Fairs and festivals hold a unique position in the attractions and entertainment sector of the tourism industry in India. India is a land of festivals and is an integral part of their lives and culture. Festivals held in India are typically colourful and vibrant and loud music and dance makes the country alive.
The few prominent festivals in India:
· Diwali/Deepavali
It is India’s most popular festival, “Festival of Lights”. Diwali is celebrated twenty days after Dussehra in honour of the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi. On this day, oil lamps are lit and arranged in rows along walls and verandas and rooms. Fireworks are set off and people wish one another by distributing sweets.
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| Id prayers in India |
· Id
Known as the main Muslim festival. Id-ul-Fitar is celebrated after the month of Ramadan (fasting month), and on the first day of Shawal-month of Hijrah year. Fasting is supposed to end one’s sins. The term “Fitar” means donation, which is made on thankful conclusion of the fasting month.
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| Holi celebration |
· Holi
Marks the change of seasons and the beginning of summer. Holi is related to Lord Shiva. The drenching of clothes with coloured powder is to honour the diety. This is celebrated by singing and dancing and it falls on the full moon day in Febuary-March.
· Karva Chauth
Celebrated in the North and it is to strengthen affection between married couples. The wife prays for husband’s well being and fasts for a day, at the end of which she will be blessed with a happy married life.
· Storytelling
The tales of Ramayana and Mahabharatha which highlights the triumph of righteousness over the wicked are of eternal interest by the Indians. Through Modernization, the movie theatre has become the most popular form of entertainment, and television has invaded even the most remote villages. Famous Bollywood film heroes and heroines such as Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai has dominated the entertainment industry in India and some have even taken on new roles in politics.
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| Yoga in India |
· Yoga
· Cricket
· Hockey
· Boat-racing
· Kabaddi
Indian Tourism Products by Robinet Jacob, Sindhu Joseph & Anoop Philip, 2007
India The Spiritual Kingdom by Radhika Srinivasan & Leslie Jermyn, 2001
India The Spiritual Kingdom by Radhika Srinivasan & Leslie Jermyn, 2001