Day: November 17, 2010

Ajanta – Ellora Festival – The world of Dance, Music, Theater and Poetry

Ellora Cave - Image courtesy FestivalsinIndia
Ellora Cave

Ellora festival is one of the most famous festivals of Maharashtra organized under the backdrop of Ellora caves, bout 30 km from Aurangabad, Maharashtra India.  UNESCO has declared this site as world heritage site, as some 34 caves cut out of the sloping side of the Chamadri hills, Which belongs to 600 to 1000AD. Ellora caves belong to Hindu, Buddhists, and Jain faiths.

Ellora festival is mainly done to showcase the best talent in the field of classical dance and music as well as to promote magnificent caves of Ellora that displays the architectural and the sculptural splendors.  It is a unique and charming way to experience the magnificent caves, imbibing centuries of history and culture.

Ellora Festival
Ellora Festival

Ellora Festival is organised by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation ‘MTDC’ where India’s maestros and exponents of Indian music & dance perform their talents in music and dance, with a mix of classical and folk dancing, instrumental, vocals and milajula mushaira, etc. with the caves forming a splendid pictureous cave backdrop.

Must Visit the historical and pictorial sites in and around Aurangabad, some of them being Ellora, Daulatabad, Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Panchakki (A water mill), Lonar, Ajanta and Shirdi. The other of the event was the 300 stalls in Kalagram which displayed the art and craft of the artisans and craftsmen of the region. Rangoli, mehandi painting, cookery, essay, bhajan and numerous competitions and sports events had set the mood for the festival

Every year this festival is celebrated in November 25 – 28, 2010.

Toshali Travel and Tours  offers budget festival Holiday packages and arranges, to be at Ellora Festival. And customized your accommodation on demand, get reservation at http://bit.ly/a43Qpx Toshali Travel and Tours is authorised Travel and Tour Operator, recognised and accredited by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

To know more about the Ellora Festival, post you comments or Contact our Toshali Holidays Planner at metu@toshali.in

Tulsi Vivah Festival – The beginning of Wedding Season in India

“OM Tulsayei Vidmahe
Vishnu Priyayei Dhimahi
Tanno Vrinda Prachodayat.”

Tulsi vivah is a holy festivity that has a lot of significance for Hindus. This ceremonial day marks the beginning of the auspicious marriage season for Hindus.

Tulasi / Tulsi Plant - Holy Basil (Ocimum Tenuiflorum)
Tulasi / Tulsi Plant - Holy Basil (Ocimum Tenuiflorum)

Tulsi is considered to be an incarnation of Maha Lakshmi, who was born as Vrinda in her previous birth. Tulsi was married to a demon king Jalandhar. She offered prayers to Lord Vishnu to protect her husband from being harmed by any God. Several Gods approached Lord Vishnu and requested him to take the form of Jalandhar and live with Tulasi, without letting her know about the truth. To know the complete story, read on.

Lord Vishnu agreed to the request and did as told by other Gods. After the death of Vrinda’s husband, when truth was known to her, she cursed Lord Vishnu and converted him into a stone, i.e. Shaligram and after that, she collapsed. From her body, came out a tulsi plant. It is due to this reason that Vishnu puja is regarded incomplete without the presence of Tulsi leaves. Since then, every year Tulsi is married to Lord Vishnu and the event is known as Tulasi Shaligram Vivah. It is said that the person who performs the custom of giving away Tulsi to Lord Vishnu, considering her to be his own daughter, is considered to earn the credit of performing kanyadan.

Tulsi vivah is conducted on the next day after Kartiki Akadashi. As a part of festivity celebration, tulsivrindavan is adorned like a bride. Along with tulsi, the plants of amla, sugarcane and tamarind are planted. Special feast is prepared consisting of delicious vegetarian dishes. A full meal consisting of puri, rice, sweet potato kheer, moongachi gathi, red pumpkin vegetable is offered to Tulsi Vrindavan in the afternoon time. The ceremony of wedding takes place during evening. Several dishes made from poha are served to Lord Vishnu. Prasad is then distributed amongst all.

In 2010, Tulsi Vivah is on 17th November, 18th November, and 21st November.

Toshali Sands welcomes all to be the part of  Tulsi Vivah Festival experiencing, exclusive arrangement has been done for the guest to witness and be the part of the festival. For hotel , Wedding and Reception facility Reservation, Book your package at  http://bit.ly/9Tr6lA . For more details on customized Wedding and Reception facility budget contact travel planner to metu@toshali.in If you feel, we have missed any information that is helpful for your friends visiting this blog, do post. We would be glad to receive your comments and conversation.