Navrathri Music Festival

Start Date: 08-10-2010

Venue: Navarathri Mandapam, Fort Palace Complex, Thiruvananthapuram

The Navrathri Music Festival is a nine day musical fiesta held in the state of Kerela. During these nine days the evenings of Thiruvananthapuram are filled with exquisite music and honeyed voices echoing in the atmosphere. This cultural, musical, festive fiesta is a remarkable experience for all visitors. People from all across the country gather here during these nine days to witness some of the best works in the field of Music, dance and entertainment.

 

The music festival usually features some of the exquisite kritis (compositions) of King Swathi Thirunal, the music maestro and former ruler of Travancore. This cultural fiesta is held every year in the month of September. The nine-day music festival is held at the Navarathri Mandapam, a pavilion beautifully decorated with flowers, located inside the East Fort in Thiruvananthapuram.

One can imagine the vivacity of this musical extravaganza as the magic of soulful music combined with sweet fragrance of sandalwood lingering in the air is ecstatic. In addition to the exemplary music styles displayed in the Navrathri Music festival, the venue has an indigenous acoustic (A remedy for hearing loss) technology in place. For this purpose, these are earthen pots, which are kept in place by means of coir ropes, with their mouths open down towards the ground. These pots are of different sizes and thickness with their mouths having different measurements. For the purpose of sound reflectors and to prevent echoes, they are kept at different angles

How to Reach there:

Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram, about 1 km away

Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 6 kms away.

Losar Festival

The Losar Festival also called as the New Year Festival and is the most important festivals celebrated in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh.

Losar is celebrated by the Monpas who forms the major portion of population in Tawang Arunachal Pradesh.

This part of population commemorates the advent of the New Year, for about 8 to 15 days. Festival of Losar is the time when the Monpas enjoy the time with high festive spirit and prepares for merry making and feasting together with friends and relatives.

 

People at Tawang do lots of preparations for this most awaited festival, Monpas used to clean their houses and discard all old and unused items to ward off all evil things from life and escort well ness and prosperity of the family.

Time to celebrate:

The festival of Losar falls in the end of February or early March and is celebrated for 8 - 15 days.

Mahamasthakabhisheka

Description: 

 

Mahamasthakabhisheka or the head anointing ceremony is held once in 12 years. It takes place in the 57 feet high monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola. In the festival that was held in 2006, the head anointing ceremony took place for nine days instead of the usual one day. This event was held under the leadership of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Shravanabelagola.

Of all the numerous events and poojas that are performed during the festival, the Mahamasthakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali is the main attraction.

In 2006, 8th February on the first day of the abhishekha Lord Bahubali was anointed with 108 kalashas or pots.

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

Each day started with the Panchamrutha abhisheka and was followed by the kalasha abhisheka. There were rest days in between when special poojas were performed at the Jain mutt. 

Poojas and aradhanas:

Sarvatobadhra Mahapooja was performed on 11th Feabruary, 2006 in Bhandari Basadi. This pooja was performed by 24 Indras to the 24 Tirthankar idols simultaneously at the ancient Bhandari Basadi.

Things like 24 umbrellas, 24 arghyas and 64 chamaras were offered to the idols. Sahasrakoota Jinabimba Abhishekha Mahapooja comprises of 1008 idols of Jain Tirthankaras moulded into a single metal block.

It is also one of the main attractions for devotees to Shravanabelagola. During Saraswathi Jinavani Shastra Mahapooja, the original script of Dhavala, Jayadhavala, Mahadhavala, Tiloyapannatti, Samayasara, Gommatasara, Mahapurana and other religious works are kept on a silver altar. Some of the latest religious books are released during this occasion.

During the whole event many poojas and aradhanas are conducted. In the latest edition vidhanas such as the Chaturvimshati Tirthankara Aradhana, Aradhana, Kalyana Mandira Aradhana, Shanthichakra Aradhana, Rishi Mandala, Navagraha Aradhana, Bhaktamara Aradhana, Kalikundala Aradhana, and Shanthinatha vidhan were performed under the leadership of Acharya 108 Sri Vardhamanasagarji Muni Maharaj, Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and other Munis and Bhatarakas.

The Munis pray for world peace and harmony during all their poojas and aradhanas. The mahamasthakabhisheka gains impetus with the beginning of panchakalyanak. The rituals involved in panchakalyanak are Nandi Mangala, Kankana Bandhana, Indra Pratishta, and Vastu Vidhan.

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.

Place or Community: The Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava of Lord Bahubali, a festival of the Jains, is held once in every 12 years at Shravanabelagola.  Month:

The latest edition of Mahamasthakabhisheka Matihotsava of Lord Bahubali was held in the month of January and February, 2006.

Mewar Festival

An exhilarating welcome to spring, this festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. It is celebrated in the romantic city of Udaipur during the Gangaur Festival. A procession of colourfully attired women carrying the images of the goddess Gauri make their way to the Lake Pichola. An unusual procession of boats on the lake offers a fitting finale to this splendid celebration.

The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur, and has a unique charm about it. The festival of Gangaur is very significant for women of Rajasthan. It is a time for them to dress up in their best clothes and participate in the festival.

They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.

Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display. Like other fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state, there is a lot of activity, which keeps the participants in a joyful frame of mind, eager to enjoy every moment.

Martyrs’ Day

Martyrs’ Day marks the death anniversary of the father of nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was assassinated on Jan 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse. Godse held Gandhi responsible for the partition of India thus he shot Gandhiji. For this evil deed Godse was hanged on November 15, 1949.

Originally the martyrdom of the soldiers while defending the sovereignty of the country during the freedom struggle was remembered on Republic Day, January 26, gave way to Jan 30.

On this day not only Prime Minister and chiefs of the armed forces salute the martyrs at India Gate but also common men show their gratitude towards them by giving up their normal activities for some time and observing silence for 2 minutes.

Sirens are blown at every government establishment around 11 am. At that time everyone, be it in industrial units or government offices even the
commoners stop their work and observe silence for two minutes as a remembrance of the martyred souls. The siren again blows after two minutes, i.e. around 11.02 am allowing resuming work.

The day sees the triumphant celebrations, showcasing the latest weapon achievement and advertising military might.

The followers of Mahatma Gandhi worship him and quote- He is the greatest human being so far appeared on this earth. Bapu is a symbol of virtues and greatness. This man lived the life of a saint.

His status of Father of the Nation cannot be challenged as the political party led by him enjoyed full monopoly after independence. He believed in antiviolent ideologies. Gandhi and his followers played a significant role in ousting British.

January, 30 is a Martyrs' day to remember the freedom fighters of our country, wheras January 25, is considered as a Martyrs' day to remember those who lost their lives in the Anti-Hindi agitations during 1937-38 and 1965. 
  

Time to celebrate:

Martyrs’ Day marks the death anniversary of the father of nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was assassinated on Jan 30 1948. Thus Martyrs’ day is celebrated on 30th January every year.

Mamallapuram Dance festival

Mamallapuram Dance festival-Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu   Once the ancient port of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram plays host to a vibrant festival of Dance. Exponents of Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali performed against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava Rock Sculpture. Mamallapuram Dance Festival is organized during the months of January and February in the city of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.

This event witnesses performances on the Indian classical dances such as the Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Kathakali.The prominent people from their respected fields gather for this cultural event that is also promoted by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department as one of the major cultural attraction to these parts of India. This four week Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held at the venue of Arjuna's penance, a bass-relief sculpted on the face of two enormous adjacent rocks, in Mamallapuram. The magnificent backdrop that is provided by the Pallava Rock Sculptures provide an aesthetic touch to this cultural dance festival. The open-air stage and the dancers from far and wide come to watch the best folk dancers in India perform in front of them under the open skies in an open-air theatre style ambience. This open-air stage was created about thirteen centuries ago, the incredible monolithic rock sculptures of the Pallavas, next to the sea in this ancient city of Mamallapuram.

Natyanjali Festival

The ancient Nataraja temple of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja - the dancing Shiva. The temple has carved pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses of Bharathanatyam classical dance in the eastern tower. The Natyanjali festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated every year for five days in the temple premises. It begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri.    During this time leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. Natyanjali festival is jointly organised by The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, The Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and The Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram. It is designed to promote a universal message of 'Unity in Diversity' conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.

The Natyanjali festival dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer (Lord Shiva) is celebrated every year during February-March. Lord Nataraja, according to Hindu mythology is the cosmic dancer. He is also called "the Lord of Dances". Natyanjali festival opens on the auspicious occasion of the Maha Shivaratri day and of course in the right kind of venue - the 'Prakara' of the Chidambaram temple. The magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built a thousand years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop for the event. The setting is truly divine-Chidambaram's gold-roofed temple, with pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses from Bharatanatyam - Tamil Nadu's classical dance.

Navroze

Navroze Festival: Jamshed-E-Navroz is the first day of the first month of the Zoroastrian year. Parsis follow the Fasli calendar and their New Year commences with the Vernal Equinox. The festival is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm. The community dutifully follows all the rituals performed during Jamshed-e-Navroze. Parsis offer special prayers on the day savour the fixed menu of the festival and greet each other.

This is the most celebrated festival of the Parsis. Every year on March 21, Navroze is celebrated. Only one sect of Parsis- considers it as Parsi New Year, those are the Faslis - but nevertheless all Parsis join in the festivities, enjoy themselves, greet each other and attend the thanksgiving ceremonies at Fire Temples. March 21 is the first day of the spring and also the vernal equinox of the sun, and therefore a logical day to celebrate the beginning of yet another year. Hence the name was kept as "Navroze", which literally means the New Day.

LEGEND:

The festival was celebrated as far back as the 6th century B.C. when legendary kings like Cyrus and Darius ruled over the Persian Empire. 

Celebration of the festival dates back to over 3000 years when the legendary king of Persia, Jamshedji ascended the throne on the day of 'Navroz'. 'Nav' means new and 'Roz' means day. The day happened to be a vernal equinox- when the length of the day equals that of the night. Navroz marked the transition from winter to summer. Later, the particular day came to known and celebrated as 'Jamshed Navroz Festival'. 

It is also said, King Jamshedi introduced solar calculation into the Persian calendar and also determined the date when the Sun enters the constellation of Aries, in the beginning of the year. The advent of spring in February-March and the vernal equinox - these are the two events that mark the Jamshed-e-Navroz.

On this occasion, it was customary for the king to be weighed in gold and silver, and the money was then distributed to the poor.

CELEBRATIONS:

The celebration commences with cleaning the house, seeping out cobwebs, painting the whole house. New clothes would be ordered for the entire family. Garlands of roses and jasmine decorate all doors and windows. Steps and thresholds are marked with beautiful patterns in colour powders like "Rangoli". 

Food is also an important component in these celebrations. Parsi food is a blend of West Asian and Indian style of cooking. "Rava", the popular dish is cooked with Sooji, milk and sugar. When the mixture thickens, it is flavoured with rose water and sprinkled with grated nutmegs. The other popular dish is fried vermicelli, cooked in sugar syrup and sprinkled with almonds and raisins. 

Parsis celebrate Navroz in a grand and elaborate fashion. They rejoice whole-heartedly and celebrate the day in a spirit of friendship, harmony and happiness. 

They wear new clothes on the day and welcome the guests with a sprinkling of rosewater and rice and also applying tilak. 

Then the folks go to the fire temples for worship where they offer sandalwood sticks to the fire. It is customary for the Parsis to cover their heads once they are inside the temples. The children wear small round caps of gold and silver brocade, while men wear small black velvet caps. The women drape their heads with part of their sarees. After the prayers they greet and hug one another saying "Sal Mubarak" - meaning may the coming year be prosperous. 

Visitors to any house are offered sweets and a glass of "Faluda" - a sweet milky drink cooked with a special type of vermicelli flavoured with rose essence and served chilled. Pulaos rich with saffron, fish steamed in banana leaves, chicken curries with ground almonds and plain rice and moong dal must be served for lunch that day. 

RITUALS:

Growing of wheat in small earthenware bowls was also an age-old custom of the Parsis. On the 13th day after the Navroze, they tossed these tiny sprouts of plants into the nearby water-head, as a mark of reverence for the water and greenery. It is practiced by devout Parses till this day.

There are special dishes for breakfast too - one is 'Ravo' prepared with suji, milk and sugar and the other is fried vermicelli cooked in sugar preparation and decorated with dry fruits.

After breakfast, people visit Fire Temple or Agiary for a special thanks-giving prayer called, 'Jashan'. People also offer sandalwood to the Holy Fire. 

 

Besides, there is a custom to keep a copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp, an Afrigan, a bowl of water containing live fish, a shallow earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, flowers for colour, a silver coin for wealth, painted eggs for productivity, and sweets and rosewater in bowls for sweetness and happiness on a table. Apart from these, the table also has seven foods beginning with 'sh' and 'sa'. These are meant to symbolise creation.

Nanda Devi Fair

Nanda Devi fair is held in honour of the patron goddess of the people of Uttaranchal. The fair is held all across Uttaranchal including Almora, Nainital, Kot (Dangoli), Ranikhet, Bhowali, Kichha and also in the far flung villages of lohar (like Milam and Martoli) and Pindar valleys (like Wachham and Khati). The Nanda Devi jaat journey is celebrated every year in the villages of Pindar valley while in lohar people come from far and wide to Milam, Danadhar, Suring, and Martoli in order to worship Nanda Devi. In Nainital and Almora thousands of people take part in the procession carrying the dola (or litter) of Nanda Devi.

Origin: According to the locals, the Nanda Devi fair is said to have started in the 16th century during the reign of Kalyan Chand in the Kumaon region. The fair at Nanda Devi is an important one as it has economic implications as well.

St. Francis Xavier Day

Description:

Saint Xavier was born in Spain in 1506 and reached India with the Portuguese viceroy of Goa in 1543. .

He took upon the supreme duty of spreading the message of the Lord to the people of Goa and influencing them by reading scriptures and preaching sermons. He went from street to street, house to house to conduct meetings.

He however, did not master the local language but was successful in translating the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer with the help of the Goan scholars.

His missionary activities were not just restricted to India and to the Goans. He traveled to Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Indonesia, Malacca and Japan.

He commanded immense respect from the people whom he visited. He achieved tremendous success in converting hundreds of people to Christianity especially in Japan.

It was in China in the island of Sancian that he died on December 2, 1552.

It is believed that when a Jesuit brother discovered the body of Francis Xavier, he found that the body had not decomposed at all and infact blood oozed out when he cut a finger from the body. On reporting this incident to the Vatican, the title of saint was conferred upon Francis Xavier.

The body of St Francis Xavier was kept in Malacca for two years before being brought to Goa. Before placing the mortal remains in a sliver casket in the Church of Bom Jesus in Goa, one hand of the saint was cut off.

Under the orders from the Pope, the pieces of the hand were distributed to various parts of the world.

His death anniversary is celebrated each year on 3rd December and every 10 years his body was taken out in a glass case with feet exposed for the people to show respect and worship.

The devotees believed that he had tremendous healing powers and therefore many people carried wax models of the parts of the body that was in pain and offered to the saint.

However, the body gradually showed signs of decay and so the authorities decided not to display the body anymore after the last exposition in 1994.

Place or Community: St. Francis Xavier’s Day is observed by the Catholics to honor the death of the great Catholic missionary, St. Francis Xavier.   Month:

Various ceremonies are performed on the 3rd of December each year in the Church of Bom Jesus in Goa.

Surajkund Crafts Mela

Introduction: 

The Surajkund Crafts Mela is organized annually by the Haryana Tourism Department in the month of February. This delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is planned every year to promote the traditional Indian Handicrafts in rural ambience at Surajkund in the vicinity of New Delhi. The fair was first time organized in 1981 and since then the fair continues to be a strong platform for Indian artists and craftsmen to display their skilled crafts and art work. 

At this annual week long fair skilled artists from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical rural setting and bring alive the age-old living crafts tradition. Surajkund crafts mela offers to its visitors the exquisite and skilful paintings, textiles, wood stock, ivory work, pottery, terracotta, stonework, lac work and cane and grass work. Visitors can shop here for some of the world's most treasured wares.

The fair is not only limited to exhibitions of artwork but also presents the visual delight to its visitors in the form of special Natyashala folk dances and musical evenings at the open-air theatre.

These programs are also accompanied by lip smacking and delicious rural cuisine, adding colors to this popular crafts fair.

Every year, the Surajkund Crafts Mela is planned by selecting a particular Indian state as a theme and entire ambience for the fair is designed accordingly. Many states have showcased its finest handlooms, handicrafts and mouth-watering cuisines in past fairs.

Theme states for last 5 Surajkund Crafts Mela were Madhya Pradesh (2009), West Bengal (2008), Andhra Pradesh (2007), Maharashtra (2006) and Chattisgarh (2005).

How to reach

Surajkund, the site of popular Surajkund Mela is located at a distance of 8 km from South Delhi in Faridabad. The resort is easily accessible by road. Haryana Tourist Bureau organizes special tours from 36, Janpath, New Delhi.

Airways:

The nearest airport is at Delhi. The site of the fair is just 25 km from Palam Airport and also just a 35 minute drive from the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Roadways:

Surajkund is about 8km (5 miles) south of Delhi and is well connected to Delhi, Gurgaon and Faridabad towns by road. Buses are available for the fair site from ISBT and Serai Kale Khan, Haryana Emporium; Baba Kharak Singh Marg.One can also hire Tourist cabs/ tourist coaches from Delhi.

Railways:

Delhi is the nearest railway station. One can even reach Faridabad or Gurgaon by train and can hire a cab for traveling to Surajkund the rural ambience of SurajKund Crafts Mela.

Surajkund Crafts Mela 2010

The date for the popular Surajkund Crafts Mela remains fix every year. The fair is organized by the Haryana Tourism Dept. annually in the month of February. The colorful state of Rajasthan is chosen as a theme for the Surajkund Crafts Mela 2010, which was also the theme for the fair in the year 1989.

Surajkund Crafts Mela

Introduction:

The Surajkund Crafts Mela is organized annually by the Haryana Tourism Department in the month of February. This delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is planned every year to promote the traditional Indian Handicrafts in rural ambience at Surajkund in the vicinity of New Delhi. The fair was first time organized in 1981 and since then the fair continues to be a strong platform for Indian artists and craftsmen to display their skilled crafts and art work.

At this annual week long fair skilled artists from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical rural setting and bring alive the age-old living crafts tradition. Surajkund crafts mela offers to its visitors the exquisite and skilful paintings, textiles, wood stock, ivory work, pottery, terracotta, stonework, lac work and cane and grass work. Visitors can shop here for some of the world's most treasured wares.

 

 

Shivaji Jayanti

History of Shivaji 

Early days:

Shivaji was born on 19th Februray, 1627, in Shivneri Fort, 60 kms north of Pune. He was named after the local Goddess Shivai, to whom his mother prayed for a son. His father Shahaji Bhosle was the chief of the kingdom of Bijapur. He was however, not allowed to take charge of any fort. His mother had a great influence on him as he was introduced to Indian epics of Mahabharata, Ramayana and other holy books by her. Shivaji also gained a lot of knowledge from his father’s unsuccessful attempts to gain power. He was inspired by his father military tactics, peacetime diplomacy and also possessed knowledge of Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.

His administration:

Shivaji grew into a fearless military leader with trainings from commanders like Gomaji Naik and Baji Pasalkar. Young Shivaji was motivated, enthusiastic and energetic. In his early days he was successful in inspiring local youths to follow his idealistic pursuits.  At the age of 17, he attacked and captured Torna Fort of Bijapur and by 1647 he took control of Kondana and Raigad Forts. The Western Ghats along the Konkan Coast were also under his control by 1654.  

His achievements:

In order to sabotage Shivaji’s rise to power, Adilshah arrested Shahji, his father by deceitful means and had armies sent against Shivaji and his elder brother Sambaji. To suppress Shivaji’s control of the Bijapur kingdom, Afzal Khan was sent to destroy Shivaji.  However, with his cunning means, Shivaji successfully stabbed Afzal Khan. Eventually Bijapur’s armies were routed in the famous Battle of Pratapgarh in 1659 and Shivaji turned into a hero of the Marathas. Now, under the confident leadership of Shivaji, the Marthas successfully pushed back the Mughals and the Sultanate kingdowms from his homeland. 

The Mughals also fought against Shivaji led by Shaista Khan under Aurangazeb. However, Shivaji lost many men against a well trained and disciplined Mughal army.  Shivaji felt the need of finance to maintain an army and decided to loot the Mughal city of Surat. The Mughal emperor then sent Jai Singh to defeat Shivaji. After a few skirmishes, he thought it wise to accept the emperor’s soverignity. But he was soon placed under house arrest in Agra. Using tact and intelligence, Shivaji successfully escaped from Agra and hid in his homeland and kept a low profile for some time. Shivaji gradually rebuild his empire and within six months was able to recover much of his lost ground.

Shivaji extended his empire further south to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In order to regain one of his forts, Kondana, he appointed his most trusted general Tanaji Malusare. The battle that followed between the Marathas and the Mughals came to be known as the Maratha war of Independence where the Marathas were successful in regaining the control of the fort. 

Chatrapati Shivaji:

Shivaji was formally coronated Chatrapati in 1674 in Raigad fort and henceforth came to be known as Chatrapati Shivaji. Shivaji died in 1680 but not before leaving an indelible mark on the history pages. He laid the foundation of a Hindu empire which lasted for over two centuries. Shivaji has been a source of inspiration and pride for generations for his courage and military acumen.

Celebration

Place and community: 
 
Birthday of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated in Maharasthra as Shivaji Jayanti.

Month: Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated on 19th February. 

Description: 

Shivaji Jayanti or the birthday of Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a majestic scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born on 19th February, 1627. His parents Jijabai and Shahaji Bhonsle named him Shivaji after local Goddess Shivai. Shivaji was the creator of the Maratha nation. He was instrumental in uniting the Maratha chiefs of Mayal, Konkan and Desh regions. His military and civil administration was of greatest importance. He was successful in carving out a small kingdom by defeating the alien powers. Chatrapati Shivaji is a hero not only for the people of Maharashtra but for those of India as well. 

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

 

 

Shigmotsav

Introduction

On the last day of the full moon day of the month of Falgun i.e. March, a five-day Hindu festival brings cheerfulness and colour among the people of Goa. The celebration includes colourful street floats (in larger towns), folk theatre, sword dances and lively spraying of colourful powder. It may be considered as a Goanese version of Holi. The festival is celebrated mostly in Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco-da-Gama and Margao. 

 

Celebration Shigmotsav or Shigmo is celebrated in Goa with lots of fanfare and gusto. It is a festival of colors much like Holi that continues for five days. During all the five days the people are expected to avoid non-vegetarian food. The festival which began in 1979 is now celebrated with loads of fun in the villages of Goa where villagers worship local deities. Two forms of Shimgo festivals are celebrated namely, Dhakto Shigmo and the Vodlo Shigmo. Farmers and labourers celebrate Dhakto Shigmo while Vodlo Shigmo is celebrated by all on a much larger scale. Shigmotsav festival also coincides with the Carnival of Goa. The festivities include ritualistic songs, dance and large colorful processions on streets of Goa. Song and dance is accompanied by dol, and drums. There are two types of dance during Shigmo festival- the Naman and the Jot. People also wear colorful clothes and carry flags, hand-crafted floats. Dancers visit every house and perform dances in front of the house. People offer money to those dancers who come to their doorsteps. After receiving the money the dancers sing songs for the donors. The festival ends with a ceremonial collective bath.

 

Modhera Dance Festival

Modhera Dance Festival - Sun Temple Modhera, Gujarat: 

The sun temple at Modhera in Mehsana district is dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun god, has its outer walls covered with sculptures in which the figures of Lord Surya are prominent. The beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the festival of Indian classical dances held every year in January for three days. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organizes this annual festival of dance. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.

The Sun Temple is the site of an annual festival of Indian classical dances organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. The festival is held every year in January for three days. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.

Resting on a knoll in the village of Modhera, the ruins of the 11th century Sun Temple are an impressive sight. The outer walls of the temple are covered with sculptures in which the figures of Lord Surya, the sun god are prominent.

PERFECT BACKDROP:

The Sun Temple at Modhera is positioned in such a manner that the sun's first rays illuminate the deity in the innermost sanctum through the main entrance. The incredibly beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the romantic fete of classical dance. The beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the festival of Indian classical dances held every year in January for three days. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organizes this annual festival of dance. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.

Sabarimala Temple Festival

Description

Sabarimala temple is located on the top of the hills of the Western Ghats. The holy shrine in Sabarimala is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Thousands of devotees visit Sabarimala during the months of November-January when the main festival takes place.

The devotees who visit the temple during the festival walk barefoot through the uneven road to reach the temple. Before taking the trip the devotees fast and surrender themselves to the will of God for 40 days. They do not drink or smoke, eat selected food, sleep on the floor and stay away from women and family during this period. Irrespective of caste and creed they wear black dhotis and carry offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.

People take a dip in the river on their way to the temple. It is believed that people who take a dip in the holy waters of the river are cleansed of all sins. People also visit the Muslim God on their way to Sabarimala who is believed to be a close friend of Lord Ayyappa. People start chanting the Lord’s name on witnessing a glowing flame on the hill opposite the temple. Mandala Pooja festival is an important part of Sabarimala festival. It begins 41 days before Makar Sankranti and continues for 41 days. Makara Villaku Pooja Festival is the most important part of the festival and lasts for seven days.

Place and Community

Sabarimala is a famous pilgrimage destination in Kerala. His festival is attended by thousands of people from all across the world.

Month

Sabarimala festival is celebrated in the months of November-January.

Sabarimala Temple Festival

Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa Jayanti

Introduction

Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa was an incomparable spiritual saint, whose teachings influenced many lives across the globe and even continues to do so till today, becoming more and more distinct as the effects of his God-centered life marked in our contemporary human culture. Swamiji also himself practiced all different religions and worshipped Goddess Kali, Jesus Christ and Allah during his life time to experience and teach that all religions lead to one common , supreme power of Almighty!

Swamiji, the God-realized being took birth in 1836 at Kamarpukur in West Bengal about 70 miles from Calcutta. During the short life span of 50 years, Swamiji exercised a profound spiritual influence and encouraged people towards secularism.

He taught that there is one supreme power of Almighty whether he is Bhagwan of Hindus or Allah of Muslims, or Jesus of Christians or Guruji of Sikhs. That absolute power remains one and only one, only the name differs from religion to religion.

Celebration

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa’s Jayanti is celebrated with great ecstasy and happiness in India, especially at all the headquarters of the Ramakrishna mission.

The day is treated as one of the religious festival and celebrated across the nation.

Large number of people belonging to different religions converge together to pay their homage to this unsurpassed saint and an ecstatic holy man, whose teachings still remains in the heart of people.

The birthday of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa is another famous religious festival which is held every year on a day in early March at the Belur Math, headquarters of the Ramakrishna mission. This festival draws not only Hindus but people of other religions and Non-Indians, and lakhs of people converge there to pay homage to the great saint.

Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa Jayanti 2010:

Swami Ramakrishna Paramhans Jayanti is celebrated on the 2nd day of Phalgun Shukla Paksh every year.

 

Shekhawati Festival

Introduction:

The Shekhawati Region, a land of Rajputs is an amalgation of Indian art, culture and rural farm life along the vast semi-desert countryside of Rajasthana place. 

The havelis, lavish mansions and courtyard scattered throughout the countryside built during the 18th and 19th centuries are painted with colourful and beautiful picturesque of Indian culture and history.

The Shekhawati Festival is organized by the State Department of Tourism, District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu and the M.R. Morarka- GDC Rural Research Foundation Shekhawati. The festival is attracting large number of tourists thus fast becoming a rural tourism destination too.

Tourists can watch and feel the real rural environment. They can go back with an unforgettable impression of friendliness of the people and comprehensive agricultural revolution in the villages.

The festival is organized with an aim to enhance tourism in Shekhawati region.

The festival is organized at a number of places in Rajasthan, including Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu.

Nawalgarh serves as the chief location for the festival and is easily accessible from the capital city of Jaipur.

A number of activities like rural games, cultural programmes, haveli competitions and fireworks etc. are held to entertain the guests.

Every year whole Shekhawati region is transformed into a venue of fair and festivals on 10th and 11th of February. The Shekhawati fair hosts a gala event for the sale and purchase of cattle. The Shekhawati festival also has an assortment of attractions for everyone. The festival provides an opportunity to locals by providing them with an avenue for trading and earning bread & butter.

Major Attractions of Shekhawati Festival:

Shekhawati festival is great opportunity to take a peek into the village life of Rajasthan. The festival let people visiting here acknowledge with the rustic charm, the humbleness and hospitality of villagers. The unexplored terrains of the surroundings are discovered on a ride on camel's back. Camel and jeep safaris, Rural games, Cultural programs, Haveli competitions are held.

  

Time to celebrate:

Every year whole Shekhawati region is transformed into a venue of fair and festivals on 10th and 11th of February.

World Water Day

Water covers 71% of the Earth's surface. A single cell of Escherichia coli contains 70% of water, a human body 60–70%, plant body up to 90% and the body of an adult jellyfish is made up of 94–98% water.

Thus it can be said that the colourless and odourless damsel forms an integral part of one’s life. Water is also considered as a symbol of purification. International World Water Day is held every twelve months to focus the attention on the importance of freshwater and to promote sustainable management of freshwater resources.

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) decided to observe an international day to celebrate freshwater in 1992 and thus the first World Water Day was observed on 22 March 1993.

World Water Day is celebrated every year with a new theme highlighting an explicit aspect of freshwater.

Today one in every eight people in the world don’t get pure water inspite of spending hours by women and children in collecting water from distant resources.

This day gives an opportunity to remember our commitment to achieve the day when everyone in the world can have safe drinking water and also to celebrate the progress of bringing about 3 lakh people in eight countries clean water and sanitation.

Themes of World Water Day Yester Years

World Water Day is celebrated every year with a new theme highlighting an explicit aspect of freshwater. One of various UN agencies involved in water issues lead in promotion and coordination of international activities for World Water Day each year. UN-Water has been responsible for selecting the theme and messages since the inception of World Day for Water in 2003.

2010: Clean Water for a Healthy World
2009: Transboundary Waters
2008: Sanitation
2007: Coping With Water Scarcity
2006: Water and Culture
2005: Water for Life 2005-2015
2004: Water and Disasters
2003: Water for Future
2002: Water for Development
2001: Water for Health
2000: Water for the 21st Century
1999: Everyone Lives Downstream
1998: Groundwater - The Invisible Resource
1997: The World's Water: Is there enough?
1996: Water for Thirsty Cities
1995: Women and Water
1994: Caring for our Water Resources is Everybody's Business

Sheetala Ashtmi

The tangy flavour of Fairs and Festivals in Rajasthan has their own charm. These fairs and festivals proves best opportunity for the guests to peep into and understand the cultural and traditional aspects of the land of royal figures more closely.

One of the small and grand festivals is the Sheetala Ashtami festival. Fair is also held at number of places in Rajasthan. The Sheetala Mata fair at a small hamlet Chaksu, Jaipur and Kaga, Jodhpur with great passion and zeal.

Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated during the spring season in the month of March after seven days of holi.

It is a common belief among all the people that worshipping Sheetla mata on Sheetla Ashtmi would prevent them from the deadly outbreak of diseases.

Sheetala Mata is commonly called the goddess of small pox. The huge excitement and gusto of celebration of the festival is worth watching.

The local market is the hub to display and trade a lot of items like indigenous shoes, food items, agricultural implements during the fair at the Sheetala Ashtami.

Even cattles are sold here. Flocks of people dressed in colorful attires add brightness in the environment.

Musical events are organized in which the participants display their talent. There are also a lot of rituals and religious activities to be performed during the play.

People feed old and needy people on the day and ask for their blessings.

It is noticeable though, that some communities observe the eighth day of Krishna Paksha of every month as Sheetalashtami. But the most auspicious one is the Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami.

Celebration

Devotees prepared food one day before of Sheetla Asthami & the day of asthami they visit to the temple in queue and performed puja of Sheetla Mata with their food. People gorge on this food which is called Baseda in local lingo as a Prasad of Sheetla mata. All the eatables which are of cool in nature are offered to the diety. Some consider Bajra, Rabri and curd as an essential offering. A Separate temporary mandap is made for this day and a red stone representing the idol of Sheetala mata is kept there, for worship by devotees.

Time to celebrate

The auspicious day of Sheetalashtami, or Sheetala Ashtami, is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala in the month of Chaitra (March – April) as per the traditional hindu calendar followed in North India. Devotees keep fast on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in Chaitra month to cure from measles, chicken pox and small pox.

Pattadakkal Dance Festival

Pattadakkal Dance Festival - Pattadakkal - Karnataka

 

The city of Pattadakkal is the place of beautiful temples, the occasion for dance festival. You are going to be transpired into this world of Magic, which will carry you to the heritage of this ancient capital of Chalukyan Kings. Delicately carved temples rich in detail stand still at Pattadakkal, which gives the beautiful and mystical look of this great festival of music and dance. Delicately carved temples rich in detail stand still at Pattadakkal, the ancient capital of the Chalukyan kings.

 

A festival of dance celebrates this marvellous heritage.

Pushkar Fair

This fair is held at Pushkar town, 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan for twelve days annually. This cultural and trade cum religious fair is an attractive and lively spectacle with Rajasthani men and women in their colourful traditional attire, saffron-robed and ash smeared Sadhus (holy men) and thousands of bulls, cows, sheep, goats, horses and camels in richly decorated saddles. Perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world, it attracts more than one lakh people, and from all over Rajasthan as well as tourists from different parts of India and abroad.

Reasons to visit Pushkar fair:

• It is the world's largest Camel Fair.
• Pushkar has the world’s only temple for Lord Brahma.
• Pushkar has the world famous Sarovar with 52 Ghats surrounding it.
• Pushkar offers around 400 temples to see.
• Pushkar Fair is all encapsulated with numerous cultural activities.
• Ethnic shopping items from all over the state are on sale during fair.
• It’s a rare combination of religious fervor and cultural vibrancy in Rajasthan.
• One of the most interesting and attractive feature of the fair is the opportunity to meet and see numerous different cultural folks. 

History:

Pushkar has the world famous Brahma temple and Sarovar.

According to a popular myth Lord Brahma was on his way to search for a suitable place to perform a 'Yagna' (a fire sacrifice) while contemplating, a lotus fell from his hand on the earth and water sprouted from that place.

One of the places where the Yagna was performed was Pushkar.

The famous Pushkar sarovar (Lake) has 52 ghats surrounding it. During a visit to the holy city of Pushkar it is considered to be very sacred to take a dip in the Lake.

On the full moon day of Kartik Purnima thousands of devotees throng the place to take a holy bath in Pushkar Sarovar.

Major Attractions of Pushkar Fair:

The annual fair held at Pushkar in the month of Kartik is the largest cattle fair in the entire Asia. Visitors and tourists from all over the world gather here to witness the participation of numerous camels, horses, cows, mules, goats and sheep along with their masters, which is one of its kind spectacles. Some of the major attractions at this colorful occasion are:

• The first five days of the fair is dedicated to buying and selling of cattle. This process normally takes a lot of days as initially the sellers lure customers by praising their animals and when there is a deal there are lots of negotiations that take place. After the cattle are sold it is decorated and ornamented.
• One of the major attractions especially for women is shopping. Some of the most exquisite and awesome varieties of ornaments, accessories and other jewelry is available at different stalls. These craftsmen engage in this craft for the whole year and wait for the fair to make some profits. Numerous stalls of trinkets, silver ornaments, chains, nose rings, necklaces, waistbands, anklets, toe rings, hairpins and the ivory bangles worn from wrist to shoulder are what attract the women in the fair. Garments and tattoos are also very popular among womenfolk.
• On the last two days of the fair many cultural and amusement activities are organized for the visitors to have loads of fun and frolic. Camel Races, Musical Chairs for Camels, Camel Beauty Contest and Laadoo Oonth are some of them. These activities are for every age group and indeed there is something to enjoy for every visitor to the fair.
• The main ceremony of ritual bath in the Pushkar Lake is done on the Full moon day of Kartik punima. Pushkar Lake is believed to posses some medicinal properties.
• Camel races are very popular among visitors from across the world. On the full moon days, a tented city is created around the Pushkar Lake, where these races are held. Spectators and participants both have a gala time during the races.
• Necklaces of glass beads from Naguar, pottery, printed textiles from Jodhpur and Ajmer are all on sale here
• Pilgrims flock from all over India to be in Pushkar at this auspicious time. They also believe that all the 330 million Gods and Goddesses are present at Pushkar Lake during the occasion.

Main Events:

The department of Tourism, Rajasthan organizes many activities and events for the tourists. These activities are sliad for the entire period of the fair.

Significance:

Pushkar fair has since ages been a constant source of amusement and attraction for tourists and visitors from all over the world. The fair and the city of Pushkar both offer infinite sources of significance to many religious communities.

For Hindus, Pushkar is one of the five Dhams or pilgrims which have always been held high in esteem.

Mythologically it is believed that battle Lord Brahma when fought a battle with demon Vajra Nabh with a lotus flower, the leaves of the flower fell down at three places on earth. All three places are around Pushkar and it is also believed that these three places have resulted in lakes. At one point in history the Pushkar Lake was surrounded by 500 temples and 52 palaces.

One of the most significant features of the city of Pushkar is the temple of Lord Brahma, which in fact is the only Brahma temple on earth.

How to Reach Pushkar:

The nearest city to Pushkar is Ajmer which is about 11 Kms from Pushkar. The various sources of connectivity to Pushkar are:

• Air:  To travel by air, the nearest airport from Pushkar is Jaipur. Jaipur is about 131 Kms from Pushkar.
• Rail: The nearest railway station from Pushkar is Ajmer, which is well connected to all major stations of India.
• Road: For the road travelers who want to take a bus to Pushkar, there are two Bus-stands in Pushkar. One is the Marwar bus stand that is situated to the North of the town. This stand has buses to some major cities like Delhi, Jodhpur and Bikaner.The second stand is situated to the East of Pushkar and buses running to Jaipur and Ajmer.

Where to Stay:

Pushkar has always attracted wide range of tourists from all over the world and thus the department of Tourism has pitched in large number of tourist accommodation and other facilities. In Pushkar one would find large number of both public and private hotels in every range and amount.

Many people prefer staying at the RTDC, government hotels. Rajasthan tourism Development Corporation, RTDC has wide range of hotels in Ajmer namely Khadim and Sarovar. In Pushkar Tourist Village is the only hotel by RTDC.

Although throughout the year various tariffs right from luxury, Deluxe to moderate are available, many hotels charge exorbitant prices during the Pushkar fair in leau of Business profits.

One can also find many hotels just around the fair ground by many private companies. There are also some special tour packages offered by both government and private sector that include fares for accommodation, food, travel etc at some nominal prices.