Festivals of West India

The Western part of India can said to be the jolliest part in the county. Numerous festivals of West India reflect the true colour of India. The loud music, colourful people, rich food, everything about India is reflected in the festivals of West India.

The few famous Festivals of West India are

Ganesh Festival, Maharashtra:
This festival of West India is celebrated to worship the divine power of Lord Ganesh. Worshipping the elephant Headed God is believed to be a good omen in the Hindu pantheon. He is revered by his followers, who carry clay models of him in grand processions, to the sound of cymbals and drums. In fact people from all over the India celebrate this festival of West India with much pomp and devotion.

Goa Carnival:
This pompous festival of West India involves grand balls, bands, night-outs, music and color. The Goa carnival was originally started by the Portuguese in the 18th century. This festival of West India celebrated in February attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe. The heavenly beaches of Goa make this festival of West India even more cheerful. However, this famous festival of West India concludes with the famous red-and-black dance held at Panjim.

Navratri, Gujarat:
Navratri is another famous festival of West India. It is celebration for the divine goddess, Durga. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival occurs four times a year. During the celebration of this festival of West India the streets throng with devotees performing the Garbas and the Raas (unique folk dance forms), especially in the state of Gujarat.

Kala Ghoda Fair, Mumbai
This famous festival of West India is popular all over the world. The fair showcases traditional Indian arts & crafts, ethnic food, street performances as well as village and classical arts. The events organized in this festival of West India are very popular among the people of Mumbai and tourists alike.

Kite Festival, Ahmedabad:
This festival of West India is quite popular all over the world. It is a unique celebration celebrated at Ahmedabad in Gujrat on the Auspicious Makar Samkranti (January 14). Apart from display flying showcasing skills of the participants, the festival also includes fighter kite competitions. Thos festival of West India is a non-stop event starting at daybreak and continued through the night as well with illuminated box kites.

Nariyal Poornima, Daman & Diu
Nariyal Purnima is a special and distinct festival of West India, celebrated to worship Lord Varuna – the God of seas. This festival of West India is celebrated by the people living on the coasts. Special offerings are made and religious ceremonies are held during this festival of West India. Coconuts and pieces of it are distributed as “prasad’ (a material substance first offered to the God) and a delightfully delicious dish called coconut rice is prepared.

Few other prominent festivals of West India are Shigmo - Goa, Feast of Holy Spirit – Goa, Vasco Sptaha – Goa, Rath Yatra – Gujurat, Chitra Vichitra Fair – Gujarat, Bhadra Purnima Fair- Gujrat, Elephanta Festival, Elephanta Island – Mumbai, etc.

Enjoy the blissfulness and the divineness of West India. Celebrate the famous festival of West India. And let the memory linger in your mingle forever.