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Festival
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Description
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Dussehra,
All over India
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The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Ram. The Ramlila-an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and Kumbhakarna, are set alight. In west Bengal, Goddess Durga is worshiped. This day is marked with special puja. Pandals have beautifully decorated images of the goddess Durga and people gather here in large numbers to enjoy the festivities. In South India, houses are decorated with displays of toys and clay images of Gods. Relatives and friends visit each other to exchange greetings. In Gujarat, the exuberant Navaratri celebrations include dancing the lively garba and dandiya ras. In Karnataka, Mysore-the city of palaces, celebrates the ten-day Dussehra in a royal style. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with a myriad lights. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city. In Himachal Pradesh, a weeklong fair in the hill town of Kullu is a part of the Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills, deities are brought in procession to the 'maidan' in kullu to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji. The celebration of Dussehra is also accompanied with fairs, and a lot of variety stalls will delight your attention selling some of the most delectable items. You can also not neglect vendors selling traditional stuffs.
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Muharram,
All over India [Depend on Moon] |
Commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson-Imam Hussein. Tazias, glittering replicas of the martyr's tomb, are carried in the procession through the streets. The tazias of Lucknow and Hyderabad are noted for their splendour. The devotee may be seen walking on fire and using blades and knifes tied to ropes to hit their bodies, in order to show their respect the Martyr. The event again is celebrated in accordance to the Islamic Calendar. |
Marwar Festival,
Marwar, Rajasthan |
The festival celebrates the "Maand" style of folk music-an evolved classical style that describes the romantic life of Rajasthan's rulers. Held during Sharad Purnima, the folk artistes bring alive the legends and folklore of earlier times. It is a colourful event and is quiet popular with foreigners and locals alike. |
Diwali,
All over India |
This festival of lights is the prettiest and the most eagerly awaited occasion in India. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, to Ayodhya after a fourteen-year exile. The flickering lights of the traditional clay lamps or 'diyas' illuminate the houses and fireworks resound through the night. The goddess of wealth and prosperity-Lakshmi, is worshipped on this day. Houses are white washed and elaborate designs are drawn at the thresholds to welcome the Goddess. The exchanging of gifts and sweets among friends and relatives and playing of games of chance at night, are all an integral part of the celebrations. The festival is loved by the young, as in north India, during the night of Deepawali, the use of firecrackers is a must which brings with it, spectacular firework display throughout the night. Life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and Kumbhakarna, are set alight. In west Bengal, Goddess Durga is worshiped. This day is marked with special puja. Pandals have beautifully decorated images of the goddess Durga and people gather here in large numbers to enjoy the festivities. In South India, houses are decorated with displays of toys and clay images of Gods. Relatives and friends visit each other to exchange greetings. In Gujarat, the exuberant Navaratri celebrations include dancing the lively garba and dandiya ras. In Karnataka, Mysore-the city of palaces, celebrates the ten-day Dussehra in a royal style. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with a myriad lights. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city. In Himachal Pradesh, a weeklong fair in the hill town of Kullu is a part of the Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills, deities are brought in procession to the 'maidan' in kullu to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji. The celebration of Dussehra is also accompanied with fairs, and a lot of variety stalls will delight your attention selling some of the most delectable items. You can also not neglect vendors selling traditional stuffs.
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Gandhi Jayanti,
All over India |
The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi-the 'Father of the nation' (2nd October). The President and Prime Minister, along with other eminent political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat-the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. All the offices and schools, throughout the country, remain closed on this day. The day always seems to give the message of truth and non-violence.
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Rajgir Mahotsav,
Rajgir, Bihar |
This colorful festival of dance and music is held at Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha Kings-the land where the Buddha meditated and preached. It brings back the lost glory and importance of the place. Rajgir is one of the most revered place for the Buddhist Community. |
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