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