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Places In India Where Shivratri Is Celebrated With Great Zeal

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MAHASHIVRATRI is the festival dedicated to the wedding of Lord Shiva with goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva is called the ascetic god of Hindus. This festival is celebrated every year by February end or in early march every year to remember lord Shiva. On this auspicious day, people visit temples to please their deities. There are few places in India where Shivratri is celebrated with a great zeal which are as following.

Maha Shivaratri Wishes
Photo of ‘Maha Shivaratri Wishes’ by { pranav } under CC BY 2.0

Varanasi In Uttar Pradesh 

Varanasi is known as the spiritual capital of India, the place houses many temples of Lord Shiva and this is the main reason why mahashivratri is celebrated with enthralling energy pomp and fanfare. Millions of pilgrims from far- flung area come to Varanasi to celebrate the festival. People visit Tilbhandeshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva to offer their prayers. Several rituals are being performed to please their deity. Here people dance in processions and drink bhang or thandai chanting bumbum bhole.

Mandi In Himachal Pradesh 

Here the festival is celebrated with great vigor.  The celebration is dedicated to Lord Shiva by the royal family of Mandi. It is said that this festival celebrated for the last 500 years and from that time International Mandi Shivratri fair is also organized every year that attracts many tourists from all over the world. The procession or Shobha yatra is always flagged off by the chief minister of Himachal Pradesh lead by the governor of the state.

Shib Sagar Guwahati In Assam 

In Assam, this festival is celebrated in Umananda Temple situated on the peacock island in midst of famous Brahmaputra river in Guwahati Assam. Several devotees visit this temple to celebrate this festival on this pious occasion. Sibsagar being capital of Ahom kingdom is the other place to celebrate Mahashivratri.

Ujjain In Madhya Pradesh 

Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is the most famous and one of the 12 jyotirlingas of India.People visit from all over to celebrate with fanfare this festival in this legendary temple.

Shivsagar Tank In Khajurao 

Here people take bath in shivsagar tank in Khajuraho there is beautiful temple near tank. Here lord Shiva’s is worshipped. People pay there homages to their almighty.

Srikalahasti and Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh

Mahashivratri being celebrated here with great zeal. Several devotees visit this place to offer prayers. The festival is  also celebrated at Kalahasteshwara temple with great enthusiasm at Bharamarahbha temple srisailam devotees pray to Lord Shiva.

Puri In Odisha 

Loknath temple of Puri is the venue to celebrate where this festival is celebrated with a  great enthusiasm. It is said that Lord Rama himself placed Shivlinga at famous Loknath temple. Thousands of devotees come here to receive blessings from Lord Mahadeva.

Mahashivratri In West Bengal 

Here too people observe fast to please their god. People bring sand from pious ganga sagar and construct four idols to worship at four different times. These Shivlings are then bathed by milk and curd ghee and honey.

Mahashivratri In Jammu & Kashmir

Here in the state of Jammu and Kashmir people celebrate this festival for 21 days in a very significant way. Two pots signify lord Shiva and Parvati. These pots are filled with water and a walnut, on third day water is taken out from pots and is distributed to family members in the form of the Prasad. On the last day gifts are distributed amongst the family members.

Mahashivratri is the festival of Hindu women too. During this day is believed that fasting will bring good luck in their families. Temples are decorated with flowers and lights and devotees roar to the sound of ‘OM NAMAH SHIVAY’.

Featured Photo of ‘Shivaratri’ by Hari Prasad Nadig under CC BY-SA 2.0

India Art Fair Is One Of The Largest Contemporary South Asian Art fair

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To call India art fair the largest exhibition of modern and contemporary South Asian Art is just an understatement. This art fair is, after all, a fair platform for artists to exhibit their talents. The festival includes sculptures, paintings, mixed media, photography, drawings, video art, and more. Ever since its advent, it has been a great platform for the artists. And 2020, being its 12th year of occurrence, is sure to attract more artisans in exhibiting their potentials. ‘Why should anyone attend this fest?’ if you ask this, you are sure unfamiliar with the cultural celebrations in this fest. To know further, here’s to what you should get familiar with.

Historical Face of India art fair Delhi 2020

Its first three fests were held at the Pragati Maidan. The fourth season started watching the arrival of the festival in Okala’s NSIC grounds. With that, 2008 witnessed the largest art fest of India. The art fest also includes a wide range of exhibiting pavilions in galleries. There are solo projects by individual artists.

The fest brings an art educating series via a walking guide by students as well as curators of arts. At the same time, a speaker forum is also present with panels of international as well as national experts. The professionals discuss about the issues related to the region’s art. The main focus is to highlight the key issues pertaining to art production of India.  The fest has showcased the country’s modernists including Artists’ Group as well as artists like Anish Kapoor as well. It has also showcased the talents of contemporary artists of the country and other international artists too.

What to expect at India art fair Delhi 2020?

Besides cutting-edge art genres and intriguing artist programs, the art fest also brings other amusing aspects. One might expect a brand-new program at the IAF this year. It might also include workshops, displays, and others.

To speak of the thing that’s all that norm in this modern-day world’s art industry, textile is going to bring some highlighting aspects in the next edition in 2020. It’s not an exaggeration to say that textiles and fabrics are known medium. However, they are often overlooked and looked down. The year 2020 will, thus, host the Auditorium Talk on this particular subject. Raaisa Kaabir and Irshad Ahmaadzai can come under the limelight and discuss how embracing these mediums would be justifiable for the future.

IAF has introduced the young collectors’ program, designed for the ones who are interested in knowing more about art, learning and collecting. The features that come with it are walkthroughs, Delhi tours in museums, studio visits, galleries, and other art spaces. It would also include some social gatherings as well as get together.

An exciting new addition to the IAF is the bookshops and cafes. It is supposed to be known as the international museum retail hub for providing visitors with exhibition catalogues, books, art supplies, and more. It will also feature some lifestyle products designed by the artists. Its learning space will also host workshop programs. The main focus will be to educate the collectors and students from South Asian contemporary as well as modern art culture. As per what’s expected, it is supposed to be conducted quickly and entertainingly.

The India art fair 2020 dates

The India art fair 2020 dates were between 30th January and 2nd February this year. So, next year, the dates have been scheduled from January and February the next year. There were both free as well as paid India art fair 2020 tickets. Nothing unlike the India art fair 2020 tickets, the next year’s tickets will also be available next year.

Featured Photo of ‘the game-board vertical ad strategy, scott richard’ by torbakhopper under CC BY-ND 2.0

Experience Rajasthani Local Cultures Celebrated In Pushkar Camel Fair

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The quaint little town of Pushkar’s local cultures hold as much prominence as its rare amalgamation of lake, hills, forests, and sand dunes. The town’s mazes of lanes and alleys, bazaars, and ghats a lot to let you discover its tranquility and magic. The Pushkar Camel Fair is just an example of the city’s wonderful culture. Locally referred to as Kartik Mela, it’s the annual livestock fair occurring in the town every year. If you’re planning a visit to Rajasthan, you shouldn’t miss out the Pushkar fair 2020.

Introducing the Pushkar Camel Fair

Being one of the country’s largest cattle fairs, Kartik Mela is a captivating festival that enlightens tourists with the local culture and vibrancy of the city. The main attraction of the fair is when the camels are witnessed converging on the desert. Besides, the festival is celebrated during the pilgrimage season for the Hindus who visit the Pushkar Lake to immerse into the tranquil and holy environment. Given the pleasant weather and cultural themes, the fair has become prominent for both national and international tourists. The camel fair also includes authentic local cultural events such as tug of water among women, tug of war among men, dances, and more. Other competitions include camel races, bridal competition, competition of who flaunts the longest moustache, and more.

Men also trade the livestock including sheep, goats, horses, cows, apart from camels. The rural families get involved in handicraft stalls with clothes, accessories, fabrics, and textiles. One who visits the fair will also be able to have a wonderful opportunity to witness m camel races too. People also get excited about the time when camels are tested to bring all the items! Men demonstrate the competition by going up on the camel group one after the other. Nothing unlike all the yesteryears, the Pushkar camel fair 2020 is set to appear with such exciting events.

All that’s Historically Evident about its Celebration

The main purpose of organizing such a cultural festival was primarily to attract the local traders of camels and other cattle to do their business during Kartik Purnima’s holy time. That’s how the full moon day in the month of Kartik is celebrated in Pushkar. Starting in the month of Kartik, the fair comes to its end on Kartik Purnima every year. Attracting a whopping percentage of tourists, the Mela grabs attention of around 200,000 people. The fair has now become a prominent tourist attraction, with Rajasthan Tourism arranging the activities and programs of camel trading event.

Pushkar camel fair 2020 dates: What to Know

Depending on Georgian calendar, the fair is celebrated during the full moon day in the month of Kartik. While the camel events occur in the very first day, other cultural celebrations are hosted in the following days. The Pushkar camel fair 2020 dates are scheduled in the month of November. According to what has been known, the fair is set to occur between 22nd and 30th of November.

How to visit the fair?

The Ajmer station is most accessible one when it comes to visiting the Mela. Else, you can also get there via road trips. If you’re planning for traveling airborne, you have to reach Kishangarh. For foreigners, Pushkar fair 2020 can be better enjoyed when visited with an organized group. To avoid those exorbitant hotel prices, you can join a tour group because they get a special pricing benefit.

Now that you know everything about the fair, wait for November and visit there to witness a wide range of local customs and rituals. The 14-day long festival is surely to give you immense traveling pleasures.

Featured Photo of ‘Pushkar Camel Fair’ by Ninara under CC BY 2.0

A Little List Of 7 Interesting Festivals of South India

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I’ve been in the South for nearly a decade now, over these years I understood the way they celebrate festivals is completely different from us (i.e North). Irrespective of being different each of their festivals are extremely interesting. Building on what I know,

Thrissur Pooram Festival

God’s own country Kerala is the serene manifestation of nature’s marvel. Among the fringe beaches, enthralling backwaters and undulating Western Ghats is the rich culture with immense historical grandiose. Pooram is a post-harvest festival unmatchable in its magnanimity and opulence. Officially unique in pageantry, magnitude and participation, this festival continues for 36 hours non-stop with spellbinding energy and magnificence. It is celebrated in the premises of Vadakumnathan temple. Believed to be a congregation of Gods and Goddesses in this temple, the elephants are caparisoned in the Malayalam month of Medom accompanied by grand ensembles of Chena Melam and Pancha Vadyam.

Pongal

A harvest festival celebrated in the honour of Lord Indra observes the ritual of Bhogi Mantalu. A bonfire is made of cow dung cakes and wood into which useless household items are being thrown. The most important aspect of this Tamil festival is the traditional design of Kolam, which is on second day. Cows are worshipped on the third day which is Mattu Pongal. Kaanum Pongal is the last day where women carry out a household ritual for brothers.

Thaipoosam Kavadi

This Tamil festival of Hindus is of faith, endurance and penance. Lord Murugan, son of Shiva is worshipped at this auspicious occasion. It is celebrated in  India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore and South Africa among the Tamil diaspora. Kavadi Attam is the ceremonial sacrifice performed which emphasises debt bondage. The Kavady prayer includes observation of penance for 10 days. Events of joy and extravaganza are in the air spectacle to millions of devotees.

Nehru Boat Trophy Race

This is conducted on Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. A grand event of enormous beauty gets international attention and viewership. Long canoes of 100-120 feet made of forest wood “Aanjili Thaadi” moves in serpentine motion through the channels of lake. It carries around 90-100 rowers. Sardine oil is used for lubrication of vessels. For people in the village of Kuttanad, winning is a spectacular celebration.

Natiyanjali Dance Festival

Held in the Prakara of Chidambaram temple of Chidambaram city of Tamil Nadu, this festival is celebrated in the month of February and March. Dedicated to the cosmic dancer Nataraja, the festival begins on the most prominent day of Hindu calendar, Mahashivaratri. The dance composition consists of all classical forms Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Chauu etc. The concept of this festival is Saivite philosophy and traditions. It is an exquisite Ananda Tandava is performed by around 300-400 dancers and maintained by the Natyanjali Trust.

Karthigai Deepam

This festival of lights typically belongs to South India. Vaishnavites in Tamil Nadu light fire using leaves of Maruda trees, stick named Kavattaik Kambu with cloth, saw dust and Konkani resin. Elephant shaped lamps are presented to daughters for their prosperity. This Tamil Diwali is full of lights, rangoli, delicacies, and crackers. Interestingly a huge light is lit at Thiruvannamalai hill to celebrate the demonstration of power by Lord Shiva to Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. The exhilarated crowd shout Anamallaikku Arogara and celebrate for 10 days.

Yugadi

Yugadi is one of the most important festivals for the kannadigas, it is their new year. Ugadi or Yugadi mostly falls on the Chaitra Shudha Paadyami. This day is predominantly the new year for people in Kaveri and Vindhyas. It is celebrated across the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Konkan. The festival is celebrated with several special dishes like bobbatalu, pulihora, and pachadi. People in Karnataka prepare pouligare, Puran Polis are cooked by Maharashtrians and Kanangachi is cooked by the Konkanis.

Featured Photo of ‘Pongal southern India’ by Jason Chung under CC BY 2.0

Mahim Mela – A Yearly Fair That Begins On Christmas Day

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From intersection of Mahim Causeway and L. J. Road right opposite to Michael church, there’s the dusty lane tapering off to seashore. Past plywood & timber mart, this sandy shore lights up in vibrancy with the time when Mahim Fair gets celebrated! Last time when you witnessed the Ferris wheels moving upon getting required permissions with brisk business of halwa parathas moving off, you knew that you had to wait for one whole year for it to return. One year has passed off, just like before, and this has made local people count days for Mahim Mela, yet again.

An Overview of Mahim Mela

It’s time to fill the evening air with legendary musical pieces, because Mahim Mela is round the corner. So far, people already know that the 10-day annual event is going to see the light of the day on December 25, 2019. The Mahim ka Mela 2020 date indicates to have a closure date of January 5, 2020. The Mahim Fair 2020 is ready to arrive in a gala approach right from the Christmas day celebration.

Mahim Fair 2020 – Eat, Pray, Enjoy (and Repeat the Same Every Year)

One can expect to head to the sidewalks of tomb of the Sufi saint Mahimi for enjoying Mahim Fair until 5th of January, 2020. Nothing unlike last year’s Mahim Mela 2019, Mahim has got the permission to run the Ferris wheels right at Reti Bunder for adults and kids. This fair is going to have shopping stalls for satiating shopping scenes of people along with their food cravings.

Mahim Mela – A Yearly Fair to Begin on Christmas Day This Year
Photo of ‘Toy Cyclist ‘ by Nupur Barua under CC BY 2.0

Every year, the fair gets organized by Saheb Charitable Trust or Wakf. A whopping percentage of devotees arrive here to attend this festival and make offering to this saint at Dargah! They partake in different festivities at this fair. The offering consists of chadars, sandalwood paste, as well as sweets. During the time, Dargah gets lit up with amazing lights and overall it becomes a delight to sights!

Top Attractions of the Fair

Nothing unlike last Mahim Mela 2019, this year too, the fair is going to have a couple of rides & attractions for children like bumper cars, merry go round, and more. And if you’re someone who aims at reliving your own childhood, you can hop on to Ferris wheel for joyous ride! Besides, mouthwatering delights are also available in food stalls. Shopaholics will love the pleasure of having a great time here in the shopping stalls.

Mahim Fair is your next way to relive your childhood! The experience is something that you would preserve for many days. Oh yes, another amazing thing about visiting this fair is that you are going to get cotton candies available right here!

About the location

Mahim ka Mela 2020 date is expected to be December 25 and is ready to happen at Mahim Reti Bunder in Mumbai. This yearly festival will begins at the Mahim Dargah. Located at the Fakir Paru’s burial, this happens to be 10-days (or more) long event. The top attractions of this fair are Qawwalis, Sufi music, Lectures, food stalls, and more.

Featured Photo of ‘Ferris Wheel’ by Nupur Barua under CC BY 2.0

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