lord Rama is observed and worshipped as “Maryada Purshottam” and seen as “Best among dignified”.

Celebrations

Across India

Although typically a Hindu celebration, Ramlila is followed by people from different religions and is open to all. Many cities in India hold Ramlila for different periods of time ranging from 7, 14 to 31 days.

Not only as viewers but 100’s of Sadhus from across the country called “Ramayanis” assemble and recite the text and lessons of Ramayan. The enactment in forms of skits/ plays is very colorful and includes fascinating dresses, jewellary, decorations and carried out in very ethnic manner with no involvement of technology to make it look more ethnic and gives authenticity.

Although celebrated across India the Ramlila of Delhi, UP and especially that of Ramnagar (Varanasi) are very popular.

Ramlila in Ramnagar:

Ramnagar is a small town located about 15 Km from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Ramlila observed here is not only popular but maintains its originality till date. It is believed that the “Maharaja of Kashi” started it years ago in a very traditional manner.

Certain highlights of this Ramlila that stands it apart from those observed in other states are:

Duration:

As compared to Ramlila celebrated elsewhere in India for duration of nearly 14 days, the one in Ramnagar is spread over complete 31 days, with every little event of importance being covered.

Multiple Sets:

As against single set designated for Ramlila in other cities, in Ramnagar there are multiple sets ranging from original palaces, to gardens to some historic place that are permanently reserved for this purpose only. These different locations symbolically denote different areas / places related to Ramayan for Example: Ashok vatika, Lanka, Panchvati etc… Along with the play as viewers move on the footsteps of lord Rama, it also becomes a spiritual experience, indeed a pilgrimage for devotees.

Unaffected By technology:

As most of the traditional fairs and festivals in India have moved and transformed into a new form with the growing technology, this place still imbibes and follows the traditional ways and means of Ramlila enactment. There is no use of electric lights, cameras, special effects, and other animation, sound effect technologies.

Still no seats:

one interesting thing to notice in this Ramlila is that as in earlier times there used to be no seats and elevated platforms for viewers, the same tradition is followed till today, wherein the viewers sit on ground, lean on roofs, climb on tress, elevate on walls to witness the event.

Ram Barat Festival

Rambarat is one of the important festivals of Uttar Pradesh, the festival is mainly celebrated in the city Agra. The festival celebrates the marriage of Lord Rama. Festivities are marked by marriage procession of Sri Ram during Ramlila celebrations in the city.

 Celebration 

Every year a new place of the town is chosen as Janakpuri, the bride’s place, which is ornately decorated for the royal wedding to welcome the procession.

The procession includes different tableaux or jhankis of local people dressed as Lord Rama and Laxman, mounted on beautifully decorated elephants. The grand procession starts from Lala Channomalji Ki Baradari for the Janakpuri venue and passes through different parts of the town.  

The stunning ambience of the town attracts large number of local population as well as tourists to witness the portrait of divine wedding.

Time to celebrate:

The Festival of Royal wedding procession called Rambarat is celebrated every year in the month of October or September during the celebration of popular Ramlila.

Rajgir Mahotsav

Introduction :

Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance Festival every year in Rajgir. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere. This festival held during last week of October attracts tourists in large numbers.

The colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Dance Festival is held at Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha kings. Department of Tourism, Bihar organises every year, this vibrant festival of classical and folk dances at Rajgir - the land where the Buddha meditated and preached, from October 4 to October 26.

Holding a sterling position in the Indian Cultural Calendar, Rajgir Mahotsav is the ultimate destination for the connoisseurs of Indian cultural form of expression of the self. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere to electrify true devotees.

In the past, some of the great artists who have performed at the festival are Sonal Man Singh, Hema Malini, Sanyukta Panigrahi, Nalini-Kamalini, Swapna Sundari, Shovna Narayan, Madhukar Anand, Madhumita Roy, Amita Dutta, Mukund Nayak, Madhavi Mudgal, Leela Samson and Anand Shankar. The sanctity of Rajgir is aptly acclaimed by the performance of such respected artistes, who, in their humility, feel blessed by this land of the holy. 

History

Rajgir (meaning house of the king) was earlier the capital of Magadh, until 5th centaury BC. After the formation of Patliputra the capital was shifted from Rajgrih (then) to Patliputra.

Historically, the king of this place Jarasandha, was defeated by Lord Krishna 17 times. When it came to the 18th time, Krishna had left the place without a war. Also according to Mahabharata one of the Pandavas Bhima had split Jarasandha into two halves and threw both in opposite directions. Jarasandha was invincible as his body could rejoin any dismembered limbs. There is a famous Jarasandha's Akhara(place where you practice martial arts).

The place has a feel and aura of Buddhism as it is closely associated with Lord Buddha.

Buddha had not only spent many years here, but also delivered sermons and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill.It is believed that the Jivekarmavan monastery was one of favourite places to reside for Buddha. Many teachings of Lord Buddha was penned down here in Rajgir and the place is proudly the host of First ever Buddhist council.

The place also traces its history to the captivity of Bimbisara. It is believed that Ajatashatru had captivated his father Bimbisara here ages ago. Although it is not properly sourced that who out of Bimbisara or ajatshatru was responsible for the establishment of the town, but it was Ajatshatru who was responsible for moving the capital to Patliputra.

Based on some ancient Buddhist and Jain scriptures the place has been divided into new and old Rajgir.

Rajgir

Rajgir or Rajgrih literally means the home of Royalty. It is located 15 Kms from Nalanda.Before Patliputra was formed it was the capital of Magadh and was known as Rajgrih. It is a small and beautiful town, which actually is a valley. The town is all surrounded by ecstatic hills and mountains. There is enough natural beauty to captivate any visitor to the place.

The place has a feel and aura of Buddhism as it is closely associated with Lord Buddha.

Buddha had not only spent many years here, but also delivered sermons and proselytized emperor Bimbisar at the Griddhakoota hill.It is believed that the Jivekarmavan monastery was one of favourite places to reside for Buddha. Many teachings of Lord Buddha was penned down here in Rajgir and the place is proudly the host of First ever Buddhist council.

Major Attractions:

Today, the town of Rajgir is one of the favorite pilgrimage gestination for many Hindus, Jains and Buddhists as there are numerous exquisite temples of jains, Buddhists and Hindua built here.

Not only from the religious point of view, but the town is also a very renowned holiday destination due to the scenery and weather charm of the place.

Rajgir is famous for its warm water ponds. These water ponds are supposed to contain some medicinal properties that cure many skin diseases.

The added attraction of Rajgir is the Ropeway which takes you uphill to the Shanti Stupa and Monasteries built by the Japanese Devotees on top of the Ratnagiri hills.

  

How to Reach

Rajgir is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It is located in the state of Bihar and being a valley, there is tremendous scenaric attraction for the visitors.

One of the major attractions for tourists visiting India is the annual dance mahotsav held at Rajgir. It is a well accessible town and the weather in which the event is held is simply the best.

By Air:

In order to reach Rajgir Dance Festival by air, you can board flights from the major airports of the country to Patna. From Patna Airport, you can hire taxis to arrive at the venue, which is at a distance of just 105 kms.

By Rail:

The nearest railway station to Rajgir is at Gaya. The station is well-connected to the other cities of Bihar and other cities of the country. You can take buses or hire taxis to reach the venue that lies at a distance of 95 kms.

By Road:

Rajgir is well-connected to Gaya and Nalanda. One can take regular buses or hire cabs to reach the venue.

Jagaddhatri Puja

Jagaddhatri Puja is one of the important festivals celebrated mainly in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. Devotees worship and celebrate reincarnation of goddess Durga in the name of Jagaddhatri and create the splendid ambiance with high festive spirits. The festival is also celebrated at Chandannagar, Krishnanagar, Nadia and Kolkata after Durga Puja and Kali Puja in the month of Kartik.

Celebration

Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated with immense glee and joy in Hooghly district of West Bengal.

The festival was initiated by Sarada Devi, Sri Ramakrishna’s wife who was believed to be reincarnation of the Goddess and still observed with high spirits in the centres of the Ramkrishna Mission all over the world.

The Puja is popularly called as the reincarnation of goddess Durga, the savior to destroy evil and set peace on the earth.

The festival is celebrated in the grandiose manner by setting huge idols of the Goddess Jagaddhatri in spectacular pandals amidst stunning illumination.
 

The idol of goddess is decked up beautifully by red clothes and ornaments. The goddess is also presented garland around the neck.

The idol is made similar to that of Goddess Durga as Goddess Jagaddhatri also holds a conch and a bow in her two left hands and in her two right hands, a chakra and a five-headed arrow and Her mount is a tiger.  

Passages from Chandi, the sacred text, are recited on this day and later the image of the goddess is immersed as in durga puja. Devotees gather together to worship the Goddess and celebrate the occasion with full devotion.

Time for celebration

The festival of Jagaddhatri Puja is celebrated in the splendid manner on the ninth day of the moonlit fortnight in the month of Kartik or November and the date depends on the Bengali calendar. 

Tsokum Festival

The Tsokum festival is celebrated in the month of October every year in Nagaland. The festival is mainly celebrated by the Khiamgans tribe with great fun and gaiety. This is the pre harvesting festival. People harvest their crops after thanking God for good crops during Tsokum Festival.

The seven day long festival is celebrated during the first week of October. The festival is marked by thanking God for being blessed with good crops and wellness in the family. People worship Almighty and pray for the happiness and prosperity of the family.

The celebration includes the tradition of sacrificing the animals like Mithun, buffaloes, cows, pigs etc and presenting before their deity. A portion of neck and ribs of the animals killed is then collected in the “Morung” in the form of compulsory donation followed by the activities of the male folks on the next day.

All male folks of the village get indulge into the repair of roads and bridges on the next day of the festival. They also feast and drink together, on their way back to their homes. The food in the feast includes the meat of the compulsory donated part of the sacrificed animals.

The festival is also the time for warriors to display their hunted trophies and notify villagers about his work many men he has killed during his lifetime.

People believe that by celebrating the festival they seek permission for the right to harvest and taste the new crops.

Koratty Muthy's Feast Festival

Koratty Muthy's (St Mary's) Forane church at Koratty is one of the most important Marian Pilgrim Centre in India after Velankanni. The Church is located in a beautiful, scenaric village of Koratty (Named after the church) in Thrissur district. 

The Annual Grand Feast organized at the Koratty Muthy’s church is a very significant and mega event to miss. The Festival is celebrated with great number of rituals and is a rich and spectacular ceremony attended by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world.

The Feast is an annual event organized in the second week of October every year. In the year 2009, it will be celebrated on 11th October’09. Koratty Muthy is actually a local interpretation of Virgin Mary, to whom the festival is dedicated.

Apart from the traditional and customary rituals, there are many cultural activities and programs organized throughout the Feast. Although any and every devotee attends the feast the main attendants to the Feast includes the Ill and the Infirm, Distressed Damsels yearning for their partners in life, Parents longing for children etc.

The Church of Koratty Muthy is extremely popular amidst its devotees and people from all sects and castes participate in the annual Feast. Not only during the feast days but all through the year Church is full of devotees thronging to seek the blessings of Mother Mary.

How to Reach?

Chalakkudy lies on the Kochi-Thrissur route.

Nearest Railway Station: Chalakkudy, about 7 km away.

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport, about 24 km from Chalakkudy. 

Thimithi Festival

Thimithi is the name of the annual Hindu fire walkingthe epic poem, the Mahabharata. Legend has it that she had to prove her innocence and fidelity by walking barefoot over hot coals. ceremony which is a form of penance or thanksgiving in honour of the goddess Draupadi, heroine of

The Hindu fire-walking festival is celebrated at Sri Mariamman Temple in October. Little India's streets and Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights in October or November. Crowds pack the Sri Mariamman Temple on South Bridge road, to watch the barefoot Hindu devotees walk across a pit of red-hot embers without showing any signs of pain. Festival celebrations begin at 2am and the fire walking takes place at 5pm. It is advised to get to the temple early to obtain a good vantage point. Temple etiquette requires visitors to be dressed appropriately, and shoes must be removed at the door.

LEGEND

Draupadi is a heroine of the epic poem Mahabharata, a princess whose husband lost her in a game of dice with his cousin, Duryodhana. Lord Krishna came to her rescue, but to add insult to injury her husband questioned her purity when she was returned, so to prove her innocence she walked across burning coals.

It is in honour of Draupadi's courage that devotees subject themselves to a test of faith by walking barefoot across a four-metre red-hot coal pit. In defiance of the intense heat, firewalkers focus in deep concentration to complete the challenge miraculously unscathed. Fire walking is also regarded as a test of purity for Draupadi's devotees. It is said that if a devotee is not pure, he or she will fail the test and be burnt.

CELEBRATIONS

Thimithi is held in the month of Aipasi, which is between the solar months of October and November. Celebrations begin at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India around 2a.m. and a priest leads a grand procession through the streets to the Sri Mariamman Temple (of the rain goddess) where the Thimithi takes place. The fire walking usually begins around 4am and a priest is the first to brave the long pit of embers, followed by other devotees.

The ritual attracts several thousand participants and even more spectators, many of whom wait long hours to witness relatives or friends perform.

After walking over the hot coals, the devotees wade through a pit filled with goat's milk, then rub their feet with yellow powdered turmeric. The result is that the ground around the area of the temple is stained with yellow.

Events

Thimithi also known as Theemidhi and Theemithi, is a very popular fire walking festival especially celebrated among Hindus. The festival is believed to have originated from Southern India, that is celebrated during the month of Aipasi (or Aippasi) of the Tamilian calendar.

According to the Gregorian calendar, it is celebrated in the months of October November.
It is one festival that is widely celebrated not only in India, but countries if Singapore, Malaysia, and other South africn countries comprising large south Indian populatation.

There are many events apart from the traditional coal walking ceremony that is performed during this festival of Thimithi. Some of the popular and widely observed events are:

• One of the very interesting part of the Thimithi ceremonies is the enactment of scenes from Mahabharata by many devotees and drama troupes.
• A grand prayer session is held to offer prayers to Periyachi, who is one of the most important deities of Meriyamman’s community. This prayer session is especially to ask for the goddess’s blessings so that no mishap occurs during the festival celebration.
• Devotees also perform a grand wedding ceremony of Arjuna and Draupadi on this day.
• Normally after the wedding ceremony, there is a simulation ceremony where Hijra is sacrificed as was done before the war of Mahabharata, to ensure victory in the battle.
• Mariammn is given a milk bath. There is a belief associated with this customary bath, that, all sins by a man will be washed away.
• To celebrate the victory of Pandavas in the 18 day long battle of Mahbharata, two days before the festival of Thimithi, a silver chariot procession is organized.In Singapore, this chariot procession takes place on the Saturday and Sunday preceding Thimithi around the Telong Blangah and Bukit Merah districts.
• A night before the final day Thimithi festival, a red hot bed of embers is prepared that is kept hot throughout the Festival day. Generally, the ceremony of fire-walking stretches for about 4-5 hours.

Having in view all the rituals and customs associated with the festival it can be weel concluded that the complete festival of Thimithi is based on faith and beliefs. All ceremonies are optional, it all depends on the devotion and faith of the devotees to perform these rituals.

Qutub Festival

Qutub Festival is a three day cultural Festival held at Qutub Minar in Delhi. Qutub Minar is an ancient architectural wonder that till date remains one of the most popular, widely appreciated tourist spot of India. Qutub Minar has made India proud as it is the tallest free-standing stone tower in the world.

The Qutub Festival of Dance and Music is organized by the Delhi tourism department every year in the months of November December. The Festival encapsulates rich Indian Dance and Music in a highly attractive presentation during the Qutub Festival.

With the backdrop of the magnificent Qutub Minar bathed in the silver glow of the moon, Delhi Qutub Festival offers an awe-inspiring experience.

Qutub Festival as suggested by the name is a perfect reflection of the importance and historical significance of Qutub Minar. Thus, the Festival is not only acts as an honor to the historic Qutub Minar it also plays its role in preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical dance and Music.

Attractions: 

Soulful melodies and enchanting echo of Ghungroos mesmerizes the complete environment. Visitors are often seen lost in the divinity of classical Indian Music. Famous artists from across India are invited to perform at the Festival every year. Some of the famous artists that have graced the Qutub Festival in Delhi are Sonal Mansingh, Ustaad Ahmad Hussain, Guru R.K. Singhajit Singh, and Aruna Narayan Kalehave, Bhajan Sopori and many more.

Right from the Dances of Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Odissi etc to soulful music of Sitar and saroj, every form of classical art form is displayed here.

For every person visiting the Qutub Festival the combination of elaborate dance forms, Enchanting music, melodies of soulful instruments, chill of winter and the back drop of Qutub Minar acts as a rejuvenator whose memories glorify even after years.

Kali Puja

Introduction

Maa Kali is the fearful and ferocious form of Maa Durga. She is usually shown with her feet on the chest of Lord Shiva and wearing a garland of skulls. She symbolizes the darker side of life and epitomizes strength or “Shakti.” Kali is worshipped on the night of Kartik Amavasya in October/November. The day is also celebrated as Shyama Kali, the first 10 avtaars of Devi Durga. The reason behind worshipping Kali is destroying all evil both that lies in the outside world and within us.

Legends

Kali became popular as a powerful goddess with the composition of the text Devi Mahatmya in the 5th and the 6th century AD. The legend goes that two demons, Shambhu and Nishambhu disturbed the peace of Lord Indra. After endless battles when the gods failed, they sought help from Lord Shiva and Parvati. The gods sought protection of Maa Durga or Shakti. Kali was born out of Durga’s brow as Kal Bhoi Nashini.

Along with her two escorts, Dakini and Jogini, she was meant to destroy all evils and the growing cruelty of demons. It is believed that Kaali was so much engrossed in the killing spree that she went on killing everything within her sight. To stop this, Lord Shiva, threw himself under her feet. She was so shocked with this act of Lord Shiva, that she stuck her tongue out in disbelief. Hence we have the common image of Kali standing with her feet on Shiva’s chest and her tongue out.

History

Kali puja is celebrated with lots of gusto and fanfare in Bengal after Durga Puja during the time of Diwali. It is believed that Maharaja Krishnan Chandra of Nawadweep was the first to celebrate Kali Puja in his territory. Everyone was ordered to celebrate Kali puja and thus 10,000 images of Kali were worshipped. Ratanti Kali Puja was celebrated in ancient times before the present Kali puja. It is believed that the present form of Kali is due to a dream by a distinguished scholar of Indian charms and black magic or ‘Tantra’ and the author of Tantric Saar, Krishnananda Agambagish, a contemporary of Lord Chaitanya. In his dream he was ordered to make her image after the first figure he saw in the morning. At dawn, Krishnanand saw a dark complexioned maid with left hand protruding and making cow dung cakes with her right hand. Her body was glowing with white dots. The vermillion spread over her forehead while she was wiping the sweat from her forehead.  The hair was untidy. When she came face to face with an elderly Krishnananda, she bit her tongue in shame.  This posture of the housemaid was later utilized to envisage the idol of Goddess Kali. Thus was formed the image of Kali.

Celebration

Kali Puja is a major festival for the people of Bengal after Durga Puja. It is celebrated with gusto and enthusiasm. Like Diwali, people in Bengal light lamps, and fire crackers to welcome Ma Kali. Houses are decorated and rangoli is drawn in front of the houses. Kali puja is carried out late in the night. People seek he blessings of Maa Kali during the puja. 

Forms and symbols: 

The popular forms of Kali are Shyama, Adya Maa, Tara Maa and Dakshina Kalika, Chamundi. There are other forms as well. They are known as Bhadrakali who is gentle and Shyamashana Kali who stays at the cremation ground. Kali has four arms and is represented with perhaps the fiercest creatures among all the deities in the world. She has a sword in one hand and a demon’s head on the other. Her other two hands bless her devotees.  Her eyes are red and her body is smeared with blood. Her black complexion represents the transcendental nature. Kali is free from all artificial covering beyond all maya or false consciousness. She has infinite knowledge which is represented by the garland o fifty skulls depicting 50 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Her inner purity is represented by her white teeth while her omnivorous nature is depicted in her protruding tongue. Three modes of time, the past, present and future are represented by her three eyes. 

Famous Kali temples

Dakshineswar Temple:

Dakshineswar Temple was built by Rani Rasmoni between 1847 and 1855. In 1847, Rani Rasmoni, the wealthy widow expressed her desire to visit Banaras to show her devotion for the Mother Goddess. Since there were no rail lines between Banaras and Kolkata, wealthy people would travel by boat rather than by road. Rani Rasmoni’s fleet included a total of twenty four boats carrying relatives, servants and supplies. However, it is believed that he night before the journey she saw a dream where Goddess Kali ordered her to built a temple near the banks of the Ganga and arrange for her worship there. “Then I shall manifest myself in the image and accept worship at that place."  Rani Rasmoni immediately followed her dream and purchased land near the banks of the Ganges. Work began immediately and the temple was completed in 1855. The temple also has images of Shiva and Radha and Krishna. Ramkrishna serves as the head priest of the temple who brought great fame to the temple. Today hundreds of devotees visit the temple everyday and on any religious festival, thousands throng the place. 

Kalighat temple:

The Kalighat temple was built in 1809 on the site of an ancient temple. The legend goes that a finger of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva, fell there. The temple is named after the anglicized name of Calcutta called Kalikata given by the English. The shrine is dedicated to the destructive side of Shiva. Every morning a goat is sacrificed to quench her thirst for blood. It is an important pilgrimage site and hundreds of people visit the temple everyday to offer prayers. 

Kamakhya temple:  

The Kamakhya temple in Assam is one of the Shakti Peethams associated with Shiva and Daksha Yagna. It is located in Guwahati, on Neelachala Parvat. Assam has been associated with Tantric practices and worship of Shakti. The temple was rebuilt in the 17h century by King Nara Narayana, of Cooch Bihar after it was destroyed in the early 16th century. An ancient work in Sanskrit the Kalika Purana, describes Kamakhya as the yielder of all desires, the young bride of Shiva, and the giver of salvation.

Tarapith temple:

Tarapith is located 300 miles from Calcutta on the banks of the Dwarka River in Birbhum in West Bengal. With passage of time, the temple that was built by Vasistha got buried under the earth. The present temple was built by a merchant Joybroto who in his sleep received directions from Tara Maa to uncover the 'brahmashila', or the sacred stone, and set it up as a shrine in a proper place.

Ganga Mahotsav

Introduction

Ganga Mahotsav is a five day event celebrated on the bankscapital of India and the Ganges as India’s lifeline. Ganga has always been an integral part of India and is considered as a thing of reverence by the Hindus. Ganga gives a sense of belonging to the people of India especially those living near the banks. of the river Ganges in Varanasi. This festival is celebrated to promote Varanasi as the cultural

Rituals and celebrations

Ganga Mahotsav is organized on Dev Deepavali or the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is believed that on the day of Dev Deepavali God descends from Heaven to take a bath in the Ganges. The banks of the river Ganga are lit with earthen lamps or diyas amidst chanting of Vedic hymns. The ghats of Ganga wear a mystic look as hundreds of people walk to take bathe in the wee hours of the holy day. Men and women take a holy dip in the river while chanting mantras and doing surya namaskar or bowing to the sun-God.

The festival also gives importance to dance and music as various cultural programmes promoting Indian dance and music are organized. Some of the exponents of Indian music have performed in this festival. They include stalwarts like Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pundit Chhanulal Misra, Girija Devi, Bal Murli Krishnan, Bhimsen Joshi, Birju Maharaj, Amjad Ali Khan, Vilayat Khan, Zila Khan, Sujat Khan and Zakir Hussein who added zest to this festival. The event is a must for all tourists to get a glimpse of the culture of Varanasi.(

Gajalaxmi Puja ( Kumar Puja )

The Gajalaxmi Puja is celebrated every year in the month of September October, corresponding to the Hindu Month of Ashwin. The festival is especially known for its significance to unmarried girls and boys. Gajalaxmi Puja also known as Kumar Puja is specifically popular in the state of Orissa.

The main Deities worshipped on this day are the Sun and the Moon. Unmarried girls take an early morning bath, followed by draping new clothes, ornaments and accessories.

 

 In the day time they offer prayers and offerings to the Sun. After following these rituals, they prepare some delicious food-dishes. On an all, this day is extremely important for them and they enjoy in full swing.

Girls can be singing, dancing with traditional songs and colorful clothes. Finally in evening when girls worship the Lunar deity, they break their fast and consume food.

The festival of Gajalaxmi is also associated with the birth of Goddess Laxmi. Many devotees worship Goddess Laxmi in temples and at their homes.

There is a popular belief associated with the Festival that whoever keeps awake during night would seek wealth and prosperity. Devotees are seen keeping awake by playing cards and other engaging indoor games.

The state of Orissa is known for its grand celebration of Gajalaxmi puja. The festival is prominently celebrated in the Dhenkanal district in Orissa. The celebrations start from the full moon day (Purnima) and continues till 11 days.

Mythological Traces:

According to the mythology, “Kumar” or “Kartikeya” was an extremely handsome of Lord Shiva. He was born on the full moon day in the month of Ashwin. Kumar also became popular as the “God of war”. Unmarried girls seek the blessings of Lord Kartikeya to have a handsome life partner in life.
Although the main significance of the day is associated with Lord Kartikeya, but, it’s the Solar and Lunar deity worshipped on this day.

How to Reach?

Dhenkanal:

The head quarter town of the district Dhenkanal is ideally located of National high way No: 42 Connecting Cuttack with Sambalpur. The approach to Dhenkanal district is as follows.

Air:

The nearest airport for approaching the places of interest in the district of Dhenkanal is at Bhubaneswar(99 Km) which is connected with New Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Nagpur by boeing flights.

Rail:   Dhenkanal Railway station on S.E. Railway.

Road :

99 km. From Bhubaneswar on N.H. No. 42 Regular bus services connect Dhenkanal with Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Raipur, etc.