Festivals in India – Page 7 – Toshali Hotel & Resort Blogs

Good Friday and Easter Celebration in India

Good Friday is observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The estimated year of Good Friday is AD 33 or AD 34. On the third day, from his crucifixion, on Sunday, jesus rose from the dead. This is now known as Easter Sunday. The Catholic Church treats Good Friday as a fast day.

The period just before Good Friday is Lent. Fasting and other forms of renunciation are recommended as ways of following the example of Jesus. Liturgical services are held in the church, on this day. They start at noon and continue for the next three hours i.e. till 3 pm. Jesus is believed to have died on the Cross at three in the afternoon.

Christian countries observe Good Friday in slightly different ways. The essence remains similar. It marks the culmination of Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday, and takes place two days before Easter Sunday. Services are aimed at allowing worshippers to experience some of the pain and humiliation that the son of God experienced for humanity.

The celebrations of Easter in India commence with Lent and culminate with Easter Sunday. Christians all over, especially in Mumbai, Goa and the Northeastern states, make elaborate arrangements for Easter festivities. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are much in demand as gifts.

The exchange of colorful lanterns and replicas of the Holy Cross is also exchanged by friends and relatives. Diversity in the lifestyle and culture sees a lot of variety in the traditional Easter recipes.

In 2011, ‘Good Friday and Easter Festival’ is celebrated in 22nd to 24th April

Toshali Resorts International Invites all Fans, friends, guests to celebrate “Good Friday and Esater” at Toshali Resorts in India booking and accomodation reservation visit http://bit.ly/fghGUY . You can also contact your Travel Manager ‘Metu’ for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

Have You Ever Been to Elephant Festival in Jaipur, India…!!!

Ever thought of the majestic elephant as a canvas? Come down to Jaipur during the elephant fest. Decorated in paints and colorful livery, actually the female elephants get to wear anklets that jingle, they look as bit majestic as in the days of yore when Rajput pride shone bright in Rajasthan. The festival started the Holi festivities. It used to be held at the Chaugan stadium near the Hawa Mahal. The elephants walk through the Old City and usually start out from Ravindra Manch. So you might accompany them but do remember entry is free so arrive before the usual 4 pm start. As for the mundane events after the elephants reach the venue – well they include Elephant ‘beauty’ contests, Elephant polo, Elephant race, the tug-of-war between Elephant and 19 men and women – need I tell you who wins – every time?

Elephant festival (Image Courtesy Rajasthan Tourism)

And yes I almost forgot this year onwards it will be held at the Jaipur Polo Grounds. On menu this year are: Gaj Shringar’ exhibition, traditional elephant procession, gair dance, elephant decoration competition, Chang Dhap folk dance, Matka Race for tourists, a tug of war event between domestic and foreign tourists, Braj Holi folk dance and the playing of holi colours on elephants. Then rows of elephants will walk the ramp followed by band recitals and concluding the evening with a display of soundless fireworks.

In 2011, ‘Elephant Festival’ will be celebrated in Jaipur on 19th March… Are you there …!!

Toshali Resorts International invites all Fans, friends, guests to celebrate “Elephant Festival” at Jaipur, India…. For booking and accomodation reservation for weekend tour http://bit.ly/fDm2fW . You can also contact your Travel Manager ‘Metu’ for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com .. Share this information with your friends at facebook and other social networking sites..

Shree Ram Navami Festival: The Birthday Celebration of Lord Rama in India

Shri Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama to King Dasharatha and Kausalya of Ayodhya. It falls in the Shukla Paksha on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra and marks the end of the nine-day Chaitra-Navratri celebrations. Lord Rama is the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came down to earth to battle the invincible Ravana in human form.

In Bhadrachalam the day also celebrates the wedding anniversary of Sri Rama and Sita. The festival is celebrated for 9 days and is marked by continuous recitals, Akhand Paath, mostly of the Ramacharitamanas, organized several days in advance to culminate on this day, with elaborate bhajan, kirtan and distribution of prasad after the puja and aarti.

On the last day celebrations and festivities begin with prayer to the Sun god early in the morning. At midday, when Rama was incarnated on that day in Treta Yuga is marked with devotional service is performed with Bhakti and piety.

The house is and decorated. Offerings of fruit and flowers are placed before the family shrine and prayers are recited.

An image or picture of baby Rama is placed in a covered cradle. At noon the covering is removed and Prasad is offered to Rama, and then shared by the devotees.

The festival is a focal point for moral reflection and being especially charitable to others. Celebrations at places associated with Sri Rama, like Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Ramesvaram in Tamil Nadu, attract thousands of devotees.

In 2011, ‘Ram Navami’ Festival will be celebrated in 12th April

Toshali Resorts International Invites all Fans, friends, guests to celebrate “Ram Navami” at Toshali Resorts in India, for booking and accomodation reservation visit http://bit.ly/dVC9iu . You can also contact your Travel Manager ‘Metu’ for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

Jamshed-e-Navroz : Parsi New Year, The Celebration Of Glory

Jamshed-e-Navroz finds mentioned in the Persian ‘Book of Kings’. First celebrated by King Jamshed, the day coincides with vernal equinox and marks the transition from winter to summer.

Nowruz – means “New Light” and marks the Persian New Year. One of the holiest festival, it is believed to have been invented by Zoroaster himself.

The Jewish festival of Purim is probably adopted from this and it is also a holy day for Sufis, Ismailis, Alawites, Alevis, and the Bahá’ís.

The UN’s General Assembly recognized the International Day of Nowruz, in 2010 and was officially registered on the UNESCO List of the Intangible cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Besides Iran it is celebrated in countries that were territories of, or influenced by, the Persian Empire. In India, it is a day of joyous celebration. Parsis wear new clothes, gold or silver kustis and caps.

Auspicious symbols like fish, birds, butterflies and stars, are patterned on doorways. Guests are welcomed with rose water and rice.

The traditional drink served is falooda, sweetened milk flavored with rose petals and lunch consists of sev and sweet yogurt and pulao.

The meal ends with ravo, a copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp, an afrigan, a bowl of water containing live fish, an earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, flowers for color, silver coin for wealth, painted eggs for productivity and sweets and rosewater for sweetness and happiness. Additionally seven foods beginning with ‘sh’ and ‘sa’ symbolizing creation are kept. Jamshed Navroz is a time for Parsis to reiterate their identity and on par with Gudi Padva and Ugadi, New Year days in India.

In 2011, ‘Jamshed-e-Navroz’ – the Parsi New Year in India is celebrated in 20th March

Toshali Resorts International Invites all Parsi friends to celebrate “Jamshed-e-Navroz” at Toshali Resorts in India, for booking and accomodation reservation visit http://bit.ly/dVC9iu . You can also contact your Travel Manager “Metu’ for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

Mewar Festival : A fascinating festivity that enthralls the beholder..

Its March – you are ready for a short break after a hectic quarter. So if you can get leave then why not Udaipur. After all it is the lake city, the Venice of the East. It is the place associated with the legendary Maharana Pratap and the battle of Haldighati. Mewar has been synonymous with freedom and independence ever since. And it is that time when Udaipur comes alive with the Mewar Festival.

Mewar Festival (Image source : festivalofindia)

The festival celebrates the advent of spring. This coincides with the Gangauri festival. Gana is another name for shiva and the festival is in honour of his consort Gauri. It is a celebration of spring, harvest and martial fidelity. It’s believed that Parvati returned to her parental home during Gangaur, to bless her friends with marital bliss. The first important ritual of the festival is collecting ashes from the Holi fire and burying of wheat and barley seeds in it.

The idols of goddess Gangaur and Isar (Lord Shiva) are taken in a procession through the city. The festival has special significance for women in Rajasthan. They take Part in the procession, prepare the deities. Dancing, singing, concerts, fireworks marks the procession. The procession concludes at the Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichhola. The idols are transferred into special boats. After this the cultural part of the festival begins. Performances highlight the Rajasthani culture. The three-day festival ends with a beautiful display of fireworks.

Oh since you are in Udaipur do care to look around for the Udaipur is famous for City Palaces, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Bagore Ki Haveli, Suraj Gokhada, Pratap Memorial, Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, Shri Eklingji Prabhu Temple and many more…

In 2011, Marwar Festival will be celebrated from 6 – 8 April at Udaipur, Rajasthan

How to reach Marwar Festival at Udaipur

By Air – Udaipur is well connected to all the major cities which includes Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Jaipur.

By Road – Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe & air conditioned buses from Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad to Udaipur. The roads are very good, and it takes around 8-9 hr. from Jaipur. You can also come by taxi from Jaipur and Ahmedabad.

By Train – Udaipur is connected to many major cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi, Jaipur.The best train between Delhi and Udaipur, the daily Chetak Express. Trains take around 12 Hrs from Jaipur to Udaipur.

Toshali Tours and Travels, recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, offer an exclusive budget accommodation and Rajasthan travel package to take you to “Mewar Festival” at Udaipur. For Reservation and Booking visit at http://bit.ly/fT3VZ5 . Contact your Travel Desk Consultant “Metu” for more information on “Mewar Festival” at metu@toshali.in

Gudi Padwa Festival : Celebrated to mark the Marathi New Year in India

Gudi Padwa or Gudhi Padva is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the Marathi New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar (Marathi : गुढी पाडवा often mis-pronounced as guDi padwa because ढी sounds like डी while speaking). It is also know as Samvatsar Padvo.

Happy Gudi Padwa Festival (Image source smsjokes.in)

The South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka observe this day as Ugadi the Sindhis celebrate it as Cheti chand, Bengal celebrates it as Nav Varsha, Baisakhi in Punjab and so on.

Padwa is Marathi for the Sanskrit word Pratipada, the first day of a lunar month or the Sanskrit word for crops Pradurbhu.

The Gudi is a bright green or yellow cloth adorned lined with brocade tied to the tip of a long bamboo over which sugar crystals, neem leaves, a twig of mango leaves and a garland of red flowers is tied. An inverted copper pot covers these. This is hoisted outside the house, in plain view.

Scholars differ over the significance of the staff. Some say Brahma created the universe on this day, to some it signifies the triumphal return of Lord Rama to Ayodha, the flag of Lord Indra or a symbol of Shivaji’s victory. The spring season starts from this day. Behind all the associated myths this is a festival of a predominantly agrarian society, marking the end and the beginning of a farming cycle.

Irrespective of the significance Gudhi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck to the household and for the young ones it is the savory Puran Polis, a holiday, pampering parents, visit to the park and such small happy things.

In 2011, Gudi Padva Festival will be held on 16th March in Maharastra, India.

Toshali Tours and Travels, recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, offer an exclusive budget accommodation and travel package to take you to “Gudi Padva” Festival. For Reservation and Booking visit at http://bit.ly/cOgYx8 . Contact your Travel Desk Consultant “Metu” for more information on “Gudi Padwa” at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com

International Women Day 2011 : A Tribute to Women

It was originally International Working Women’s Day. The origins are found in worldwide movements for emancipation of women since the early 1900s. Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February 1913. Observance was shifted to 8 March, later in 1913 and has remained the date for International Women’s Day ever since. Some claim that the first IWD was observed on 19 March 1911 in Germany.

IWD has grown from strength to strength. For many years the UN has held an annual conference to coordinate international efforts for women’s rights and participation in social, political and economic processes. 1975 was designated as ‘International Women’s Year’ by the UN. Women’s organisations and governments observe by holding events to honour women’s advancement and renew the vow to ensure that equality is maintained in all aspects of life.

The day is an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Georgia, Guinea Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The day sees men honoring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc. with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother’s Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers.

India sees heinous crimes against women – rape, dowry deaths, female infanticide etc. daily so the day holds special significance. It serves as a reminder of how much we have achieved and how much more still needs to be done.

Theme: So while many people may think there is one global theme each year, this is not always correct. It is completely up to each country and group as to what appropriate theme they select. However, In 2011, the global United Nation themes used for International Women’s Day to date is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women” for more details you can visit www.internationalwomensday.com

1911 – 2011 on 8 March International Women’s Day is a global day, celebrating 100 years on the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

Toshali Resorts International honours and pays tribute to women on 8th March the International Womens Day. Gift a Vacation at Toshali Resorts, for the your women you love the most, be it your Mother, Sister, Wife, Daughter, Beloved, and some one whom you adore, honour and respect. For more details on the accomodation reservation visit http://bit.ly/dVC9iu . You can also contact “Metu” for more details at metu@toshali.in and booking@toshalitours.com .

Ugadi Festival : An Auspicious Celebration in South India

Yugadi (Kannada: ಯುಗಾದಿ, Telugu: ఉగాది) from yuga and aadi, yuga means era, aadi means start. It is the New Year’s Day for the people of the Deccan region. While the people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh use the term Yugadi or Ugadi for this festival, in Maharashtra it is Gudi Padwa, for Sindhis it is Cheti Chand, in Manipur – Sajibu Cheiraoba, Baisakhi in Punjab and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.

Ugadhi Festival (Image Courtesy Telegupedia)

It falls on a different day every year because of the lunisolar calendar. The Saka calendar begins with Chaitra (March–April) and Ugadi marks the first day of the new year. Chaitra is the first month in the Indian almanac. It is believed on this day Brahma – the Creator formed the universe.

It also heralds spring and new life. Homes are cleaned and decorated, new clothes are bought, fresh mango leaves are strung up above doorways to denote prosperity.

The day with ritual showers, prayers, and then the eating a dish with mixture of six tastes, called Ugadi Pachhadi or Bevu-Bella. The six tastes symbolizes emotions – sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise represented by:

Neem Buds – bitterness
Raw Mango – tang
Tamarind – sourness
Green Chilli/Pepper – heat
Jaggery and ripe banana – sweetness
Pinch of Salt – saltiness

This mixture with all six tastes (షడ్రుచులు), called Yugadi Pachhadi (ఉగాది పచ్చడి) in Telugu and Bevu-Bella( ಬೇವು-ಬೆಲ್ಲ) in Kannada.

Rangoli made at every home (Image Courtesy Hubpages)

Ugadi is time for rangoli and some good heavy lunch! Thus a festival of many shades. It ushers in the New Year, brings a rich bounce of flora and fills the hearts of people with joy and contentment.

In 2o11, Ugadi Festival will be celebrated on 4th April 2011 in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

South India travel and tour is a treasure trove during Ugadi Festival. Toshali Tours and Travels, recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, offer an exclusive budget accommodation and South India travel package to take you to “Ugadi Festival”. For Reservation and Booking visit at http://bit.ly/gXAq4t . Contact your Travel Desk Consultant “Metu” for more information on “Ugadi Festival” at metu@toshali.in

Nauchandi Mela of Meerut is the Symbol of Communal Harmony

Handicrafts in Uttar Pradesh, Chikankari from Lucknow, Ferozabad’s glassware, leather goods of Kanpur, Varanasi’s gorgeous silk etc. You can get these and more at a microcosm of UP – the Nauchandi Mela in Meerut. It is more than a century old, a month-long extravaganza of handicrafts, food, and all the noise and hoi polloi of a rustic Indian fair that begins on the second Sunday after Holi.

Nauchandi Mela (Image Courtesy Ravindra Merthi)

Some say it started as a cattle fair, dating back to 1672, some say it was a revenue collection fair while others believe that it began as a commemoration of the building of a temple in Meerut by Mandodari, consort of Ramayana’s Ravana.

History apart it is one of the biggest, dustiest, most colorful fairs. It is held on a 4 sq km area, jammed with its broad spectrum of color and sound and scents and scenes. The space is populated by hundreds of stalls selling drapes, perfumes, jewellery, furniture, ceramics, glassware, leather – what not. Ferris wheels, traveling circuses, acrobats, local version of the vuvuzelas – small but equally potent, nautankis and classical renditions all add to the crescendo of cacophony. Performances of Hindustani classical music have added importance with maestros such as Pandit Ravi Shankar being among those who have performed.

Historic ‘Nauchandi Mela’ is famous as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim Unity. Dargah of ‘Hazrat Bale Mian’ and the Temple of ‘Navchandi Devi’ are situated facing each other. During this ‘mela’ , sound of the temple bells and the Azan from the mosque situated at the shrine of Bale mian creates a ‘spiritual echo’. Nauchandi mela is also famous for its favourite dish “Halwa Parantha”.

Famous Halwa Paratha (Image Courtesy Kanfuski)

So whatever you are – a compulsive shopper, a businessman or craftsman or a culture-vulture looking for a great experience- the Nauchandi Mela is worth a go. A dip into a microcosm of India’s cultural boiling pot or just a dusty interlude? You decide.

In 2011, Nauchandi Mela will be held on 27 March in the town of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh.

Toshali Tours and Travels, recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, offer an exclusive budget accommodation and travel package to take you to “Nauchandi Mela”. For Reservation and Booking visit at http://bit.ly/fCK2U8 . Contact your Travel Desk Consultant “Metu” for more information on “Nauchandi Festival” at metu@toshali.in

Khajuraho Dance Festival : Classical Indian Dance returns to its roots.

Where the hand goes, there the eyes should follow
Where the eyes are, the mind should follow
Where the mind is, there the expression should be brought out
Where the expression is, there the rasa or flavour will be experienced by the audience.
– Lines from the Natyakram

The erstwhile religious capital of the Chandelas, Khajuraho comes alive with its annual Dance Festival in February/ March. It takes place in an amphitheatre in front of the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are part of the Western Group of temples. These are some of the largest, well maintained and easily accessible temple(s) in Khajuraho. The festival started in 2002. Already this weeklong festival has carved a niche for itself with its classical dance performances, presented in the backdrop of the stunningly illuminated temples.

Some of the best artists participate in the festival and the performances include the traditionals – Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathakali and off late more modern dance forms

The programmes are held against the spectacular backdrop of the temples. Classical Dance and Music in India was nurtured and developed in the temples. Diverse forms of classical dance matured and evolved in the temples. So a temple as a backdrop to a dance festival is a form of tribute to temples in ancient and medieval India which were focal points of art, culture and learning besides religion.

Along with the performances, craftsmen display their wares in an open market nearby. This year the festival will be opened on February 25th with Bharatnatyam rendition of Hema Malini accompanied by her 2 daughters – Esha and Ahana. This is the first time the famous actress will perform with her daughters.

Khajuraho Dance Festival will be held from 25th February – 2nd Mar 2011 at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India

Event details may change. Please check with the organisers or with your Travel planner that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.

Toshali Tours and Travels, recognised by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, offer an exclusive budget accommodation and travel package to take you to “Khajuraho Dance Festival”. For Reservation and Booking visit at http://bit.ly/gv44YU . Contact your Travel Desk Consultant “Metu” for more information on “Khajuraho Dance Festival” at metu@toshali.in

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