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.