Festivals of India
KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL (Late February or early March)
Staged in the setting of the famous 10th century Khajuraho temples, the Khajuraho Dance Festival is an annual event which spotlights both the immense diversity of classical Indian dance forms as well as the architectural brilliance of the temples themselves. The festival goes on for a full week and includes performances by leading exponents of Indian dance forms. The performances start at dusk with the beautifully illuminated western group of temples as a backdrop.
GOA CARNIVAL (February)
One of the most colorful and popular festivals of India is the Goa Carnival. This three day extravaganza, of fun, frolic, amusement and merry-making, takes place in the month of February. The Goa Carnival festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Though essentially a Christian festival, all people of Goa, irrespective of their faith and religion take part in this festival.
GANGAUR FESTIVAL (April)
Gangaur is a religious festival for the women of Rajasthan. Wives pray for the health of their husbands and unmarried girls pray for a good match. It is celebrated with great fervour throughout Rajasthan every Spring. Women dressed in colourful clothes sit on the edge of lake Pichola in Udaipur waiting for dance procession.
MEWAR FESTIVAL (April)
The Mewar Festival held in Udaipur, is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it. People gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity. Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events.
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