Rajasthan has all the usual Hindu and Muslim festivals, some celebrated with special local fervour, as well as a number of festivals of its own. Rajasthan is perhaps best known for the flamboyant Pushkar Camel fair, held annually in October/November.Exclusive to Rajasthan is the Ganguar fair, which celebrates the love between Shiva and Parvati.Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nathwara and Jaisalmer all celebrate colourful fairs of Gangaur
2006-08-10 02:30:13
·
answer #2
·
answered by Ekamra123 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
The Rajasthani’s love for colour and joyous celebrations is proved by the elaborate rituals and the gay abandon with which he surrenders himself to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region. In addition to the festivals celebrated by the Hindus, Muslims and others, there are also the traditional fairs.
Time: February-March
Place: All over Rajasthan
Feature: Color throwing
The colors of Holi
Most boisterous of all the festivals observed in Rajasthan, Holi is a joyous celebration of the rejuvenation of nature and renewed hope of happiness and co-existence. It fills the whole atmosphere with enthusiasm and gaiety in which everyone is generally full of cheer.
The night before the full moon, people gather in groups and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. After that its fun time that stretches throughout the day with people throwing colors and ghulal (powder made up of numerous colors) on each other. Every nook and corner of Rajasthan stands witness to the merriment of the people which is evident in their songs and dances.
Holi
Time: February-March
Place: All over Rajasthan
Feature: Color throwing
The colors of Holi
Most boisterous of all the festivals observed in Rajasthan, Holi is a joyous celebration of the rejuvenation of nature and renewed hope of happiness and co-existence. It fills the whole atmosphere with enthusiasm and gaiety in which everyone is generally full of cheer.
The night before the full moon, people gather in groups and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. After that its fun time that stretches throughout the day with people throwing colors and ghulal (powder made up of numerous colors) on each other. Every nook and corner of Rajasthan stands witness to the merriment of the people which is evident in their songs and dances.
TEEJ FESTIVAL
Teej has been assigned the first place among the festivals. There are three Teej festivals in a year and fairs are held on those occasions in towns and villages. Teej, on the third day of the bright half of the month of Shravan is a festival for girls. The Teej for the daughter's-in-law is held on the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadon. Daughter's and daughter's-in-law are offered sweets and garments on this day. Swings are a common sight and newly married girls return to their parents home for the festival. The festival celebrates the beginning of the rainy season and peasant families come to the cities for the occasion. The most colourful Teej fair is held at Jaipur. In big towns impressive processions, led by gorgeously caparisoned elephants, camels and horses are taken out which make a grand spectacle.
Dedicated to the goddess Parvati, the Teej Festival in Jaipur commemorates her union with Shiva. During the festival a large procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days. People watch this in large numbers. Women worship the idol of Parvati and seek her blessings. Swings, decorated with flowers are hung from trees and young girls sing songs to welcome the advent of monsoon.
GANGAUR FESTIVAL
Gangaur is a religious festival which symbolises cultural heritage of Rajasthan. 'Gan' is a synonym of Siva and 'Gauri' of his consort, Parvathi who symbolises married bliss. It is devotion to the ideal woman which finds expression in this festival. This festival has been celebrated by married women and young girls.
Unmarried seek a good natured husband and married women pray for the health, long life and welfare of their spouses. This festival begins in the first week of Chaitr and continues up to the fourth day of the bright half of the month.
The first important ritual of the festival is the collecting of ashes from the Holi fire and burying seeds of wheat and barley in it. These are watered every day until they germinate. The ritual is performed with songs of Isar and Gauri (Siva and Parvathi) and the varying of pots of water on the head. A week after Holi, women bring clay and make images of Gauri and Isar. The rituals in honour of the goddess are colourful, with the singing of the most beautiful songs in praise of her and her consort. Mehndi is applied by the devotees on the palms of their hands. Singing and dancing are an essential part of the festival.
The Gadalia festival seven days after Holi is also associated with Gangaur. Hariyali Amavasya and Basant Panchami are among the other seasonal festivals of Rajasthan
Place: Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Nathdwara, Banswara
Time: The day following Holi in February-March
The colors of Gangaur Festival
Reputed as the most important local festival in Rajasthan, Gangaur commences on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 18 days. A breathtakingly colorful procession is taken out carrying the clay and wooden images of Gauri, the goddess of marital bliss.
During the 18 days of the festival, women keep fast and eat only one meal. It is believed that by doing so, goddess Gauri would bless them with a happy married life.
Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar calendar): Held in the memory of the revered Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programs are organized to mark the festivals.
October
Dussehra
It is the triumph of good over evil that is marked during this Hindu Festival. Guests & visitors join in as the demon-kings are set aflame; prayers & rituals mark this day. Dinner, traditional dances & fireworks are part of this celebration.
Diwali
November
This is the most popular Hindu Festival of lights celebrated. Candles, diyas & special illuminations are the highlights of this night of festivity. The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, is venerated and special prayers are held during the day & night. Sweets and flowers are distributed; guests & visitors are specially invited to witness the firework displays & illuminations that are breathtaking.
Kathik Poornima
November
The full moon night in November is celebrated as Kartik Purnima, the only Hindu Festival dedicated to Lord Brahma, creator of universe. Cattle Fare.
Rajasthan has an unending cycle of fairs and festivals throughout the year. They are perhaps the most colourful and spectacular in the whole of India. Some of the important festivals are:
JanuaryMaghMakar Sankranti
February PhagunBasant Panchami, Shivaratri, Chauth, Suraj Saptami, Holi
MarchChaiterDhuland, Gangaur, Sheelta-Ashtami, Ghudla, Hanuman Jayanti
AprilBaisakhAsha Teej
MayJethNirjal Ekadashi
JuneAsadhGanga Dashmi or Dussehra, Bat Savitri
JuneAsadhRath Yatra
JulyShravanGuru Poornima, Raksha Bandhan , AugustBhadonTeej (Choti), Nag Panchami, Janmashtami
SeptemberAsojAnant Chaturdahsi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Teej (bari), Goga Navami, Rishi Panchmi, Shradha Pitra-Paksha, Dussehra, Navratra, Sharad Poornima, Dhan Teras
OctoberKartikDiwali, Bhaiya Dooj, Deothani Ekadashi, Gopashtami, Govardhan, Karva Chauth
NovemberMangsirGeeta Jayanti
DecemberPausMal
Apart from this there are many fairs
Among the better known fairs of Rajasthan are :
Nagaur fair, Nagaur (January - February): Essentially an animal fair, it provides an opportunity to participate in some of the local sports.
Desert Festival, Jaisalmer (January - February): One of the most popular of all festivals, it is a journey into the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer that has a charm of its own. A true show on the sands which attracts even the much travelled visitor.
Gangaur, Jaipur (March - April): A festival devoted to goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress up in their finery and pray for grooms of their choice while the married woman pray for the well-being of their husbands. This 18-day festival is laced with various activities and culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his bride home.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur (March - April): A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, procession, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates.
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March - April): A festival to celebrate Holi, this is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several elephants sports and also play this festival of colors. A show is organised with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
Urs Ajmer Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar calendar): Held in the memory of the revered Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. All of Ajmer seems to take on a festive air and several programs are organized to mark the festivals.
Summer Festival, Mt. Abu (June): Organized in the only hill station of Rajasthan, this is the coldest place at this time of the year. Folk dances and a general atmosphere of gaiety prevails in this tiny hill resort and the tourist has ample time to relax and enjoy himself.
Teej, Jaipur (July - August): A festival to mark the advent of monsoon. Processions, woman dressed in bright colours and a lot of merriment prevails during Teej. Essentially a woman’s festival, it is interesting to watch them enjoying in groups and at various bazaars where they turn up to shop in all their finery.
Marwar Festival, Jodhpur (October/November): A festival devoted mainly to music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.
Puskhar Fair, Ajmer (October/November): An enchanting desert city which comes alive with music and dance. It is fast gaining popularity to see some unusual folk performances, camel race, camel dance etc. here.
2006-08-11 11:12:16
·
answer #4
·
answered by Jigyasu Prani 6
·
0⤊
0⤋