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FESTIVALS OF INDIA
Indian Festivals Calendar
January
MAKAR SANKRANTI
(Maharashtra,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh)
Is a celebration of spring on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to
the north (Uttarnyana). In Maharashtra, Karnataka as well as parts of
Andhra, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship. Sesame
ladoos and sugar drops are distributed as a symbol of the need to be
generous and kind to everyone. Women wear new clothes, new glass bangles
and hold get-togethers to share sweets and gifts.A new bride is given
ornaments made of sugar drops and her new relatives are invited to meet
and welcome her at a Haldi Kurnkum celebration.
LOHRI
(Punjab )
In the North Makar Sankranti is called Lohri. It is the only Hindu
festival which falls regularly on the 14th of january every year. Lohri
is the time after which the biting cold of winter begins to taper off.
On this day the children go from door to door to collect funds for
community bonfires which are lit in the evening. Lohri is more of a
community festival, where the birth of a son or the first year of
marriage is celebrated with great fun and frolic. People gather around
the bonfires and offer sweets, crisp rice and popcorn to the flames.
Songs are sung to the beat of vigorous claps and greetings are
exchanged.
PONGAL
(Tamil Nadu ,
Andhra Pradesh )
In the
South Sankranti becomes pongal. It is a celebration of the harvest which
is observed for three days in Tamil Nadu as well as in Andhra Pradesh.
The first day is the Bhogi Pongal which is celebrated as a family
festival. Surra pongal, the second day, is dedicated to the Sun (surya)
when pongal (rice cooked in milk and jaggery) is boiled by women and
offered to the sun. Friends greet one another by asking "Is it boiled?"
and the answer given is "It is." It is followed by great rejoicing.
Mattu pongal, the third day, is a day dedicated to the worship and
veneration of cattle (mattu). The pongal that has been offered to the
local deities is given to the cattle to eat. The cattle are bathed and
decorated. Coloured balls of the pongal are also made and left in the
open for birds. In Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore, a kind of
bullfight, called the "jellikattu" is held. Bundles containing money are
tied to the horns of ferocious bulls, and unarmed villagers try to wrest
the bundles from them. With ingredients provided by the freshly gathered
harvest, community meals are held at night.
THAI PUSAM
(Tamil Nadu)
This festival usually takes place in the temples dedicated to Kartikeya
or Mariamman where trenches of burning coal are laid out for the
devotees to walk over. It has been seen that people who volunteer to
undertake this experience with faith, come away unhanned and unscathed.
The chief priest of the temple and the twelve "hero-youths", who are to
perform this feat, first go out in a procession from the temple to
bathe, smear themselves with turmeric, powder, and begin the dance. Then
they walk over a long pit covered with burning coals and come out
unscathed. This is followed by singing and feasting which continues till
late night.
FLOAT FESTIVAL
(Tamil Nadu)
This magnificent festival is celebrated in Madurai on the night of the
full moon. The ornamented icons of the two deities, the God Sundaresa
(incarnation of Shiva) and the Goddess Meenakshi (incarnation ofParvati),
with pearl crowns on their heads and riding on a golden bull are taken
out in a splendid procession from the Meenakshi temple. The God Alagar
(incarnation of Vishnu) gives his sister Meenakshi, in marriage to
Sundaresa amidst great rejoicing. Devotees clothed in yellow and red
dance among the processionists and spray coloured water on them. The
icons are floated in the tank on a raft decked with flowers and
flickering lamps.
NATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
(Gujarat)
In Gujarat and other western states the change in the direction of winds
on Makar Sankranti is marked by thousands of colourful kites of all
patterns and dimensions which dot the blue sky. Young men vie with each
other to win community kite-flying competitions. The kites are hand made
and the thread is given a coating of glass powder mixed in either resin
or a paste made of refined wheat flour. The day also witnesses kite
flying tournaments in which handsome cash, cups and shields are awarded
as prizes to the winners. Special kites with paper lamps fill the night
sky with myriad flickering lights.
KERALA VILLAGE FAIR
Mid-January is the time for cultural events in the lush villages around
Kovalam, every year. Traditional thatch houses are decorated during this
ten day long festival and are the venue for folk dances, music and
festivities.
BIKANER FESTIVAL
The festival starts off with a magnificent procession of bedecked
camels. It is a colourful spectacle of beautifully decorated camels that
fascinates the onlookers with their charm and grace. Several
competitions are held, marked with typical Rajasthani colour, joyous
music and lilting rhythms and gay festivities.
PATTADAKAL DANCE FESTIVAL
Is a festival of dance held at Pattadakal (Kamataka), the ancient
capital of the Chalukyan kings.
ID
- UL - FITTR
(All Over India)
Celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an
occasion of feasting and rejoicing. The faithful gather in mosques to
pray, friends and relatives meet to exchange greetings. Prayers, family
get-togethers and feasts are the major highlights of the celebrations.
Idi or presents of money are given to the youngsters by the family
elders, conveying their blessings.
VASANT PANCHAMI
(North India
and West Bengal)
Is a ceremonial welcome to spring on ihe fifth day of the waxing moon of
Magh, when Saraswati, Shiva-Durga and Vishnu-Lakshmi are worshipped.
People wear colourful attires, especially in bright shades of yellow and
they dance, sing and make merry In West Bengal, 'Saraswati' -the Goddess
of learning is worshipped. The festival is celebrated with great fervour
in the university town of Shantiniketan.
Indian
Festivals in February
MAHASHIVARATRI
(All Over
India)
On the 14th night of the dark half of Magh occurs the festival of
Mahashivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva. The devotees stay awake
throughout the night offering their prayers to Lord Shiva. They offer
special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and
coconuts to Lord Shiva. Having observed the requirements of the all
night fast, devotees eat the prasad offered to Shiva. Special
celebrations are held in some of the major Shaivite temples at Varanasi,
Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu).
DESERT FESTIVAL
(Jaisalmer)
The Desert Festival is a three day long extravaganza of colour, music
and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and fire
dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban-tying competition and a
Mr. Desert contest are part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a
trip to the sand dunes at Sam where one can enjoy the pleasure of a
camel ride and even view the folk dancers and musicians perform at the
sand dunes.
GOA
CARNIVAL
(Goa)
February heralds the carnival at Goa. For three days and nights, the
legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with
colour. The week long event is a time of festivity.
NAGAUR FAIR
(Nagaur)
Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of
the largest in the country. The Nagaur bulls are, renowned for their
fleet- footedness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with
earnest bargaining between the buyers and the sellers. Once the price of
a horse, bullock or camel has been settled, the day draws to a close
followed by exciting games, tug of war, camel races and strains of
ballads which create a joyful atmosphere.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL
(Elephant
Island)
This festival is held across the Mumbai harbour, on the Elephant Island,
near the world renowned Elephanta Caves. This feast of music and dance,
celebrated under the stars, transforms the entire island into a large
auditorium.
DECCAN FESTIVAL
(Hyderabad)Every
year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival.
Culturaiprogrammes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas are held. A
pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and
multi-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food festival serves
the beM Hyderabad's famed cuisine to the visitors.
INTERNATIONAL YOGA WEEK
( Rishikesh)Yoga sessions are held along the banks of the Ganga
at Rishikesh. Organised by U.P. Tourism, lectures and demonstrations are
held by prominent exponents of yoga throughout the week.
TAJ
MAHOTSAV
(Agra)
A ten day event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is culturally vibrant platform
that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances. It
is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. Folk music,
shayari(Poetry), and classical dance performances as well as elephant
and camel rides, games and food festival -all form part of the
festivities.
SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA
( New Delhi)
In order to promote the traditional Indian A handicrafts, a delightful
handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled
artisans and craftsmen display their skills and crafts in a rural
setting. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also a part of this
colourful fair.
CHAPCHUR KUT
( Mizorum)
A lively festival in Mizoram which celebrates the arrival of spring. It
is an occasion for dance, music and feasting.
ISLAND TOURISM FESTIVAL
(Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Is a ten day long festival of dance, drama and music. Exhibitions
displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life, are part of
the event. Aqua sports, tele-games and parasailing are added attractions
Indian
Festivals in
March
HOLI
(All Over India) Is the most boisterous of all Hindu festivals,
observed allover the North. It heralds the end of winter and the
beginning of the Spring. The night before the full moon, crowds of
people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual
dried leaves and twigs of the winter. People throw coloured water and
powders (gulal and kumkum) at each other and make merry. Singing and
dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion.
In the northern, western as well as eastern regions, Holi celebrates the
joyful raasleela of Krishna and the gopis. They play phag which is a
game of many colourful hues. It is a joyous celebration of the
rejuvenation of nature, and renewed hope of happiness and peaceful
coexistence. Especially famous is the Lathmaar HaJj of Barsana and
Nandgaan. In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a special festival Hola
Mahalia on the day after Holi. It marks a display of ancient martial
arts and mock battles. Holi is also an occasion for the celebration of
the burning of Kama, the Hindu cupid, with the fire that emanated from
Lord Shiva's third eye.
GANGAUR
(Rajasthan)Is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess
Parvati and lasts for 18 days. The festival is celebrated by girls and
married women throughout Rajasthan. The images of Gauri are ornamented
and offerings are made. This is also an auspicious day for young people
to select their life partners. Colourful processions with th.e town band
playing, horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating
spectacle.
JAMSHED -E -NAVROZ
The Parsis don their new clothes and decorate their homes with rangoli
patterns drawn with metal moulds and flowers. Sweets are exchanged and
later Parsis visit the fire temple where thanksgiving is performed.
RAMNAVAMI
(All Over India)
The birthday of Lord Rama, the celebrated hero of the famous epic, the
Ramayana, is enthusiastically celebrated on the ninth day of the waxing
moon in the month of Chaitra. Temples are decorated, religious
discourses are held and the Ramayana is recited for ten days. People
gather in thousands on the banks of the sacred river Saryu for a dip.
People sing devotional songs in praise of Rama and rock images of him in
cradles to celebrate his birth. Rathyatras or chariot processions of Ram
a, his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana and devotee Hanuman, are taken out
from many temples.
ID -UL
-ZIHA
(All Over India)
Is a muslim festival celebrated all over India. Prayers are offered in
the mosques and special delicacies are prepared and served among family
and friends on the occasion.
MAHAVIR JAYANTI
(All Over India)
The birth anniversary of the 24th Til1hankara of the Jains, Mahavir, the
founder ofJainism, is celebrnted by theJain community. Lectures are held
to preach the path of virtue. People meditate and offer prayers.
Donations are collected to save the cows from slaughter. Pilgrims from
all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain shrines at Girnar and
Palitana in Gujarnt, on this day.
KHAJURAO DANCE FESTIVAL
(Khajurao , Madhya Pradesh)
Is a week-long festival of classical dances held at the Khajuraho
Temples, built by the Chandella Kings.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL
(Jaipur , Rajasthan)
A festival where elephants are the centre of attraction. They stride
majestically parading their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival
begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses, followed by
lively folk dancers at their entertaining best. Elephant races and
elephant- polo matches are special features. The most hilarious
highlight of the festival is a tug of war between elephants and men.
HOLYSALA MAHOTSAV
(Karnataka)
Is a dance festival held at the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid in
Kamataka.
ELLORA
FESTIVAL
(Ellora Caves, Maharashtra)
Is a festival of dance and music organised in the splendid surroundings
of the magnificent Ellora caves.
Indian Festivals In April
GOOD
FRIDAY
(All Over India)
Is observed allover India by the Christians. This is the day when Lord
Christ was crucified. The Christians offer special prayer services in
the churches.
EASTER
(All Over India)
Is a festival of rejuvenation of life and living. On this day, Lord
Christ rose again after his death. Chocolate eggs, small chicks of
cotton wool and almond sweets are bought for children, symbolising new
life. Prayer services are held in the churches to end the mourning
period.
BAISAKHI
(Punjab)
Is celebrated in Punjab with great fervour. It was on this day that Guru
Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood). The holy book of the
Sikhs, Granth Sahib is taken in a procession, led by the Panj Pyaras
(five senior sikhs) who are symbolic of the original leaders. The
occasion is marked by lot of feasting and merry making. All night
revelries termed Baisakhi di Raat (Night of feasting) or Baisakhi da
Mela (Baisakhi fairs) are held, where men and women dance to the
rhythmic beat of drums.
In Kerala the festival is known as Vishu. A display of grain, fruits,
flowers, gold, new cloth and money, is viewed early in the morning to
ensure a prosperous year ahead.
Known as Rangali Bihu in Assam, the festival is celebrated with lively
dances, music and feasting.
GUDI
PADVA or UGADI
(Maharashtra , Andhra Pradesh and Karnaka)
Marks the beginning of a new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and
parts of Karnataka. Gudi Padva is considered one of the four most
auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures. It is
believed that Lord Brahma created the world on this day and so he is
worsh,ipped specially at this time.
Lord Vishnu too is said to have been incarnated as Matsya, the fish, on
this day. Agudi(banner) with a swastika-marked pot and silk cloth is
raised to announce victory and joy. It is remniscent of the valiant
Marathas returning home from their successful conquering expeditions of
war.
POORAM
(Trichur , Kerala)
At the beginning of April, the people of Kerala begin thi;ir search for
the best elephants in the state. Each temple in Kerala sends a
procession of decorated elephants to Trichur to participate in the
Pooram festival.
The decorated elephant groups face each other while drums and
nadaswarams create a crescendo of music. The festival ends with a
spectacular display of fireworks.
MUHARAM
(All Over India)
Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the holy
Prophet Mohammed, and is observed by the Shi'ite Muslims, who take out
processions of colourfully decorated 'T azias', which are paper and
bamboo replicas of the martyr's tomb at Karbala in Iraq. The processions
are specially impressive at Lucknow. In parts of the South, tiger
dancers -men painted over with stripes and wearing tiger masks, lead the
procession.
BUDDHA
PURNIMA
(North India)
This festival which falls on the full moon day, commemorates the birth
of Lord Buddha. Also it was on this day Lord Buddha achieved Nirvana or
the extinction of self and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
MEWAR-Festival
(UDAIPUR-Rajasthan)
(Festival
Rajasthan) Is celebrated in Udaipur to welcome Spring. The main
highlight of the festival is the procession of colourfully attired women
carrying images of the Goddess Gaud to Lake Pichola. Festivities include
joyous singing, dancing, devotional music concerts and firework
displays.
Indian Festivals In
May
URS
(Ajmer,
Rajasthan)
The Urs are held every year at the dargah of the Sufi Saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti, commemo- rating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims
from all over the world gather here to pay their homage. Qawaalis(poems)
are sung in the Saint's honour.
Indian Festivals in
June
HEMIS FESTIVALS
(Jammu &
Kashmir)
Is celebrated at Hemis, the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Ladakh to mark
the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. Splendid masked dances are
performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. A
colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special
highlight of the festival.
GANGA DUSSEHRA
(Uttar
Pradesh)
In this festival ten days are devoted to the worship of the River Ganga.
According to the legends, Gangavataran or the descent of the Ganga,
happened at this time. Devotees touch the river water, bathe in it, and
take the river c)ay home to venerate. In Haridwar,aratis are performed
at twilight and a large number of devotees meditate on her serene banks.
Indian Festivals In
July
RATHYATRA
(Orissa)
This spectacular chariot festival is held at the famous Jagannath Temple
atPuri. Images of Lordjagannam, his sister Subhadra and brother
Balbhadra are taken out in procession in three chariots to their summer
temple for a week. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters
square with 16wheels. The ropes of the huge chariots are pulled by
millions of devotees who also believe that this act bestows salvation
upon them.
GURU PURNIMA
(All Over
India)
A special worship is performed on this day to all teachers and is called
Guru Purnima. Worship of the great Vyasa, the author of the great epic,
Mahabharata, is a part of the celebration. On this day students visit
their elders, teachers and guides in order to show respect to them with
gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets. These gifts are called
gurudakshina. Discourses are held in community gatherings to hear the
readings of the holy book, Bhagwad Gita.
Indian Festivals In
August
JANMASHTAMI
(All Over India)
The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna,
the incarnation of Vishnu is observed allover India. It is celebrated
with great fervour at Mathura and Brindavan, Dwarika(Gujrat) where Lord
Krishna spent his childhood. Night long prayers are offered and
religious hymns are sung in temples. Scenes are enacted from Lord
Krishna's early life.
In Maharashtra, earthen pots of curd and butter are hung high up over
the streets. Young men enacting an episode from Krishna's childhood form
human pyramids by climbing on each others' shoulders and try to break
these pots.
ONAM
(Kerala )
Onam is Kerala's most popular festival, celebrated with great
enthusiasm. It is primarily a harvest festival celebrated to welcome the
spirit of the pious King Mahabali from eternal exile and to assure him
that his people are happy and wish him well. At Trichur ,caparisoned
elephants take part in a spectacular procession. There is also a
magnificent display of fireworks. At Shoranur, appreciative crowds
gather on the green where colourfully dressed Katha,kali dancers
re-enact the well-loved stories of the epic heroes and virtuous,women.
On the second day of the festival, every home is lit bright and
decorated in preparation for the visit of King Mahabali. Greetings are
exchanged and lengths of auspicious saffron cloth are presented by
friends to one another.
The Vallumkali (boat race) is one of the main attractions of Onam, and
is best seen at Aranmulai and Kottayam. About a hundred oarsmen row huge
and graceful odee (boats). Oars dip and flash to the rhythm of drums and
cymbals in each boat. The songs are generally topical in character and
concern people well known in Malabar. Above each boat gleam scarlet silk
umbrellas, their number denotes the affluence of the family owning the
boat. Gold coins and tassels hang from the umbrellas.
In the evenings, girls perform the Kyekottikali (the clapping dance) in
the open, dancing around the traditional brass lamp. Intricate patterns
of flower petals are made on the grass forming a flower carpet for the
dance.
NAG
PANCHAMI
(West Bengal , Mahrashtra and South India )
Nag Panchami is the festival when snakes, the symbols of energy and
prosperity are worshipped. In Maharashtra, snake charmers go from house
to house with dormant cobras ensconced in cane baskets, asking for alms
and clothing. Women offer milk and cooked rice to the snakes and gather
around to see the snakes spread their hoods to the tune of the pungi.
Clay snakes are brought home to be worshipped by day and immersed in the
sea in the evening. In southern India, particularly in Kerala, snake
temples are crowded on this day and worship is offered to stone or metal
icons of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Shesha.
RAKSHABANDHAN
(North India)
This is a Hindu sister's day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their
bonds of affections. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their
brothers' wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters
and give them gifts.
GANESH CHATURTHI
(Maharashtra -MUMBAI, Tamil Nadu ,
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)
Ganesha Chaturthi is an important festival in India, especially in
Maharashtra dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God of all
good beginnings and success. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born
on this day and every chaturthi is considered auspicious. Thousands of
clay idols of Lord Ganesha are made in every size, pose, form and colour
and worshipped at community Or family festivals which last between one
to ten days. These images are then taken in large processions, amidst
the rhythm of bells and drums and immersed in flowing water.
Indian
Festivals
Indian Festivals in
September
TARNETAR MELA
(Saurashtra
, Gujrat)
Is an exciting and a unique fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra.
The fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar Temple,
celebrating .the wedding of the legendary Mahabharat hero, Arjuna with
Draupadi. The fair is a kind of a marriage market for the local tribals
-the Kalis, Bharwads and Rabaris. The traditional costumes, exquisite
jewelery and wonderful Tarnetar "Chhatris" (umbrellas) with intricate
embroidery and mirror work are sold. An added attraction is the lively
folk dance performances such as -garba, ras, haro.
Indian Festivals in October
NAVRATRI
(All Over India)
Navratri is the longest Hindu festi.val that continues for nine
consecutive nights in praise of Lord Rama. Continuous 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 Navadurga and on
each day of the nine days, she takes a new form, with an arsenal
ofweapons, to ride a lion and fight the demon Mahishasura. Vijaydashmi
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 Sica.
The most joyous celebration of Navaratri 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 sticks.
DURGA
PUJA
(Kolkotta-Bengal )
Is performed during the nine days of Navratri. Community pujas in Bengal
are organised in every locality. Families visit each other to share
feasts. On Bijoya day, the idols are taken in elaborate processions for
immersion in the river or the sea.
DUSSEHRA
(All Over India )
Is celebrated to mark the homecoming 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 Ravana, his brothers
Meghnath and Kumbhkana filled with different fire crackers are set
alight to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
In Himachal Pradesh, a week long fair at Kulili is a part of the
Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills, deities are
brought in procession to the Kullu Maidan with lot of gaiety, music and
colour.
The presiding deity is Lord Raghunathji. Mysore is illuminated with
lights for Dussehra. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and
dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city.
MARWAR FESTIVAL
(Jodhpur-Rajasthan)
Is a festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar
region. The festival was originally known as the 'Maand festival'. Held
for two days on full moon-sharad purnima, folk artists bring to life the
myth, legend and folklore of the area.
Indian Festivals in
November
SHARAD
PURNIMA
(All Over India)
Is a harvest festival when Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity, visits all
homes to bring fortune and good luck to all. Kojagiri, the special
night, is celebrated with ice-cold, saffron-flavoured sweet milk, shared
in the cool moonlight. The full moon night is called Navanna Purnima or
the moonlit night of new food. The newly harvested rice is offered to
the gods and lamps are lit before the full moon.
DIWALI
(All Over India)
The festival of lights is one of the most beautiful of Indian festivals.
It comes 21 days 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 allover 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 ( designs 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.
GURU
PURAB
(North India)
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak -the first guru of the Sikhs who
founded the Sikh faith, is celebrated with great fervour. The 'Akhand
Path' -recitation of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is held in
gurdwaras allover the country. Taking the holy book Ol!t in procession,
is also an integral part of the celebrations. Langars (community feasts)
are organised where people of all castes sit together to eat and sing
hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.The celebrations at Amritsar are
especially impressive.
KA
POMBLANG NONGREN
(Meghalaya)
Is the most important festival of the Khasis in Meghalaya. This five day
long festival, held annually near Shillong, is an occasion fot.
thanksgiving for a good harvest and the time to pray for peace and
prosperity. Khasi men and women, dressed in traditional splendour,
perform the famous Nongkrem dance.
SONEPUR FAIR
(Sonepur , Bihar)
Asia's biggest cattle fair is held at Sonepur, on
the banks of the River Ganga. During this month-long fair, cattle,
decorated for the occasion, swarm the venue.
PUSHKAR FAIR
(Pushkar, Rajasthan)
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 theVijayanagar
Empire, comes alive once again during this lively festival of dance and
music, held in the first week of November.
Indian Festivals in
December
CHRISTMAS
(All Over India)
Is celebrated by the Christians and non-Christians alike with special
enthusiasm. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Shops and
bazaars 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 celebrations for the New
Year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a week.
KONARK DANCE FESTIVAL
(Konark , Orissa)
Konark Festival in the Sun Temple, Konark, offers an unforgettable
experience every December 5th. A host of celebrated dancers from allover
the country perform on the temple platform or beach. The sound of
ghungroo bells, flute and pakhauj fill the air and a marvelous crafts
mela, with a variety of handicrafts and delectable cuisine, adds to the
festive mood.
Most Popular
Indian Festivals
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