Mewar Festival

The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring and offers a wonderful overview of Rajasthani culture through traditional songs, dance and devotional music. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur, and has a unique charm about it. The women folk gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city and a stately boat procession starts from the Lake Palace, organised by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan.

Activities

They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.

Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display. Like other fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state, there is a lot of activity, which keeps the participants in a joyful frame of mind, eager to enjoy every moment.

 

Deepawali

Deepawali or Diwali, the most pan-Indian of all Hindu festivals, is a festival of lights symbolising the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word 'Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). A family festival, it is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Asvin (October-November)

History

Continuing the story of Rama, this festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. Twinkling oil lamps or diyas light up every home and firework displays are common all across the country. The Goddess Lakshmi (consort of Vishnu), who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day.

This festive occasion also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshipped in most Hindu homes on this day.

Another view is that Deepawali is meant to celebrate the destruction of the arrogant tyrant Bali at the hands of Vishnu when the latter appeared in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar. The occasion of Deepawali sees the spring-cleaning and whitewashing of houses; decorative designs or rangolis are painted on floors and walls. New clothes are bought and family members and relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute sweets and to light up their homes. In West Bengal, the Deepawali festival is celebrated as Kali Puja and Kali, Shiva's consort, is worshipped on this day.

 

Hariyali Amavasya

Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated as a fair at Udaipur's favourite Fatehsagar Lake and Sahelion Ki Bari. The fair is organized for two consecutive days in which one day is wholly dedicated to women.

History:

As per historic records, this fair started in the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh who was the architect of Fateh Sagar. The lake came into existence when Fateh Singh on his way noticed that a lot of water is being wasted near Dewali pond. He decided to convert the same into a big reservoir to fulfill the water needs of the citizens. Initially the reservoir was called Shiv Sagar and the dame was named after the Duke of Cannaunght, which was later renamed Fateh Sagar. To celebrate the achievement, a moonless night of the rainy season was chosen and since then this day is celebrated as a fair day in Udaipur near Saheliyon ki Bari.

Features:

This fair is celebrated for two consecutive days in which one day is dedicated to women only while the other day entire family can enjoy. On the day which is reserved for the ladies, males are not allowed at all which makes it a unique fair in entire India.

Source: Udaipur Plus, Times Of India
July 30, 2008

 

 

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesha Chaturthi or Ganesha Festival is a day on which Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees.

History:

It is celebrated as it is the birthday of Lord Ganesha. The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). Typically, the day falls sometime between 20 August and 15 September. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Ananta Chaturdashi.

Features:

Begins	shukla chaturthi
Ends	Ananta chaturdashi
Date	August/September
Celebrations	10 days

Shilpgram Festival

The Shilpgram Crafts Mela in Udaipur is a crafts lover paradise. A crafts men village in the literal sense, the Shilpgram Crafts Mela is a fair for depicting the diversities in art, craft and culture between various Indian States. The fair ground is situated at the foot of the Aravalli hills and consists of 26 huts pertaining to various states is set amidst 70 acres of lush green land.

It is situated 3 kms west of Udaipur near the Havala village. The craft fair gives us the opportunity to have a glimpse of the lifestyles of the tribal people.

The ideal time to visit Udaipur to enjoy the Shilpgram Festival is during the winter months of November and December.

Features:

The crafts fair aim is to propagate the importance of rural arts and crafts especially among the younger generation. Workshops are conducted on theater, music, arts and crafts to enhance the interest.

The fair acts as a place where the rural and urban artists can exchange their views. The mela also helps in promoting the urban potters, visual artists and designers.

A craft bazaar is put up where the various works are put up on display and for sale. This helps in opening up an economic side for the artists.

A program called Shilpdarshan is an integral part of this Shilpgram Crafts Mela. According to this activity, traditional performing artists are invited to demonstrate their skills and sell their products.

In this crafts fair, Rajasthan is represented by the Weaver's community of Marwar by 5 huts. Two sand bound villages of Rama and Sham are represented by 2 huts. Mewar's potter community from the village named Dhol is present. The tribal communities of Bhil and the Sehariyas are represented by 2 huts.