Fairs and Festivals in India in month of November

Hampi Festival, Karnataka: 3-5 November 2013: Hampi Utsav, also known as the Vijaya Utsav, has been celebrated from the times of the Vijayanagar reign. Hampi being a World Heritage Site is an international tourist spot. This lively festival goes on for three days and is a mega cultural extravaganza with dance, drama, music, fireworks, puppet shows and spectacular processions. It is organized by the Government of Karnataka.

Guru Nanak Jayanthi-28 November 2013: Guru Nanak Jayanthi or Guru Purab is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs, celebrated with great fervour. According to Gregorian calendar, the birth date of Guru Nanak Dev falls in October or November. This day is celebrated by Sikh and Punjabi community worldwide. The 'Akhand Path' - recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurdwaras all over the country. Free lunches are arranged in the Gurudwaras and people participate in community service. Taking the holy book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations.

Chhath Puja, Bihar & Jharkhand: November 2013: Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known as Surya Shashti. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. Chhath is a ritual bathing festival that follows a period of abstinence and ritual segregation of the worshiper from the main household for four days.. During this period, the worshiper observes ritual purity, and sleeps on the floor on a single blanket. This is the only holy festival which has no involvement of any pandit (priest). The devotees offer their prayers to the setting sun, and then the rising sun in celebrating its glory as the cycle of birth starts with death. It is seen as the most glorious form of Sun worship. Bihar has a number of Sun temples, flanked by a surajkund or sacred pool of the Sun, forming a popular venue for the celebration of this festival. Patna,Bhagalpur, Munger, Haveli Kharagpur ( Banahara),Samastipur, Dumkan, sahibganj, Dev, Gaya, ranchi, Rampurhat are known popular for chhath puja. The main worshipers, called Parvaitin (from Sanskrit parv, meaning 'occasion' or 'festival'), are usually women. However, a large number of men also observe this festival. The parvaitin pray for the well-being of their family, for prosperity and for offspring. Once a family starts performing Chhatt Puja, it is their duty to perform it every year and to pass it on to the following generations. The festival is skipped only if there happens to be a death in the family that year. Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand & , Eastern UP and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India. Chhath puja is performed on kartika Shukala Shashti, which is the sixth day of the month of Kartika in the Hindu Calendar. This falls typically in the month of October or November in the Gregorian Calendar. It is also celebrated in the summer (March-April), on Chaitra Shashti, some days after Holi; this event is called Chaiti Chhath. The former is more popular because winter is the usual festive season in North India, and Chhath, being an arduous observance, requiring the worshipers to fast without water for around 36 hours continuously, is easier to undertake in the Indian winters.

Kolayat Fair, Bikaner-November 2013: Kolayat fair is the largest fair of the famous town Bikaner, Rajasthan. This fair is held on the full moon day of Kartik month (Kartik poornima) at place called Kolayat in Bikaner. Kolayat fair is also known as kapil muni fair. On the day of Kartik purnima deep malika is performed in the evening. Devotees float lamps in the holy lake as an offering. The devotees also offer coconut, dry fruits and sugar as an obligation at the temple.Another interesting aspect of the fair is cattle fair. Kolayat fair is also the largest cattle fair of Bikaner. People come all over India come to trade camels, horses and buffaloes to this spot. The event is made lively by giving prizes and certificates to the best breeders of the cattle. People sing and dance during the fair exhibiting the culture of Rajasthan. The day of Kolayat fair is ideal to visit Bikaner.

Bateshwar Fair, Bateshwar, Uttar Pradesh: November 2013: Situated at a distance of 70 km. from Agra on the banks of river Yamuna, Bateshwar is an important spiritual and cultural centre. The place is named after the presiding deity of the region, Bateshwar Mahadeo and has 108 temples dedicated to the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. Every year, during the months of Oct. & Nov. Batehwar fair is organized from Shashthi of Kartik month to Panchami of Agrahayan month. Devotees congregate here in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva and take holy dips in river Yamuna. A livestock fair is also organized and owners and buyers conduct serious business combined with the gaiety of a market place. Although the origins of this ancient fair are religious, and of immense significance in the Hindu religious calendar, the fair is also of great commercial importance and is renowned as the 2nd largest animal fair in the country (Sonepur in Bihar being the largest). The Imperial highway that ran from North-west India to East Bengal crossed the Yamuna near Bateshwar, adding substantially to the accessibility and subsequent profitability of the fair. That this highway had existed since the time of the Mauryan empire (around 300BC), lends credibility to the assertions of antiquity of the Bateshwar fair. The Bateshwar Fair may thus plausibly lay claim to being not only one of the biggest but also one of the oldest fairs, at over 2000 years, in India!. The District Administration has managed the Fair since the 1840's. Today, covering an immense area of 4 sq kms, the Bateshwar Fair is organised and managed by the Zila Panchayat, Agra.

Kurukshetra Festival, Kurukshetra, Haryana: November 2013: Kurukshetra Festival coincides with Gita Jayanti, signifying the birth of the Srimad Bhagvad Gita. Pilgrims gather here to take a dip in the sacred tanks of Brahma Sarovar and Sannehit Sarover. Week-long Bhagwad katha, dance, dramas and 'deep daan' are part of the religious festivities. Kurukshetra is spread to an area of 48 kosas in northwest of Delhi, covering about 360 sacred places associated with Mahabharata. Kurukshetra is named after the great sage king Kuru so also named as the land of a Kuru (progenitor of Pandavas and the Kauravas). The place was the site of the great battle of Mahabharata. The great dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna during the famous battle of Mhahabharta, later took the form of Bhagavat Gita, the holy book of the Hindus so the place also owns the honor for the origin of the sanctified Bhagavat Gita.

Lucknow Festival, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: 23 - 27 November 2013: The Lucknow Mahotsav or Lucknow festival celebrates the Lucknow's living culture, which provides an insightinto the old, cultured, atmosphere of the city. Colorful processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of the famous Lucknow Gharana, Sarangi and sitar recitals along with ghazals, qawalis and thumri create a festive atmosphere. Exciting events like ekka races, kite flying, cock fighting and other traditional village games recreate an atmosphere of bygone Nawabi days. There is display of crafts and one can also have a taste of the famous mouth watering Nawabi cuisine.The 15-day festival, organized jointly by UP Tourism and Lucknow District Administration have stalls by the craftsmen of other states presenting a composite culture of the entire country and provides a platform for the local talents of UP. The Lucknow Festival captures the undying elegance and splendour of Awadh, now Lucknow. A brilliant showcase of the arts, crafts, and above all the exotic cuisine of this land, the festival is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. One can taste the traditional delicacies of Lakhnawi cuisine, ranging from mouth-watering vegetarian cuisine to the lip-smacking non-vegetarian spread for which Lucknow is famous.

Puri Beach Festival, Puri, Orissa: November 2013: The Puri Beach Festival, offers a kaleidoscopic view of Orissa's cultural heritage and modern lifestyle. Modeled on the Goa Festival, the Puri Beach Festival has its own energy and positive vibes that will make you drop your guard and enjoy every single moment of your stay in Puri, Orissa during the Puri Beach Festival. The Puri Beach Festival is held over 5 days, in the month of November, on thePuri beach that is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination on its own. With a backdrop of temples, of which the Lord Jagannath Temple dominates the skyline, the Puri Beach is a showcase for Orissa's and India's reservoir of talent. From cultural events, classical and folk dance performances, sand sculptures, handicrafts and food festivals to rock concerts, DJs, beach parties and fashion shows; Puri Beach Festival has all the ingredients to establish it as an international festival.

Pushkar Fair, Pushkar , Rajasthan: 09 - 17 November 2013: The Pushkar Cattle Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. Pushkar Fair is an annual cattle Fair held at Pushkar is the most renowned and colourful fair in Rajasthan attended by people from all over the world. This fair is organized on the eve of Kartik Purnima when thousands of people from different parts of the country come to take bath in the holywater of Pushkar Lake. During the fair, Lakhs of people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival. This small town, becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, 'sadhus' and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on 'ashtmi' 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon ('Poornima'). The camel and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take dips in the holy "Sarovar" lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation. This small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for cattle, camel and women, everything is sold together. Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenirs. Camel races, horse races. acrobatics, folkdance and music are some of its highlights. Camel judging competitions are quite popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and applauding crowds. Pushkar fair has its own magic and it's a lifetime experience for travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows, films and magazines.

Chandrabhaga Fair Jhalrapatan, Rajasthan: 16 - 18 November, 2013: The Chandrabhaga fair is held every year at Jhalrapatan (6kms from Jhalawar) in the month of Kartik (October-November). The River Chadrabhaga runs here and is considered holy by the people residing in this part of Rajasthan. On the full moon night of 'cartik purnima', thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair, held on the last day of Kartik, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at this spot which is known as Chandravati. A big cattle fair which blends religion with commerce is held here. Livestock like cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from various parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and their rituals and traditions. Ramganj Mandi is the nearest Railway Station(25kms). Jhalawar is well connected to Kota, Bundi and Jaipur. National Highway No.12 passes through Jhalawar. Buses are available from all major cities.

Sonepur Mela, Sonepur ,Bihar: November 2013: Sonepur Mela-Asia's larges cattle fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the banks of the River Ganga. The full moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus. Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holyrivers Ganga and Gandak, has the reverence of a blessed ground and lasts for a fortnight. In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day. The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the widest possible range of cattle and commodities. Sonepur Fair is the only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold. These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.

Kalpathy Ratholsavam, Palakkad, Kerala: November 2013: Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a ten day long remarkable festival, known for its unique rituals. Situated in Palakkad district and nestled by the banks of Kalpathy river, the Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy temple, is considered to be one among the oldest Siva temples in Kerala. The main ceremony of the festival is the religious drawing of decorated temple chariots through the streets of Kalpathy amidst Vedic chants. The origin of this ritual dates back to antiquity. The main deities of this ancient temple, situated by the side of Kalpathy river, are Lord Siva and his consort Visalakshi, which is another name for Goddess Parvati. As part of the festival, deities are taken out from the temple and are placed in chariots that have been beautifully decorated. While the first chariot is meant jointly for the main deities, Lord Vishwanatha and Goddess Visalakshi, the second is meant for Lord Vigneswara and third chariot is for Lord Subramanya. The sight of these intricately carved chariots decorated with flags and flowers making their way through the street, as soul stirring chants fill the air, is worth watching. The traditional streets of this age old Tamil Brahmin settlement comes alive with devotion and joyous celebration all through out the ten days of this festival. The first four days of the festival are marked by definite vedic rituals. Later, the deities are all taken out for the pompous procession. The most important days of the festival are the last three days when chariots from the satellite temples, adjoining the Kalpathy Sree Viswanatha temple, also blend with the main procession. The festival, which is conventionally observed during the last week of 'Aippasi' month, is initiated with 'Dwajarohanam' (flag hoisting) and ends with ceremonial 'Rathasangamom'. The temple also hosts many cultural programs as part of the festival. The chariots are decked up in such a way that they glorify the lordships that are placed in them.

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