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Fair & Festivals in Gujarat |
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Gujarat has always been known for its splendid and evocative festivals. An estimated two thousand festivals are celebrated every year in Gujarat. Though rooted in religion and mythology, these celebrations centering around gods and goddesses are truly secular functions in which people of all faiths participate. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm marked by the performance of 'dandiya raas'.
International Kite Festival :-
This festival is generally held on the 14th of February to coincide with the Festival of Uttarayan. The people of Gujarat celebrate Uttarayan with a lot of enthusiasm and all business comes to a grinding halt for 3 to 4 days. People of all ages gather on the terraces or the roof and engage in kite flying. There is music in the air (courtesy of numerous decks and stereo players) and all sorts of delicious food. The vast panorama of the sky dotted with thousand of kites is a wonderful sight to see. The Gujarat Tourism organises an International Kite Festival every year and the Venue of the event is either the Sardar Patel Stadium or the Police Stadium. This festival attracts International Kite Flyers and Local Champions as well, who demonstrate their skills in flying exotic kites.
Navratri : -
It is the most famous festival of Gujarat which is eagerly awaited by the young and old. During Navratri, devotees of Goddess Durga fast and pray for health and prosperity. Come dusk and a visitor can witness huge crowds of men and women of all ages engaged in Durga-Pooja. After that, they form into loose circles and dance - twirling and swirling - to the melodious music of Gujarat. The sight of people decked in their best, and the intense zest and festive spirit is such that one cannot forget it easily.
Janmashtami : -
It is believed that Lord Krishna settled at Dwarka 5000 Years ago after leaving Mathura. Janmashtami is celebrated not only in Dwarka but also in Gujarat and Maharashtra and rest of India . A noteworthy tradition is that of Dahi-Handi' where a group of typically 50 to 500 people known as 'Govindas' try to shatter a Handi suspended at a height of 30 to 40 feet. These Govindas try to reach the Dahi Handi, by forming a pyramid, climbing on each other to break the Handi. Whoever breaks this Handi gets all the Money kept in the Handi. Other people throw coloured water and water balloons on this group and try to break the pyramid.Thus Janmashtami is celebrated on a grand scale.
Diwali : -
The word "Diwali" is an abbreviated form of the Sanskrit word "Dipavali," which means "lights." Diwali is an annual holiday and falls between October and November. The most common legend associated with Diwali is that of Rama triumphantly returning to his kingdom with his wife Sita after having been exiled for 14 years. The celebrations are spread over three days. The first day is known as Dhanteras, the second Kali Chaudas. The third day is the main day when children and elders alike burst crackers. Prayers are offered to Goddess Laxmiji in every house and commercial establishment. The night comes alive with the sound of fire-crakers and sparklers. It is truly an enchanting sight, which is not likely to be forgotten by anyone.
Holi : -
Holi is the last festival of the Hindu year and is marked by great fun. Celebrated in the early spring, members of all age groups participate in it. There is a legend associated with this festival. There was a king who had a pious son named Prahalad. The son worshipped God regularly. His father, being an egotistical ruler, ordered Prahalad to worship him as God. When Prahalad refused, his enraged father Hiranyakashipu had his sister Holika sit with Prahalad in her lap. Then a fire was set up around Prahalad and Holika. Holika had been blessed by God with protection from fire. However the fire consumed Holika and Prahalad was unharmed.
Now a days, an effigy of Holika is burned at night .The following day, there is feasting and socializing. People throw powdered colour or coloured water on each other in the morning. This is all good-natured fun believed to wash away all animosities and spread love. Later on, everyone cleans up and don new clothes to go meet friends and relatives.
Modhera Dance Festival :-
The ruins of 11th centuary Sun Temple at Modhera in North Gujarat, are an impressive sight. It stands on a knoll in the village of Modhera, eighteen miles south of Anhilvad, the former Hindu capital of Gujarat. Modhera was evidently a site of great importance at one time. The style in which the temple was built bears a strong resemblance to that of the Jain temples at Mount Abu. The outer walls of temple are covered with sculptures in which figures of Lord Surya are natuarally prominent. The Idea that inspired the festival is to present calssical dance forms in an atmosphere similar to that in which these were originally presented.
So successful was the presentation, that a decision was taken to make it an annual event. The dance festival is scheduled to be held during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttra.
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