A complete showcase on India and a in-depth focus into its culture, diversity, heritage, history and every detail to the minutest that a traveller to India would want to know. Get to know the mysterious Indian even before you get there!
Kumbh Mela - At Haridwar
India has been attracting the whole world with her rich cultural heritages and spirituality. The renowned Kumbh Mela is a unique blend of all these. Haridwar Kumbh has its importance as the last Kumbh of this century.
The Kumbh and the Ardh Kumbh" fairs are held periodically, every twelve and six years in Haridwar where a large number of pilgrims and devotees get together to,commemorate the churning of the ocean by the Devas (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) to obtain nector (Amrit).
Copyright © visitindia.org.in. All Rights Reserved.
Uttar Pradesh, the state which combines the traditional with the modern, Uttar Pradesh has a lot to offer to tourists. From hill stations to pilgrimages, UP has it all. The most populous state in India, it is one of the most preffered tourist destinations. A rich cultural heritage and nature's bliss is what one finds in this beautiful state.
When the coveted Kumbh (jar) of nector was obtained one of the Devas stopped at four places viz. Haridwar, Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain before he finally arrived safely at heaven. A few drops of this nector is supposed to have spilled in the water in these four places. Sages, saints and pilgrims started periodically to flock to these Tirths to celebrate this divine event by taking dips in the holy rivers.
Festivals of almost all the religions are celebrated in U.P. The composite culture of the State is famous all over India. Various communities celebrate as many as 40 festivals with gaity and complete communal harmony. Sheetla Ashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Vaishakhi Purnima, Ganga Dashahara, Naag Panchami, Krishna Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Vijaya Dashmi, Deepawali, Kartik Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Vasant Panchami, Shivaratri and Holi are the main festivals of the Hindus.
I'd, Moharram, Bakr-I'd, Barawafat and Shab-e-Barat are the major Muslim festivals. New Years Day, Good-Friday, Easter and Christmas are the prominent festivals of the Christians. Buddha Purnima for Buddhists, Mahavir Jayanti for Jains, the birthday of Guru Nanak, Martyr's day of Guru Teg Bahadur and Vaishakhi are the famous festivals of the people of Sikh faith.
