NORTH INDIAN FESTIVALS

FESTIVALS


North India represents the most-ancient Indus Valley Civilization of City-State. This region was invaded by the Aryans followed by Huns and other tribes from Central Asia. During their invasion they also established and developed their settlements. The Northern region was also invaded by the Greek and Afghans and made it their capital. The region adopted traditions and customs from these ethnic groups and thus celebrates and observes the events or festivals accordingly.
Events and festivals are held with much pomp and splendor in North India (which is considered to be a land of festivity). The festive events of North India include various ethno-cultural groups and the North Indians do not object or prevent the strangers from participating in their celebrations.


1. Taj Mahotsav, Agra

Taj Mahotsav is held every year in the month of February in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It is during the spring season that Agra looks colorful and the colors of celebration spread everywhere. It is a 10 day celebration which includes the rich heritage of arts & crafts, culture, dance & music and cuisine of Uttar Pradesh. 

2. Urs Fair, Ajmer


Urs Fair is observed in Ajmer, Rajasthan marking the death Anniversary of Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti - the great Sufi saint. Followers from different communities visit the shrine, by the lakeside city of Ajmer, during the first six days of the 7th month called Rajab according to Islamic Calendar. Visitors can enjoy the Qawwalis and Mushairaas during Urs.

3. Cattle Fair, Pushkar


Pushkar Cattle Fair is regarded as the largest camel fair in the world. It is held in Pushkar, Rajasthan. This fair is known worldwide for holding cultural significance. It has a wonderful location with valleys, hills and deserts. This fair is held on Karthik Shukla Ekadashi according to Hindu calendar in the month of October- November every year. Many cultural activities are held and several stalls are organized for shopping during the fair.

4. Nagaur Fair, Nagaur


Nagaur Fair is considered as one of the largest cattle fair within the country that exhibits cows, camels, bullocks and horses. It is held in Nagaur, Rajasthan. This fair is well-known for its trading of various animals. Nagaur is a place which is located between Bikaner and Jodhpur organizes this fair from late January to Mid-February

5. Desert Festival, Jaisalmer


Desert Festival is held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan that brings back life to the Thar Desert. During your trip to the rich cultural heritage in Rajasthan experience the Desert Festival. Gair and Fire dance are considered as the major attractions of this fair. Snake charmers, puppeteers and acrobats also participate in the fair along with the folk performers. Camel rides, camel dance and camel polo are the popular activities among the visitors. Mr. Desert contest is organized during the fair which adds charm.

6. Diwali


Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated all over India with pomp and splendor. Diwali is one of the most popular festivals of North India. On this day, people worship and offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi. It is marked with new dresses, lamps and lights, crackers, varieties of sweets and gifts. Stage shows and drama are also organized in societies and colonies. Thus all these together make a stunning celebration.
The holy city of India, Varanasi is known as a land of festivals. During Kartik Purnima in between November and December, Dev Deepawali is celebrated which is considered as a visual delight for the spectators. On this full moon night, the ghats of Varanasi looks sparkling as it is ornamented with earthen lamps which are then gently left on the River water and allow them to float. The place is thronged by tourists and visitors from all over the country to attend this spectacular event.

7. Lohri, Punjab


Lohri is one of the major festivals of Punjab. It is also celebrated in other region of North India. This crop festival of Punjab marks the end of winter. Children go singing from door to door collecting lohri which includes munchies and savories. The collection is then thrown into the bonfire in the evening and distributed among the people gathered around the bonfire, singing and dancing.

8. Phulaich Festival, Kinnaur




In the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is celebrated the Phulaich Festival. This unique tradition is carried during the month of September. This festival is considered as flower festival which is celebrated for four days by the people of Himachal. It is said that Rajputs go to pluck flowers from a particular mountain. They collect flowers from the mountain and return back the next day. Whole night people sing and dance around. The village deity is taken out for a procession decorated with the selective collection of flowers. An animal is sacrificed on the following day.
DONE BY
ARCHITA.T.MENON

Comments

  1. This blog explains well about the various festivals and celebrations of North India and this gives me the better view of festivals.
    Varshaa.R

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is very interesting to read the blog as it tells the different festivals celebrated across north india. Each festival has unique ethinicity.
    G.Abirami

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hamsika
    North India is famous for its enjoying and never ending festivals. These are wonderfully pictured in this blog.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The festivals of North India are widely known and celebrated. This blog explains the same very well.
    Faaiqa Aisha

    ReplyDelete
  5. The blog provides a great description of the varied festivals celebrated with fervour and joy in the North Indian states.
    Faadila Aisha

    ReplyDelete

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