Tuesday, August 5

Festivals in Madhya Pradesh

Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

Introduction to Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

Ujjain, the scene of the Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh is considered the cultural as well as the poetic capital of the country. This ancient city of Ujjain is linked to the big names of Sanskrit literature such as Kalidas, Vatsyayana, Bhartrihari besides some poets and scholars of Hindi like Shivmangal Singh Suman, Prabhakar Machve, Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, Pandit Surya Narayan Vyas and Balkavi Bairagi, to name a few. The cultured inhabitants of Ujjain deserve a special note of thanks for preserving as well as nurturing the literary and cultural heritage of India by means of the well organized Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh. Literary presentations together with Indian classical programs and dramas are presented at this Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain, India.

Time for celebrating Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh

Every year in August, Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh at Ujjain is organized with much fanfare. So, it would make sense to plan your tour to this city at the same time so that you may relish some good cultural performances at this event.

Description of Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh, Ujjain

Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh of Ujjain takes pride in its association with Kalidas, the greatest poet of the country. Kalidasa was a poet who has contributed heavily to the Sanskrit literature. In his works, this great poet has pictured the beauty of life and pondered how we can offer pleasure to others by way of our liberal and graceful behavior. His portrayals are heart- warming, vivid and his word power is pretty unique. In a few words, this magnificent poet was capable of bringing out the complete meaning intended. The works of Kalidas are an intellectual pleasure to common readers and thinkers alike. This festival plays a huge role in commemorating this legendary poet.

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India's first President inaugurated the festival when it was held for the first time in the year of1958. The first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru did the honors of inaugurating the second Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Samaroh in Ujjain. It was largely the scholarly enthusiasm of Pandit Suryanarayana Vyas that is held responsible for this festivals' establishment.

Ameer Khan Festival

Introduction to Ameer Khan Festival


Ameer Khan Festival, Indore, India is the perfect venue to savor Indian classical music performances by many stalwarts. This venue also offers an ideal stage for the debut of many musicians. Music enthusiasts from across the globe come to Indore enticed by this Ameer Khan Festival of Indore.

Description of Ameer Khan Festival


Ameer Khan Festival in Indore is a gesture of respect towards Ameer Khan Sahab who is regarded as the founder of the thoughtful and mesmerizing style of the Indore Gharana. Ameer Khan Festival at Indore offers a stage where the old and the new generations of Indian classical music come together to charm and captivate the audience with their soulful renditions. People who have experienced performances at Indore Ameer Khan Festival speak highly about the quality of performances. Indian classical music has gained tremendous fame in the West and Ameer Khan Festival, Indore has made its own mark by contributing to this popularity. Listeners can enjoy reposeful Alaaps that are thoughtful as well, intricate Sargams, Taans as well as Boltaans at this event showcasing Indian classical music.

So, while you chalk out your tour to Indore, spare a thought for the Ameer Khan Festival in Indore too. If you could time your tour well, you would be able to enjoy some of the finest vocalists putting their best in this festival.

Bhagoria Haat Festival

Introduction

Bhagoria Haat Festival Bhagoria Haat is the colorful festival of the Bhils and the Bhilalas. This festival is held particularly in the district of West Nimar and Jhabua and the ‘haat’ is held actually in the nature of a mass ‘Svayamvara’ or a marriage market.

Description

‘Bhag’ means ‘to run’. This is indicated in the name of the festival, Bhagoria Haat and during the festival the young people elope after choosing their partners and are later on accepted as husband and wife by the society through prearranged customs. It cannot be supposed that every time the boys and girls intending to marry each other meet in the festival for the first time. According to the tradition, the boy is supposed to apply gulal, red powder, on the face of the girl whom he chooses as his wife. If the girl is willing, she also applies gulal on the boy’s face. The girl might not say yes immediately but in due course the boy might go after her and succeed. The Bhagoria Haat also concurs with the completion of harvesting, making it an agricultural festival as well.

Time of Celebration

The Bhagoria Haat Festival is held in the month of March, mainly on various market days before the beginning of the Holi Festival.

Dhrupad Samaroh

Introduction to Dhrupad Samaroh


Dhrupad Samaroh Bhopal, India is the ideal venue to relish vocal performances by some of the notable names of the music fraternity. Indian classical music's famous dhrupad style is the order of the day at this Bhopal Dhrupad Samaroh. Music aficionados from across the world come to the city lured by this Dhrupad Samaroh of Bhopal.

Description of Dhrupad Samaroh

Dhrupad music in Bhopal has a spiritual tinge to it. Its main aim is to bring on feelings of peace as well as contemplation to the listener. The word Dhrupad is a blend of two words namely DHRUVA and PADA. DHRUVA stands for the steadfast evening star of our galaxy while PADA means poetry. Dhrupad is a type of devotional music whose origin can be traced back to the ancient text of the Hindu religion, Sam Veda. SAM VEDA was chanted along with the aid of rhythm and melody called Samgana. Step by step this gave rise to other vocal styles called 'Prabandha' and 'Chhanda' with the introduction of matter and verse. The union of these two elements caused the emergence of the gharana of Dhrupad. Dhrupad Samaroh in Bhopal offers the chance to get enchanted by the musical performance of many stalwarts who present several compositions of Dhrupad.

So, time your tour to Bhopal in tune with the Dhrupad Samaroh at Bhopal to enjoy some enchanting performances.

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Introduction to the Khajuraho Dance Festival


Khajuraho Dance Festival Khajuraho has made a distinctive place for itself amongst the major tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh primarily for two reasons. The captivating temples of Khajuraho reflective of remarkable architectural and sculptural dexterity are its greatest draw followed closely by the Khajuraho Dance Festival. The Dance Festival at Khajuraho is attended by dance lovers not only from different corners of the country but also from parts of the world.

Description of the Khajuraho Dance Festival

The multi hued culture of our land is manifested in various art forms like music and dance. The Khajuraho Dance Festival helps us to get a glimpse of this rich cultural heritage of our country. At the Dance Festival in Khajuraho, one can witness the enthralling performances of several talented classical dancers.

Dancers from various parts of the country put up absolutely magnificent performances. One will surely be amazed at the variety of dances which include Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. Of late, several contemporary dance forms like modern ballads have also been included in the Khajuraho Dance Festival.

The programmes are held against the backdrop of the well illuminated temples. If we trace the origin and development of Indian Classical Dance and Music in India, the unique contribution of the temples can never be undermined. Diverse forms of classical dance attained mellowness in the temples. It is for this reason that the temple premises were thought to be the best venue for hosting this prestigious dance festival.

It is indeed a privilege to be witnessing the shows that are put up by the classical dancers in an open air auditorium in front of the Chitragupta temple and the Vishwanatha Temple. They are simply brilliant in their respective fields and the shows are riveting.

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is thus an excellent platform for these talented artistes to showcase their talents. Many craftsmen also get the chance to exhibit their articles which are sold to the visitors. Words fail to describe the absolutely mesmerizing performances put up by two adroit performers each evening.

Time for celebrating the Khajuraho Dance Festival

The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held each year in the months of February and March. This extravagant event lasts for seven days and is the nation’s pride and glory.

Karma Festival

Introduction


The Karma Festival is a religious festival which calls for a huge celebration. This festival is held every year, initiated and carried out by the Korba tribals of Madhya Pradesh.

Description

On the day of worship of the Karma Festival, all the devotees keep a fast from the morning till the next day, for full 24 hours. A branch from the Karam tree is planted at the center of an open ground and the whole night is spent by singing and dancing around the tree branch.

Time of Celebration

The Karma Festival falls in the month of August and is related with fertility by some tribes. Some other tribes also observe the festival as the rainy season ends.

The Fair of Nagaji

Introduction


The Fair of Nagaji is a fair or ‘mela’ which is organized in order to remember and pay respect to Saint Nagaji who lived at the time of Mughal Emperor Akbar, about 400 years ago.

Description

In The Fair of Nagaji, the tribal people flock to Porsa village in Murena district. They carry on their celebration for as long as a month. Previously monkeys were sold at this fair. Presently, domestic animals are high on sale.

Time of Celebration

The Fair of Nagaji is held every year in the winter season in the months of November and December.

Tansen Music Festival

Introduction to Tansen Music Festival


The Tansen Music Festival or the Tansen Sangeet Sammelan or the Tansen Utsav is held every year in order to celebrate the memory of one of the greatest artists in Indian history, Tansen. Tansen was one of the nine gems in the court of one of the greatest Mughal rulers of India, Emperor Akbar.

Description of Tansen Sangeet Sammelan

The Tansen Music Festival is held in Gwalior near the tomb of Tansen at Behat. The tomb was built in the excellent early Mughal architectural style and is presently a part of Gwalior’s cultural heritage. Celebrated classical singers fro m the country come together and perform for five night-long sessions. The best of the artists come and present these art forms with pride in front of a huge audience.

Time of Celebration Tansen Music Festival

The Tansen Music Festival is held in Gwalior every year in the months of November and December. The festival is attended by a huge crowd of music lovers every year.

Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh

Introduction to Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh


Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh, Bhopal, India is the ideal setting to savor some of the finest drama performances in Hindi. Besides showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the country, this festival also depicts some contemporary issue-based performances, highly acclaimed by the audiences. Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh of Bhopal draws heavy footfall of people having an inclination towards modern Hindi theatre.

Description of Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh, Bhopal

Some of the finest theatre repertories of the country perform at Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh in Bhopal. A wide variety of themes are brought to the stage during this festival. So, while one end of the spectrum depicts the rich culture and heritage of India, the other is a champion of contemporary subjects and burning social issues. The stage as well as the whole ambiance comes to life by means of the powerful performances of the artists on stage. Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh at Bhopal also plays a huge role in popularizing plays in the national language. Even the present generation which dotes on many other things but is going far from their own roots come in reasonable numbers to this Bhopal Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh which is an encouraging sign for the organizers.

So, it is advisable for you to draw your Bhopal tour itinerary to coincide with the Rashtriya Hindi Natya Samaroh in order to enjoy this popular festival without any extra bother.

Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh

Introduction to Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh, Dewas


India is a land of great musicians and vocalists. To commemorate some of the renowned singers that swayed millions of heart, numerous Fairs and Festivals in India are held each year. One such is the Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh. Honoring the great maestro, Pandit Kumar Gandharva, is accompanied with other programs as well. This cultural program is held in Dewas, located in Madhya Pradesh amidst a wide audience and a storm of applause.

Time for celebrating Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh

Gandharva Samaroh is held during the birth anniversary of the great vocalist, 8th April. At Dewas, the tradition of celebrating his birthday continues from 1992-92. From that time onwards, the saga has been on a move towards better cultural shows and innovation of newer talents.

Description of Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh

Diverse cultural programs are held in order to commemorate the birth anniversary of the king vocalist. With his unique blend of folk songs and classical music the performers try to revive the maestro's attempt to coalesce these two in harmony. The most interesting part of this cultural event is innovation of nascent talents and providing them a stage for better performance. Amidst all these, the ancient Indian tradition is upheld with efficiency and herein lies the essence of Pt. Kumar Gandharva Samaroh, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh.

Nimar Utsava

Introduction to Nimar Utsava


River Narmada that flows through numerous towns and cities India is considered as a sacred River in India. Bestowed with power of healing and revitalizing, River Narmada also flanks the famous city of Maheshwar. It is one of the most visited pilgrim spots in India. In the regime of Holkar Queen, Maheshwar rose into prominence. Renowned for its ecstatic Ahilya Ghat, Maheshwar is also visited for its exotic range of Sari, called Maheshwari Silk. To revive the ancient Mahaeshwari culture, Fairs and Festivals are of supreme efficacy. Time for celebration of Nimar Utsava, Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh: Held in the month of Kartik (roughly September-October), on a full moon night, Nimar Utsava is celebrated on the banks of the River Narmada. Kartik is a month of festival and merriment in India. People look forward to this month filled with excitement.

Description of Nimar Utsava in Maheshwar

Since Maheshwar is located beside the River Narmada, during Nimar Utsava in Maheshwar, boating is an important incident. People flocks beside the river in order to witness the rowing boats. Incessant flow of applause is received gladly by participants who are encouraged for better performance. Cultural programs comprising of dance shows, music and drama entertains people during this event. Nimar Utsava in Maheshwar is therefore not only a celebration of River Narmada's blissful sojourn, but an attempt to revive Indian culture as well.

Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh

Introduction to Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh


Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh in Maihar, Satna, India is an ode to Ustad Allauddin Khan. This program is organized by the Ustad Allauddin Khan Sangeet Academy in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad, the district administration as well as the local people. Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh in Maihar offers a chance to witness presentations by several artists of Indian classical music.

Time for celebrating Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh

Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh of Maihar is a three-day festival that is organized in the month of February every year.

Description of Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh, Maihar, Satna

As Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh at Maihar, Satna is invariably linked to Allauddin Khan, it would be better to know who this person was and how he contributed to the domain of Indian classical music.

While he was a court musician, Allauddin Khan totally reshaped Indian classical music's Maihar gharana. Though the Maihar gharana came into existence in the 19th Century, Khan's contribution to this genre of music was so rudimentary that he is frequently taken to be its creator. This was an era of speedy alteration for Hindustani instrumental music and Allauddin Khan deserves a special mention as he infused the dhrupad, bass sarod and beenbaaj into the playing of several classical instruments. He also put together an orchestra which played Indian instruments called the Maihar String Band. So, it is but natural that such a maestro be honored by way of an event bearing his name to keep his legacy alive. The performances by stalwarts of Indian classical music at Maihar Allauddin Khan Sangeet Samaroh keeps the audience tied to their seats under a mesmerizing spell.

Bhavbhuti Samaroh

Introduction to Bhavbhuti Samaroh


Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is one of the oldest festivals held in the city of Gwalior with excessive pomp and gaiety. Gwalior with its integral association with the musicians of worldwide reputation has a strong musical background. The art and culture of Gwalior is also worth admiring. Tansen is considered to be the musical genius here and the city owes much to him even to this day. It was Tansen who used to adorn the court of Akbar. Especially in his honor, music programs are held as part and parcel of Gwalior's culture. Not only are these music programs extremely popular, but these are pleasantly complimented by some ancient cultures with an attempt to revive their essence through cultural programs and festivals. One such cultural festival is the Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

Reason for celebration of Bhavbhuti Samaroh

Sanskrit is among the oldest languages in India. Of Pali, Prakrit and Sanskrit, only the last one has been able to revive through the ravages of time; Sanskrit is a glorious language in which Chanakya's slokas finds ample expression; it also throws light into some of the indispensable manuscripts related to ancient ages. We come to know of the cultures, religious ideas and doctrines of these ages from the manuscripts. It has therefore been felt important to revive this antique language through cultural programs so that people become interested and also understand the essence of this language. Thus Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh is held in Madhya Pradesh.

Description of Bhavbhuti Samaroh

Sanskrit cultural programs at Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh essentially consists of recital of Sanskrit doctrines, enacting of some famous drama like Abhigyanam Shakuntalam by Kalidasa, Kumarasambhavam by Kalidasa, and Raghuvamsam by the same author. These are actually the trilogies of Kalidasa which are enacted with great zeal and enthusiasm. Apart from these plays some parts of epical dramas of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata also inspires people. A very interesting part of the Bhavbhuti Samaroh in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh celebration involves enacting nature in various ways. The enactments are based on the concept of the Puranas which divides the Universe in the following ways:

Sarga :- The creation of the universe.

Pratisarga :- Secondary creations, mostly re-creations after dissolution.

Vamsa :- Genealogy of gods and sages.

Manvantara :- The creation of the human race and the first human beings.

Vamsanucaritam :- Dynastic histories

Apart from these, at Bhavbhuti Samaroh the following plays are also enacted. They include Kiratarjuniya which was composed by Bharavi, Shishupala Vadha which was a marvelous creation by Sri Maagha, Naishadiya Charitam that was composed by Sri Harsha.