International Fairs in India- Vikas Acharya

International Fairs in India.

Kumbh Mela –Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand - January/February/March

Kumbh Mela is the greatest pilgrimage and festival in the Hindu religion. The event is a religious and cultural spectacle which occurs once in 12 years attracting participants from around the globe to take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna and the mystical Saraswati. Maha Kumbh is speculated to be one of the biggest congregations in the history of mankind.

Kite Festival –Gujarat- January

Gujarat Tourism hosts the International Kite Festival drawing crowds to witness the show of eminent kitists from many states and countries. This International Kite Festival is held at Ahmadabad, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. People from all over the world display their exotic kites of various designs. It is a splendid spectacular show to see the sky with colorful kites, huge size and varied designs and shapes this gives the people of Ahmadabad the change to see the unusual kites brought by the visitors some of which are truly works of art. Cuisine and Crafts display are also enjoyed by the participants and spectators.

Goa Carnival-Goa- February

The history of Goa carnival is almost 500 years ago. The trend of celebrating carnival is dates back to Ancient Rome & Greece. The Portuguese celebrated the carnival when they established their colony in Goa. The carnival is celebrated every year and Locals take part in this with pleasure.

Desert Festival-Rajasthan – February.

Jaisalmer hosts the annual Desert Festival which is more popularly known as Jaisalmer Desert Festival in the month of February every year. This three day desert festival and cultural showcases the rich and colorful heritage of Rajasthan during the Desert Festival, the folk artists from around Rajasthan sing and dance, other major attractions at the desert festival includes the Traditional acrobatics by local Performers called Kalabaz.

Rath Yatra –Orissa – June

Rath Yatra of Jagannath is celebrated as the Major Festivals in Orissa. The 12th century Jagannath Puri temple, situated in Puri, is the foremost epicenter for the festival of the Rath Yatra in Puri. This festival is celebrated every year on the 2nd day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Asadh, the 3rd month according to the lunar calendar of India. Puri Yatra has always been popular among tourists due to its religious connotation. Every year, they visit Puri and take part in the celebrations and fairs & festivals with full of enthusiasm.

Ladakh Festival –Jammu & Kashmir - July/August

Hemis is the biggest and most famous of the monastic festivals, frequented by tourists and local alike. Hemis Festival is celebrated in the end of June or in early July and is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. After every 12 years, the Gompa's greatest treasure, a huge thangka or a religious icon painted or embroidered on cloth is ritually exhibited.

Snake Boat Festival –Kerala - July to September

The boat races are the main attraction in Kerala. The boat races signify the excellent team spirit, integration and unity of the people of this backwater country. These boat races are the occasions of great excitement that is a reflection of a vibrant people. The snake boat races of Kerala are the magnificent fiestas that brings alive the tranquil backwaters. The snake boat races are held in connection with Onam, the harvest festival in August - September. Scores of long snake boats and other smaller crafts participate in these events. The snake boat races are the largest team sport in the world, preceded by colorful water parades. Usually a snake boat is managed by 4 helmsmen, 25 singers

Ganesh Festival –

Maharashtra-September

Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with a great devotion. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesh is the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Bhadra (generally falls between August and September). This festival is celebrated by Hindus with a great enthusiasm. People bring idols of Lord Ganesh to their homes and do worship. The duration of this festival varies from 1 day to 11 days, depending on the place and tradition. On the last day of the festival the idols are taken out in a colorful and musical procession and immersed traditionally in water.

Dussehra Festival –

West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh (Kullu Dussehra) – October

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is a major Indian festival celebrated on the tenth day of Ashvin month according to the Hindu calendar. This day falls in the month of September or October. The day culminates a 9 day fasting period of Navratri in the Hindu culture. The day also coincides with immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga. The day is celebrated to commemorate the killing of Ravana by Lord Rama. The day also celebrates the killing of demon Mahishasur by Goddess Durga. Dussehra celebration spreads the message of the victory of good over sin. Famous Dussehra celebrations in India include that of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, Kolkata and Orissa, where the festival is preceded by week long celebrations.

Diwali –

All-India - October/November

The Diwali or Dipabali is one such festival. This festival is celebrated on the new moon day after the Dusahara. The Goddess Kali is also worshipped on this day. This is a festival of lights. The Hindus decorate their houses with lights. The rich and the poor, both celebrate it. They use oil-lamps and candles at night. In the evening a holy offering of Shradha is made by the people for their fore-fathers. Goddess Kali is worshipped late at this night. Diwali is a popular festival in all India. It is also celebrated by the Oriyas with much enthusiasm. People follow the tradition of wearing new dress and preparing cakes and sweets at home. They celebrate the festival in the company of their friends and relatives. Display of fireworks is the most interesting part of this festival. Many temporary stalls are made to sell fireworks of various kinds. People purchase the fireworks and use them at night.

By: Vikas Acharya