Festivals of Gujarat
The state of Gujarat offers the tourists a golden opportunity to explore the beauty of the culture and tradition of the western part of the Indian subcontinent. Festivals form an integral part of the Gujarati culture. The wide plethora of colorful festivals takes one on a multihued and ennobling odyssey of the glorious state of Gujarat. This state prefers to celebrate all the religious festivals with equal amount of pomp and grandeur. But the quintessential Gujarati spirit and rhythm is to be found in all the festivals. People of all hues, shades and denominations venture outside their homes to immerse themselves completely in the festive spirit.
Religious Festivals Navaratri
The celebration of Navaratri in Gujarat is universally Navaratri - Garbabelieved to be the celebration of good over evil and the restoration of the general order of things. Navaratri, the `festival of nine nights` is celebrated in the state of Gujarat after Dussehra. This festival forms a special feature of Gujarat and during this auspicious occasion both males and females assemble in the squares and temples of their individual villages and indulges themselves in complete merriment. `Garba` is a special feature if the Navaratri festival in this state. The festival comes to an end on the day of Dussehra when the artisans worship their instruments, the peasants worship their ploughs, students worship their books and warriors worship their weapons.
Diwali
The festival of Diwali in Gujarat is associated with the worship of the "Goddess of Wealth`, Mother Lakshmi. The people of this state are of the firm belief that Goddess Lakshmi emerges on this day to bless the world with success and good fortune. It is also believed by the Gujaratis that the Goddess visits the homes, which are well lit so they delightfully take the initiative to decorate their houses with light, flowers and paper chains. The congregation of both men and women in the markets of Gujarat bears testimony to the fact that people are engulfed in the spirit of the festive celebrations.
Kite Festival
This is regarded as a national festival in the state of Gujarat and is observed on the 14th of January, exactly on the day when the Sun enters the tropic of cancer. On this very day the youth as well as the matured are on the top of their individual houses flying kites. Both the male and female members of the family adorn themselves in colorful outfits and indulge themselves in the traditional dance known as `Dandiya`. Sumptuous Gujarati delicacies are also prepared to celebrate the festival.
Holi
HoliThe spring festival of Holi celebrated in Gujarat in the month of Phalgun or in the months of February/March according to the English calendar seems to have a universal appeal. The festival of Holi assumes an entirely new color in the state of Gujarat and hence the people of the state reverberate with the chants of the folk-song, "Govinda ala re, zara matki sambhal Brijbala". Fun and frolic is also redefined in various forms in the festive celebrations here. People greet each other with colors and thus enhance the feeling of harmony due to which happiness prevails. The tradition of breaking pots is celebrated with much gusto here. It is an extreme pleasure watching the human pyramid breaking the pot of buttermilk high up in the street. The lighting of bonfire also forms a special feature of the Holi celebrations in Gujarat.
Bhadra Purnima
The principal shrine of Goddess Ambaji in Gujarat and its origins have long been lost. In fact Bhadrapad is one of the four most important festivals of the year. During this festival the peasants go to the temple and celebrate all these four festivals with darshan, ohm havan and community performances of the traditional Garba dances. The devotees from all over the state come to the Ambaji Mandir and attend the readings of the Saptashati, the seven hundred years old verses written in the honour of the Goddess and also visit the temple for an auspicious view of hers. A big fair is also held during the celebration of this festival.
Rath Yatra
Rath YatraThe widely popular festival Rath Yatra, also known as the `Chariot Festival` is celebrated in the state of Gujarat in the months of June/July. A big procession is taken out from the Jagannath temple of Ahmedabad to mark the chariot journey of Lord Krishna into the city. When the chariot carrying the idols of Jagannath also believed to be the incarnation Lord Krishna, Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra are taken out amidst much pomp and show, verses and hymns are chanted in the honor of the Lords. The deities are adorned with colorful attires and ornamented with garlands. The commencement of the procession takes place from the Jagdish mandir situated in the Jamalpur region of Ahmedabad city.
Janmashtami
The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna is celebrated in the state of Gujarat along with India with great fervor. It is celebrated in the state in the month of July/August according to the English calendar. On this day the Hindu people of Gujarat keeps daylong fasts and also keeps themselves awake while chanting hymns and verses in the honor of the Lord till midnight. The idol of Lord Krishna is bathed and then placed on a swing. Rasila is performed to recreate incidents from the life of the Lord and to immortalize his love for his beloved, Radha.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh ChaturthiThis is one of the most popular festivals of Gujarat. It is observed in the honor of Lord Ganesh who is believed to be the remover of all obstacles. This festival is celebrated with impressive processions taken out carrying huge idols of Lord Ganesh adorned in colorful outfits and embellished with precious jewels.
Muharram
This is the most popular Muslim festival celebrated in the state of Gujarat with much ardor. The major highlight of this festival is the Tazia procession, which has been in the city of Ahmedabad of Gujarat for centuries and include drummers, acrobats and singers. The historic significance of this festival lies in the fact that the Mughal monarch Jahangir and his beloved wife Noor Jahan often watched it from the `teen darwaza` or triple arches. This festival also reflects the true secular spirit of the state.
State Festivals
Modhera Dance Festival
Modhera Dance FestivalThis dance festival is celebrated at the Sun Temple of Modhera, which lies about 60 kilometers south west of the Ahmedabad city. It is held in the month of January every year and is celebrated for a span of three days. This festival is held in honor of the Indian classical dance and is considered unique as compared to other dance festivals in the Indian subcontinent.
Kutch Mahotsava
The tourism authorities of Gujarat organize this festival every year in the month of February according to the English calendar. This popular festival not only features folk dancing, poetry, music, ballads, regional handicrafts and jewelry but also brings the people from all over the state, to offer a whole fresh enunciation to the term "Communal Harmony".
Monday, July 28, 2008
Gujarati culture
Gujarati culture
adopting the name from ` Gujjar rashtra`, Gujarati culture is curbed out due to co-mingling of diverse ethnic folks. Nearly one-fifth of the state population comprises of tribal and aboriginal communities. The impact of foreign plunderers like Mahmud of Ghazni, the Chalukyan kings etc hardly brought about any impact in Gujarati culture. Individual ethnical traits of tribal population namely Gujjars, Bhangi, Koli, Dubla, Naikda are nicely amalgamated within the Gujarati culture. Being the land of Mahatma Gandhi, it also has a history of political upsurge during Indian freedom movement.
However, with least number of urban populace, the rural areas of Gujarat and its cultural exuberance are beautifully manifested in its plethora of elements. The nature with its unique aura casts a spell in the lives of inhabitants, who thereby nicely incorporated with the conventional religious practices of the Gujarati communities. All these factors are nicely being highlighted in the musical rhythm, dance styles, gaiety festivals, lifestyle and Gujarati cuisine.
Gujarati Festivals
NavratriThe ethnicity of Gujarati culture is nowhere be best slated by the vistas of its festivals. In their festival festivities, all the Indian festivals are incorporated along with some special functions of the region. Navratri, , is an ancient and colourful festival. It accolades the Divine Shakti or Force, which affirms the total world, and is personated as the Mother Goddess. Navratri, Makar Shankranti , Holi, Diwali are celebrated with joy and religious fevour through out the country. Among the local festivals, the International Kite Festival is significant. It is feted at Ahmedabad on January 14, to cooccur with the festival of Makar Sankranti.. Kites are flown all over Gujarat, celebrating the joyous occasion of heralding the chilled bites of winter winds and anxiously awaiting for the summer heats and beauty to arrive. Kutch Mahotsav is the occasion of touring beautiful places of Kutch peninsula, organized yearly by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Ltd., (TCGL) for all the urban tourists.
The Sun Temple, Modhera & Dance Festival was an exalted decision by the Department of Culture, Gujarat, and the West Zone Cultural Center, used to hold an annual festival of Indian classical dances at the premises of the Sun Temple.
Trinetreshwar Mahadev FairBhadra Purnima is an occasion of worshipping the principal deity of Gujaratis, Goddess Ambaji, believed to be residing in the holy abode of a village temple in Aravallis. Every year on days of full moon, this Ambaji temple is transformed into festival ground where myriads of devotees thronged the place for `darshan` and also advert readings of `Saptashati`. Besides several fairs too are organized through out the whole year. Dabgs Darbar, Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair, Vautha Mela are worth mentioning. In Shalmaji area of Gujrat region, a famous fair called Kartik Purnima Fair is organized in the month of November. It continues for about two weeks and highly mobbed by the Gujarati tribes. Various musical instruments of the localities namely Manjira, Bungal, Turi, Pava, Ravan Hattho, Ektaro, and Jantar, etc. assist the musical performances
Music and Dance of Gujarat
No culture is enriched albeit the flow of musical splendor and dancing forms. Gujarati culture too is a fountainhead of music and dancing styles. Moreover it is due to the Charans and Gadhavis, a community of folk artists and musicians, that the originality of music has been preserved from the distorted influences of today`s music world. Rannade songs, Lullaby, Nupital songs, festive songs, are various kinds of folk songs in Gujarat. Marsias is a special form of singing at the time of death. The Vaishnava cult in Gujarat has also developed a particular form of music, which can fall into the genre of Indian Temple music. Apart from these, Gujarati musicians have gifted the country with numerous `ragas` abiding by the names of Gujarat territories. Ahiri , Lati ,Gujaqri Todi, Bilaval ,Sorathi, , Khambavati are named complying to their places of origin. These are priceless endowments of Gujarat to the Indian classical music and has further enrched the facet of Gujrati culture. Exponent Jesingbhai creates a musical string instrument Vichitra Veena, was a Gujarat-born.
Garbha DeepDance forms are unique with the base on the pristine tradition of the folk communities. The most popular and known folk dances of Gujarat are Garba, Garbi, Rasaka, Tippani, Padhar-Nritya, Dangi-Nritya etc. Most of these dances have a circle of Mandala as the basic Choreographic pattern. The most famous dance of Gujarat, Garba is deduced from `Garbha Deep` implying a illuminated lamp inside an earthen pot, full of holes. The light of the lamp typified as the `embryonic` life. The females put the vessel with the lamp on their heads, singing and dancing in assistance of musical instruments. Sitting in the center, the Dholi plays the drum and sets the tempo of the dance. What is unique is that women, occasionally, put on their heads `Mandavali`, a small canopy prepared from bamboo bits sheltered with a red silk cloth.
Dandia RaasA group of dancers moves in circles to assess steps, marking time by sticks called dandia, performs Dandia Raas. The dances are played along with rhythmical music and singing. It is called Garbi in Saurashtra in which only men take part. Rasa Nritya is executed with various editions and establishments like Chokdi, Swastik etc.
Tippani Dance is executed by the women of Chorwad region of Gujarat. Women laborers engaged in house construction beat the floor for a glossy surface with a long sticks called as tippan.
Gujarati Cuisine
The cuisine is an indispensable part of Gujarati culture. Gujaratis are mainly vegetarians and salad, Khichdi , and chhaas are the staple foods of Gujaratis. Savoring types of vegetables like potatoes, brinjals, cabbages, cauliflowers, etc vary with the seasons; spices are an integral culinary element, the usage of it too undergoes seasonal flickering. Garam Masala and its component spices are applied less in summertime. The pious Gujarati women observe fasting, with optimum dishes comprised mainly of dried fruits, and nuts.
Gujarati cuisineGujaratis have the fascination to consume dishes having tangy tastes, optimized with high nutrition. Among all the veggies of the country, Thapala, Dhokala are hot favorite. The dishes are grounded on steamy vegetables and `dals` that are supplemented to a vaghaar. Vaghaar is a concoction of spices sterilized in hot oil that is adjusted for the digestive qualities of the main ingredient. Salt, sugar, lemon, lime, and tomato are to bit the sultry summer heat. `Namkeens` like Cholafali, Ghooghra are prepared by the Gujaratis to savor especially on the occasion of Diwali festivals.
Sweets are part and parcel of Gujarati cuisine. They even add pinch of sugar or jaggery to dishes prepared from `sabzi` , `shaak` and `daal`, thus, neutralizing the bitter taste of salty water of Gujarat. Sugar cane, jaggery, milk, almonds, and pistachios are used to prepare sumptuous sweet delicacies of Gujarat. Halvasan , Sutarfeni , Basundi , Ghebar, Puran Poli are some of them.
Lifestyle
National ParkGujarati culture is typically reflected in the sedentary lifestyle of Gujaratis. The mighty rivers of Narmada, Sabarmati had its bounty, sufficing to the needs of the locales. Large dams provide water supply and irrigational facilities to the state populace, making their lives easy and comfortable. Historical significance of the region is no less significance as remnants of Indus Valley civilization were found in the region of Gujarat. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, dense forestry glorify the region and also help the tourism industry of the state to grow in leaps and bounds. Because of the commercial propensity also, there is an influx of myriads of entrepreneurs and traders especially in the places like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Jamnagar . Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul milk co-operative federation. Also Surat, the ninth largest city of India and also known as the "Silk City" or "Diamond City" has a treasure of diamond mines and silk factories. The positive factors, as mentioned above, have contributed in the mushrooming of hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses. To meet the demands of all sections of people, hotels, starting from first class luxuriant deluxe types to cost effective ones, are rampant in various places of the state. The conservative nature has debarred the gujarati folks to enjoy the nightlife. Thus pubs, discos, `maikhanas` are much less compared to the rest of India.
Agriculture is also a principal occupation for a large section of people in Gujarat. Interestingly, four agricultural universities have developed to provide education and also carry on research. Besides IIM Ahmedabad, a premier educational institute is located in Gujarat only pointing out the rich educational proclivity of the Gujarati people. The creativity of Gujarati communities finds expression in its astounding range of embroidery, threading, coloring & publishing technics, handiworks made from woods, gem & metal of the tribal communities.
Gujarati culture is a conglomeration of the tribal ethnicity, natural bountifulness, and also the heritage of historical backdrop. Exuberance is thus injected in the cultural milieu. It is unfolded in the musical rhythm, festival gaga and artistry of Gujaratis , their humdrum livelihood
adopting the name from ` Gujjar rashtra`, Gujarati culture is curbed out due to co-mingling of diverse ethnic folks. Nearly one-fifth of the state population comprises of tribal and aboriginal communities. The impact of foreign plunderers like Mahmud of Ghazni, the Chalukyan kings etc hardly brought about any impact in Gujarati culture. Individual ethnical traits of tribal population namely Gujjars, Bhangi, Koli, Dubla, Naikda are nicely amalgamated within the Gujarati culture. Being the land of Mahatma Gandhi, it also has a history of political upsurge during Indian freedom movement.
However, with least number of urban populace, the rural areas of Gujarat and its cultural exuberance are beautifully manifested in its plethora of elements. The nature with its unique aura casts a spell in the lives of inhabitants, who thereby nicely incorporated with the conventional religious practices of the Gujarati communities. All these factors are nicely being highlighted in the musical rhythm, dance styles, gaiety festivals, lifestyle and Gujarati cuisine.
Gujarati Festivals
NavratriThe ethnicity of Gujarati culture is nowhere be best slated by the vistas of its festivals. In their festival festivities, all the Indian festivals are incorporated along with some special functions of the region. Navratri, , is an ancient and colourful festival. It accolades the Divine Shakti or Force, which affirms the total world, and is personated as the Mother Goddess. Navratri, Makar Shankranti , Holi, Diwali are celebrated with joy and religious fevour through out the country. Among the local festivals, the International Kite Festival is significant. It is feted at Ahmedabad on January 14, to cooccur with the festival of Makar Sankranti.. Kites are flown all over Gujarat, celebrating the joyous occasion of heralding the chilled bites of winter winds and anxiously awaiting for the summer heats and beauty to arrive. Kutch Mahotsav is the occasion of touring beautiful places of Kutch peninsula, organized yearly by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Ltd., (TCGL) for all the urban tourists.
The Sun Temple, Modhera & Dance Festival was an exalted decision by the Department of Culture, Gujarat, and the West Zone Cultural Center, used to hold an annual festival of Indian classical dances at the premises of the Sun Temple.
Trinetreshwar Mahadev FairBhadra Purnima is an occasion of worshipping the principal deity of Gujaratis, Goddess Ambaji, believed to be residing in the holy abode of a village temple in Aravallis. Every year on days of full moon, this Ambaji temple is transformed into festival ground where myriads of devotees thronged the place for `darshan` and also advert readings of `Saptashati`. Besides several fairs too are organized through out the whole year. Dabgs Darbar, Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair, Vautha Mela are worth mentioning. In Shalmaji area of Gujrat region, a famous fair called Kartik Purnima Fair is organized in the month of November. It continues for about two weeks and highly mobbed by the Gujarati tribes. Various musical instruments of the localities namely Manjira, Bungal, Turi, Pava, Ravan Hattho, Ektaro, and Jantar, etc. assist the musical performances
Music and Dance of Gujarat
No culture is enriched albeit the flow of musical splendor and dancing forms. Gujarati culture too is a fountainhead of music and dancing styles. Moreover it is due to the Charans and Gadhavis, a community of folk artists and musicians, that the originality of music has been preserved from the distorted influences of today`s music world. Rannade songs, Lullaby, Nupital songs, festive songs, are various kinds of folk songs in Gujarat. Marsias is a special form of singing at the time of death. The Vaishnava cult in Gujarat has also developed a particular form of music, which can fall into the genre of Indian Temple music. Apart from these, Gujarati musicians have gifted the country with numerous `ragas` abiding by the names of Gujarat territories. Ahiri , Lati ,Gujaqri Todi, Bilaval ,Sorathi, , Khambavati are named complying to their places of origin. These are priceless endowments of Gujarat to the Indian classical music and has further enrched the facet of Gujrati culture. Exponent Jesingbhai creates a musical string instrument Vichitra Veena, was a Gujarat-born.
Garbha DeepDance forms are unique with the base on the pristine tradition of the folk communities. The most popular and known folk dances of Gujarat are Garba, Garbi, Rasaka, Tippani, Padhar-Nritya, Dangi-Nritya etc. Most of these dances have a circle of Mandala as the basic Choreographic pattern. The most famous dance of Gujarat, Garba is deduced from `Garbha Deep` implying a illuminated lamp inside an earthen pot, full of holes. The light of the lamp typified as the `embryonic` life. The females put the vessel with the lamp on their heads, singing and dancing in assistance of musical instruments. Sitting in the center, the Dholi plays the drum and sets the tempo of the dance. What is unique is that women, occasionally, put on their heads `Mandavali`, a small canopy prepared from bamboo bits sheltered with a red silk cloth.
Dandia RaasA group of dancers moves in circles to assess steps, marking time by sticks called dandia, performs Dandia Raas. The dances are played along with rhythmical music and singing. It is called Garbi in Saurashtra in which only men take part. Rasa Nritya is executed with various editions and establishments like Chokdi, Swastik etc.
Tippani Dance is executed by the women of Chorwad region of Gujarat. Women laborers engaged in house construction beat the floor for a glossy surface with a long sticks called as tippan.
Gujarati Cuisine
The cuisine is an indispensable part of Gujarati culture. Gujaratis are mainly vegetarians and salad, Khichdi , and chhaas are the staple foods of Gujaratis. Savoring types of vegetables like potatoes, brinjals, cabbages, cauliflowers, etc vary with the seasons; spices are an integral culinary element, the usage of it too undergoes seasonal flickering. Garam Masala and its component spices are applied less in summertime. The pious Gujarati women observe fasting, with optimum dishes comprised mainly of dried fruits, and nuts.
Gujarati cuisineGujaratis have the fascination to consume dishes having tangy tastes, optimized with high nutrition. Among all the veggies of the country, Thapala, Dhokala are hot favorite. The dishes are grounded on steamy vegetables and `dals` that are supplemented to a vaghaar. Vaghaar is a concoction of spices sterilized in hot oil that is adjusted for the digestive qualities of the main ingredient. Salt, sugar, lemon, lime, and tomato are to bit the sultry summer heat. `Namkeens` like Cholafali, Ghooghra are prepared by the Gujaratis to savor especially on the occasion of Diwali festivals.
Sweets are part and parcel of Gujarati cuisine. They even add pinch of sugar or jaggery to dishes prepared from `sabzi` , `shaak` and `daal`, thus, neutralizing the bitter taste of salty water of Gujarat. Sugar cane, jaggery, milk, almonds, and pistachios are used to prepare sumptuous sweet delicacies of Gujarat. Halvasan , Sutarfeni , Basundi , Ghebar, Puran Poli are some of them.
Lifestyle
National ParkGujarati culture is typically reflected in the sedentary lifestyle of Gujaratis. The mighty rivers of Narmada, Sabarmati had its bounty, sufficing to the needs of the locales. Large dams provide water supply and irrigational facilities to the state populace, making their lives easy and comfortable. Historical significance of the region is no less significance as remnants of Indus Valley civilization were found in the region of Gujarat. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, dense forestry glorify the region and also help the tourism industry of the state to grow in leaps and bounds. Because of the commercial propensity also, there is an influx of myriads of entrepreneurs and traders especially in the places like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Jamnagar . Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul milk co-operative federation. Also Surat, the ninth largest city of India and also known as the "Silk City" or "Diamond City" has a treasure of diamond mines and silk factories. The positive factors, as mentioned above, have contributed in the mushrooming of hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses. To meet the demands of all sections of people, hotels, starting from first class luxuriant deluxe types to cost effective ones, are rampant in various places of the state. The conservative nature has debarred the gujarati folks to enjoy the nightlife. Thus pubs, discos, `maikhanas` are much less compared to the rest of India.
Agriculture is also a principal occupation for a large section of people in Gujarat. Interestingly, four agricultural universities have developed to provide education and also carry on research. Besides IIM Ahmedabad, a premier educational institute is located in Gujarat only pointing out the rich educational proclivity of the Gujarati people. The creativity of Gujarati communities finds expression in its astounding range of embroidery, threading, coloring & publishing technics, handiworks made from woods, gem & metal of the tribal communities.
Gujarati culture is a conglomeration of the tribal ethnicity, natural bountifulness, and also the heritage of historical backdrop. Exuberance is thus injected in the cultural milieu. It is unfolded in the musical rhythm, festival gaga and artistry of Gujaratis , their humdrum livelihood
Gujarati culture
Gujarati culture
adopting the name from ` Gujjar rashtra`, Gujarati culture is curbed out due to co-mingling of diverse ethnic folks. Nearly one-fifth of the state population comprises of tribal and aboriginal communities. The impact of foreign plunderers like Mahmud of Ghazni, the Chalukyan kings etc hardly brought about any impact in Gujarati culture. Individual ethnical traits of tribal population namely Gujjars, Bhangi, Koli, Dubla, Naikda are nicely amalgamated within the Gujarati culture. Being the land of Mahatma Gandhi, it also has a history of political upsurge during Indian freedom movement.
However, with least number of urban populace, the rural areas of Gujarat and its cultural exuberance are beautifully manifested in its plethora of elements. The nature with its unique aura casts a spell in the lives of inhabitants, who thereby nicely incorporated with the conventional religious practices of the Gujarati communities. All these factors are nicely being highlighted in the musical rhythm, dance styles, gaiety festivals, lifestyle and Gujarati cuisine.
Gujarati Festivals
NavratriThe ethnicity of Gujarati culture is nowhere be best slated by the vistas of its festivals. In their festival festivities, all the Indian festivals are incorporated along with some special functions of the region. Navratri, , is an ancient and colourful festival. It accolades the Divine Shakti or Force, which affirms the total world, and is personated as the Mother Goddess. Navratri, Makar Shankranti , Holi, Diwali are celebrated with joy and religious fevour through out the country. Among the local festivals, the International Kite Festival is significant. It is feted at Ahmedabad on January 14, to cooccur with the festival of Makar Sankranti.. Kites are flown all over Gujarat, celebrating the joyous occasion of heralding the chilled bites of winter winds and anxiously awaiting for the summer heats and beauty to arrive. Kutch Mahotsav is the occasion of touring beautiful places of Kutch peninsula, organized yearly by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Ltd., (TCGL) for all the urban tourists.
The Sun Temple, Modhera & Dance Festival was an exalted decision by the Department of Culture, Gujarat, and the West Zone Cultural Center, used to hold an annual festival of Indian classical dances at the premises of the Sun Temple.
Trinetreshwar Mahadev FairBhadra Purnima is an occasion of worshipping the principal deity of Gujaratis, Goddess Ambaji, believed to be residing in the holy abode of a village temple in Aravallis. Every year on days of full moon, this Ambaji temple is transformed into festival ground where myriads of devotees thronged the place for `darshan` and also advert readings of `Saptashati`. Besides several fairs too are organized through out the whole year. Dabgs Darbar, Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair, Vautha Mela are worth mentioning. In Shalmaji area of Gujrat region, a famous fair called Kartik Purnima Fair is organized in the month of November. It continues for about two weeks and highly mobbed by the Gujarati tribes. Various musical instruments of the localities namely Manjira, Bungal, Turi, Pava, Ravan Hattho, Ektaro, and Jantar, etc. assist the musical performances
Music and Dance of Gujarat
No culture is enriched albeit the flow of musical splendor and dancing forms. Gujarati culture too is a fountainhead of music and dancing styles. Moreover it is due to the Charans and Gadhavis, a community of folk artists and musicians, that the originality of music has been preserved from the distorted influences of today`s music world. Rannade songs, Lullaby, Nupital songs, festive songs, are various kinds of folk songs in Gujarat. Marsias is a special form of singing at the time of death. The Vaishnava cult in Gujarat has also developed a particular form of music, which can fall into the genre of Indian Temple music. Apart from these, Gujarati musicians have gifted the country with numerous `ragas` abiding by the names of Gujarat territories. Ahiri , Lati ,Gujaqri Todi, Bilaval ,Sorathi, , Khambavati are named complying to their places of origin. These are priceless endowments of Gujarat to the Indian classical music and has further enrched the facet of Gujrati culture. Exponent Jesingbhai creates a musical string instrument Vichitra Veena, was a Gujarat-born.
Garbha DeepDance forms are unique with the base on the pristine tradition of the folk communities. The most popular and known folk dances of Gujarat are Garba, Garbi, Rasaka, Tippani, Padhar-Nritya, Dangi-Nritya etc. Most of these dances have a circle of Mandala as the basic Choreographic pattern. The most famous dance of Gujarat, Garba is deduced from `Garbha Deep` implying a illuminated lamp inside an earthen pot, full of holes. The light of the lamp typified as the `embryonic` life. The females put the vessel with the lamp on their heads, singing and dancing in assistance of musical instruments. Sitting in the center, the Dholi plays the drum and sets the tempo of the dance. What is unique is that women, occasionally, put on their heads `Mandavali`, a small canopy prepared from bamboo bits sheltered with a red silk cloth.
Dandia RaasA group of dancers moves in circles to assess steps, marking time by sticks called dandia, performs Dandia Raas. The dances are played along with rhythmical music and singing. It is called Garbi in Saurashtra in which only men take part. Rasa Nritya is executed with various editions and establishments like Chokdi, Swastik etc.
Tippani Dance is executed by the women of Chorwad region of Gujarat. Women laborers engaged in house construction beat the floor for a glossy surface with a long sticks called as tippan.
Gujarati Cuisine
The cuisine is an indispensable part of Gujarati culture. Gujaratis are mainly vegetarians and salad, Khichdi , and chhaas are the staple foods of Gujaratis. Savoring types of vegetables like potatoes, brinjals, cabbages, cauliflowers, etc vary with the seasons; spices are an integral culinary element, the usage of it too undergoes seasonal flickering. Garam Masala and its component spices are applied less in summertime. The pious Gujarati women observe fasting, with optimum dishes comprised mainly of dried fruits, and nuts.
Gujarati cuisineGujaratis have the fascination to consume dishes having tangy tastes, optimized with high nutrition. Among all the veggies of the country, Thapala, Dhokala are hot favorite. The dishes are grounded on steamy vegetables and `dals` that are supplemented to a vaghaar. Vaghaar is a concoction of spices sterilized in hot oil that is adjusted for the digestive qualities of the main ingredient. Salt, sugar, lemon, lime, and tomato are to bit the sultry summer heat. `Namkeens` like Cholafali, Ghooghra are prepared by the Gujaratis to savor especially on the occasion of Diwali festivals.
Sweets are part and parcel of Gujarati cuisine. They even add pinch of sugar or jaggery to dishes prepared from `sabzi` , `shaak` and `daal`, thus, neutralizing the bitter taste of salty water of Gujarat. Sugar cane, jaggery, milk, almonds, and pistachios are used to prepare sumptuous sweet delicacies of Gujarat. Halvasan , Sutarfeni , Basundi , Ghebar, Puran Poli are some of them.
Lifestyle
National ParkGujarati culture is typically reflected in the sedentary lifestyle of Gujaratis. The mighty rivers of Narmada, Sabarmati had its bounty, sufficing to the needs of the locales. Large dams provide water supply and irrigational facilities to the state populace, making their lives easy and comfortable. Historical significance of the region is no less significance as remnants of Indus Valley civilization were found in the region of Gujarat. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, dense forestry glorify the region and also help the tourism industry of the state to grow in leaps and bounds. Because of the commercial propensity also, there is an influx of myriads of entrepreneurs and traders especially in the places like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Jamnagar . Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul milk co-operative federation. Also Surat, the ninth largest city of India and also known as the "Silk City" or "Diamond City" has a treasure of diamond mines and silk factories. The positive factors, as mentioned above, have contributed in the mushrooming of hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses. To meet the demands of all sections of people, hotels, starting from first class luxuriant deluxe types to cost effective ones, are rampant in various places of the state. The conservative nature has debarred the gujarati folks to enjoy the nightlife. Thus pubs, discos, `maikhanas` are much less compared to the rest of India.
Agriculture is also a principal occupation for a large section of people in Gujarat. Interestingly, four agricultural universities have developed to provide education and also carry on research. Besides IIM Ahmedabad, a premier educational institute is located in Gujarat only pointing out the rich educational proclivity of the Gujarati people. The creativity of Gujarati communities finds expression in its astounding range of embroidery, threading, coloring & publishing technics, handiworks made from woods, gem & metal of the tribal communities.
Gujarati culture is a conglomeration of the tribal ethnicity, natural bountifulness, and also the heritage of historical backdrop. Exuberance is thus injected in the cultural milieu. It is unfolded in the musical rhythm, festival gaga and artistry of Gujaratis , their humdrum livelihood
adopting the name from ` Gujjar rashtra`, Gujarati culture is curbed out due to co-mingling of diverse ethnic folks. Nearly one-fifth of the state population comprises of tribal and aboriginal communities. The impact of foreign plunderers like Mahmud of Ghazni, the Chalukyan kings etc hardly brought about any impact in Gujarati culture. Individual ethnical traits of tribal population namely Gujjars, Bhangi, Koli, Dubla, Naikda are nicely amalgamated within the Gujarati culture. Being the land of Mahatma Gandhi, it also has a history of political upsurge during Indian freedom movement.
However, with least number of urban populace, the rural areas of Gujarat and its cultural exuberance are beautifully manifested in its plethora of elements. The nature with its unique aura casts a spell in the lives of inhabitants, who thereby nicely incorporated with the conventional religious practices of the Gujarati communities. All these factors are nicely being highlighted in the musical rhythm, dance styles, gaiety festivals, lifestyle and Gujarati cuisine.
Gujarati Festivals
NavratriThe ethnicity of Gujarati culture is nowhere be best slated by the vistas of its festivals. In their festival festivities, all the Indian festivals are incorporated along with some special functions of the region. Navratri, , is an ancient and colourful festival. It accolades the Divine Shakti or Force, which affirms the total world, and is personated as the Mother Goddess. Navratri, Makar Shankranti , Holi, Diwali are celebrated with joy and religious fevour through out the country. Among the local festivals, the International Kite Festival is significant. It is feted at Ahmedabad on January 14, to cooccur with the festival of Makar Sankranti.. Kites are flown all over Gujarat, celebrating the joyous occasion of heralding the chilled bites of winter winds and anxiously awaiting for the summer heats and beauty to arrive. Kutch Mahotsav is the occasion of touring beautiful places of Kutch peninsula, organized yearly by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Ltd., (TCGL) for all the urban tourists.
The Sun Temple, Modhera & Dance Festival was an exalted decision by the Department of Culture, Gujarat, and the West Zone Cultural Center, used to hold an annual festival of Indian classical dances at the premises of the Sun Temple.
Trinetreshwar Mahadev FairBhadra Purnima is an occasion of worshipping the principal deity of Gujaratis, Goddess Ambaji, believed to be residing in the holy abode of a village temple in Aravallis. Every year on days of full moon, this Ambaji temple is transformed into festival ground where myriads of devotees thronged the place for `darshan` and also advert readings of `Saptashati`. Besides several fairs too are organized through out the whole year. Dabgs Darbar, Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair, Vautha Mela are worth mentioning. In Shalmaji area of Gujrat region, a famous fair called Kartik Purnima Fair is organized in the month of November. It continues for about two weeks and highly mobbed by the Gujarati tribes. Various musical instruments of the localities namely Manjira, Bungal, Turi, Pava, Ravan Hattho, Ektaro, and Jantar, etc. assist the musical performances
Music and Dance of Gujarat
No culture is enriched albeit the flow of musical splendor and dancing forms. Gujarati culture too is a fountainhead of music and dancing styles. Moreover it is due to the Charans and Gadhavis, a community of folk artists and musicians, that the originality of music has been preserved from the distorted influences of today`s music world. Rannade songs, Lullaby, Nupital songs, festive songs, are various kinds of folk songs in Gujarat. Marsias is a special form of singing at the time of death. The Vaishnava cult in Gujarat has also developed a particular form of music, which can fall into the genre of Indian Temple music. Apart from these, Gujarati musicians have gifted the country with numerous `ragas` abiding by the names of Gujarat territories. Ahiri , Lati ,Gujaqri Todi, Bilaval ,Sorathi, , Khambavati are named complying to their places of origin. These are priceless endowments of Gujarat to the Indian classical music and has further enrched the facet of Gujrati culture. Exponent Jesingbhai creates a musical string instrument Vichitra Veena, was a Gujarat-born.
Garbha DeepDance forms are unique with the base on the pristine tradition of the folk communities. The most popular and known folk dances of Gujarat are Garba, Garbi, Rasaka, Tippani, Padhar-Nritya, Dangi-Nritya etc. Most of these dances have a circle of Mandala as the basic Choreographic pattern. The most famous dance of Gujarat, Garba is deduced from `Garbha Deep` implying a illuminated lamp inside an earthen pot, full of holes. The light of the lamp typified as the `embryonic` life. The females put the vessel with the lamp on their heads, singing and dancing in assistance of musical instruments. Sitting in the center, the Dholi plays the drum and sets the tempo of the dance. What is unique is that women, occasionally, put on their heads `Mandavali`, a small canopy prepared from bamboo bits sheltered with a red silk cloth.
Dandia RaasA group of dancers moves in circles to assess steps, marking time by sticks called dandia, performs Dandia Raas. The dances are played along with rhythmical music and singing. It is called Garbi in Saurashtra in which only men take part. Rasa Nritya is executed with various editions and establishments like Chokdi, Swastik etc.
Tippani Dance is executed by the women of Chorwad region of Gujarat. Women laborers engaged in house construction beat the floor for a glossy surface with a long sticks called as tippan.
Gujarati Cuisine
The cuisine is an indispensable part of Gujarati culture. Gujaratis are mainly vegetarians and salad, Khichdi , and chhaas are the staple foods of Gujaratis. Savoring types of vegetables like potatoes, brinjals, cabbages, cauliflowers, etc vary with the seasons; spices are an integral culinary element, the usage of it too undergoes seasonal flickering. Garam Masala and its component spices are applied less in summertime. The pious Gujarati women observe fasting, with optimum dishes comprised mainly of dried fruits, and nuts.
Gujarati cuisineGujaratis have the fascination to consume dishes having tangy tastes, optimized with high nutrition. Among all the veggies of the country, Thapala, Dhokala are hot favorite. The dishes are grounded on steamy vegetables and `dals` that are supplemented to a vaghaar. Vaghaar is a concoction of spices sterilized in hot oil that is adjusted for the digestive qualities of the main ingredient. Salt, sugar, lemon, lime, and tomato are to bit the sultry summer heat. `Namkeens` like Cholafali, Ghooghra are prepared by the Gujaratis to savor especially on the occasion of Diwali festivals.
Sweets are part and parcel of Gujarati cuisine. They even add pinch of sugar or jaggery to dishes prepared from `sabzi` , `shaak` and `daal`, thus, neutralizing the bitter taste of salty water of Gujarat. Sugar cane, jaggery, milk, almonds, and pistachios are used to prepare sumptuous sweet delicacies of Gujarat. Halvasan , Sutarfeni , Basundi , Ghebar, Puran Poli are some of them.
Lifestyle
National ParkGujarati culture is typically reflected in the sedentary lifestyle of Gujaratis. The mighty rivers of Narmada, Sabarmati had its bounty, sufficing to the needs of the locales. Large dams provide water supply and irrigational facilities to the state populace, making their lives easy and comfortable. Historical significance of the region is no less significance as remnants of Indus Valley civilization were found in the region of Gujarat. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, dense forestry glorify the region and also help the tourism industry of the state to grow in leaps and bounds. Because of the commercial propensity also, there is an influx of myriads of entrepreneurs and traders especially in the places like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Jamnagar . Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul milk co-operative federation. Also Surat, the ninth largest city of India and also known as the "Silk City" or "Diamond City" has a treasure of diamond mines and silk factories. The positive factors, as mentioned above, have contributed in the mushrooming of hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses. To meet the demands of all sections of people, hotels, starting from first class luxuriant deluxe types to cost effective ones, are rampant in various places of the state. The conservative nature has debarred the gujarati folks to enjoy the nightlife. Thus pubs, discos, `maikhanas` are much less compared to the rest of India.
Agriculture is also a principal occupation for a large section of people in Gujarat. Interestingly, four agricultural universities have developed to provide education and also carry on research. Besides IIM Ahmedabad, a premier educational institute is located in Gujarat only pointing out the rich educational proclivity of the Gujarati people. The creativity of Gujarati communities finds expression in its astounding range of embroidery, threading, coloring & publishing technics, handiworks made from woods, gem & metal of the tribal communities.
Gujarati culture is a conglomeration of the tribal ethnicity, natural bountifulness, and also the heritage of historical backdrop. Exuberance is thus injected in the cultural milieu. It is unfolded in the musical rhythm, festival gaga and artistry of Gujaratis , their humdrum livelihood
गुजरता
Gujarat Culture
The Gujarat state of India, boasts of a rich culture and heritage. The people of Gujarat are very particular regarding their value system. They have preserved the ancient art and craft techniques and still practice them with great determination. Gujaratis are proud of their customs and traditions and follow them with utmost pride. The people of Gujarat are very simple and live life to the fullest. The spirit of Gujarat is quite visible from the varied fairs and festivals celebrated in the state. It is further enriched by the tribal people residing here. They have their own set of customs and rituals. Thus, Gujarat has a cultural diversity which is a unique feature of the state and is randomly seen.
Dances
Gujarat is known as the land of festivals. A number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in the state with great fervor and joy. The celebrations of these occasions are accompanied with traditional dance and music performances. The state has been blessed with a rich tradition of performing arts.
Music
Gujarat is a state of music lovers and has produced some of the best musicians of India. It is said that the legendary musicians Baiju Bawra and Tana Riri belong to the state itself. Narsinh Mehta, of the 'Vaishnav Janto' acclaim, also hails from Gujarat.
Religion
Like all other states of India, Gujarat is also inhabited by people of different religions, castes and creeds. It is one of the most industrialized states of India and provides employment opportunities for the youth. As a result, people from across the country have settled in the state.
People
Gujarat boasts of a rich culture and heritage. The people of Gujarat are commonly referred as Gujaratis and the main language spoken by them is Gujarati. Gujarat is a flourishing state in all spheres and as a result, numerous people from different parts of India have settled here for various reasons.
History
Gujarat has an ancient history and origin to boast of. It was earlier known as Gujarata (Gurjar Rashtra), which means Gurjar nation. Gurjars was on old clan, which inhabited the area during the Mahabharat period. Another opinion regarding Gurjars is that they belonged to Central Asia.
The Gujarat state of India, boasts of a rich culture and heritage. The people of Gujarat are very particular regarding their value system. They have preserved the ancient art and craft techniques and still practice them with great determination. Gujaratis are proud of their customs and traditions and follow them with utmost pride. The people of Gujarat are very simple and live life to the fullest. The spirit of Gujarat is quite visible from the varied fairs and festivals celebrated in the state. It is further enriched by the tribal people residing here. They have their own set of customs and rituals. Thus, Gujarat has a cultural diversity which is a unique feature of the state and is randomly seen.
Dances
Gujarat is known as the land of festivals. A number of fairs and festivals are celebrated in the state with great fervor and joy. The celebrations of these occasions are accompanied with traditional dance and music performances. The state has been blessed with a rich tradition of performing arts.
Music
Gujarat is a state of music lovers and has produced some of the best musicians of India. It is said that the legendary musicians Baiju Bawra and Tana Riri belong to the state itself. Narsinh Mehta, of the 'Vaishnav Janto' acclaim, also hails from Gujarat.
Religion
Like all other states of India, Gujarat is also inhabited by people of different religions, castes and creeds. It is one of the most industrialized states of India and provides employment opportunities for the youth. As a result, people from across the country have settled in the state.
People
Gujarat boasts of a rich culture and heritage. The people of Gujarat are commonly referred as Gujaratis and the main language spoken by them is Gujarati. Gujarat is a flourishing state in all spheres and as a result, numerous people from different parts of India have settled here for various reasons.
History
Gujarat has an ancient history and origin to boast of. It was earlier known as Gujarata (Gurjar Rashtra), which means Gurjar nation. Gurjars was on old clan, which inhabited the area during the Mahabharat period. Another opinion regarding Gurjars is that they belonged to Central Asia.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Festival in Nepal
Festival in Nepal
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Dashain
Ghatasthapana Bada Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) is truly the national festival of Nepal. Every Nepali is stirred by the prospects of joy that this festival is supposed to bring with it. The change of mood is also induced psychologically by the turn of autumn season after a long spell of monsoon, introducing clear and brilliant days, an azure blue sky and a green carpet of fields, the climate is also just ideal at this time, it is neither too cold nor too warm. The Nepalese cherish their Dashain as time for eating well and dressing well. Each house sets up an shrine to worship the Goddess at this time. Barley seeds are planted on the first day in every household and nurtured for nine days. During this period Goddess Durga Bhawani is worshipped and offered a lot of blood sacrifices. Buffaloes, goats, chickens and ducks are killed by the thousands at the temples at military posts and in every household. One of the main centre that witnesses the animal sacrifice in a Large scale at this time is the Hanuman Dhoka palace on the ninth. On the concluding day of the festival called the Tika, the elders of the family give Tika to their junior members and to other relatives who may also come to seek their blessings. The fresh shoots of the barley's are also given. Family feasting and feting of guests is a common practice at this time.
Tihar
It lasts for five days and is marked by worship to different animals such as crow, the dog and the cow, five various days. The most important day is Laxmi puja. The most endearing sight of this festival is presented by the illumination of the entire town with rows of tiny flickering lamps on Laxmi puja. In the evening of this day, the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi is worshipped at every household and it is on her welcome that myriad of lamps are burnt. On the fifth day sister show their affection towards their brothers with puja and feed them with delectable food. They pray for their brothers long life to Yama, the Hindu God of death.
Bala Chaturdasi
For one year after the death, the soul of the dead wanders around awaiting entrance to the under world and it is the inescapable duty of living relatives to provide it with substance, comfort and peace once or twice each year and Bala Chaturdasi is one of them. The relatives pay homage to Pashupatinath and offer grains while taking a round of the temple
Madhav Narayan Mela
A religious procession of the devotees fasting for a month ago with a silver statue of Lord Vishnu to Aryaghat, Pashupati, Devpatan, Kathmandu. Thousands of people get together there to take holy bath in the Bagmati river at the time of the submergence of the statue of Lord Vishnu in the Bagmati.
Basanta Panchami
On this day Nepalese people bid farewell to the winter season and look forward to the spring season. Most of the people of Nepal worship Goddess of learning called “SARASWATI”. The people of Kathmandu valley go to a little shrine near Swayambhunath to worship this Goddess
Maha Shivaratri
This is the most famous and celebrated festival of Nepal which attracts large crowds from far flung places both in India & Nepal. The festival is consecrated in honour of Shiva. It is observed by bathing and holding of a religious fast. All Shiva shrines become the places of visit for “Darshan”, but the greatest attraction of all is held by the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. One gets to see thousands of Hindus devotees coming to visit the temple of Pashupati. Among them are a large number of Sadhus and Naked ascetics. Many people like to keep awake for the whole night keeping vigilance over an oil lamp burnt to please Shiva. Children are seen keeping awake similarly over a bonfire in many localities. In the afternoon an official function is held to celebrate this festival at Tundikhel. The Royal Nepal Army organises a show in which series of gun fire are sounded. The ceremony is witnesses by His Majesty the King.
Fagu Purnima
This is known as Holi. Holi is the festival of colour. It is observed for eight days just before the full moon of Phalgun and during this time people indulge in colour throwing at each other. This festival does not have any religious flavour as it is practised in the hills of Nepal. Nevertheless, the festival has got some official status. Because the colour festival is always heralded by the sticking of a wooden pole with colourful streamers beside the old Royal Palace at Basantapur by the arrangements of the Government Religious Endowment Office.
Ghode Jatra
The festival has two sides of its celebration. Its cultural side involves the Newars of Kathmandu, who celebrates it for several days, the idols of the Gods of many localities are taken in a procession in their area in portable chariots. Every households will be feasting at this time. A demon called “ Gurumapa” is also propitiated at Tundikhel. The other aspects of the festival is provided by the function organised by the Royal Nepalese Army at Tundikhel in the afternoon of the main day. Horse race and acrobatic shows are presented at this time in which His Majesty the King will be present. A meeting of Kumari, Bhadrakali, Kankeshori and Bhairab at Asan on the second day of the main celebration is another highlight of the festival.
The Nepalese New Year’s Day
On this day a popular festival takes place in the 3rd city of Kathmandu valley Bhaktapur, where a gigantic pole installed with two long flags hanged on the top will be laid down(rooted out) in a great pomp and show. This will last for a week, many chariots festivals of Gods and Goddesses will be celebrated with open joys and cheers.
Ram Nawami
This day celebrates the birth of Rama, one of the incarnation of Vishnu, a prominent Hindu God. Religious fast is observed and worship is offered to Rama. A special celebration takes place at Janakpur temple of Rama and Janaki on this day.
Janai Purnima ( Rakchshya Bandhan)
The full moon of the month of Shrawan, the day when this festival is observed is considered sacred all over Nepal and is celebrated in different manner by various groups of people of Nepal. However, the most widely accepted mode of celebration is that on this day all the twice-born caster take ritual bath and they change their sacred thread. Everyone gets strings of thread on his wrist from the Brahmans a protective mark for the whole year. This day is also held sacred for bathing in Gosainkunda. One can also see a pageantry of the Jhankris attired in their traditional costume as they come to bathe at Kumbheshwor at Patan. These Jhankris also visit the temple of Kalinchowk Bhagwati in Dolkhas district where they go to bet their healing powers as they are the traditional healers of the Nepalese villages.
Gai Jatra(The Cow festival)
In this festival teen-aged boys dressed up as cows, parade the streets of the town. This costume springs from the belief that cows help the members of the family who died within that year to travel to heaven smoothly. Some are also dressed up as an ascetic or a fool for achieving the same objective for their dead family members. Groups of mimics improvise short satirical enactment on the current social scenes of the town for the entertainment of the public. The week beginning from Janai Purnima actually unfolds a season of many good religious and cultural activities. All the Buddhist monasteries open their gates to the visitors to view their bronze sculptures and collection of painting for a week. At Patan, one observes the festival of Mataya at this time.
The festivity of Gai Jatra itself lasts for a week enlivened by the performance of dance and drama in the different localities of the town. The spirit of the old festival is being increasingly adapted by cultural centers, newspaper and magazines to fling humour and satire on the Nepalese Social and Political life.
Krishnaastami
The day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Krishna, one of the incarnation of Vishnu. Religious fast is observed and Krishna’s temple visited by the devotees on this day. A procession goes around the town displaying the pictures of Lord Krishna, a practice which was started in the recent years by social organisation called the Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti.
Teej
This is the festival for the ladies. On this day the Nepalese women go to Shiva temple in colourful dresses to worship Shiva. In Kathmandu Valley they go to Pashupatinath and then worship Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction) and whatever they wish that will be fulfilled.
Indra Jatra
Like Gai Jatra, this also heralds a week of religious and cultural festivity in Kathmandu. There are several face of this festival. On the night when this festival begins members of the family in which death has taken place within one year, go around the town limits of Kathmandu burning incense and putting lamps along the route. The same morning a tall wooden pole representing the statue of Indra and large wooden masks of Bhairab are put on display in the bazaar. Several groups of religious dance like the Devinach, Bhairava and Bhakku as well as Mahankalinach come into life during this week. The week also commences with pulling of chariot of Ganesh, Bhairava and Kumari in Kathmandu. On this historical day, King Prithvi Narayan Shah made a victorious march with his troops into the town and ascended the throne of Kantipur the old name of Kathmandu displacing the Malla King Jaya Prakash Malla.
Seto Machhendranath Jatra
On this day a popular festival held in honour of the white Machhendranath, who is actually the Padmapani Lokeswara, whose permanent shrine is situated at Matsyendra Bahal in Kel Tole in the middle of the bazaar in Kathmandu. A huge chariot of wood supported on four large wheels and carrying tall spire covered with green foliage is made ready for receiving the image of the divinity on this occasion and for dragging in the old town. There is such a spontaneous and heavy turnout of the devotees to pay homage to this God, who is also said to be “ Embodiment of Compassion” at this time.
Rato Machhendranath Jatra
This festival is the biggest social-culture event for the town of Patan. It begins with the chariot journeys of the most widely venerated deity of the Nepal valley, who resides in his twin shrines at Patan and Bungamati. His popular name is Bunga Deo, but non Newars call him also by the name of Red Machhendranath. The wheeled chariot is prepared at pulchowk and pulled through the town of Patan in several stages until several month later it reaches Jawalakhel for the final celebration of this festival called the Bhoto Dekhaune. The two Machhendranath of Patan and Kathmandu form part of same cult of Avalokiteswara in the Mahayan religion.
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Dashain
Ghatasthapana Bada Dashain (Vijaya Dashami) is truly the national festival of Nepal. Every Nepali is stirred by the prospects of joy that this festival is supposed to bring with it. The change of mood is also induced psychologically by the turn of autumn season after a long spell of monsoon, introducing clear and brilliant days, an azure blue sky and a green carpet of fields, the climate is also just ideal at this time, it is neither too cold nor too warm. The Nepalese cherish their Dashain as time for eating well and dressing well. Each house sets up an shrine to worship the Goddess at this time. Barley seeds are planted on the first day in every household and nurtured for nine days. During this period Goddess Durga Bhawani is worshipped and offered a lot of blood sacrifices. Buffaloes, goats, chickens and ducks are killed by the thousands at the temples at military posts and in every household. One of the main centre that witnesses the animal sacrifice in a Large scale at this time is the Hanuman Dhoka palace on the ninth. On the concluding day of the festival called the Tika, the elders of the family give Tika to their junior members and to other relatives who may also come to seek their blessings. The fresh shoots of the barley's are also given. Family feasting and feting of guests is a common practice at this time.
Tihar
It lasts for five days and is marked by worship to different animals such as crow, the dog and the cow, five various days. The most important day is Laxmi puja. The most endearing sight of this festival is presented by the illumination of the entire town with rows of tiny flickering lamps on Laxmi puja. In the evening of this day, the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi is worshipped at every household and it is on her welcome that myriad of lamps are burnt. On the fifth day sister show their affection towards their brothers with puja and feed them with delectable food. They pray for their brothers long life to Yama, the Hindu God of death.
Bala Chaturdasi
For one year after the death, the soul of the dead wanders around awaiting entrance to the under world and it is the inescapable duty of living relatives to provide it with substance, comfort and peace once or twice each year and Bala Chaturdasi is one of them. The relatives pay homage to Pashupatinath and offer grains while taking a round of the temple
Madhav Narayan Mela
A religious procession of the devotees fasting for a month ago with a silver statue of Lord Vishnu to Aryaghat, Pashupati, Devpatan, Kathmandu. Thousands of people get together there to take holy bath in the Bagmati river at the time of the submergence of the statue of Lord Vishnu in the Bagmati.
Basanta Panchami
On this day Nepalese people bid farewell to the winter season and look forward to the spring season. Most of the people of Nepal worship Goddess of learning called “SARASWATI”. The people of Kathmandu valley go to a little shrine near Swayambhunath to worship this Goddess
Maha Shivaratri
This is the most famous and celebrated festival of Nepal which attracts large crowds from far flung places both in India & Nepal. The festival is consecrated in honour of Shiva. It is observed by bathing and holding of a religious fast. All Shiva shrines become the places of visit for “Darshan”, but the greatest attraction of all is held by the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. One gets to see thousands of Hindus devotees coming to visit the temple of Pashupati. Among them are a large number of Sadhus and Naked ascetics. Many people like to keep awake for the whole night keeping vigilance over an oil lamp burnt to please Shiva. Children are seen keeping awake similarly over a bonfire in many localities. In the afternoon an official function is held to celebrate this festival at Tundikhel. The Royal Nepal Army organises a show in which series of gun fire are sounded. The ceremony is witnesses by His Majesty the King.
Fagu Purnima
This is known as Holi. Holi is the festival of colour. It is observed for eight days just before the full moon of Phalgun and during this time people indulge in colour throwing at each other. This festival does not have any religious flavour as it is practised in the hills of Nepal. Nevertheless, the festival has got some official status. Because the colour festival is always heralded by the sticking of a wooden pole with colourful streamers beside the old Royal Palace at Basantapur by the arrangements of the Government Religious Endowment Office.
Ghode Jatra
The festival has two sides of its celebration. Its cultural side involves the Newars of Kathmandu, who celebrates it for several days, the idols of the Gods of many localities are taken in a procession in their area in portable chariots. Every households will be feasting at this time. A demon called “ Gurumapa” is also propitiated at Tundikhel. The other aspects of the festival is provided by the function organised by the Royal Nepalese Army at Tundikhel in the afternoon of the main day. Horse race and acrobatic shows are presented at this time in which His Majesty the King will be present. A meeting of Kumari, Bhadrakali, Kankeshori and Bhairab at Asan on the second day of the main celebration is another highlight of the festival.
The Nepalese New Year’s Day
On this day a popular festival takes place in the 3rd city of Kathmandu valley Bhaktapur, where a gigantic pole installed with two long flags hanged on the top will be laid down(rooted out) in a great pomp and show. This will last for a week, many chariots festivals of Gods and Goddesses will be celebrated with open joys and cheers.
Ram Nawami
This day celebrates the birth of Rama, one of the incarnation of Vishnu, a prominent Hindu God. Religious fast is observed and worship is offered to Rama. A special celebration takes place at Janakpur temple of Rama and Janaki on this day.
Janai Purnima ( Rakchshya Bandhan)
The full moon of the month of Shrawan, the day when this festival is observed is considered sacred all over Nepal and is celebrated in different manner by various groups of people of Nepal. However, the most widely accepted mode of celebration is that on this day all the twice-born caster take ritual bath and they change their sacred thread. Everyone gets strings of thread on his wrist from the Brahmans a protective mark for the whole year. This day is also held sacred for bathing in Gosainkunda. One can also see a pageantry of the Jhankris attired in their traditional costume as they come to bathe at Kumbheshwor at Patan. These Jhankris also visit the temple of Kalinchowk Bhagwati in Dolkhas district where they go to bet their healing powers as they are the traditional healers of the Nepalese villages.
Gai Jatra(The Cow festival)
In this festival teen-aged boys dressed up as cows, parade the streets of the town. This costume springs from the belief that cows help the members of the family who died within that year to travel to heaven smoothly. Some are also dressed up as an ascetic or a fool for achieving the same objective for their dead family members. Groups of mimics improvise short satirical enactment on the current social scenes of the town for the entertainment of the public. The week beginning from Janai Purnima actually unfolds a season of many good religious and cultural activities. All the Buddhist monasteries open their gates to the visitors to view their bronze sculptures and collection of painting for a week. At Patan, one observes the festival of Mataya at this time.
The festivity of Gai Jatra itself lasts for a week enlivened by the performance of dance and drama in the different localities of the town. The spirit of the old festival is being increasingly adapted by cultural centers, newspaper and magazines to fling humour and satire on the Nepalese Social and Political life.
Krishnaastami
The day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Krishna, one of the incarnation of Vishnu. Religious fast is observed and Krishna’s temple visited by the devotees on this day. A procession goes around the town displaying the pictures of Lord Krishna, a practice which was started in the recent years by social organisation called the Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti.
Teej
This is the festival for the ladies. On this day the Nepalese women go to Shiva temple in colourful dresses to worship Shiva. In Kathmandu Valley they go to Pashupatinath and then worship Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction) and whatever they wish that will be fulfilled.
Indra Jatra
Like Gai Jatra, this also heralds a week of religious and cultural festivity in Kathmandu. There are several face of this festival. On the night when this festival begins members of the family in which death has taken place within one year, go around the town limits of Kathmandu burning incense and putting lamps along the route. The same morning a tall wooden pole representing the statue of Indra and large wooden masks of Bhairab are put on display in the bazaar. Several groups of religious dance like the Devinach, Bhairava and Bhakku as well as Mahankalinach come into life during this week. The week also commences with pulling of chariot of Ganesh, Bhairava and Kumari in Kathmandu. On this historical day, King Prithvi Narayan Shah made a victorious march with his troops into the town and ascended the throne of Kantipur the old name of Kathmandu displacing the Malla King Jaya Prakash Malla.
Seto Machhendranath Jatra
On this day a popular festival held in honour of the white Machhendranath, who is actually the Padmapani Lokeswara, whose permanent shrine is situated at Matsyendra Bahal in Kel Tole in the middle of the bazaar in Kathmandu. A huge chariot of wood supported on four large wheels and carrying tall spire covered with green foliage is made ready for receiving the image of the divinity on this occasion and for dragging in the old town. There is such a spontaneous and heavy turnout of the devotees to pay homage to this God, who is also said to be “ Embodiment of Compassion” at this time.
Rato Machhendranath Jatra
This festival is the biggest social-culture event for the town of Patan. It begins with the chariot journeys of the most widely venerated deity of the Nepal valley, who resides in his twin shrines at Patan and Bungamati. His popular name is Bunga Deo, but non Newars call him also by the name of Red Machhendranath. The wheeled chariot is prepared at pulchowk and pulled through the town of Patan in several stages until several month later it reaches Jawalakhel for the final celebration of this festival called the Bhoto Dekhaune. The two Machhendranath of Patan and Kathmandu form part of same cult of Avalokiteswara in the Mahayan religion.
sikimm
Sikkim Tourism
Fairs & Festivals in Sikkim
Fairs & Festivals, Sikkim TourismSikkim's famous mask dances provide a spectacle, perhaps nowhere to be experienced in the entire world. Perfromed by lamas in the gompa coutyard to celebrate religious festivals, these dances demonstrate perfect foot work and grace. Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting of monks.
SAGA DAWA is a very suspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around Gangtok with holy scriptures.
PHANG LHABSOL is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to Mount Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander.
KAGYAT DANCE is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar. The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters.
DASAIN the biggest and most important festival of the Hindu Nepali population is celebrated in September-October. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. DIPAVALI, the festival of lights is celebrated 10 years after Dasain.
Fairs & Festivals in Sikkim
Fairs & Festivals, Sikkim TourismSikkim's famous mask dances provide a spectacle, perhaps nowhere to be experienced in the entire world. Perfromed by lamas in the gompa coutyard to celebrate religious festivals, these dances demonstrate perfect foot work and grace. Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting of monks.
SAGA DAWA is a very suspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around Gangtok with holy scriptures.
PHANG LHABSOL is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to Mount Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander.
KAGYAT DANCE is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar. The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters.
DASAIN the biggest and most important festival of the Hindu Nepali population is celebrated in September-October. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. DIPAVALI, the festival of lights is celebrated 10 years after Dasain.
sikimm
Sikkim Tourism
Fairs & Festivals in Sikkim
Fairs & Festivals, Sikkim TourismSikkim's famous mask dances provide a spectacle, perhaps nowhere to be experienced in the entire world. Perfromed by lamas in the gompa coutyard to celebrate religious festivals, these dances demonstrate perfect foot work and grace. Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting of monks.
SAGA DAWA is a very suspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around Gangtok with holy scriptures.
PHANG LHABSOL is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to Mount Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander.
KAGYAT DANCE is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar. The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters.
DASAIN the biggest and most important festival of the Hindu Nepali population is celebrated in September-October. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. DIPAVALI, the festival of lights is celebrated 10 years after Dasain.
Fairs & Festivals in Sikkim
Fairs & Festivals, Sikkim TourismSikkim's famous mask dances provide a spectacle, perhaps nowhere to be experienced in the entire world. Perfromed by lamas in the gompa coutyard to celebrate religious festivals, these dances demonstrate perfect foot work and grace. Costumed lamas with gaily painted masks, ceremonial swords and sparkling jewels, leap and swing to the rhythm of resounding drums, trumpeting of horns and chanting of monks.
SAGA DAWA is a very suspicious day for the Mahayana Buddhists. On this day people go to monasteries to offer butter lamps and worship. A huge procession of monks goes around Gangtok with holy scriptures.
PHANG LHABSOL is a festival unique to Sikkim. It is celebrated to offer thanks to Mount Khanchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim and to Yabdu, the supreme commander.
KAGYAT DANCE is performed every 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan Calendar. The solemn nature of the dance is interspersed with comic relief provided by the jesters.
DASAIN the biggest and most important festival of the Hindu Nepali population is celebrated in September-October. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. DIPAVALI, the festival of lights is celebrated 10 years after Dasain.
himalayas
Fairs & Festivals
Fairs & Festivals of Garhwal Himalayas
The Himalaya is often referred to as the abode of Gods. Its serene atmosphere snow clad peaks, swift flowing rivers and green valleys spread over vast areas are touched by a common undercurrent of spirituality. the Garhwal regions are dotted with ancient temples. On auspicious occasions, these centers of faith turn into venues of fascinating festivals, when people from far and wide gather there to offer their obeisance to the deity and give musical expression to their joy and happiness. This brochure present a brief description of the fascinating fairs & festivals of the Garhwal regions, that reflects not only the innocent expressions of jay but also provides an insight into the rich cultural tradition of the regions.
Distt. Dehradun
Jhanda Fair
Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar in Dehradun City on the fifth day after Holi in the sacred memory of the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda (Flag) on the staff located in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local peple, a large number of devotees turn up from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and Himachal Pradesh etc.
Tapakeshwar Fair
Tapakeshwar is a legendary place located on the eastern bank of the river Tons. Lord Shiva is the reigning deity of the ancient temple located here in a cave. In the Skandapurana, the place has been referred to as Deveshwara. It is believed that during Dwaparyuga this place was abode of Guru Dronacharya who livd here with his family. Since then, the cave was known as Drona Gufa. One of the famous heroes of Mahabharata and osn of Guru Drona, ashwathama, was born here. When Ashwathama was very young, the poor father could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too poor to afford a cow. It was a matter of worry to the great master. One day, when young Ashwathama was crying for milk the helpless Guru advised him to pray and worship Lord Shiva who would bless him with milk. Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the young boy’s tough penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the garb of Brahmin and enquired about his wish.
Little Ashwathama asked for milk. Lord shiva blessed him and said theat milk would be made available here. Ashwathama found milk falling on the Shivalinga, drop by drop.
Ashwathama had prayed to the Lord by the name of Tapakeshwar and hence the place was known by the same name.
A big fair takes place here on the Shivratri day. Thousands of devotees congregate at this place on the day to offer prayers. Tapakeshwar is approachable from Dehradun by City Bus or Three Wheellers. It is about 5 kms. from the Railway Station.
Lakshman Siddha Fair
Lakshman siddha is one of the four siddhpeeths around Dehradun. It has immense religious importance. It is about 10 kms away on Dehradun-Rishikesh Road. It can be easily approached by city bus or three-wheelers and is located about 1 km off the road inside jungle. It is mainly a local religious fair held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April has a special significance, when people turn up in very large number and congregation of 20 to 25 thousand people can be seen offering obeisance to the samadhi here.
Bissu Fair
This fair is held at the Jhanda ground in contonment area of Chakrata block of the Dehradun district. It is about 3 kms from Chakrata. The fair reflects cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people turn up in this fair from nearby Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur districts. The fair marks harvesting season in the area and reflects the happiness of the local people.
Mahasu devta’s Fair
Mahasu Devta’s fair is held at Hanol which is about 120 kms on the Chakrata Tyuni road. The fair takes place in August every year, when Mahasu devta (deity) is taken out in a procession Musical prayers continue for three days and nights. The haven samagri (offering material) is arranged by the Government of India. This is a local fair of jaunsari tribe. Thousands of participant throng the place on the occasion from the adjacent Tehri, Uttarkash and saharanpur district.
Shaheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair (Chakrata Fair)
This fair is held at Ramtal in Nagau gram sabha of Chakrata tehsil in Dehradun district. Ramtal is a beautiful natural tank of about 30 mts. length and 30 mts. width, located on a hill and is connected with a 700 mts. long motorable road. The tank is surrounded bty a green ground which is the venue of fair. Every year during navrataras (April) a big fair is held here. A temple and a memorial dedicated to the freedom fighter Veer Kesri Chandra is located at this spot.
Fairs & Festivals
Fairs & Festivals of Garhwal Himalayas
Distt. Tehri
Chandrabadni Fair
This fair has a legendary background. Gautam Rishi used to go for a sacred bath in the Ganga every morning. for him, this had become part of his everyday life.
Once, the king of Gods – Indra asked surya (sun) as to who was the most beautiful woman on the earth. The Sun parried the question and said ‘Most of people are busy in their work when I shine during the day and it is very difficult for me to judge as to who is ugly and who is beautiful’. Indra asked the same question of Chandradev (Moon God) who said that Ahilya, the wife of Gautam Rishi residing at the confluence of Yamuna and Tamsa was the most beautiful woman on the earth. Hearing this, Indra was overtaken by evil and lust and made up his mind to aquire Ahilya by hook or crook.
Unbecoming of the king of Gods as he was, Indra entered the Ashram (hermitage) of Gautam at midnight and mimicked the call of a cock. Unaware of the wicked designs of Indra, Rishi Gautam set out for bathing in Ganga as usual, mistaking as the dawn. Finding Ahilya alone at home as soon as the sage left, Indra knocked the door and impersonating as Gautam, tried to bluff here. Ahilya was a pious hearted lady. She sensed the evil designs of Indra and cursed him to be a leper with a thousand eyes.
Meanwhile, Gautam reached Ganga and entered the holy water for bath. The river Goddess was pleased with the punctuality and devotion of Gautam. She asked him to return home immediately as his wife was in trouble. The Rishi turned back in a hurry, leaving his Kamandal (sacred pot) there. Later, the Goddess Ganga herself returned the Kamandal, filling it with holy water, which was set up in the Ashram in the form of a sarovar (tank). She also gave a boon that the tank’s water will be equal in holiness to the actual Gangajal and those who have a hly dip in the tank will earn the same blessing as one who has a hly dip in the Ganga. Since then, this place, which is about 8 kms. on Dehradun-Saharanpur Road, is a hly bathing place of religious importance. Thousands of devotees visit the spot in April and October, when a big fair takes place here.
Surkhanda Devi Fair
Surkhanda Devi Fair is hel on the Ganga dussehra day at Surkhanda Devi temple, located at a distance of 33 kms. from Mussoorie. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is an important pilgrimage center. It can be reached by trekking about 2 kms. from Kaddukhal via Dhanolti on the road to Chamba. The worship of the Goddess is the main attraction of theis fair. Besides folk music and dance, the traditional handicrafts are also on display.
Kunjapuri Fair
This fair is held in October every year during Navrataras at narendra Nagar. Over fifty thousand people gather here to participate in various activities. Display of skill and strength by the youth, handicrafts and handmade articles are main attractions of this fair.
Distt. Uttarkashi
Magh Mela
Magh mela takes places on the occasion of makar Sankranti (January) in Uttarkashi every year. It is an important event of the district from religious, cultural and commercial point of view. a large number of local people and tourist participate in the mela, with many pouring in from different parts of Kunaon, Garhwal and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Fairs & Festivals of Garhwal Himalayas
The Himalaya is often referred to as the abode of Gods. Its serene atmosphere snow clad peaks, swift flowing rivers and green valleys spread over vast areas are touched by a common undercurrent of spirituality. the Garhwal regions are dotted with ancient temples. On auspicious occasions, these centers of faith turn into venues of fascinating festivals, when people from far and wide gather there to offer their obeisance to the deity and give musical expression to their joy and happiness. This brochure present a brief description of the fascinating fairs & festivals of the Garhwal regions, that reflects not only the innocent expressions of jay but also provides an insight into the rich cultural tradition of the regions.
Distt. Dehradun
Jhanda Fair
Jhanda Fair is held every year at the historic Guru Ram Rai Darbar in Dehradun City on the fifth day after Holi in the sacred memory of the Guru. The fair begins with putting up a new Jhanda (Flag) on the staff located in the compound of the historic complex. Besides local peple, a large number of devotees turn up from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, U.P. and Himachal Pradesh etc.
Tapakeshwar Fair
Tapakeshwar is a legendary place located on the eastern bank of the river Tons. Lord Shiva is the reigning deity of the ancient temple located here in a cave. In the Skandapurana, the place has been referred to as Deveshwara. It is believed that during Dwaparyuga this place was abode of Guru Dronacharya who livd here with his family. Since then, the cave was known as Drona Gufa. One of the famous heroes of Mahabharata and osn of Guru Drona, ashwathama, was born here. When Ashwathama was very young, the poor father could not find any milk for him. The Guru was too poor to afford a cow. It was a matter of worry to the great master. One day, when young Ashwathama was crying for milk the helpless Guru advised him to pray and worship Lord Shiva who would bless him with milk. Ashwathama did so. Pleased with the young boy’s tough penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the garb of Brahmin and enquired about his wish.
Little Ashwathama asked for milk. Lord shiva blessed him and said theat milk would be made available here. Ashwathama found milk falling on the Shivalinga, drop by drop.
Ashwathama had prayed to the Lord by the name of Tapakeshwar and hence the place was known by the same name.
A big fair takes place here on the Shivratri day. Thousands of devotees congregate at this place on the day to offer prayers. Tapakeshwar is approachable from Dehradun by City Bus or Three Wheellers. It is about 5 kms. from the Railway Station.
Lakshman Siddha Fair
Lakshman siddha is one of the four siddhpeeths around Dehradun. It has immense religious importance. It is about 10 kms away on Dehradun-Rishikesh Road. It can be easily approached by city bus or three-wheelers and is located about 1 km off the road inside jungle. It is mainly a local religious fair held every Sunday, but last Sunday of April has a special significance, when people turn up in very large number and congregation of 20 to 25 thousand people can be seen offering obeisance to the samadhi here.
Bissu Fair
This fair is held at the Jhanda ground in contonment area of Chakrata block of the Dehradun district. It is about 3 kms from Chakrata. The fair reflects cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunsari tribe. A large number of people turn up in this fair from nearby Tehri, Uttarkashi and Saharanpur districts. The fair marks harvesting season in the area and reflects the happiness of the local people.
Mahasu devta’s Fair
Mahasu Devta’s fair is held at Hanol which is about 120 kms on the Chakrata Tyuni road. The fair takes place in August every year, when Mahasu devta (deity) is taken out in a procession Musical prayers continue for three days and nights. The haven samagri (offering material) is arranged by the Government of India. This is a local fair of jaunsari tribe. Thousands of participant throng the place on the occasion from the adjacent Tehri, Uttarkash and saharanpur district.
Shaheed Veer Kesri Chandra Fair (Chakrata Fair)
This fair is held at Ramtal in Nagau gram sabha of Chakrata tehsil in Dehradun district. Ramtal is a beautiful natural tank of about 30 mts. length and 30 mts. width, located on a hill and is connected with a 700 mts. long motorable road. The tank is surrounded bty a green ground which is the venue of fair. Every year during navrataras (April) a big fair is held here. A temple and a memorial dedicated to the freedom fighter Veer Kesri Chandra is located at this spot.
Fairs & Festivals
Fairs & Festivals of Garhwal Himalayas
Distt. Tehri
Chandrabadni Fair
This fair has a legendary background. Gautam Rishi used to go for a sacred bath in the Ganga every morning. for him, this had become part of his everyday life.
Once, the king of Gods – Indra asked surya (sun) as to who was the most beautiful woman on the earth. The Sun parried the question and said ‘Most of people are busy in their work when I shine during the day and it is very difficult for me to judge as to who is ugly and who is beautiful’. Indra asked the same question of Chandradev (Moon God) who said that Ahilya, the wife of Gautam Rishi residing at the confluence of Yamuna and Tamsa was the most beautiful woman on the earth. Hearing this, Indra was overtaken by evil and lust and made up his mind to aquire Ahilya by hook or crook.
Unbecoming of the king of Gods as he was, Indra entered the Ashram (hermitage) of Gautam at midnight and mimicked the call of a cock. Unaware of the wicked designs of Indra, Rishi Gautam set out for bathing in Ganga as usual, mistaking as the dawn. Finding Ahilya alone at home as soon as the sage left, Indra knocked the door and impersonating as Gautam, tried to bluff here. Ahilya was a pious hearted lady. She sensed the evil designs of Indra and cursed him to be a leper with a thousand eyes.
Meanwhile, Gautam reached Ganga and entered the holy water for bath. The river Goddess was pleased with the punctuality and devotion of Gautam. She asked him to return home immediately as his wife was in trouble. The Rishi turned back in a hurry, leaving his Kamandal (sacred pot) there. Later, the Goddess Ganga herself returned the Kamandal, filling it with holy water, which was set up in the Ashram in the form of a sarovar (tank). She also gave a boon that the tank’s water will be equal in holiness to the actual Gangajal and those who have a hly dip in the tank will earn the same blessing as one who has a hly dip in the Ganga. Since then, this place, which is about 8 kms. on Dehradun-Saharanpur Road, is a hly bathing place of religious importance. Thousands of devotees visit the spot in April and October, when a big fair takes place here.
Surkhanda Devi Fair
Surkhanda Devi Fair is hel on the Ganga dussehra day at Surkhanda Devi temple, located at a distance of 33 kms. from Mussoorie. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is an important pilgrimage center. It can be reached by trekking about 2 kms. from Kaddukhal via Dhanolti on the road to Chamba. The worship of the Goddess is the main attraction of theis fair. Besides folk music and dance, the traditional handicrafts are also on display.
Kunjapuri Fair
This fair is held in October every year during Navrataras at narendra Nagar. Over fifty thousand people gather here to participate in various activities. Display of skill and strength by the youth, handicrafts and handmade articles are main attractions of this fair.
Distt. Uttarkashi
Magh Mela
Magh mela takes places on the occasion of makar Sankranti (January) in Uttarkashi every year. It is an important event of the district from religious, cultural and commercial point of view. a large number of local people and tourist participate in the mela, with many pouring in from different parts of Kunaon, Garhwal and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
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