The so called ‘Venice Of East’ is all set to celebrate its greenery. The last few showers have surely infused us with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement.
We can witness large stretch of lush greenery, the pleasant smell of wet soil and celebration all around.
Now we all are waiting eagerly for one of the most ‘happening‘ fairs of Udaipur. Well you got it right its the fair of ‘ Harayali Amawas(Amavasya)’. Hariyali Amavasya is a monsoon festival celebrated on Amavasya or a No Moon Day of the Shravan month in North India. People mainly worship Lord Shiva on this very day for wealth and prosperity and for best agricultural season.
Huge fairs/melas are held on this day in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. It is Among one of the prevalent and respected festival in Udaipur, Rajasthan and On this Day It is a Collector’s Declared Holiday, Maybe For The Local City Mates To Enjoy and Welcome the Greenery or Haryali 🙂 .
It is very well known event not only in our own city but also in the nearby areas. The fair at Rajsamand and Udaipur attract thousands of tourists from all around the globe. People of all ages, regions come to experience our very own city’s celebration. A massive crowd can be witnessed enjoying various rides, games, snacks etc.
The fair is accessible for two days out of which one day is specially open for the women. Women can be seen shopping, enjoying various games, rides, snacks etc. There are colors all around, loads of rides, lots of stalls, full on entertainment.The entire place holds within itself a very raw yet beautiful atmosphere.
This event is celebrated lavishly in various places out of which most famous are
Madhura Dwarkadhish Temple
Banke Bihariji Temple in Vrindavan
And many other temples of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
This day marks an end to the Phool Bangal Utsav in Vrindavan Banke Bihari Temple.
Hariyali Amavasi corresponds with Ashada Amavasya in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated as Chukkala Amavasya in Andhra Pradesh, Bheemana Amavasya in Karnataka, Gatari Amavasya in Maharashtra.
We wish you All a Happy Haryali Amavasya and May we all have the Extended Monsoon Till the End of this Month Alongwith, the Lakes Getting Filled and Greenery Whole Year.
Hariyali Amavasya is one of the best festivals in which helps in enhancing the basis to which the greenery is focused. The fair is most ethereal by making it more pleasing for people to visit. There is hariyali all over the fair that caters to the environment of Saavan.
Review us at udaipurblog.com and let us know your experience making it a highlight of the fair.
On Hariyali Amavasya, We Honor Nature’s Bounty And The Promise Of A Flourishing Future
About –
Popularly referred to as “Sawan month”, Shravana is a Hindu lunar month. This entire month is regarded as an ideal time for offering homage to Lord Shiva. This month is considered to be a lucky month and is dedicated to the significance of the environment. Worshipping agricultural equipment throughout this month teaches us about the value of agriculture. Hariyali Amavasya or Shravani Amavasya is the most celebrated day of Sawan Month as it falls in this month.
Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated on the day when there is no moon (Amavasya) during Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana. It indicates the beginning of the monsoon season. Moreover, it is the first Amavasya of Shravana month with a strong religious foundation. Hariyali Amavasya celebrations are well known in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh. Moreover, it is also celebrated as “Gatari Amavasya” in Maharashtra, “Chukkala Amavasya” in Andhra Pradesh, and “Chitalagi Amavasya” in Odisha.
The Importance of Hariyali Amavasya
The month of “Shravana” is devoted to Lord Shiva, and Hariyali Amavasya occurs three days before the celebrations of “Hariyali Teej.” It is most significantly connected with the monsoon season, which is essential for a productive harvest and the avoidance of draughts. In Hindu mythology, the month of “Shravana” is considered lucky for requesting the blessings of Gods and Goddesses. Pitru Tarpan and Daan Punya are considered lucky rituals to do on Hariyali Amavasya . According to Hindu mythology, the peepal tree is home to Tridev, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Hence, people worship the peepal tree on Hariyali Amavasya.
Moreover, it is considered lucky to worship Lord Shiva and Parvathi on this day as it is believed that they will set the worshippers free from their problems. In the northern part of India, Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated with a special puja, whereas in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat it is celebrated in the form of Ashadha Amavasya. Furthermore, this religious festival is also marked by the disciples of Lord Krishna, who organize festivals in Mathura and Vrindavan in order to receive his blessings.
Celebration of Hariyali Amavasya Festival
People worship Lord Shiva on this lucky day. All their prayers are dedicated to wishing for a successful monsoon that will result in a wholesome agricultural harvest. Lord Krishna’s followers visit the Dwarkadish temple in Mathura and pray there. People do the same by going to the Banke Bihari shrine in Vrindavan. The Phool Bangal Utsav concludes at this location on the Hariyali Amavasya day. Jaipur organises a large-scale “puja” as well.
Hariyali Amavasya Celebration in Udaipur
The Hariyali Amavasya festival is celebrated in a unique way in Udaipur by organizing a fair. The fair continues for two days where there are multiple food stalls, amusements, games, clothing, and jewellery. An aura of playfulness seeps into this fair. Everybody, from the young to the old, enjoys the fair, which attracts visitors from all over the nation.
History says that the Hariyali Amavasya fair was initiated by Maharana Fateh Singh, who also designed the renowned Fatehpur Sagarwas. He saw that the Dewali Pond’s water was being wasted to a great extent. So he transformed it into a reservoir to satisfy the requirements of the people. Hence after its completion, a fair was held on a moonless night during the rainy season, which later was known as the Hariyali Amawas. This fair was organised by the rulers in power for the ordinary people. The fact that the ritual is being performed today is also just astonishing.
The fair is dispersed from Saheliyon ki Badi to lake Fateh Sagar. Embellished with stunning and vibrant costumes, traditional music, dance, jewellery, and food vendors, this fair is a pure wonderland that leaves everyone enchanted. Although both men and women attend this fair, the second day of the fair is devoted exclusively to ladies. Men are not allowed on the second day of the fair. All the women pray for their families’ well-being on Hariyali Amavasya.
Hariyali Amavasya is one of the greatest festivals which is celebrated and it is mainly of two days which makes it majorly one big aspect of how the festival is celebrated. Also, this fair is all about all the things that engages people and children about how they enjoy themselves. Do review us about whether this article was helpful for you or not on udaipurblog.com.
Rajasthan is a land of colors and festivals. Every day is a fiesta here and every region has a number of fests, fairs, and processions which add to the culture and heritage of the entire state. A heritage and culture-filled city like Udaipur gives its visitors a lot to carry with themselves – an array of colorful memories. Not just that these are pleasing to the eyes, these fests and fairs are also great for capturing, if you’re a photo enthusiast.
Festivals
These festivals are especially celebrated in Rajasthan (Udaipur). Obviously, there are a lot of nationally celebrated festivals.
Gangaur festival
One of the most colorful festivals of Udaipur is the Gangaur Festival. This fest is held two weeks after Holi every year and is visited by a large number of tourists from various parts of the world. The word ‘Gangaur’ is made up of two words- ‘Gana’ is another name for Lord Shiva and ‘Gaur’ is synonymous with Gauri or Goddess Parvati which symbolizes marital bliss.
Source: UdaipurBlog
The conviction behind the festival carries the ceremony in which the unmarried women worship ‘Gauri’ for bestowing them with a good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health, and longevity of their husbands and a buoyant married life.
The festival begins on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and continues for 18 days, typically in the month of March and April. This year it started on 2nd March and the main event is on Tuesday, 20 March 2018.
Gavri Festival
After the monsoons, in the months of September and October, the forty-days-festival “GAVRI” is celebrated by Bhil tribe in Udaipur, Rajsamand and Chittor districts of Rajasthan. The entire males of the community, even children participate in this dance-drama symbolizing a healthy environment and it intends to ensure the well-being of the community and the village.
Source: Pramod Soni
Until Gavri concludes, these people don’t consume green-colored food, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol. In the performance, they pray to Lord Shiva and his wife, and each day the performance is set up at different locations for 5-6 hours.
Teej Festival
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. The religious significance of Teej festival lies in the 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.
Source: Indiaonlinepages
On strolling through the streets, one will find the sweet smell of “Ghevar” and “Malpuas”, these mouthwatering dishes are special in Teej revels. Women clad in Lehariya and Green sarees visit Shiva temples with extreme devotion towards their husbands.
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.
Source: Khas Khabar
They relate the tale of Dashamata to each other and pray for health and wealth of their family.
Sheetala Ashtami
The festival of Sheetala Ashtami falls on the eight days 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.
Source: Khabar IndiaTV
This festival is celebrated with the belief that this would prevent people from the deadly epidemics. To have more info about Sheetla Ashtami Click Here
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of Sravana i.e. the birthday 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.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The Dahi Handi event at Jagdish Chowk has become a prolonged custom; the Janmashtami celebration is accompanied with colorful cultural activities where many localities and foreign tourists take active participation. These activities include cultural dance, singing performances which ends with the Dadhika Matki Phod. The special attraction here at the Jagdish chowk is the performances by the tourists across the globe who sing and perform on Rajasthani Songs.
Other the mythological festivals, there are some public fests like:
Lake Festival
Udaipur Lake Festival is planned by Rajasthan Tourism, UIT, & Municipal Corporation. This initiative of a festival was taken at the helm by seeing the immense growth in tourism. In this context only, it was decided to develop various activities in and around lakes to highlight the unique benefits of the water reservoirs.
Source: UdaipurTimes
Udaipur has witnessed three consecutive years of Lake Festival and people are excited about the coming years.
World Music Festival
From past three years, Udaipur is experiencing the Udaipur World Music Festival (UWMF) in the month of February. The festival is a three-day extravaganza and people from the entire globe flock to Udaipur to enjoy great international as well as national artists.
Source: whatshot
Conceptualized and produced by Seher, the event is free, that means no entry ticket is there. It is held, every year, at 3 different locations. The first year, people of Udaipur experienced Papon, the second year Kailash Kher and this year people experienced the music of Shankar, Ehsan, and Loy.
Fairs
Udaipur has many fairs held in the city, let us have a look at some of the most famous ones.
Hariyal Amavasya Mela
‘Hariyali’ refers to greenery and ‘Amavasya’ refers to a no-moon day thus it is festival which is celebrated on a no-moon day to welcome the month of monsoon.
Source: UdaipurBlog
In the month of July-August, a fair for men and women is held for two days, the last day of the fair is usually reserved for women, at the banks of Sahelion-Ki-Bari and Fatehsagar. 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. The famous dish of Rabri Malpua is available in plentiful. Historically, it is believed that Maharana Fateh Singh was the first to set up this fair.
This year the tentative date of the mela is August 11 (Saturday) 2018.
Diwali-Dushera Mela
Systematized by the Udaipur Municipal Corporation, this fair run for a full-fledged 10 days. The fair witnesses many cultural programs and activities at night. The fair is held before Diwali which is one of the biggest festivals of India. The fair has hundreds of shops which sell handicrafts and other products. Food stalls present in the arena give mouth-watering snacks that people can relish while at the fair. There is also a section for swings and other amusement rides.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The Diwali-Dushera Mela is held at the Town Hall for many years and the city people gather in a huge number to enjoy the fair.
Khadi Mela
To promote Khadi Gram Udyog this fair is held for 29 years and has received a considerable boost because of the continuous exhibition. It is a 15-day Khadi exhibition cum sale which is held in the Town Hall Udaipur, every year. Craftsmen and traders from across the country participate in this. This fair is a smaller one if compared to the Diwali-Dushera Mela. It witnesses almost 130 stalls and the products are dissimilar from the aforementioned fair.
Source: UdaipurTimes
Products found in the fair include leather goods, spices, woolen khadi, besides suiting-shirting, dari, jajam, khas, blankets, saris, salwar suits and so much more.
Mega Trade Fair
The Mega Trade Fair is held for 10 days every year. The fair is organized by Rajasthan Patrika around Navratri and it has a great craze among the local people. Haryana’s handloom, woolens of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, Saharanpur’s furniture, crockery, decorative items, terracotta items, jewelry, cosmetic products, toys and basic items of daily needs are available in this grand fair.
Source: Youtube
Earlier the venue for the fair was BN College Ground but it is now changed to Fateh High School Ground since a couple of years.
Shilpgram Mahotsav
Inaugurates every year on the 21st of the month of December, this ten-day long Shilpgram Utsav witnesses over 600 folk artists from 18 states and 400 artisans who display their handicrafts over shops and stalls. The bazaar starts around 12 noon where craftsmen showcase handloom, handicraft, jute, silk, pashmina, pure wool, Kashmiri clothes, eco-friendly items and so much more.
Source: Shilpgram.in
You can have more knowledge about the Shilpgram Mahotsav Here
Processions
Processions are a part of festivals. There are some of the major processions that line the city roads, every year.
Jagannath Rath Yatra
Every year the grand Rath-Yatra is held on the Ashaad Shukla Dwitya of Vikram Samvat, as per the Hindu calendar. 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.
Source: UdaipurBlog
A wooden chariot weighing 21,000 kg including the 51kg silver plating carrying an idol of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra (his sister), Balram (his friend) is pulled by the devotees of Lord Jagannath. The Rath Yatra starts from the Jagdish Temple, near the City Palace and is moved in Jagdish Chowk, Mochiwada, Bhadbhuja Ghati, Bada Bajar, Ghanta Ghar Mandi, Marshall Chauraha, Jhiniret Chowk, Bhattiyani Chohatta, Santoshi Mata Mandir, Asthal Mandir, R.M.V.
Eid-Milad-un-Nabi Procession
Eid Milaad-un- Nabi or the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a mass celebration, consisting of a colorful procession. Milad-un-Nabi is also known as Barawafat or Mawlid.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The Birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is remembered on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar every year by all Muslim communities. More than 1 Lakh people gather and cover almost 10-15 Km of Udaipur every year. Read more about Eid Milad Here
Muharram Procession
In Udaipur, the Taziya procession, on the 10th day of Muharram is one of the most essential events that occur in Udaipur every year. Taziyas are replicas of Imam Hussain’s mausoleum and are made of wood and paper.
Source: UdaipurTimes
The first ever procession of Taziya began in Udaipur in the year 1559. Since then the procession is organized where Taziyas from several locations are carried through the city and submerged in the water. Though, since a couple of years, this ritual of submerging Taziyas is prohibited from keeping the lakes of the city clean.
Makarvilakku Procession
Celebrated by the Keralite Hindus, the two-day long Makarvilakku festival was observed on on 13th and 14th January 2018. Normally, it coincides with three other festivals that are Makar Sankranti by Hindus, Lohadi by Sikhs and Lal Loi by Sindhis. Makarvilakku festival is related to Lord Ayyappa and his temple in Sabarimala.
Source: UdaipurBlog
The holy outing or procession of Lord Ayyappa starts from the temple in New Jyoti Nagar, Shobhagpura and wends its way through CPS school road, Bansi Pan Chouraha, Court Chouraha, Delhi Gate, Shastri Circle, Ashok Nagar, Ayad Puliya, 100 feet road and returns to the temple.
These were some of the major fairs, festivals, and processions in the City of Lakes. However, if we have missed any fair or festival or procession; you can let us know by mentioning that in the comment section below.
During the last five days of the month of Magh, Baneshwar Dham, where the three sacred rivers, Som, Mahi, and Jhakad meet, attracts a huge number of tribal’s not only from Rajasthan but also neighbors states such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It is believed that the fair is about 500 years old; located at a distance of about 123 km from Udaipur, 45 km from Dungarpur and 53 km from Banswara and perched on the top of a hill is the highly revered temple of Lord Shiv. Leaving the main road, one has to go Sabla and then reach Baneshwar. The temple is situated near the delta of the rivers Mahi and Som. It was named Baneshwar after the Vagdi Language word ‘Ben’ for Delta and ‘Ishwar’ for Lord.
Image Courtesy: Rahul Soni
The beliefs and rituals of the Bhil tribes
Performing rituals for Moksha
The tribals consider Baneshwar, the ‘trisangam’ of the river as the most sacred place for immersing the ashes of their dead as are Kashi, Prayag, Haridwar, Pushkar etc. They believe in doing ‘tarpan’ of the ashes that results in their ‘moksha’. Right from the morning on Purnima, thousands of tribal coming from different directions gather at the ‘sangam’. The ashes of men are wrapped in white cloth while those of women in red color one and then kept in earthen pots. With the help of their ‘guru’ the tribes perform elaborated rituals on the bank of the rivers. Then with their family, they enter the water and begin wailing. They stand in water and pay the last homage to the dead ones who left them during the previous year. After a cleaning bath, they put on fresh clothes and worship gods and goddesses then it is the turn of those pilgrims who do not bring any ashes to have a holy bath, recite mantras and perform rituals.
The legend of the Shivling at Baneshwar Dham
It is time now for the visitors to go to temples. After climbing up a long flight of steps, they reach the Baneshwar Shiv temple. According to a legend related to this temple, once a cow used to go near the Shivlingam and offer her milk to it. It had no milk when it returned home in the evening. Naturally, it made its master very curious to know the reason for all this. One day he followed the cow and seeing it near the Shivlingam got him infuriated. The frightened cow began to run away and in the process, the 20 cm high Lingam was hit by its hind leg and broke into five pieces. Since this then, this ‘Khandit Lingam’ is being worshipped.
Puja is performed twice during the day. Darshan starts at 4:30 am when the ‘Lingam’ is washed with water and ‘kesar’ is offered. In the evening there is bhasma-aarti with five flames. Darshan is open up to 11:00 pm. Devotes can offer flower, fruits, ghee, coconut etc. On this holy spot was built a beautiful temple by Aashkaranji, the Maharawal of Dungarpur in 1453. A Bhil Meena was appointed as the priest of the temple. A big fair began to be held here. And without any consideration of caste and creed, everyone was allowed to worship here. Pilgrims visit the Radha – Krishna’s Hari Mandir, and also the Brahma Mandir, Panchmukhi Mandir, Gayatri Mandir, Shabri Mandir, Raja Bali Temple, Bhagwan Nishkalank Mandir, Ram Jharikha Asharam, Valmiki Mandir, Hanuman Mandir etc.
The happenings at the fair
On the occasion of the big far, the Peethadheeshwar of Sabla who is a descendant of the saint Mavji comes to Baneshwar in a procession in a palanquin with pomp and show covering a distance of about 5 km. Thousands of devotees join the yatra. Also, brought from Maninda Math at Sabla to Baneshwar Dham is the 16 cm silver idol of Mavji on horseback in a palanquin.
Image Courtesy: Rahul Soni
First of all, the Mahant takes a dip in the water at Baneshwar Dham. This makes the water holy, it is believed. Then it is time for pilgrims to have a bath. Devotees get a chance to have the ‘darshan’ of the Mahant in Krishna Mandir for five days. The new devotees are initiated and they wear ‘Kanthi’ on the neck. Rasleela is performed for devotees. With great enthusiasm are sung and heard bhajans about the legends associated with Mavji and his teachings. So also, about Mavji and Mehudi who are believed to be Lord Krishna and Meera Bai. A big number of saints and Mahatmas of different sects also put up their camps in the fair for the benefit of their devotees.
The exhibition at Baneshwar
Visitors to the huge fair not only avail this opportunity to perform rites and have ‘darshan’ of temples and saints but also enjoy themselves. They take advantage of the exhibitions about government beneficial schemes of the govt, awareness programs of the health depts. etc. Many of them take part in various games and sports organized by Tribal Area Development agency culture programs, magic shows, and aerobatic shows and swings etc are some other attractions. Shopaholics get a big chance to shop from a big range of articles including plastic items, cosmetic items, bangles, shoes, clothes, artificial jewelry, trinkets, sickle, scythes, axe-heads etc. Also, on sale are weapons such as spears and swords. As archery has a long tradition, there is a big demand for bows and arrows made of bamboo.
Image Courtesy: Rahul Soni
Mavji and the history
Baneshwar Dahm has become a sacred place as the great saint Mavji Maharaj did ‘tapsya’ in this region for a long time. He was born at Sabla village in Dungarpur district. He was the son of Keshar Bai and Dalamji. Since his early childhood, people began to revere him due to his saintly nature and miracles. He lefts home at the age of 12 and performed ‘tapasya’ for twelve years in the cave of Sunaiya hills near Sabla. Then he reappeared at Baneshwar and gave ‘darshan’ on Magh Shukla Ekadashi. In his memory is held the Baneshwar fair. Due to his divine deeds, he established himself as a great saint and came to be revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As the scriptures say the ‘rasleela’ of Lord Krishna and the ‘gopis’ at Vrindravan got interrupted. At the request of the ‘gopis’, the Lord promised that ‘ras’ would recommence when he would appear in the form Mavji at Baneshwar.
Mavji wrote several ‘granths’ that include Gyan Rathmala, Guru Shisya Samwad, Prem Tatra, Prem Gita, Shri Bhagwat Mahapurana, Sehaj Gura, Samras Amrit Sagar and Sudanand. All of them are replete with Govind Geets, Krishna Leela and ‘rasleelas’. He also wrote five chopda’s in 776 pages which describe the past, the present and the future. They are written in Devanagri script and the language is a mix of Hindi, Vagadi, and Gujarati. Some of these forecasts have already come true viz Hindus and Muslims would eat together, there would be inter-caste marriage and the low will become high and the high low. Mavji did a lot for social equality at a time when there was much discriminative. He allowed people of all communities to enter temples and do puja and perform ‘rasleela’. He favored widow marriage and he himself married a widow of Patidar Samaj.
In the fair is showcased the tribal culture of the region in its various aspects. One can watch or participate in dances like Gair and Ghumar that are peculiar to the region and games like Gida Dot, that is like hockey and archery. Indian and foreign tourists take the advantage of witnessing the rich folk culture and also love to participate in some activities.
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