Fairs and Festivals in India in month of May

Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer : 11 May 2013: The largest Muslim fair in India, the annual Urs of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is held at the dargah of the saint in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The Urs (the death anniversary of the saint) is an occasion for a massive pilgrimage, with thousands of devotees flocking to the dargah. The Urs celebrations continue for six days, commencing with the hoisting of a white flag on the tomb by the Sajdanashin (successor-representative) of the Chishtia order. Over the days which follow, the tomb is ritually anointed with rosewater and sandalwood paste; qawwalis are sung and poetry recited in praise of the Almighty, prayers are said, and devotees offer nazranas or votive offerings. Outside the dargah precincts, two massive cauldrons cook sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments to be served as 'tabarukh' or sanctified food. At the time of the Urs, a busy bazaar springs up at the foot of the dargah. Flowers, embroidered prayer rugs, prayer caps and decorative chadars are among the many things to be found in the bazaar, apart from the usual souvenirs which make their way to fairs such as this.

Akshaya Trithiya:13 May 2013.Akshaya Trithiya or Akha Teej, is a highly auspicious day which falls on the third day after Amavasi (no moon) in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. In 2012, the date of Akshaya Trithiya is April 24. As per Hindu astrology and almanac, each second on the Akshaya Trithiya day is auspicious. It is said that there is no need to look for a 'muhurat' on the day. The word Akshaya means 'that which never diminishes' and the day is ideal for beginning new ventures as it is believed that all investments on this day appreciates. In a traditional Hindu lunar calendar, Akshay Tritiya is observed on the third day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Vaishakh Month.It is believed that the sun and the moon are most radiant and best placed on the day. Therefore it is one of the most popular dates in Hindu calendar for marriages, for beginning new ventures, for investing and for purchasing valuables like gold and diamond.

Moatsu Festival: Mokokchung, Nagaland: 01-03 May 2013. The Moatsu Festival is celebrated in Mokokchung in Nagaland by the Ao tribe. It is observed every year in the first week of May. During this Nagaland festival, a number of rituals are performed. After sowing the seeds, the Aos observe Moatsü Mong. The main aim of Moatsu festival is to seek the blessings of Almighty God after completing the various activities, like: repair and construction of houses by the elders members of the Putu Menden or Village Council, harvesting of old and new Jhum Kheti, cleaning of the Tsubü or Water Wells and marriages in spring season. The best rice-beer is made and the best breed of pigs and cows are slaughtered for the feast during the festival. The womenfolk and men folk heartily participate in eating, dancing, drinking and singing warrior songs. People celebrate the Moatsu festival by performing peppy songs and dances. The festival is observed for three days from 1st to 3rd of May. Sangpangtu is a symbolic celebration which is observed during the festival. While observing Sangpangtu a bonfire is lit and men and women of the tribe sit around it. During the festival, Ao tribal men and women dress themselves in their best traditional attire and the womenfolk of the community serve the wine and meat. The Righteous man of the tribe who leads his life by the guidance of the Almighty predicts the future of the people.

Mount Abu Summer Festival: 23 - 25 May 2013: The Summer Festival is held at Mount Abu in Rajasthan every year in the month of June. The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount Abu make it an ideal location for the festival. The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festival begins with the singing of a ballad, which is followed by Gair, Ghoomar and Daph folk dances which enthral the spectators.

Buddha Poornima, Bodhgaya & Sarnath: 23 May 2013: The festival of Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Gautam Buddha in 563 BC. Siddhartha Gautama or Gautam Budhha was a spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. The most important of all the Buddhist festivals, Buddha Purnima is considered the most auspicious of all the days in the year. The festival commemorates the Buddha's enlightenment and death. Although there are minor regional variations in the way Buddha Purnima is observed, the festival is generally observed by lighting oil lamps before the image of the Buddha, by reciting prayers or reading from the Buddhist scriptures and worshipping the statue of Buddha. Meditation and offerings of flowers, silk scarves, incense and fruit are also part of the worship rituals. Bodhgaya (Bihar) and Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh) are, in particular, known for the Buddha Purnima celebrations which are held in these two cities.Bodhgaya is the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya is decorated with colorful prayer flags and flowers. The Buddhist sermons offer special prayers under the Bodhi tree, where the Lord Buddha attained enlightement.Sarnath is the place where the Buddha after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya taught his learning to the followers. A lot of visitors from around the world come to these places to participate in and celebrate the festival.

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