Monday, 25 March 2013

Jump into Limitless Celebration of Tamilnadu Festivals

Renowned as the “Land of Temples”, Tamilnadu celebrates many festivals every year. These can be categorized as religious and regional festivals. The occasions are a mix of agrarian and mythological significance. Most of the colourful festivals fall in September-October as well as post harvest months of March-June.
Some of the most famous festivals in Tamilnadu include:

Pongal Festival

It is the most notable festival among the people of Tamil Nadu. It is often known as “Tamilar Thirunal” or the “Prosperity Day of the Tamils”. It falls in the middle of January. Pongal festival Tamilnadu enjoys the arrival of fresh harvest. People come in new clothes and greet each other with smiling faces. This is a three-day festival that fills the heart of people with lots of enthusiasm and ecstasy. Children happily beat hand drums and stroll on the roads, shouting 'Bhogi Bhogi'. On this day, old and unwanted things are heaped amidst the road and a bonfire is made.

Natyanjali Dance Festival

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Cosmic Dancer, the Natyanjali festival is celebrated every year during February-March. Tamilnadu Festivals Tours take you on this interesting event, called Natyanjali Dance Festival. The festival brings an opportunity for all dancers who perform and pay their tribute to Lord Nataraja. It opens up on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri in February. The festivity takes place at the 'Prakara' of the temple. Filled with unwavering devotion, the dancers impress audience with their evocative abhinaya.

Cape Festival

The Cape festival forms an important part of the state. Offering wonderful experience to tourists, the festival enjoys an enthusiastic participation of locals. The event continues for 3 days and requires people to follow several custom. People believe that taking a dip in the holy waters is auspicious on the day. The festival also presents numerous cultural programs, displaying the rich culture of the area.

Karthigai Deepam Festival

This is a festival of lights, celebrated in the Tamil month of Kaarthigai. The festival is considered as the extension of the Deepavali festival. Counted among the most colourful celebrations of the state, it is also named as the “Festival of Lights”. An old occasion in Southern India, it falls on a full moon day. People lit small lamps, representing the Agni Linga.

Car Festival

Celebrated with great splendour and enthusiasm, Car Festival in Tamilnadu is a popular event. Held at the Kaliyaperumal temple, the festival serves as a prominent attraction of the state. This is a 10 day celebration that beckons people from far and wide.

Celebrated with all the gusto and enthusiasm, Festivals in Tamilnadu give many reasons to enjoy. Pongal Festival is the most popular festival, which is also known as the harvest festival.

Friday, 8 March 2013

Rejoice With The Vibrant Festivals In Rajasthan

Festivals are an inseparable part of any place. Reflecting its rich cultural heritage, the festivals of Rajasthan are a prime lure to tourists. The state celebrates many fairs and festivals that showcase the myriad of culture to the visitors. Festivals of Rajasthan bring enthusiasm to the lives of the people.

With Rajasthan festival tour, you can enjoy the following festivals:

Desert Festival

This vibrant festival at Jaisalmer acts like a sonnet to the rich heritage of Rajasthan. Organized over three days in the months of January or February, the festival holds tourists' attention. Counted among the popular Rajasthan festivals, it includes folk dances, camel races and musical performances. There are a number of fun-filled competitions as well. These include turban tying competition and moustache competition. It is a good occasion to see the richness of cultural activities of the royal land.

Mewar Festival

Held in Udaipur, the Mewar festival takes place in March or April. The traditionally attired women wind their way towards Lake Pichola. The procession of women carrying an image of the Goddess Gauri fascinates every onlooker. The procession is followed by dances, songs and other such festivities. Mewar festival Udaipur concludes with an imposing fireworks display.

Camel Fair

If you wish to witness the thriving art and culture of the place, then head to Camel fair in Puskhar. This five-day camel fair in the small town showcases the rich heritage of the place. The fair is held in October or November. Many people visit Pushkar to take a dip in the holy water of the Pushkar Lake. The activities at the fair include selling and buying cattle, various colourful competitions and lots more.

Gangaur Festival

This holy festival is among the few events, which are celebrated throughout the state. Dedicated to Mata Gauri (Parvati), the spouse of Lord Shiva, this event occurs in Chaitra (Hindu month) July or August. Especially women celebrate the event with great enthusiasm. Another feature of the event includes the exclusive dance performances.

Elephant Festival

Celebrated during March, the Elephant Festival in Jaipur offers you to enjoy the spectacular sight of decorated elephants. This festival is one of its kind that draws huge number of spectators. Elephant processions, polo, races and playing Holi by sitting on the camels' back make this event more interesting for onlookers.

Urs Festival

Held at Ajmer, the festival commemorates Khwaja's symbolic union with God. This sacred festival is celebrated every year on the tomb of the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the site where the mortal of the Saint Remains lie buried. It is the spot of the largest Muslim Fair in India. 

Festivals in Rajasthan showcase the cultural festivity of the place. Gangaur Festival Jaipur is a religious event, which is especially celebrated by women. 

Articles Source:

http://blogs.rediff.com/rajasthantourindia/2013/02/04/rejoice-with-the-vibrant-festivals-in-rajasthan/