A Living Portrait of India
A Living Portrait of India |
India Heritage:Culture:Fairs and Festivals |
| March | |
 Khajuraho Dance Festival |
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Khajuraho
Dance Festival The thousand year old temples at Khajuraho, built by the Chandella Kings, are majestic structures sculpted in stone. Only 22 of these temples remain today, to bear testimony to the craftsmanship of Chandella builders. Every year in March, these splended temples come alive during the week-long festival of classical dances. All over the country, Shivratri
is observed as the night, when Lord Shiva danced the
'Tandav' - his cosmic dance. Fasts and prayers mark the day
and devotees throng the temples. The major Shaivite temples
at Varanasi, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram
(Tamil Nadu) are noted for their special celebrations. Shivratri
Natyanjali Festival Shivratri is the occasion
for a five day long festival of classical dance and music at Chidambaram.
The magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built
a thousand years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop for the event. In March (2nd march this year), during spring, comes Holi – the festival of colours. Celebrated all over North India, Holi is a time to make merry. People smear each other with coloured powder. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion. In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a special festival
Hola Mohalla on the day after Holi. The display
of ancient martial arts and mock battles, are part of this unique
Sikh festival. The Holi celebrations in Mathura
and the small towns of Braj Bhoomi - the land of Sri Krishna,
are spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated
for over a week with exuberant processions, songs and music. Especially
famous is the Lathmaar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon. Elephant
Festival A festival where elephants
are the centre of attraction. The festival begins with a procession
of elephants, camels and horses, followed by lively folk dancers.
Elephant races, elephant-polo matches and a most interesting tug of
war between elephants and men, are all part of this spectacular event. Hoysala
Mahotsava The dance festival held at
Belur and Halebid is a magnificent event. The splendid
Hoysala temples with their sculptural extravaganza, make the
perfect venue for this cultural feast. Pataliputra
Mahotsava Patna, an ancient city
with a glorious past, celebrates its rich heritage with this lively
festival. Jhansi
Festival This week-long annual event
is a display of the arts, crafts and culture of a splended city -
Jhansi. The cultural programmes include folk songs, dances,
mushairas and ghazals. Good Friday is observed by
Christians nationwide with special services in the churches. Ellora
Festival The magnificent rock-cut caves at Ellora- 34 in number, were excavated between 600 and 1000 A.D. They include Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves. Every March, a festival of dance and music is organised here with the caves forming a splendid backdrop. |
