enthusiasm
Holi is not over yet: Rang Panchami
Rang Panchmi falls on the fifth day of the month of Phalgun and is considered to be an auspicious day among Hindu families. The entire city comes together with enthusiasm and zest to make each Holi memorable. This festival is the extension of the vibrant Holi which keeps the spirit of people alive. Places like Mathura, Vrindavan, Jaipur, and few areas of Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra celebrate Rang Panchami in unique ways and with great enthusiasm.
Rang Panchami is essentially a rural festival. Special significance is given to the festival by the farming and fishing community. In Maharashtra the fisher folks celebrate it in on a large scale and revel in the festivities by singing, dancing and merry-making.
The main attraction of this festival in Indore is faag yatras carried out from the Bada Ganpati area of the city, all the way to Rajwada. People sing and dance, and play with gulal and join the procession. This year four ‘Gairs’ and three ‘Faag yatras’ will be taken out in grand manner amidst shower of gulal and other ‘dry’ colors. Dholaks, DJs and other musical instruments will add colour to the festivity. All traditions and rituals would be observed during the day.
In Rajasthan, Rangpanchami preparations are mainly seen in the temples of Jaisalmer. Folk dances are enjoyed by the local people. The festival is enjoyed with different hues of enthusiasm portrayed through their traditions, customs, food, attire and fun filled activities.
This year Rang panchami is on 28th march, 2016 as per the English calendar and people are all set to spread the message of love, harmony and brotherhood through this festival.
Salute to Valour: Maharana Pratap Jaynati
The vast cultural and historic occurrences in India have always added to its colourful list of events. Considering the emotions and sentiments of varied communities and religious groups in India, India ranks at the top with 21 public holidays in a year; according to a report by Times of India. Recently even the Uttar Pradesh government is demanding a holiday on the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap that falls on May 9. So may be an addition in the list of state holidays for the lucky ones. But anyhow his birth anniversary i.e. Maharana Pratap Jayanti is celebrated every year on 3rd day of Jyestha Shukla phase as a full-fledged colourful festival. This year it is on 21st May 2015.
The renowned patriot is well known for his valour, pride, enthusiasm and love for his motherland. In the entire journey, he was committed and dedicated towards getting the lost Chittor back. The well-known Battle of Halidighati is the epitome of Pratap’s bravery and passion to get his state back. It is said that the yellow coloured soil of Haldighati turned completely red during the battle in 1576. So not only the battle but his intelligence, good conduct and grounded attitude made him praise worthy among all.
Thus to celebrate the victory and courage of this hero, Haldighati festival is also organized every year in Mewar, Rajasthan. The cultural events includes the bright decorations with traditional handicrafts stalls and cultural music; that gives the feel of a mini traditional India. All the stalls are designed as per the local requirements and represent the chivalrous acts of Pratap. Thousands of tourists join this multi-cultural fair to pay homage to the brave ruler and be a part of this colourful celebration.
Special pujas and processions are also organized in other states along with cultural events at Schools to celebrate the victory of goodness over evil. This day acts as an inspiration for Indians to hold that faith and compassion for their motherland and adopt the virtuous attributes like him.
Shubhpuja.com 