|
The
Desert Festival at Jaisalmer is a perfect three-day
show on the sands. Held in the month of January/February,
this festival culminates on Magh Poornima (full moon day)
and showcases Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage. Men and
women dressed in their traditional best attract as much
attention as the dancers who sway to the beat of folk
instruments. Camels are decorated and dressed in finery to
participate in races, and performances are held on the
beautiful sand dunes of Sam. The entire city is decorated to
receive visitors from all over the country. The golden fort
is especially illuminated for the event. The three days are
packed with several activities that make this festival a
not-to-be-missed event.
Magh Shukla Ekadashi marks the beginning of the
largest tribal fair — the Beneshwar Fair that is held
in Dungarpur district. Beneshwar is sacred for the
tribal communities of Rajasthan and the neighbouring states
of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. On the occasion, the
tribals immerse the ashes of their deceased in the holy
waters here. Thousands of devotees gather near the
confluence of the Mahi and Som rivers. Beneshwar,
literally 'the master of the delta', is devoted to
the worship of the revered Shiva linga which is
brought here from the Mahadeo temple in Dungarpur.
The religious celebrations are combined with much festivity,
and the tribal camps make a colourful and breathtaking
sight.
The Shekhawati Festival is held in February and
serves as an introduction to this beautiful region.
Organised jointly by the government and a private agency,
this is essentially an effort towards the promotion of rural
tourism. The festival is spread over a number of
Shekhawati's painted towns — Nawalgarh, Sikar,
Jhunjhunu, and Churu. The visitors are introduced to
jeep and camel safaris and cultural programmes, and the
organisers are hopeful that this exposure will encourage the
owners of the painted havelis to preserve their priceless
heritage. This is the best opportunity for visiting this
fascinating region and exploring the exquisitely painted
mansions. The local folk artists stage performances that are
unique to this region. Since it is still young, the festival
has begun to add attractions such as horse shows and safaris
to its repertoire.
In the middle of Phalgun, it is time for the most
important festival in this quarter — the festival of colours,
Holi. This festival symbolises the end of winter and the
arrival of spring. For the farmers, it is a time to
celebrate for the wheat harvest is ready, and they can relax
after months of back-breaking labour in the fields. An
important mythological aspect connected with the festival is
the story of Bhakta Prahlad, a devotee of Lord
Vishnu, who was carried into the fire by the female demon
Holika when he persisted in worshipping Lord Vishnu.
Prahlad emerged unharmed while Holika was burnt to ashes.
Bonfires are lit to commemorate this event which marks the
triumph of virtue and religion over evil. People from all
walks of life put coloured powder and water on each other,
and also attempt to reconcile any quarrels they may have had
with friends or members of the family.
For the people of Bharatpur region, Holi is a special
festival dedicated to their beloved Lord Krishna.
Celebrations begin days before the actual day of Holi and
everyone seems to be touched by the boisterous spirit of the
Braj Festival. Villagers enact the Rasleela —
the immortal love play of Radha and Krishna — through
song and dance. |
