April
Fairs & Festivals
GOOD FRIDAY (All over India)
Is observed all over India by the Chirstians. This is the day when Lord Christ
was crucified. The Christians offer special prayer services in the churches.
EASTER (All over India)
Is a festival of rejuvenation of life and living. On this day, Lord Christ rose
again after his death. Chocolate eggs, small chicks of cotton wool and almond
sweets are bought for children, symbolising new life. Prayer services are held
in the churches to end the mourning period.
BAISAKHI
(Punjab)
Is celebrated in Punjab with great fervour. It was on this day that Guru Gobind
Singh founded the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood). The holy book of the Sikhs, Granth
Sahib is taken in a procession, led by the Panj Pyaras (five senior sikhs) who
are symbolic of the original leaders. The occasion is marked by lot of feasting
and merry making . All night revelries termed Baisakhi di Raat (Night of feasting)
or Baisakhi da Mela (Baisakhi fairs) are held, where men and women dance to
the rhythmic beat of drums. In Kerala the festival is known as Vishu. A display
of grain, fruits, flowers, gold, new cloth and money, is viewded early in the
morning to ensure a prosperous year ahead. Known as Rangali Bihu in Assam, the
festival is celebrated with lively dances, music and feasting.
GUDI PADVA OR UGADI (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka)
Marks the beginning of a new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of
Karnataka. Gudi Padva is considered one of the four most auspicious days in
the year when people start new ventures. It is believed that Lord Brahma created
the world on this day and so he is worshipped specially at this time. Lord Vishnu
too is said to have been incarnated as Matsya, the fish, on this day. A gudi
(banner) with a swastika-marked pot and silk cloth is raised to announce victory
and joy. It is remniscent of the valiant Marathas returning home from their
successful conquering expeditions of war.
POORAM (Trichur, Kerala)
At the beginning of April, the people of Kerala begin their search for the best
elephants in the state. Each temple in Kerala sends a procession of decorated
elephants to Trichur to participate in the Pooram festival. The decorated elephant
groups face each other while drums and nadaswarams create a crescendo of music.
The festival ends with a spectacular display of fireworks.
MUHARRAM
(All over India)
Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the holy Prophet
Mohammed, and is observed by the Shi'ite Muslims, who take our processions of
colourfully decorated 'Tazias',which are paper and bamhoo replicas of the marty's
tomb at Karbala in Iraq. The processions are specially impressive at Lucknow.
In part of the South, tiger dancers-men painted over with stripses and wearing
tiger masks, lead the procession.
BUDDHA PURNIMA (North India)
This festival which falls on the full moon day, commemorates the birth of Lord
Buddha. Also it was no this day Lord Buddha achieved Nirvana or the extinction
of self and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.
MEWAR (Rajasthan)
Is celebrated in Udaipur to welcome Spring. The main highlight of the festival
is the procession of colourfully attired women carrying images of the Goddess
Gauri to Lake Pichola. Festivities include joyous singing, dancing, devotional
music concerts and firework displays.
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