India and Festivals - Taj Mahotsav (Celebration near Taj Mahal)

Good day to all our readers,

We from Phila Tours & Travels hope, you are enjoying the information provided on our blogs and we expect that if you feel we have missed out on anything or have missed any information to provide in blogs or is not much helpful or vice versa and appreciate our efforts, we request you to leave comments on those blogs for us to know and do better from henceforth.

After information about the Goa Carnival, which has ended yesterday and the Khajuraho Dance Festival which is yet to start, we are coming up with the Taj Mahotsav to be held between 18th to 27th February 2013, at Shilpgram near Taj Mahal in Agra. Considered to be one of the seven wonders, the Taj Mahal is said to be an epitome of beauty despite being a mausoleum of love. If there is anything that receives as much attention and crowd as the Taj Mahal, it is the Taj Mahotsav.

This much awaited Cultural Program which was started in 1992 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and since continued to reach the height of nationwide as well as internationally known festival is entering its 22nd year of cultural extravaganza starting on 18th February 2013 providing platform for talented artists to showcase their talent in cultural dance, Music, Art and craft on the single platform for 10 days starting with procession of beautifully Decorated Elephants and Camels reminding of the grand era of Mughal Empire from 18th and 19th Centuries.

A ten days event, having its main objective to provide encouragement and make available the work of authentic art and craft at the reasonable cost also encouraging the performers of Folk and classical music, dance and songs performances as well as fun and frolics of rides, games and food on one single vibrant platform of Taj Mahotsav.

At Taj Mahotsav in Shilpgram, the Artisans and Craftsmen from different parts of Country displays their great skills and exquisite works of arts and crafts. This festival gives opportunity to such artisans to get the local and international platform for marketing their craftsmanship and products. The arts and crafts from various parts of

 India are displayed here such as wood carving from Saharanpur, wood and stone carving from Tamil Nadu, Papier mache work of South India and Kashmir, Shawls and Carpets of Kashmir and Gujarat, Pottery of Khurja, Marble of Agra and Rajasthan, Silk material and Zari embroidery work from Banaras, Chikan Embroidery of Lucknow, brass and metal ware of Moradabad, handmade carpets of Bhadohi, 

Bamboo and cane work from North East parts of India, Hand Printing work of Farrukhabad and Kantha and many more.

In addition to the arts and crafts one can experience the majestic and soul-stirring performance of artists from various states of Country in the cultural evenings for a spectacular show casting a spell on the visitors. The Folk and classical music and dance of braj bhumi, performed the way it used to since centuries is thrilling, and not only that, but from other parts like Maharasthra’s Lavani and Nautanki, Rajasthan’s Kalbelia Tribe's dance also well known as Sapera dance, would make you join the folk dancers and enjoy the singing and dancing to the different music and dance style. Besides the folk music and dances, the Taj Mahotsav also exhibits the performance from the world renowned artistes from classical, semi-classical and popular art forms. The musicians and singers such as Sonu Nigam, late Jagjit Singh, Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shreya Ghoshal and many others have graced the festival with their performances in the previous years. The upcoming Artists and Performers are also given ample room for showcasing their brilliant performances.

Indian festivities can never be complete without the preparation of exotic cuisine. Some of the best and richest foods are available during this time. Besides being the destination for the arts & crafts, Culture of Music and Dance, Taj Mahotsav is also a delight for good food as it is the ideal place to pamper the taste buds of the visitors with endless varieties of some of the oldest exponents of the cuisines preparing scrumptious dishes and one cannot stop having the lip smacking experience. One can also relish the typical preparations from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh.

Not forgetting the fun fair, this is a biggest attraction for children in Taj Mahotsav. There are rides and games for all age group from children to teenagers and adults making it a whole family entertaining experience. Thus Taj Mahotsav represents the culture and tradition of Incredible India and is truly unique leaving the tourists mesmerized.

Enjoying the event with the magnificent Taj Mahal at the backdrop, it is a totally different kind of experience. The foreign tourists who are on Agra during this time must add this Taj Mahotsav to their Itinerary and enjoy the occasion as famous artists, musicians, dancers and chefs put their best effort to make the carnival most enjoyable.

With this we end our blog about Taj Mahotsav, hope you will enjoy this festivity this year or may be the years to come, for any further information we request you to contact us and we are always there to assist you for any requirements you might have. Till next time we meet, take care and enjoy.

India and Festivals - Goa Carnival

Welcome back to all our readers, with more and more interesting information about India, Culture, Festivals and Places, we are trying to increase your interest to spend your time by visiting the places and attending the events and festivals. So, if you are eager or interested or even if this blogs, let’s say last few blogs have been about celebration and festivals, makes you feel the eagerness to see those places, celebrations or festivals, we would be happy to know that with your remarks on those blogs.

Today, we from Phila Tours & Travels are again giving you something worth watching and if you are enthusiastic enough, take a part too and for that, let’s go to Goa…

The beaches in Goa are the main attraction that draws travelers from across the globe but among many various and colorful celebrations and events takes place in Goa, this is one of the most eagerly awaited celebration, which falls during the month of February every year, the 4 days and nights celebration just before the 40 days of Lent is this Goa Carnival. This year the Carnival will start on 9th February and will be continued till 12th February 2013.

 The origins and nature of the carnival can be traced to the  feasts of ancient Rome and Greece. These carnivals started in the Spanish and Portuguese colonies, and gradually became known for their singing, dancing and drinking. But in India this Carnival is exclusive and unique to Goa, and was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for over five hundred years. Started by them the Goa Carnival has made a special place for itself, the cultural blend of the Portuguese and local people created a unique Culture of Goa, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition revelry, western dance forms, and turned into a pageantry of sorts. Earlier Goa Carnival festival was bounded within the local population but now it has crossed all frontiers and attracts thousands of people from all over the world.

Traditionally during Lent there are no parties or other celebrations and people abstain themselves from rich foods. The consumption of rich food in a grand party leads to the origin of Carnival. The carnival is meant to be a feasting-drinking-having fun just before the austere 40 days of Lent. Huge parades are organized throughout the state with bands, dances and floats out all night on the streets, and grand balls held in the evenings. During the days and nights of the Goa Carnival you can notice a great amount of zeal and zest among the people. The streets come alive with colors, lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity.

The carnival concludes with the famous red-and-black dance held by the Club National in Panaji on the final day, then begins the week long event, which is a time of unbridled festivity and merry-making, which has been celebrated since the 18th Century. With the end of Carnival start the days of lent and till the Easter, the fun and frolics are in limit but tourist will not stop visiting the state to still enjoy the world class beaches and how well it is said; Sun, Sea and Siesta.

With this we conclude our blog for Goa Carnival and await for your comments on this as well as earlier blogs, feel free to post the comments and also suggest you to contact us for any further information or travel plan required for visiting India and its marvels.

India and Festivals - Khajuraho Dance Festival

Welcome all from Phila Tours & Travels, wishing all a great day ahead, also hope that you all must have enjoyed reading about the Camel Festival and Republic Day Celebration in our earlier blogs. Today we are going to talk about Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh State of India.

When someone talks about the Khajuraho, its well known to all, and reminds immediately for the Kamasutra positions carved out side walls of the temples in Khajuraho town. Which was ruled by the Chandela Dynasty (between AD 900-1130) and was built as a religious and cultural capital of dynasty, and even today Khajuraho is known for its ornate temples that are spectacular piece of human imagination, artistic creativity, magnificent architectural work and deriving spiritual peace through eroticism.

Today we are talking about the Cultural program of Dance festival being held here in Khajuraho at the back drop of temples. This festival was started in 2002 by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department to promote tourism and this year it will be taking place during 20th to 26th February 2013 for week and in general takes place in an open air auditorium with the Chitragupta Temple and the Vishwanatha Temple serving as the backdrop in the Western Group of the Khajuraho Temple complex.

This Festival is a cultural festival for the celebration of the Indian arts- dance and music handling down from generation to generation. The Khajuraho Festival of Dances shows the best classical dancers and dances in the country highlighting the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali.

Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their crafts to the visitors. There is an open market where local articles are there for sale. Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and preserving it for the coming generation and to celebrate the glory of the temples. It is believed that classical dance basically comes from the Hindu temples and attained its maturity.

We have tried to give you the pictures and possible videos of such Dance festivals held in Khajuraho during earlier years, hope this will entices your visual treat and encourage you to contact us for your next visit to such beautiful places in India.

India - Republic Day Celebration

Good Day to all our friends and readers, we from Phila Tours & Travels welcome you to yet another blog with information related with India, and hope you will enjoy this too as the earlier ones…

India attained independence on August 15, 1947 but till 1949 no permanent constitution of its own was formed, instead India was functioning under the laws enacted and implemented by the British. After many amendments by the constituent Assembly, the Constitution was approved and accepted on November 26, 1949 that came into force full-fledged from on 26 January, 1950. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is widely regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution. Thus the Republic Day celebration is the moment to remember the implementation of the Constitution into effect.

The Republic day parade is display of power and culture. To mark Republic Day in a memorable and significant way, every year in New Delhi, the Capital city of India, parade starts from the Raisina Hill in the neighborhood of the majestic Rashtrapati Bhawan and passes along the Rajpath thus ending at India Gate. The President, Prime Minister and other high rank officials of Military, Navy and Air Force of India are present on this occasion along with the invited dignitaries of foreign nationals at Rajpath to celebrate the occasion. After the President of India unfolds the National flag the National Anthem is played and also the President addresses the nation.

One of the main functions of the Republic Day Parade is to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and received bravery awards on military persons, also citizens and children for showing courage in the face of adversity. These children are honored and awarded by the Indian Council for performing outstanding deeds of bravery and selfless sacrifice. The Parade starts with the winners of such awards saluting the President in open military jeeps and elephants, followed by the display of various tanks, missiles and other equipment added to the arsenal of the military. After this, is the march-past of different regiments of the armed forces, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps. The President of India, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute.

This is followed by a vibrant parade comprising from different States displaying their culture and local dances. This is also a very colorful event not to miss at anytime as, each state has its own colorful float passing by with their individual prominence of places and also includes cultural dances and rituals. The Republic Day Parade is concluded by dare devil motor cycle riding and a fly past by Indian Air Force fighter jets over Rajpath. Though this is the end of the official parade of Republic Day Celebration, it is actually concludes on 3rd days after 26th January.

Post this celebration at India Gate of 26th January, on the 27th January, a Prime Minister's Rally is held by an excellent Cadets of National Cadet Corps displaying various breath-taking performances and drill. Also the Government of India’s Ministry of Culture, in association with Zonal Cultural Centres organize "Lok Tarang, - National Folk Dance Festival" every year from 24th to 29th January. This festival provides a unique opportunity for Indians as well as Foreigners to witness colorful, vibrant and authentic folk dances from various parts of the country.

Beating The Retreat officially denotes the end of Republic Day festivities. All important Government Buildings are beautifully decorated with lights every evening from 26th to 29th. Beating the Retreat ceremony is conducted on the evening of January 29, the third day after the Republic Day. The Chief Guest of the function is the President of India who arrives in a cavalry unit escorted by the 'President's Bodyguards'. When the President arrives, the commander asks the unit to give the National Salute, which is followed by the playing of the Indian National Anthem, by the Massed Bands, and at the same time by the unfurling of the National Flag of India on the flag pole. 'Beating Retreat' marks an old military tradition, when the troops ceased fighting, withdrew from the battlefield and returned to the camps at sunset at the sounding of the Retreat. Later on band master then marches to the President and requests permission to take the bands away, and informs that the closing ceremony is now complete. The bands march back playing a popular martial tune "Saare Jahan Se Achcha". At that time the buglers sound the retreat and the National Flag is lowered, and the National Anthem is sung, bringing the Republic Day celebrations to a formal end.

Not only in New Delhi, but other states also celebrate Republic Day in presence of Political leaders, local police chiefs and other important dignitaries with great enthusiasm and in numerous innovative ways. On Republic Day the public offices and schools will remain closed to celebrate the significance of the day. The patriotism of people is witnessed not only in the programs and activities but also in the inspirational Republic Day messages and wishes to their friends, relatives and colleagues that gives festive ambiance to this historic occasion.

Here you have more of seen the Republic day celebration by these pictures, as instead of detailing in words we know seeing is believing and more impressive, so do not miss the chance to see the beautiful country of India with lots of diversities and still united as one, come and see for yourself, contact us for any information you may required for arranging your travel needs.