COLORFUL FESTIVALS OF GUJARAT

FESTIVALS OF GUJARAT

Gujarat, a beautiful state in India, where Gandhi was born, is well-known for this. . The state has a unique and lovely culture, as well as some bizarre and entertaining traditions. The state's residents are the ones who know how to celebrate and party in style; all they need to do is clap their hands together and move in a circle. The Gujarati people are the ones who give the state its remarkable colour and vibrancy. They are the ones who give Gujarat its lively culture. There is nothing subtle about their culture; they own the colours and enjoy life. This is evident in everything from the food, such as dhokla, fafdas, and jalebis, to the music of garba and dandiya, or even in the traditional clothing of chaniya choli.

International Kite Festival (Uttarayan)

The celebrations on the ground are at an all-time high as bright kites soar across the sky. Gujarat's International Kite Festival enthuses the entire state, from its winding, small alleys to its skies.

 One of Gujarat's most important festivals, which ushers in the harvest season, is celebrated with fervour and dedication. Days before the celebration, people fill their homes with kites and charkharis. And it's not just Gujaratis or Indians who travel from far-off places like Canada and the USA to take part in one of Gujarat's most vibrant events.

Every year, on January 14, during Makar Sankranti, the festival begins and lasts till January 15. For farmers in the Gujarat region, this day signifies the end of winter and the beginning of more pleasant weather. To ensure that everyone may take part in the festivities, these days have also been declared a public holiday in the Indian state of Gujarat. Vasi Uttarayan is celebrated on January 15.

This celebration serves as a metaphor for the gods emerging from a long slumber. It is said that kite flying originated in India thanks to the country's monarchs and royals, who were later followed by nawabs who enjoyed the activity and used it to demonstrate their strength and expertise. As the sport gained popularity over time, it started to appeal to a wider audience. In Gujarat, kite flying has long been a popular pastime. But in 1989, when participants from all over the world took part and displayed their inventive kites, there was the first international festival.

 

 Bhavnath Mahadev Fair

The five-day Bhavnath Mahadev Fair is devoted to Lord Shiva, and it is thought that he personally visits the location at this period. The start of this fair is signalled by the sages riding elephants and leading processions while blowing shells. During this vibrant event, there are performances of dance, music, prayers, and offerings. People do parikrama around Girnar Hill before visiting the shrine.

A very old temple dedicated to Lord Bhavnath is located in Junagadh at the foot of the Girnar mountains on the banks of the river Suvarnarekha. Beautiful (natural) foregrounds let the spontaneous Shivling of the temple stand out against the background. Every year, from Maagha Vad (Krishna Paksha) Agiyaras to Maagha Vad Amavasya, this fair is organised to celebrate Maha Shivaratri. The Skanda Purana contains a legend about the Bhavnath fair. This myth states that while Shiva-Parvati was riding in a chariot across the heavens, her celestial jewellery fell to the ground close to the Bhavnath temple. As a result, it is also known as Vastra Putakshetra.

A spiritual experience is the march of the Nagabavas at the Maha Puja on the day of Maha Shivaratri, accompanied by the sound of the conch, bathing in the Mrigi Kund, and chanting at the foothills of Girnar. A folktale claims that taking a bath in a Mrigi Kund will save a person.

 Rann Utsav

The Rann of Kutch, a white sand desert in Gujarat, attracts visitors with lavish festivities throughout the winter. Every year, the spectacular Rann Utsav celebrations in Rann of Kutch are broadcast throughout the nation and the entire world.

 The most memorable moments in your life will be when you experience the desert environment at night during a full moon day with folk dance and song performances, as well as many other cultural events and enjoyable things to do. Simply said, Rann Utsav is a celebration of joy, joy, and nature.

 The Gujarat Tourism Department actually organises Rann Utsav as a tourist event to highlight the distinctiveness of the Rann of Kutch in the winter. This event lasts for three months, or until the end of winter. Being able to experience the full moon days at the Rann of Kutch is the festival's main draw. The salt marshland regions of Kutch, which still have salt crystals on them, look incredibly real and captivating throughout the winter.

 Additionally, this festival emphasises the value of arts and crafts. Every day throughout the three months will be unique thanks to performances of various folk music and dances. Rann Utsav is also a terrific choice for unique rides and daring activities.Rann Utsav is a fantastic venue for highlighting Gujarat's history and culture, though.

 Kavant Fair

One of Gujarat's harvest celebrations, Kavan Fair is primarily observed in tribal areas. It displays a variety of Gujarati traditional arts, including dance and song.   Following the Holi festival, the Rathwa tribe of the Chhota Udaipur region holds its fair in the village of Kwant. 

 Tribal teenagers can be seen dancing while using drums and other musical instruments during the Kwant festival. Tribal men and women display their love of birds by donning a bouquet of peacock feathers on their heads.The fact that the performers' bodies are painted in a variety of brilliant hues and patterns is a remarkable highlight of the entire festival. Rice and ash are used to create the colours.

At the fair, the tribesmen erect clay statues of horses and other gods at the shrine of the revered figure outside the hamlet. They think that by doing this, God is pleased. The Kwant fair has a specific emphasis on music and dance. The Jodia Pava, Dhol, and Piho are just a few of the musical instruments that liven up the festival scene. They stand out from the crowd because of their vibrant attire and exquisite fair accessories. A festival that protects indigenous culture is the Kwant Fair.

 

Madhavrai Fair

The Madhavpur Mela in Gujarat and the Mishmi Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh are connected. The Mishmi Tribe has forebears in the mythological King Bhishmak, his daughter Rukmani, and Lord Krishna. The occasion celebrates Rukmani's epic voyage from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat with Lord Krishna. The Kalika Purana also mentions Bhismaknagar, which is near Roing in the lower Dibang Valley district. Madhavpur (Ghed), a small but historically significant village, is located in Gujarat, India. It is located on the seaside close to Porbandar.

 

According to folklore, Krishna married Rukmini in Madhavpur. As a monument to this occasion, the village has an annual festival and a shrine dedicated to Lord Madhavrai.

On the basis of the religious notion that Krishna wed Rukmini, a cultural fair is annually held over the course of five days beginning on the day of Ram Navmi. In order to commemorate the occasion of Krishna's marriage, a colourful chariot is prepared, a statue of Krishna is mounted on it, and a parade travels through the hamlet. Villagers paint one another with various colours as part of a festival that also includes jovial dancing.

 

 

Rath Yatra

Gujarat hosts a sizable celebration called Rath Yatra. The words "chariot" and "yatra" both refer to travel. As the name suggests, large wooden floats are made for the occasion and filled with the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balaram, and Goddess Subhadra. The start of the festival is explained with a moving story. According to the Bhagvat Purana, the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna, Kansa, dispatched Akrur to transport the Lord and his older brother Balram from Gokul to Mathura. The Gopis and Gopals stopped their chariot as they were all prepared to depart for Mathura.

 

They bade him a tearful and agonising farewell after receiving consolation from the Lord.Since that time, people commemorate the painful parting by celebrating the Rath Yatra festival. It is celebrated in Gujarat's cities with considerable fanfare. The largest Rath Yatra, nevertheless, takes place in Ahmedabad, India. Beautiful floats are constructed, and the idols are fervently placed inside. In a massive parade, these chariots are driven around the city, and the floats are adorned with garlands. The Bhajan Mandlis and music groups, who sing devotional songs in adoration of the Lord, are followed by the chariots.

A feast for the eyes includes decorated elephants, gymnasts, and acrobats performing astounding feats. Numerous Vaishnavite gurus, led by the Mahant of the Jagannath Temple, are accompanying them. In order to show their respect for the idols, people shower rice and gulal on them as the procession passes through the city's winding streets. Prasadam is provided to the pilgrims taking part in the Yatra in the form of raw, sprouted moong beans. Many times, the devotees pull the floats by hand while yelling the Lord's name aloud. The Rath Yatra is a celebration that is infused with feelings of adoration for the Lord.

 

Janmashtami

Lord Krishna's birthday is one of Gujarat's most eagerly anticipated festivals, and it is celebrated there with unmatched fervour and devotion

With the aid of his older brother Balram, Lord Krishna himself founded the Dwarka city or Dwarkadhish. The city is sometimes referred to as Golden City. Since it is Lord Krishna's temple, the Dwarakadhish temple is the area's main attraction. The city's Janmashtami event is worth attending because of the Dwarka culture's genuine devotion to Lord Krishna. The most enjoyable time of the year in Dwarka is during Janmashtami because the city is filled with joy and happiness.The festival, which is held at temples, homes, and communities where all the females treat Lord Krishna as their own child, is regarded as a major event by the Gujarati people. On this occasion, many desserts and cuisines are made to praise God.

 

 At midnight, people worship Lord Krishna and put an idol in his cradle to commemorate his birth. To make the cradle swing, a thread that is linked to it is gently tugged.

 

Butter and mishri, two of Lord Krishna's favourite foods, are presented to him (rock sugar). Another thrilling event that takes place throughout the celebration is dahi handi breaking.

In Gujarat , women forego all housework, including cooking, cleaning, and other tasks, in favour of playing cards. This is a long-standing custom. When playing cards, women don't mind placing bets. Sociologists speculate that this odd ritual of Janmashtami may have started as a pastime for women in the joint family system, while the precise origins of this habit are unknown. The women played cards to pass the time while they were fasting all day and to keep them awake all night. Women are believed to consume cold food that has been prepared two days in advance.

 Bhadrapurnima Fair

At the goddess Ambaji temple at Ambaji, this fair is held on the Bhadrapad full moon. Gujarat celebrated Ambaji Bhadra Purnima with grandeur and splendour. The primary event takes place in the Ambaji shrine, which is close to the Aravalli mountain ranges' foothills. One of Gujarat's most ancient and beautiful sanctuaries is Ambaji Bhadra. In August or September, the event is held on the night of the full moon. Due to the followers' deep faith in the goddess, the festival and fair draw visitors from all across the nation.

The main shrine of the Gujarati goddess Ambaji is called Ambaji. There is no idol; rather, the god is symbolised by a triangle Vishwa yantra with figures and the word "Shree" written in the centre. The fact that travellers visit the temple during the fair as a necessary part of their lives attests to the temple's age. The public and many agriculturalists attend the temple on this day. The Garba and Bhavai dances are conducted in the evening. The devotee visits the temple for an auspicious glimpse of the deity and participates in readings of the Sapatashati, People congregate to adore the goddess and recite Saptshati (seven hundred prayer poems) aloud during the fair. The primary celebration is held in the shrine of Goddess Ambaji, which is frequently visited by visitors during the main event, which occurs in the native calendar's "Bhadra" month. In order to fulfil their wishes, followers from all over the world congregate during the event to worship the goddess. One of the most significant shrines is Ambaji, which is also known as the "Shakti Pitha." On the day of the full moon, a number of religious ceremonies and Garba performances take place close to the temple. The fair or mela in front of the temple enhances the appeal and significance of the occasion.

Tarnetar Fair

The Tarnetar Mela,  is a three-day celebration which takes place in the Gujarati village of Tarnetar in the Surendranagar district, is one such celebration of Gujarati culture. The fair draws a throng of over ten thousand people and is held in the month of March. The mela attracts visitors from around the nation and abroad who are enthused by India's vibrant culture in addition to rural residents from all over the country. The Swayamvaras amongst the young members of the local tribal community are the festival's main attraction. Every year, this festival is held to commemorate Arjuna and Draupadi's nuptials.

 

 The festival's Tarnetar Fair, a distinctive matchmaking fair, is its most intriguing feature. Girls wearing red zimi (women dresses) are seen swirling around to dance, while all the potential grooms are seen holding colourful umbrellas. By approaching one another, a girl or boy expresses interest in the other, leaving the elders in charge of the remaining marriage-related details. Visitors who are less interested in marriage arrangements might stop by booths that feature lovely Gujarati art and crafts. There are numerous gaming counters, swings, and other play areas for kids, as well as merry-go-round rides, photo booths, magic performances, and tattoo booths.

 

Navratri

The Gujarati celebration of Navratri is one of the most well-known. We cannot deny that, when we consider the Gujarat Navratri event, Dandiya, Garba, and Falguni Pathak come to mind. One of the liveliest festivals in Gujarat and other regions of India is this one. Locals perform a Durga puja and enjoy music, Garba, and dandiya during this 10-day festival.

  Gujarat celebrates Navratri as a traditional holiday. The festivities are happening all around the state, in every nook and cranny.

 The village or urban neighbourhood comes together each night to conduct a puja in honour of one of the nine manifestations of the Goddess. The nine nights are divided into three parts; the first is dedicated to Durga, the goddess who vanquished an evil force symbolised by the demon Mahishasura and destroys human impurities; the second is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity; and the third is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and the arts. It is a time to celebrate the monsoon harvest and fertility, which is symbolised by a mound of new soil where grains are sowed.

 All nine days of the celebration are spent worshipping and watering the soil. The tenth day is when Vijayadashami is observed. Puja is performed to bless autos, and today is regarded as a lucky day to buy one. The genesis of the celebration is connected to numerous myths and tales.

During Navratri, Gujaratis begin their days by worshipping Goddess Shakti and requesting her blessings for their family. Aarti is performed in an earthen vessel called a garbi. Goddess Shakti is kept comfortable and joyful by regular aartis.

 Vautha Mela

 

The Vautha fair is conducted in the Vautha hamlet of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India's Dholka taluka. The confluence of seven rivers, Saptasangam, is where the fair is held. Only the Sabarmati and Vatrak rivers actually converge in Vautha. These two rivers used to converge near Vatrak, where they meet the Khari, Meshwo, Mazam, and Shedhi rivers as well as the Hathmati, Hathmati, and Sabarmati rivers.

The Puranas describe the significance of this location in Gujarat's geographic centre. The Pandavas remained in Viratnagar, which is currently located in Dholka, during their lengthy thirteen-year exile before becoming Agyatvas.

 View of the Sabarmati River at the Proposed Bridge Location Near the Village of Vautha

The eldest son of Lord Shankara, Kartik Swami, who travels the world and celebrates Kartik Purnima, is said to visit this ancient Mahadev temple in Vautha to take a bath during the holy festival. In Vautha, Charanpaduka of Kartik is still revered.On the day of Karthiki Purnima, people bathe in Saptasangam and are said to feel spiritual happiness as a result.

The donkey market is the main draw of this festival. Over 4,000 donkeys from the Vanzara community are brought here for sale, making them the best and highest quality available. The Vautha fair also features trade in camels. The neck and back of donkeys are painted in shades of red, pink, and orange. 

 For a few days, many families vacate their homes to live in tents close to the fairgrounds. Every day, a new sweet dish is prepared; khichu is especially well-liked. The river is illuminated by floating diyas in the evening, and the entire mela is filled with opportunities for local shopping.

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