Category: Festivals

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Festivals

खाने के शौक़ीन लोगो के लिए जन्नत – शरद रंग महोत्सव(Food and Music Festival)

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PC : festival of India

शिल्पग्राम, जो यहाँ गए है वो इस नाम से वाकिफ़ है और जो यहाँ नहीं गए वो लोग इसके नाम से अर्थ निकालने की कोशिश करेंगे। लेकिन यहाँ हम शिल्पग्राम के बारे में आपको नहीं बताने वाले, हम आपको बताने जा रहे है यहाँ पर 25 अक्टूबर से शुरू हुए फ़ूड और म्यूजिक फेस्टिवल के बारे में। जो लोग खाना खाने के दीवाने है या गानों के मामले में मस्ताने है उनके लिए ये पांच दिन किसी जन्नत से कम नहीं है(खैर अब तो चार दिन ही बचे है, आज को मिलाकर) 29 अक्टूबर से पहले शरद रंग महोत्सव ज़रूर जाए।

अब हम आपको वर्चुअल्ली ले चलते है इस फेस्टिवल में जो कि हमारा काम भी है। बाकी ये पढ़कर आपके क़दम खुद-ब-खुद  शिल्पग्राम की ओर चल पड़ेंगे।

यहाँ से शुरू होता है शरद रंग महोत्सव का सफ़र

अच्छे से सजे गेट में एंटर होते आपको बड़े करीने से सजाया हुआ एक गाँव दिखाई पड़ेगा और सीधे हाथ की ओर आपको नागौर से आए सरवन कुमार एंड बैंड आपके स्वागत को तैयार रहेंगे। सरवन कुमार इस बैंड के मुखिया है और बड़े विनम्रता से आपसे बात करेंगे। उनसे हमने तकरीबन 20 मिनिट तक बात करी इस दौरान उन्होंने अपनी 2 बार प्रस्तुति भी दी। वो मशक बजाते है जो एक स्कॉटिश इंस्ट्रूमेंट है जिसे इंग्लिश में बेकपेपर कहा जाता है। राजस्थान सर्कार से सम्मानित हो चुके है। यहाँ उनके फोटो और एक परफॉरमेंस शेयर कर रहे है। इनकी ये परफॉरमेंस आपको सीधा नागौर ले जाएगी वो भी शिल्पग्राम बैठे-बैठे।

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सरवन कुमार एंड बैंड

जैसे आप थोड़ा आगे जाएँगे तो अलवर से आए नूरदीन मेवाती और उनका ग्रुप आपको उन्ही के बनाए गानों को सुनने को मजबूर कर देगा। उनके गाने समाज को लेकर बनाए होते है और सटायर से भरपूर होते है। ये अन्तराष्ट्रीय लेवल पर भी परफॉर्म कर चुके है और इंडियाज़ गोट टैलेंट में भी परफॉर्म कर चुके है। ये रही उनकी झलक

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नूरदीन मेवाती एंड ग्रुप – अलवर

वल्लभनगर तहसील – उदयपुर का फोक बैंड लेकर आए है देवीलाल जी और उनके बेटे कमल जी दमामी, बैंड का नाम पाइप बैंड उदयपुर रखा है। ये भी मसक बजाते है पर साथ में इनके उदयपुर में बजाये जाने वाले और इंस्ट्रूमेंट भी होते है। अच्छी बात ये है कि कमल जी बेकपेपर(मसक) सिखाते भी है, वो अलग-अलग स्कूलों में जाकर इसे सिखाते है। वो चाहते है इससे ये लोगो के ज़हन में रहेगा और लोग भूलेंगे नहीं।

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पाइप बैंड : उदयपुर

ये हमारा म्यूजिक में आख़िरी पड़ाव था। इन्ही लोगो की वजह से राजस्थान का फोक संगीत फिर से जिंदा हुआ है हम बात कर रहे है मंगनियार ग्रुप की जो बाड़मेर से यहाँ आई। उनसे हमारी आर्टिस्ट की सोच और दुनिया को किस नज़र से वो देखते है इस पर काफी बात हुई। उनकी ये दमदार परफॉरमेंस ये रही

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गाज़ी खां मंगनियार ग्रुप – बाड़मेर

 

इसके बाद शुरू होता फ़ूड बाज़ार… वैसे गाज़ी खां साहब के यहाँ आते ही पता लग जाता है, खुश्बू की वजह से। इस बाज़ार में आपको लखनवी बिरयानी से लेकर बिहार के लिट्टी-चौखा, अवध की कुल्फी, कश्मीरी वाज़वान, राजस्थानी कबाब, दाल-बाटी और साउथ इंडियन डिशेज़ तक की वैरायटी मिल जाएगी। उम्मीद है अब तक आप लोगो के मुह में पानी तो आ ही गया होगा, नहीं आया तो ये फ़ोटोज़ देख कर आ जाएगा।

 

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चार अलग-अलग जगह के खाने

 

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वाहिद बिरयानी – लखनऊ
मुग़लई डिशेज़ के अगर आप शौक़ीन है तो ये आपका जंक्शन ही है। इनकी बिरयानी और लखनवी मेहमान नवाज़ी दोनों ही आपको पसंद आएगी।

 

राधेश्याम तेली : ये यूँ तो दक्षिण भारतीय खाना बनाते है पर ये है उदयपुर से ही। इनके यहाँ का स्पाइडर रोल ज़रूर खाना चाहिए। स्पाइडर रोल उतना ही दिलचस्प है जितने की ये ख़ुद, फ़ूड फेस्टिवल के सबसे मजेदार और खुशमिजाज व्यक्ति है। ये नोटबंदी के दौरान चर्चा में भी थे तब इन्होने ज़रुरतमंदों को फ्री में खाना खिलाया था।

 

 

कश्मीरी वाज़वान : आप फ़ूड फेस्टिवल का अंत यहाँ से कर सकते है वो भी कश्मीरी कावा से इसके अलावा रिश्ता और गोश्ताबा यहाँ का ज़रूर चखिए। वैसे भी कश्मीरी खाना ज़ायका हर कहीं मिलता भी तो नहीं है। 🙂

अगर आप फोक परफॉरमेंस देखना चाहते है तो वो आपको 12, 2, 4 और 6 बजे देखने को मिल जाएगी शाम में 7 बजे से ओपन ऑडिटोरियम में हर दिन अलग-अलग परफॉरमेंस होगी। और अगर आप खानाआहते है ज़ायकों का मज़ा उठाना चाहते है तो आप दिन के 12 से रात के 10 बजे तक  कभी भी पहुँच जाइये।

 

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Festivals

एक सुखद एहसास दे गया ULF, वो एहसास जो अगले साल इसे और बड़ा बनाने का हौसला देगा

शुक्रिया उदयपुर 🙂

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शुक्रिया उन सभी का जिन्होंने हमारी इस ज़िद को अपनी ज़िद माना और इसे साकार कर दिखाया। उदयपुर ब्लॉग की ओर से हम उन सभी लोगो का आभार व्यक्त करते है जिन्होंने ULF को सफल बनाने के लिए प्रत्यक्ष या अप्रत्यक्ष दोनों रूप में सहयोग किया। हम यहाँ के प्रशासन का भी शुक्रिया अदा करते है जिन्होंने ULF में आए लोगो की सुरक्षा में कोई कसर नहीं छोड़ी हम साथ ही साथ हमारे सहयोगियों का भी आभार व्यक्त करते है जिन्होंने इतने बड़े फेस्टिवल को सफल बनाने के लिए हमारी हर पल मदद की। ये सब तभी संभव हो पाता है जब इतना जन-समर्थन आप लोगो के साथ खड़ा हो, जैसा की हमारे साथ था। ये सब व्यक्त करना मुश्किल लग रहा है क्यूंकि मन में जो विचार उठ रहे है उन्हें शब्द नहीं मिल पा रहे है। शब्द कम पड़ गए। जो उम्मीदें हमने शुरू में रखी वो सभी पूरी तरह से कामयाब रही।

हमें पूरी उम्मीद है आपने आर्टिस्ट परफॉरमेंस शुरू होने से ग्राउंड में पहले से चल रही एक्टिविटीज़ का भरपूर आनंद लिया होगा। फेस्टिवल को मैनेज करने के चक्कर में हम आप लोगो के साथ मज़े तो नहीं कर पाए पर आप लोगो को एन्जॉय करते देखना एक सुखद अनुभव था। ‘पापोन’ तो खैर इस फेस्टिवल की जान थे। ‘स्वराग’ को आपने भरपूर सराहा ही।

7000 से भी ज्यादा की अटेंडेंस एक सपना जैसा था। 3-टियर सिटीज में ये सब मुमकिन करना थोड़ा मुश्किल ज़रूर रहता है पर उदयपुर तुमने कर दिखाया। अब जब हम फोटोज़ में मुस्कराते चेहरे और झूमते युवाओं को देख रहे है तो अपनी ख़ुशी आप लोगो के साथ साझा करने से खुद को रोक नहीं पा रहे है। आपके चेहरों की मुस्कान, आप लोगो को इस कदर बेफिक्र होकर झूमते देखना, दो अनजान लोगो को एक स्टाल पर साथ बात करते हुए खाते हुए देखना ही तो हमारी सफलता है, यही तो हमारा हौसला है, यही तो हमें ताकत देगा कि अगले साल इसे और बड़े स्तर पर ले जाए चाहे कुछ भी हो जाए।

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इस 7000 के आकडे को 10,000 करना या उससे भी ज्यादा। ये सब ख्वाब है जो देखने चाहिए जैसे कि ये देखा था और पुरे करने में जुट गए। वैसे ही और ख्वाब बुनेंगे उन्हें पूरा करने में लग जाएँगे। ये सब भी आप ही की वजह से होगा। अंत में विदा लेने से पहले हम आप सभी लोगो का एक बार फिर से तह-ए-दिल से शुक्रिया अदा करते है।

“शुक्रिया तेरा तिरे आने से रौनक़ तो बढ़ी

वर्ना ये महफ़िल-ए-जज़्बात अधूरी रहती”

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Festivals

Are you ready to explore: Bikers invite Udaipur for the famous Ambubachi Fair of Assam!

Gathering of people at Ambubashi Mela on Day 3 at Kamakhya Temple
Gathering of people at Ambubashi Mela on Day 3 at Kamakhya Temple

A Bikers’ team is inviting Udaipur for the illustrious Ambubachi Fair of Assam. The noteworthy thing is that we, Udaipurites are invited personally by the group of bikers, who are currently on a 37-day-long India tour. This is for the first time that invitation cards have been published to invite people from across the country to attend this fair. The bikers, who began their journey last month, have already visited states like West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, inviting prominent persons, religious heads, devotees etc.

During their visit to Rajasthan, they have invited the religious heads at the Jagdish Temple and the entire Udaipur to attend this auspicious fair.

Gathering of people at Ambubashi Mela on Day 3 at Kamakhya Temple

Generally, tantriks, sadhus, Bauls, aghoras, sannyasinis, khade babas, foreign pilgrims, tourists or foreign scientists visit the Kamakhya temple, where the fair is held in the Nilachal hill, during the festival days. This time, this special bikers’ tour has been arranged by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. so that people can be handed over invitation cards and posters by the representatives from the state.

Know about Ambubachi Fair

The Ambubachi fair is held in Nilachal Hill at Kamakhya temple. Devotees flock to the city of Guwahati in Assam, to become a part of this annual ritual. The fair is devoted to the Mother Nature; apropos of a special reason- to celebrate the annual menstruation cycle (holy cycle) of the head deity of the temple, Devi Kamakhya. During this period, the temple is closed for 3-4 days to visitors, to maintain the privacy of the menstruating deity.

This year the festival is from June 22-26.

It is believed that every year, during the monsoon (Assamese month Ahaar), the Goddess goes through her annual menstruation. This concurs with the river Brahmaputra being in full flow because of monsoon rains.

According to the belief, during this period when the goddess is in her annual Holy cycle, the fertility of mother earth increases. In a practical sense too, the fertility increases as Assam receives heavy rains during this period as the monsoons arrive around this time and this leads to an increase in fertility of the soil. During this time the farmers also stop cultivating their land, as it is believed that it causes disturbance to the menstruating mother earth.

So are you ready to explore and attend this special fair at Assam?

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Festivals

Hariyali Amavasya Udaipur Mela 2016

Hariyali amavasya 2016

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

In Hindi, the word ‘Amavasya’ refers to a no-moon day and ‘Hariyali’ refers to greenery. Hariyali Amavasya is thus a festival which is celebrated on a no-moon day to welcome the month of monsoon. It is celebrated on the first Amavasya of Saavan which is the period of July-August as per the Hindu calendar. This year the Hariyali Amavasya festival was celebrated on 2nd and 3rd of August. Udaipur observed the onset of Monsoon during the start of this month which added to the Joy of Festivity.

In Udaipur, the celebration includes setting up of a fair. This fair goes on for two days. Stalls of food, games, rides, clothes and jewellery are set up. The famous dish of Rabri Malpua is available in plentiful. Energetic vendors voice themselves out loud. The fair witnesses an atmosphere of fun and frolic. The fair attract people, young and all, not only from the town in which it is set up, but also tribals from around Udaipur who come in their traditional attire and jewellery.

Historically, it is believed that Maharana Fateh Singh Ji, was the first to set up the fair. He observed that a lot of water of the Dewali pond was being wasted and hence converted it into a reservoir which was used to fulfill people’s needs.  On its completion, a fair was set up on the moonless night of the rainy season which began to be celebrated as the Hariyali Amavasya. Eventually, the fair was set up by the then ruling kings for the common people. What is amazing is that the tradition continues till date.

The fair is spread out from Saheliyon ki Baari to Fatehsagar. Apart from the stalls, the fair is adorned with beautiful and colorful costumes, traditional music and dance. The marvelous combinations of these provide entertainment to everyone and they absolutely enjoy themselves. Even though both men and women are a part of this fair, the last day of the fair is usually reserved for women.On this day, the men are not allowed to enter the fair. All the women pray for the prosperity of their families with all their heart. The Collector of Udaipur declares this as a holiday for schools and government offices. Not only this, schools and clubs also have cultural programs to commemorate this day. Ceremonies of tree plantation are held across places. A visit to this fair is a must-awaited affair.

 

Here are the few glimpses of Hariyali Amavasya Mela 2016.

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Hariyali Amavasya 2016

 

Photos by : Dimpy Chundawat & Siddharth Nagar

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Festivals Photos

Ganesh Chaturthi 2014 – A Look through major Temples in Udaipur

At bhattyani chotta Ganesh Temple
At bhattyani chotta Ganesh Temple

”Ganpati Bappa Morya” –  chanted the people of Udaipur.

Lord Ganesh, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is one of the cutest and most lovable Indian gods amongst all. It is said that Ganesh was born on the fourth day of Magh and especially during that time there is an interconnection between Ganesh and Chaturthi.

Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi was celebrated with religious fervor in Udaipur today. The celebration began with mouth-watering ‘modaks’ and other delicious sweets which were readied to offer to Lord Ganesh.

Everyone got together to join in the celebrations in the temples of Lord Ganesh including, Bohra Ganeshji, Pala Ganeshji, Jada Ganeshji, Dudhiya Ganeshji etc.

Clay models were established in these temples with people chanting ”Ganpati Bappa Morya” in synchronization.

Twice-a-day prayers’, visiting relatives and reunion with siblings and cousins is an integral part of this festival. The festival is synonymous with wisdom and prosperity. It will last for 10 days.

Amidst the hustle-bustle, let’s see how it was celebrated.

At bhattyani chotta Ganesh Temple
At bhattyani chotta Ganesh Temple
at hathipole - Ganesh Temple
at hathipole – Ganesh Temple
Bohra ganesh Temple
Bohra ganesh Temple
dudhiya ganesh temple
dudhiya ganesh temple
Jada ganesh Temple
Jada ganesh Temple
Ganesh Temple Near ghanatgar
Ganesh Temple Near ghanatgar
Ganesh Temple near raoji ka hata
Ganesh Temple near raoji ka hata
pala ganesh temple
pala ganesh temple

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration Ganpati Celebration Udaipur Random Ganpati Image

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Festivals

[Best Pictures] Jagannath Rath Yatra 2014

Every year the grand Rath-Yatra is held on the Ashaad Shukla Dwitya of Vikram Samvat, as per the Hindu calendar. On this day thousands of devotees pull the huge chariot loaded with ornaments and idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in a long procession.
Though the centre of attraction is Orissa, many other Indian cities also have their own extraordinary programs on this day. Udaipur holds the distinction of holding the 3rd largest Rath Yatra in India. The city has two Rath Yatras on the same day at different locations.

Jagannath_Rath_Yatra (11)

Jagannath_Rath_Yatra
idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra in a long procession of 21km from Jagannath Dhaam, Sector 7

The Rath Yatra at Udaipur is a significant event in the entire state that is witnessed by numerous tourists both foreigners and Indians. During the Rath Yatra, The City of Lakes is colored in the most vivid hues of sheer joy & enjoyment and is flocked with devotees who wish to pay their honor to the deities and seek their blessings.

Rath from Jagannath Dham, Sector-7
The Rath Yatra started from Shri Jagannath Dham Sec-7, Hiran Magri and lead towards the Krishi Mandi, Shiv Mandir, Machla Magra, Sec-11, Patel Circle, Khanjipeer, Rang Niwas, Bhattiyani Chohatta to Jagdish Mandir. From there it merged with the Jagdish Chowk Rath Yatra in the same route and then took a separate route from RMV Road to Udiapole, Takeri, Madari, Sec-6 and returned back to the Shri Jagannath Dham of Sec-7.
Largest distance covered : 21kms

Main Attraction
The Rath Yatra that started from the ancient Jagdish Temple, near the City Palace.
The Rath, a gigantic chariot, approximately 15 feet long, 8 feet high and adorned by precious metals like silver. This eventually turned into a procession which passed through a large part of the city. The path followed by this Rath was Jagdish Mandir- Jagdish Chowk, Ghanta Ghar, Bada Bajar, Bhadbhuja Ghati, Teej Ka Chowk, Dhan Mandi, Asthal Mandir, R.M.V. Road, Rang Niwas, Kalaji- Goraji, Bhattiyani Chohatta, and Rath Yatra concluded with the Maha Arti at the Jagdish Temple.

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Photo : Kamal Kumawat
Photo : Kamal Kumawat

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 ॐ जय जगदीश !! जय जगन्नाथ !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Festivals

[Photos] Gangaur Festival 2014

The traditional Gangaur procession started Wednesday at 04.30 pm from Ghantaghar meandering its way through Jagdish Chowk, Bhattiyani chohhta, concluding at the spectacular Gangaur Ghat where the women of different local communities kept the idols of Gauri for further customs.

Over the years, numbers of festivals and fairs have changed in nature; however, the Gangaur procession has retained its traditional charm. Since the days of Maharanas, there is a tradition of offering the royal Gangaur from the shore of the lake using the Royal Gangaur Boat. Tourists and the local crowd witnessed a beautiful traditional programme including dances like Chari, Bhawai, Terah taali, Ghoomar, Phool Holi and Mayur Nratya .

The procession also included the exhibition of Gangaur idols on the royal boat followed by fireworks at Hanuman ghat. Many others celebrated Gangaur at the Goverdhan Sagar . The celebrations were organized by the Rajashtan state department of tourism.

Photos by : Aman Bhandari

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Photos By: Siddharth Nagar

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Photos By: Devashish Dhaybhai

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Categories
Festivals

देव उत्थापनि एकादशी

dev jhulni ekadashi

dev jhulni ekadashi
विश्व का भरण पोषण करने वाले भगवान् विष्णु वैसे तो क्षण भर का भी विश्राम नहीं करते ,किंतु भारतीय संस्कृति ने देह एवं देव में विभेद न करते हुए समग्र पूजन-अर्चन-वंदन को एक सूत्र में आचरण के लिए निर्देशित किया है-” यथा देहे तथा देवे ” अर्थात जिस प्रकार हम शरीर(देह) का प्रतिदिन स्नान , भोजन , वस्त्राभरण , शयन व जागरण का विधान करते है, उसी प्रकार देवताओं को भी पूजा में स्नानार्थ जल , भोजन हेतु नैवैद्य  (प्रसाद)  एवं वस्त्र-आभरण में श्रृंगार  आदि समर्पित करते है। विष्णु हमारे ह्रदय में निवास करते है ,”हृदये विष्णुं ध्यायते “।

ह्रदय एक क्षण के लिए भी  विश्राम नहीं लेता , किन्तु वैज्ञानिक तथ्य है कि ‘ लुब-डब ‘ की ध्वनि के बीच सैकंड से भी कम समय में ह्रदय विश्राम कर लेता है, कथा है कि –
भाद्रपद मास कि शुक्ल एकादशी को शंखासुर नाम के राक्षस से संग्राम करते हुए विष्णु  भगवान ने उसका वध कर दिया , तदुपरांत अत्यधिक  परिश्रम से हुई थकान दूर करने के लिए विष्णु क्षीर सागर में शयन करने लगे । क्षीर सागर में चार माह तक शयन के उपरांत कार्तिक शुक्ल एकादशी को भगवान विष्णु शयन त्यागकर जागृत हुए । इसी भावना से इस एकादशी को देवोत्थापनी एकादशी या प्रबोधिनी एकादशी से संबोधित किया जाता है । सामाजिक संस्कारो का आज से शुभारंभ हो जाता है।

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विवाह आदि शुभ कार्य प्रारंभ होने लगते है, वस्तुतः ग्रीष्म एवं वर्षा ऋतु में अत्यधिक ऊष्मा एवं जलप्लावन ,  आंधी , तूफ़ान आदि मौसम से होने वाली आपदाएं शांत होने से, क्षीत ऋतु  के आगमन से प्राणियों में उर्जा एवं शक्ति का संचार होने लगता है जिससे हम अपने कार्यों को, कामनाओं को पूरा करने में  तन-मन से सक्षम हो जाते है। नए धान्य की उपज से प्राप्त आर्थिक संसाधन भी हमें प्राप्त हो जाते है , अतः देव प्रबोधिनी के पश्च्यात शुभ कार्यो के लिए मुहूर्त बताये जाते है।

इसी दिन तुलसी विवाह की भी परम्परा मनुष्य जाती की वनस्पतियों के प्रति सजीव भावना की परिचायक है । तुलसी को एक पौधा न मानकर जीवन रक्षक, तथा हमारी रोग-प्रतिरोधक क्षमता को बढाने वाली वनस्पति के रूप  में  देखा  जाता  है।   तुलसी को विष्णु की प्रेयसी के रूप में सम्मानित  कर शालिग्राम स्वरुप से तुलसी विवाह करवाकर अपनी कृतज्ञतामयी भावनाएं समर्पित की जाती है।

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देवाराधन के ये विशिष्ट प्रयोजन परंपरा के रूप में  ऋषियों- मुनियों  ने   समाज की समृद्धि एवं सुखी जीवन के लिए निर्धारित किये हैं जो उत्कृष्ट मानवीय सभ्यता एवं संस्कृति के द्योतक हैं, परिचायक हैं-

          ” सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः 
             सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः”

 

Article By : Dr. Pramod Kumar Sharma

 

Categories
Festivals

Navratri : The Nine Nights

Durga Puja Udaipur

Navratri 2013

India is a land of festivals. Every now and then, every month and even seen deeply then Indians celebrates some or other festival every day. Out of these many festivals “NAVRATRI”  is a huge festival and one of the longest celebrated festivals in India. This festival is dedicated to worship the Hindu deity ‘Goddess Durga’.

Navratri literally means ‘nine-nights’. The festival of navratri is celebrated for nine days/nights and tenth day is celebrated as ‘Vijayadashami ‘ or ‘Dussehra’, famous for the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana. All these nine days are celebrated worshipping all the forms of Shakti or Devi or avatar of goddess Durga. Two types of navratri are celebrated in India. One is Vasanta navratri and other is Sharad navratri. Vasant navratri is celebrated at the beginning of the summer season or one may say at the end of spring season. Sharad navratri is celebrated at beginning of the winters.

This festival is mainly celebrated in Northern India. It is a main festival of the Indian state Gujarat but is equally celebrated in whole of northern India including mainly Rajasthan, Delhi, etc.

The Navratri commences on the first day of bright fortnight of the lunar month ashwin. This festival is mainly celebrated in the month of October. This festival is celebrated by fasting for all nine days by the devotees in the devotion of goddess Durga. An idol of goddess Durga is established with all rituals and the social rites on the first day of navratri also known as ‘Navratri Sthapna’.

Nine forms of Shakti are worshipped during these days of navratri as per the trends and traditions of the different regions.These are as follows:

  • Durga
  • Bhadrakali
  • Amba or Jagadamba, Mother of the universe
  • Annapoorna devi,
  • Sarvamangala,
  • Bhairavi
  • Chandika or Chandi
  • Lalita
  • Bhavani
  • Mookambika

 

NAVRATRI CELEBRATIONS IN UDAIPUR:

The City of Lakes celebrates every festival and every occasion with a basket full of enthusiasm and devotion. In every corner of the city it is celebrated in a different way. But one thing common is “GARBA”. Garba is a traditional dance of Gujarat which is usually carried out during the festival of navratri. In every area and every street of city huge Pandals are decorated with the establishment of the idol of Goddess Durga and Garba/Dandiya is played for next nine days.

One of the biggest platforms during navratri and the biggest idol of goddess Durga are established in Sutharwada. Many devotees from all over the city reach there to take a glimpse of the grand decoration and the breathtaking celebrations of navratri. In these nine days devotees go and visit various temples throughout the city mainly Neemach Mata, Ambamata, Bedla Mata, Karni Mata, Kalka Mata etc. Temples of high devotion like Asawara Mata, Untala mata(vallabhnagar), Idana Mata, Barwasan Mata, Jhankla Mata etc which are out of city are also visited by devotees in huge numbers.

The bengali community celebrates the “Durga Pooja” as their primary festival throughout the year and their celebrations start on the 6th day of Navratri, which continues till the end of Dusshera. In Udaipur, there are various locations where Durga Pooja is celebrated by the Bengali Communities

There are many private firms and many self organized organizations which sponsor as well as conduct Garba at huge scale. Couples, senior citizens, children, and people of all age groups enjoy these nine days and on the ninth day with the dispersal of the idols pray for the next navratri and stay awaited.

Post By : Kashish chandrayan

Categories
Festivals

Gavari – A Dance Drama of Bhils

Gavari Performance
Photo Credit: traditionalindianmusic.co.uk

Vibrant, vigorous and graceful! Folk dances of Rajasthan performed gracefully by the colorful crowd punctuate Rajasthan’s barrenness, turning even the deserts into fertile basin of limitless colors and variations of the amazing folks living here. One of these rich festivals is GAVARI, which is a distinct art form found in the cultural heritage of the Bhils who express the devotion and faith to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati through Folk Dance, Music and Folklores. It also symbolizes human love for forests, animals and people. Quite unique and impressive, isn’t it?

Rajasthan encompasses numerous tribes having distinct identities in term of costumes, dialects, beliefs and arts. People have nurtured a splendid tradition of folk songs and folk dances of which Gavari is unique in itself which is celebrated by Bhils. The Bhils are the original inhabitants and tribal of Mewar- Vagad area of southern Rajasthan which was gradually conquered and inhabited by Rajput kings and other northern settlers around 3rd to 4th century BC.

After the monsoons, in the months of September and October the forty-days-festival “GAVARI” is celebrated by Bhil tribe in Udaipur, Rajsamand and Chittor districts of Rajasthan. Whole male folk, even children participate in this dance-drama symbolizing a healthy environment and it intends to ensure the well-being to the community and the village. While only Bhils perform them, other castes attends the performances and offer donations. During this period, people do not eat any green vegetables, stay away from alcohol and avoid being non-vegetarian. They sleep on grounds and avoid taking bath (except on Dev-Jhulani Ekadasi).

gavari mewarGavri Mewar – via: gavari.wordpress.com

There is no definite origin of gavari. Some beliefs say the story of demon Bhasmasur who worshiped Lord Shiva, who pleased with bhashmasur’s devotion, granted him a strange wish that whenever he keeps his hand on anyone’s heads that person will die burning in fire. Thereafter, Bhasmasur started misusing the grant by killing innocent people on earth. Lord Vishnu to resolve the problem transformed himself into a beautiful woman named Mohini – the dancer and went to Bhasmasur. Bhasmasur fascinated by her beauty started imitating her dance and kept his hand on his head to copy mohini, thereby departed his life.

Bhasmasur’s soul asked forgiveness from lord Shiva and appealed Lord to keep him alive in minds of people in return of his great devotion. Lord Shiva thereafter declared that, for paying homage to a great devotee like Bhasmasur, Gavri will be celebrated every year. Since then this fest is organized in the region of Mewar by the Bhil Community.

According to another belief, Lord Shiva had been ruler of Mewar ever since times unknown.  Eklingji, a place about 17 km. away from Udaipur, was believed to be his holy abode. Once, Goddess Parvati, his spouse, had gone to visit her father’s home for a long period of a month and a quarter. Deeply in love with his wife, the long separation ran Shiva into deep melancholic mood. To amuse him, the devotees Ganas (who were Bhils) devised an entertainment program made up of dancing, singing and theatrical activities. The event eventually became ritualistic and took form of Gavari, which is now an integral part of socio-cultural and religious life of the Bhils.

In this folk play there are four kinds of characters – dev, humans, demons and animals. The RAI and BURIYA are the two main mythological characters to form the GAVARI, Bhil ritual performance. In GAVARI dance-drama group, there are two RAIs in form of PARVATI (GORJA) and MOHINI goddesses in female costumes who always stays or sits in the centre of the performing circle. The BHURIYA as Bhashmasur – keeps a wooden mask of black surrounding bull tail hair on his face and carrying a wooden stick or “Chhari“, always walks in opposite direction to other performers. The other priests as Bhairon and goddess Mata, stays with RAI as a guard to her.

Mostly in the day time they perform GAVARI in the village where they enact different mythological and social episodes with MADAL and THALI as their main musical instruments. People go from village to village, especially to the villages where their daughters and sisters reside after getting married.

gawri udaipur
Photo by: Pramod Soni

Any open space can serve as a stage. For five to six hours each day; the troupe performs a series of episodes. On two occasions the festivity lasts all night. Like many Indian rituals, these scenes blend secular, folk, and Hindu epic characters with references to local daily life. Despite some comic scenes, the Gavari ritual is generally solemn, ending with the appearance of gods and goddess, and often including trance among both performers and audience.

In Gavari, the last day of performance, rituals the Bhil Gavari players also dance and perform in the night as night awakening rituals. With other legends, they also perform the “Hiraniya Bhoot” or ghost performance in which two artists plays the role of ghost in which they covered the body with the grass.

Gavari is played so skillfully by these tribal people that it produces the impact of an eye catching scene, the magical effect of which makes the viewers stop and stay on to watch it and get engaged until the episode reaches its end. Gavari, not only holds its audience spellbound for whole day long, but also refreshes and energizes performers as well. Gavari is thus a valuable cultural inheritance bestowed by the tribal from one generation to the other and from one century to the following one.

Featured Photo Credit: mountainridge.in