Buddha Jayanti
May 14, 2019 in Fairs & Festivals
The holiest day for the Buddhists, Buddha Jayanti is celebrated in honor of the Light of Asia, called by Edwin Arnold, well known as Buddha. Previously named Siddhartha, Buddha was the son of the king of Kapilavastu. His journey from a prince to a spiritual and moral leader has been very tiring as well as enriching.
Buddha’s philosophical thoughts and understandings of the ways of life help his devotees acknowledge human suffering and make oneself a better person. His Eight-Fold Path of Salvation which involves the correct type of intention, action, speech, effort, livelihood, concentration and mind improves human life and makes it worth living.
This Buddha Jayanti special day is celebrated as the birthday, the day of attaining salvation and the death day of Buddha. On this auspicious day, devotees offer prayers to Buddha. Buddhists monks lead a procession accompanied by sacred chanting.
In Delhi, the triple folded festival is a day for greeting and celebrating. A special program is organized in the Tibet House in Delhi which is jointly arranged by the Union Ministry of Culture and Indian Habitat Centre. Dance performances and rituals are organized on this occasion.
Buddha Jayanti in Delhi is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Vaisakhi which is usually between April and May. Buddhists all across the globe consider this day as an extremely auspicious day as Buddha was born on this day as well as attained salvation and died on this particular day. The coincidence is unique and considered a mystery.
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May Day, Gujarat
May 14, 2019 in Fairs & Festivals, Gujarat
One of the several holidays celebrated in Gujarat is May Day, Gujarat. One of the traditional summer holidays in pre-Christian European culture it is associated with Maypole. In India however, May Day signifies celebrations related to the labour movement.
Celebrated on the first of May every year, every country has its own significance related to May Day. The May Day, Gujarat is also celebrated on the first day of the month of May. On your tour to Gujarat in India you can get to see the celebration of May Day in Gujarat.
On May Day various socialist and labour movement celebrations were also conducted. So more than the pagan associations, May Day, Gujarat is associated with the political events. May Day is celebrated as International Worker’s Day or Labour Day. It is to commemorate the execution of Haymarket Martyrs who were arrested during the Haymarket Riot of 1886. This occurred in Chicago. On this day a number of labour unions across United States went on a strike and on May 4th a bomb blast by a revolutionist killed a dozen people. Though this took place in May 4, the event had started on 1st May. The association of May Day with communism has made it quite popular.
The protests during the May Day were not immediately successful. It was after the protests that eight hour work days were introduced. The labour leaders and socialists initiated the protests and helped in making the movement successful. One of the significant events in Soviet Union, May Day is also popular in India. During this day in Soviet Union one can see a May Day parade of tanks, rockets. In India, May Day, Gujarat is a holiday. Most of the industrial houses remain closed during this time.
The May Day, remembers the day when in 1884 the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions demanded a eight hour work day in U.S.A. This led to Haymarket Riot and finally the protest yielded results.
On this day a number of labour organizations throughout the country carry their processions and often organize different competitions for children of the labour class. In Gujarat during May Day, Gujarat you can find the protests and rallies of different trade unions who demand to protect the interests of the laborers.
May Day, Gujarat is celebrated as a holiday in Gujarat. The shops and offices remain closed and people spend the day with friends and family. Rallies are organized on this day to commemorate the event and this is one of the important fairs and festivals in Gujarat.
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Summer Festivals, Nilgiri Hills
May 14, 2019 in Fairs & Festivals, Tamilnadu
Every year in the month of May, the popular Summer Festivals in Nilgiri Hills of India. The festival is organized by the Tamil Nadu Department of Tourism and the National Ministry of Tourism. A number of tourists visit Ooty from all over the country and the world to enjoy this festival. There are different events organized during this festival to entertain the audiences. Some popular events of the show include the rose show, flower show, dog show, fruit show, spice show, vegetable show, boat race and cultural programs.
Find about the events of the Summer Festivals in Nilgiri Hills below:
Cultural program: This program included classical arts, dance, drama and music programs which is held at Breeks HADP open-air stadium, Ooty.
Flower show: Flower show is organized in the botanical gardens Ooty, where around 250 exhibitors showcase 150 varieties of flowers. The show is attended by around 150,000 people. The show is organized every year since 1896.
Dog show: The dog show is organized by the South of India Kennel Club (SIKC) every year. The show is organized at the Government Arts College ground in Ooty.
Rose show: Held at the Government Rose Garden in Ooty, Rose show is popular for displaying beautiful rose towers made of thousands of roses and rose petal rangolis. In the garden, one can find around 3,000 varieties of roses.
Spice show: Spice show is held for two days in Gudalur, Nilgiris at Saint Thomas Higher Secondary School. The spice show is organized by the district administration and the departments of horticulture and tourism at Gudalur. The show was first held in the year 2010.
Fruit show: The two-day fruit show is organized in Sim’s Park, Coonoor. The Summer Festivals in Nilgiri Hills is organized by the Department of Horticulture and is organized every year from 53 years. The show attracts around 25,000 people every year.
Vegetable show: The famous vegetable show is held at Nehru Park in Kotagiri. It is organized by the Department of Horticulture from the last 4 years. The event attracts around 16,000 attendees from all over. The star attraction of the show is the map of India prepared using red, yellow and green capsicums.
Boat race and boat show: The boat race and show are organized for two days at the Ooty Lake.
Other events of the festival include activities and competitions like hot air balloon show, eco- trekking, amateur photo competition, painting exhibition, vintage car rally, marathon race and market show.
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Thrissur Pooram Festival, Kerala
May 14, 2019 in Fairs & Festivals, Kerala
The Thrissur Pooram is the most famous of all Pooram festivals and has been celebrated for over two centuries now. The festival entails spectacular procession of caparisoned elephants and enthralling percussion performances in continuity of 36 hours beginning at 6 am and stretching up to 12 noon the next day. The festival is undoubtedly a rare treat both for the eyes and the ears.
Unlike most other temple festivals, Thrissur Pooram is participated and conducted by people across all barriers of religion and caste.
Time of the Thrissur Pooram Festival in Kerala
The Thrissur Pooram is celebrated in the month of Medom according to Malayalam calendar. This falls on April-May months.
Description of Thrissur Pooram Festival in Kerala
Adhering to the medieval Peruvanam or Pooram tradition, the festival is confined to the temples of Devi (goddess) and Sastha (the divine combination of Shiva and Vishnu) and ten other deities from the neighboring temples pay obeisance to the presiding deity of Thrissur. The only spectator of the Pooram events is Lord Siva at the Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple, situated in the heart of the town. Apart from Him the principle divine participants are Paramekkavu and Tiruvambadi, close to the Vadakunnathan temple.
Also participating and known as ‘Cherupooram’ are the suburban temples at Kanimangalam, Karamukku, Choorakkattukara, Laloor, Ayyanthole, Neithilakkavu and Chembukkavu, Panamukkampilly, which takes the number of deities to 8. The sprawling Thekkinkadi maidan, encircling the Vadakumnathan temple, is the main venue of the festival.
This festival was introduced by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of the erstwhile Cochin State in the late eighteenth century and is now the most famous festival in Kerala with the largest fan following from all parts of the country.
The Pooram Festival is celebrated by two rival groups representing the two divisions of Thrissur Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi challenging and vowing to overshadow each other with a more magnificent display of fireworks. Each group is allowed to display a maximum of fifteen elephants. The parties keep no stone unturned to secure the best elephants in South India and the most artistic parasols, to adorn the elephants. The celebrations begin early in the morning and last till the break of dawn, the next day.
The procession of Thiruvambadi Pooram to the grounds of Vadakkumnatha Temple and back is not only important but also quite enlivening with the marvelous and enchanting effect of the Panchavadyam, a combination of five percussion and wind instruments is to be felt and enjoyed.
Apart from the great elephant march and percussion and musical performance, the pooram festival is also well known for the magnificent display of fireworks. Fireworks start in the early hours and the dazzling display last three to four hours.
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Banganga Fair, Jaipur
May 14, 2019 in Fairs & Festivals, Rajasthan
The festivals of Jaipur are also a great attraction for tourists and Banganga Fair in Jaipur is one of them. Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. The variety of attractions in Jaipur also makes it a famous city in Rajasthan. Jaipur is also known as the pink city. On visiting the place, you will also be able to see a number of attractions. Forts, palaces, Havelis and places with natural beauty make it a great place for tourists.
These festivals are a great attraction because it provides you a good look at the cultural traditions of Jaipur. The Banganga Fair is one of the most popular fairs in Jaipur. It is a great option of recreation and entertainment for the tourists visiting Jaipur.
Jaipur hosts a number of fairs and festivals throughout the year. However, the appeal of the Banganga Fair in Jaipur is such that the people of Jaipur wait throughout the year for this fair. This fair is organized with great zeal and enthusiasm and is truly a gala event. This Banganga Fair in Jaipur is held during the month of April and May.
Moreover, the fair also has a lot of religious significance. It is believed that Arjuna shot an arrow which formed a spring. This spring helped in satisfying the thirst of Bhishma Pitamah who was injured in the battle of Mahabharata. Religious significance like this helps in attracting a lot of devotees beside regular tourists. This ultimately helps in increasing the overall tourist count to this fair.
Visiting the Jaipur Banganga Fair and witnessing the various rituals will be a great experience for the tourists. Performing the rituals will is believed to be very auspicious. A large number of devotees gather at the temple in the fair. They take a holy dip in the waters of the Banganga River. This dip has a great significance as it is believed that dip in the river will wash away all your sins. After these rituals, the devotees also pay a visit to the temple of Ganga Bihari and Hanuman. The temple of Lord Shiva and Goswamiji Math are also visited by a large number of tourists.
The fair is also very important for the merchants and traders who come to this place to sell the products. If you are a shopping freak then you will truly have a great time in the bazaar. The bazaar sells a wide variety of items ranging from general to household items. The presence of a number of entertainment and recreation facilities in the fair will also provide a great time for the children.
Tour Packages in Banganga Fair in Jaipur
There are a number of tour packages available. Look carefully through the tour itineraries before finalizing the package. Choose the one that suits your budget needs. Moreover, you should also make sure that the tour to Jaipur includes a visit to the Banganga Fair. The tour will surely be a great experience.
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Summer Festival in Mount Abu
May 14, 2019 in Fairs & Festivals, Rajasthan
Mount Abu in Rajasthan is touched by a festive mood on the eve of the Summer Festival that is held every year in the month of June. Mount Abu is bestowed with steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque backdrop and a favorable climate which makes it a perfect spot for the festival. Summer festival in Mount Abu, a two-day festival is basically a feast of folk and classical music and it gives a vivid knowledge about the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan.
The Summer Festival, Mt.Abu is held every year during Buddha Poornima. The festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of the hill station, their colorful life and vivacious nature. The hospitality of the people, their lively culture and exotic location make this festival a memorable experience during your tours to Rajasthan. This festival is one of the most popular fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.
Mount Abu Summer Festival commences with the singing of a ballad which is followed by folk dances that mesmerize the spectators. The exciting boat race is organized on the Nakki Lake add variety to the festival.
The summer festival in Mt.Abu proceeds with a ceremonial procession, which starts from the RTDC Hotel Shikhar and gathers at the Nakki Lake Chowk where folk performances of Rajasthan & Gujarat states are mainly organized. The grand finale of the Festival displays glittering fireworks. Mt Abu Summer Festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism, Municipal Board, Mt.Abu & District Administration.
The second and third day of the festival is more attractive as various competitions are organized for the whole day. Skating Race, skater’s Show, CRPF Band Show, Boat Race, Horse Race, Tug of War, Panihari Matka Race and Deepdan add more enthusiasm to the festival.
The Sham-e-Qawwali is a well- known musical extravaganza, as famous qawwals or singers from all over the country can be heard entertaining the audience. The grand finale of the summer festival in Mount Abu is a display of dazzling fireworks that catches the fancy of every tourist.
Reaching the Mt. Abu Summer festival is very easy. Udaipur which is about 185 km is the nearest airport. Abu Road about 29 km is the nearest railway station. Taxis and buses are available from both the airport and the railway station. There is also a good network of bus services linking Mount Abu to significant places like Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur, etc.
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Tulip Festival, Srinagar
May 14, 2019 in Fairs & Festivals, Jammu and Kashmir
One of its kind in India, the Tulip Festival in Srinagar, Kashmir celebrates the blooming season of the magnificent Tulips. Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden adds to the natural beauty of Srinagar. Nestled in the foothills of Zabarwan Range, the largest tulip garden in Asia presents a stunning view of the Dal Lake. The seven terraced gardens were built with the intention to promote tourism and floriculture in Kashmir.
Once known as the Model Floriculture Centre, Tulip Garden of Srinagar is a home to varied species of flowers like daffodils, hyacinths and ranunculus. However, Tulips cover the major area of the space. A walkthrough these sweet smelling flower beds will make you stay here for longer.
A major highlight of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is the Tulip Festival that is celebrated every year. It is one of the best reasons that will compel you to visit this garden.
Commencement and Ending Dates of Tulip Festival in Srinagar
Tulip Festival is hosted in Kashmir Valley during the onset of Spring Season. You can get ready to be a part of it this year as the festival will commence from March.
Tulip Festival in Srinagar is a must attend event for the flower enthusiasts, nature lovers, fans, aficionados, tulip lovers, and tourists from around the world. There are many varieties of these amazing flowers, some of them are mentioned below. Let’s see how many of them you can find at the Tulip Festival in Srinagar.
- Standard Tulips – These are the normal tulips that are available from florists to local gardens.
- Double Bloom – Instead of a single petal of standard tulip, double bloom has many layers.
- Parrot Tulips – They appear as ruffled petals in various hues depicting the plumage of tropical parrot.
- Fringed Tulips – The edges and shape are frilly and fringed.
- Bi-Color Standard Tulips – They display a variation in terms of colour when compared with the standard tulip.
- Rembrandt – pale coloured tall tulips
- Fosteriana Tulips – They vary in height and have pretty bud.
- Lily-Flowering Tulips – These flowers have long, pointed petals with arch at the tips.
- Single Late Tulips – Stunning cup-shaped tulips with widest range of colors
- Triumph – Wide range of shades, splendid tones and bi colors are the characteristic features of these tulips.
What’s special in Tulip Festival in Srinagar?
There are some added attractions in the Tulip Festival in Srinagar. Nature has bestowed the garden with more varieties of flowers this year. Moreover, visitors can avail the benefits of surplus facilities like free Wi-Fi, more fountains, washrooms (separate for the specially-abled persons) and drinking points.
More green spaces are included in the garden area keeping in mind the comforts of the tourists. Extra plants like daffodils, hyacinths, narcissus and other ornamental plants are planted to ornate the area. Water channel running through the terraces will add charm to the garden.
Visitors will now be able to buy souvenirs and savor Kashmiri dishes from outside the garden area. This will be possible because of the decorated stalls and kiosks exhibiting cuisine and handicrafts of Kashmir.
The prime location of the Tulip Garden makes it the most visiting place in Srinagar. This park is surrounded by scenic hills, attractive gardens of Mughal era and most importantly, it overlooks the awe-inspiring Dal Lake. Given below are some other attractions that lie in close proximity.
- Chashme Shahi Garden – This garden is center of attraction for housing a natural spring that flows from it.
- Pari Mahal – Overlooking the amazing Chashm-E-Shahi Gardens, this historic monument was once a Buddhist Monastery.
- Shankaracharya Temple – Soak in the beauty of snow-cladded Pin Panjal Range from this age old temple situated at a height of 1100 feet.
- Dal Lake – Dal Lake is truly a paradise on Earth. The beauty of this breathtaking lake is beyond description. A Shikara Ride is a must here.
- Nishat Gardens – Spotted at a distance of 3.2 km from Tulip Garden, Nishat Bagh is a home to long avenues of Cypress and Chinar trees, rare flowers and fountains.
- Mughal Gardens – A confluence of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashm-E-Shahi, this park draws the crowd for its cascading fountains.
- Shalimar Bagh – Another well-manicured garden built by Jahangir, a Mughal emperor. Praise the outstanding craftsmanship of the Mughals in terms of horticulture here.
- Nagin Lake – The azure waters of this lake are sure to leave you spellbound.
- Hazratbal– This sacred Muslim shrine is visited by many on religious occasion to see a relic of heir of Prophet Muhammad. A vibrant fair is held afterwards.
- Local Markets – Visit the local market to buy the specialties of Srinagar like leather products, Cashmere Shawls, carpets, mats, rugs, woollen clothes and dry fruits etc.
Tulip Gardens are easily accessible from Srinagar Airport. One can reach the garden by hiring a taxi from there. Another mode is to avail the bus services which charge a minimal fare.
The entry fee to the garden is Rupees 25 for children and Rupees 50 for adults and timings are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
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May 2019
May 1, 2019 in Table of Content
The month of May, the beginning of this magazine journey concentrates on random beautiful & rich articles about places where people can spend some quality time with family and friends as it’s the start of summer and everyone looking for a little escape.
- And the journey begins !!
- The Himalayan Char Dham Yatra
- Golden Temple Darshan
- Darjeeling, The “Queen Of Himalayas”
- Scenic Shimla, The Biggest Hill Station Of The World
- Tulip Festival, Srinagar
- Summer Festival In Mount Abu
- Banganga Fair, Jaipur
- Thrissur Pooram Festival, Kerala
- Summer Festivals, Nilgiri Hills
- May Day, Gujarat
- Buddha Jayanti
- Edathua Perunnal Festival, Kerala
- One Of The Most Dangerous Trek In India
