Cultural Events and Festivals of India

Cultural Events and Festivals of India

India is a land which is as diverse as its people. Call it a mosaic of cultures, faiths, customs, music, architecture, languages and food. It has a wealthy cultural background which continues to be preserved beautifully over the years. India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world and this has led to the rise of many different cultures and is one of the world’s oldest living civilizations. The magnificent cultural history of India has carved its own niche and has been an inspiration for other cultures of the world.

The variety of different states and regions of India has made it possible for different religions, ethnicity and culture exist. Each state in India has its own culture and they all stand unified forming one single culture of India. The various arts forms were developed right from the Stone Age and has developed to a much more refined formed of painting as time went by. The custom of painting the exterior walls of houses can still be seen in modern India in many parts of India. Music and dance have developed to a beautiful refined form and took the form of present Indian classical music and dance forms. Different Indian cultures have their own style and tastes in their respected cuisines. Every part and region of India has its own kind of food specialty and famous dishes.

With this rich and varied cultural heritage many Indian Festivals are celebrated by varied cultures and through special rituals. Some local festivities have today gained so much importance that people from all over the world flock to see them. 

Some of the festivals welcome the seasons of the year to celebrate the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions like the birthdays of divine beings and saints ), or the advent of the New Year. Many of these festivals are common to many parts of India and are called by different names in different parts or in a different fashion.

Every celebration or event invariably has their rituals of prayer, seeking blessings, wearing new clothes, decorating the houses, exchanging goodwill accompanied by music, dance and feasting. India is a country where every region and every religion has something or the other to celebrate. The festivals and the cultural events reflect the life-style of its people. Vibrant colors, music and festivity make the country come alive throughout the year.

Andaman Nicobar Island Festival

Andaman Nicobar Island Festival

Andaman Nicobar Island

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an unique culture, where all religions, ethnics groups live in total peace and harmony. The capital, Port Blair, has a cosmopolitan character and sometimes referred to as ‘Mini India’. All major festivals are celebrated with great frevour and are attended by all religious groups. One of the most important festivals of the emerald island is the Island Tourism Festival.

It was in the 1980s that the Island Tourism Festival was organized for the first time by the government authorities of Andaman and Nicobar. This festival, initially named the ‘Islands on the March' was introduced to showcase to the rest of the country the islanders' talents through various performances with a larger aim to improve economy through tourism. 

The 10 days Island Festival is organized, during December-January, by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The fortnight long festival gives a festive look to the Islands. Cultural troupes and artists of national and international fame perform during the festival. There are also performances by the talents of these islands, including the tribal. Water sports competitions like the Nicobari Hodi race, Canoe race are also organized. There are special screenings of puppet, magic and dog shows to attract children. The culinary skills of the locals are exhibited at the lovely floating restaurants of the island. Other attractions of the Island Festival are: Scuba diving, Puppet show, dog show, magic show, etc. The rich marine life and the flora & fauna collection of the island are also promoted during the festival.  The exhibition held during the festival, highlights the developmental aspects of the islands.

The islands have many spots reserved for the marine life of each island, especially Havelock. Some of the places of interest are:

Cellular Jail: Built by the British rulers in 1886, was meant to imprison the freedom fighters of India during the freedom fight. One can see here the execution room where the freedom fighters were hanged by the colonial rulers. The visitors can see the light and sound show depicting the sacrifice of freedom fighters and also showing up the brutal history of the Cellular jail.

Elephant Beach on Havelock Island: This unique coral beach is simply the best on the island, making it a magnificent spot to enjoy snorkeling.

Samudrika Marine Museum, Port Blair: Run by the Indian navy, visitors can update themselves about the history of Andaman Islands, its Geographical information, about the people of Andaman, the Archaeology of the place and finally the Marine life. 

Corbyn's Cove: A serene and an unspoiled soft sandy beach in Andaman near to Port Blair, this beach is set in picturesque backgrounds of lush green coconut palms and pleasant sea. This is an ideal spot for sun basking and sea bathing. The main attractions in this beach are the inviting water sports activities.  Many pill boxes and bunkers built by Japanese adds to the attraction of the beach.

Limestone caves, Baratang Island: One of the major attractions of the region. The beauty of these caves is unimaginable and a great natural wonder. The stalactites and stalagmites, which have withstood the natural process of erosion over time, form different interesting shapes and figures.

Parrot Island., Baratang Island: This small island located near Baratang is an ideal spot for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. A natural habitat for parrots, visitors can get a mesmerizing glimpse of thousands of parrots returning home during sunset. The view of the sunset here is spectacular. A must see view of all nature lovers.

Mud Volcano, Baratang Island: One of the main attractions for tourists The local called this mud volcano “jalki” and is truly a wonder of nature. Quite a rare attraction found in few places.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor), Port Blair: Also known as Wandoor Marine National Park, this is a fantastic National Park for Marine life in Andaman and is unique all over the world. The pristine beauty Jolly Buoy Island is a part of this National Park. This is one of the worlds best known scuba diving locations. Visitors can get a close look of underwater marine life, including corals and sea weeds. 

Kodi Habba

Kodi Habba

Kodi Habba

"Kodi Habba" is the famous temple festival of Shri Kotilingeshwara temple at Koteshwara in Udupi district of Karnataka. Koteshwara was once called Dwajapura and is one of seven sapthakshetras in the Parashurama kshetra (West coast of India). The others being Udupi, Subramanya, Kumbhasi/Anegudde, Shankaranarayana, Gokarna and Kollur, which have ancient and famous temples too. The Garbhagudi of this temple is of 7th-8th century, as told by the historians. This temple has been mentioned in the Skanda Purana. It also has a 4.5 acre lake called "Koti theertha" which was built by the Pandavas, according to the legend.