FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Many of the annual festivals of the go¬mpas take place in winter, which is a rela¬tively idle time for a majority of the people. These take the form of dance-dramas in the gompa courtyards. Lamas, attired in colour¬ful robes and wearing masks, perform mimes symbolising various aspects of the religion such as the progress of the individual soul and its purification or the triumph of good over evil. Local people flock from near and far to these events.The biggest and most famous of the
monastic festivals is that of Hemis, which falls in late June or early July, and is dedicated to Pad-masambhava. Every 12 years, the gompa’s great¬est treasures, a huge Thangka, is ritually exhibit¬ed. Its next unveiling is due to take place in A.D 2004. Other monasteries, which have summer fes¬tivals, are Lamayuru (early July) and Phyang (late July/ early August),
Related Travel Information
Fairs and Festivals: Ahmedabad
Trineteshwer Mahadev Fair, Tan (23-24 Aug. 2001): like Pushkar in Rajasl han, Tarnetar is an ethnic fair which has i traded the attention of tourists. Believed B be the site of Draupadi’s Swayamvara, v Arjuna, disguised as a Brahmin, wonh hand in an archery contest, Tarnetar is it I portant due to its location by a holy river ami I is said to be the ancient route of the Ganga,
Fairs & Festivals
Lok Rang: Organised By M.P. Tourism, This Festival Is Held Between January 26 And 28. Features A Crafts Bazaar And Cultural Performances By Tribals And Renowned Artistes.
National Drama Festival: A Seven-Day Event, It Is Held From September 14 Onwards. Features Plays In Hindi Performed By Troupes Who Come From All Over The Country.
Bharat Bhawan Summer Festival: Held Every Year At Bharat Bhawan, The Epicentre Of Cultural Events, It Features Performances By Drama Troupes, Famous Classical Musicians, Exhibition Of Paintings By Eminent Artists And Poetry Recitals By Indian Poets.
Bhopal Mahotsav: Organised By M.P. Tourism In Collaboration With M.P. State
Fairs and Festivals in Delhi
Delhi, being a metropolitan city, is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and festivals of the country. In fact, all major Indian festivals are celebrated here by different communities, though on a smaller scale than in the state of origin. For example, the Rath Yatra of Puri is enacted here at the same time that the mega-event takes place in Orissa.
Kite-Flying Festival: Held on Makar Sankranti day (January) on the green lawns above Palika Bazar, Connaught Place, this colourful extravaganza attracts national as well as inter¬national participants.
Garden Tourism Festival: Held at the Talkatora Garden in February
AKHNOOR:
Situated 32 km to the west of Jammu, the historic town of Akhnoor is situated on the banks of the mighty Chenab river. This town is associated with the legendary love story of Soni-Mahiwal. Ruins of the Indus Valley civil¬isation can be seen along the riverbank.
Pangong
Pangong Tso: 143 km away, is a huge brackish water lake the hues of which change with the passage of the sun. Partly in India and partly in China, the lake can be visited in one hectic day. The other option is to make an overnight halt on the banks of the lake at Spangmik, the last village where visitors are allowed. Take your camping equipment as the infrastructural facilities are scarce. Tourism department has a Hut at Tangtse.
