1. Diwali:
Diwali is a five day festival that represents the start of the Hindu New Year. It honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom of Ayodhya, following Rama and monkey god Hanuman’s defeat the demon King Ravana and rescue of Sita from his evil clutches (celebrated on Dussehra).When is Diwali Celebrated:
In October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. In 2013, Diwali starts with Dhanteras on November 1. Each day of the festival has a different meaning. The main festivities take place on the third day (this year, on November 3),
while the the fourth day is celebrated as new year’s day. Merchants
open fresh accounts for the new year, and offer prayers. On the fifth
and last day, brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor
the bond between them.
Find out when is Diwali in future years.
Find out when is Diwali in future years.
Where is Diwali Celebrated:
Throughout the whole of India. However, the festival isn’t widely
celebrated in the state of Kerala. The question is often asked as to why
this is. The answer seems to simply be that the festival has never
really evolved there, as it’s not part of the state’s social fabric and
distinctive culture. An alternative explanation that’s offered is that
Diwali is a festival of wealth for merchants, and the Hindus of Kerala
have never freely engaged in trade as the state is a Communist ruled
one. However, Diwali dates back to long before this. The main festival
that’s celebrated in Kerala, and which is specific to the state, is Onam.
How is Diwali Celebrated:
On the third day, lots of small clay lamps (called diyas) and candles
are lit and placed in houses, and fireworks are let off everywhere,
giving Diwali its name of “Festival of Lights”. People also clean and
decorate their homes with Rangoli (Hindu folk art), buy new
clothes, gamble, and give each other gifts and sweets during the
festival.If you’re wondering about the best places to experience Diwali
in India and what to do for the occasion, these 6 India Diwali Destinations and Ideas will give you some inspiration.
What Rituals are Performed During Diwali:
The rituals vary according to region. However, special blessings are given to Laxshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha,
the remover of obstacles. The Goddess Laxshmi is believed to have been
created from the churning of the ocean on the main Diwali day, and that
she’ll visit every home during the Diwali period, bringing with her
prosperity and good fortune. It’s said that she visits the cleanest
houses first, therefore people make sure their houses are spotless
before lighting lamps to invite her in. Small statues of the Goddess are
also worshiped in people’s homes.
What to Expect During Diwali:
The candlelight makes Diwali a very warm and atmospheric festival,
and it’s observed with much joy and happiness. However, be prepared for
lots of loud noise from the fireworks and firecrackers going off. The
air also becomes filled with smoke from the firecrackers, which can add
to breathing difficulties.
Diwali Safety Information:
It’s a good idea to protect your hearing with ear plugs during
Diwali, especially if your ears are sensitive. Some crackers are
extremely loud, and sound more like explosions. The noise is very
damaging to hearing.
2. Ganesh Chaturthi Festival :
This spectacular festival honors the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha, popularly worshiped for his ability to remove obstacles and bring good fortune.
When is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated:
Late August or early September, depending on the cycle of the moon.
It falls on the fourth day after new moon in the Hindu month of
Bhadrapada. In 2013, Ganesh Chaturthi is on September 9. It is
celebrated for 11 days (ending on September 19), with the biggest
spectacle taking place on the last day called Ananta Chaturdasi day.
Find out when is Ganesh Chaturthi in future years.
Find out when is Ganesh Chaturthi in future years.
Where is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated:
Mostly in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and
Andhra Pradesh. One of the best places to experience the festival is in
the city of Mumbai. Celebrations take place in a special way at the
towering Siddhivinayak temple, located in the central suburb of
Prabhadevi, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. An incalculable number
of devotees visit the temple to join in prayers and pay their respects
to the God during the festival. In addition, around 10,000 statues of
Lord Ganesh are displayed at various locations in the city. Guide to Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.
How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated:
The festival begins with the installation of huge elaborately
crafted statutes of Ganesha in homes and podiums, which have been
especially constructed and beautifully decorated. Artisans put months of
effort into making the statues. It’s forbidden to look at the moon on
this first night as legend had it the moon laughed at Lord Ganesha when
he fell from his vehicle, the rat. On Ananta Chaturdasi (the last day),
the statues are paraded through the streets, accompanied by much singing
and dancing, and then immersed in the ocean or other bodies of water.
In Mumbai alone, more than 150,000 statues are immersed each year!
What Rituals are Performed During Ganesh Chaturthi:
Once a statue of Lord Ganesh is installed, a ceremony is undertaken
to invoke his holy presence into the statue. This ritual is called the
Pranapratishhtha Puja, during which a number of mantras are recited.
Following this a special worship is performed. Offerings of sweets,
flowers, rice, coconut, jaggery and coins are made to the God. The
statue is also anointed with red chandan powder. Prayers are offered to
Lord Ganesha every day during the festival. Temples devoted to Lord
Ganesha also organize special events and prayers. Those who have a
Ganesha statue in their house treat and care for him as a much loved
guest.
Why are the Ganesh Statues Immersed in Water at the End of the Festival:
Hindus worship idols, or statues, of their gods because it gives
them a visible form to pray to. They also recognize that the universe is
in a constant state of change. Form eventually gives away to
formlessness. However, the energy still remains. The immersion of the
statues in the ocean, or other bodies of water, and subsequent
destruction of them serves as a reminder of this belief.
What to Expect During Ganesh Chaturthi:
The festival is celebrated in a very public manner. Local
communities compete with each other to put up the biggest and best
Ganesha statue and display. Expect very crowded streets, filled with
boisterous devotees, and lots of music.
3. Holi Festival :
The Holi festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, brought
about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika. This
was enabled through unwavering devotion to the Hindu god of
preservation, Lord Vishnu.Holi
got its name as the “Festival of Colors” from Lord Krishna, a
reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village
girls by drenching them in water and colors.
The festival marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season.
The festival marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season.
When is Holi Celebrated:
The day after the full moon in March each year. In 2013, Holi will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27. It will happen a day earlier in parts of eastern India, such as West Bengal.
Find out when is Holi in future years.
Find out when is Holi in future years.
Where is Holi Celebrated:
You’ll find Holi festivities taking place in most areas of India.
However, they’re more exuberant in some places than others. Check out
these 6 places to celebrate the Holi festival in India (and one region that should be avoided).
How is Holi Celebrated:
People spend the day smearing colored powder all over eachother’s
faces, throwing colored water at each other, having parties, and dancing
under water sprinklers. Bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants) is also traditionally consumed during the celebrations.
What Rituals are Performed During Holi:
The emphasis of Holi rituals is on the burning of the demoness
Holika. On the eve of Holi, large bonfires are lit to mark occasion and
to burn evil spirits. This is known as Holika Dahan.
What to Expect During Holi:
Holi is a very carefree festival that’s great fun to participate in
if you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. You’ll end up saturated in
water, with color all over your skin and clothes. Some of it doesn’t
wash out easily, so be sure to wear old clothes. It’s also a good idea
to rub hair oil or coconut oil into your skin beforehand, to prevent the
color from absorbing.
Holi Safety Information:
Single women should avoid going out alone in public places during Holi, as inebriated young Indian males often pose a safety threat. These males, who have consumed excessive amounts of bhang and other intoxicants, will inappropriately touch women and make a nuisance of themselves. Incidents of rape also do occur, which makes it important to take proper care during Holi.4. Navaratri, Dussehra, and Durga Puja:
he first nine days of this festival are known as Navaratri, and are filled with dance in honor of the Mother Goddess. The tenth day, called Dussehra, is devoted to celebrating the defeat of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama. It also coincides with the victory of the revered warrior Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.In eastern India, the festival is observed as Durga Puja. Huge statues of the Goddess are made and immersed in the holy Ganges River. The festival is an extremely social and theatrical event, with drama, dance, and cultural performances held throughout the country.
5. Krishna Janmashtami Festival:
The festival of Janmashtami commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna,
the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is also referred to
as Gokulashtami, or Govinda in Maharastra. Lord Krisha is revered for
his wisdom about how to live life on Earth.
When is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated:
August/September, depending on the cycle of the moon. The festival runs for two days. In 2013, it will take place on August 27-28.
Where is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated:
Throughout India. One of the best places to experience the festival
is in the city of Mumbai. Celebrations take place at hundreds of
locations throughout the city. The huge ISKCON temple complex, in the
beach side suburb of Juhu, also runs a three day cultural program. In
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna in northern India, temples are
brightly decorated for the occasion, many with displays depicting
important scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.
Where to Stay in Mathura and Vrindavan
Where to Stay in Mathura and Vrindavan
How Krishna Janmashtami is Celebrated:
The highlight of the festival, which takes place on the second day, is the Dahi Handi. This is where clay pots containing butter, curd, and money are strung up high from buildings and young Govindas form a human pyramid
and compete with each other to reach the pots and break them open. This
celebration represents Lord Krishna’s love for butter and curd, which
were the foods he most often enjoyed eating. Lord Krishna was quite
mischievous and would take curd from people’s houses, so the housewives
hung it up high out of his way. Not to be deterred, he gathered his
friends together and climbed up to reach it.
What Rituals are Performed During Krishna Janmashtami:
Fasting is observed on the first day of the festival until
midnight, when Lord Krishna was believed to have been born. People spend
the day at temples, offering prayers, singing, and reciting his deeds.
At midnight, a traditional prayer is offered. Special baby cradles are
installed in temples and a small statue placed in them. The most
elaborate rituals are performed at Mathura, where Lord Krishna was born
and spent his childhood.
What Can Be Expected at Krishna Janmashtami:
Lots of chanting, with huge crowds at temples devoted to Lord
Krishna. Children get dressed up as Lord Krishna and his companion
Radha, and people play games and people perform dances depicting the
various events in Lord Krishna’s life. The Dahi Handi
festivities, while fun to watch, can get quite intense for Govinda
participants, sometimes resulting in broken bones and other injuries.
6. Kerala Temple Festivals :
Kerala Temple festivals are elaborate and exotic. The main
attraction at these festivals is the elephants.The festivals form part
of each temple’s annual rituals. They’re often a tribute to the temple’s
presiding god, who emerges from inside the temple once a year. Each
festival has a different set of legends and myths behind it, depending
on the temple god.
When are the Kerala Temple Festivals Celebrated:
From February to April, with each festival running for around 10 days.
Where are the Kerala Temple Festivals Celebrated:
At temples throughout the state of Kerala, in south India. The
biggest and most colorful festival takes place at Vadakkumnathan temple
in Thrissur and is called Thrissur Pooram. It happens during the
Malayalam month of Medam (April/May). Another important temple
festival not far from Thrissur is the Arattupuzha Pooram, which has
around 60 elephants in attendance.
How are the Kerala Temple Festivals Celebrated:
While everyday temple rituals are modest, temple festivals take
place on a grand scale and are a highlight on the social calenders of
Kerala’s population. The festivals feature large processions of
bejeweled elephants, drummers and other musicians, colorful floats
carrying gods and goddesses, and fireworks.
What Rituals are Performed During the Kerala Temple Festivals:
Detailed temple rituals are conducted by a tantri (the main temple priest) according to the temple god. Rituals involving the god statue in a Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) and Arattu
(Holy Bath) are the focus of the festivals of some Kerala’s major
temples. During the Thrissur and Arattupuzha Poorams, gods from
surroundings temples make their annual visit on elephant back to pay
their respects to the presiding temple god.
What to Expect at the Kerala Temple Festivals:
Plenty of crowds, elephants, noise, and processions. Music is an
important part of the temple celebrations and the frenetic
percussionists, of which there are plenty, manage to whip up quite a
sound. Cultural programs, including classical music and dance
performances, are also on offer.
Find Temple Festivals Dates in Kerala
7. Onam Festival in Kerala :
Onam is a traditional ten day harvest festival that marks the
homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. It’s a festival rich in
culture and heritage.
When is Onam Celebrated:
Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). In 2013, the most important day of Onam (known as Thiru Onam) is on Monday September 16. Rituals commence 10 days before Thiru Onam, on Atham.
There are actually four days of Onam. First Onam will be on September 15, the day before Thiru Onam, while fourth Onam will be on September 18. Onam festivities continue throughout these days.
Find out when is Onam in future years.
There are actually four days of Onam. First Onam will be on September 15, the day before Thiru Onam, while fourth Onam will be on September 18. Onam festivities continue throughout these days.
Find out when is Onam in future years.
Where is Onam Celebrated:
Onam is celebrated in the state of Kerala, in southern India. It’s
the biggest festival of the year there. The most spectacular
celebrations take place in Kochin, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Kottayam.
The state government celebrates Tourism Week in Kerala during Onam. Much of Kerala’s culture is showcased during the festivities.
The state government celebrates Tourism Week in Kerala during Onam. Much of Kerala’s culture is showcased during the festivities.
How is Onam Celebrated:
People strikingly decorate the ground in front of their houses with flowers arranged in beautiful patterns (pookalam)
to welcome the King. The festival is also celebrated with new clothes,
feasts served on banana leaves, dancing, sports, games, and snake boat races.
Join in the celebrations at these 5 Kerala Onam festival attractions.
Join in the celebrations at these 5 Kerala Onam festival attractions.
What Rituals are Performed During Onam:
On Atham (10 days before Onam), people start the day with an early
bath, perform prayers, and start creating their floral decorations on
the ground in front of their houses. The floral decorations (pookalams)
continue during the 10 day lead up to Onam, and pookalam competitions
are organized by various organizations.
A lot of cooking takes place during Onam, with the highlight being a grand feast called Ona Sadya. It’s served on the main Onam day. The cuisine is elaborate and varied. Try it for yourself at one of the quality hotels in Trivandrum, which have specials for the occasion.
A lot of cooking takes place during Onam, with the highlight being a grand feast called Ona Sadya. It’s served on the main Onam day. The cuisine is elaborate and varied. Try it for yourself at one of the quality hotels in Trivandrum, which have specials for the occasion.
8. Pushkar Camel Fair :
An astonishing 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of
Pushkar, in India’s state of Rajasthan, for the annual Pushkar Fair.
It’s a fascinating and peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to
witness an old traditional style Indian festival.
The original intention behind the Pushkar Camel Fair was to attract local camel and cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival, held in Pushkar around the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika. The fair has now also become a major tourist attraction.
The original intention behind the Pushkar Camel Fair was to attract local camel and cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival, held in Pushkar around the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika. The fair has now also become a major tourist attraction.
When is the Fair Celebrated?:
Usually in November, depending on the cycle of the moon. The camel
action takes place early in the festival, after which time the focus
shifts to heightened religious celebrations. In 2013, the dates for
the Pushkar Fair are November 9-17. Camel trading and other activities
will start from November 9 and will wind up by November 12. Be sure to come early to see the fair in full swing!
Find out future Pushkar Fair dates.
Find out future Pushkar Fair dates.
Where is the Fair Celebrated?:
In the small town of Pushkar, near Ajmer, located on the edge of the Thar Desert in the state of Rajasthan.
How is the Fair Celebrated?:
For five days, the camels are dressed up, paraded, shaved, entered
into beauty contests, raced, and traded. A huge carnival is held, with
an array of musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and
carousel rides to entertain the crowd.
What Rituals are Performed During the Fair?:
Pilgrims come to this festival to bathe in the holy waters of
Pushkar’s lake and be absolved of their sins. The two days around the
full moon are considered to be the most auspicious time of the year for
bathing in the lake. Those who bathe on the day of the full moon are
said to receive special blessings.
What Can Be Expected at the Fair?:
The sand dunes appear infested with camels as far as the eyes can
see and the population of Pushkar swells to over 200,000 people, with an
inflow of pilgrims, camel traders, and tourists. It’s a fascinating and
peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to witness an old traditional
style Indian festival. The highlight is definitely the camel races,
although the comical beauty contests featuring elaborately adorned and
shaved camels are also amusing.
Seeing the Pushkar Camel Festival from a Hot Air Balloon:
It’s possible to witness the spectacle of the camel fair from above, in a hot air balloon. SkyWaltz offer exhilarating balloon flights over Pushkar for $400 per person.
Pushkar Camel Fair Accommodations:
The influx of visitors during the camel fair causes the demand for
accommodations to skyrocket, and prices increase accordingly. There are
two main options for organizing a place to stay — either arrive a couple
of days before the fair starts and find somewhere (which is the cheaper
option), or book in advance. Accommodations include simple guest
houses, desert tents, heritage hotels, and farm stays. Here are some of
the best options for staying in Pushkar.
Getting to Pushkar:
The train line linking Ajmer and Puskhar
opened in early 2012. Otherwise, if you go by road, it’s a windy 30
minute drive through the aptly named Snake Mountain (Nag Parbat) to
Pushkar. The local buses are dilapidated and crowded but the fare is a
mere 20 cents, and the journey very authentic. Auto rickshaws are also
available but getting the drivers to use the meter is a challenge! The
fare should be around 100 rupees ($2.50), but can easily be more during
the camel festival. Alternatively, the nearest airport is in Jaipur,
around two and a half hours away. Taxi fares to Pushkar can double
during the festival, so expect to pay between $30-$60.
