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Festivals in India are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. These fairs and festivals lend color and exuberance to life and Indian calendar is marked by plethora of such big and small occasions. These fairs and festivals celebrated across the length and breadth of India present a fascinating pageant and showcase the resplendence of its arts and crafts tradition. Foreign travelers struck by the gaiety and enthusiasm of the colorful vibrancy of these occasions coincide their trip to India with the popular Indian fairs and festivals.
A few celebrations in India include:
- Khajuraho Festival
The world famous Khajuraho Dance Festival is a spectacular cultural extravaganza. The rhythms of time synchronize with the waves of a forlorn saga concealed in the mystical abode of boundless creativity in Khajuraho. The Khajuraho Dance Festival is a week long festival of classical dances held at the Khajuraho Temples. It is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and preserving it for the coming generation.
- Surajkund Fair
A delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund (New Delhi) in February for two weeks. This internationally famous mela launched in 1981 by the Hariyana Tourism is a unique fair showcasing folk arts and rich crafts tradition from all regions of India. This Mela (fair) serves as a meeting ground for skilled artisans from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical setting of a rural Indian marketplace. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also a part of this colourful fair.
- Gangaur Festival
Gangaur Festival, celebrated with vigour all over Rajasthan, is an important spring festival that lasts 18 days. The women invoke "Maa Gauri"(Goddess Parvati) to bless them with everlasting marital bliss. The celebrations are marked by singing and dancing. The womenfolk celebrate this festival with great fervor and devotion.
- Taj Mahotsav
Taj Mahotsav, a non-stop 10 day carnival held annually at Shilpgram, a place very near to Taj Mahal, is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances. The festivities commence with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor. There are bedecked elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and mastercraftsmen, all geared up to create a visual delight reminiscent of the golden era of Mughal Durbars.There are festivities all around. Taj mahotsav is where the legendry artisans breathe life into their exquisite works of art.
- International Kite Festival
International Kite Festival attracts the connoisseurs of kites from all corners of the world. It is held at Ahmedabad on January 14 every year, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. The change in the direction of winds on Makar Sankranti is marked by thousands of colourful kites of all patterns and dimensions which dot the blue sky. The festival lures expert kite-makers and fliers not only from major cities of India but also from around the world.
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