Festivals and Fairs of Delhi
Delhi is amalgamation of various cultures. Hence most of the regional festivals are celebrated in the city with equal fervor, pomp and delight. But there are some festivals very unique to the city. Then there are huge fairs held annually at the Pragati maidan, the special ground made for such fairs and exhibitions.
The year begins with the REPUBLIC DAY. India was formed as a republic country on January 26th 1950. This day is celebrated as the Republic day and is a National Holiday. It is celebrated all over the country. It is celebrated in an exuberant and grand scale in the Capital, Delhi. The President hoists the national flag and takes the guard of honour from all the three forces. The republic day parade is the main attraction of the day with the show of cultural diversity and might of India. It is a spectacular show of all the armed forces, with tableaus of various states and dances and songs performed on the Rajpath. The grand finale is performed by the spectacular show of the fighter planes. This beautiful ceremony is attended by dignitaries and commoners too and is telecasted live on television. People are honoured for their distinguished job on this day.
INDEPENDENCE DAY is celebrated on 15th August. The Prime Minister of India hoists the tri colour on the historic Red Fort in Delhi and gives a speech addressing the nation. The day is celebrated vibrantly by people and especially young children by making and hoisting flags and singing the national anthem. The delhi children and the young fly kites on this day which symbolises freedom.
Another national day celebrated in Delhi is the birthday of he father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on October 2 every year. On this day the prominent leaders offer flowers on the samadhi of the great leader. All religion prayer is held and Bhajans are sung.
Apart from these the regular religious festivities take place in Delhi like Holi, Janmashtami, Dushera, Diwali, Id and Christmas with equal pomp and gaiety.
But there are many festivals most unique to Delhi.
During the month of february and March, nature is in full bloom. Various types of flowers with vibrant colours are on bloom. The Garden Festival of Delhi is just that. It is a magnificent display if exotic flowers and plants. Definitely a horticulturists’ delight.
In July comes the Delhi International Mango Festival. As the name suggests the festival is dedicated to mangoes and there are innumerous varieties of mangoes present here. Mangoes from all over the world are on display and also on sale. Various products made of Mangoes are also on sale and various competitions such as the mango eating and the cooking various dishes out of mango are held during the week long festival. It is a mango mania throughout!!!
The Phool Walon Ki Sair, is one such unique festival where flowers and fans embroidered with flowers, are offered to the shrine of 13th century Sufi saint, Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki, along with the Yogmaya Temple also situated in Meharuli.
Then there are dance and drama and film festivals which take place in Delhi. One Such important festival being the Qutub festival, where artisans from all over India come to perform.
The annual India International trade fair has display of all the states as well as that of other countries. The bi annual International Book fair and the Auto expo are some of the other noteworthy fairs that are held at Pragati maidan.
Ghode Jatra (April)
Visitors are often amazed by the fine horses of the Nepalese army, and Ghode Jatra is a time for the most graceful of these animals to perform before the public eye. Legends relate that this "horse festival" was begun after the Kathmandu people buried a demon under the soil of Tundikhel showgrounds. They say that he may rise again and cause worry to the world if he is not trampled on by horses each year. So every spring, this victory over evil is celebrated in the Valley by organizing palanquin processions and grand display of showjumping, motorcycling feats, and gymnastics. Their Majesties the King and Queen, the Living Goddess Kumari, and thousands of people from all over the country are a part of the jatra audience.
Dasain (October)
Dasain is the longest and most favourite festival of Nepal. Everyone stays home with their families, offices close and Radio Nepal plays Dasain music. The skies of Kathmandu are filled with kites and the marketplaces are filled with farmers bringing their buffaloes, goats and chicken to sell. The animals are to be sacrificed on the night of Kal Ratri to the goddess Durga to celebrate her victory over evil. On the day of Dashami, everyone puts on new clothes and goes to honor their family elders, where they receive large red tikas of vermilion paste on their foreheads. In the following days of Dasain, families and friends unite, feasts are consumed, blessings are imparted and gifts are exchanged. Nepal's most beloved festival ends with the full moon.