The whole experience of backpacking is a learning experience, not only does one get to experience the culture and traditions of a country, one also gets to participate in these cultural activities. And in a country as culturally rich as India, the experience is all the more memorable. A variety of festivals take place in India and many of these are the perfect opportunity for visitors to learn about our country and at the same time enjoy the rich cultural experience.
Top on the priority list of foreign travelers is the Pushkar camel fair. Pushkar is situated in Rajasthan, the most vibrant Indian state. Pushkar is a sacred lake for the hindus and the Pushkar fair takes place between the months of October and November
[the month of kartik]. The fair continues for a period of five days . It is believed that the Gods descend here for these five days and during this time the place is thronged by devotees, who take a dip in this sacred lake, sadhus too descend here from all parts of the country.
Alcohol and non-vegetarian food is prohibited in Pushkar as it’s a holy place.
An interesting part of this fair is the trading of camels. More than 25,000 camels are sold and purchased here, clearly making this the world’s biggest camel fair. Camels are washed , groomed and adorned with jeweler. An interesting ritual is piercing their nose. You won’t get to see this anywhere else.
Camel-racing is the chief form of entertainment. Besides one can also look forward to shopping, the village people put up stalls and a plethora of objects are on sale. It’s the ultimate rural bazaar.
Another popular festival is the Yoga festival at Varanasi and Allahabad. This festival is organized every year by the Uttar Pradesh government in the cities of Varanasi and Allahabad, for Yoga is clearly popular amongst westerners. The festival allows participants to learn more about Yoga, discuss about it and tailor made programs are available for those willing to pay. Yoga is the best way to achieve good health and inner harmony. It’s the ideal way to achieve solace and peace for the soul. And clearly the best place to learn more about the art of Yoga is in the very country where it originated.
Holi is one of the major Indian festivals. On this day people smear colour [gulal]on each others faces, and drink bhang[ an intoxicating Indian drink], and indulge in a variety of sweets . Dancing and singing add to this merriment. The festival is celebrated on a huge scale in Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna.
Legend has it that on every Holi, lord Krishna used to come with his friends to Barsana to play Holi with his beloved Radha. The village girls used to chase them away with sticks[lathis]. The tradition continues till today and womenfolk chase the men around by hurling sticks at them and drenching them in water. Hence the festival has come to be known as Latthmar Holi . Plays are enacted by village people accompanied by singing and dancing.
The Kumbh mela is one of the most important hindu pilgrimage. The Kumbh Mela is generally held every three years in rotation at Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbha Mela has gained international fame as "the world's most massive act of faith." It is attended by million of devotees who then bathe in the river Ganges, to wash away their sins. Activities also include chanting of Prayers, distribution of food to the poor, religious discussions etc. |
