Onam :Festival of Frolics and Delicacies marking the Carnival of Kerala

Onam the biggest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala, sets the plethora for the majestic welcome of the legendary King Mahabali. It descents in the Malayi month of Chingam ( August- September). The Carnival of Kerala lasts for ten days and it showcases the best of the culture and tradition of Kerala. The celebration of Onam also marks the onset of the harvest season.

Onam or Thiruonam as it is popularly connoted has a legendary significance in Kerala. It recalls the era of golden fraternity during the reign of King Mahabali. King Mahabali was to believed to be very generous and kind hearted and was highly regarded by his subjects. But as a king of might he had a reigning ego in himself governing him which became a point of advantage for the gods to stop his growing popularity. However for all the good deeds done by King Mahabali God granted him the boon that he could annually visit his people and his kingdom once in a year.

It is this visit of Mahabali which is celebrated as Onam every year. Malayalis or the people of Kerala enjoy this festival with great pomp and valour.

The best part about the festival of Onam is the variety of palatable dishes being served. The grand feast which is also known as Onasadya is a nine course meal consisting of mainly 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya is served on large banana leaves and people savour it sitting on the floor.

Another enchanting phenomenon of Onam is Vallamkali (the snake boat race) which is held on the river Pampa in Kerala. It is really vivacious watching the colourful boats being rowed by hundreds of Boatmen at a stance and the spectators cheering them amidst chanting of songs. Women engage themselves in cultural activities like making flower mats called Pookalam in the front courtyard to welcome the mighty king Mahabali. Kaikotti kali (Kathakali dance form) and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by Women on the festival of Onam.

Although the festival of Onam has its origin in Hindu Mythology but Onam is celebrated with equal fervour without any differentiation in class, creed, or diversity.

Diwali : Festival of light and Carnival

Diwali being around, we feel the aura of delight and enthusiasm reigning the air. Deepavali is a festival where people of all age groups participate and they give expression to their happiness by lighting Diyas (hand made earthern lamps). Basically Diwali is a festival which takes us into a carnival mood and complete vivacity.

Deepavali in Sanskrit language means 'an array or a row of lamps'. Filling clay lamps with oil and lighting them in a row is enchanting in itself. Diwali is associated with many traditions and even today when we follow those customs it makes us realise our glorious past of our country and teaches us to uphold the values. Diwali reckons in the veins enthusiasm of crackers, light and lots of delicacies.

Deepavali as it is famously connoted is one festival which indulges people of all age groups. A festive mood and a total Carnival atmosphere thrives in the whole environment. The lighting of the lamps is a way of paying respect and reverence to the almighty for the attainment of wealth, glory, knowledge, fame, and valour.

It is one day in the whole year when kids get up early from their bed. They emerge literally scrubbed clean as they get new pair of attires and lots of crackers and Sparklers. People especially in North India celebrate this festival with thorough Pomp and Show. They light up little oil lamps, scented incense sticks and enjoy to the fullest. In the evening people do the Laxmi Pujan ( offering prayers to goddess Laxmi ) as she is believed to be the bestower of fame and wealth.

There is a story attached with the lighting of the lamps. Mythology has its say that either a light or a lamp shoos away the ignorance factor from the life of the individual. It is also believed that light is a metaphor of knowledge which truly personifies the beauty of the World.

Diwali also calls for celebration as this is the day when Lord Ram came back to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.

Ladakh Festival: Unfurling the Colour of the Hills

Ladakh is a land incomparable with any other place in the world. Adding to its might and lustre are the two of the World's greatest mountain ranges the Great Himalayas and the Karakoram ranges. Ladakh lies in a region at an altitude ranging from 9000 feet in Kargil to 25,170 feet at Saser Kangri in Karakoram. This beautiful land much known for its scenic beauty is again in news for its “Ladakh Festival” which starts from the1st of September 2009.

The much awaited festival is starting on 1st of September from Chubi to the Pologround which passes through the Leh Baazar. This festival brings out the the real colour of the Hill culture. One would find different peasantries with their cultural troupes in colourful costumes and Polo horses who would participate in the procession.

On the 2nd of September there would be the famous Chams Mask Dance which is a mark of Ladakh. Following the tradition thereafter on the 3rd of September they have their tradition of showcasing their archery skills with river rafting and Camel Safari on the sand dunes, Tsomorir- ri-festival, Khatok Chenma to be held at the Leh Palace, Nubra festival (caravan on silk route)then a music concert on the days following thereafter.

The Ladakh festival would go on till 15th of September. On the last day the closing ceremony would take place on the Polo ground.

Dussehra : Festival of Enthrallment Engulfing the Soul

Whenever Indian Panorama lures our mind we think of festivals . India is better known as for festivals. India is a land of cultural as well religious diversity. Therefore every Festival in India is an epitome in itself of a cultural and religious amalgamation. Thus coming September we would be savoured with an array of festivals ofcourse Dussehra being the main menu.

Dussehra means an illusory excitement which slowly fills the entire environment. It all means festival time. People are seen all over the market area bustling hard to get their choicest clothes and gifts. Therefore literally Dussehra is said to be the first big festival of the season.

Legends associated with the celebration

Dussehra falls on the 10^th day of the luminous moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin in the month of September. Legend has it that Dussehra is of Goddess Durga slaying of the Buffalo-Demon Mahishasur. According to Folklore, the Gods bestowed Mahishasur with indomitable powers as a boon for his unparalleled penance . As per the expectation Mahishasur raised hell at the doors of the Heaven forcing the Gods to flee. Then it were the Gods who with there combined effort created Durga coagulating all their powers within her to destroy the mighty Mahishasur. It is well known as Durga Puja in West Bengal.

Mythology goes with the another legend that on this day Ram (God King) of the great Hindu Epic Ramayana killed the unvirtuous Ravana. Ravana was the 10 headed demon who had abducted Sita , Ram's wife.

According to the epic of Ramayana Lord Ram along with his brother Lakshman and an army of Ape men (monkeys) fought an enormous war which lasted for 10 days. Ram who is said to be a devout believer of Durga (Shakti ) prayed to the goddess for the first nine days of the battle and killed the evil Ranvana on the 10^th day . Ravana is said to have penanced and fetched the nectar pot of immortality which he stored in his navel. It is said that Ram shot Ravana with an arrow that pierced his navel thereby outflowing the nectar of invincibility.

Ram is said to be known with this secret through Vibhisana, Ravana's own brother. Dussehra is a festival which commemorates good over evil. This 10^th day also marks with the Ram Lila enactments where the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath(son of Ravana), Kumbhakarana( brother of Ravana) are burnt.

Navratri

Navratri or the festival of nine nights is celebrated during the first nine days of the Hindu month of Ashvin (September- October). The festival is dedicated to mother Shakti in her nine forms. The season is also considered as an auspicious one as it is basically associated with the sowing of seeds. The after Navratri that is the 10^th day when Dussehra is celebrated. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with lots of fascination in the region of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The highlights of the festival are the colourful dances of Garba and Dandiya Raas where men and women of all sects perform on the same platform.

All the celebrations related to Dussehra have a special significance in varied regions of India according to the culture and traditions.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Hallmark for a pious beginning

Salutations to the Beginner of eternity who is the supreme lord and is the source of all the bliss himself. Lord Ganesha is considered to be the bestower of all the virtuous qualities and the attainer of all the successful undertakings.

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular Festivals amongst the Hindu fraternity. Largely speaking this festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha and it befalls on the 4rth day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada in the month between August – September.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival observed world wide with utter diligence by devoted hindu . Enthusiasm reigns in much before the commencement of the festival. Clay figures of the diety are made and are being worshipped. The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi may start on from 2 days which lasts for even 10 days like in the state of Maharashtra and then it is submerged in water bodies.

Mythology goes with the predicament that Lord Ganesha is the god with elephant's head. He is said to be worshipped first before any auspicious activity or prayer. He is said to be the Lord of Power and wisdom and is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Gauri .By worshipping Lord Ganesha mothers hope to get the virtues and the knowledge of Lord Ganesha in their kids.

The following story goes as about the birth of lord Ganesha and how he got an elephant's head.

Once upon a time Goddess Gauri ( consort of Lord Shiva) , while bathing created the mighty lord Ganesha out of the mud of her body. She placed the live idol on the entrance of the house instructing not to allow anybody in while she was bathing. In the meantime Lord Shiva was returning home quite thirsty and he was stopped by Ganesha at the entrance which infuriated Lord Shiva. Shiva was enraged and cut off Ganesha's head thinking him to be an outsider.

This incident led into an utter en grief in goddess Gauri. Knowing his mistake Lord Shiva ordered to get him the head of any creature sleeping facing his towards the north.. The servants finding nothing fruitful got the head of an elephant which was joined by the lord on the body of Ganesha.

Lord Shiva also blessed Ganesha making him worthy of worship at the beginning of all the activities, marriages, studies etc. He anointed the annual worship of Lord Ganesha on the fourth day of the bright half of the Bhadrapada.

It is believed that without the blessings and the grace of lord Ganesha nothing fruitful can be achieved.

Lord Ganesha is said to be very fond of sweet puddings or balls of rice flour with a sweet tinge.

On the day of Ganesha Chaturthi, it is believed to meditate on the stories connected with Lord Ganesha.

Hemis Festival Ladak

Hemis Fesival is one of the biggest Buddhist festivals in Ladak. It is held every year in the Hemis Monastry which is the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladak and attracts thousand of devotees across the region. This festival is celebrated on the tenth day of lunar month in the Tibetan calendar and is celebrated in the commemoration of the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. It is a very vibrant and colorful festival, celebrated for two days. During the festival the Lamas gather around the central flagpole in the country yard of the monastry and perform various plays and mask dance. These amazing dances are performed on the beat of the beats of drums, cymbals and long horns.
The symbolic significance of the festival is the victory of good over evil. After the mask dance and sacred play, the leader of the black hat dancers destroys an idol made up of dough and spreads in the four directions. Then a devil dance is also performed. The entire programme of the Hemis festival is preceded by the head lama of the monastery.
Devil dance is an important part of the social entertainment of the Ladakh people. Other major attraction of the Hemis festival includes a colourful fair displaying some of the most exquisite handicrafts of the Ladakh region. However, the most interesting aspect of the Hemis festival is display of the two-storey high “Thanka” which depicts the image of Guru Padmasambhava is displayed for the devotees. It is embroidered with semi-precious stones and pearls.
Hemis festival is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padma Sambhava or Guru Gyalwang Drukchen Rimpoche, the most honored incarnation of Lord Budha. He is considered as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism who spreaded the message of Lord Buddha in the Ladak region.
This annual festival is the most awaiting festival to all Ladakis. It is the time when all villagers and families to come together and socialize. Men can be seen wearing cummerbands while women are dressed in bright headgear and lots of jewellery. The scene of this festival becomes a beautiful sight to behold. It is an wonderful scope for the traveler to interact with the local people.
This year also the Hemis festival was celebrated with warmth and gaiety on 12th and 13th July. Those who have attended this festival are mesmerized by the incredible spectacle.

India International Travel Mart (IITM )

India International Travel Mart (IITM Bangalore & Chennai), organised by Travel Media Networks are merely not an exhibition only, but these offer people an insight into the factors that are bringing changes in global travel, tourism, hospitality. IIITM is one of the prominent International Travel & Tourism Mart which brings people together to promote Inbound, Outbound and Domestic Tourism in an excellent style.

IITM offers a big platform to the interested people o Explore, Market and Publicize their destination/ product/ organization at one place. The main purpose of such fair to “bringing about a face - to - face encounter with the travel – trade, corporate consumers, the burgeoning middle and upper middle class including the elite segment, with the requisite purchasing power, in an ambient and festive surrounding that would facilitate the beginning of a new era of a mutually beneficially business relationship.”.

The visitors of this mart will be from the travel trade and industries, Business TravelersHoliday makers, Key Business and Corporate Travel Decision makers, Potential investors in the field of Hospitality, Leisure and Travel Industry. It will also include visitors like Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Tour Organizers, Business & Corporate Houses, Govt. and Public Sector Undertakings / Organizations, Domestic and International Travellers, Tourism Organizations/Offices, Associations, Excursion Makers, Professionals, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Food Craft Institutes, Educational Institutes.

The exhibitors of these mart are Time-Share Resorts, Corporate Clubs, Amusement Theme Park etc., Adventure Sports: Aero Sports, Aqua Sports, Terrestrial Adventure operators (Trekking, Mountaineering, Jungle Camping, adventure gears, Wildlife and eco tourism resorts, Golf Resorts, etc, Educational Institutions in the field of hospitality and tourism studies etc., Health Care and Travel Insurance Services, Travel Accessories: Credit Cards, Foreign Exchange, Baggage Manufacturers, Photography Equipment and accessories, etc, Handicrafts, Specialty vehicles, Publicatio

Venue:

Bangalore

Bangalore Palace Grounds,

The Palace, Vasanthanagar (Mount Carmel College Side Entrance)

Bangalore

Date : 18th - 20th July 2009

Chennai

Chennai Trade Centre, Hall No. 1

Mount Poonamallee High Road

Nandambakkam, Chennai

Date : 24th to 26th July 2009

Mango Festival

This blog is about different festivals only. So today I am writing about another festival in India. Hold on ... it not about religious festival but about mango festival. Yep ...its a good news for the fruit lovers that the annual mango festival in Delhi is going to be held on the 7^th July at Pragati Maidan. In collaboration with Delhi Government, the Delhi Tourism Department organizes this festival where innumerable people come to watch 500 varieties of mango picked from across India. It is an amazing experience to watch the different mouth watering varieties of mangoes. This three days annual mango festival is undoubtedly a treat for fruit lovers, where you can experience a huge variety of mango in one place.

The different types of mangoes that draw attention in the festival are Sirki, Suvarna, Jehangir, Neeleshwari, Royal SP, Amarpali and Langra to Badami, Alphonso, Mallika, Raspuri and Totapuri.

So come and enjoy this festival of king of fruits and savor your taste bud with different tastes.

Ratha Jatra

One of the majestic, gorgeous and grand festival in India is the festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha, which is popularly known as the Ratha Jatra. It is celebrated every year in Puri in the month of June or July. During the festival the presiding deities of the Sri Mandir Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, are taken out from the temple for the procession. On the grand day the three chariots the yellow coloured Nandighosa, blue coloured Taladwaja and Deviratha colourfully decorated are lined up in front of the temple and the respective idols are brought into the specific decorated chariots. Then the so called king of Puri washes and sweeps off the road with scented water and golden broom. After that the devotees pull the rope of the chariots on the Badadanda to Gundicha Ghar. The whole activities is a amazing sight. After a stay of seven days in the Gundicha Ghar the deities return to the main Mandir. The procession symbolises the journey of Lord krishna to Mathura leaving the Gopis.

Ratha Jatrra is undoubtedly the grandest procession in the earth where we can see decorated elephants, garlands, acrobats and gymnasts pilgrims on foot pushing each other to pull the rope. Devotees believe that while pulling the rope if you make any wish your wish will be full filled. And a sight of Jagannath in the charriot is considered to be the most auspicious.

The Ratha Jatra festival is a week long festival in Puri. Devotees from all over the world try to visit Puri during this time. Every year during the festival this city of Orissa becomes home to the millions of people. The beaches of Puri are another tourist attractions, washes off the penance of thousands of devotees every year.
It should mention here that the Ratha Jatra does not take place only in puri, similar processins are taken place in much smaller scale in other towns of India like, Ramnagar, Varanasi and in few more places.
If you can manage to attend the grand festival in puri it will be life time achievement, but make sure to book the hotels in advance to avoid rush.

In 2009 the Ratha Jatra is on 24th June.

Baisakhi

Hey its time for another festival in India... yep its Baisakhi on the 14th of April.
It is one of the mega events in India. Baisakhi is also a harvest festival, it also the time when the harvest is ready to cut and store to sell. In fact it is celebrated as new year day all over the country under different names. People all over the India celebrate this day with great enthusiasm and spirit.
For the Sikh community, the day is very special. The last Guru of Sikh community, Guru Gobind Singh organised the sikhs into Khalsa on this day. Actually by doing so he cast aside the differences of high and low and established that all human beings are equal. Sikhs celebrate the day by visiting Gurudwaras, merry making and feasting.

In the Northern part of India, it is a beginning of a new year. People celebrate with folk dance, music and feasting. Men and women wears colourful clothes and engrossed themselves in robust bhangra and gidda. There are elaborate meals of chana, bhatura, Sarson da Saag, tandoori roti and mithais of vast variety.

In Bengal the day is celebrated as Nava barsha or Poila baisakh. People embrace each other and enjoy variety of yummy food. People of Assam celebrate the day as Rongali Bihu. Folk songs and bihu dance are the prime attractions of the festival. People of Bihar celebrates Baisakhi as Vaishakha in honour of the Sun God, Surya while the people of Kerala celebrates it as Vishu and Tamil Nadu as Puthandu. In Kashmir, a ceremonial bath and general festivity mark Baisakhi while in Himachal Pradesh people flock to the temple of Jwalamukhi and take a holy dip in the Hot Springs.

Ram Navami

India is a land of festivals and fairs and in almost everymonth we celebrate one festival. Our next festival is the Ram Navami on the 3^rd of April. Ram Navami is celebrated as the birth day of Lord Rama. In India it the day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit. There is no person in India who has not heard the name of Ram irrespective of cast and religion. Shri Ram was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and was born in Ayodhya. Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of the first fortnight of Chaitra. It is celebrated with great devotion across the nation and every region has its own region belief behind the celebration.

The Celebration

Different people celebrate in different ways but the celebration begins with prayer of the sun in early morning, chanting vedic mantras etc. At mid day when Lord Rama supposed to have been born a special prayer is performed. People sing devotional songs and rock images of Ram in a cradle.

People also keep fast through out the day and break it at mid night with milk and fruit. In some parts of India people take out procession of Ram, Sita lakshman and Hanuma. People visits temple and Ramayana and Racharaita are also read. Ram Navami is an important festival in India which signify peace and prosperity. Places like Ayodhya, Ujjain and Ramashearam draws tons of devotees during the festival.

Holi

'Holi hai' ... yeah the Indian festival of colour is on the way. It is on the 10^th and 11^th of March (2009). Dipped in hues of love and trust has come the festival of colours. It is undoubtedly the most fun filled and vibrant Hindu festival. This festival brings happiness and mirth, music and dance, play and ppranks, sweets and snacks and of course lots of bright colours. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day on the month of Phalgoon, generally in February or March. There are legends over the festival which means the triumph of good over evil. It also celebrates the spring.

Unlike other festival it is the time to disregarding social norms and social taboos and indulge in general merry making. This festival bridge the social gap by spraying colours to others. The celebration is made by attending a bonfire, rubbing gulal or colour to the friends and family and generally 'let loose'. The pranks generally which are offensive are allowed during holi, like spraying coloured water on passers-by, getting intoxicated on bhaang are perfectly alright. People play colourful pranks and get away with anything by saying "Don't mind, it's Holi!" (Hindi = Bura na mano, Holi hai.). People enjoy freedom during holi rather aggressively.

Holi is a wonderful chance to send warm wishes, blessings and love to the near and dear ones wrapped in a sweet holi gift. Mouth watering dishes like 'Gujhias' and 'Papris', 'malpua' and 'thandai' are made to add sweetness to the colours. There are different stories behind celebration of holi in the diffe

rent regions of India but the purpose is one – to make the world colourful. Is not it the festival is a very happy and holy affair?

Have a colourful holi...

Khajuraho Dance festival

The land of fairs and festivals, India has innumerable festivals – it has religious and cultural festivals. Not a single month is with out festival in India. Either there is a religious or cultural festival always there to make people busy and happy. Yeah... here I am talking about another cultural festival of India, Khajuraho dance festival.

Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh has made a distinctive place for itself in the world tourism map beacuse of its captivating temples and dance festival. The dance festival takes place every year in the month of February 25^th to Mach. 2^nd. This cultural festival marks the richness of the different classical dance style such as Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Kuchipudi and Manipuri with excellent perfomances of some of the modern Indian dances which have also been included recently. This The back ground of the festival is an open air auditorium in front of Chitragupta Temple dedicated to God Sun and Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to lord Shiva.

The eminent and famous dancers of India are invited in the festival to perform the art. The artists are honored for their magnificent performances and these are really a cultural delight to the art lovers.

Dance lovers not only from India but also from other parts of the globe try to take part in this enchanting event. This cultural extravaganza is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department and is promoted as one of the major cultural event in Khajuraho.

This dance festival also celebrates the glory of the artistic temples of Khajuraho. The main idea behind Khajuraho Dance Festival is to show the cultural heritage of Khajuraho relevant to the present society and preserving it for the coming generation.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Every year in the month of February the desert land of Jaisalmer becomes lively, vibrant and colourful by the desert festival of Jaisalmer. The back ground of the fair is the majestic Jaisalmer fort. This mega event is sponsored by the Rajasthan Tourism development Corporation. Every year during spring with the advent of full moon night the whole Rajasthan tie their turban for the colourful Desert festival of Jaisalmer. This event is a joyful celebration of the traditional performing art and craft of Rajasthan.

Celebration

A few days before the festival the artist, musician, dancers not only from Jaisalmer but also from other parts of India proceed towards the land of desert in colourful camel caravan. As the D- days dawns the yellow city, Jaisalmer becomes vibrant with colours, folk music, puppet show, enchanting dance and brilliantly hued costume. There are other entertaining activities like turban tying contest, Mr. Desert contest, camel races make the place exciting and interesting. The beating of drums can be heard from the every corner of Jaisalmer. Fireworks at night illuminate the sam sand dunes, and these are really not to be misses event.

There is music every where. There are variety of shops of craft, jewelry, scandals etc mind bowing Rajasthani products. Tourist around the globe come to visit this wonderful during the festival. For the artists it has become a prestigious event to participate in the desert festival. It is also a good platform for the new talents.

Rajasthan is one of the hot destinations in India and event like this really add spice to life. So if you are planning to visit Jaisalmer try to make it on during the desert festival – a totally different world.

In 2009 the fair in on 7^th -9^th February.

Makar Sankranti

The Hindu calender of India is full of festivals and among them one is Makar Sankranti. It is celebrated on the month of January either 13th or 14th. It is celebrated all over India with different names. Like in South India people celebrate it as Pongal, in Bengal as Sankranti, Gujrati call it Uttarayan, Assamese celebrate Bihu and in North India people celebrate Lohri just one day before the Makar sankranti. But all of them celebrate it as the harvest festival. It is one of the auspicious day in the Hindu calender and marks the beginning of the Magh and ascent of the sun to the North.

Celebration
People all over India celebrate this festival with great pomp and gaiety. Different Part of India celebrate this festival with different traditional rituals.
Southern India – The Southern part of India celebrate this festival as Pongal. In Andhra Pradesh and Kerala this festival lasts for a couple of days. Besides the Puja people boil rice and pulses with milk and offer to the family deity. Bull fights and other activities are also held during the festival.

Northern India – The people of North India specially the punjabis celebrate this festival as Lohri with huge bonfire. According to the custom they throw sweets, sugar cane, rice on the fire and dance and sing with families and friends.

Uttar Pradesh – In Uttar Pradesh it is known as Khichiri,. People take holy dip in the river Ganga with a belief that all the sins will be washed away.

Bengal – In Bengal a famous fair is organised at Ganga Sagar on that special day. Pilgrims also gather there to witness the fair. People make different types of petha (different types of sweets with combination of pulses) and til tikka on this occasion.

Maharashtra – The people of Maharashtra make Til Laddu on the day of sankranti and exchange it and greet each other with saying til-gul ghya, god god bola’ means ‘accept these tilguls and speak sweet words’. There is also a rituals of sharing gifts to the newly married women.

Gujarat – Apart from the family get together and exchange of gifts the people of Gujarat fly kites on this special day. It is now an internationally famous event.

Assam – In Assam this festival is known as Bhogali Bihu. People celebrate it by burning thatches and preparing variety of foods.

Though the different parts of India celebrate this festival in different ways but the main reason behind the celebration is to celebrate the harvest and thanks giving to the Almighty.