India Fair & Festivals Tour
India, the multi-religions, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, is regarded to be a spiritual and holy land wherein rishis, munees, Mahatamas, fakirs and Sai Baba, Saints stay and propagated the message of spiritualism, peace and concord, where several religions are followed, where numerous deities are worshipped, in which exclusive rituals are being practiced. The usa that’s accommodating Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, Islam, Sikhism, Christians, Parsism, Wahabism below the unmarried string of Indian Nationalism celebrates each day a festival of its unique type and subject matter – an ever captivating supply of attractions many of the holidaymakers of the sector. However, the festival tours of India entice the Western global all through their celebration whether they’re festivals of Hindu, Muslim, Sikhs, Jains, Christian, Buddhists, Sindhis and Parsi as those fairs of India are primarily based on the customs, traditions and rituals of their own with the commonness of celebrating the humanity.
The well-known festival excursions of India are Basant Panchami, Diwali, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ganesh, Holi, Janmashtami, Karvachauth, Kumbh, Mahavirjayanti, Navratri, Onam, Pushkar Fair, Raksha Bandhan, Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), Christmas except the National Festivals of Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. There are quantity of festivals in India which might be celebrated on some topic like Puri Beach competition in Orissa, Chamba competition in Himachal Pradesh, Baisakhi competition in Punjab, Chitrakoot festival in Madhya Pradesh, Tarnetar pageant in Gujarat and many others. During those festivals of India, the tourists should buy the local products specially made up of conventional handicrafts.
Camel Festival Tour, Bikaner
The Camel Festival at Bikaner held in January every year is one of the most colorful fairs and festivals of Rajasthan. Do plan your trip to Rajasthan India with “Bhagirath Tour & Travels ” during the Camel Festival at Bikaner to experience the cultural bonanza such as colorful procession of camels, wherein camels are adorned with colorful and embroidery fabrics and enjoy the colorful cultural performances. You could also watch the other spectacular activities like camel race, camel dance performances, the best breed competition and tug-of-war contest. Relish tea and sweets prepared by camel milk in the festival. From musical performances to camel acrobatics, everything at the Camel Festival Bikaner will leave you spellbound. In the festival, you will see skirt-swirling dances, fire dance and brilliant display of fireworks. The festival adds a lot of colors to the desert city of Bikaner .
Nagaur Festival Tour, Nagaur
Come to “Bhagirath Tour & Travels ” to take you to the quaint town of Nagaur, near Jodhpur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships , which stirs to life during the 8 day long Colourful Nagaur Fair. This cattle fair is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held every year during Jan-Feb, when the city bustles with life. The Nagaur bulls are renowned for their fleet footedness and attract buyers from all over. Tug-of-War, camel races, cock & bullfights and strains of ballads create a joyful atmosphere and entertainment to the visitors and locals after a hectic day of trading. The Fair is renowned for the trading of cows, bullocks, oxes, camels and horses, which takes place here. Their owners are seen wearing colourful turbans and flaunting long moustaches. Wooden items, iron craft and leather accessories are available in abundance during the fair. As the last rays of setting sun bid aide to the day, a joyous atmosphere is created by the folk musicians whose voices echo far & wide across the tranquil desert sands.
Desert Festival Tour, Beneshwar
In every February “Indian Festival Tours” would be delighted to take you to the Golden City of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, which hosts the Desert Festival – a 3-day extravaganza of colourful music and festivity. Gair and Fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert Contest are a part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam Dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and even watch the folk dancers and musicians perform.
The very rich and colourful Rajasthani folk culture is on show here for a few days. Rajasthani men and tall beautiful women dressed in their brightly costumes dance and sing lingering ballads of valour, romance and tragedy. Traditional musicians attempt to outdo each other in their musical superiority. The high points of the festival are – snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats, folk performers do rapid trade. Camels, the lifeline of the desert, play a foremost role. Proud moustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics, camel races and dicor, camel polo, tug of war and the like.
Gangaur Festival Tour, Jaipur
Another enchanting Festival presented to you by “Bhagirath Tour & Travels ” is the Gangaur Festival, an important local festival throughout Rajasthan. “Gan” is a synonym for Lord Shiva and “Gauri” or “gaur” stands for goddess Parvati, the heavenly consort of lord Shiva. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a symbol of conjugal and marital happiness. This festival is celebrated especially by women, who worship clay idols of “Gan” & “Gauri” in their houses. These idols are worshiped by unmarried girls who seek the blessings of Gan and Gauri for a good husband, while the married women pray for the good health and long life of their husbands. This worship which starts form the first day of the chaitra month culminates on the 18th day into Gangaur festival with a great religious fervor. On the eve of Gangaur festival women decorate their palms and fingers with henna. The idols of Gan and Gauri are immersed in pond or in a near by lake on the last day of the festival.
A traditional procession of Gangaur commerces form the City Palace, passing through interesting streets of the Pink city and finally converges near the Talkatora. The procession is headed by a colorful pageantry of elephants, old palanquins, chariots, bullock carts and performance folk artists.
Mewar Festival Tour, Udaipur
Believe it the people of Rajasthan welcome the spring with an enchanting Festival called Mewar. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Jaipur, and has a unique charm about it. The women folk gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola . Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity. Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display. There is none better than “Bhagirath Tour & Travels ” to make you take part in this extravaganza
Pushkar Festival Tour, Udaipur
The Pushkar Festival in Rajasthan, popularly known as an event “truly a fest for the eyes’ and “the Biggest and unforgettable experience” by various print and electronic media, is an enchanting and colourful event not to be missed. Thousands of devotees throng around the Lake on full moon day in October-November to take a holy dip in the lake. This small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for Cattle, Camel and women, everything is sold together. Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenir. The Camel and Horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are quite popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and applauding crowds. Bhagirath Tour & Travels are proud to state here that we have sent thousands of people from all around the world to show them this spectacular event, it is more than worth to be included in the list of those who have seen Pushkar Festival with us.
Braj Festival —Bharat pur (Rajasthan) – February
The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, (the festival of colours) in the month of February-March in honour of Lord Krishna. This festival is marked by verve and zest – villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be seen singing and performing the Raslila dance (dance depicting the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna ).All of Bharatpur echoes the sound of folk melodies on this festival held on the eve of Holi. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor-all are touched by the spirit of this festival. Boisterous revelers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing colour on everyone around. We at, Bhagirath Tour & Travels , have designed special Golden Triangle Tour including this colourful festival especially for you.
Theyyam Festival Festival calendar
Theyyam is an indulging folk art unique to the northern parts of Kerala and forms an integral part of the lore and beliefs of the people of the region. There are many forms of theyyam; in fact a large number of them. The Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam festival conducted at the Kuttikkol Thampuratty temple at Kuttikkol in Kasaragod district showcases most of the major Theyyams. Bhagirath Tour & Travels invites you to be a part of this festival which is unforgettable with its psychedelic colour and pageantry
Thrissur Pooram Festival calendar
The world-renowned Thrissur Pooram Festival, arguably the most famous festival of Kerala, is a heady mixture of pomp and pageantry. Thousands of people from all walks of life gather at the Thekkinkadu grounds at Thrissur to celebrate the pooram (festival). The festival is held in April/May in the premises of the Vadakkumnatha temple, a classic example of Kerala’s indigenous architecture. The festival highlights include, among other things, a spectacular pageant of 30 caparisoned elephants and Kudamattom, a competition in the swift rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols. Pancharimelam, Pandimelam and Panchavadyam, the traditional percussion ensembles provide a supremely apt accompaniment to the visual treats. Dazzling fireworks light up the sky to provide a grand finale to two days of classic entertainment. Plan your festival trip with Bhagirath Tour & Travels and join thousands of other tourists to experience this extravaganza tour of Thrissur Pooram.
Pariyanampatta Pooram Festival calendar
This seven-day annual festival celebrated in February at the Pariyanampetta temple dedicated to Bhagavathy or the Goddess best exemplifies the valluvanadan tradition (valluvanadu is a region in Kerala with a distinct culture ). Pooram, the concluding day of the festival, is marked by a ceremonial procession of about 21 elephants accompanied by Religious and folk arts like Kaalavela (bull motif spectacle), Kuthiravela (horse motif spectacle), and Poothanum thirayum . Kalamezhuthu Pattu (the ritual drawing of the goddess’s image on the floor, accompanied by a song) is performed on all the festival days. The cultural fare during the festival includes Kathakali, Chakyarkoothu and The ancient folk art of shadow puppetry called Tholpavakoothu. Bhagirath Tour & Travels would be delighted to take you to this grand fest and let you savor the essence of a great tradition.
Pulikkali, Trichur, Kerala
Thrippunithura Athachamayam is a majestic festival celebrated at the Thrippunithura fort in Cochin . It’s celebrated on the Atham asterism of The Malayalam Month Chingam and marks the beginning of the ten day Onam festival. This festival has a history dating back centuries; it originally was a celebration associated with the customary annual visit of the Cochin king to the Thrippunithura fort to meet and greet his subjects. The grandeur of the regal procession is on the ascendancy and showcases almost all the folk arts of Kerala. Elephants adorned in caparisons and silken-parasols add color to the festival. Bhagirath Tour & Travels welcomes you to be a part of this regal festival.
Ayurveda Jhansi Mahotsav — Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh)
A wonderful conglomeration of indigenous art forms such as folk songs, dances, mushiras and Gazals, the Ayurveda Jhansi Mahotsav is aweek-long festival that put on display the arts, crafts and culture of a splendid city – Jhansi . The festival holds special attraction for those with interest in poetry as it brings back the memories of legendary poets. The festival also promotes ‘Ayurveda’, the world-renowned Indian specialty in the field of medical science. Ayurveda apart from being a system of healing is a way of life; regular observance of Ayurveda prescriptions keeps help the mind and body young and healthy. Other attractions of the fair are the handicraft fair and the traditional folk art performances by the local artistes. This event attracts a monstrous crowd.
Ganga Festival — Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
The Ganga Mahotsav is a classial music and dance fest organized in the enchanting backdrop of the religious town of Varanasi and river Ganges . This five-day festival coincides with the sublimely fantastic Dev Deepavali(festival of lights) celebrated with aplomb at Varanasi . The festival has been named Ganga Mahotsav out of respect and devotion for the River Ganges ( Ganga ) which has been for centuries the lifeline of the people and civilization living on its banks. The festival provides music and dance lovers with an opportunity to enjoy spirited performances from celebrated artistes. Some of the laureates who have enthralled connoisseurs here include Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pundit Chhanulal Misra, Girija Devi, Bal Murli Krishnan, Bhimsen Joshi, Birju Maharaj, Amjad Ali Khan, Vilayat Khan, Zila Khan, Sujat Khan and Zakir Hussein. The ghats of Varranasi and banks of Ganges come alive and abright on the occasion of the Kartik Purnima with thousands of diyas (earthen lamps) lit together. This spectacular event is celebrated as a tribute to the great river Ganges and is called the Dev Deepavali. A festival with great fanfare and feasts, Dev Depavali is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Karthik (also known as Kartik Purnima). It is believed that gods descend on earth on Kartik Purnima. During the festival pilgrims throng the banks of Ganges and local people decorate the entire riverbank with tiny earthern lamps to welcome the gods. The shimmer and flicker of the tiny lamps are elegant and eye candy. The reverent multitude also chant the hymns while the priests hold forth huge and bright lamps.
Offer your tributes to a great river that has nurtured an invaluable civilization while rejoicing in the festivities of Dev Deepavali with Bhagirath Tour & Travels .
Lucknow Mahotsav Tour — Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
The Lucknow Mahotsav is a celebration of the Awadh culture (the culture of Lucknow of the yesteryears). During the festival, an array of things from Tonga races to Vintage cars reminds one of the past glories. Craftsmen from all over the country bring their masterpieces to the festival to the delight of shoppers. It’s also a happy time for foodies as a wide range of cuisines are available at the festival, including Kesaria Doodh, Kabab- parathas and other mouth watering non-vegetarian exotic dishes. The festival celebrated between 25th November and 5th December in Lucknow , the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a cultural extravaganza. Colorful processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of Lucknow Gharana, Sarangi and sitar recitals, ghazals, qawalis and thumri produce a cheerful atmosphere during the ten day long festival. Exciting events like ekka races, kite flying, cock fighting and other customary village games re-establish an ambiance of the bygone Nawabi days. Experience a lifestyle and culture sweetly cherished with Bhagirath Tour & Travels .
Sri Krishna Janmashtami — Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)
Janmashtami, The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with Great Spirit, devotion and aplomb all over India, especially At Mathura and Brindavan where the lord spent his childhood. These twin cities take on a festive air during the month of Shravan (July/August) in which Janmashtami falls. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated and lit. Night-long prayers are offered at the temples and religious hymns sung. The priests bathe the idol of Krishna placed on a swing with water from the holy river Ganges (charanamrit), and pour milk, ghee, oil and honey over the idol using a conch shell as offering. People fast during the day and keep awake till after midnight when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born; singing bhajans (praises of the lord) all this time. At midnight they break their fast and chant “Radhe Krishna, hare Krishna, Radhe Radhe”. Celebrations and festivities take vary between places.
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is where his parents lived in captivity of the evil Kansa (the lord’s maternal uncle). The lord as a young boy killed his evil uncle and freed his parents before ascending the throne of Mathura. The city which has more than 400 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna witnesses grand celebrations in the month of Shravan, especially on janmashtami. The main celebrations are performed at the Dwarakadhish temple in the form of Jhulanotsava and ghatas. Ghatas are a peculiar aspect of celebrations. Ghatas are classified on the basis of color and a specific ghata is assigned to each day; On a day assigned with a particular color (ghata) the city wears that color only- even the lord dresses up in that color. Major celebrations are also hosted at the Banke Bihari, Rangaji, Shri Krishna balaram and gopinath temples. Various art performances are staged as part of the celebrations, their theme predominantly being Raslila (Lord Krishna’s penultimate enjoyment with his girlfriends).
In Brindavan, the festivities like staging of Raslila by professional drama troups begin long before Janmashtami. Even non-professionals and children stage raslilas and other folk dramas relating to the events in Lord Krishna’s life every year. Striking attributes of these dramas are the colorful costumes of the characters and equally colorful backgrounds. Musicians provide accompaniment to these dramas staged in either Hindi or Brajbhasha. Temple rituals at Brindavan during Janmashtami are similar to the rituals followed in Mathura.
Come, visit the land of the lord’s boyish antics and revel in the celebration of his life with Bhagirath Tour & Travels.
Taj Mahotsav — Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
he Taj Mahotsav is a 10 day-long extravaganza held at Shilpgram near the Taj Mahal, one of the greatest wonders of the World. The festival which starts on the 18th of February each year showcases diverse art forms from across the country. The festival commences with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor. Caparisoned elephants, bedecked camels, drums and folk arts recreate the glorious era of Mughals. It is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. Folk music, shayari (poetry), classical dance performances, elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all form a part of the festivities.
Profundity of folk arts from different states of india, like Dundelkhand, ‘Nautanki’ (Drama) and ‘ Sapera’ dance of Rajasthan and ‘Lavanj’ of Maharashtra is the most striking aspect of the festival. Visitors dance to the tune of folk music along with the dancers. Exquisite cuisines are prepared which vouch for the culinary expertise of Indians. Artisans from across the country display their crafts including wood carvings from Saharanpur, brass and other metal ware from Moradabad, handmade carpets of Badohi, the pottery of Khurja, chickan-work of Lucknow, the silk of Banaras and much more. Marble, of course, rule the show. Partake in this grand gala held near the great World wonder with Bhagirath Tour & Travels.
Tarpa Festival, Dadar & Nagar
Chapchar Kut festival is a spring festival celebrated by the tribals in Mizoram. The festival follows the daunting task of jungle clearing for cultivation. People belonging to all ages drees up in colorful costumes and head-gears and assemble to perform various folk dances, sing traditional songs, accompanied by the beating sound of drums, gongs and cymbals. Some prominent folk dances that have been practiced for centuries and performed during the festival are Cheraw (bamboo dance), Khuallam, Solakia and Chheih Iam. Enjoy this tribal fiesta with Bhagirath Tour & Travels.
Wangala Dance Festival, Meghalaya
Wangala literally means dance of hundred drums. It’s an important festival of the Garo tribe of Meghalaya, celebrating a good yield after a period of toil. It is celebrated in the honor of ‘Satyong’, the god of fertility. People of all ages dressed up in their colorful costumes and feathered head dresses dance to the beat of long cylindrical drums. This annual festival which falls in November lasts for a week. Come to this jig with Bhagirath Tour & Travels.
Hornbill festival, Nagaland
The hornbill festival is a festival of festivals in that it is organized to provide visitors with an opportunity to witness all the tribal festivals of the state in a single package. The festival held between 1st and 5th of December every year showcases the attractions of the festivals of all the 16 major tribes in the state of Nagaland. It is held at Kohima and is a giant color-splashed hodgepodge of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies. Come to this jamboree with Bhagirath Tour & Travels.