FESTIVALS OF UDAIPUR
Colors, Frills, Fancies and Lights
Udaipur is a land of celebrations. Its people dress up most colorfully, to reimburse for the somber complexions of barren landscapes. It is a land where social customs are still governed by age-old traditions. It is only natural to see women in swirling skirts who spontaneously pull the veil over their faces at the sight of man. The spirit of faith quintessential to Udaipur is delicately yet inseparably blended in its art, culture, music and dance. Whatever the occasion be, the spirit is marked with color, feasting, music, pageantry, fun and frolic. People from all walks of life partake in the festivals with great zeal. The ‘Mand’, a famous Mewari music form is sung by traditional singers during festivals.
Sheetala Ashtami
The festival of Sheetala Ashtami falls on the eight day of Chaitra (March) month i.e. first month in Hindi calendar. As per conventional approach, the day is generally observed on the seventh day, but at many places it is celebrated on the eighth day of the month. It is believed that due to an unfortunate incident that occurred in the Royal Family of Udaipur, the Sheetala Saptami is always conducted on the eight day, i.e. Ashtami. But this ritual is observed both on the day of Saptami as well as on Ashtami. This festival is celebrated with the belief that this would prevent people from the deadly epidemics. On this occasion, colorful processions are carried out from The City Palace to the temples for traditional rituals and worship of Goddess Sheetala. Food for this day is generally prepared a day earlier and the kitchen is generally kept closed on this day. The main food consists of curd and curd-based preparations.
Dashamata
Two days after Sheetala Ashtami, the women of Mewar observe the festival of Dashamata. On this day women deck up in traditional ornaments and clothes and adore Peepal Tree, from very early in the morning and the poojan activities stretched till afternoon. They relate the tale of Dashamata to each other and pray for heath and wealth of their family.
Gangaur and Mewar Festival
The spring season marks the beginning of famous Gangaur festival, in the month of Chaitra (April). This festival is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of goddess Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva and symbol of conjugal bliss and marital happiness, it lasts for 16 days. Women make various ornaments out of gram flour and decorate the alluring image of Isar and gauri which are so beautiful that they appear like sheer gold. Groups of women dressed in hues of scarlet, green, yellow and purple can be seen carrying images in procession on the Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichola, with the town band playing. Horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle. Brilliantly clad women fill the area between the tripola to the steps of the ghat, admist the odor of rose and jasmine. Then the images are transferred to individual boats amidst much singing and celebration. After the religious part of the festival, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through dances, songs and other programs.
Raksha Bandhan
Rksha Bandhan is celebrated on the full moon day of Shravan (August). On this day women and girls tie a rakhi, a gold-trimmed silken bracelet, on the wrist of their brothers. They in turn promise to defend them and pledge to be by their side, whenever she needs them. It is believed that Emperor Humayun honored the Rakhi sent to him by Maharani Karnavati of Chittor and rescued the fort from the ruler of Gujrat for the Sisodias.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana i.e. the birth day of Natkhat Gopal. The Jagdish Mandir and Asthal Mandir are crowded with queues of devotees waiting eagerly to have a look of Lord Krishna. The most exciting event is “Matki Fod” at Jagdish Chowk.
Hariyali Amavasya
While the rains quench the thirst of the land and every tree turns a lush green, ever flower blooms in gay abandon. In the month of July-August a fair for men and women is held for two days at the banks of Sahelion-Ki-Bari and Fatehsagar. This fair started in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh. Shops displaying varied crafts and swings are put up; boating is organized by the municipal corporation. Women wear green colored dresses and join the festivals.
Teej
When the rain comes down, spirits soar high in celebrations. Song and dance mark the gaiety of the Teej festival in the city. It is held every year during the Hindu month of Shravan and marks the advent of the monsoons. Religious significance of Teej festival lies in devotion of Goddess Parvati for her husband Lord Shiva. It was on this day that the divine couple Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati reunited with each other after hundreds of years.
On strolling through the streets, one will find sweet smell of “Ghevar” and “Malpuas”, these mouth watering dishes are special in Teej revels. Women clad in Lehariya and Green sarees visits Shiva temples with extreme devotion towards their husbands.
Navratri
Navratri is devoted to Goddess Shakti, It is celebrated with fervor and vehemence. This is festival of nine nights and the main highlight of the festivity is the folk dance called Garba. It is said that each day Goddess Durga manifests herself in different forms. People dress up in beautiful traditional attire and perform the Garba folk dance around the statue of Goddess Shakti till late midnight.
Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated in different parts of India in different ways. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil i.e. the victory Rama over Ravana. The tale of Rama and Sita and the battle fought between Rama and Ravana is enacted on stage and is known as Ramlila. These dramatic performances are quite admired and are witnessed by the capacity crowds day after day. On the tenth day of the festival huge effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers, stuffed with hundreds of firecrackers, are set afire. The festival is of special significance to the Rajputs. In the Palace the royal family performs Ashwa(horse) Puja and also worship their weapons and arms.
Diwali
Diwali is celebrated every year in October-November with great enthusiasm throughout the state. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama from exile after fourteen years. Homes are decorated, sweets are made and distributed and lamps are lit to create a world of fantasy and a castle in the sky. Diwali preparations begin almost fifteen days ahead of the festival. It is a five day festival and all the five days are symbolic and different gods and goddesses are worshipped and evoked for their blessings.
Makar Sakranti
After a long period of indolence on the festival front due to ‘malmas’, Udaipurites celebrate Makar Sankranti on January 14. It is considered as a propitious occasion for charity and giving alms. Rice, ‘gud’ and clothes are gifted to people. That’s why right from early morning streets are full with people asking of alms. On this day people of every age group play sports such as sitoliya, Kite flying, mardari etc.
Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami initiates the spring festive cycle and heralds its summation that occurs with Holi. On this day goddess Saraswati is worshiped and hawan preceded the other events of the day. Women dress up in yellow and cook yellow colored eatables.
Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri is a festival celebrated every year in reverence of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated every year in Maagha month of Hindu calendar. Hundreds of devotees worship god Shiva on the day of Mahashivratri. From a day before till the late evening Shiva temples in the city are charged with overflowing crowd of devotees. People go on foot to the Eklingji temple to worship and attend the pooja and aarti in the temple.
Holi
The beginning of the spring is s celebrated with the most colorful festival called holi in the month of Phalgun(March) The festival begins with a procession of elephants, horses, camels and folk dances. People generously splash colored water and powder (gulal) at each other. It is also an occasion to get rid of one’s inhibitions and reconcile.
With these festivals in mind, Udaipur is able to serve the best vibes to the people and tourists. Do provide your reviews us at udaipurblog.com.
