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Desert
Festival, January/February The setting for this festival
is the wind-caressed sand dunes. Under the magic of the full
moon the entire canvas of desert sand undergoes a
spectacular change, appearing almost mysteriously silver and
strangely haunting. Folk singers normally begin the program
and the desert comes alive with the magical strains of
Rajasthani music. Artistes of international repute are
selected for the performance so that audiences can
experience the very best. Dances typical to the state are
also performed and for three days, the otherwise barren land
of Jaisalmer comes to life and is clustered with hordes of
colourfully dressed people. Be there…it’s GREAT fun.
Basant Panchami January/February is marked by
ceremonial welcome to spring time when people, colourfully
attired, especially in bright shades of yellow, dance, sing
and make merry. It’s a fun celebration and shouldn’t be
missed if visiting at this time of year.
Holi Dussehra March/April The festival of colours is
celebrated here as it is throughout the country and is
worthwhile joining in on the action. Holi is a spring
festival celebrated over two days. On the evening of the
first day bonfires are lit, to symbolise the destruction of
evil but also seen as the end of winter in the north, as the
next day cold coloured water is thrown on people. In many
parts of India Koma, the god of pleasure, is the presiding
deity of Holi. Lord Krishna too, is worshipped by many who
celebrate Holi to commemorate the destruction of the female
demon Putana by the Lord. Legends apart, Holi today is the
time to drop all civility and inhibitions, smear coloured
powder and water on one and all, sing dance, feast and be
merry.
Ram Navmi March/April celebrates the birth of Rama,
the celebrated hero of the epic Ramayana. Temples are
decorated and prayers are offered. Chariot processions of
Ram, Seeta and Lakshman are undertaken and well worth a
photo.
Gangaur Festival March/April The festival of maidens
and married women dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of
Goddess Parvati is celebrated during this time. The festival
is celebrated with much gaiety and women dress in their best
costumes and images of Gauri, beautifully decorated and
bejewelled, are displayed; the town band plays and women
sing and dance. Join in on the action if visiting at this
time of year, you’ll enjoy it.
Teej August This Rajasthani festival is celebrated by
women, in memory of Goddess Parvati's departure to her
husband’s home.
Diwali October/November is one of the most widely
celebrated festivals of India. The origin of the festival
has many versions but the most popular one traces it to the
Ramayana and Lord Rama's coronation after his 14 year exile
in the forest. It is said that the people illuminated their
houses and streets with earthen oil lamps to welcome the
Lord. To the business community, especially in western
India, Diwali marks the New Year involving the worship of
Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. At night, along with the
various candle lit illuminations, firecrackers are set
alight in almost every house, sweets are distributed, new
clothes are worn and games of chance are played. Diwali is
easily the brightest and noisiest festival of India and
worth experiencing while here. |
