Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Uttar Pradesh

Festivals & Fairs


Bharat Milap
 
This festival celebrated during the month of October or November is performed at Nati Imli on the day following Vijayadashmi (Dusshera). It pertains to the episode of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and his reunion with his brother Bharat. Just as the last rays of the setting sun touch the stage, the performance takes barely three minutes to enact. 

Another episode from Ram Lila pertains to Shoorpnakha, demon king Ravana's sister. This festival is held on the 4th night of Kartika at Chetganj. It lasts almost the whole night. The 'Kalia Daman' episode from 'Krishna Lila' is celebrated in November on the Tulsi ghat. Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of Phalgun. 'Ganga-Dussehra' and 'Nirjala Ekadashi' fall on the 10th day of bright half of Jayestha. It is believed that Ganga waters reached Haridwar this day in the remote past. The next day, is the day of fasting for all the devotees. Panchkoshi Parikarma is another famous pilgrimage. It is held in the month of Vaisakh, circumambulation of 'Kashi-Dharma Kshetra'.