Magnetic Fields Indie Music Festival Rajasthan December 2014

The charming Alsisar Mahal in Shekhawati, Rajasthan will be hosting a 3-day indie music festival in December this year. Indian and international bands will perform live. Online tickets along with accommodation packages in the palace suites and in tents are now available. Besides music, there will be yoga sessions in the mornings, local crafts to learn during workshops, costume balls to be a part of and delectable local cuisine to feast on.

2014 Goa Coconut and Cashew Festival dates and events

Goa Tourism is organizing the very first edition of the Coconut & Cashew Festival from May 21^st, 2014 to May 25^th, 2014. The aim of the festival is not just to have a fun time but also to showcase the multiple uses of the coconut and cashew.

2014 Uttarayan Kite Festival Gujarat schedule of events

It is that time of the year when the skies over Gujarat will be filled with lot of colour - the Uttarayan Kite Festival has arrived! Watch national and international ace experts in kite flying displaying their majestic kites. Buy kites from the local bazaars and fly your own. Attend cultural events in the evening on the riverfront of the majestic Sabarmati river. Lots of excitement, lots of fun for one and all!

2013 Taj Mahotsav Agra India tickets and accommodation

The Taj Mahal Agra, a world renowned heritage monument to love, attracts visitors daily throughout the year. Centered around this historic mausoleum is the annual Taj Mahotsav, a 10-day festival which showcases the skills of artistes and artisans from around the country. In addition, there is a fun fair with rides for kids & adults and food, all located near the the Eastern Gate.

2013 Kumbh Mela Prayag dates and accommodation at Allahabad India

Kumbh is a religious and cultural festival of India. In fact, it is the largest religious gathering in the world which begins today. The Kumbh Mela occurs once in 12 years, this year it being for 55 days (it was previously held in 2001). People from diverse cultures and religions congregate from all over the world at Allahabad (formerly known as Prayag). Just as the city forms the confluence of three rivers, namely the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati, so also the Kumbh mela is a congregation of faiths. It is also believed that the mere sight of the Ganges washes away all sins.

2012 Kutch Rann Utsav Gujarat India

The Kutch district of Gujarat is home to a wide ecological diversity with picturesque beaches, exquisite monuments and beautiful royal palaces as well as fascinating wildlife. In addition, cultural festivities for a greater part of the year create a lot of fun & excitement for locals and tourists alike. One such festivity is the month long desert festival organised by the Gujarat Tourism Board. Known as the Kutch Rann Utsav, this festive carnival includes showcasing folk art, music & dance of the locals. 

Included in the tour package is accommodation in tents (air-conditioned as well as non air-conditioned) and exciting activities such as visiting a traditional village, attending cultural programs, watching the sunset, etc. Optional tour packages are available.

Saputara Gujarat Mosoon Tourism Festival 2012

The Gujarat Tourism Board is organizing special tour packages for the 2012 Saputara Gujarat Mosoon Festival, from 4th August to 1st September 2012. 

Saputara is a lovely hill station located in the midst of the Dang forest area in the Sahyadri mountain range. Thanks to its high altitude location, the weather remains pleasant throughout the year. 

Kite Festival Uttarayan Ahmedabad Gujarat

The International Kite Festival in India in Gujarat, known as the festival of Uttarayan, is an annual event hosted by Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It begins a few days before the Festival of Makar Sankranti and culminates on the Makar Sankranti day, which is 14th January. The main venue of the kite festival in Ahmedabad is the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. [Check: Details of 2014 Festival Events Schedule]

In addition to kites from around the country, flying in the sky are unique kites from Malaysia, Indonesia, USA, Japan, China and other countries. Ever seen 500 kits on one single string? Well, you'll get to see it at the festival of Uttarayan! Whether it is a box kite or a sport kite, a kite with a digital image on it or a hand-painted one, you will see them all. 

A unique aspect of he festival of Uttarayan is that kites are flown even at night. During the hours after sunset, the sky will be brightened with white kites and kites with tiny lit lanterns along the string. It is a truly beautiful sight to behold!

Visitors can even purchase kites from the famous kite bazaar known as Patang Bazaar, Ahmedabad. This is located in the city's center in an area called Jamalpur [see Google View Larger Map]

2012 Mukteswar Dance Festival

The Mukteswar Temple at Bhubaneswar, Odisha will be hosting the 2012 Mukteswar  Dance Festival this month.

Venue: Mukteswar Temple, Khordha, Gouri Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Orissa

 

Dates: 14^th to 16^th January 2012

Timings: 6p.m. to 8.30p.m.

2012 Mukteswar Dance Festival programs

14^th January 2012

• Shiva Bandana (chorus): Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Bhubaneswar

• Odissi (Solo): Aloka Kanungo, Kolkata

• Odissi (Duet): Pravat Swain & Arupa Gayatri Panda, Bhubaneswar

• Odissi (Group): Art Vision, Ileana Citarist & Group, Bhubaneswar

15^th January 2012

• Shiva Bandana (Chorus): Gopal Chandra Panda & Group

• Odissi (Solo): Rahu Acharya, Bhubaneswar

• Odissi (Duet): Chittaranjan Acharya & Asmita Acharya, Bhubaneswar

• Odissi (Group): “Rudrakshya”, Guru Bichitrananda Swain, Bhubaneswar

16^th January 2012

• Shiva Bandana (Chorus): Pt. Raghunath Panigrahi & Group, Bhubaneswar

• Odissi (Solo): Madhusmita Mohanty, Bhubaneswar

• Oddissi (Duet): Devraj & Ellora Pattnaik, Canada

• Odissi (Group): Vaishali Kala Kendra, Jyoti Srivastav & Group, Noida, UP

Contact Information:
Tourist Officer
Paryatan Bhawan, 
Lewis Road, 
Bhubaneswar Pin - 751014
Ph: 0674-2431299 
Toll free: 1800-2097-123
Email: oritour@gmail.com

International Kite Festival in India

The International Kite Festival in India is an annual event hosted by Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It generally begins a few days before the Festival of Makar Sankranti (Click here to know about this festival) and culminates on the Makar Sankranti day, which is 14th January. [Check: Details of 2014 Kite Festival Events]

Durga Puja Bommai Kolu Festival India

Kolu Dolls

The Durga Puja during the Dussehra Festival is celebrated in different ways in India. In the States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, this traditional festival is known as Bommai Kolu.

During this annual festival, a family will put up bommai kolu (dolls) on a set of steps in a tiered form, the tiers being of an odd number (5, 7 or 9). These bommai kolu include miniature dolls of Gods and Goddesses, perhaps of Indian spiritual icons and freedom fighters, as well as miniature idols of animals and other aspects depicting village life. The main deities depicted are Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi. The dolls displayed include wooden dolls too. On the very first tier is placed a silver or brass pot filled with water. This pot is known as 'kalasam'. It is believed that the dolls remain awake 24x7 during the entire nine days of the navratri festival. Once the festival is over, the dolls are packed away in boxes in a horizontal position, indicating that they have gone to sleep.

The tiers of kolu dolls is a beautiful sight to behold, as can be seen in the photos of bommai kolu below.

Note the elaborate rangoli designs on the floor

Greet family and friends on the occasion of Dussehra by clicking here: Dussehra SMS Wishes

Navratri Festival of India

The Navratri Festival of India is the festival of the Hindu community for celebrating the worship of Goddess Shakti, considered to be the Divine Mother. The word Navaratri is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning 9 nights (nava means nine and ratri means nights). Thus, the 9 nights 10 days Navratri festival is celebrated by worshiping the 9 forms of Shakti.

The Navratri Festival begins on the first day of the fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin, when the moon is at its brightest. The last few days of the Navratri festival are the days of Durga Puja. In various cities of India, especially in the cities and towns of West Bengal, clay idols of Goddess Durga depicting her slaying the demon Mahisasura are put up in pandals and the celebrations are on a grandiose scale.

Another major aspect of the Navratri Festival is the Garba and Dandiy-Raas dance programs organised in major metros, and primarily all over Gujarat.

Read also: -
Dassehra SMS Greetings Wishes   

Navratri Dandiya Garba Venues Mumbai

Dahi Handi Celebrations Mumbai Maharashtra India

On the occasion of Janmashtami, a day later groups of people from various mandals across Mumbai break handis that are put high up. The prize money for breaking these handis goes into lakhs.

Watch the video of a dahi handi-breaking celebration:

Story of Lord Krishna's Birth Janmashtami Festival of India

Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated as Janmashtami. Sri Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devki, as an avataar of Lord Vishnu. Born in a prison cell during the reign of King Kansa, who had been told that he would be killed by the eight child of his sister Devki, Krishna entered the world in a divine form. One palm of his hand had the symbol of a chakra, the other that of a lotus. On the sole of baby Krishna's foot was the symbol of a swastika.

To save the innocent baby from death at the hands of King Kansa, Vasudeva took baby Krishna to the home of his friend Nand in a basket during stormy weather. He was able to leave the prison due to divine intervention, with the cell doors open and the guards asleep. The baby was protected from the storm & rains by a serpent named Sheshnag, who raised its hood to cover the basket. Exchanging baby Krishna with the baby girl lying next to Nand's wife Yashoda, Vasudev made his way back to the prison cell. When Kansa tried to kill the baby girl, she was transformed into a Goddess who told Kansa that Krishna was very much alive and would one day kill him. Krishna grew up in Gokul and was to eventually kill his uncle Kansa.

The primary reason for the birth of Lord Krishna, that is Janmashtami, is thus to free the world from wickedness and evil.


Krishna Janmashtami SMS Greetings

Raksha Bandhan Rakhis Styles India

The festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters, the bond being sealed on this day with the sister tying a rakhi around her brother's wrist.

Om Symbol Rakhis

Peacock

Lord Shiva rakhi with serpent & trident

Mere Bhaiya (my brother) Rakhis

Ganapati Rakhis

Ganapati Rakhis

Bracelet-type Rakhis

Some more  Rakhi Images to help you select a Rakhi for the Raksha Bandhan Festival

Rose Rakhis

Floral motif

Lotus motif

Heart-shaped motif

Heart-shaped motif

Rakhis for Kids

Lord Ganesha Rakhi Designs

Rakhis for Kids

Quirky Rakhi Designs

Raksha Bandhan Festival of India

Raksha Bandhan is a festival of India which celebrates the strong bonds between a sister and her brother. The tying of the rakhi to the brother's wrist is the main ritual of this festival, symbolizing that the brother will protect and take care of his sister all his life, no matter what the circumstances. The word 'Raksha' means protection and the word 'Bandhan' means bond. A rakhi is thus literally a bond of protection.

For the Raksha Bandhan festival, sweets are prepared in advance and a rakhi is bought for the main Raksha Bandhan day. On that day, the sister has to prepare a traditional Raksha Bandhan puja thali (plate) containing a diya (a small earthern lamp with oil and wick), rice grains (called akshata), sweets, incense sticks, roli (red-yellow or red sacred powder-paste to apply the tilak), and a rakhi (more if more brothers). After bath and offering puja to the family deity, the  sister lights the diya on the thali, does aarti of her brother with the thali, throws the akshata, applies tilak, ties the rakhi and puts a sweet in her brother's mouth. The sister chants a prayer for the long life of  her brother and the brother then gives either money or a gift to his sister. This gift is symbolic too, as it indicates his love for his sister just as she has for him, and is sealing the pledge to protect her.

Rakhi Designs

Narali Purnima festival is also celebrated on this day.

Akshaya Tritiya Festival

Akshaya Tritiya, also called Navanna Parvam and Akha Teej, is a one-day festival celebrated by followers of the Hindu faith. Akshaya Tritiya is considered by Hindus as one of the 4 most auspicious days in the year. The Sanskrit word ‘Akshaya’ means that which never lessens or never ends, thus implying it is eternal. On Akshaya Tritiya, the Sun and Moon are at their shiny best, throwing the maximum light on all and sundry. This glowing peak falls on the third day of the Vaishakh month as per the Hindu calendar (April-May as per the English calendar). Those born on Akshaya Tritiya are said to have prosperity and good things throughout their lives.


Since the entire 24 hours of Akshaya Tritiya is considered auspicious, people start new ventures, buy new things and undertake journeys at any time of this day.

Akshaya Tritiya Legends

☼ Sage Vyasa began writing the Mahabharata epic with the assistance of Lord Ganesha

☼ Goddess Ganga came down to Earth

☼ Lord Vishnu’s incarnation of Parashuram took form

☼ The first Jain saint (tirthankar) Bhagvan Rishabhdev drank the juice of a sugarcane to break his year long fast

Akshaya Tritiya Rituals

☼ Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth

☼ Worship of Lord Ganesha, the god or prosperity and luck

☼ Worship of Lord Vishnu, the creator with rice grains

☼ Puja of the Tulsi plant

☼ Dip in the River Ganges

☼ Doing charitable activities, including giving rice to the poor

☼ Buying and wearing gold ornaments


Happy Akshaya Tritiya!

Easter Eggs

Easter eggs are at the heart of the festival of Easter which is celebrated by followers of the Christian faith. An egg indicates a new birth; in the context of Easter it is symbolic of the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.
However, an Easter egg is no ordinary product of an avian species! Yes, at one time an Easter egg was a natural chicken egg that was coloured with dyes or paints. Over the years, though, the Easter egg has taken unusual forms and colours, not to mention its unique contents (tiny sweets, jelly beans, lucky charms, rings, etc). From simple plastic eggs to chocolate ones, wax-resistant eggs to bejeweled ones, Easter eggs have created an enormous design market of their own. The most famous of the unique decorative eggs are the Fabergé eggs, which historical records show were first commissioned by the Russian Czar Alexander III for his regal wife Maria Fyodorovna as a special surprise for Easter.

In today’s modern world of hectic schedules, Easter eggs are primarily store-bought ones, rather than hand-made ones. For example, you can purchase Easter eggs

from bakeries like the Monginis chain (Rs.40/-).

Go buy one today to gift your friends, family members and sweetheart!
Happy Easter!

Gudhi Padwa Festival of India

Gudhi Padwa 2011 is on 4th April. As per the Hindu lunar calendar, the New Year begins on Chaitra Shuddha Pratipada and it is this day which signifies the start of the New Year for followers of the Hindu faith. This day is named Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Hindu God Lord Brahma is said to have created the universe on this day.



The word padwa originates from the word pratipada, which is the 1st day of a lunar month or the 1st day after the new moon day (known as Amavasya).

Significance and Features of the Gudhi
The ‘Gudhi’ is the flag of Lord Brahma. It consists of a bamboo stick, at the tip of which a yellow or green cloth is tied. This cloth should have a zari (brocade) border. Over this cloth is tied a few twigs of neem leaves and mango leaves, a garland of red flowers (red is an auspicious colour) as well as pieces of gaohi (sugar crystals). Finally, a copper or silver pot is place in an inverted position at the very top of the gudhi. The Gudhi is always placed on the right side of the home’s entrance and is placed in such a way that it is slightly tilted.
For more information read: 
How to make a simple Gudi at home and Gudi Padwa puja rituals

Gudhis

Traditionally, before placing the Gudhi, a rangoli of the Swastik sign is created on the ground & haldi-kumkum (turmeric & vermillion powders) are put at the center of the Swastik. The doorway is decorated with a toran (bunting) of mango leaves and red or gold flowers.The Gudhi is said to bring prosperity to the home and keep out ill luck and evil.

{Note: the photos shown here are of readymade Gudhis sold in shops and by roadside vendors for prices ranging from Rs.50/- to over Rs.100/- ~~ not quite the real thing!}


Rituals of Gudhi Padwas Festival of India
It is traditionally believed that during sunrise the consciousness of the Lord can be absorbed by the body to the maximum and thereby lasts far longer than at any other time of the day. Hence, many believe that the Gudhi should be raised and worshipped within the first ten minutes of the sunrise. Before worshipping the Gudhi, though, one must take an oil bath with warm water. After saying the prayers and worshipping the Gudhi, a prasad (holy offering) is made from the paste of neem leaves, soaked dal, a bit of honey or jaggery and cumin seeds. In Maharashtra, the traditional sweet dish called shrikhand is served with hot pooris.

Gudi Padwa is considered an auspicious day to buy a new home, gold jewellery, any new appliance for the home – in general, something totally new. A new business, inauguration of a new shop or business establishment is also done on this day.

Happy New Year!

Pongal Festival of India

The festival of Makar Sankranti coincides with the second day of Pongal, the festival of India which is celebrated by Tamils.

Festival of Pongal

Pongal covers 4 days of celebration, from January 13th to January 16th. Like the date of Makar Sankranti, the dates of the Pongal Festival are the same every year.

Four Days of Pongal

First Day: Bhogi Pongal
Second Day: Surya Pongal
Third Day: Matt Pongal
Fourth Day: Kanu Pongal

Rituals and Traditions of Pongal

Bhogi Pongal: This day is greeted with the ritual of a bath with til (sesame) oil. While it is natural to keep the home clean always, on extra care is taken on Bhogi Pongal. Floors are thoroughly washed, furniture and furnishings dusted, and all objects kept squeaky clean. Anything that is worn out, broken, damaged and tattered is gathered together. At the end of the day, all these goods are set alight, much like the Western custom of burning the ‘old man’ effigy on New Year’s Eve. On this day, rice in a variety of forms is cooked along with a few special sweets.

Surya Pongal: This is the first day of Thai (Tamil month). A pretty chain of marigold flowers and mango leaves is strung across the top of the entrance door of the home and tall fronds of the banana plant are placed at the sides. Just like on the days of Deepavali (Festival of Lights) , colourful kolams (rangoli designs) are created on the floor in front of the door. These decorations and designs are welcoming signals to Surya (Sun God).

The rice on this day, called venpongal (white rice) is cooked in new utensils which have been bought before the festival just for this occasion. The rice is allowed to overflow from the pot. The sweeter variety of this rice, called Chakkaraipongal, contains jaggery and dal. The meal is not complete without the accompaniments of sambhar (thick gravy-like stew with onions, tomatoes and spices) and vegetables.

A small note: Be warned - this is a heavy meal! On visiting a restaurant once in Chennai with my relatives, we decided to order the chakkaraipongal. At that time we did not know that it was a heavy dish and foolishly ordered it after we had already consumed a few dishes on the menu. So we ended up eating just some of it and had to request the waiter to pack the rest of it!

Maatu Pongal: On this day cattle are given prime importance. Bells are put around the necks of bulls and cows (these animals are ‘maatu’ in Tamil). A tikka (streak of red) is put on the animal’s forehead and an aarti is done, just as is done before a religious idol. Prasad (holy offering) and other food are given to the cattle.

The main feature of the day is the bull fights between men and bulls, a dangerous sport that could lead to severe injuries. The bull fights are known as Jallikattu.

Kanu Pongal: The tradition on this day is to show respect to elder members of the family, who generally give a small amount of cash as a token to the youngsters. A few items of leftover food are arranged on a banana leaf kept outside for the crows and other birds to feed on.

Happy Pongal!