Goa Carnival

An annual festival, Goa Carnival is the most important event of Goa. Held every year in the month of February, Goa Carvinal lasts for three days and three nights. Goa Carnival provides a wonderful chance to witness the multiple colours of life also to enjoy fun-filled activities, exciting music and dance. During the festival, the towns and villages of Goa become colourful, and music, dance and healthy entertainment covers the streets of the state.

Actually the Goa Carnival is a Christian festival, but people of other religions also take part in the celebrations. Started as a rowdy celebration enjoyed by the local people, Goa Carnival has now crossed the state boundaries and participated by people from various parts of the country. Visit Goa this February to participate in Goa Carnival, which is going to held from 02nd to 04th February.

Goa Carnival in Past
According to historic records, the origin of Goa Carnival dates back to the time of the Portuguese, who ruled over the region till 1961. The Portuguese rulers introduced the festival as a rowdy celebration, celebrated by throwing mud, sand-filled bags, flour, eggs, oranges, liquids and other items on the passersby. Throwing old used pots, pans and other kitchen utensils out of the homes, were also the part of the celebration. Fierce mock-battle were waged on the streets, fought by the weapons like Plaster of Paris, eggs, corncobs, beans and wax lemons. Unlimited eating was also an essential part of Goa Carnival, people used to gorge on lavish foods distributed by the convents and churches.


Goa Carnival Now
Over the years, many rituals of Goa Carnival had been changed, but even today you can experience the same old charm by participating in the event. Preparations for the carnival begin well in advance as long as two to three months back. Artists and local people start rehearsals for plays, songs, dances, mock battles and other entertaining programmes. Goa Carnival begins as the legendary King Momo takes over the state and the festivities go for three day and three nights.

The three day festival is marked by the celebration of century old culture and tradition of Goa and Goan think of only feasting, drinking and merrymaking. Streets of Goa come alive with songs, dances, plays depicting Goan history, mock battles and other fun-filled activities. Numerous competitions are also organized during the Goa Carnival and winners of the competitions are given prizes by King Momo on the final day. During the festival the evening is bedazzled by fireworks.

Island Festival, Andaman and Nicobar

An annual festival, Island Tourism Festival is organised in Port Blair by the Andaman and Nicobar tourism department. A fortnight festival, Island Tourism Festival is organised every year between December and February and it projects the image of the islands as an eco-friendly tourist destination.

Island Tourism Festival is the main festival of the Indian union territory of Andaman and Nicobar islands and it comprises of fine exhibitions, cultural programmes, competitions and much more. During this 15-day long festival dance, drama and musical programmes are organised. Exhibitions, displaying arts and crafts of the islands, flora and fauna and marine life, are essential parts of the tourism festival. Government agencies and business ntrepreneurs from the twin islands and mainland of India participate the exhibitions in large number. Island Tourism Festival exhibitions display the development aspects of these islands.

Andaman and Nicobar Administration invites the cultural troupes and artistes of national and international fame who entertain the visitors with their unique performance. Beside, the talents of these islands including tribals also perform during the festival. Aqua sports completions such as Nicobari Hodi are added attraction of this festival. Other attractions of the festival include Magic show, Puppet show, Floating restaurant, Baby show, Dog show, Canoe Race, Scuba Diving, Tele games etc.

Winter Festival - Mount Abu

Rajasthan is the land of activities and around the year a number of fairs are organized in the state. Just couple of days back, Mount Abu the only hill station of the state celebrated the Winter Festival. An annual three-day festival, the Winter Festival is organised by the Rajasthan Tourism and Municipal Board, Mount Abu. Like previous years this year too the winter festival showcased a number of fun-filled activities and visited by thousands of people. With its cultural variables, exotic location and warm hospitality of the people, the Winter Festival provided a never before experience to visitors.

Activities During Winter Festival
Winter Festival, Mt. Abu begins with ceremonial procession kicked off from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar. Further the procession gathers at the Nakki Lake Chowk followed by folk performances of artists from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana and other Indian state. On all three days of the festival, fire works are lit and the event is made brighter by a display of dazzling fire works all three days.

Colourful diyas (earthen lamps) are floated on the Nakki lake during the festival which is the part of a famous ceremony known as Deepdaan. You will be surely mesmerized by the beautiful sight of so many lighted lamps floating on the lake.

In fact, the winter festival is an excellent time to get a glimpse of Rajasthan’s rich tribal life and culture. During the festival you can also enjoy folk and classical music alongwith Gair, Ghoomar and Daph folk dances put up by the talented artists. If you are fond of some adventure, then don’t forget to enjoy water sports such as rowing on the lake. Rowing competitions are also held on the lake during the festival.