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Festivals
of Gujarat :-
The people of Gujarat are known for their
business acumen but they also participate in various festivals
with great enthusiasm and joy. Even simple festivals
wear a garb of uniqueness, when they are celebrated in the
Gujarati spirit.
 Navratri
:
It is the most
famous festival of Gujarat which is eagerly awaited by the
young and old. During Navratri, devotees of Goddess Durga fast
and pray for health and prosperity. Come dusk and a visitor
can witness huge crowds of men and women of all ages engaged
in Durga-Pooja. After that, they form into loose circles and
dance - twirling and swirling - to the melodious music of
Gujarat. The sight of people decked in their best, and the
intense zest and festive spirit is such that one cannot forget
it easily.
International
Kite Festival / Uttarayan :
This festival is
generally held on the 14th of February to coincide with the
Festival of Uttarayan. The people of Gujarat celebrate
Uttarayan with a lot of enthusiasm and all
business comes to a grinding halt for 3 to 4 days. People of
all ages gather on the terraces or the roof and engage in kite
flying. There is music in the air (courtesy of numerous
decks and stereo players) and all sorts of delicious food. The
vast panorama of the sky dotted with thousand of kites is a
wonderful sight to see. The Gujarat Tourism organises an
International Kite Festival every year and the Venue of the
event is either the Sardar Patel Stadium or the Police
Stadium. This festival attracts International Kite
Flyers and Local Champions as well, who demonstrate their skills in flying exotic kites.
Janmashtami
:
It is believed that Lord
Krishna settled at Dwarka 5000 Years ago after leaving Mathura.
Janmashtami is celebrated not only in Dwarka but also in
Gujarat and Maharashtra and rest of India . A noteworthy
tradition is that of Dahi-Handi' where a group of typically 50
to 500 people known as 'Govindas' try to
shatter a Handi suspended at a height of 30 to 40 feet.
These Govinda’s try to reach the Dahi Handi, by forming a
pyramid, climbing on each other to break the Handi.
Whoever breaks this Handi gets all the Money kept in the Handi.
Other people throw coloured water and water balloons on this
group and try to break the pyramid.Thus Janmashtami is
celebrated on a grand scale.
Diwali
:
The word
"Diwali" is an abbreviated form of the Sanskrit word
"Dipavali," which means "lights." Diwali
is an annual holiday and falls between October and November.
The most common legend associated with Diwali is that of Rama
triumphantly returning to his kingdom with his wife Sita after
having been exiled for 14 years. The celebrations are spread
over three days. The first day is known as Dhanteras, the
second Kali Chaudas. The third day is the main day when
children and elders alike burst crackers. Prayers are offered
to Goddess Laxmiji in every house and commercial
establishment. The night comes alive with the sound of fire-crakers
and sparklers. It is truly an enchanting sight, which is not
likely to be forgotten by anyone.
Holi
:
Holi is the
last festival of the Hindu year and is marked by great fun.
Celebrated in the early spring, members of all age groups
participate in it. There is a legend associated with this
festival. There was a king who had a pious son named Prahalad.
The son worshipped God regularly. His father, being an
egotistical ruler, ordered Prahalad to worship him as God.
When Prahalad refused, his enraged father Hiranyakashipu had
his sister Holika sit with Prahalad in her lap. Then a fire
was set up around Prahalad and Holika. Holika had been blessed
by God with protection from fire. However the fire consumed
Holika and Prahalad was unharmed.
Nowadays, an effigy of
Holika is burned at night .The following day, there is
feasting and socializing. People throw powdered colour or
coloured water on each other in the morning. This is all
good-natured fun believed to wash away all animosities and
spread love. Later on, everyone cleans up and don new
clothes to go meet friends and relatives.
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