Minar Travels India Pvt Ltd, have over the years, striven to provide
quality and value-for-money services to travelers, coming into India- a pursuit
in which
we have been successful, to a great extent much acclaimed success.
There's always a festival on somewhere. The harvest festivals of the
south, the immersion of Ganesh in Bombay, the car Festival of Puri,
snake-boat races in Kerala, Republic Day in Delhi... every region, every
religion has something to celebrate
Makar Sankranti (Maharastra,
Karanataka , Andhra Pradesh) A celebration of spring on the occasion of the ‘ascent’ of the
Sun to the north. This is the day of Goodwill and friendship.
Lohri (Punjab) In the North Makar Sankranti is called Lohri. It is the only Hindu
festival, which falls regularly on the 13th of January. Lohri is the time
after which the biting cold of winter begins to taper off.
Pongal (Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh) In the South Sankranti begins “Pongal”. It is a celebration of
the harvest, which is observed for three days in Tamil Nadu as well as
Andhra Pradesh.
Thai Pusam (Tamil
Nadu) Festival dedicated to Kartikya or Marimman where trenches of burning coal
are laid out for the devotees to walk over. It has been seen that people who
volunteer to undertake this experience with faith, come away unharmed and
unscathed.
Float Festival (Tamil Nadu) This magnificent festival is celebrated in Madurai on the night of the full
moon. The ornamented icons of the two deities, the God Sundresa (incarnation
of Shiva) and the God Meenakshi (incarnation of Parvati) with pearl crowns
on their heads and riding on a golden bull are taken out in a splendid
procession from the Meenakshi Temple.
National Kite Festival (Gujarat) In Gujrat and other western states the change in the direction of winds on
Makar Sankranti is marked by thousands of colourful kites of all patterns
and Dimensions which dot the blue sky. The Kites are hand made and the
thread is given a coating of glass powder mixed in either resin or a paste
made of refined wheat flour. Special kites with paper lamps fill the night
sky with myriad flickering lights.
Kerala Village Fair (Kerala) This festival is celebrated in the lush villages around Kovalum, every
year. Traditional thatch houses are decorated during this ten-day long
festival and are the venue for folk dances, music and festivities.
Bikaner Festival (Bikaner) The festival starts off with a magnificent procession of bedecked camels.
It is a colourful spectacle of beautifully decorated camels that fascinates
the onlookers with their charm and grace. Several competitions are held,
marked with typical Rajasthani colour, joyous music and lilting rhythms and
gay festivities.
Pattadakal Dance Festival (Pattadakal) This is a festival of dance, which is held at Pattadakal (Karnataka), the
ancient capital of the Chalukyan Kings.
Id-ul-Fittr (All
Over India) This celebrates the end of Ramzan (the muslim month of fasting) The
faithful gather in mosques to pray, friends and relatives meet to exchange
greetings. The family elders, conveying their blessings give Idi or presents
of money to the youngsters.
Vasant Panchami (North
India & West Bengal) This is a festival in which their is ceremonial welcome to spring on the
fifth day of the waxing moon of Magh, when Saraswati, Shiva- Durga and
Vishnu – Lakshmi are worshiped. In west Bengal, Saraswati (the goddess
of learning) is worshipped.
Mahashivratri (All
over India) On the 14th night of the dark half of Magh occurs the festival of
Mahashivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva. The devotees stay awake
throughout the night offering their prayers to Lord Shiva. They offer
special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and
coconuts to Lord Shiva.
Desert Festival (Jaisalmer) The Desert festival is a three day long extravaganza of colour, music and
festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and fire dancers
swaying to traditional tunes, a turban – tying competition and a Mr.
Desert contest are part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to
the sand dunes at Sam where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and
even view the folk dancers and musicians perform at the sand dunes.
Goa Carnival (Goa) At this time of the year, the Goa carnival is celebrated at Goa. For three
days and nights, the legendary King Momo takes over the state and the
streets come alive with colour. The weeklong event is a time of festivity.
Nagaur Festival (Nagaur) Nagaur Fair is famous for the annual cattle fair which is one of the
largest in the country. The Nagaur bulls are renowned for their fleet – footedness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with earnest
bargaining between the buyers and sellers. Once the price of a horse or
camel has been settled, the days draws to a close followed by exciting
games, tug of war, camel races and strains of ballads which create a joyful
atmosphere.
International Yoga Week (Rishikesh) Yoga sessions are held along the banks of the River Ganges at Rishikesh.
U.P. Tourism organizes this festival, lectures and demonstrations are held
by prominent exponents of yoga throughout the week.
Elephanta Festival (Elephanta
Island) This festival is held across the Mumbai harbor, on the Elephanta Island,
near the world-renowned Elephanta Caves. This feast of music and dance
celebrated under the stars transforms the entire island into a large
auditorium.
Deccan Festival (Hyderabad) This festival is being celebrated in the city of Hyderabad. Cultural
programmes with Ghazal nights, Qawalis and Mushairas are held. A pearl and
bangle fair display creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that
are local specialties. A food festival serves the best of Hyderabad’s
famed cuisine to the visitors.
Taj Mahotsav (Agra) This ten day long event celebrated at Agra is a cultural vibrant platform
that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances. Folk
music, Shayari (Poetry) and classical dance performances as well as the
elephant and camel rides, games and food festival – all form pert of
the festivities.
Surajkund Crafts Mela (New Delhi) In order promote the traditional Indian handicrafts, a delightful handloom
and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled artisans and
craftsmen display their skilled and crafts in a rural setting. Cultural
programmes and rural cuisine are also a part of this colourful fair.
Chapchar Kut (Mizoram) A lively festival in Mizoram which celebrates the arrival of spring. It is
an occasion for dance, music and feasting.
Island Tourism Festival (Portblair
, Andaman & Nicobar) This festival is celebrated in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and is a
ten-day long festival of dance, drama and music. Exhibitions displaying arts
and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life, are parts of the event. Aqua
sports, Tele-games and parasailing are added attractions.
Konark Dance & Music Festival (February
19-23 -Orissa) This is organised by Orissa Dance Academy & Eastern Zonal Cultural
Centre, Kolkata at the Natya Mandap, Konark. Everyday in the evening
thAquaere is live show of different folk and classical dance.
March/April
Holi (North India) Is the most boisterous of all Hindu Festivals, observed all over the North.
It heralds the end of winter and the beginning of the Spring. The night
before the full moon, crowds of people gather and light huge bonfires to
burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. People throw
coloured water and powders (Gulal and Kumkum) at each other and make merry.
Holi celebrates the joyful raasleela of Krishna and the gopis. They play
Phag, which is a game of many colourful hues. It is a joyous celebration of
the rejuvenation of nature, and renewed hope of happiness and peaceful
coexistence. In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a special festival Holi
Mohalla on the day after Holi. It marks a display of ancient martial arts
and mock battles.
Gangaur (Rajasthan) This festival is celebrated by girls and married woman throughout
Rajasthan. This festival is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess
Parvati and lasts for 18 days. This is also an auspicious day for young
people to select their life partners. Colourful processions with the town
band playing, horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating
spectacle.
Jamshed-e-Navroz (All over India) The Parsis don their new clothes and decorate their homes with Rangoli
patterns drawn with metal moulds and flowers. Sweets are exchanged and later
Parsis visit the fire temple where thanksgiving is performed.
Ramnavami (All
over India) The birthday of Lord Rama is enthusiastically celebrated on the ninth day
of the waxing moon in the month of Chaitra. Temples are decorated, religious
discourses are held and the Ramayana is recited for ten days. People sing
devotional songs in praise of Rama and rock images of him in cradles to
celebrate his birth.
Id-ul-Zuha (All
over India) Is a muslim festival celebrated all over India. Prayers are offered in the
mosques and special delicacies are prepared and served among the family and
friends on the occasion
Mahavir Jayanti (All over India) The birth anniversary of the Jains, Mahavir , the founder of Jainism , is
celebrated by the Jain Community. People meditate and offer prayers all over
India.
Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho) Is a week long festival of classical dances held at Khajuraho Temples,
built by the Chandela Kings.
Elephant Festival (Jaipur) This festival is held in Jaipur where Elephants are the centre of
attraction. They stride majestically parading their decorated trunks and
tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and
horses, followed by lively folk dancers at their entertaining best. The most
hilarious highlight of the festival is a tug of war between elephants and
men.
Hoysala Mahotsava (Karnataka) Is a dance festival held at Hoysala Temples (Karnataka) of Belur and
Halebid of Karnataka.
Ellora Festival (Ellora
Caves) Is a festival of dance and music organized in the splendid surroundings of
the magnificent Ellora caves.
Kumbh Mela The oldest and most important of the Hindu festivals. It takes place every
three years, at one of the four great holy cities; Nasik in Maharashtra,
Ujjain (MP), Prayag (Allahabad) and Hardwar (both in UP). It is attended by
millions of pilgrims who take a holy dip in the sacred Ganges River.
April /May
Urs (Ajmer) The festival of Urs are held every year at the dargah of the Sufi Saint
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims
from all over the world gather here to pay their homage. Qawalis ( Poems)
are sung in the Saint’s honour.
June/July
Ganga Dusehra (Uttar Pradesh) In this festival ten days are devoted to the worship of the River Ganga.
According to the legends, Gangavataran or the descent of the Ganga, happened
at this time. Devotees touch the River water, bathe in it, and take the
river clay home to venerate. In Haridwar, aratis are performed at twilight
and a large number of devotees meditate on her serene banks.
Hemis Festival (Jammu & Kashmir) This festival is celebrated at Hemis, the biggest Buddhist Monastery in
ladakh to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhave. Splendid masked
dances are performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns,
A colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special
highlight of the festival.
Rath Yatra (Orissa) This is a festival celebrated at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri.
Images of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are
taken out in a procession in three chariots to their summer temple for a
week. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16
wheels. The ropes of the huge chariots are pulled by millions of devotees
who also believe that this act bestows salvation upon them.
Guru Purnima (All
over India) A special worship is performed on this day to all teachers and is called
Guru Purnima. Worship of the great Vyasa, the author of the great epic,
Mahabharata, is part of the celebration. On this day students visit their
elders, teachers and guides in order to show respect to them with gifts of
coconuts, clothes and sweets. These gifts are called Gurudakshina.
Discourses are held in community gatherings to hear the readings of the
holybook, Bhagwad Gita.
July / August
Janmashtami (All
over India) The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu is
observed all over India. It is celebrated with great fervour at Mathura and
Brindavan where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Nightlong prayers are
offered and religious hymns are sung in temples. In Maharashtra, earthen
pots of curd and butter are hung high up over the streets. Young men
enacting an episode from Krishna’s childhood form human pyramids by
climbing on each other’s shoulders and try to break thee pots.
Onam (Kerala) Onam is Kerala’s most popular festival, celebrated with great
enthusiasm. It is primarily a harvest festival celebrated to welcome the
spirit of the pious King Mahabali from eternal exile and to assure him that
his people are happy and wish him well. At Trichur, caparisoned elephants
take part in a spectacular procession. There is also a magnificent display
of fireworks. The Vallumkali (boat race) is one of the main attractions of
Onam, and is best seen at Aranmulai and Kottayam.
Nag Panchami (West
Bengal, Maharashtra and South India) Nag Panchami is the festival when snakes, the symbols of energy and
prosperity are worshipped. In Maharashtra snake charmers go from house to
house with dormant cobras ensconced in cane baskets, asking for alms and
clothing. Women offer milk and cooked rice to the snakes and gather around
to see the snakes spread their hoods to the tune of the Pungi. In Kerala,
snake temples are crowded in this day and worship is offered to stone or
metal icons of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Shesha.
Raksha Bandhan (North
India) This is a Hindu sister’s day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their
bonds of affections. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their
brothers wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and
give them gifts.
Ganesh Chaturthi (Maharashtra,Tamil
Nadu,Andhra Pradesh,Karnataka) Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival in India, especially in
Maharashtra dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God of all good
beginnings and success. It is believed that Lord Ganesha was born on this
day and every chaturthi is considered auspicious. Thousands of the clay
idols of Lord Ganesha are made in every size, pose, form and colour and
worshipped at community or family festivals which last between one to ten
days. These images are then taken in large processions, amidst the rhythm of
bells and drums and immersed in flowing water.
September / October
Tarnetar Mela (Saurashtra, Gujrat) This is an exciting and unique fair held annually at Tarnetar in
Saurashtra. The fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar Temple,
celebrating the wedding of the legendary Mahabharat hero, Arjuna with
Draupada. The fair is a kind of a marriage market for the local tribals- the
Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. The traditional costumes, exquisite jewelry and
wonderful Tarnetar “Chhatris” (Umbrellas) with intricate
embroidery and mirror work are sold. AN added attraction is the lively folk
dance performances such as – garba, ras, and haro.
Navratri (All
over India) Navratri is the longest Hindu festival that continues for nine consecutive
nights in praise of Lord Rama. Continuous chanting from the great epic
Ramayana, along with evening performances from the episodes of his life, is
held for nine days. It is a combination of many concepts. It is believed
that Durga. The Goddess of power and vitality, has nine forms called
Navadurga and on each day of the nine days, she takes a new dorm, with an
arsenal of weapons, to ride a lion and fight the demon Mahishasura. Lord
Rama is said to have worshipped the Goddess, seeking her blessing in order
to overpower the evil- force of Ravana, the abductor of his beloved Sita.The
most joyous celebration of Navratri is seen in Gujrat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
and Bengal. Every night people gather in courtyards to dance the dandiya
raas and garba, a community dance in which men and women dressed in festive
clothes, dance in pairs with painted wooden sticks.
Durga Puja (West
Bengal) This festival is performed during the nine days of Navratri. Community
pujas in Bengal are organised in every locality. Families visit each other
to share feasts. On Bijoya day, the idols are taken in elaborate processions
for immersion in the river or the sea.
Dussehra (All
over India) This festival is celebrated to mark the homecoming of Lord Rama. The
Ramlila – an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held nine days
before Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his
brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath filled with fire crackers are set alight
to celebrate the victory of good over evil.In Himachal Pradesh, a weel long
fair at Kullu is a part of Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in
the hills, deties are brought in processin to the Kullu Maidan with lot of
gaity, music and colour. The presiding deity is Lord Raghunathji.
Marwar Festival (Jodhpur) This is a festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar
region. The festival was originally known as the ‘Maand Festival’.
Held for two days on full moon- shared purnima, folk artists bring to liofe
the myth, legend and folklore of the area.
Durga Puja (Cuttack & Bhubaneshwar
October 8-10) Durga, the Goddess symbolic of beauty, benevolence and bravery is worshiped
in the State especially in Cuttack and Bhubanshewar with solemnity, gaiety
and eclat. To commemorate the victory of ten - handed Mother Durga over the
Buffalo - demon Mahisasura, nicely constructed and richly decorated images
of the Goddess are installed all over the State.
Sharad Purnima (All
over India) This is a harvest festival when Laxmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, visits
all homes to bring fortune and good luck to all. Kojagiri, the special
night, is celebrated with ice-cold, saffron-flavoured sweet milk, shared in
the cool midnight. The full moon night is called Navanna Purnima or the
moonlit night of new food. The newly harvested rice is offered to the gods
and lamps are lit before the full moon.
November
Diwali (All over
India) The festival of lights is one of the most beautiful of Indian festivals. It
comes 21 days after Dussehra and celebrates the return of Lord Rama to
Ayodhya after his 14 year exile. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed
by everyone and thousands of lamps lit in houses 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 dawn with different coloured powders to welcome guests. Worship
of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and fireworks and festivities are
an essential part of the occasion.
Kali Puja / Dipbali (Kolkata
- November 14) It is a festival of Goddess Kali - The destroyer of time or 'Kali'. Having
her abode in the cremation grounds she is the most comples symbol of Love
compassion and terror.
The day following Kali Puja is celebrated as Diwali - the Festival of
lights. Heralding the victory of light over darkness is observed by lighting
of the lamps and taking off fire crakers.
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 gurudwaras all over the country. Taking the holy book out in
procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations. Langars (community
feast) are organised where people of all castes sit together to eat and sing
hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. The celebrations at Amritsar are
especially impressive.
Ka Pomblang Nongrem (Meghalaya) This is the most important festival of the Khasis in Mrghalaya. The 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 splendour, perform
the famous Nongkrem dance.
Sonepur Fair (Sonepur, Bihar) This is Asia’s biggest cattle fair held in Sonepur, Bihar on the banks
of river Ganges. During this month long fair, cattle, decorated for the
occasion, swarm the venue.
Pushkar Fair (Pushkar) This fair is held every year at Puskar, near Ajmer. Thousands of pilgrims
come to bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. Trading of cattle,
camel races and dazzliing displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel
saddles and halters are the major attractions of this colourful event which
lasts for twelve days.
Puri Beach Festival (Orissa
November 23-27) Beach festival is an astoundingly effort to bring into lime light the
cultural and traditional heritage of the land. Cultural programmes, exotic
shopping, sports activities and fire works competition, beside the blue
expance of Bay of Bengal at Puri splendidly colourful and enchating.
Hampi Festival (Hampi) The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijaynagar
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) This festival is celebrated by the Christians and non- Christians alike
with special enthusiasm. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look.
Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion and offer attractive
bargains. Carol singing, get- togethers and the exchanging of gifts enhance
the Christmas spirit. Chrismas parties launch off celebrations for the New
Year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a week.
Konark Dance Festival (Konark,
Orrisa) Konark festival in the Sun Temple, Konark, offers an unforgettable
experience every December 05th. A host of celebrated 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.
Amidst the erotic sculptural and architectural marvels this period
witnesses the spectacle of artistic performance by reputed artist at Konark
Yearly celebration of this extravaganza is really spell - binding.
