India is a place where many religious and spectacular events are held almost every day and the significance of these is unparallel in the indigenous culture and tradition. Kumbh Mela is perhaps the biggest event where millions gather at one place and take dip in Holy water of a Holy River to wash off their sins. The Maha (Biggest) Kumbh Mela (Human Gathering) at Haridwar in north India is the perfect intermingle of languages, religions, sects, communities and people, which has helped this event carry its importance well into modern times. The Maha Kumbh Mela this year began on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti- January 14th 2010 and will continue to attract devotes until it ends in April, 2010.
Mythology contains the cause of origin of this auspicious day, which has been celebrated since the time of human origin. According to it, when the gods and devils were fighting for the possession of the pot of nectar which guaranteed immortality, few drops from the pot fell in four different holy places, which made them the centre of Kumbh Melas. Planetary configurations decide the dates of the Maha Kumbh Melas which are organized in each twelve years. The Maha Kumbh Mela at Haridwar is the biggest of all the Kumbhs and is rightly cited as the path to salvation.
The visuals that one can see at the Kumbh Mela are something that they will not find elsewhere and the pure devotion of all the people who make it the Kumbh makes it even more special. The echoing music and the sounds of the chanting makes the atmosphere divine with all aiming to be close to the Supreme God in all the true meaning. The Naga Sadhus who cover their body with nothing but plain earth and ash and carrying tridents, silver maces, swords and swears do present an awesome view. Various sages from all the different Akharas fill the holy ghats and everyone just waits to take a dip in the Holy Ganga River’s Jal (water) which sure turns into nectar to wash away everything evil and bad.
Haridwar turns into a small world with all gathering from world over at one place forgetting their differences and joining in an endeavor to be blessed and purified. The religious leaders, politicians and the common man are all merged into one big crowd with nothing to distinguish them from each other. The ten Shahi Snans or the royal baths are the days, which attract the most crowd and with the religious belief flying high, no one remains aloof from the God. The evening prayers with millions of lights floating on the Holy Ganga banks and the aura the same sends is something which can only be experienced in self.
Caribbean is the best place to feel the energy and fun of the most exotic carnivals and the Tampa Bay carnival at St. Petersburg is certainly one in the category. The celebrations this year will mark the 18th anniversary of this event and the event will conclude with the most spectacular performances. The 2010 Tampa Bay carnival will be organized on June 12th and June 13th and the utterly scenic and historic Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida will certainly add to the entertainment factor. The weekend would be full of some exciting activities which would include performances by acclaimed Caribbean artists and stalls featuring some lip smacking ethnic foods.
The carnival will also host DJs, live and highly entertaining steel bands music and all the best crafts at display. Sunday will also see a costume parade which will enable one to see the best of colors and local talent. Every year some acclaimed international and local artists perform at the carnival and this year the list will include Alison Hinds, Sean Paul, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Arturo Sandival. Carnivals always bring about the best in all the aspects and Tampa Bay carnival with thousands of visitors from Canada, United States, Caribbean and Latin America it would certainly be one big party.
Caribbean is known for its fun- filled grand carnivals and the one carnival celebration which definitely is the best among these is the Virgin Islands carnival. The carnival on St. Thomas Island attracts millions who indulge in the merry- making and many exciting pageants. The Virgin Islands carnival 2010 will be celebrated from April 11th to May 1st 2010 and will host many special events. The carnival is full of vivacity and vibrancy with carnival revelers giving their best performances on the calypso and soca tunes in the street parties. The carnival will commence with the Princess and Prince selection in which the little ones will display their talent for all to witness.
The carnival then proceeds with the Queen Selection on April 17th in which the indigenous beauties compete in various categories which span across cultural wear, evening wear and swimwear. Junior calypso, Toddler’s Derby, Senior Citizens Tramp and many such events make sure that all in every age group can come out and participate in the carnival festivities which make the Virgin Island carnival more special for all. The talented entertainers make sure that the carnival experience is truly an intimate one for all. So just get ready to enjoy life king size and indulge in the best life can offer.
Spain has many marvelous treasures to offer to the world and the dazzling carnivals are one of them. Las Fallas is held in Valencia each year and literally transforms into the victory of fire. The sunny country of Spain attracts millions carnival revelers each year for the event which blends tradition and unique festivities into one mega experience. With the advancement of spring Las Fallas will commence on March 1st, 2010 and will unleash one of the most prominent carnivals in Spain. There are many aspects of carnival which are indigenous to Spain and comprises of fiestas and the adventurous bull fights all across the country.
Valencia will host many events but the main festivities will happen between March 15 and March 20. Ninot dolls are a very important symbol of the Las Fallas and the giant platforms with paper- mache dolls is something that symbolizes the essence of this carnival. Mascletaes- the spectacular fireworks lights up the sky on all days of Las Fallas and the whole city transforms into a fairy land. The tourists will be a part of a very important ceremony which comprises of presenting flowers to Virgin Mary and will be held from March 17 to 18. The carnival will end with the ritual burning of the Symbolic Ninot Dolls on nights of 19 and 20 March.
