6 Unusual Festivals You Can Experience In India
By: Kratika Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:35:46
My motherland, India is domestic to a numerous way of life of indigenous tribes travelled from special elements of the international. Since historic instances they have got created a long lasting effect with contemporary-day theories. A misleading international wherein the religious reference to the almighty has given upward push to a number of the uncommon rituals and festivals. Some of those conventional rituals, in spite of its weirdness and crazily weird events, celebrated with uncommon enthusiasm, go away us with a huge question. In this article, it's been attempted to concise eleven Most Unusual Festivals of India which are strictly accompanied to repair stability in religion.
# Thaipusam Festival, Tamil Nadu
Let’s begin our weird listing with the maximum devotion to enjoy divine bliss. Thaipusam/Thaipoosam is well known to reveal the patience to Lord Murugan (believed to be the son of Lord Shiva). Devotees put together themselves approx forty eight days in advance through religious cleaning with prayers and fasting. The pageant is well-known in South India and different elements of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and different international locations wherein the Tamil network is present.
What is unusual? On the day of the pageant, the devotees carry out the rituals and set out for the pilgrimage enticing themselves with the intense act of non secular observance. Some fanatical devotees deliver burdens through one the maximum exceptional exercise through piercing the skin, tongue or cheek.
# Nag Panchami, All over India
How about a festival dedicated to snakes, Creepy? Nag Panchami isn’t for the faint heart, especially which are dug out of the ground. Nag (Cobra in English) owns a great significance in Hindu mythology, which is often worshipped. The festival takes place during the month of Shraavana (Hindu calendar month) when the monsoon in India is at the peak. The rainwater seeps the hole of snakes which can harm humans on the ground by biting. According to the myth, to protect themselves Nag Panchami is celebrated.
What is Unusual? On this auspicious day. the fear of snakes miraculously turns into blissful devotion. In some of the villages, the devotees indulge with the alive snake. The temple priest sprinkles Haldi-kumkum (turmeric and vermilion) and flowers on their hoods, later they are also fed milk, as the ultimate sign of good luck.
# Madai Festival, Chhattisgarh
Chhattishgarh is a popular tribal destination known for its major festivals of what is considered as Sanskritik Chhattisgarh. Despite Madai is a popular festival, people from other parts of the country know little about it. During this festival, ritualistic performances with folk dance, music, sacred prayers are dedicated to goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. One can also witness vibrant fairs with bright shops having several tribal handicrafts and relish some unique cuisine.
What is Unusual? This is one of the few festivals in our country which travels from one place to another. The festival is also marked with the sacrifice of an animal, usually, a goat which breaks into relishing lavish feasts.
# Sekrenyi Festival, Nagaland
Sekrenyi is a famous competition for Angami tribe of Nagaland. This competition is well known for 10 days to do away with poor energies in addition to to resume and cleanse the whole village. This subculture includes a incredible quantity of rituals in addition to customs respecting nature. It is a competition of purification with feasting, duet songs and people dance that lets in inter-village visits and assures human bonding. The arrangements of the competition begin days earlier through accumulating firewood and looking animals for the feast.
What is Unusual? One of the highlighting functions of the competition is Thekra Hie wherein younger human beings of the village take a seat down collectively to take part in conventional occasions served with the jugs of rice beer and plates of meat.
# Agni Keli, Karnataka
Though fire means danger, it is also the symbol of the festival. Coming back to India’s other unique festival, here a village plays with fire every year. Devotees gather at the temple of Kateel Durga Parameswari, honouring Her, depicted as the goddess of war. It is celebrated over 8 days and features a series of themed performances including the parade of the jewel-decked goddess through the streets. On the second night of the festival, the fiery action attracts thousands of spectators.
What is Unusual? A centuries-old tradition that involves participants throwing burning palm fronds straight at each other. Agni Keli lasts about 15 minutes with flying branches and sparks through the night sky, falling around the participants.
# Lath Mar Holi, Barsana, Vrindavan
As we know the Holi is a festival of colours, that is celebrated in India with great vigour and enthusiasm. All this sounds so interesting and wonderful. Wait! what if some women chase you with sticks. Sounds terrifying? Well, the unique customs of Lath Mar Holi have attracted tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. In Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna playfully teased his beloved Radha on this very day and angry ladies of Barsana chased the Lord away. As a mark of this event, every year the Lath Mar Holi is celebrated.
What is Unusual? Interesting way of playing Holi, not only with colours but also sticks. As a part of the tradition, men sing provocative songs to invite the women for playfully to beat them with bamboo sticks. The folks try to defend them with a shield and usually stay under the influence of ‘Bhang’. This reflects love, fun and equality.