Festivals in India Test - 2

Monsoon Festival in India

• Teej : Teej is a monsoon festival celebrated in India, especially in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab. It is dedicated to the goddess Parvati and is a celebration of the union between Lord Shiva and Parvati.


 

Overall, Teej is a significant monsoon festival in India that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional rituals.

Losoong Festival

• Celebrated in: Sikkim


 

• Losoong Festival is the Sikkimese New Year festival celebrated by the Bhutia community of Sikkim.


• It usually falls in December and marks the end of the harvesting season.


• The festival is celebrated with various cultural events, traditional dances, music, and feasting.


• During Losoong, people also participate in archery competitions and other traditional sports.


• It is a time for the community to come together, rejoice, and seek blessings for the coming year.


 

Atla Taddi Festival - Andhra Pradesh

• Origin: Atla Taddi is a traditional festival celebrated by the women of Andhra Pradesh.


• Celebration: It falls on the 3rd day after the full moon in the month of Aswayuja (September/October).


• Significance: Women observe fasting and pray for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.


• Rituals: Women wake up early, take a holy bath, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes like atlu (dosa), uyyala (vada), and other traditional sweets.


• Activities: They perform special rituals by placing a rangoli made of rice flour and turmeric, light lamps, and offer prayers to Goddess Gauri.


• Conclusion: At the end of the day, women break their fast after seeing the moon, signifying the end of the festival.


 

Pushkar Fair Location

• Pushkar Fair is held in Ajmer , Rajasthan.


 

• Pushkar Fair is one of the most famous camel fairs in India, held annually in the town of Pushkar in Ajmer, Rajasthan.


• It is a vibrant and colorful event that attracts tourists and locals alike.


• The fair usually takes place in the months of October or November, coinciding with the Hindu lunar calendar.


• During the fair, thousands of camels, horses, and cattle are brought to the fairgrounds for buying and selling.


• Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances, camel races, and various traditional activities during the fair.


 

Explanation:

• Surajkund crafts fair: Surajkund crafts fair is an annual fair that showcases the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural heritage.


• Location: The Surajkund crafts fair is held at Surajkund, which is located in the state of Haryana, India.


• Significance: The fair attracts craftsmen, artists, and visitors from all over the country and abroad, making it a major cultural event.


• Duration: The fair usually takes place in the first two weeks of February every year.


• Highlights: Visitors can experience a wide range of traditional and contemporary crafts, cultural performances, and regional cuisines at the fair.


 

Explanation:

• Sarhul Festival: Sarhul is a festival celebrated in the state of Jharkhand.


• Significance: Sarhul is an important tribal festival of the region, especially among the Oraon tribe.


• Celebration: The festival is celebrated during the spring season to mark the beginning of the agricultural activities.


• Rituals: People offer prayers to the village deity and the earth goddess during Sarhul.


• Traditions: The festival is characterized by the worship of trees, especially the Sal tree, which is considered sacred by the tribes.


• Cultural significance: Sarhul is not just a religious festival but also a celebration of the tribal culture and heritage of Jharkhand.


 

Explanation:

• Kambala: Kambala is a traditional buffalo race that is held in the state of Karnataka.


• History: Kambala has been a popular sport in Karnataka for centuries and is deeply rooted in the state's culture and traditions.


• Event: The race involves pairs of buffaloes being driven by farmers across a paddy field, while being cheered on by spectators.


• Celebration: Kambala is not just a race but a celebration of the bond between the farmers and their buffaloes, as well as a way to pray for a good harvest.


• Controversy: In recent years, Kambala has faced some controversy due to concerns about animal cruelty, leading to restrictions being placed on the sport.


 

City hosting Kala Ghoda Art Festival

• Answer: Mumbai


 

• Kala Ghoda Art Festival: The Kala Ghoda Art Festival is an annual festival held in Mumbai in the Kala Ghoda area, known for its rich heritage and vibrant art scene.


• Timing: The festival usually takes place in February every year and lasts for around nine days.


• Events: The festival showcases a wide range of art forms including visual arts, dance, music, theater, and literature.


• Attractions: Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, workshops, performances, and installations by both established and upcoming artists.


• Crowd: The festival attracts a large number of art enthusiasts, locals, and tourists from around the world.


 

Explanation:

• Buffalo fighting: Ahatguri in Assam is famous for buffalo fighting, which is a traditional sport where two buffaloes are pitted against each other in a battle of strength and agility.


• Cultural significance: Buffalo fighting is deeply rooted in the culture of Assam and holds immense importance among the local population.


• Popular event: The buffalo fighting events in Ahatguri attract large crowds of spectators who come to witness the thrilling competition.


• Traditional practice: The tradition of buffalo fighting has been passed down through generations and continues to be a popular sport in Assam.


• Conservation efforts: While buffalo fighting has faced criticism from animal rights activists, efforts are being made to ensure the welfare of the animals involved in these events.


 

Answer:

• Location of the Desert Festival: The Desert Festival, an annual event in Rajasthan that showcases local folk arts and culture, aerobatics, camel races, is held at Jaisalmer.


• Significance of Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer, also known as the "Golden City," is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan known for its stunning sand dunes, majestic forts, and rich cultural heritage.


• Historical Importance: Jaisalmer's history dates back to medieval times, and the city has been an important center for trade and commerce in the region.


• Cultural Extravaganza: The Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is a vibrant celebration of the local Rajasthani culture, featuring traditional music, dance performances, art and craft exhibitions, and delicious local cuisine.


• Main Attractions: Visitors to the Desert Festival can enjoy camel rides, witness folk performances, participate in various competitions, and explore the beautiful sandstone architecture of Jaisalmer.