Fairs and Festivals

Fairs & Festivals have always been a part of mostly every culture and have always been of great importance. Festivals are important because they bring people together, oftentimes people who have very different ways of looking at things yet are united in a common activity because it is a part of their shared culture. This vast nation is most significant for its pompous, colourful fairs and festivals. Virtually, each city, town and village celebrates its fair with much joy, in which men, women and young boys and girls participate in large numbers.


Famous Festivals of India
Holi: Holi is the festival that carries the country into the bright days of summer. A feeling of plenty is in the air - the crops have been cut, threshed and stored or sold. 'Holi' falls on the full moon, in the month of Phalgun, which spans the end of February and the beginning of March on the Gregorian calendar. Holi was Krishna and Radha's celebration of love-a teasing, affectionate panorama of feeling and colour. These scenes have been captured and immortalized in the songs of Holi. Know more about Holi.

Vijaydashmi: The tenth day, Vijaydashmi, is the day of victory, representing the day of enlightenment when all vasanas are destroyed and the knowledge of the Self has dawned in the individual. The victory of Durga is the triumph of the aggressive good over evil, the destruction of vasanas / subtle impressions, desires, and the realization of the divine Self.

Diwali: The word "Diwali" comes from the sanskrit word "Deepavali", meaning a row of light. Every home is indeed lit with the glow of twinkling diyas (small earthen lamps) to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-coloured Rangoli designs, floral decorations, sumptuous food and fireworks add to the grandeur of the festival. Diwali can be regarded as the most important holiday.
Ramadan & Eid-ul-Fitr: It's Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The holiest month, it is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadaan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam's five pillars. And after the month of fasting is finally completed, it's time to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. It's time for feasting, merriment and bonhomie.

Christmas: Christmas is a time for Families, Fun, and Festivities! A time of family gatherings and holiday meals. Christians in India decorate banana or mango trees. They also light small oil-burning lamps as Christmas decorations and fill their churches with red flowers. In South India, Christians put small clay lamps on the rooftops and walls of their houses at Christmas, just as the Hindus do during their festival called Diwali.

Independence Day: Independence Day is celebrated to commemorate India's independence from the British rule on 15th August 1947. The Prime Minister delivers an address from the ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort. It is celebrated all over the country with meetings and flag-hoisting ceremonies.

Republic Day: Republic Day is India's great national festival. It is celebrated every year on January 26, in New Delhi with great pomp and pageant and in capitals of the States, as well as at other headquarters and important places with patriotic fervour.


Famous Fairs in India
Pushkar Fair: Pushkar is a holy place situated near Ajmer in Rajasthan. It is the only place were the temple of lord Bramha is situated. The largest camel trading fair in the world is held in Rajasthan. There is a great deal of commerce & trading in arts & crafts & families gather here exchanging gossip as well as reaching matrimonial prospects.

Nagaur Fair: A major camel & cattle trading fair held in Nagaur, Rajasthan. This is a trading event with cattle & camels being sold or bought. The campfire evenings are an extremely exciting component. Traditionally, women do not participate.

Kumbh Mela: It is held on the banks of the holy river Ganga and other rivers,where large number of sadhus gather. Traditionally it was celebrated every 12 years, but now it is commemorated annually. A dip in the river during this period is considered very auspicious.