Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav

Introduction

Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsava is a famous and important music festival held every year in Pune in the month of December. The festival was started in 1953, to commemorate the first death anniversary of Sawai Gandharva, the noted Hindustani vocalist. Well known musicians and even practicing artists gather in Pune to pay homage to the great musician in the form of this colourful festival. Each year the festival is organized by the disciples of Sawai Gandharva with the support of Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal and continues for 3 days. Artists including vocalists, dancers and musicians from all over India of all the gharanas arrive at Pune to show their talent. 

Festival History

Rambhau Kundgolkar popularly known as Sawai Gandharva was a noted Hindustani vocalist who passed away on September 12, 1952. A private concert was organized on the sixteenth day after his death where his noted disciples Smt Gangubai Hangal, Pandit Feroz Dastur and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi performed. To commemorate his first death anniversary, his disciples organized a music festival under the patronage of Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal. Witnessing the grand success, this festival became an annual ritual in Pune and it eventually grew exponentially. Today Sawai Gandharva Music festival is one of the important and prominent music festivals of India.

Initially performers only from the Kirana gharana would perform, but today artists from all gharanas take it as a pride and honor to perform in this festival. To perform on the stage of Sawai Gandharva festival signifies the ‘advent’ of an artist in the scene of Indian classical music. Not only famous musicians perform here but people who have attained masters in their chosen field of music also get a chance to display their talent.

The festival today is a hallmark in the annual cultural calendar of Pune. The Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal who started the festival also had the intention of reviving Arya Sangeet Vidyalaya which was founded by Ustad Abdul Karim Khan in 1910, but became inactive by 1947. The original founders of the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal were Nanasaheb Deshpande, Dattopant Deshpande, Shri BalasahebAtre, Abasaheb Mujumdar, Hirabai Badodekar, Kamlabai Badodekar, Saraswati Rane, Sureshbabu Mane, Shvrampant Divekar, Viththalrao Sardeshmukh, V.S. Sathe, D.V.Natu, Abasaheb Atre, Pandurangshastri Deshpande, Vamanrao Deshpande, Vasantrao Deshpande and Vamanrao Abhonkar. The festival is concluded by a grand performance of Pandi Bhimsen Joshi.

About Sawai Gandharva Rambhau Kundgolkar known as Sawai Gandharva was born in 1886 in a town named Kundgol in Karnataka. Although he did not belong to a musical family, he showed deep interest in music from his early days and started training under Ustad Abdul Karim Khan. He was much impressed by the singing talent of the young boy and started the arduous task of teaching him the nuances of Indian classcial music. His long hours of training in voice culture made Rambhau a confident vocalist. Later he also learnt from other teachers like Bhaskarbuva Bakhale and Nasir Hussain Khan of Gwalior gharana. His intense training polished his voice further. After his training, he got married and returned to his native twon where he joined a drama company. He became a popular singer in the company and earned the title of Sawai Gandharva. It was under him and another disciple of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Sureshbabu, that the Kirana gharana became popular. He started training several students who later on became noted musicians like Bhimsen Joshi, Basavaraj Rajguru, Feroze Dastur and Gangubai Hangal. After his death, following a paralytic attack in 1952, his disciples led by Pandit Bhimsen Joshi started the famous Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav under the patronage of Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal

Famous gharanas

Gharanas in Hindustani classical music mean a system of social organization connecting musicians by music style, lineage or apprenticeship. Some of the best known vocal gharanas include Gwalior gharana, Agra gharana, Kirana gharana, Jaipur-Atrauli gharana and Rampur-Sahaswan gharana. Pt. Achchan Maharaj (Jagannath Maharaj is a famous exponent of Lucknow gharana, Ustad Masit Khan, Jyan Prakash Ghosh, Keramatullah Khan are exponents of Farukhabad gharana.

Tansen Samaroh

The famous Tansen Sangeet Samaroh is celebrated every year on the Tansen Tomb in Gwalior India. Tansen Samaroh is a platform where artists from all over India, gather and participate to deliver vocal and instrumental performances. Complete environment during the festival turns mystical with melodious music echoing. Music lovers from far and wide make it a point to be a part of this event at any cost, as it’s a remembrable experience for them.

The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh is organized by the government of MP, in association with the Academy of the department of culture in MP.

During the festival music lovers and artists from all over the world gather here to offer their bit of tribute to the all time music Maestro Tansen.

Till date this festival has the honor of being the first and only musical sow that goes for days and nights.

The academy offers honors to senior celebrities and junior artists by including them in the Samaroh through their music of performance.

Tansen was a legendary singer of Akbar’s mughal court. Tansen, a legendary exponent of the Hindustani classical music's dhrupad style, was counted amongst one of the nine jewels of the royal court.

The magic of his honeyed voice was so intense that it made clouds rain with joy. His ragas (melodies) would light up lamps and held birds and animals spellbound. In remembrance of this exemplary artist there is a tomb constructed in Gwalior called the Tansen tomb. This is where the Tansen Music Festival or the Tansen Samaroh is organized every year. This annual music festival started way back in 1930's.

The passage of time has only glorified the status of this annual historic event. At present renowned artists from all over the country come here to perform and exhibit their excellence in turn mesmerizing the audience. The venue Gwalior, so chosen has retained Indian traditions and the wealth of music intact over the years. The famous Gwalior Gharana of music is actually inspired by the Tansen style of Music.

In all, the four day musical extravaganza called Tansen Samaroh is an audio as well as visual treat, seeing the exemplary and renowned music expertise in artists all over India dedicating their bit of honor to the greatest ever musical mentor Tansen.

Time of celebration:

The Tansen Music festival or Tansen Samaroh is held every year in the month of December. The experience of melodious music with chilling weather of autumn makes it an ecstatic one.

Tarpa Festival

Tarpa Festival derives its name from the famous and extremely popular folk dance of Dadra & Nagar Haveli- the Tarpa Dance.

Tarpa dance is particularly famous amidst the Varli, Kokna and Koli tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Dadra and Nagar haveli is famous for the existence of various tribes with different, amazing culture and traditions.

Although all through the state these tribal dances and festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm, Silvasa celebrates these cultures and traditions with deep devotion.

Tribal festivals and events include boat and swimming races, and folk dance, Rangoli and tattoo painting competitions. Cultural programs and dances are held in the evening. Tarpa Festival is indeed a cultural Fiesta with the tribal culture and traditions being displayed at its best.

The festival is celebrated every year in the month of December. In 2009, it will be celebrated on 26th December – 31st December.

Tarpa Dance:

Tarpa dance is an extremely popular dance of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It is mainly a tribal dance. The dance performances are usually done on moonlit nights.

With the musical accompaniment of a wind instrument named Tarpa, the dancers encircle the ‘Tarpakar’ and they dance past mid night. The dance performed by the villagers is a true mirror to their unity and coordination. All the participants join hands and swing in circles while singing themselves.

Ice Skating Carnival

The Ice skating Festival is held annually at Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.

As the name suggests number of Ice skating expeditions are planned and organized by the state administration.

Over the years the carnival has gained immense popularity as thousands of tourists and participants come here durink the carnival not only to participate but even to be part of this mega carnival for the sake of fun and entertainment.

Himachal Pradesh is known fore its serene natural beauty and landscapes. 

It is so popular among the holiday destinations in India that it is also termed as “Abode of God”. he location of the state amidst the snow-clad ranges of the Shivalik, Dhauladar, Pir Pinjal and the Great Himalayas makes Himachal ideally suited for a number of winter sports which are packed with excitement and thrills.

Ice-Skating in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought-after winter sports that the state offers. The mountains are fully covered with snow durink winters making it a perfect location for ice-skating.

Durink winters numbers of ice skaters gather here to simply enjoy the sport of ice-skating as very few places in India facilitate the sport. The sports carnival organized in Shimla every year attracts thousands of people. The carnival generally starts in December and continues till February.

This is the best time to enjoy the snow clad mountains of Himachal Pradesh as much of the snow becomes hard and ideal for skating. The ice skating rink at Shimla is supposed to be the largest open-air in India. Not only people from India but even foreigners are seen here participating and enjoying the winter carnival.

Ice skating is a sport similar to skiing, the only difference being that in skating instead of swooshing down snow-covered slopes, you glide along a wide skating arena wearink ice-skates. You can skate with a partner or do it alone. But ice-skating is a sport that requires much better balancing prowess than required in ordinary skating.

Although the Basic equipments like skates, cap, kneepads etc. are available at the rink, yet some of the professional skaters brink their own equipments and necessities with them. At the carnival two sessions are held every day for the competitions, one in the morning and one in the evening.  

Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival

The Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival, celebrated in splendid manner in the tranquil serenity of the hills of Darjeeling.

The Festival is celebrated in series at Darjeeling, the Dooars and in Sikkim with a motive of promoting tourism heritage of these places.

The Teesta Tea and Tourism Festival in Darjeeling is jointly organized by the West Bengal Tourism, Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council and Sikkim Tourism and supported by the Govt. of India Tourism along with the Private Tour Operators and Hotel owners.

Celebration

Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival is organized amidst the hilly areas of Darjeeling. Darjeeling is the beautiful place laden with the long stretch of tea gardens producing “champagne of the east” – Tea.

The festival is celebrated in the grandiose manner and witnessed by large number of people including locals and tourists from distant places. This festival is full of excitement and fun filled activities like food carnival, film fest, toy-train ride, Water sports, visit to sanctuaries, nature walk etc.

The calm hilly area attains the different dimension with wonderful color and music of festivity. The festive aura of this occasion refreshes every one visiting this Teesta Tea & Tourism festival.

Time for celebration

The Teesta Tea & Tourism festival is one of the major festivals in the northern part of West Bengal and organized in the months of November – December to attract large number of tourists.

 

Rash Mela

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

Celebration

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time for celebration

 

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

 

 

Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Recah?

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

Chumpha Festival

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time of celebration:

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

Naga Festivals

Background of Naga festivals: 

Nagaland is a land of festivities. People of Nagaland celebrate

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

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

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

Angami:

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

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

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

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

Aos:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hornbill Festival

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

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

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

Celebration

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

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

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

Important Features

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

 

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

About Nagaland

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

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

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

Charta Festival

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

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

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