Festival of India- Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi In India

Rakhi in India provide information on the most Famous Festival and is celebrated with Trust and Passion. Rakhi Festival is basically celebrated by sisters and brothers plans to strengthen the eternal bond of love shared by them. celebrated Rakhi is all over India and amongst all areas of Hindu community. Rakhi celebrations are however more popular in Northern India.

Rakhi Celebration in India

Rakhi celebrations in Start a month before the Festival of India. The Markets wear a festival looks with different varieties of colorful Rakhi available. Brothers and sisters staying away from home start making plans for a visit to home.

Festival of India : Raksha Bandhan

Festival of India Provide the Festival Tour and Travel Packages India. Find Info on Places to Visits in India to Explore the most Famous Places in India like Delhi Agra Jaipur.

Karwachauth 2011

Karwa Chauth is a festival that is waited all year long among the married women. It gives them a chance get close to their in-laws. All married women observes fast on this day that ensures the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. The festival of Karwa Chauth is celebrated mostly in North India. With changing times this festival has gained much importance. In addition to the traditional items such as henna, beauty products and fashionable clothes, the demand of special eateries are also gearing up.

For the long life of their husbands, women observe this very hard fast (where they do not drink even water the whole day). So wishing all the married ladies a very Happy Karwa Chauth.

The Qutub Festival 2011

Way back in 12th century AD, the founder of slave dynasty in India, Qutub-ud-din-Aibak laid down the foundation of what today is called the tallest stone tower in the world - Qutub Minar. His son-in-law, Iltumish further carried on the construction work and Feroz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodhi carried on the repair work.

Today, Qutub Minar is a monumental heritage of India that has also secured itself a place in the prestigious UNESCO World heritage Site. An annual Qutub Festival is organised in the premises of the monument to celebrate the diverse Indian culture and heritage. The festival also aims to draw national and international attention towards this monument whose significance in Indian history can never be negated.

AND THIS QUTUB FESTIVAL WILL SOON BE BACK THIS YEAR! Various artists from all over the country will be performing in the Qutub Festival. The festival is a must see for all those who love Indian music and culture. There are also classical dance performances from different parts of the country. The festival will be organized for 3 days by the tourism department.

Travellers from around the world can plan their trip to India around this festival. Apart from enjoying the cultural extravaganza during the fest, tourists can also explore other historical and modern treasures of Delhi and its surrounding areas. These would invariably include the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Akshardham Temple and Rajghat in Delhi. Moving out of Delhi, you have a number of other options to explore. Taj Mahal in Agra should be top on your list if still haven't seen the wonderful beauty. Apart from it, the hill stations of north India like Shimla, Manali, Kufri, Patnitop, Srinagar and many more.

Do plan a visit around the Qutbu festival. We will keep you posted about the date of the festival.

The Legend of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura

This is a very famous legend associated with Durga Puja Festival.

There was once a demon king by the name of Mahishasura who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. His tough penance pleased Lord Shiva so much that he granted him a boon - that no man or deity will ever be able to kill him.

Armed with such a boon, Mahishasura went about terrorizing both human and gods. His atrocities both troubled and saddened Gods and they sought Lord Brahma's assistance in the matter. Lord Brahma, along with Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and other Gods of the heaven decided that since no man or deity could kill Mahishasura, a woman with ultimate powers to kill the demon king was the only solution. Thus Goddess Durga was created with the divine powers of all the gods who also armed her with the best of the weapons.

A tough battle followed wherein Goddess Durga first vanquished the army of Mahishasura and then beheaded him.

The outcome pleased the Gods as they sang praises of Goddess Durga. Since then, the worship of Goddess Durga began.

Kerala Festivals

Festivals of Kerala

Kerala India is an ultimate state, which is also famous as God's Own Country. Even in recent time its cultural values and traditions of the centuries are still intact. The colorful Kerala festivals are celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm, which have their significant social importance. The most popular festivals of Kerala are:

Onam:
Onam is the most popular as well as the famous festival in Kerala. It is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September). It is celebrated for 10 days, which is the real amalgamation of folk dances, music and old traditions with new developing customs.

Boat Race Festival:
This is a major river carnival, which is a part of Aaranmula Temple festival. Aaranmula Boat Race is being organized every year in the month of August or September, in the fascinating village of Aaranmula. The prime attraction of this race is snake boats, which are called 'Palliyodams'.

Thrissur Pooram:
Thrissur Pooram is another prime festival of Kerala, which is celebrated on the Pooram day in the month of April-May. It is celebrated at Vadakkunnathan temple of Thrissur district with procession of decorated elephants..

Pongal:
Pongal is an important festival of Kerala. It is a festival of sun which is celebrated in the month of January. It is a four day festival, in which first, second, third and fourth day are celebrated as Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Kaanum Pongal respectively.

So plan a Kerala festival tour to enjoy the colorful Kerala festivals.

Navratri Festival to Begin from 27th September

The famous Navratri festival is about to begin from 27th September. This will set the festive season rolling.

Navratri or nine nights is dedicated to the the various form of Hindu goddesses.

The first three days is dedicated to Maa Durga, the Goddess of valor.


The next three days are dedicated to Ma Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.


The last three days are dedicated to Ma Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge.


On the ninth day, Kanya Puja is performed that worships the nine form of Goddess. Nine young girls are invited to household, their feet are washed and they are gifted clothes and money as a mark of respect to Goddess Durga.

Aranmula Boat Race

Have you ever seen hundreds of beautifully decorated boats at one place? If no then you must see the Aranmula boat race, which is being held at the Pampa river. This year this boat race is being celebrated today (13 September 2011). Every year travelers and participant from all around the globe gather at the shores of Pampa river Kerala to witness this great event. This event is manily related to the Aranmula temple and has a religious significance. Every year this boat race is organized to celebrate Onam, which is a very popluar festival of Kerala state.

Just imagine the view of hundreds of Snake boats (or Vallamkali) geraing up for a competition. Simply amazing and speechless. Its definitely an experince of a lifetime. Check out this photos of this year boat race.

Baisakhi Festival 2010

Festival Date: 13^th April, 2010

Location: Punjab

Baisakhi is round the corner. So, how's the preparation going on? Sikh Communities residing in different parts of the world are all set to fill the aura with fun and frolic. This year, make a plan to celebrated the auspicious April 13 in Punjab, situated in the northwest part of India. Enthusiasts have already started to decorate their surroundings and folks have started to prepare best to welcome you in the playful Bhangra dance.

Baisakhi festival signifies the commencement of a new 'Rabi Crop' season. The festival depicts the historic saga of Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9^th Sikh Guru. Legend has it that, Guru sacrificed his life to achieve religious rights of Hindus and Sikh. In order to fulfill Guru's lingered dream, Baisakhi Day was declared by his son, Guru Gobind Singh at Keshgarh Sahib 1699.

On the festival day, devotees follow the tradition of taking holy bath and visiting divine Gurudwaras. They read the religious hymns mentioned in 'Guru Granth Sahib and express gratitude to Guru for their successful cropping. Baisakhi commemorates the birth anniversary of Khalsa Panth. Accordingly, Sikhs are ordered to wear five K's- Kesh (long Hair), Kanga (comb), Kripan (dagger), Kachha (shorts) and Kara (bracelet). In order to celebrate the occasion, a traditional 'Karah Prasad' is prepared and grand feast is organized in Langar style.

Besides, rituals and delicious Punjabi festival cuisines, you will find the fun-filled shopping extravaganza in the colorful 'Baisakhi Mela'. The fair ground carries a number of make-shift food stalls and shopping outlets. Cuisines like Makki Ki Rotti, Sarso Ki Saang, Halwa etc are best menus to pamper your taste-buds; while durries, wood work and hand-woven shawls are must buy ones'

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your luggage......'Yaaro Aai Baisakhi'.....

Good Friday Celebration in Goa

Festival Date: 2nd April, 2010.
Location: Goa

The holy Good Friday reflects the crucifixion and death of Lord Jesus Christ. Its a triumph in tragedy, which Catholics has been observing since time immemorial. The Christan festival act as a sense of inspiration to human beings on the Earth. The revered date fall annually on the March/April (according to religious Christian Calendar). Believers, all over the globe takes an opportunity to participate in religious activities, followed by offering services toward mankind.

Goans heartily welcomes Good Friday with gala occasions. The divine Churches in Old Goa are decorated and rituals mark the aura, early on Thursday. Grand feast commemorating the last supper are organized.

On the festival day, devout Christians participate in reading holy lines from the Old and New Testament. Renditions of the passion and suffering of Lord Jesus are sang by the priests. The prayers have deep significance and touch the core of followers heart.

After completion of the first session, the crucifix is uncovered and people in queue, come forward to venerate it. Lastly, 'holy Communion' is distributed to the congregation and the big image of Christ nailed to the cross, is unveiled. Enthusiasts take pride to carry sober procession on open street. The life-size statue of Lord Christ is placed in a casket and are taken out of the churches. Some people dress themselves in old Jewish costumes and take active participation in singing mournful hymns through the streets. Devotees also shoulder a statue of Mother Marry and holy cross, on the procession.

After long hours of procession, followers return to the church and perform the sermon of ' Soledade (solitude). It deals with the saying of Mother Marry, who was standing alone at the foot of the cross and was helplessly watching her son's crucifixion.

Holi Celebration With Rangoli & Party

Unlike past years, Holi celebration, this 2010 followed an uncommon theme. Delhi'ites left no chance to soak in the colors of joy and so did I. I have no strong desire to play with colors, but this time, I could not stop myself from celebrating this popular festival of India

The excitement was announced a few days prior to the festival, when Rangoli competition was conducted by the management team of the company, I'm working with. Though, I was never done with making rangoli with colors, yet it took no time for me to participate in the occasion. Like me, a handsome number of employees took part in the festivity. The intra-competition took place on 26th Feb'10, following playing with gulal on the next day. Imagine! We had celebration carrying the concept of 'chhoti Holi'. Isn't it extra-ordinary?.


Well, this time, festival lovers enjoyed Holi for two consecutive days- Sunday & Monday. In many parts of the India, the auspicious occasion was started from the morning hours of Sunday. Both children and adults took active part to drench themselves and others with the colorful water. Even, quite many times, I was targeted with water-balloons and pichkaris.


As always, festivals in India calls for great galas. People warm up the aura with beating drums and nagadas and sway with the high-pitch tunes. I and close friends of mine arranged a mini-party on the eve of the festival. We had cooked yummy delicacies such as Khujiya, Payasam, Puri, Kachori and Chips and off-course 'Dhandai' (Bhang). The sound- system in my home add to the festival spirit. We had great time tapping feet with the rhythm of 'Rang Barse'. The celebration wind up in the evening hours on Monday.

Noida Organizes Vasant Utsav 2010

Fast Facts

Festival Date: 26th Feb-28th Feb'2010
Significance: National Flower Show
Venue: Noida Stadium, Delhi NCR

Bid adieu to wintry days and get set to welcome the rejuvenating spring season in India. Vasant Utsav 2010 has already started to fuse the fragrance of flower, early on 26^th February and will soon wind up on 28^th February. The auspicious occasion is being organized by the Floriculture Society of Noida in association with Noida Authority.

Vasant Utsav presents the brilliant amalgamation of socio-cultural aspects with modern-day science. Participants from Corporates Schools, Colleges, Residential Societies, Clubs, Factories, Community Centre parks et al, situated in Delhi and NCR region have engage themselves to showcase their skills.

Scheduled Programmes in Vasant Utsav 2010

Events: Circuit Design (9: 30 AM to 11: 30 AM)

Electronic Puzzle ( 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM)

Date: 26^th February

Events: Robotics (9:30 AM to 11:30 AM)

1 Min Game (2:00 PM to 3:15 PM)

Workshop (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM)

Date: 27^th February

Events: Poster Presentation (9:30 AM to 1:30 PM)

Date: 28^th February

Besides the technical programmes, an array of cultural activities are expected to blow magic in the festival ground. Presentation of song, dance, music and dramas will depict the vibrancy of Indian society. The festival will also unfurl the color of Holi in the form of Rangoli, Painting and Mehendi competitions. Further, Vasant Utsav, this year, may enlist the programme of tree plantation.

Valentine's Day....Celebrate Love and Care

Date: February 14. (forget about the year)
Time: 6 pm.
Venue: An over crowded coffee joint.

A boy and a girl (both in their early 20s) are seen in one of the corner tables. The air was filled with glee, giggles and soft cozy music. Our couple seemed to be having a superb time with each other. The clock stroke 7 and they come out of the cafe to enjoy a walk down the outskirts of the town. After a brief but warm stroll, the guy drops the the girl home. As they part, the girl just smiled and said to the boy- “Thank you”. The guy couldn't make out why all of a sudden she thanked him, but her smile was enough to make his day a pearl to preserve. On the other hand, the girl was pleased about the fact that it was the same day a year ago when the boy quit smoking on her insistence....

The festival of love and intimacy is zooming forward and the celebrations have pushed the accelerator peddle. The immortal story of St. Valentine and how he sacrificed his life for only love's sake is said to be the origin of this wonderful day. Like love knows no bounds, Valentine day also is observed all across the globe. Isn't it sublime to have a day like this in today's world of chaos and calamity?

In India, skeptics always find fault with everything, they relate it to the so-called invasion of the foreign culture. Some even argue over the commercial side of Valentine's Day. Fine, it seems to carry a hidden commercial agenda, but it is propagated by a certain class of people who sees business everywhere. But why to minimize the significance of the day? It is a time to celebrate the feeling of loving and being loved. The truth is, these hypocrites are afraid of anything that unites people, spreads love and care.

Despite this, Valentine's Day has now become a widely recognized and celebrated day with Indian people. This romantic festival is a relatively new concept in India but has caught the fancy of people to a great extent.

Fortunately for the world we live in, love doesn't seem to fed away. Lets see Valentine's Day beyond the college campuses and hip cafes and food joints. Fact is, all of us – beyond age barriers and social strata, need love to get through this tough and unfair life. No matter how strong one claims to be, deeper within he/she also craves for love and care at one point or the other. We need someone to listen to our silence, to allow us to be ourselves and the assurance that this person will always be by our side.

...Being in love doesn't always have to be a mutual feeling, If you find someone who gets stuck in your heart, you can and you should celebrate it. And what better time than Feb 14? Take a dip into your soul and ask the question and when you will find the answer, this Valentine's Day will never be the same...

Surajkund Mela, 2010....Internationally acclaimed event of India

The coveted and immensely popular Surajkund Mela is flagged off on February 1^st, 2010 at Surajkund in Haryana. The opening ceremony saw the gracious presence of the Vice-President of India, Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Governor of Haryana, Jagnnath Pahadia, Chief Minister of Haryana, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and a a bevy of other dignitaries. Besides that, a group of 25 delegates from Sri Lanka visited the fair with a purpose to counterfeit it in Sri Lanka. This edition of the fair sees Tajikistan as the partner country and Rajasthan is decided to be the Theme State.

The origin of the fair goes back to 1981 and since then it has proven to be a significant dais for Indian craftsmen and artistes to showcase their creations to a larger audience and prospective buyers. Surajkund mela gives exposure to various forms of handicrafts from different states of India. Some of them are- Lace and crochet from Goa, Phulkari embroidery of Punjab, Kantha work of West Bengal and North Eastern states, Banjara and Bunni embroidery of Gujarat, Sandalwood and rosewood carving of South India and Chikri woodcraft of Kashmir.

Surajkund fair accommodates special arrangements for Folk dances and folk music on the open theatre providing entertainment of a different type. Gourmets love this event as varieties of delicacies are there to be tasted.

Countries like Thailand, Egypt and SAARC members will participate in the 2010 edition. Keeping in accordance with the theme, the fair accommodates abundance of stuff that are very much Rajasthani in nature and taste. Handloom, handicrafts and cuisines are not all that Surajkund Mela offers, it will also display folk dances such as Kaal Belia (Rajasthan), Siddi Goma (Gujarat) and Brij Ki Holi and Charkula (Uttar Pradesh) and not to forget the Egyptian Tannoura Dance and Thai Traditional dances. School students can take part in different competitions like essay-writing, face painting and Rangoli etc.

Feeling hungry?...Run to the Burger Fest...

Burger, the very mention of this word creates the picture of a ball like food item that has ignited the appetite of the gourmets from a long time. An import from the West, burger soon made way to the homes of Indian customers and has occupied a significant place in their minds when it comes to eating something handy and heavy (nobody cares about the calories issue when a burger is in front of them asking to be eaten up!)

New Delhi is always known for its food varieties, be it the famous street chaat or the indigenous food joints scattered around the city with fame and glory. Well, latest addition to the list of this food happy city is the ongoing Burger Fest in News Cafe Vasant Kunj. This ten day event starting from Feb 01, 2010 and ending on Feb 10, 2010 is set to allure a massive number of foodies.

Here a visitor will not only witness an extended range of burgers, but also gets the fitting accompaniment of myriad shakes, wine, beer and cocktail. Some of the noteworthy items to be displayed are Hand cut Fries, Coleslaw, South West Chilly, and Sensational Salads. If you are already feeling the cramp in your belly, hold on, more coming up- Mushroom Burger with Swiss Cheese, South West Burger with fried jalapenos and chipotle sauce, Curry Lamb Burger with spicy ketchup, California Chicken Burger with zesty salsa, Chilly Gorgonzola Chicken Burger and so on.

Don't you think it is enough to fuel you up to rush to the hub of burgers and feast upon these delicious creations of modern fast food? And we all know, there is always a room for one more burger... :)

19th New Delhi World Book Fair ...a place to be

Of all the million quotes on books and readings that the thought leaders have put forward down the decades, one coming from Franz Kafka is at once simple and significant. The creator of The Metamorphosis observes “A book must be an ice-Axe to break the seas frozen inside our soul”. How correct he was!

Reading habit of the Indians has undergone a tremendous change with the passage of time. Readers are definitely growing in number and profile. Apart from all the reasons behind this development, the role of Book Fairs also can not be ignored.

New Delhi has earned a reputation of being one of the hubs for book lovers with numerous publishing houses and a bulk of readers. Adding to its name and fame, this year also New Delhi is hosting the The 19th edition of the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF).

This mega event starting from 30 January and ending on 7 February 2010 is organized by National Book Trust, India (NBT). Held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, this fair happens to be the largest Book Fair in the Afro-Asian region.

This time the theme of the fair is decided as "Reading for Common Wealth" keeping a close association with the Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi in October 2010. The theme Pavilion will be decorated with Seven hundred titles published by around 75 publishers on different genres of sports.

A joint effort by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) and Federation of Indian Publishers, this fair allures millions of book-lovers from all over the country. The current edition will see participants from the US, China, UAE, Iran, Pakistan and many other countries.

Incidentally, New Delhi is presently blessed with a pleasant climate with warm sun shine and soothing breeze. So folks, you definitely know where you should plan your weekend...

Goa Wine Festival - Fly away to get flown away...

Goa has always captured the imagination of the new India with its unconventional and not quite like Bharat ways and attitude. Celebrating the glory of anything that is associated with alcohol is enough to raise the eye-brows of many who go gaga over tradition and culture in India. But breaking away from the views of these bigots comes again the Goa Grape Escapade, a wine fiesta that is celebrating its sixth anniversary this year.

Observed under the banner of The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Goa Grape Escapade is the Indian answer to the coveted Oktoberfest (beer festival of Munich), the famous Australian Beer Festival and many other in its category.

This four day long wine extravaganza starts on January 23, 2010 and is all set to host a bevy of wine manufactures of repute and recognition. Names like Kingfisher Bohemia, Indage Vintners, Four Season wines, Zampa wines and lot more will showcase their vintage collection of liquor in this mega show.

Wine connoisseurs from all over the globe flock to Goa to be a part of this unique event. This Goa wine festival is not only confined to the showcase of the finest wine; it accommodates the hugely popular grape stomping event where guests are requested to crush grapes with their feet to mark the commencement of the celebrations.

I remember reading this quote somewhere: "Making good wine is a skill. Fine wine is an art." Artists and poets are long influenced by the intoxicating creativity of wine. Great wine may make a way through your mind and psyche to bring out the long hidden wishes and half asleep dreams.

Well, I need not spend my words more as the zealots knows it all...

Heritage Pune, 2010

SPIC MACAY and ICCR joins hand to celebrate Indian Culture

Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth, widely and popularly referred to as SPIC MACAY commands a very special and significant mention when it comes to the rich Indian culture and art forms . Since its inception, SPIC MACAY has done a tremendous job in preserving and promoting the composite and diverse cultural bequests of our country to the youth through numerous festivals, events and concerts.

This time around its Pune's turn to get classy and coveted as SPIC MACAY in collaboration with Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) has organized Heritage Pune 2010. The fifteen day extravaganza commences from January 15, 2010 and ends on January 30, 2010. Sticking to the objective of SPIC MACAY, this series will be conducted in over 20 different institutions across the city with almost 40 concerts by 25 prominent artistes from all over the country. Heritage Pune 2010 is a free to all festival without any entry fee.

The festival gets a fitting flag off with a flute recital by none other than Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia at the College of Engineering, Pune. The highlight of the festival is to have an one on one interaction between the students and the artistes on topics like folk culture and art, classical music, theatre, yoga, meditation and so on.

Another aspect related to Heritage 2010, Pune is to showcase these cultural pearls to the foreign students studying in Pune. This will definitely help the process of cultural amalgamation and would facilitate cross cultural interaction.

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.