Teej- The Festival of Joy

Comes August and the entire North India is immersed the mood of festivities. Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Id, Navratri, Diwali all these festivals add an extra charm to this country. All this pomp and show begins with the Teej festival.

A special moment for the married ladies, Teej is celebrated with so much flair. Basically on this day married women keep fast for their husband's long life and well being. Infact the preparations for this day begins quite well in advance.

On the day of Teej, ladies wake up early in the morning, and after getting fresh they dress up like a newly married bride and also apply mehndi on their hands. Afterward all the ladies of the house gather and leave for the temple, where they offer special prayers to Goddess Parvati for the long life of their husbands. Throughout the day they all indulge themselves in the festive preparations like making sweets like ghevar, barfi and lots of other items. They even dance in groups and have a merry time during the day.

The true colors of this festival can be seen in Rajasthan, where this festival is waited all year long. Infact a beautiful procession is also taken out on the city streets.

So dress up well and enjoy this festival of colors and joy today.

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Kerala Utsavam Guruvayoor

Utsavam is a time of celebrations and feasting that give, the travelers an excellent opportunity, to know about the cultural heritage of that state. Guruvayoor Utsavam in Kerala is one such occasion that attract thousands of devotees from every corner of the world.

Guruvayoor is one of the oldest and most visited Hindu temples of Kerala that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to legends when Krishna was going to heaven, he gave an idol of him to Udhava (who gave it to Guru). Guru (teacher of Devas) later established it in Thrissur and constructed this temple. Thus it was called the Guruvayoor temple. Since then every year in the month of February, an annual Utsavam is organized by the temple authorities, to mark the origin of the Krishna idol in the shrine.

This year the Utsavam has started from 16th Feb that will last till 25rd Feb. This ten day fest basically emphasizes on the restoration of divine Chaithanya (means purifying and energizing the powers of Krishna). For whole ten days the entire city is decorated like a bride. Every day huge processions of beautifully decorated elephants are taken out on the city streets. This year the event started with a very interesting elephant race, that also has a religious significance. Because the winning elephant gets the advantage of carrying the deity's idol (the Thidambu) on special occasions for one year. The whole temple is decorated with several lamps and lights offering a real treat for the visitor's eyes.

Along with it many traditional and cultural dance performances are also performed by the trained artists. Most prominent among them is the 'Krishnanattom' performed by the devotees, in which the tales of Lord Krishna's life are enacted. Finally the Utsavam will come to an end with the great feasting.

So what are waiting for pack your bags and come to Kerala to experience this amazing Guruvayoor Utsavam.

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Baneshwar Fair Rajasthan - 14th-18th Feb 2011

Have you ever seen an amazing tribal festival? If no, then you must visit Rajasthan  during the celebrations of the Baneshwar festival. A popular festival of the Bhil community of Rajasthan, Baneshwar Fair is grabbing the eye balls of the travelers these days.

In the months of January-February, the banks of Mahi and Som rivers in the Dungapur district, comes alive with several vibrant colors. This year this fair started from 14th February and will last till 18th February. Baneshwar Fair is a four day affair, where Bhil people of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh come together for this fest. It is a festival of great religious importance and is celebrated with much flair and enthusiasm.

According to legends Baneshwar fair is actually a blend of two fairs. One dedicated to Baneshwar Mahadev and the other dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Janakunwari a local leader constructed a temple of Lord Vishnu and on the day when the idol was established these two fairs merged together.

The first day of the fair begins with the main priest ( or Mathadhish) taking a dip in the holy rivers. He arrives here from Sabla in a huge procession along with a silver image of Mavji. Next day a grand aarti is performed at the shrine where people also offer wheat flour, pulses, ghee, jaggery, salt, coconut and cash. The ritual of immersing the ashes of their dead relatives is also considered very sacred.

As for entertainment many cultural shows are organized in the evening that are very attractive. You can also see Raslila that is performed in the temple complex after the sunset. Here you will get to see many magical, animal and acrobatic shows that are quite popular among the travelers. You can also buy some really interesting stuff like lac bangles, printed dress material, antique jewelery while visiting the Baneshwar Fair.

So come to Rajasthan during the Baneshwar Fair celebrations and spend some memorable holidays here.

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Vasant Panchami

Today one can witness the vibrant and bustling colors in every corner of the North India, as this day is celebrated as Vasant Panchami. Also known as Shree Panchami, every year this festival falls on the fifth day of the Magh month according to Hindu calendar. According to traditions Vasant means spring and Panchami means fifth day of the spring month that marks the ending of winter season.

Since ancient times it is believed that on Vasant Panchami, Devi Saraswati was born and to mark its significance Hindu devotees visit the Saraswati temples for offering their prayers. On this day people wear yellow color to seek the blessings of the goddess, even the idols of Saraswati are also dressed in yellow saris. People consider it holy to teach their children their first word on this day. Hindus also pay homage to their dead ancestors also called Pitri-Tarpan. Special prayers and worship of Saraswati are organized in every school and college of North India. Along with Saraswati, god of love Kamdev is also offered prayers on Vasant Panchami.

Ladies on this day prepare traditional sweets made of kesar, that gives yellow color to them. Haldi rice is one of the most important dish that is prepared on Vasant Panchami. After Saraswati puja they are distributed as prasad among the friends and relatives. Children and male members of the family fly kites on this day. One can see the actual colors of kite flying in Ferozepur (Punjab). Colorful kites cover the entire sky that give a spectacular view to the visitors. Travelers from different corners of the world come to this state to witness the Vasant Panchami celebrations in India.

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International Kite Festival

Have you ever seen the entire sky covered with huge colorful kites? If not then visit the amazing state of Gujarat during the celebrations of the International Kite Festival. On this day kites of every color and every size can be seen on the skies of this state. It does not matter if you are a child or a grown up, this festival will simply mesmerize you.

Kite festival is organized on the day of Makar Sankranti (or Uttarayan) by the Gujarat Tourism Department to boast the tourism in this state. Enthusiasts of kite flying from different parts of the world visit this state on this day. The atmosphere of festivity and hustle and bustle will definitely inspire you to come to this state every year on this day. On every terrace you will see people enjoying kite flying and shouting “aibo-bo-kata”.

People begin kite flying since early morning and this continues till late in the evening. On this day friends, neighbors every one compete to cut the kite of others. The excitement of this whole affair will leave you asking for more. One can choose their kites from different shapes and sizes. In the recent times people keep the music systems on their roof combining music with kite flying. This further encourages them to participate with much more enthusiasm. While the male members of the family are busy flying kites, the female members of the family prepare traditional delicacies that increases the festive mood.

Even the night can not stop the people from enjoying  the kite flying. The sky in the night illuminates with the box kites. In this many small lamps are tied to the string of the kite which gives an impression of the flying lamp  (also called tukals).

The most important aspect of the kite festival is that it is a perfect way for family gathering where all the members of the family come together. Kite Festival also helps the foreign tourists to know about the customs and traditions of this majestic land.

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Camel Festival Of Bikaner

In the earlier times, when there were no modern means of transport available in Rajasthan, camels were used for commuting. They were an important part of the day to day life of the local population and were hence called the 'ship of the desert'. Even today, camels play a significant role in people's life and fascinate travellers coming from far and wide.

For this reason the Tourism department of Rajasthan thought of organizing a festival, telling the travelers about the importance of the camels and boost tourism simultaneously.  Bikaner Camel festival, organized in the month of January, is a two day fest that attracts travelers from all around the world. With the majestic Junagarh Fort as its backdrop, this festival is a real treat for every visitor's eye.

The Camel Festival begins with a huge procession, where the camels and their owners come marching in a grand manner towards the open sand grounds. All the camels are decorated with traditional Rajasthani dress fabric and jewelery for the camel dance which is very new for every tourist. Apart from this there are some really interesting and entertaining competitions. But the main attraction of this entire fest is the Camel beauty pageant giving are very own top model a run for their money.

Along with it the folk performances of the local artists in the evening will make you dance on their tunes. On the last day you will be mesmerized with the beautiful firecrackers, enlightening the whole sky and leaving an everlasting impression on your mind.

While in Bikaner during the Camel festival do not forget to taste the various delicacies made from camel milk and also buy sweet dishes for your home. In the end complete your tour with some exciting shopping of the handicraft items in the local markets.

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