Fairs and Festivals in India | Fairs in India | Festivals Tours

In the month of Shravan, thousands of pilgrims make an arduous trek up to the Amarnath cave in the Kashmir Himalayas. They come to worship the sacred ice Lingam – a symbol of Lord Shiva, which is a natural phenomenon.

The legend about the importance of Amarnath ji cave is chosen by Bhole Shankar for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe to Maa Parvati Ji. The story goes like this. Centuries ago Maa Parvati Shiv Ji to let her know why and when he started wearing the beads of heads (Mund Mala). Bhole Shankar replied whenever you are born I add one more head in my beads. Maa Parvati said, "My Lord, my body is destroyed every time and I die again and again, but you are immortal. Please let me know the secret of this. "Bhole Shankar replied that it is due to Amar Katha.

When to take up Yatra: The Amarnath Yatra is organized every year and the registration is done by the J&K Govt. during the month of Sharavan July the dates however, vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samwat). Yatra to Baba Amarnath Holy Cave for which one has to trek a height of about 14500 Ft. is full of thrill and joy.

Ayurveda Jhansi Mahotsava is a weeklong festival organised to showcase the arts and crafts of Jhansi. It is a perfect place for poetry lovers to pay their tributes to the famous poets of the region. Cultural programs organised at the festival include folk songs, dances, mushairas and ghazals.

Jhansi Mahotsava also promotes Ayurveda and use of Ayurveda for well being, hence the festival is known as Ayurveda Jhansi Mahotsava.

An important day for the Sikh community, Baisakhi is of special significance, when their tenth teacher, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa sect. It also marks the beginning of the solar New Year for the Hindus. There is a lot of feasting, dancing and jubilation especially all over north India particularly Punjab on April 13. The Hindu New Year finds expression in these exuberant festivals. Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab are spectacular, as this is a very special day for the Sikhs. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa. Robust revelry and feasting mark the celebrations and dancers perform the vigorous Bhangra to the rhythmic beat of the drums.

In Kerala, the festival is known as Vishnu. ‘Vishu Kani’ – a display of grain, fruit, flowers, gold, new cloth and money, is viewed early in the morning to ensure a prosperous year ahead. Firework displays and the buying of New clothes are a part of the festivities.

Known as Rangali Bihu in Assam, the festivals is celebrated with lively dances, music and feasting.

The Banganga Fair is held annually near a rivulet 11 kms from the historical township of Bairath in Jaipur district, on the full moon day of Vaishakh (April - May). The stream is believed to have been created by Arjun, one of the Pandavas. This area is identified with the settlement of Viratpuri of the epic days.
At the site is the Radha - Krishnaji temple which was built by Shri Nadram Bakshi of Jaipur more than 200 years ago. For Hindu, Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Vaishkh holds a lot of significance.
Visiting the Banganga to the holy sites in the vicinity at this time is therefore considered very auspicious by the pilgrims who come from Alwar, Behror, Jaipur Bharatpur and many other places. Devotees gather at the Shri Radha Krishnaji’s temple and sing bhajans (devotional songs) to glorify ghats (a flight of steps leading to the water) of the Banganga river with the belief that it has powers to purify the soul.
The people then proceed to the nearby shrines of Hanuman and Ganga Bihari and also visit the Mahadeo Temple and the Math of Goaswamiji. Bairath is 85 kms from Jaipur on a diversion from National Highway No 08 near Shahpura which connects Alwar.
Bharatpur – Brij Festivals
The Brij Festivals takes place a few days before Holi, the festival of colorful. Held in honor of Lord Krishna, this festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be seen singing and performing the Raslila Dance-the immortal love story of Radha and Krishna.
All of Bharatpur comes alive to the sound of folk melodies on this festival held on the eve of Holi, men and women, young and old, rich and poor - all are touched by the spirit of this festival. Boisterous revelers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing color on everyone around. Bharatpur is situated on the Delhi – Mumbai main railway line and also on National Highway No 11(Bikaner – Agra).

Buddha Poornima, which falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha (either in April or May), commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism. Notwithstanding the summer heat (the temperature routinely touches 45 degrees C), pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the Buddha Poornima celebrations. The day is marked with prayer meets, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, religious discourses, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions, worship of the statue of Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with colourful flags and flowers. The Chinese scholar, Fa-Hien has recorded celebration of this festival.

He attained Supreme Enlighten or Buddha hood, beneath the Bodhi-tree at Boddha Gaya. Forty-five years later at the age of eighty, he finally passed away in Parinivana on the same day of the year at Kushinagar. Vaisaka Purnima is celebrated especially in Boddha Gaya, Lumbini and in Kushinara as they are the holy places that were connected with the blessed ones birth, enlighten and the Parinirvana. Buddhists in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Nepal, Japan and quite a number of western Buddhists participate 'Vaisaka' Purnima Day religious activities in a festive mood. Sarnath the capital of Buddhism too celebrates Vaisaka Purnima day in a grand way.

This annual function at Bundi is celebrated in the month of November/December. The city virtually comes alive to festivities with several cultural performances by well-known artists.
Sir Rudyard Kipling's destination Bundi in Rajasthan is the first destination, in the Hadoti region (named after the Hada kings) comprising of Bundi, Jhalawar, Kota and Baran that is accessible from Jaipur by road. Set in a narrow encircling gorge, the palaces and fortress of Bundi have a fairy tale like quality about them. Few other places in India have such a picturesque location. Isolated and independent, the entire township appears like a miniature painting, frozen in time. The ethereal beauty and grandeur of Bundi architecture is vividly brought out in the “Palaces of India”. ”The rulers who built these palaces must have had terrific egos, a great sense of style and humour.” The little town once famous for its Baories (reservoirs) and miniature paintings attract the traveler and from the highway it seemed as if the city itself was a miniature painting frozen in time.
The Chambal river, flowing through rock gorges and forests, provides ideal locales for the perfect water adventure. The exotic landscape of the Chambal dominated Bundi district of the Hadoti region is so diverse and challenging that it captivates numerous adventure lover's to its surroundings. The ravines, different from the arid ambience have always attracted the wanderer as a fascinating destination. The zone with the lush green widespread jungles, the vast stretches of forests and wildlife, the sprawling rocks and ravines makes it a paradise for adventure lovers.
Bundi is one of the few places in India which can lay its claim to an authentic school of painting. The splendid paintings in the Chitrashala in the Bundi fort are excellent and can be compared with probably the best anywhere in the world. Kipling had commented “The Taragarh Fort must have been built by goblins not men". The Bundi Palace, built of locally quarried stone, presents one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Intricately carved brackets, pillars and balconies and sculpted elephants are used liberally. Of special interest here are the Diwan-I-Am, Hathi Pol and the Naubat Khana. Also located in the palace is the famous Chitrashala which provides a colorful glimpse of history - the walls and ceiling of this palace are completely covered with paintings of the Bundi school. Hunting and court scenes, festivals, processions, animal and bird life and scenes from Lord Krishna’s life are still in very good condition.
Bundi has other palaces and hunting lodges like the Ramgarh and Shikar Burj. Each palace has its own historical importance. Phool Sagar houses a collection of murals: done by the Italian prisoners of war who were held here; Sukh Mahal Palace evokes memories of Rudyard Kipling who not only stayed here but is believed to have found inspiration for his famous work Kim from the scenes that he saw here. Bundi is also known for its baolis or step-wells. Unique to Rajasthan and Gujarat, the step-wells served as water reservoirs during the months of summer when there was a scarcity of drinking water. At one time, there were over fifty such wells in Bundi but most of them have suffered the ravages of time. One very good example still to be found in the heart of the town is called Raniji-ki-Baori. It has exquisitely carved pillars and ornate archways - even the simple function of drawing water from the well becomes a special occasion for the womenfolk, when they dress up in their finery to visit these elaborate structures.
"Bundi Utsav", a pageant of resplendent heritage of the much esteemed Hadoti has made the place even more famous. An extraordinary effort to present the culture ,folklore ,traditions and craft of the region along with the artistes from the adjoining areas for the guests to see and believe in the treasure that lies ahead to explore and savour. The programme includes: a colorful Shobha Yatra , Arts & Crafts Fair, Ethnic Sports, Cultural exhibition ,DEEP DAAN ,Folk/Classical Music & Dance Programmes, Sight Seeing, Traditional Rural Sports, Turban competition, Bridal Attire, Musical Band Competition, Folk /Classical Music & Dance programme & sparkling fireworks display etc. The small township of nearby Keshorai Patan wears the look of a little 'Pushkar' on the night of the full moon in the month of Kartika. Early in the morning, the banks of the river Chambal witness a colorful scene of men and women, clad in fantastic costumes mirrored in the crystal clear waters of the river. Women float lighted diyas (lamps prepared by them from flour dough), into the river and seek boons with prayers. The temple and the scenic beauty arrest the attention of visitors and speak of its grandeur and glory in silence.
The historic city Keshorai Patan is set ablaze with the scintillating cultural displays in the soft caress of the moonlight during the annual Bundi Utsav due soon. The soft silver deluge flooding the banks of the auspicious chambal presenting an exotic setting for the aspiring tourist. The villagers dress up to exhibit the folklore and the beautiful season once again rises up to greet yet another festive moment Keshorai patan is also known as the "Mini Pushkar” of Hadoti .

How to reach: Bundi is around 210 km by road from Jaipur and about 110 kms from Sawai Madhopur. Kota is connected on the broad gauge railway line on the Delhi-Mumbai route. Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar are all easily accessible by road from Kota. Nearest airport is Jaipur. The post monsoon period and the winter season are the best time to visit this destination.

The Chandrabhaga fair is held every year at Jhalrapatan (6 kms from Jhalawar) in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov).
The River Chandrabhaga runs here and is considered holy by the people residing in this part of Rajasthan. On the Full moon night of 'Kartik Purnima', thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair, held on the last day of Kartik, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at this spot which is known as Chandravati.
Big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock like Cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from various parts of Madhya-Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and their rituals and traditions.
Ramganj Mandi is the nearest Railway Station (25kms). Jhalawar is well connected to Kota, Bundi and Jaipur. National Highway No.12 passes through Jhalawar. Buses are available from all major cities.

Chennai music and dance festival is a celebration of classical music and dance of South India held during mid December to mid January in the capital city of Chennai. The festival is held at a number of venues around the city by various 'sabhas' or organizations. Besides the auditoriums, well-known temple premises and heritage bungalows are being used as venues. The month long dance and music extravaganza will have performances of famous artistes from various parts of India.

There is no fixed venue of the festival in Chennai. Infact, it is held at a number of auditoriums, temples and heritage bungalows. It is also known as the 'Margazhi Festival of Dance and Music' and came into existence in the year 1927. The initial aim behind the celebration of this festival was to memorialize the anniversary of Madras Music Academy every December. Gradually, various organizations adopted this festival in place of the art festivals they used to hold in the different parts of the city.

The birth anniversary of Jesus Christ is celebrated by the Christians throughout India and holy mass held in all Churches. Christmas is observed in much splendor and festivity in carol singing, dances and balls.

Christmas is celebrating in India with great fervor. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion and offer attractive bargains. Carol singing, get together and the exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas spirit. Christmas parties launch off celebrations for the New year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a week.

After the mass, people head off home on this hallowed night, and children gambol on their way back, burning sparklers and bursting loads of crackers. Everyone sleeps with a peaceful easy feeling, as the next morning brings with it, the Big Day! On Christmas Day, people get ready for the biggest feast. Relatives and friends visit and wish each other a ‘Happy Christmas’ or a ‘Merry Christmas’ and eat the ‘haute cuisine’ especially prepared for the occasion. Many towns hold special carnivals and circus shows on the 25th and the entire community gets together to have a jolly good time. Young people organise excursions, go out to watch films and shows and generally live it up. Thus, all to soon, Christmas comes to an end but each year, it leaves the people with more memories to cherish.

Durga Puja, the most important festival of Bengalis is the worship of 'Shakti' or the devine power. It is celebrated throughout the state, but with great grandeur in Kolkata. It commemorates the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The familiar sound of Dhak, Dhunuchi nachh, the mild fragrance of Shiuli, gives a familiar tug at every Bangali heart. It was organised and financed by the landlords and the business barons and was participated by all sections of people.

Durga Puja is basically a festival with a long series of rituals followed on every day of the Puja. Starting from the day of the Mahalaya, the days of Sashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami and Dashami or Bijoya Dashami every day has its own unique rituals to follow.

A gentle and beautiful woman with ten arms is Goddess Durga. Nine arms hold various weapons, one of which is a spear which pierces the heart of the defeated gaint, the tenth arm, a left one, graps the hair of the giant and even, occasionally, holds it aloft, decapitated. The goddess sits atop a lion which is her vahan (vehicle) and always helps in the attack. Images of her four children: Lakshmi- the Goddess of wealth, Sarasvati- the Goddess of knowledge, Kartik- the God of beauty and Ganesh- starter of everything are also featured.