Fairs
& festivals in India are colourful commemorations of religious
or historical events or celebrations of the change of seasons. They
reflect the vigour and life - style of its people. Vibrant colour,
music and festivities makes the country come alive throughout the
year. Join us and be a part of it.
Sharad Purnima (All
Over India) Is a harvest festival when Laxmi, the Goddess of
prosperity, visit all homes to bring fortune and good luck to all. Kojagiri,
the special night, is celebrated with ice-cold, saffron-flavored sweet 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 his14-year exile. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed
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 (designs on floor) are
drawn with different coloured powers to welcome guests. Worship of Goddess
Lakshmi, 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 all over the country. Taking the holy
book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations.
Langars (community feasts) are organized 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 Nongrem
(Meghalaya) Is the most important festival of the Khasis in
Meghalaya. This five day long festival, held annually near Shillong, is an
occasion for thanksgiving for a good harvest and the time to pray for peace
and prosperity. Khasi men and women, dressed in traditional splendor,
perform the famous Nongkrem dance.
Sonepur Fair (Sonepur,
Bihar) Asias 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 (Vijayanagar) 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.
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. Hops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion and offer attractive
bargains. Carol singing, get-together and the exchanging parties launch off
celebrations for the New Year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least
a week.
Konark Dance Festivals (Konark, Orissa) Konark
Festival in the Sun Temple, Konark, offers an unforgettable experience every
December 5th. A host of celebration dancers from all over 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.