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Fairs and Festivals of India
RAKSHABANDHAN : This is a
Hindu sister's day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of
affections. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's
wrist. The brothers is turn promise to protect their sisters and give them
gifts.
GANESH CHATURTHI : Ganesha Chaturthi is an important festival in India, especially in Maharshtra dedicated
to Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God of all good beginnings and
success.
NAVARATRI : Navaratri is the
longest festival that continues for nine consecutive nights in praise of Lord
Rama. Continues chanting from the great epic Ramayana, along with evening
performances from the episodes of his life, is held for nine days.
It is a
combination of many concepts. It is believed that Durga, the Goddess of power
and vitality, has nine forms called Navdurga and on each day of the nine day of
the nine days, she takes a new form, with an arsenal of weapons, to ride a lion
an a flight the demon Mahishasura. Vijayadashmi or Dussehra, the 10th day is
celebrated with feasting and rejoicing as her day of victory. Lord Rama is said
to have worshipped the Goddess, seeking her blessing in order to overpower the
evil force of Ravana, the abductor of his beloved Sita.
The most joyous
celebration of Navratri is seen in Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bengal.
Every night people gather in courtyards to dance the dandiya raas and garba, a
community dance in which men and women dressed in festive clothes, dance in
pairs with dandiyas or painted wooden stick.
DURGA PUJA : Is performed during the nine days of
Navratri. Community pujas in Bengal are organised in every locality. Families
visit each to share feasts. On Bijoya day, the idols are taken in elaborate
processions for immersion in the river or the sea.
DUSSEHRA : Is celebrated to mark the homeocoming of
Lord Rama. The Ramlila - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama,
is held nine days before Dussehra.
On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravna, his
brothers Meghnath and Kumabhkarna filled with different fire crackers are set
alight to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
In Himachal Pradesh, a
week long fair at Kullu is a part of the Dussehara celebrations. From the
little temples in the hills deities are brought in processions to the kullu
Maidan with a lot of gaiety music and colour. The presiding deity id Lord
Raghunathji.
Mysore is illuminated with lights for Dussehra, Majestic
processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the
tranquility.
DIWALI : The festival of lights is one of the most beautiful of Indian festivals. It comes 21days after
Dussehra and Celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year
exile. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of
lamps lit in houses all over the country making it a night of enchantment.
Doorways are hung with torans (a decorative garland for the door) of mango
leaves and marigolds, Rangolis (designees on floor) are drawn with different
coloured powders to welcome guests. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of
wealth, and fireworks and festivities are an essential part of the
occasion.
KA POMBLANG NONGREM : Is the most important festival of the Khasis in Meghalaya. This five day long
festival, held annually near Shilong, is an occasion for thanksgiving for a
good harvest and the time to pray or peace and prosperity. Khasi men and women,
dressed in traditional splendour, perform the famous Nongkrem dance.
PUSHKAR FAIR : Pushkar Fair is held every year at
Pushkar, near Ajmer. Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of
the Pushkar Lake. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of
bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters are the major
attractions of this colourful event which lasts for twelve days
HAMPI FESTIVAL : The magnificent ruined city of Hampi,
once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, comes alive once again during this
lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of
November.
CHRISTMAS : Is celebrated by the
Christians and non-Christians alike with special enthusiasm. All the major
Indian cities wear a festive look. Shop and bazzars are decorated for the
occasion and offer attractive bargains. Carol singing, get-togethers and the
exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas spirit. Christmas parties launch off
celebration for the New Year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a
week.
KONARK DANCE FESTIVAL : Orissa Konark Festival in the Sun Temple, Konark, offers an unforgettable experiences
every December 5th. A Host of celebrated dancers from all over the country
perform on the temple platform or beach.
The sound of ghungroos bells, flute
and pakhauj fill the air and a marvelous craft mela, with a variety of
handicraft and delectable cuisine, adds to the festive mood.
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