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

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 name Baneshwar is derived from the revered Shiva Linga which is kept in the Mahadev Temple in Dungarpur.”Baneshwar” means; the master of the delta in the local vagdi language and this name was given to the Shiva Linga. The Baneshwar fair is held at small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadasi to Magh Shukla Pornima.
A religious festival with simple and traditional rituals, this fair is the centre of attraction of a large number of tribal’s from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join their brethren from Rajasthan in offering prayers to Lord Shiva. On Magh Shukla Ekadasi, the priest called the Mathadish arrives at the fair site from Sabla, in huge procession. A 16 cms Silver Image of Msbji on horseback is also brought here.
The Baneshwar fair in its present form is actually a merger of two fairs: one which used to be held in honors of Baneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair which started after the construction of the Vishnu temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The Baneshwar fair is predominantly a tribal fair with more than half of the congregation consisting of Bhils. They revere Baneshwar Mahadev as well as Mavji. The majority of the gathering is from the districts of Dungarpur, Udaipur and Banswara.
Two disciples of Mavji named Aje and Vaje built the Lakshmi Narayana temple near the confluence of rivers Som and Mahi. The pran-pratishtha ceremony of the idols was performed on Magh Shukla Ekadashi and since then, the fair is held on this day.
The priest called the Mathadish arrives at the fair site from Sabha, in huge procession. A 16 cms silver image of Mavji on horseback is also brought here. The river water supposedly becomes holier when the Mathadish takes a bath. Prayers are offered five times a day in the temples of Lakshmi-Narayana and Brahma. Brass gongs are struck at the time of aarti. During the fair, aarti of Mathadish is also performed and Raslila takes place at night in the Lakshmi Narayana temple.
The fair site is at a distance of 6.5 kms from Sabla, a village on the Udaipur-Banswar-Dungarpur route which is at distance of 123 kms from Udaipur, 53 kms from Banswara, 45 kms from Dungarpur and 22 kms from Aspur, the Tehsil headquarters. On normal days, one has to reach Sabla from Baneshwar on foot or on private carts. However, buses go left up to the bank of the river Som during the fair.

A festival where the hardy ships of the desert are seen at their best a colorful spectacle the beautifully decorated camels fascinate the onlookers with their languid charm and grace. A celebration of joyous music, the precession of the Camel Corps is the highlight of the festival. The Camel Festival begins with a colorful procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort, the festivity advances to the open sand-spreads of the grounds, followed by the best breed competition, the tug-of-war contest, camel dance & acrobatics, etc. The camels display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their trainers. Bridal, bridles, bejeweled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands cast a magical spell. The evenings close with a different tenor and tempo altogether: a traditional rendezvous of renowned artistes of Rajasthan & the local folk performers. The jubilant skirt-swirling dancers, the awe inspiring fire dance & the dazzling fireworks light up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.

The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, (the festival of colors) in the month of March. Held in honour 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 (dance depicting the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna).
All of Bharatpur echoes the sound of folk melodies on this festival held on the eve of Holi. The spirit of this festival touches men and women, young and old, rich and poor-all. Boisterous revelers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing colour on everyone around.
Bharatpur is situated on the Delhi - Mumbai main railway line and also on National Highway no. 11. The nearest airport is in Agra 56 kms.

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.

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.

A lively festival in Mizoram celebrates the arrival of spring. It is an occasion for Dane, music and feasting.

Chapchar Kut - a festival held during the period when the bamboos and trees that have been cut down are being awaited to dry to be burnt for jhumming. During this brief layoff period of jhumming, the Mizo ancestors could have all the time for themselves. They spend their leisure hunting games, fishing, et al. The Chapchar Kut festival evolved sometime between 1450 -1600 A.D. when the Mizo forefathers inhabit Lentlang. In the olden days, the festival could last for days and in the run up to the grand finale, there are well laid down steps to be followed. Everyone in the village has a role to play; of course, the youths were most involved in every stage of the preparation and in the festival itself. Designed to be a festival of joy, all disputes and differences that may be there in the community should be settled, even cation between married couples was a taboo during the celebration of the festival. Abundant supply of meat must be there and home brewed liquor must be over-flowing to keep their spirit high. They danced away all all their cares and made merry all night long. That sums up how the Mizos celebrate Chapchar Kut in the olden days when they were heathens.

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.

One of the most popular festival in Rajasthan, it is a journey into the heart of the desert, the golden city of Jaisalmer, a veritable feast for the senses.
It coincides with the full moon in February when the cherished moments of its glorious past and rich culture are on display. The entire fort is floodlit at night. The Langa and Manganiyar Musicians, Gair Dancers and the Fire Dancers are the special highlights of the festival. Further excitement is in the air with decorated Camel Display, Turban-Tying Competition and Mr. Desert Contest. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam Sand Dunes where one can have the pleasure of a Camel Ride and also view the musicians and dancers performing on the dunes. To cater to the growing demand of tourists wanting to stay in tents.

Activities
The perfect time to visit the Golden City is during the Desert Festival, held in Jan/Feb. every year, when the city reverberates to the sound of melodious tunes and rhythms. Folk Dances, exciting competitions and contests, especially the turban-tying contest. Mr. Desert contest and camel races enliven the festivities. Colorful Craft Bazaars are set up for the occasion and a sound and light spectacle is organized wit folk artists performing against the splendid backdrop of the famous Sam sand dunes on the full moon night. Surely a not-to-be missed event.
The high points of the festival are - Puppeteers, Acrobats, Camel Tattoo Show, Camel Races, Camel Polo, Traditional Procession, Camel Mounted Band, Folk Dances etc. Proud mustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics. Tug of War and Panihari Matka Race are the events where visitors to the fair can participate and enjoy the thrill and taste of traditions.
The turban tying competitions are big draws and laughter. The Mr. Desert competitions, which are focused around the length and style of moustaches and rustic physique wrapped in traditional costumes, many visitors.