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765 | 7,223,128 | 0 | Leboku | Nigeria | Leboku being a dialectic name for Festival is known to be the annual New Yam Festival of the Yakạạ people because the word is the language of the Yakurr people. It is celebrated in the south-south region of Cross River State, Nigeria. The Leboku New Yam festival is peculiar to the core Yakạạ speaking communities: Ugep, Idomi, Ekori, Mkpani and Nko, and the international version is celebrated in Ugep once in a year. Each of the communities mentioned being peculiar to the Festival have a distinct day secluded or set aside for the celebration in their respective communities. These are; Lemomor boku, Lelomi boku, Lekoli boku, Lekpanikpani boku and Lekakaa boku. This is celebrated to honor the earth goddess and the ancestral spirits of the land in Ugep, one of the five settlements of Yakurr. The three-week festival is the culmination of many events: the beginning of the yam harvest, a time to appease the gods and ancestors, a public parade of engaged maidens, a commemoration of events that led to the migration from the Yakurr ancestral home to the present site, and a period of holiday in the Yakurr traditional calendar (mid-August through mid-September). The Yakurr calendar runs from August to July. During the Leboku, people keep away from intense farming activities and exchange visits with their families. The Leboku is also meant to usher in peace, good health and prosperity.
== Leboku celebration ==
The three-week celebration starts with the Mblemi. On this day, the harvest of new yams is officially flagged off. Beautifully attired women from different farm-roads and groups later parade the town with their harvests.
The second day is the Janenboku, which literally translated means women’s festival day. On this day, gifts are given to women by their loved ones and friends. Some traditional dances also take place. Tourists on the night of Janenboku are faced with two options – the traditional carnival like drumming and dancing to the rhythm of the Ekoi drums to usher in the Ledemboku, held in the playground or the modern-day Miss Leboku Beauty Pageant, held in one of the hotels within the town.
Day three is the Ledemboku or men’s festival day. It involves exchange of gifts to males, performance by the male Ekoi dancers, a parade of the Obol Lopon and his Bi-Inah (council of chiefs), a parade and dances by leg-bangle-wearing Leboku maidens to the rhythm of the Ekoi drums, and a display by the Etangala masquerade, whose only outing yearlong is on this day. It should also be noted that the all-embracing Etangala group have as its head, a non-Ugep, Chief Ig Ekpenyong, the Obol Etangala I of Ugep is an Efik man.
After a day of rest, which affords the Leboku maidens opportunities to cultivate new friends, known as Nkokeboi, there is Leteboku. The Leteboku is a performance poetry contest among Leboku maidens from each of the traditional Ugep wards. The songs danced to, and the rhythm produced by the leg-bangles worn by the maidens is a delight to watch.
Two days after the Leteboku, which are normally observed as rest days, is the Yekpi. It is a day when boys and Leboku maidens parade the town in a ceremony believed to usher in peace and prosperity. The Yeponfawa follows the Yekpi. This is a ceremony reserved only for initiates of the Libini group, to declare the first phase of the Leboku over. Although this takes place during the night, it is also a day non-initiates stay awake to listen to the songs.
After the Yeponfawa, young boys and girls participate in a one-week music and festival through their dance ensembles known as Egbendum (for boys) and Oka (for girls). Every neighbourhood has its own group, which is directed by an adult, who also teaches them songs and dance steps.
The Leboku comes to an end with the exit of the Egbendum and Oka sessions. Children are normally hosted to a feast of yam porridge and palm wine. The yams and palm wine are collected from parents, relatives and farmers in farm-roads located in the children's neighbourhood.
Festivals in Nigeria |
766 | 20,203,207 | 0 | New Yam Festival of the Igbo | Nigeria | The New Yam Festival of the Igbo people (known as Orureshi in Idoma, or Iwa ji, Iri ji, Ike ji, or Otute depending on dialect) is an annual cultural festival by the Igbo people that is held at the end of the rainy season in early August.
The Iri ji festival (literally new-yam eating) is practiced throughout West Africa (especially in Nigeria and Ghana) and other African countries and beyond. It symbolizes the conclusion of a harvest and the beginning of the next work cycle. The celebration is a cultural occasion tying individual Igbo communities together as essentially agrarian and dependent on yam.
== Igbo tradition ==
Yams are among the first set of crops to be planted at the beginning of the planting season. Between April and August, early crops such as maize, cocoyams, and pumpkins are harvested and eaten without fanfare. The New Yam Festival is, therefore, a celebration depicting the prominence of yam in the social-cultural life of the Igbo people. In some Igbo communities, all old yams (from the previous year's crop) must be consumed or discarded on the eve of the New Yam Festival.The next day, only dishes of yam are served at the feast, as the festival is symbolic of the abundance of the produce.
Though the style and methods may differ from one community to the next, the essential components that make up the festival remain the same. In some communities, the celebration lasts a whole day, while in many places it may last a week or more. These festivities normally include a variety of entertainments and ceremonies, including the performance of rites by the Igwe (King), or the eldest man, and cultural dances by Igbo men, women, and their children. The festival features Igbo cultural activities in the form of contemporary shows, masquerade dances, and fashion parades.
== Ịwa-ji ceremony ==
Usually, at the beginning of the festival, the yams are offered to the gods and ancestors first before distributing them to the villagers. The ritual is performed either by the oldest man in the community or by the king or eminent titleholder. This man also offers the yams to god, deities, and ancestors by showing gratitude to the supreme deity for his protection and kindness in leading them from lean periods to the time of bountiful harvest without deaths resulting from hunger. After the prayer of thanksgiving to their god, they eat the first yam because It is believed that their position bestows the privilege of being intermediaries between their communities and the gods of the land. The rituals are meant to express the gratitude of the community to the gods for making the harvest possible, and they are widely followed despite more modern changes due to the influence of Christianity in the area. This, therefore, explains the three aspects of the Igbo worldview, that they are pragmatic, religious, and appreciative.
The day is symbolic of enjoyment after the cultivation season, and the plenty is shared with friends and well-wishers. A variety of festivities mark the eating of new yam. Folk dances, masquerades, parades, and parties create an experience that some participants characterize as art; the colorful festival is a spectacle of exhibited joy, thanks, and community display.
The yam used for the main ritual at the festival is usually roasted and served with palm oil (mmanụ nri). Iwa ji also shares some similarities with the Asian Mid-Autumn Festival, as both are based on the cycles of the moon and are essentially community harvest festivals.
This event is important in the calendar of Igbo people all over the world.
The harvest of yam and the celebration of the gods of the land through the New Yam festival is an epitome of the people's religious belief in the supreme deity. The coming of the new moon in August marks the preparation for the great Iri Ji Ohu festival, but the time and mode of preparation differs from community to community.
The New Yam festival is a highly captivating art event. The colourful festival is a visual spectacle of coherence, of dance, of joy and feasting, an annual display for community members, to mark the end of the cultivation season, a festival where the people express their gratitude to those that helped them reap a bountiful harvest.
For the 1963 Fluxus Yam Festival see Fluxus
Ikeji festival
Ito Ogbo Festival
Ogwu Ekpeye
== External links ==
Mayowa, Adebayo Ebenezer (4 July 2021). Festival Ready? 7 Of The Best Nigerian Festivals. The Guardian Nigeria News. Retrieved 31 July 2021. |
767 | 68,605,986 | 0 | New Yam Festivals in Nigeria | Nigeria | Yam is a staple food in West Africa and other regions classified as a tuber crop and it is an annual or perennial crop. The New Yam festival is celebrated by almost every ethnic group in Nigeria and is observed annually at the end of June.
== Essence ==To fully understand the New Yam Festival we must first understand the reason why the festival is celebrated in almost every state, town and city in Nigeria.
== History ==
Historically, Yam is considered one of the major or the most important crops in Nigeria as it is grown in mostly all the states, and whoever in a community has a barn of Yam is listed among the wealthy sets of people in the community. Yam is counted to be more than just food. It is very well respected in Nigeria and is one of the major food accepted as bride price when a man is seeking for a woman's hand in marriage. The festival is mostly celebrated among the Igbo people due to different spiritual ideologies surrounding Yams, as told by ancestors through stories passed on until the current day. Yams are annual crops, although they are sometimes regarded as perennial crops due to their life cycle. Therefore, New Yam Festival is celebrated annually, after new yams are harvested The festival holds yearly to celebrate the beginning and end of a new season. Also, it is said to be a taboo to eat the new Yam before the celebration as it is a means of pleasing and appealing to the gods and spirit of harvest and god of the Earth and thanking them for a bountiful harvest. By so doing, the gods will be happy and will bring a better harvest in the new season.
In Benin, Nigeria , It is fortunate that brief reports on the New Yam Festival as held in Benin centuries ago has survived: these are quoted by ROTH (1903: 76) writing shortly after the destruction of the Benin Empire. The first of these states that the ceremony was held at the beginning of the yam harvest, the king is presented with an earthenware pot , containing soil , and an old yam (i.e one from the previous season) which he plants in the pot. During the dancing and merrymaking that follow, this pot is surreptitiously replaced by a similar one , containing a well developed new yam , which is later presented to the people , presumably as a sign of the king’s magical powers over the crops. The increase in size between the two tubers is held to indicate the magnitude of the harvest that may be anticipated.
== Celebrants ==
Igbo
Okpe Kingdom According to the Opke tradition as early as 6:30 am the inhabitants of the land both indegines and non indigenes gather at the palace of the Olopke of Okpe to pay him homage and wish him and his family well wishes. it begins with a 13 days notice to the entire town after deliberation between the King and his chiefs. The notice elapses at 5am on the thirteenth day. The festival is called Wasigbeenile, ‘Thank You For Taking Care Of Me. Strangers and women who had suffered still birth around that period are banned from attending the ceremony. The ritual kicks off officially after the king emerges from the inner chamber of his palace clad in an all white attire and joined his chief who are also dressed in all white attire. the king leads a procession with the chiefs amids drumming and dancing from the palace to the village square. The procession takes about 90 minutes to arrive the village square and a lengthy prayer is said for the wellbeign of all children of the land both home and abroad. the procession returns to the palace for a pounded yam eating ceremony. The festival is an age old tradition and a way of thanking God for taking care of the people.
Nollywood New Yam Festival - Abuja
Ife New Yam Festival. Harvesting of New Yam normally occurs during July and August of every year. The Oni of Ife Oba Adeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Ekinrin-Adde Community
Ogidi Community
Yoruba people, especially the Ekiti people, including:
Ado Ekiti
Ikere Ekiti
Ilara-Mokin
Emure
== Communities ==
=== Okpe Kingdom ===
Okpe is a town located at Akoko-Edo local council in Edo state. The town is known for its vast celebration of the new yam festival, which holds every July in the town. At about thirteen days to the festival, Olokpe(the King) and his Chiefs who are the committee members for the festival notify the community about new improvements or deductions to the festival. After this, the King sends his greetings to the whole kingdom through the gunshots which are heard far and near by the people. The sounds carry the message ‘Wasigbeenile’, which means, ‘thank you all for taking good care of me in this outgoing year”. The people then greet themselves with this word throughout day.
On the first day of the ceremony, people visit the palace with gifts such as assorted bush meat, goats, yam tubers etc. as a mark of respect for the king's throne. On the main day, the King and his chiefs come out of the palace dressed in white attires. They visit four Shrines (called the Ancestral spots) to offer prayers and blessings for a better harvest and more productive years. The ceremony continues later at the town square with a speech to address the town issues given by the Olokpe as well as other guests and reputable individuals from the town.
=== Nollywood New Yam Festival - Abuja ===
Abuja, the Capital of Nigeria, lies in the central part of Nigeria, in Federal Capital Territory(FCT). During its New yam festival celebrations, which is celebrated with the Igbo festival, it is said that yam is one of the ways of measuring a man's wealth. During the festival, different types of yams are served to people with different sauce to celebrate. Popular amongst this celebration in the Federal capital is the annual Nollywood New Yam Festival & Awards, now rebranded as Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival and currently in its 12th edition set for November, 2024.
=== Ekinrin-Adde ===
Ekinrin-Adde town is located in North eastern Nigeria, Kogi State specifically.
=== Ikere Ekiti ===
Ikere town is located in Ekiti State, South western Nigeria. where the yam festival is celebrated yearly. The festival is called Odun Ijesu in Yoruba Language (Festival of eating yam) and it is done to thank orisha for the fertility of the land and for crowning their efforts in the previous planting season. The festival is a colorful one as the drums are rolled out with singers and dancers and prayers for the Ogoga, the King of the town, whom is known as the harbinger of good fortunes for Ikere, to enjoy a long reign and for the town to witness greater development. Many activities are held including hunting, gun firing and the display of all the crowns worn by the Oba. The Oba always dresses in traditional clothing known as Aso Oke with his white crown while the Oloris (King's wives) are adorned with various beads and they dance before the King.
=== Ogidi ===
The Ogidi community is located in Ijumu, local government area of Kogi State. The town is known for the presence and formation of indigenous rocks. The town is popularly known for its agricultural produce, especially yams. In Ogidi, yams are considered miraculous plants that show fertility thus the period of plenty yam harvest signifies that other plants will flourish. All these culminates in the annual celebration of the Ogidi new yam festival. According to the people of Ogidi, new yam festival is celebrated to offer thanksgiving to God who gives increase and yield. It is celebrated in conjunction with the ogidi-Ela day which is the land's cultural day, which starts few days to the festival week. Different dance groups parade the community and hunters demonstrate gun firing to create awareness of the festivities in the community. The festival is celebrated for one week with several activities such as cultural performances, presentation of new yams, chieftaincy investitures and awards. Other activities are free medical checkups, novelty match, Jumat service, excursion to the Oroke Oda mountain and a bonfire. The colorful festival always attracts tourists from neighboring communities and states such as Edo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos etc. The festival begins with members of the community marching to the Ogidi community ground where the ceremony takes place. People are adorned with beautiful attires that brighten the environment. The festival fully starts when the King, Rabiu Oladimeji Sule (the Ologidi of Ogidi land), arrives the venue. His presence creates a special atmosphere as the crowd raise their voices with cheer. When the Ologidi arrives, different groups are allowed to pay respect with the Olokoro/Olu-Otun group first then the Orotas and others follow. After the groups, everyone present follow to pay their respect. Also, Masquerade performances occur from the Igbabolelimin masquerade (masquerade from the spirit world), Egungun Oniye (masquerade with feathers), Igunnuko masquerade, Agbo Olode masquerade, as well as performance from the Geledes (humans wearing masks) Various dishes are shared during the festival so the people will remain active and lively.
=== Igbo ===The Igbo people also known as the Ibos are from the southeastern part of Nigeria. They are one of the major people in Nigeria that celebrates the new yam festival. They hold the festival at the beginning of each harvest of new yam (Iri ji) or Onwa Asaa (seventh month). The purpose of the festival is to thank God for a bountiful harvest especially for the Yams and no one is expected to have a taste of the new yam before the festival as it is considered a taboo. The festival is very important to the ibos and is celebrated each year. The festival serve as a season where indigines of the town return home to re-unite themselves with their loved ones and enjoy together. |
768 | 68,447,700 | 0 | Nigeria International Book Fair | Nigeria | The Nigeria International Book Fair (NIBF) is an annual cultural event in the republic of Nigeria, established in 2001. It is known to be the most attended book fair in the whole of Africa, being the only international book fair in Nigeria and the second largest international book fair in Africa. Each year the NIBF brings together book enthusiasts such as writers and poets that are generally involved in the creation of print, audio and digital books all over the country. The main aim of the festival is to promote and improve the reading culture among Nigerians and Africans as a whole. Every second week of May annually, the NIBF hosts publishers, booksellers, illustrators, authors, exhibitors and readers, who display and sell their books at discounted prices.
== History ==
The Nigeria International Book Fair was inaugurated in 2001. The chairman of the event is also known to be the chairman of Nigerian Book Fair Trust, who currently is Gbadega Adedapo. In 2012, the 11th edition of the fair hosted about 130 exhibitors with over 40,000 visitors.
The 20th edition of the fair in 2021 hosted the president of the international Publisher Association (IPA), Geneva, Switzerland, Shiekha Bodour Al-Qasimi, as the keynote speaker, along with several prominent individuals including the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the Special Guest of Honour, First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi who was the chairperson of the event, and Africa's richest woman, Folorunso Alakija. The Governor of Lagos State, Me. Babajide Sanwoolu, was the Chief Host.
This 20th edition of NIBF took place in Harbour Point, Victoria Island, 27–29 July 2021. The press conference was held in Protea Hotels Ikeja introducing the theme “Awakening the Giant in Women for the Growth of the Book Ecosystem” featured the physical showcasing of books. The fair was attended by book lovers from across the globe, including those who joined virtually.
In 2022, after having been held in held in September and July in the previous two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIBF returned to its traditional month of May.
The 2023 NIBF was held on the mainland in Ikeja.
== Festivity ==
The Nigeria International Book Fair festival majorly involves the display of several books for exhibition, providing a platform for the sale of these books to interested customers. The festival also features other programmes which includes; teachers training workshop, publishers workshop, a two-day programme for children, principal officers education summit, author's groove, printers seminar and others.
The summit of school owners and principal officers of schools in Nigeria was later introduced in the 2015 edition in bid to make the event a more memorable one for both the visitors and exhibitors.
The 2021 NIBF featured the launching of the book Madagali authored by Dr. Wale Okediran (Secretary General of the Pan Africa Writers Association PAWA).
== Guest of honour and theme ==
== Sponsors and supporters ==
The Nigeria International Book Fair is in collaboration with the Nigeria Book Fair Trust. The festival is also sponsored by several institutions and agencies such as:Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council
Nigerian Copyright Commission
Fidelity Bank
Quarterfold Printabilities
United Bank for Africa
Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
Nigerian Publishers Association
Chartered Institutes of Professional Printers of Nigeria
International Publishers Association
Nigerian Library Association |
769 | 47,867,814 | 0 | Nnewi Afiaolu Festival | Nigeria | Afiaolu (New yam festival) is a traditional festival held annually in Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria around August. The Afiaolu festival commences on “Eke” day with what is traditionally described as “Iwaji” (scaling of yam) and Ikpa Nku (the wood gathering), this heralds the availability of new yam as well as thanksgiving to God. The festival includes a variety of entertainments including performance of ceremonial rites by the Igwe (king), cultural dance by girls and masquerade dance.
Yam is the main agricultural crop of the Igbos and also the staple food of her people. The New Yam Festival known as ‘Iwa-Ji ohuu’ or ‘Iri-Ji Ohuu’ is a celebration depicting the prominence of yam in the social-cultural life of the people. During the festival the people thank God for the arrival of the new harvest of yams and perform traditional rites to declare the new yam fit for general consumption.
== Origin ==
The Aneado (Nnewi) communities have common ancestral beliefs, traditional value system and many cultural events which notable amongst them is the New yam (Afiaolu, also known as Ifejioku) festival which revolve around drama and rituals, especially religious ones. It is observed in honour of Ufiojiokwu, the deity of land fertility. It takes place usually in the month of August of every year and lasts for four native days. The actual celebration begins on an Eke day through Orie, Afor and ends on an Nkwo day.
The preparation of the festival takes place five months ahead, the girls learn a dance. They also dye their bodies and dress gaily. Young men (oto kolo) group initiates all young men who are up to age into the masquerade cults so that they will be able to participate in the masquerade dance. The evening prior to the day of the festival, all old yams (from the previous year's crop) are consumed or discarded followed by Onuakuku which marks the dropping of hoes and machetes after the farming season. And even though many families have started eating new yam, the supreme ancestral deity of the town, Edo, Ele, Eze, Ana and Ezemewi their chief priest's must not taste new yam until the Afiaolu festival.
== Eke day ==
On the first day of the festival which is Eke, the Igwe of Nnewi officiates the Harvest thanksgiving ceremony at the village square currently known as roundabout, due to some infrastructure this venue has been shifted to Agbo-Edo Nnewi, where the yam is offered to God and ancestors. The chief priest of Edo after the thanksgiving ceremony is presented with fowls in the palace by elders from the different communities that made up the Anaedo (Nnewi) community in order of seniority, Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim and Nnewichi. After the parading of these fowls by the chief priest, the fowls are taken to the farm where they are slaughtered in honour of the Ufiojiokwu, the deity of land fertility. After that, the ritual of breaking Kola nut (IWA OJI) follows. It is also offer by the Igwe because it is believed that his position bestows the privilege of being the intermediary between their communities and the gods of the land. The Iwaoji is meant to express the gratitude of the community to the gods for making the harvest possible. Following the iwaoji is the IKPA NKU (the wood gathering). The Nku is used in the roasting of the newly sliced yam. The belief being that roasting the new yam will make every other yam harvested to be strong, more edible and nourishing. The Igwe after the roasting of the yam is usually the first to eat the yam after which other people are invited to join him. Immediately the Igwe eats the yam, masquerades such as Mikpala and Ikehudo randomly parade the village square and market place teasing and entertaining children and women. The first outing of these masquerades signifies that the Igwe has eaten the new yam.
== Olie day ==
The following day, Olie is a day for dance performance by young girls and boys. Igba Ijele dance is a dance performed by this group and it is devoted to Edo and nominally to public deities of the land. With Iwaji, the people are free from famine and hunger. From now on merriment can begin and that is when Igbaijele appears for the first time in the years to perform on stage. The dancers first perform at Edo shrine before touring the Nkwo market square and eventually enters the Igwe's palace where the main dance is performed. During the dance the people are virtually thrown into an uncontrollable ecstasy with rhythmic body jerks and twisting of waists and breasts. Highly trained chorous leaders lead during Igba Ijele. It is a time for competition in excellence during which the best dancer-artiste for the year is honoured.
== Afor day ==
Among are the days of the Afiaolu festival, the evening of Afor is the most entertaining and most memorable. It is usually an evening reserved for masquerades drama and the Igwe and his counselors usually invite the Ijele masquerade from Umueri Anambra State. Ijele is the king of the masquerades in Anambra state and it is a family of four: the mother, father, police and palm wine tapper.
Nne Ijele, meaning mother of Ijele, is always the first to come out, she is a beautiful lady masquerade that holds a big ox tail with a carved enamel plate. She performs dance to flute and soft music. Ijele Onuku (Ijele father) has a big face and dressed in chieftaincy regalia as he follows the wife into the arena. The next to step into the arena is the Ijele police, they are usually six in number and their duty is to ensure that the people do not encroach on Ijele father and mother. To complete the group is the Ijele palm wine Tapper: it accompanies Ijele for the sole purpose of picking its rear as it performs. Another significant personality is the Ijele fan carrier of Akupe carrier. It is not really a masquerade but it plays crucial role of leading the Ijele with its symbolic powerful fan called Akupe. Once one Ijele loses sight of the fan and its carrier, it gets lost and it signifies danger. Ijele moves when the fan carrier move and also stops when it stops.
For Ijele to start performing, his musical instrument must be set. The musical instrument includes drums, ogene Ubom, Uyo, Ekwe, flute (Oja –Ufele); the Ijele dances majestically to the royal Igba – eze: dance of the kings popularly called Akunechenyi in Anambra state.
The Ijele masquerade only performs immediately seven cannon gunshot are released to the air alongside the sound of its royal music. The Ijele mostly perform during the dry season to mark fertility and annual bountiful harvest.
== Nkwo day ==
Nkwo day is the last day of the Afiaolu festival; it is the day the chief priest, Igwe, and elders make the final prayer on behalf of the community. Sacrifices are offered to Edo to protect the children home and abroad. Women who have been commissioned to cook, prepare pounded yam and bitter leaf soup which is taken to the palace to entertain both visitors and Anedo people present at the arena. It is equally a day devoted to all the adult masquerades which are displayed at designated venues for each village. All four communities are represented by one masquerade such as Orinuli in tolo, Ayakozikwo-nai from Uruagu, Ozo–ebunu from Umudim and Ebu–Ebu from Nnewichi performs at their various centers to round up the day's activities. Then the Afiaolu traditional festival of Nnewi ends. |
770 | 68,514,162 | 0 | Nwonyo Fishing Festival | Nigeria | The Nwonyo Fishing Festival is a festival celebrated by the Ibi people in Taraba State, Nigeria. The lake is located 5 kilometres North of Ibi community, it is an annually celebrated festival where Ibi and its neighboring community comes together to fish and re-unite. The lake is said to be the largest in west Africa as it run 15 kilometres to the Benue River. The name Nwonyo means Hide-out for huge and dangerous aquatic Animals such as Crocodiles, Snakes, Hippopotamus and many more.
== History ==
Nwonye Fishing Festival has been in existence for over 90 years and can be traced to its discovery by Buba Wurbo in 1816, he was the same person who founded Ibi community, The name Nwonyo which means Hide-out for huge and dangerous aquatic Animals such as Crocodiles, Snakes, Hippopotamus and many more. It is said that two myths describe the actual meaning of the word Nwonyo. The first myth means, “under the locust bean tree;” while the second says, “abode of the snake,” in Jukun language.
The lake in its early discovery was primarily a source of fishing to the fishing/farming communities until Buda transformed it into a festival where neighboring communities comes once a year to catch fish. The first public fishing festival was held during the reign of Abgumanu ll from (1903-1915) as the main participant are the Ibi themselves while Wukari and other neighboring communities came as spectators.
In 1943, the late Mallam Muhammadu Jikan Buba, Chief of Ibi appointed Mallam Muhammadu Sango as the custodian of the lake (Sarkin Ruwa) from (1931-1954), his duty was to secure the lake against any unauthorized fishing and to always declare the commencement of the yearly fishing festival, he patrol the lake regularly with his guards, this is done to allow the fishes grow well prior the next festival. As the years goes by, in 1954 the level of participation increased.
== Festivity ==
The Nwonyo festival is celebrated mostly in the dry season when the lake will not be heavy. During the festival, there are lots of activities and events that take place apart from fishing which is the festival main aim, such events are: Swimming competitions, Dance, music, and Singing Competitions, Boat regatta, Masquerades demonstration and many more. Canoes are used in the fish catch to prevent any attack from dangerous aquatic animals like crocodiles.
=== Past Events ===
In 1954, the festival had expanded and gained more recognition and spectators even from the Aku Uka of Wukari and his people, Mallam Adi Byewi, the Ukwe of Takum, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim, the Gara of Donga, Mallam Sambo Garbosa, and Mallam I. D. Muhammed who was the Officer-in-charge of the Wukari federation.
In 1973, the Wukari(no longer in existence) were the organizers of the festival with the help of the then Governor of Benue/Plateau State, Mr. D. Joseph Gomwalk. The festival this year was one of the best and a huge success that brought the festival to limelight, it was fully consisted of water and traditional sports. Important personnel were present, Governor of Benue/Plateau, Mr. Joseph Gomwalk and the then Col. Theophilus Danjuma, Col. M. D. Jega (1978), Brigadier A.R.A. Mahmud (1979) and the Governor of the defunct Gongola State Alhaji Abubakar Barde.
The festival at this point started to record some significant progress, from this time biggest fish catch were recorded and the biggest catch belong to “Sarkin Ruwa”. In 1970, the biggest catch weighed 60 pounds; in 1971 “Sarki ruwa” the biggest catch weighed 175 pounds; and in 1973, the biggest catch weighed 124 pounds.
By 2008, the festival was re-introduced as an International Fishing and Cultural Festival by Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai. In November the same year, the governor established the Taraba State Tourism Development Board (TSTDB), and the responsibility of staging and organizing the festival was automatically transferred to the Board.
In 2009 edition, the festival was organised by the Board of the festival which it claimed was a successful outing that attracted dignitaries and tourists from far and near; and the event was capped with the biggest catch weighing 230kg. Quite a big number of important people were present which are; Senate President, Sen. David Mark, Governor Danbaba D. Suntai and two of his colleagues: Admiral Murtala H. Nyako (rtd) of Adamawa State and Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma of Nasarawa State. Corporate Organizations like MTN and Zenith Bank supported the festival to make the events more colourful.
In 2010, the festival started on April 24 with a colourful view and performances like Cultural troops, horse procession, canoeing, swimming, boat cruise. After few hours of fish hunting, Mr. Bulus Joshua came top with a catch weighing 318 kilogrammes followed by Mr. Dan Asabe Adata, who came second with 297kg; and Mr. Jamila Baba, came third with 195 kilogrammes. Mr. Joshua’s catch is now regarded as one of the biggest catch in the history of the fishing festival as he beat the 2009 record of 230kg. The wife of the Acting President Mrs. Patience Jonathan was present as she presented a Kia car to Mr. Joshua who has the biggest catch. Also, Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) was present, The Director General, Segun Runsewe was present. Lots of gifts were given such as: radios, sewing machines, bicycles, grinding machines, football, tennis kits. There were also branded T- shirts and fez caps.
In 2024, the festival was reignited by the present Gov. Agbu Kefas where the man with the biggest catch went home with a refurbished Honda Hennessy as a grand prize. The key to the car was presented by Rtd. General TY Danjuma |
771 | 56,284,789 | 0 | Ogun Festival | Nigeria | Ogun Festival is an annual festival observed by the Yoruba people of Ondo State, Nigeria in honour of Ogun, a warrior and powerful spirit of metal work believed by the Yoruba to be the first god to arrive on earth.
== History ==
According to Yoruba mythology, Ogun was a King and the father of Oranmiyan, and the first person to arrive on earth; he used a cutlass and a dog to clear the road for the arrival of other deities. He is also said to have given the finishing touches to the first set of humans created by Obatala, the Yoruba god of creation.
His festival is usually held around August or September in Ondo State and parts of Ekiti state.
== Preparation ==
Preparation for the festival begin seventeen days in advance. The chief priest announces the sighting of the new moon (which must be sighted before beginning the festival) by blowing the upe (local trumpet) for seven days. Nine days after the sighting of the new moon, the king sends an emissary to officially announce the ceremony. Preparations for the festival include the repairing of bridges and clearing of footpaths. The festival continues with a vigil called Ilagun, Asoro or aisun ogun which takes place three days before the Ogun day. The blacksmiths of the city of Ife donate new cutlasses, hoes and bell gongs, and the shrine is beautified with palm fronds, cowries and other items. Libation is then poured, a ritual dance is conducted around the shrine, and prayers are offered. Dogs are prepared for sacrifice.
== Festivity ==
The festival reaches a frenzy during the last three days. The dog which is the main centre of the festival is slaughtered on the first of these days. Two people moving in opposite directions pull the dog towards themselves hence forcing it to a slow and painful death. Sometimes the High priest kills the dog by striking it with a machete before it actually dies. The blood of the dog is then mixed with salt, kolanuts, palm wine and palm oil, and poured over the working tools of the worshipers which are gathered in a bowl; this is believed to protect them from trouble and bring about abundant profits. Ogun is the patron of those who make use of metals in their everyday work, such as blacksmith, drivers, mechanics and surgeons. The festival can also be held anywhere as the high priest sometimes celebrates the festival at Abuja without not following the usual seventeen-day order. |
772 | 73,783,078 | 0 | Ogwu Ekpeye | Nigeria | Ogwu Ekpeye is a festival traditionally celebrated by Ekpeye tribe in Rivers State. It is celebrated yearly and in the honour of the first daughters.
Before the commencement of this festival, the monarch, called Eze Igbu Ubie of Ubie kingdom in Ahoada West Local Government Area, Eze Maxwell A. Okpokiri, declares it open, after which there are traditional activities such as visitations, folklores, rites, and others. |
773 | 47,699,878 | 0 | Ojude Oba festival | Nigeria | Ojude Oba (The King's Forecourt) is an ancient festival celebrated by the Yoruba people of Ijebu-Ode, a major town in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. This annual festival usually takes place the third day after Eid al-Kabir (Ileya), to pay homage and show respect to the Royal Majesty, the Awujale of Ijebuland. It is one of the most spiritual and glamorous festivals celebrated in Ijebuland and generally in Ogun State as a whole.
During the course of the festivities, different cultural age groups known as regberegbe composed of indigenes, their friends, and associates far and near parade at the front courtyard of the king's palace on the third day of Eid al Kabir popularly referred to as Ileya in Yoruba language. Oba Adetona was the one that brought back the age groups in the 18th century into the general acceptable phenomenon that is found among today's Ijebus, and this has become an integral part of the yearly Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu. The reason for the age groups was to bring development and progress to the community.
Ojude Oba which means king's fore-court in Yoruba language is usually celebrated with Pomp and pageantry by about 1,000,000 people from different parts of the world and Nigeria, especially those from Yoruba origin and most especially by people of Ijebu descent all over the world.
== History ==
Ojude Oba which represents the King's fore-court or frontage, could also be translated as “Majestic outing”. It was formerly a small gathering of the people of the Islamic religion which started over 100 years ago, when the earliest Muslim converts in Ijebu-Ode paid homage to the Awujale of Ijebu-land, showing their appreciation for granting them the liberty to practice and observe their religion.
During the reign of Awujale Ademuyewo Afidipotemole in 1878, a slave identified as Alli who later became Alli-Tubogun began open practice of Islam. He received his master's blessing to practice his religion without any barrier, obstruction and fear of any persecution. Due to this one-man effort coupled with the endorsement of his master, Islam began to grow, attracting so many converts and by 1880, local mosques were built at many wards in Ijebu-Ode.
In 1896, an incident and drama occurred on 27 September, when two reverends, Rev. R.A Conner and Rev. E.W George baptised 41 Ijebu-men with their proclamation to keep just one wife out of the many they had earlier married. This incident caused a chief whose name was identified as Chief Balogun Kuku, a prominent Ijebu son to relinquish Christianity and to embrace Islam which encourage polygamy because he had over thirty wives, over 200 slaves and other ardent followers. The chief's extreme wealth coupled with the respects the Ijebus had for attracted many converts to Islam.
Ojude Oba festival is a successor of the Odeda festival, which was also an annual event in which the worshippers of several traditional religions such as Sango, Egungu, Osun, Ogun, Yemule and so on come together to showcase their identities by dancing in turns to drums and songs in front of the Awujale, Olisa, various other important chiefs and the people of the town.
Chief Balogun Kuku, who was a party to the Odeda festival until he converted to Islam could no longer participate in the festival and then he decided to replace the Odeda festival with a new one which will conform with his new religion. This birthed the Ita-Oba festival which has now metamorphosed into what is known as Ojude Oba Festival. The festival has since been accepted not just by the Ijebus at home, but also by millions of people within and outside Nigeria. The festival is usually attended by over 250,000 people across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
The 2013 edition of the annual Ojude Oba festival hosted many prominent dignitaries, such as Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun, the state deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and members of the state executive council.
In 2017 festival themed: “Our Culture, Our Pride,” was graced by the then Governor of Ogun State, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun and his state executive cabinet, Otunba Subomi Balogun, the Otunba Tunwashe of Ijebu and founder of First City Monument Group, Adegunwa, a renowned businessman and former chairman of Sterling Bank PLC, Chief Kola Banjo and former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The 2018 edition of the Ojude Oba festival received the presence of former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki as a special guest of honour, who was accompanied by seven other senators which includes; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Senator Duro Faseyi, Senator Sam Anyanwu, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim and Senator Shaba Lafiaaji among others. Also, the then state Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun was expected but was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga at the event. One of the main sponsors of the 2018 edition was the chairman and founder of Globacom Otunba Mike Adenuga. Nollywood actor, Odunlade Adekola, DJ Top and the trio of Mr Real, Idowest and Slim Case was also present in festival where they gave indigenes and guests the 2018 Glo Miss Ojude Oba Beauty pageant held at Equity Hotel.
The 2020 edition of the Ojude Oba festival was cancelled by the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Adetona due to covid-19 and the need to maintain social and physical distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Again the 2021 edition was also cancelled because of the rapid resurgence of the coronavirus. The organizers said it is better to avoid preventable health hazards and protect lives.
Adetoun Sote wrote a book on the Ojude Oba Festival of Ijebu-Ode in the western part of Nigeria. The first book to be written on this festival.
== Festivity ==
Ojude-Oba Festival is a one-day celebration of culture, fashion, glamour, candour, beauty and royalty as sons and daughters of Ijebuland. The festival always commenced with prayers by the Imam of Ijebuland, then followed by the National Anthem, then the Ogun State Anthem and the Awujale Anthem, and finally the Lineage praise of the Ijebus. After all of these, the parade of different ages known as Regbe regbe with names––such as Obafuwaji, Bobagbimo, Bobakeye, Gbobaniyi and Gbobalaye begins.
This is the heart of the ceremony as each group with both male and female counterparts are distinct either in their manner of appearance and style of dressing or by their dance patterns. Some of the groups members are top managers, chief executive officers, head of industries and prominent traditional title holders. The groups each has a recognisable face, like the Gbobaniyi, a group of middle-age men, that dress in rich traditional Aso-Oke, wield walking sticks and dance like conquerors, has former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel as its patron, while the female Gbobaleye are noted for gaiety and dance and has as member the popular Waka music star, Queen Salawa Abeni.
In straightforward terms, these groups files in turn by turn with their drummers to pay homage through their dance, and with presentation of gifts and offerings at the feet of the King. They pray for him, wishing him a peaceful tenure and long life.
=== Key highlights ===
==== Horse-riding ====
Different horse-riding families are led by the Balogun. Descendants of Ijebu war heroes are regarded as the Balogun. Some horse-riding families includes; Balogun Odunuga, Balogun Bello Odueyungbo Kuku, Balogun Agboola Alausa, Balogun Alatishe, Balogun Otubu, Balogun Adesoye, Balogun Odejayi, Balogun Adesoye Onasanya, Balogun Towobola, Balogun Aregbesola and Balogun Ajibike Odedina. Intermittent gunshot are used to announce their entry, which sends many people into a frenzy.
==== Artistic beauty of the Ojude Oba Festival ====
One of the very reasons why people from entirely different cultural backgrounds finds the Ojude oba festival very interesting is because Art plays a very significant role in the festival. To really account for the artistic beauty of the Ojude Oba festival, take into consideration the style and manner of dressing of the different age groups, the music and musical instrument, even to the design on the horses of the Balogun families, and so on.
==== Dressing ====
Age grades compete for the best dressed. Hence, the reason why group go all out for the season's most expensive clothing. Attires from a previous festival cannot be worn again at a new Ojude Oba festival, they wear entirely different attires year to year which makes a statement on the economic status and wealth of the age group and how well they are doing. Arguably, nowhere else is the Yoruba flair for traditional attire better demonstrated than in the flamboyance at Ojude Oba. Traditionally, the favourite dress colours of the Yoruba people include; tan, the rich natural tone of the silk known as sanyan, and blue, ranging from the palest to the deepest blue black obtainable from the indigo dye pots.
== Sponsors and supporters ==
The Ojude Oba festival is sponsored and supported by the incumbent Awujale, the people of Ijebu-Ode, individuals and some major corporate organizations in Nigeria. One of the major sponsors of the festival is Globacom. The telecommunication giant has been a sponsor of the event for up to 10 years, year after year, providing gifts, prizes and trophies to branded chairs and sundry benefits. Their help in the upliftment of the Ojude oba festival is immeasurable. Other sponsor of the festival are First City Monument Bank (FCMB), UAC of Nigeria, Fan Milk, The Seven-Up Bottling Company and MultiChoice and so many more. |
774 | 19,182,977 | 0 | Olokun Festival | Nigeria | The Olokun Festival is the name of annual cultural festival in Nigeria celebrated throughout Yorubaland by various Yoruba people groups, and also by the Edo. In the Yoruba Language, Okun means Sea, while Osa means Lagoon (enclosed sea). Olokun is the goddess/god of the sea, while Olosa also known as Osara is the Goddess of the lagoon and estuaries. Both are celebrated and venerated in different festivals.
In Yoruba tradition, the chief Olokun shrine is located in the Ilode quarter of Ile Ife. According to the Walode of Ile-Ife Chief Kolawole Omotayo, who is the Abore (Chief Priest) of Olokun of the Source explained: “Olokun is the goddess who gathered all the water of the earth together, at creation, and moved it to its current location – the sea. At the beginning of life, the earth was formless and filled with water. Olodumare through Obatala, the chief Orisha, went to the world to commence the process of filling it with life. Thus Obatala, armed with igba iwa, descended from heaven through a chain. “Right from Ilode, where we stand now, the great goddess Olokun began of drawing all the water together. After this she moved everything through Ilare to a very remote part of the earth which is now the sea of today.
Among the Ilaje who live along the coastline of Ondo state, the Olokun deity is believed to be the goddess of the sea, who has the power to give children to barren women. She is also believed to be in control of ocean waves, and she can sink sea vessels of evildoers. Olokun is also a goddess of riches and has the power to enrich her devotees. The worshippers of Olokun are generally dressed in immaculate white attires with their faces coated with white chalk ‘efun’. As a festival of note among the Ilajes, the Olokun Festival is held in high esteem, as the people believe it has a moderating influence on their lives.
The Edos celebrate theirs in late February (1st 'moon' after the 12th moon) that takes place in Usonigbe, the site of Olokun's shrine, in Edo State. Another, more modern festival is held in Lagos State in November.
The latter festival, which has been held since 2002, is organized by the Olokun Festival Foundation and has become an important tourist and local attraction. It is led by Otunba Gani Adams, who also leads the Oodua People’s Congress. |
775 | 68,505,459 | 0 | Omabe Festival | Nigeria | Omabe Festival is a festival in Nigeria. It is celebrated every five years. The festival is a treasure to the people of mba waawa community, NSUKKA region, Ezike in Enugu state.
The festival has been in existence for several centuries and meant a lot to the Imufu people as it also stand as an omen of purification and purging the community from evil. It is believed that the Masquerade bearer stands as the spiritual intermediate, and the masquerade when it comes out purges the community from evil both in human and spiritual because it is seen to appear with fire, the community has more than one masquerade, which some of them are: eshiwe, obele monwu, Oshagenyi, Eji, eshiwe, Mgbedike, mukwu monwu, Ajulaka, Agbe-Eji, Ajija, Agelle. The community is said to have about 600 masquerades.
== Festivity ==
The festival always start early in the day, as early as 5am, when masquerades are seen coming out to demonstrate, in the order from the smaller to the bigger ones. The masquerades take over the street as a symbol of the return of the Omabe festival after five years, the energetic demonstrations of the masquerades reveals how they have awaited the festival due to its long interval. They perform and entertain people, sharing them up with different styles and dance steps as well as magic or tricks to make people wonder. After the smaller masquerades performance the bigger masquerades come out to continue the show. At the noon of the day the dangerous masquerades come out as they are said to be moved by certain spirits, but they are surrounded by the friendly masquerades to avoid them beating, pursuing people and causing havoc.
Some masquerades as Mgbdike appear in a very colorful traditional attire, beads, animal skins as they are recognized as bigger masquerades, they march through the community when other smaller masquerades follow suit dramatizing. Sounds are heard from near and far from the festival arena, sounds of drums, gong, flutes, voices and other traditional musical instruments. Later, the masquerades go straight to the eldest man's house to pay homage.
Since Masquerades are considered as spirit in Imufu, they are allowed to move and operate for one year from the festival day as the elders says it takes one year for the spirit to leave with men before departing to the spirit world until the next five years. This is a believe that their ancestors come to live with them for a year and the community experiences peace and unity afterward.
Females are not allowed to come close to the masquerades as they are considered to possess mystical powers. |
776 | 68,491,092 | 0 | Oronna Festival | Nigeria | The Oronna Festival is an ancient festival celebrated by the Ilaro Kingdom. Ilaro is a town in Ogun State, and the headquarter of YEWA southwest local government also known as the YEWALAND. The Ilaro people celebrate the Oronna festival annually to preserve, uphold, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ilaro Kingdom. Oronna who was known by the Ilaro people to be a hero, a brave warrior who was said to have brought several victories to the land during war, mostly against the Dahomeans Army who constantly threatens the peace of the Land. He was a man who distinguishes, and committed himself to the safety, well-being of the land as he stood in war to defend the land against intruders.
== Festivity ==
The annual Oronna festival which always happen by November is one that last for just one week. Within this one week are lots events that features all of Ilaro cultural and social life such as: Street Carnival, Tourism activities, cultural beauty pageant, 50 kilometer race, Medical check-up programs. |
777 | 68,494,562 | 0 | Ovia-Osese Festival | Nigeria | The Ovia-Osese Festival is a yearly celebrated festival by the Ogori's. This town is located in the Ogori-Magongo local government area of Kogi state, Nigeria. They share boundaries with Edo state and the Yoruba's. The town holds the Ovia-Osese festival annually to initiate young girls within 15 and above into adulthood or so called womanhood. This initiation is done for young girls who has maintained and kept themselves over the years and that are still virgins. The rite is done so as to promote the quality of purity, sanctity, abstinence, and the untouched physical and emotional state of young girls. This celebration encourages the younger growing ones to keep themselves from pre-marital affairs.
== History ==
Back in the 1870s, each family of the Ogori community has a culture of initiating their daughters having clocked adulthood. During this stage the family prepare the female gender that is ripe for marriage on how to plan a home, cook and do the female activities. Later on, the family culture was adopted to be a community culture and is practised yearly as a festival to celebrate young girls having reaching adulthood and also, have kept themselves, this act has helped the community young girls in taking extra measures to keep themselves so as to be celebrated during the festival. This festival is also an eye opener for men seeking a wife to come and eye-pick the woman they love likewise, men who are shy or weak in proposing, expressing or making advances towards the female gender to open up.
== Festivity ==
The Ogori's festival which has continuously been passing the message of self-restrain and sexual discipline among young girls has been the reason for is international recognition and the rich culture has placed it on the world map. During the festival, the young girls (called ibusuke) and the maiden (Ivia) 'perform traditional dance to entertain the community and visitors who came for the festival, during the dance performance, lots of noise and gesture are awarded to them as the young men also shines their eyes in search of their missing ribs. The young girls perform the dance as they are dressed in their traditional attires rapped around there chest with beads on their necks and wrist. Their movements, songs, facial expression showcases the festival's colour. Also, the festival is not only limited to the dancing and initiation but also features: cooking competition, talent hunt, free health programme, sporting events, school debate and quiz, and also beauty pageant and more. |
778 | 47,488,866 | 0 | Sango Festival | Nigeria | Sango Festival is an annual festival held among the Yoruba people in honour of Sango, a thunder and fire deity who was a warrior and the third king of the Oyo Empire after succeeding Ajaka his elder brother. Renamed in 2013 to World Sango Festival by the government of Oyo State, the festival is usually held in August at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo and also observed in over forty countries around the world.
== History ==The Sango Festival celebrations can be traced back to 1,000 years ago following the departure of Sango, a popular Yoruba òrìṣà who is widely regarded as the founding father of the Oyo people
Sango was a notable strong ruler and magician who became king of the Oyo Empire after succeeding his elder brother who was perceived to be a weak ruler. Believed to bring prosperity to the people of the Oyo Empire during his reign, Sango's death has been linked to different mythical stories. His reign ended due to the inadvertent destruction of his palace by lightning. Sango was said to have reigned for just seven years as King over Oyo but with such a powerful leadership he was counted as the best King ever in the history of Oyo rulers. During the 2021 festivity, the Ayabas i.e. the wife's of King boast of how they stopped rain from falling which would have disturbed the ceremony after consulting the Yemoja and the Sango priest. Also, the festival is said to start with Iwure Agba meaning the prayer of the elders that is usually led by the Sango priest.
== Significance ==
Since its renaming in 2013, the event which is usually held in August and runs for a week attracts over 20,000 spectators around the world including Brazil, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. The event which is recognized by UNESCO, is organized to facilitate the home-coming of the Yorubas in the diaspora and also celebrate Sango who is regarded as the greatest hero in the history of the Yoruba race.
=== How Sango festival is celebrated ===
The Sango Festival is a 10 days event, which is marked with pomp and pageantry. Worshippers and visitors can be seen in a happy mood. The worshippers are usually adorned with white or red attire. Some of the activities lined up for the festival include: Ayo competition, Ogun Ajobo day, Oya day, Aje Oloja day, Iyemoja day, Esin Elejo day and Sango Oyo day.
Festivals in Nigeria
== Further reading ==
Karin Barber (1993). I Could Speak Until Tomorrow: Oriki, Women, and the Past in a Yoruba Town. Edinburgh University Press. ISBN 978-0-7486-0287-2.
Ayobunmi Sosi Sangode (H.L. Iyalosa.) (1996). The Cult of Sango: The Study of Fire : an Anthology. Athelia Henrietta Press. ISBN 978-0-9638787-4-8.
Rosalind I. J. Hackett (1996). Art and religion in Africa. Cassell P L C. ISBN 978-0-304-33752-1. |
779 | 68,519,977 | 0 | Sharo Festival | Nigeria | The Sharo Festival is a festival common among the Fulanis. Sharo is a Fulani term used to express the test of young man's manhood by introducing flogging. The Fulanis are located at the Northern Region of Nigeria. The festival is held twice a year in the Fulani community, the first is held during dry season at the period of guinea corn harvesting preparation while the second festival in a year is performed during the Muslim Celebration Eid-el-Kabir. The essence of the festival is to test the bravery and endurance of boys who passing into manhood.
== Festivity ==
The Sharo festival is held for a week stretched, and always done in a public, open or market place. Many activities and events take place during the one week festival, part of this performance activities are; tricksters, minstrels, and maiden dancers. The primary and most awaited part of the festival starts as you see bare-chested, unmarried men who are accompanied to the center of the crowd by beautiful young girls. The bands cheers the crowd by introducing drumbeats and sounds as the contenders gazed into their challengers eyes to show that they are in fear of nothing. The families of the contenders watch and pray not to be disgraced by their sons, because a son who cannot endure the pain that comes with flogging brings disgrace to the family. To avoid shame and disgrace, most contenders prior to the Sharo festival day would have gone to fortify themselves by spiritual means in order not to or reduce the pain felt during the flogging period.
The flogging which would leave scars on the proud contenders who believe the scars are marks of courage and a successful transition to manhood. After the flogging, the brave boys become men and are giving permission to marry the girl of their choice.
In some occasions, when an argument or rival ensue over a lady or two boys are contending to get a lady, to avoid more clash of words and fight they challenge themselves to the Sharo and whichever of them can endure or comes out as winner of the flogging takes the girl as the other who was defeated hands down.
During the festival there is a Referee who ensures that the rule of the game is strictly followed, he has the power to stop the flogging if he see any foul play by either party, any contender surrenders, the injury recorded by either contender is severe or anything he sees not right. Also, as the flogging starts contenders are expected to sing and dance which is a sign of bravery and strength and that they are not in pain and whoever can endure or wins the flogging is declared to have transited to manhood. |
780 | 68,443,876 | 0 | Songs of Nigeria Festival | Nigeria | Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES) is a festival in Nigeria which aims to promote the diversity in Nigeria's cultural heritage hence promoting peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians by means of art and other cultural performances.
== History ==
The Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES) was launched in 2009 with the aim of bringing together cultural groups from different part of the country to come together in one accord to celebrate Nigerian songs. The Executive Secretary of the Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES) is Chuks Akamadu. The 10th edition of the Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES) was celebrated in grand style in 2018 with a lot of innovations brought in to further bring the festival to limelight.
== 2018 Edition of Songs of Nigeria Festival ==
The 2018 edition of Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES) held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the Shehu Yar'Adua centre in Abuja, Nigeria. The festival featured a lot of notable individuals and government officials, some notable people who graced the festival event includes: the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and also the wife to the first military head of state, Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi were present and scheduled to speak at the 2018 edition of the Festival. The Executive Secretary of the SONIFES, Chuks Akamadu also made it known that the 2018 edition of the festival aims to address unity in diversity and hence the theme was 'Harnessing the beauty of our diversity
Seven Up Bottling company was also happy to be the official sponsor of the 2018 edition of the Songs of Nigeria Festival (SONIFES) as they expressed their delight in supporting any program that promotes Nigeria's diverse culture.
Festivals in Nigeria |
781 | 68,465,027 | 0 | Umatu festival | Nigeria | Umatu festival is one of the six major festivities held in Onitsha Ado N'Idu every year. The others are Ajachi, Owuwaji, Ofala, Osisi- Ite and Ife-Jioku. The Umatu is celebrated when the first maize has been cultivated. The people meet with the King (Obi) and his red hat leaders (Ndiche) to celebrate the prosperity of the maize crop.
== History ==
The Umatu Festival is inspired by Exodus 23:16: “Celebrate the Harvest Festival when you begin to harvest your crops. Celebrate the Festival of Shelter in the autumn, when you gather the fruit from your vineyard and orchard’’. With its Biblical derivations, the King and the chiefs of his Red Cap will dance to the egwu ota in order to celebrate the festival surrounding the Ime-Obi (King's Palace). This dance is usually hierarchical, from the bottom to the top. Onowu Iyasele (Traditional Prime Minister) is the highest ranking chief who dances himself before the Obi of Onitsha.
== Festivity ==
The main aspect of the Umatu is the nni oka (corn meal), which is served with the ofe onino (drawing soup) and its cabinet following the Iba. The nni oka is normally served in a native bowl called an ugbugba. Other refreshments served at Ime Obi during the Umatu are ukwa, okpodudu, and aku.
When Obi receives the nni oka, he cuts and shares with everyone present, beginning with his Red Cap leaders. Goats and fowls are also slain in order to make either dee onino or okwulu soup (draw soup). The people and the community in the entire area then pray for good health and prosperity.
The Umatu is of great significance to the farming community of Onicha at that time, as reflected in an old saying, ugbo eketalu okwulu olilijie elugonso, meaning the farmland which you could pick okro, signifies that yam harvests are approaching (New yam festival).
The Umatu festival lasts 16 days, starting with the Obi of Onitsha private celebration. Then, for four days Eze-Idi, Ikpala Isi, Umueze Chima and Ikpoko Akwukwo Ogili joined the festivities on the following order; the last day was marked by a clearance of vegetable containers and packages.
The Umatu festival in Onitsha in 2020 was organized in conformity with the Covid-19 safety requirements and protocols. |
796 | 59,212,156 | 0 | 17th World Festival of Youth and Students | South Africa | The 17th World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS) was an event that was opened on December 13, 2010 in the South African capital of Pretoria and was organized by the World Federation of Democratic Youth (WFDY). The festival attracted 15,000 people from close to 130 countries and was held under the slogan, Let's Defeat Imperialism, for a World of Peace, Solidarity and Social Transformation!. It was the second time that an edition of the WFYS has been held in Africa, with the other being in Algeria in 2001
Some media reported that the festival organisers originally claimed that the festival would cost R370 million, but in reality the festival was organised by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), whose annual budget was R370 million at the time. The organisers were able to secure R69 million of funding, even after a gift from the South African National Lottery of R40 million. The true cost of the festival was later revealed to have been around R100 million. This included R24,5 million for travel and accommodation, R29,9 million for catering, and R9,4 million for entertainment. Delegates were originally going to be housed at Nasrec in Johannesburg, and transported daily to the festival venue in Pretoria 80 km away, but given the shortage of funds the organisers eventually relented and housed the delegates at the Tshwane University in Pretoria, saving itself R100 million in the process. The National Lottery gift caused an outcry in South Africa, and the festival was called a bash and an expensive jamboree by critics.
The opening ceremony was held at the Moses Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, and delegates were addressed by among others the then-president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, whose speech focused on the value of education as a solution for the world's problems. A procession of delegations in national costume, chanting and carrying posters and banners also marched around the stadium. Some of the activities included discussion groups about various topics, concerts in the evenings, and group visits to monuments. There was a daily festival newsletter called Festival News. The bulk of the activities took place at the Tshwane Events Centre. There were 19 sessions every day (seminars, workshops and conferences).
On one of the days, the proceedings were interrupted by hundreds of COPE members arriving in buses who believed that part of the venue was reserved for a conference of their own. They eventually left again. During the first three days of the festival, there were complaints of disorganisation, lack of communication and food not being provided. Some catering companies refused to serve meals, claiming that organisers have refused to pay invoices amounting to millions of rands. A number prominent speakers did not arrive.
World Festival of Youth and Students
World Federation of Democratic Youth |
810 | 2,715,297 | 0 | List of festivals in Colombia | Colombia | The following is a list of festivals in Colombia, including arts festivals, music festivals, folk festivals, and cultural festivals, among other types.
== Festivals by type ==
=== Traditional and cultural Colombian festivals ===JanuaryCampeonato de Voleibol Playa - Cartagena - Bolívar
Carnaval de Blancos y Negros - Pasto - Nariño
Carnaval de Riosucio - Riosucio - Caldas
Carnavales de Ocaña - Norte de Santander
Cartagena Festival Internacional de Música - Cartagena - Bolívar
Feria de Cali - Cali - Valle del Cauca
Feria de Manizales - Manizales - Caldas
Feria Taurina - Cartagena - Bolívar
Feria Taurina de la Candelaria - Medellín - Antioquia
Festival de la Miel - Oiba - Santander
Festival de La Panela - Villeta - Cundinamarca
Fiesta de las Corralejas - Sincelejo
Hay Festival - Cartagena - Bolívar
Reinado del Arroz - Aguazul - Casanare
Reinado Departamental de la Panela - Villeta
Sirenato del Mar - Tolu
February Carnaval de Barranquilla - Barranquilla - Atlántico
Carnaval del Fuego - Tumaco - Nariño
Feria Taurina Bogotá
Festival de la Subienda - Honda - Tolima
Festival del Corrido Llanero - Puerto Carreño - Vichada
Fiesta de la Candelaria - Cartagena - Bolívar
Temporada Taurina - Medellín - Antioquia
MarchExposición Internacional de Orquídeas - Medellín
Ferias y Fiestas - Acacías - Meta
Festival de la Canción Llanera - Villavicencio - Meta
Festival de Música Religiosa - Popayan - Mompox - Pamplona
Festival del Burro - San Antero - Cordoba
Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro - Bogotá
Festival internacional de cine - Cartagena
Holy Week in Popayán
April Feria del Cebú - San Martín - Meta
Festival de Cine Eurocine - Bogotá
Festival de Luna Verde - San Andrés
Festival del Cangrejo - San Andrés Islas
Festival Internacional de la Leyenda Vallenata - Valledupar
MayFeria Ganadera - Socorro - Santader
Feria Internacional del Libro - Bogotá
Ferias y Fiestas de Natagaima - Tolima
Festival de Interpretes de la Canción Mono Nuñez - Ginebra - Valle
Festival de la Arepa de Huevo - Luruaco - Atlántico
Festival de la Cachama - Puerto Gaitan - Meta
Festival de la Cultura Wayuú - Guajira
Fiestas del San Pedro y Festival del Bunde Tolimense - Espinal - Tolima
JuneCorpus Christi - Anolaima
Feria Nacional Gallistica - Monteria
Festival del Mango - San Antonio Atlántico
Festival del Mono Nuñez - Ginebra - Valle
Festival Folclórico - Ibague Tolima
Festival Folclórico del Caqueta - Florencia Caqueta
Festival Folclorico y Reinado Nacional del Bambuco - Neiva - Huila
Festival Internacional de Jazz - Villa de Leyva
Festival Internacional de Tango - Medellín
Festival Nacional del Porro - San Pelayo - Monteria
Festival y Reinado del Divivi - Rioacha - Guajira
Reinado Nacional de la Ganadería - Monteria - Córdoba
Reinado Nacional del Bambuco - Neiva - Huila
Reinado Nacional del Cafe - Calarca - Quindio
JulyFeria Agropecuaria - Charalá - Santander
Feria de la Piña - Lebrija - Santander
Ferias y Fiestas de la Panela - Convención - Santander
Festival de la Cumbia - El Banco - Magdalena
Festival de la Feijoa - Tibasosa, Boyacá
Festival del sol y del acero - Sogamoso, Boyacá
Fiestas del mar - Santa Marta
International Poetry Festival of Medellín
Opera al Parque - Bogotá
Torneo Internacional del Joropo - Villavicencio
August Boyacá International Cultural Festival - Tunja, Boyacá
Colombiamoda - Medellín
Desfile de Silleteros - Medellín
Feria de las Flores - Medellín
Festibuga - Buga - Valle Del Cauca
Festival de Cometas - Villa De Leyva
Festival de la Bahía - Bahía Solano
Festival de Tiple y la Guabina - Veléz - Santander
Festival de Verano - Bogotá
Festival Folclórico del Litoral Pacifico - Buenaventura
Festival Petronio Alvarez - Cali
Fiesta del Petróleo - Barrancabermeja
Fiestas de La Cosecha - Pereira, Risaralda
Fiestas del Maíz - Sonsón, Antioquia
Fiestas Folclóricas - Capitanejo - Santander
SeptemberBoyacá International Cultural Festival - Tunja, Boyacá
Concurso Nacional de bandas - Paipa, Boyaca
Feria Bonita - Bucaramanga
Festival Cuna de Acordeones - Villa Nueva - Guajira
Festival de la Talla en Piedra - Barichara
Festival de la Trova - Medellín
Festival de Música Folclórica - Socorro - Santander
Festival Internacional del Jazz del Teatro Libre - Bogotá
Festival Latinoamericano de Teatro - Manizales - Caldas
Fiestas de San Pacho - Quibdó - Chocó
Green Moon Festival - San Andrés Islas
Jazz al Parque - Bogotá
October Concurso Nacional de Duos - Armenia - Quindio
Encuentro Mundial de Coleo - Villavicencio - Meta
Feria Internacional de Bogotá
Festival de Cine - Bogotá
Festival Latinoamericano de Danzas Folclóricas - Guacarí - Valle del Cuaca
Festival Nacional de Gaitas - Ovejas - Sucre
Festival y Reinado Nacional del Carbón - Barrancas - Guajira)
Reinado Nacional de la Cosecha - Granada - Meta
Reinado Nacional de Turismo - Girardot - Cundinamarca
Reinado Nacional del Turismo - Girardot - Cundinamarca
NovemberConcurso Nacional de Belleza - Cartagena
Festival del Caballo - Villa de Leyva
Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente - Villa de Leyva
Festival Internacional Folclórico y Turístico del Llano - San Martin - Meta
Fiesta Nacional de la Agricultura - Palmira - Valle
Reinado Internacional de Coco - San Andres
December Aguinaldo Boyacense - Tunja
Desfile de Danzas, Mitos y Leyendas - Medellin
Expoartesanias - Bogotá - CORFERIAS
Feria de Cali - Cali
Festival de Arte Memoria e Imaginacion - Cartagena
Festival de Luces - Villa De Leyva
Fiesta de Velas y Faroles - Quimbaya Quindio
Torneo Internacional de Contrapuenteo y La Voz Recia - Yopal Arauca
=== Regional and folkloric festivities ===Candles and Lanterns Festival (Spanish: Fiesta de Velas y Faroles) is held in Quimbaya, Quindío on December 7 and 8. Each of the barrios in the township compete to produce the most spectacular lighting arrangements.
Carnival of Riosucio (Spanish: Carnaval de Riosucio) held in Riosucio, Caldas within the first two weeks of January every two years. In 2009 it was held from 2 to 8 January and in 2011 from 6 to 12 January. It remembers past traditions with a mixture of art, music and costumes by groups called cuadrillas, drinking the traditional guarapo carried in calabazos. During the carnival, the image of a cool and happy devil is exhibited.
Colombian Folklore Festival (Spanish: Festival Folklórico Colombiano) in Ibagué.
El dia de las velas, The day of the candles held on December 7.
Festival of the Wayuu Culture in La Guajira Department.
Festivities of Our Lady of the Remedies in La Guajira Department.
Green Moon Festival (Spanish: Festival de la Luna Verde) celebrated in the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, this is a unique festival with characteristics that make it different from any other festival in Colombia. Here the Afro-Caribbean influence is very strong, and predominance of the English-language lyrics of Calypso and Reggae.
Harvest Festival of Pereira (Spanish: Fiestas de la Cosecha de Pereira), in Pereira.
Joropo National Festival (Spanish: Festival Nacional del Joropo) in Villavicencio in December.
Medellin's Tango Street (Spanish: Tangovía) on Carlos Gardel Avenue in the suburb of Manrique.
National Festival of the Dividivi in La Guajira Department.
Pubenza Festivities (Spanish: Fiestas de Pubenza), in Popayán, known for its competition of Chirimias (folkloric musical groups).
The Yipao or Jeep Parade in Armenia, Colombia
=== Film festivals ===Bogotá Film Festival
Cartagena Film Festival
=== Artistic and theatre festivals ===The Boyacá International Cultural Festival (Spanish: Festival Internacional de la Cultura de Boyacá) held annually in Tunja, is one of the biggest culture and arts festivals in Latin America.
The Ibero-American Theater Festival held in Bogotá every two years, is the biggest theater festival in the world.
The International Festival of Theater City of Manizales
=== Music festivals ===Folkloric and traditionalBoyacá International Cultural Festival (Festival Internacional de la Cultura de Boyacá, Tunja.
Colombia al Parque (Bogotá)
Cradle of Accordions Festival (Festival Cuna de Acordeones, Villanueva, La Guajira)
Festival Folclórico y Reinado Nacional del Bambuco (Neiva)
Festival of the Laurels (Distracción, La Guajira)
Pubenza Festivities (Popayán)
Salsa al Parque (Bogotá)
Vallenato Legend Festival (Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata, Valledupar, in April or May. The festival is a celebration of vallenato music and also a competition to find the best accordionist of the year and to select the Vallenato King (Spanish: Rey Vallenato) among hundreds of participants from all over the country.
World Day of Laziness (Itagüí)
OtherBaum Festival (Bogotá)
Cali Underground (Cali)
Estéreo Picnic Festival (Bogotá)
Festival Internacional de Jazz (Bogotá)
Festival Latinoamérica de Concierto (Bogotá)
Hip Hop al Parque (Bogotá)
Jamming Festival (Bogotá)
Jazz al Parque (Bogotá)
Manizales Grita Rock (Manizales)
Ópera al Parque (Bogotá)
Rock al Parque (Bogotá) in July, is the second largest rock festival in Latinamerica, after Rock in Rio. Around 1000 rock bands have participated in this event; both local and international bands. Apocalyptica, Slipknot, Plastilina Mosh and Manu Chao have performed in Rock al Parque, among other internationally famous bands. The event is held annually in Simón Bolívar Park in Bogotá. In 2004, 400,000 people took part in the event.
Storyland Festival (Cartagena)List of festivals
List of festivals in La Guajira
List of music festivals
== External links ==
Media related to Festivals of Colombia at Wikimedia Commons |
811 | 16,575,059 | 0 | List of festivals in La Guajira | Colombia | The following is a list of festivals or celebrations in the Colombian Department of La Guajira.Cradle of Accordions Festival
Festival of the Laurels
Festival of the Wayuu Culture
Festival y Reinado Nacional del Carbón
Festivities of Our Lady of the Remedies
National Festival of the Dividivi
Festivals in Colombia
== External links ==
(in Spanish) National System for Cultural Information: Festivals in La Guajira |
828 | 12,417,375 | 0 | List of traditional festivals in Vietnam | Vietnam |
== Traditional festivals in the Vietnamese calendar ==
=== Famous local festivals ===
=== Nationwide festivals ===
== Traditional festivals in the Cham calendar ==
=== 7th month ===
7th month in Cham calendar: Kate Festival of Champa ethnic minority.
== Traditional festivals in the Khmer calendar ==
Chol Chnam Thmey, Cambodian New Year
Okomboc fullmoon in Sóc Trăng Province
== Modern festivals ==
Huế Festival, Huế city, Thừa Thiên–Huế Province
Flower Festival, Đà Lạt city, Lâm Đồng Province
August, Nha Trang- Rendevouz Festival, Nha Trang city, Khánh Hòa Province.
== Public holidays == |
829 | 48,074,580 | 0 | List of festivals in Vietnam | Vietnam | null |
831 | 35,518,792 | 0 | Coca-Cola SoundFest | Vietnam | Coca-Cola and Samsung Galaxy Y SoundFest (referred as Coca-Cola SoundFest on the official website or SoundFest Vietnam on the official Facebook) is a music festival first held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on April 14, 2012. SoundFest has been the largest music festival in Vietnam in terms of the line-up artists as well as the duration time. The 2012 event was sponsored by Coca-Cola and Samsung.
== 2012 ==
Information on this festival was first revealed in February 2012 by Coca-Cola. Big Bang and Tata Young were the first international artists to be included in the line-up besides the local bands and singers after Samsung sponsored with Coca-Cola. Later, it was revealed that BigBang was paid US$250,000 for 30 minutes at the event. On March 29, Taio Cruz and Kimberly Caldwell were added to the list to increase some more fans to make the event extremely successful, and Audi later joined as the official sponsor for the event. The event was held at Phu Tho Racing Field in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and the official organizer for this event was Saigon Sound System (after their first and successful Bob Dylan concert held on April 10, 2011 at RMIT). According to the hosts, there were 40,000 people attending SoundFest; however, Caldwell posted on her Facebook that there were 51,000 attenders. Despite there were some small controversies due to the fact several BigBang fans jostled and fainted before and during the BigBang performance at 8pm, including the exhaustion from waiting such under the hot weather for almost 4 hours (1pm-5pm), Soundfest received extremely positive reviews from several audiences, the critics, and the social media, and was an overwhelming success in terms of the first-ever large scale concert in Vietnam after CAMA and Loreto Fest (also Saigon Sound System) The song 'Wavin' Flag' was performed by Phương Vy as part of the interest ahead of the Barclays Premier League finals, UEFA Euro 2012, and the forthcoming London Olympics 2012.
=== Artists ===
(In performing order)Unlimited
Tiến Đạt
Bức Tường
Microwave
Thảo Trang
Hà Okio
Sài Gòn Cafe Sữa Đá
Turn Your Lights Down Low
I'm Yours/ Where Is The Love
Nơi Ấy
Như Là Mơ (with N.P. Thùy Trang)
Suboi
Văn Mai Hương
Minh Xù
Phương Vy
Antoneus Maximus
PAK
Big Bang
Tonight
Hands Up
Bad Boy
Fantastic Baby
Lies
Last Farewell
Thanh Bui
Rolling in the Deep (Adele)
U & I
I'm Forbidden
Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars) (with Tata Young)
Tata Young
Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars) (with Thanh Bui)
El Nin-YO!
I Believe
Kimberly Caldwell
Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys
Stronger (Kelly Clarkson)
Mess of You
Need You Now (Lady Antebellum)
Say Love
Someone Like You (Adele)
We Are Young (fun.)
Taio Cruz
Hangover
Break Your Heart
Come On Girl
Without You (David Guetta)
She's Like a Star
Little Bad Girl (David Guetta)
Troublemaker
Higher
Dirty Picture
Dynamite (Encore)
Executive Producer: Rod Quinton
Show Director: Joshua Turner
=== Controversies ===
SoundFest started at 1PM when the temperature reached almost 40 degree Celsius and lasted for 9 hours, some attenders were exhausted and tired from waiting under such a heat. Pushing and jostling was another problem, especially when BigBang began their performance. Several fans fainted while many fans standing in the front row were pushed to the barriers, some were injured.. The organizer eventually had to pause the band's performance to warn the audience to stop pushing, or else the show would be cancelled. After BigBang's performance, many of the audience left despite the fact that there were still other acts to come.
=== Reviews ===
Soundfest is the financial and critical success, calling the festival 'the new generation of music in 2012!'
== Future ==
It is unknown whether the 2013 event will be held. However, during the 2012 event, the hosts stated that if there were no serious accidents in SoundFest 2012, there might be SoundFest 2013. Kimberly Caldwell, DJ Ajam also expressed the anticipation for next year's SoundFest. Recently, Coca-Cola's Zing site as well as SoundFest Vietnam's official Facebook are asking fans which bands they want to perform at SoundFest 2013. |
832 | 41,187,498 | 0 | Dalat Flower Festival | Vietnam | Dalat Flower Festival (Vietnamese: Festival Hoa Đà Lạt) is a cultural festival which takes place every other year in Đà Lạt city, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam and some other localities in Lâm Đồng Province. The festival is held with the purpose of exhibiting flowers, vegetables and ornamental plants from the local as well as other regions within the country and many other countries in the world in order to attract visitors to come to Đà Lạt, promote economic development of the city. Dalat Flower Festival is also an activity honoring the value of flowers and floriculture, calling for investment in Đà Lạt flower industry as well as promoting a positive image of the city, the culture and the people of Đà Lạt.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2005 ==
• From 10 December to 18 December 2005 (9 days).• Theme: Đà Lạt - A destination of colorful flowers. This is the first flower festival to be held in the city which attracted to around 80,000 visitors.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2007 ==
• From 15 December to 22 December 2007 (8 days).• Theme: Đà Lạt Flowers - I love you.This event attracted to around 110,000 visitors.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2010 ==
• From 1 January to 4 January 2010 (4 days).• Theme: Đà Lạt - City of thousands of flowers.This is one of the national events responding to The 1000th Anniversary of Thăng Long - Hà Nội.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2012 ==
• From 31 December 2011 to 3 January 2012 (4 days).• Theme: Đà Lạt - City of Flower Festival.This festival attracted to 300,000 visitors.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2013 ==
• From 28 December 2013 to 2 January 2014 (6 days).• Theme: Central Highlands - Echoes of the jungles.This festival is one of four important events that took place in Đà Lạt in 2013 and 2014: the 120th anniversary of Dalat's formation and development, Đà Lạt - Lâm Đồng culture & tourism week 2013, National Tourism Year 2014 in Central Highlands – Đà Lạt, the firstst Vietnam – ASEAN UNESCO Heritage Festival 2013.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2015 ==
• From 29 December 2015 to 2 January 2016 (5 days).• Theme: Đà Lạt - Multitude of flower colors.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2017 ==
• From 23 December 2017 to 27 December 2017 (5 days).• Theme: Đà Lạt Flowers - The marvellous crystallization from the benign land.This festival attracted to 500,000 visitors.
== Dalat Flower Festival 2019 ==
• From 20 December 2019 to 24 December 2019 (5 days).• Theme: Đà Lạt and Flowers.Dalat Flower Festival 2019 had the presence of Miss World Vietnam 2019, top 12 Miss World 2019 Lương Thùy Linh as the Image Ambassador and Miss World 2013 Megan Young as the Companion Ambassador. There was also have many other Misses sush as Miss Vietnam 2016 Đỗ Mỹ Linh, Miss Grand Vietnam 2019 Nguyễn Hà Kiều Loan, Miss International Vietnam 2019 Nguyễn Tường San, Runner-up Miss Vietnam 2014 Nguyễn Lâm Diễm Trang, Miss Grand International 2021 Nguyễn Thúc Thùy Tiên, Best Evening Gown of Miss Vietnam 2016 Trần Thị Thu Hiền,... as the different ambassadors of the festival. The opening night and closing night also had many famous singers and artists such as Tóc Tiên, Cẩm Ly, Hồ Trung Dũng, Thu Thảo, 218 Dance Crew,...
== Dalat Flower Festival 2022 ==
• From 1 November 2022 to 31 December 2022 (2 months).• Theme: Đà Lạt – City of 4 Flower-Seasons.
After being postponed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Da Lat Flower Festival returned with the largest scale ever, lasting for two months, with the goal of promoting local tourism after a difficult time. The festival program starts in November and lasts until December 31, 2022 with many special events. The opening ceremony was held on December 18 with the gathering of more than 5000 domestic and foreign artists, especially Mỹ Tâm, Hà Anh Tuấn, Võ Hạ Trâm, Quang Dũng, Đàm Vĩnh Hưng,... The closing night combined with the 2023 New Year countdown took place on December 31, 2022, with the performances of Ái Phương, Bảo Trâm Idol, Tuấn Hưng, Hồ Trung Dũng, MTV Band, Runner-up Miss Grand Vietnam 2022 Chế Nguyễn Quỳnh Châu,... and a 10-minute fireworks display at 0:00 on January 1, 2023.
Da Lat Flower Festival 2022 has attracted more than 1.5 million domestic and foreign tourists to attend, is a great success in promoting tourism and culture of the city as well as Lam Dong province.
== Da Lat Flower Festival 2024 ==
• From 6 to 31 December 2024 (26 days)
1. The original website of Dalat Flower Festival.
2. Dalat Flower Festival 2014
3. Dalat Flower Festival 2016
4. Dalat Flower Festival 2017
4. Dalat Flower Festival 2019 |
833 | 73,266,669 | 0 | Festival Huế | Vietnam | Festival Huế is a festival that has been held in Huế every two years since 1992. Since 2002, it has included a Sacrifice to Heaven known by the Vietnamese name Nam Giao which happens at the Esplanade of Sacrifice to the Heaven and Earth.
== History ==
The first Hue Festival was held in 1992. It was named the Vietnam-France Festival until 2000, when the name was changed to Festival Huế.
== Gallery ==
Sacrifice to Heaven
Esplanade of Sacrifice to the Heaven and Earth |
834 | 29,635,522 | 0 | Gióng Festival | Vietnam | Gióng Festival (Vietnamese: Hội Gióng) is a traditional festival which is celebrated annually in many parts of Hanoi to honour the mythical hero, Thánh Gióng, who is credited with defending the country against foreign enemies. The festival was listed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. |
835 | 67,951,919 | 0 | National Television Festival | Vietnam | The National Television Festival (Vietnamese: Liên hoan truyền hình toàn quốc) is an annual Vietnamese festival where people in the country's television industry meet and share experiences, also review the works of each others during a year and be honoured for their achievements. It is the biggest television event in Vietnam.
The festival is chaired by Vietnam Television Station, each year in collaboration with a local television station that hosts.
== History ==
=== 1980s ===
The first time the Vietnam International Federation was held, starting from the initiative of Hue Television Station and Ho Chi Minh City Television Station. They asked the leaders of Vietnam Television to organize a festival for television workers.
At the end of 1981, former Vice Chairman of Vietnam Television and Broadcasting Committee, cum Editor-in-Chief of the Central Television Station - Mr. Le Quy - launched the policy of organizing a national television festival with the desire to bring television people throughout the country an opportunity to meet, exchange and improve their professional skills. The TV festival is held before Tet because this is not only a place for production units to celebrate, but also to exchange programs between stations to broadcast during Tet.
The first nationwide television festival took place in 5 days in a simple meeting room of 30m2, consisting of 8 delegations. There were 48 entries in the contest, with categories of news, film, reportage, documentary, music, and theater. The number of monitors of Hue Television Station was too small, the jury had to divide and watch all night.
=== 1990s ===
In the early 90s, the national television festivals were presided over by the Ministry of Culture and Information of Vietnam at that time. The ministry organizes 2 festivals in a year, in which in the summer there are only reportage works and documentaries with 1 judging panel. Journalist Dinh Thanh said that, later, when considering the factors of organizing the International Federation, Vietnam Television decided to organize only one festival each year in January or December, depending on the Lunar New Year calendar, in order to discuss about the program to serve the Tet holiday.
During this time, the number of participants is large. Genres are also different from the present, including Children's Program, Short Reportage, Long Reportage, Documentary Film, Academic Program, Music Program, TV Film, Theater. These categories are maintained for many years. Then there are more Exchanges, dialogues, talks.
Reportage genre every year has the largest number of participating works because all production units can participate. The strength of course belongs to the big TV stations, but many small stations also won gold, because that's where new topics are discovered at the grassroots, going to every corner of the locality.
=== Current ===
Since 2000, the national television festival has continuously innovated and improved in terms of organization as well as the quality of participating works. Every year, at conferences, broadcasters from all over the country come together to discuss new techniques in the television industry. The 40th Festival was scheduled to be held in December 2020 in Ninh Bình, but most of the activities had to be cancelled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only the judging program is held with a limited number of people at the headquarters of Vietnam Television in Hanoi.
Current editions with host cities:
== Activities ==
A television festival usually includes the following main activities:Ceremonies: Opening ceremony and closing-awarding ceremony
Seminars: National and International seminars on issues of the television industry
Photo Exhibition about the activities of the national television industry
Screennings and Judging
Charity events at the local
== Regulations ==
=== General ===
The entries for the contest are TV shows that were broadcast for the first time in that year. Particularly, feature-length TV series and documentary series can start airing from the previous year, but the last episode must be broadcast in the current year.
Do not send the work of your unit to another unit for competition.
The same unit does not use the same topic to compete in different genres.
The jury will not judge works submitted in the wrong category.
Except for multi-episodes documentary, mid-length and long-length television series, each contest entry is recorded in a single file. If the contestant splits a work into multiple files, each file will be counted as a work.
=== Categories ===
Children's Program: Each unit is allowed to attend a maximum of 2 programs, each program has a duration of no more than 27 minutes.
Documentary:
Single-episode documentary: Each unit is allowed to participate in a maximum of 2 documentaries, each with a duration of no more than 28 minutes. If participating in 1 documentary, it will not exceed 90 minutes.
Multi-episodes Documentary: Each unit can participate in 1 documentary series. The number of episodes of each series from 2 to a maximum of 15 episodes, each episode has a duration of no more than 28 minutes.
If a unit participates in both kind of documentary, only 1 film can be submitted for each category.
Reportage: Each unit is allowed to attend up to 2 reportages, each one has a duration of no more than 13 minutes.
Thematic or Science/Education Program: Each unit is allowed to attend up to 2 programs, the duration of each program must not exceed 27 minutes.
Dialogue or Talk Program: Each unit is allowed to attend a maximum of 1 program, the duration of each program must not exceed 60 minutes.
Program in Ethnic Minority Language: Each unit is allowed to attend up to 2 programs, each program's duration must not exceed 27 minutes:
Specifically:
Ethnic language special program (without news section): 1 program.
Ethnic language cultural and artistic program: 1 program.
Each contest program must be accompanied by written comments in Vietnamese (06 sets). Programs with Vietnamese subtitles are encouraged.
Singing, Choreography, Music Program: Each unit is allowed to attend a maximum of 2 shows with the duration of each program not exceeding 27 minutes. If it is a Musical Film, the duration must be no more than 42 minutes.
Television Theater: Each unit is allowed to attend a maximum of 2 shows, each program has a duration of no more than 97 minutes.
Drama: Each unit is allowed to participate in a maximum of 1 single-episode drama, 2 short drama and 1 serial drama.
The specific duration is as follows:
Single-episode Drama: no more than 105 minutes.
Short Drama: Each series has from 2 to 5 episodes, each episode must not exceed 45 minutes.
Serial Drama: Each series has from 6 to 60 episodes, each episode must not exceed 45 minutes.
There must be a summary of the main content of the drama and each episode, a list of the film crew, and send it to the Organizing Committee of each type of 06 sets to facilitate the jury's work.
Dramas with scripts adapted or adapted from foreign literary works are also allowed to compete.
== Awards ==
The National Television Festival awards Gold Prize, Silver Prize and Certificate of Merit to works in different genres. At the latest festival, the jury panels worked on 9 categories as follows:Children's Program
Documentary (single-episode in default and multi-episodes since 2018)
Reportage
Thematic or Science/Education Program
Dialogue or Talk Program
Program in Ethnic Minority Language
Singing, Choreography, Music Program
Television Theater
Drama (single-episode in default, short & serial since 2003)
Drama and Television Theater categories will have a number of individual awards for directors, scripts and actors depending on each year. Dramas with scripts adapted or adapted from foreign literary works have been allowed to participate in the competition since 2018.
In 2020, in addition to the official prizes, the Organizing Committee will award prizes for excellent works on ethnic and mountainous topics in 8 contest categories (excluding the category of Ethnic Minority Language Program). There is also a Digital Content Interaction Award for the audience to vote for the contest entries on the website VTV.vn and applications VTV News, VTVgo (except for the Television Film category).
Vietnam Film Festival
Hanoi International Film Festival
== External links ==
Official Website |
837 | 69,161 | 0 | Tết | Vietnam | Tết (Vietnamese: [tet̚˧˦], chữ Hán: 節), short for Tết Nguyên Đán (chữ Hán: 節元旦lit. 'Festival of the first day'), is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. Tết celebrates the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese calendar and usually has the date in January or February in the Gregorian calendar.
Tết Nguyên Đán is not to be confused with Tết Trung Thu, which is also known as Children's Festival in Vietnam. Tết itself only means festival but it would generally refer to the Lunar New Year in Vietnamese, as it is often seen as the most important festival amongst the Vietnamese and the Vietnamese diaspora, with Tết Trung Thu regarded as the second-most important.
Vietnamese people celebrate Tết annually, which is based on a lunisolar calendar (calculating both the motions of Earth around the Sun and of the Moon around Earth). Tết is generally celebrated on the same day as Chinese New Year (also called Spring Festival), with the one-hour time difference between Vietnam and China resulting in the new moon occurring on different days. Rarely, the dates of Vietnamese and Chinese Lunar New Year can differ as such in 1943, when Vietnam celebrated Lunar New Year, one month after China. It takes place from the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese lunar calendar (around late January or early February) until at least the third day.
Tết is also an occasion for pilgrims and family reunions. They set aside the trouble of the past year and hope for a better and happier upcoming year. This festival can also be referred to as Hội xuân in vernacular Vietnamese, (festival – lễ hội, spring – mùa xuân).
== History ==
The Lunar Year holiday was originally brought to Vietnam by the Chinese, who had formally incorporated Vietnam into their Han Dynasty empire in 111 BCE and mostly had ruled it for over 1000 years until the collapse of the Tang Dynasty in the 10th century. That historic period of Chinese rule had significantly influenced Vietnamese culture, language, and administration, as Chinese governors had attempted for complete sinicization. Vietnamese Lunar New Year today still retains a degree of the original Chinese customs such as giving of lucky money in red envelopes and use of the lunar calendar, but has also over time, evolved their own separate and unique traditions that reflect Vietnam's distinct culture and identity, which includes the Vietnamese zodiac where the Vietnamese doesn't use the Ox, Rabbit, and Sheep in the Chinese zodiac but instead replaces them with the Buffalo, Cat, and Goat, respectively, as well as traditional Vietnamese dishes.
=== Controversies ===
Most information sources state that Tết originated from the period of Chinese domination. However according to the official online newspaper of the Vietnamese government, some historical materials suggest otherwise. Tết's origins have been a subject of scholarly research for many generations.
According to researcher Toan Anh, Tết Nguyên Đán is considered the first festival of the new year, beginning at midnight with the Trừ tịch ceremony. The ceremony usually takes place between the hour of the Pig on the 30th day or, if it is a short month, on the 29th day of the lunar December, and the hour of the Rat on the 1st day of the lunar January.
Researcher Phan Cẩm Thượng, in his book Customs of Human Life, explains that the Vietnamese use the agricultural calendar or lunar calendar, which is based on the moon's rotation around the earth but also accounts for the 24 solar terms of the earth with the sun, including the four key points of the spring equinox, autumnal equinox, winter solstice, and summer solstice. Tết begins on the first day of lunar January, marking the start of a new year and a new farming cycle.
Historian Trần Văn Giáp asserts that there are many ways to divide time into months and years. From the beginning, each ethnic group had its own way of dividing months and years. According to Trần's research, Tết Nguyên Đán in Vietnam dates back to the first century AD. The origin and meaning of Tết Nguyên Đán have been prevalent since then.
According to the legend of Banh Chưng Bánh Giầy, the Vietnamese have celebrated Tết since before the time of the Hung Kings. The legend of Lang Lieu and Banh Chung also suggests that Tết existed over a thousand years before the period of Chinese domination.
Confucius and ancient Chinese texts like Jiaozhou ji mention similar festivals in the Vietnamese region, suggesting that Tết may have indigenous roots independent of Chinese influence.
Confucius wrote in the Book of Rites: I do not know what Tết is, but I have heard it is the name of a great festival of the Man people, where they dance wildly, drink alcohol, and celebrate during those days.
The 4th century chronicle Jiaozhou ji states, The people of Jiao District often gather in guilds to sing, dance, eat, and celebrate for many days to rejoice in a new planting season. Not only the farmers but all the household members of the nobility and chieftains also participate in this festival.
== Name ==
The name Tết is a shortening of Tết Nguyên Đán, literally written as tết (meaning festivals; only used in festival names) and nguyên đán which means the first day of the year. Both words come from Sino-Vietnamese respectively, 節 (SV: tiết) and 元旦.
The word for festival is usually lễ hội, a Sino-Vietnamese word, 禮會.
== Customs ==
Vietnamese people usually return to their families during Tết. Some return to worship at the family altar or visit the graves of their ancestors in their homeland. They also clear up the graves of their families as a sign of respect. Although Tết is a national holiday among all Vietnamese, each region and religion has its own customs.
Many Vietnamese prepare for Tết by cooking special holiday food and doing house cleaning. These foods include bánh tét, bánh chưng, bánh dày, canh khổ qua, thịt kho hột vịt, dried young bamboo soup (canh măng), giò, and xôi (sticky rice). Many customs and traditions are practiced during Tết, such as visiting a person's house on the first day of the new year (xông nhà), ancestor veneration, exchanging New Year's greetings, giving lucky money to children and elderly people, opening a shop, visiting relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Tết can be divided into three time periods, tất niên (celebrations before the end of the year), giao thừa (New Year's Eve), and năm mới (the New Year), representing the preparation before Tết, the eve of Tết, and the days of and following Tết, respectively.
=== New Year in Tết ===The first day of Tết is reserved for the nuclear family. Children receive red envelopes containing money from their elders. This tradition is called mừng tuổi (happy age) in the North region and lì xì in the South region. Usually, children wear their new clothes and give their elders the traditional Tết greetings before receiving money. Wearing red clothing during Tết is common as it is associated with good luck. Since the Vietnamese believe that the first visitor who a family receives in the year determines their fortune for the entire year, people never enter any house on the first day without being invited first. The verb of being the first person to enter a house at Tết is xông đất, xông nhà, or đạp đất, which is one of the most important customs during Tết. According to Vietnamese tradition, if good things come to a family on the first day of the lunar New Year, the entire following year will also be full of blessings. Usually, a person of good temper, morality, and success will be a lucky sign for the host family and be first invited into his house. However, just to be safe, the owner of the house will leave the house a few minutes before midnight and come back just as the clock strikes midnight to prevent anyone else from entering the house first who might potentially bring any unfortunate events in the new year, to the household. This is a common practice done by many families.
Sweeping during Tết is taboo, it is xui or rủi (unlucky), since it symbolizes sweeping the luck away; that is why they clean before the new year. It is also taboo for anyone who experienced a recent loss of a family member to visit anyone else during Tết.
It is important to retain harmony within the household during the first three days of Tết. Engaging in conflict, arguments, or exhibiting any feelings of anger and hatred may bring upon bad luck for the upcoming year.
During subsequent days, people visit relatives and friends. Traditionally but not strictly, the second day of Tết is usually reserved for friends, while the third day is for teachers, who command respect in Vietnam. Students in Vietnam are usually given a one-week long break from school to celebrate Tết. Local Buddhist temples are popular spots because people like to give donations and get their fortunes told during Tết. Children are free to spend their new money on toys or on gambling games such as bầu cua cá cọp, which can be found in the streets. Prosperous families can pay for dragon dancers to perform at their house. Also, public performances are given for everyone to watch.
=== Traditional celebrations ===
These celebrations can last from a day up to the entire week, and the New Year is filled with people in the streets trying to make as much noise as possible using firecrackers, drums, bells, gongs, and anything they can think of to ward off evil spirits. This parade will also include different masks and dancers hidden under the guise of what is known as the múa lân or lion dancing. The lân is an animal between a lion and a dragon and is the symbol of strength in the Vietnamese culture that is used to scare away evil spirits. After the parade, families, and friends come together to have a feast of traditional Vietnamese dishes and share the happiness and joy of the New Year with one another. This is also the time when the elders will hand out red envelopes with money to the children for good luck in exchange for Tết greetings.
It is also a tradition to pay off debts before the Vietnamese New Year for some Vietnamese families.
=== Decorations ===Traditionally, each family displays cây nêu, an artificial New Year tree consisting of a bamboo pole 5–6 m (16–20 ft) long. The top end is usually decorated with many objects, depending on the locality, including good luck charms, origami fish, cactus branches, and more.
At Tết, every house is usually decorated by Yellow Apricot blossoms (hoa mai) in the central and southern parts of Vietnam, peach blossoms (hoa đào) in the northern part of Vietnam, or St. John's wort (hoa ban) in the mountain areas. In the north, some people (especially the elite in the past) also decorate their house with plum blossoms (also called hoa mơ in Vietnamese but referring to a totally different species from mickey-mouse blossoms). In the north or central, the kumquat tree is a popular decoration for the living room during Tết. Its many fruits symbolize fertility and fruitfulness which the family hopes in the coming year.
Vietnamese people also decorate their homes with Hòn non bộ and flowers such as chrysanthemums (hoa cúc), marigolds (vạn thọ) symbolizing longevity, cockscombs (mào gà) in southern Vietnam, and paperwhites (thủy tiên) and orchids (hoa lan) in northern Vietnam. In the past, there was a tradition where people tried to make their paperwhites bloom on the day of the observance.
They also hung up Đông Hồ paintings and thư pháp calligraphy pictures.
== Greetings ==The traditional greetings are Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (祝𢜠𢆥㵋, Happy New Year) and Cung Chúc Tân Xuân, (恭祝新春, gracious wishes of the new spring). People also wish each other prosperity and luck. Common wishes for Tết include the following:Sống lâu trăm tuổi: (𤯩𥹰𤾓歲, Live long for a hundred years!): used by children for elders. Traditionally, everyone is considered one year older on Tết, so children would wish their grandparents' health and longevity in exchange for mừng tuổi (𢜠歲) or lì xì (利市 SV: lợi thị).
An khang thịnh vượng: (安康盛旺, Security, good health, and prosperity)
Vạn sự như ý: (萬事如意, May things go your way)
Sức khỏe dồi dào: (飭劸洡𤁠, Plenty of health!)
Làm ăn tấn tới: (爫咹晉𬧐, Be successful at work!)
Tiền vô như nước: (錢𠓺如渃, May money flow in like water!). Used informally.
Cung hỉ phát tài: (恭喜發財, Congratulations and best wishes for a prosperous New Year!)
Năm mới thắng lợi mới: (𢆥㵋勝利㵋, New year, new triumphs!; often heard in political speeches)
Chúc hay ăn chóng lớn: (祝𫨩咹𢶢𡘯, Eat well, grow quick!; aimed at children)
Năm mới thăng quan tiến chức: (𢆥㵋陞官進織, I wish for you to be promoted in the new year!)
Năm mới toàn gia bình an: (𢆥㵋全家平安, I wish that the new year will bring health and peace to your family!)
Mừng xuân Di-lặc: (𢜠春彌勒, Happy Spring of Maitreya!). Used by Buddhists.
Mừng xuân an lạc: (𢜠春安樂, Happy peaceful joyful spring!). Used by Buddhists.
Chúc mừng Chúa Xuân: (祝𢜠主春, Praise the Lord of Spring!). Used by Catholics.
== Food ==In the Vietnamese language, to celebrate Tết is to ăn Tết, literally meaning eat Tết, showing the importance of food in its celebration. Some of the food is also eaten year-round, while other dishes are only eaten during Tết. Also, some of the food is vegetarian since it is believed to be good luck to eat vegetarian on Tết. Some traditional foods on Tết include the following:
Bánh chưng and bánh tét: essentially tightly packed sticky rice with meat or bean fillings wrapped in dong leaves (Phrynium placentarium). When these leaves are unavailable, banana leaves can be used as a substitute. One difference between them is their shape. Bánh chưng is the square-shaped one to represent the Earth, while bánh tét is cylindrical to represent the moon. Also, bánh chưng is more popular in the northern parts of Vietnam, bánh tét is more popular in the south. Preparation can take days. After molding them into their respective shapes (the square shape is achieved using a wooden frame), they are boiled for several hours to cook. The story of their origins and their connection with Tết is often recounted to children while cooking them overnight.
Mứt: These dried candied fruits are rarely eaten at any time besides Tết.
Kẹo dừa: coconut candy
Kẹo mè xửng: peanut brittle with sesame seeds or peanuts
Cầu sung dừa đủ xoài: In southern Vietnam, popular fruits used for offerings at the family altar in fruit arranging art are the custard-apple/sugar-apple/soursop (mãng cầu), coconut (dừa), goolar fig (sung), papaya (đu đủ), and mango (xoài), since they sound like cầu sung vừa đủ xài ([We] pray for enough [money/resources/funds/goods/etc.] to use) in the southern dialect of Vietnamese.
Thịt kho nước dừa: Meaning meat stewed in coconut juice, is a traditional dish of pork belly and medium boiled eggs stewed in a broth-like sauce made overnight of young coconut juice and nước mắm. It is often eaten with pickled bean sprouts and chives, and white rice.
Xôi gấc: a red sticky rice made from gac fruit, typically paired with chả lụa (the most common type of sausage in Vietnamese cuisine, made of pork and traditionally wrapped in banana leaves).
== Forms of entertainment ==People enjoy traditional games during Tết, including bầu cua cá cọp, cờ tướng, ném còn, chọi trâu, and đá gà. They also participate in some competitions presenting their knowledge, strength, and aestheticism, such as the bird competition and ngâm thơ competition.
Fireworks displays have also become a traditional part of a Tết celebration in Vietnam. During New Year's Eve, fireworks displays at major cities, such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, are broadcast through multiple national and local TV channels, accompanied by New Year wishes of the incumbent president. In 2017 only, fireworks displays were prohibited due to political and financial reasons. In 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most provinces and cities canceled the fireworks displays; instead, the displays were only held in Hanoi and several provinces with public gatherings prohibited. In 2022, due to the aforementioned pandemic, all provinces canceled the firework displays due to financial reasons. In Australia, Canada & the United States, there are fireworks displays at many of its festivals, although in 2021 they were either held virtually or canceled. In the United States, a popular show that many individuals engage in is Paris by Night.
Gặp nhau cuối năm (Year-end meet) is a nationally known satirical theatrical comedy show, broadcast on VTV on New Year's Eve.
== Dates in the Vietnamese calendar ==From 2020 to 2043.
== Music ==
In the weeks leading up to Tet, celebratory songs are played throughout Vietnam. One song, Ngày Tết Quê Em (Tet in My Homeland) was released by Linh Trang and Xuan Mai in 2006. It was on the album Xuân Mai và Thiếu Nhi Cali 2 Hội chợ Cali. The song can be heard playing in many public places across the country.
The song summarizes some of the main Tet traditions. During Tet, it is traditional for Vietnamese people to travel to their hometowns, hence the lyrics “People traveling here and there.”
Typically, there are large fireworks displays in most major cities. Prior to 1995, it was customary to use firecrackers at individual homes; however, the government banned the production and use of these fireworks due to fatal accidents. In December 2020 a regulation was passed that allows “anyone aged 18 and older with legal capacity” to purchase sparklers for special occasions. The regulations went into effect on January 11, 2020.
While the song is not inherently religious, it does reference pagodas, a tiered tower used by Buddhists and Taoists for worship. Many Buddhist altars are set up in the weeks leading up to Tet.
The line “If you’re a farmer, you’ll gain more” refers to beliefs held by many Vietnamese people about the effects the new year will bring on agriculture. Tet symbolizes the start of the spring season. Farmers traditionally use this time as an opportunity to remember the gods of harvest. The next line, “If you’re dealers, you’ll earn more” refers to the amount of work retailers do in order to be prepared for the surge of shopping in preparation for the holiday.
List of Buddhist festivals
Celebrations of the Lunar New Year in other parts of Asia:
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Korean New Year (Seollal)
Japanese New Year (Shōgatsu)
Mongolian New Year (Tsagaan Sar)
Tibetan New Year (Losar)
Similar Asian Lunisolar New Year celebrations that occur in April:
Burmese New Year (Thingyan)
Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Lao New Year (Pii Mai)
Bengali New Year (Pahela Baisakh)
Sri Lankan New Year (Aluth Avuruddu)
Thai New Year (Songkran)
== External links ==Tet Nguyen Dan: The Vietnamese New Year - Queens Botanical Garden
Vietnamese New Year customs
Tet Holiday
Vietnamese calendar rules - Hồ Ngọc Đức, Leipzig University.
Tết - Vietnamese Lunar New Year Traditions
Tet Festival Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA
Tet on Phu Quoc Island on Vietnam's largest island
Tết Festival - San Francisco
Vietnamese New Year – Learn about the traditions and customs of the Tet Holiday |
838 | 15,696,736 | 0 | Tết Đoan Ngọ | Vietnam | Tết Đoan Ngọ is the Vietnamese version of Chinese Duanwu festival (literally: Tết: festival, Đoan: the start/straight/middle/righteousness/just, Ngọ: at noon (from 11 am to 1 pm). Đoan Ngọ is the moment that the sun is the most near the earth and this day often is The middle day of summer (Hạ chí). In Vietnam, this day is also the death anniversary of National Mother Âu Cơ.
Compared to Cantonese Chinese term dyun eng (which is duan wu in Mandarin Chinese) ngo/eng/wu all refer to the ancient Chinese calendar term: the seventh of the twelve Earthly Branches, which was a component for determining time based on a series of 60 years (just as today we refer to 100 year periods as centuries).) Ngo/eng/wu refers to the sun at noon.Tết Đoan Dương (Dương: yang) - yang being sun
Tết Trùng Ngũ (Trùng: double, Ngũ: the fifth),
Tết Đoan Ngũ, Tết Trùng Nhĩ or Tết Nửa Năm (Nửa Năm: a half of a year) is a festival celebrated at noon on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This day is the day around the time when the tail of the Great Bear points directly to the south, that is, around the time of the summer solstice. At this time, the universe brings the greatest amount of yang or maleness in the entire year. Therefore, creatures and people must become stronger in both their health and their souls to overcome this.
== Traditions ==
Rượu nếp, a sticky rice wine, is traditionally eaten on this holiday. Bánh tro, a kind of bánh lá, is used during this holiday with hard-boiled eggs. Bánh tro is considered as cool, symbolized yin because it includes vegetable ash water as an ingredient. Bánh tro is a perfect match with extreme hot day like May 5 in the lunar year.
== Modern festival ==
On the occasion of Tết Đoan Ngọ, there is Festival of Delicious Fruit celebrated in Chợ Lách, Bến Tre Province with activities: fruit competition, fruit arrangement competition and fruit crop competition.
At this time, there is also Festival of Southern Fruit celebrated in Suối Tiên amusement park, Ho Chi Minh city.
Dano (Korean festival)
Duanwu Festival
Kodomo no hi |
839 | 4,042,757 | 0 | Tết Trung Thu | Vietnam | Tết Trung Thu (chữ Hán: 節中秋) is a traditional Vietnamese festival held from the night of the 14th to the end of the 15th of the 8th lunar month (Rằm tháng Tám, chữ Nôm: 𠄻躺渗). Despite its Chinese origin, the festival has recently evolved into a children's festival (Tết Thiếu Nhi), also known as Tết Trông Trăng, Tết Đoàn Viên or Tết Hoa Đăng. Children look forward to this day because they are often given toys by adults, typically including a star lamp, a mask, a kéo quân lamp, and a tò he (edible toy figurines), and eat bánh trung thu (mooncakes - bánh nướng and bánh dẻo). People organize a feast to watch the Moon and when the Moon is high, children sing and dance while watching the full moon. In some places, people also organize lion dances or dragon dances for the children to enjoy.
== Origins ==Tết Trung Thu originated from Chinese culture, with three main legends that are associated with the festival: the story of Chang'e and Hou Yi, Emperor Tang Ming Huang's ascent to the moon in China, and the story of Uncle Cuội of Vietnam.
The Chinese have celebrated the harvest during the autumn full moon since the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE). The term mid-autumn (中秋) first appeared in Rites of Zhou, a written collection of rituals from the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE). The celebration as a festival only started to gain popularity during the early Tang dynasty (618–907 CE). One legend explains that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang started to hold formal celebrations in his palace after exploring the Moon Palace.
According to Phan Kế Bính in the book of Việt Nam phong tục, the custom of hanging lights to display the feast was due to the ancient scriptures about Emperor Tang Ming Huang. On the emperor's birthday, he would order people to hang lights everywhere and arrange a party to celebrate, and it has since become a custom.
The tradition of lantern processions dates back to the Song Dynasty, due to a story that during the reign of Emperor Song Renzong in China, a carp transformed into a monster, and every night the Moon appeared to turn into a girl to harm people. In response, Bao Gong, a new official ordered the folk to make a fish lamp like the carp's image and bring it out to play in the street. This aimed to scare the monster so that it would not dare harm the people.
Phan Kế Bính also stated that the custom of trống quân singing dates back to the reign of Emperor Quang Trung - Nguyễn Huệ, when he brought troops to the North. Many soldiers were homesick. To lift up their spirits and alleviate their homesickness, Nguyễn Huệ presented a way for both sides to pretend to be boys and girls, singing and responding to each other. This was accompanied by a drum beat, hence the name trống quân (military drum).
== Activities and customs ==Children's toys in Tết Trung Thu are made of paper and shaped like creatures such as butterflies, mantises, elephants, horses, unicorns, lions, dragons, deer, shrimps, and fish. During the evenings of the festival, children play tug and catch, and have a procession of lanterns, lions, drums, and Thanh la, a percussion instrument.
In the evening when the full moon has just risen, people buy moon cakes, tea, and wine to worship their ancestors. Also on this day, people often give mooncakes, fruits, tea and wine to their grandparents, parents, teachers, friends, relatives and other benefactors. The Chinese often organize dragon dances during Tết Trung Thu, while the Vietnamese do lion dances. The lion symbolizes luck and prosperity and is a good omen for all families. In the past, Vietnamese people also held trống quân singing and hung lanterns in kéo quân during the festival. The drums are sung to the rhythm of three thình, thùng, thình.
According to Vietnamese customs, during Tết Trung Thu, adults arrange parties for children to celebrate and buy or make various candle-lit lanterns to hang in the house and let the children participate in lantern processions. Tết Trung Thu celebrations often includes moon cakes, candies, sugar cane, grapefruit and other fruits.
=== Lantern procession ===
In some rural areas, where neighbors have closer relationships, people often organize so children can carry lanterns together through villages, hamlets and neighborhoods on the Tết Trung Thu night. Lantern festivals can be initiated by the local government or by youth groups in the village. Participants compete to have the largest or prettiest lanterns in the procession. In Phan Thiết (Bình Thuận), a large-scale lantern procession was held with thousands of elementary and junior high school students marching through the streets. This festival was set as the largest record in Vietnam. It is a traditional mid-autumn lantern procession festival dating back hundreds of years, and the scale of the festival in Phan Thiết increases every year, but also becomes more commercial. In Tuyên Quang, there is also a large lantern procession festival, fully mobilized from the creativity of the people, from village to village, which has not been commercialized.
=== Lion dance ===Lion dance is usually held before the Tết Trung Thu, with the most busiest nights being the fifteenth and sixteenth nights.
=== Party ===Typically, the focus of Tết Trung Thu celebratory food is a dog is made of grapefruit cloves, with two black beans attached as eyes. Surrounding the dog, there are fruits and cakes, like bánh nướng (baked mooncakes), bánh dẻo (sticky rice mooncakes) or vegetarian cakes, which are usually in the shape of a mother pig with a herd of chubby piglets, or carp. Grapefruit seeds are usually peeled and skewered on steel wires, dried for 2–3 weeks before the full moon, and on the Tết Trung Thu night, the strings of grapefruit seeds are displayed. The typical fruit and food elements of this occasion are bananas, nuggets, apricots, red and blue pickled persimmons, daisies, and grapefruit. The feast begins when the moon reaches the zenith.
The custom of looking at the Moon is associated with the legend of Uncle Cuội, who found his precious banyan tree uprooted and flying into the sky one day. Clinging to the tree roots, he flew to the Moon with the tree. Looking up at the Moon, one can see a clear black spot in the shape of an old tree with people sitting under it, and children believe that it is a picture of Uncle Cuội sitting at the base of a banyan tree.
=== Toys ===Masks, lion lights, star lights and lion heads are the most popular toys during the festival. Previously in the North, during the Bao cấp period (1976 - 1986), toys for children during the Tết Trung Thu were very rare. Families often made their own toys such as bỏi drums, lanterns, monk lamps, star lamps, kéo quân lamps, masks, tò he, toy ship models, and pinwheels for children in the family. Masks are usually made of paperboard or cardboard, featuring children's favorite characters at that time, including lion heads, Ông Địa, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, or Baigujing. Today, most toys in Vietnam come from China, and the masks are often made of thin plastic.
==== Lanterns ====In the Southern of Vietnam, the two cities of Hội An and Saigon are famous throughout the country for the craft of making decorative lanterns and paper lanterns used during Tết Trung Thu. According to Văn Công Lý, the lantern making industry in Hội An traces back to an ancestor called Xã Đường. The uniqueness of Hội An lanterns lies in their diverse shapes, designs, and sizes. Lanterns can be covered with Hà Đông silk rather than paper to make the light more magical and shimmering.
In Saigon, the largest center for the production of Trung Thu lanterns in South Vietnam has been Phú Bình in District 11 since before 1975, supplying the whole region's lanterns. This originated with a migrant community in 1954, originally from Báo Đáp village in Nam Định province. The Northern village is famous for its dyeing industry. When coming to the South, people still continued dyeing, weaving and making shoes. After 1975, Phú Bình, situated in the Phú Trung ward of Tân Phú district and Ward 5 of District 11 in Ho Chi Minh City, is approximately half a kilometer away from the Đầm Sen tourist area. At first, when settling in the South, Phú Bình only specialized in producing simple Tết Trung Thu lanterns, such as flute lanterns, fish lanterns, and star lanterns, for students to have fun on the holiday night.
From 1960 to 1975, Phú Bình annually produced more than half a million mid-autumn lanterns, supplying all provinces from Bến Hải to Cà Mau. After 1975, the people in the area reverted to their old jobs. In 1994, the Vietnamese market experienced a significant influx of Chinese lanterns, which impacted the demand for Phú Bình's traditional lanterns. The Chinese lanterns appealed to consumers with new styles, convenience in the wind, and cheaper price. Consequently, the popularity of Chinese lanterns adversely affected the livelihoods of Phú Bình residents, leading to economic difficulties and hardship.
In the Vietnamese market, the technology industry dedicated to produce toys for children on the occasion of the Tết Trung Thu has created jobs and profits for many small and medium enterprises. This is due to the use of common materials, simple technology, and little capital. After a period of Chinese toys dominating the market, Vietnamese lantern production recovered in 2006 and started to reoccupy the domestic market.
=== Mooncakes ===From traditional to modern variations, moon cakes have become increasingly diverse as manufacturers get creative in using different ingredients and foods into the filling, stamping cakes into various designs, and designing creative packaging for them. However, based on the recipe for making the crust, there are two main types of bánh trung thu (lit. 'mid-autumn cake'): bánh nướng (baked cakes) and bánh dẻo (sticky rice cakes).
==== Bánh nướng ====
Bánh nướng are made with a crust of flour and a little oil. Sugar to mix into the crust is usually cooked with malt for the amber color and so they can be preserved for as long as possible (usually after the Tết Trung Thu, bakers cook sugar water and store it until the next season to use). In the past, in Vietnam, the filling for mooncakes was usually mixed, with a little bit of lime leaves, fatty meat, jam, melon seeds, and sausages.
After shaping the cakes by pressing a mold with the desired designs, the cakes are put in the oven. The baking process is divided into two stages of which about two-thirds of the baking time is the first stage. After that, the cakes are unloaded, cooled, covered with egg yolk and then baked for the remaining third of the time.
==== Bánh dẻo ====
Traditionally, sticky rice mooncakes are made with a shell of roasted and finely ground glutinous rice flour, boiled and cooled white sugar water (in contrast with baked mooncakes, malt is not used), and juice from pomelo flowers. The filling is made from various cooked foods and ingredients. The cake is molded and pressed, and can be eaten immediately without needing to be baked in an oven.
=== Singing Trống quân ===
Tết Trung Thu in the North also has the custom of singing trống quân. The male and female sides sing and respond to each other, while beating on a barbed wire or steel wire stretched on an empty barrel, popping out thình thùng thình sounds as the rhythm for the song. Songs are used to sing along with the rhyme are sometimes improvised. The confrontation in the drum singing sessions is fun and sometimes difficult because of the puzzles.
=== Gift-giving ===
During Tết Trung Thu, people often give gifts to each other, usually boxes of cakes, lanterns, clothes, money. Agencies and businesses also give gifts to customers and employees, sometimes even buying mooncake trucks. Many companies have thousands of workers and thus order thousands of boxes of mooncakes with generous commissions calculated on the total amount of mooncakes consumed. In 2006, an estimated 6,500-6,800 tons of mooncakes were consumed, with consumers having spent more than 800 billion VND for about 7 million boxes. Boxes of mooncakes were expensive, making them unaffordable for the poor.
Adults typically give gifts to individuals who are considered their superiors (such as their parents and work superiors), people in need, teachers, neighbors, friends, and children within their household. The value of the gift often corresponds to the importance of the recipient, meaning that gifts for individuals with higher positions or relationships may be of higher value. The act of giving Tết Trung Thu gifts has become a common practice as living conditions improve, especially after the Đổi Mới reform period in Vietnam.
For businesses or individuals, not giving Tết Trung Thu gifts can be seen as negligent or shameful, making it a significant expense. The cost of giving gifts is usually spent from the cash received from guests. Many people prefer to use agency funds to take advantage of high commission and discounts offered by bakeries, potentially up to 35%.
Giving expensive Tết Trung Thu gifts is considered a graceful gesture for adults. Many people use this occasion as an opportunity to exchange gifts with officials. Elaborate boxes of moon cakes with gold and dollar filling are often given to officials, and gift-giving during the Tết Trung Thu has become a customary practice.
=== Moon viewing ===
On the night of Tết Trung Thu, people often gather to watch the Moon as it is considered the prime time for Moon viewing.
== Tết Trung Thu in literature and art ==
=== Poetry about Tết Trung Thu ===
The poet Tản Đà mentioned the Tết Trung with the following verses:Poet Nguyễn Du also mentioned the festival in his poem The Tale of Kiều:
=== Songs about Tết Trung Thu ===
Musician Lê Thương wrote a song about this topic, Thằng Cuội. Musician Ngọc Lễ has a piece titled Cắc tùng cắc tùng about the Tết Trung Thu for children.
List of harvest festivals
Tết Nguyên Đán
Tết Đoan Ngọ
Tsukimi, the Japanese autumn harvest festival held on the same day
Chuseok, the Korean autumn harvest festival held on the same day
Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Moon-observance festival held on the same day
== External links ==
Tết Trung Thu at Encyclopedic Dictionary of Vietnam |
846 | 23,118,451 | 0 | List of festivals in Nepal | Nepal |
== Main festivals ==
Nepal stands as a unique example of a secular and multicultural nation where diverse festivals are joyfully celebrated within communities. In Nepal, individuals of varying religious backgrounds coexist in the same neighborhoods and societies, fostering a spirit of unity as they come together to share in the celebrations of a multitude of festivals, thus sharing their joys, happiness, and sorrows as a harmonious whole.
=== Dashain ===Dashain (Nepali: दशैं; Daśãi, also Baḍādaśhãin बडादशैं or Bijayā Daśamī Nepali: बिजया दशमी) is the 15-day-long festival and holidays of Nepal. It is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese Hindu people throughout the globe. It is not only the longest festival of the country, but also the one which is most anticipated. As one of the popular countries, Nepal has its Hindu festival as Dashain. The festival falls in September or October, starting from the shukla paksha (bright lunar fortnight) of the month of Ashvin and ending on purnima, the full moon. Among the 10 days for which it is celebrated, the most important days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth and the tenth, but tenth day is very important
Throughout the country Shakti is worshiped in all her manifestations. This festival is also known for its emphasis on the family gatherings, as well as on a renewal of community ties. People return from all parts of the world, as well as different parts of the country, to celebrate together. All government offices, educational institutions and other private offices remain closed during the festival and holidays period.
Significance
Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
For followers of Shaktism, it represents the bare victory of the goddess, Shakti. In Hindu mythology, the demon Mahishasura had created terror in the devaloka (the world where gods live ) but Durga killed the demon. The first nine days of Dashain symbolizes the battle which took place between the different manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura. The tenth day is the day when Durga finally defeated him. For other Hindus, this festival symbolizes the victory of Rama over Ravana as recounted in the Ramayana.
In Nepal all Hindu ethnic groups celebrate this festival with their own variation. Among the Newars, it is known as Swanti. The festival is celebrated from Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna to Kartik Shukla Dwitiya every year. Tihar in general signifies the festival of lights, where diyas are lit both inside and outside the houses to make it illuminate at night. The five-day festival is considered to be of great importance as it shows reverence to not just the humans and the Gods, but also to the animals such as crow, cow and dog, who maintain an intense relationship with the humans. People make patterns on the floor of living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals outside of their house, called Rangoli which is meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities.
During the celebrations gamblers are found in the streets and some gamblers are known to make extreme bets such as staking their properties and some times their own daughters and wives' jewelry.
=== Tihar ===
Tihar (Nepali: तिहार; also known as Deepawali and Yamapanchak or Swanti (Newar: स्वन्ती:)), is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal. Tihar is analogous to the Indian festival of Diwali, the festival of lights, but with some significant differences. Like with Diwali, Tihar is marked by lighting diyas inside and outside the home but unlike the Indian festival, the five days of Tihar include celebration and worship of the four creatures associated with the Hindu god of death Yama, with the final day reserved for people themselves. According to the Vikram Samvat calendar, the festival begins with Kaag (crow) Tihar on Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha (the 13th day of the waning moon) and ends with Bhai (brother) Tika on Dwitiya of Kartik Sukla Paksha every year. In the Gregorian calendar, the festival falls sometime between October and November every year. In the Year 2023 A.D(2080 B.S), Tihar Starts From 11th November or 25th Of Kartik and ends on 15th November or 29th of Kartik. It is celebrated over Yamaraj taking the time out of his job over ruling his world and meeting his own sister, Yamuna.
=== Bhai Tika [Part of Tihar] ===
On the fifth day of Yamapanchak, as part of the Tihar Festival, men visit the house of their sister's, where sister put a tika or mark on his forehead and a garland around his neck. Sisters pray for long and prosperous life of their brothers. The men then touches the feet of their sisters and whereby grand meal (Sel roti, sweetmeats and other enjoyable things to eat) is served by sisters to brothers in their house . In return she receives a gift of money, clothes or ornaments etc.
== Other festivals ==
=== Chhath ===In context of Nepal, Chhath (Nepali: छठ, छठी, छठ
पर्व, छठ पुजा, डाला छठ, डाला पुजा,
सुर्य षष्ठी) is a festival of the Terai region of Nepal celebrated by the Nepalese people of Tharus, indigenous Bhojpuriyas, Maithils and other Madhesi ethnic groups in all the major parts of Nepal including Kathmandu, the capital city of the country. In modern days, Chhath is even celebrated in hills by the Pahari people. The government of Nepal declares the Public holidays all over Nepal during the Chhath festivals. It is a Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya (ancient Vedic Goddess Usha). The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes.
The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath festival to promote well-being, prosperity and progress. In Hinduism, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun.
=== Biska Jatra ===Biska Jatra (Biska Jatra) is an annually celebrated festival of Bhaktapur celebrated in the new year of Bikram Sambat. Different idols of gods and goddesses are placed in their chariot called kha and are taken to different parts of Bhaktapur. It is the second biggest festival of the people of Bhaktapur after Dashain. It is celebrated for more than a week in Bhaktapur. Grand feasts are organized in different parts of Bhaktapur. Similarly, in Madhyapur Thimi (a part of Bhaktapur) people celebrate this festival by smearing colors in each others. Another part of Thimi named Bode celebrates this festival with tongue-piercing of the resident belonging to a Shrestha family. Biska Jatra is also celebrated in places like Dhulikhel, Khadpu, Sanga and Tokha.
=== Bajra Yogini Jatra ===
Bajra Yogini was originally celebrated by Buddhists but is also celebrated by Hindus on the 3rd of Baisakh. Her temple, Kharg yogini, is found at Manichur mountain, near Sankhu. During the week-long festival, a fire is burned in the vicinity of the temple near an image of a human head. An image of the goddess is placed in a khat (a wooden shrine) and carried through the town by the men. The famous festival Bajrayogini Fair is celebrated in Full-Moon Day. Inside the temple, the god is of red color having three eyes.
=== Siti Jatra ===
The Siti Jatra takes place on the 21st of Jeth, on the banks of the Bisnumati, between Kathmandu and Swoyambhunath. The people feast and afterwards divide into two teams to contest a stone throwing competition. The match was once a serious affair and anybody who was knocked down or captured by the other party was sacrificed to the goddess Kankeshwari. In modern times, however. it is a light hearted affair, mostly among the children.
=== Gatha Mu Ga: or Ghanta Karn ===
This festival refers to the celebration of the expulsion of a Rakshasa or demon from the country, held on the 14th of Sawan. The Newars make a straw figure which they beat and drag around the streets. The figures are burned at sunset. On the same day people also wear iron metal as a belief to keep themselves away from demons.
=== Pancha Dan ===
The festival is celebrated twice a year, on the 8th of Sawan and the 13th of Bhadon. The Banras, priests of the Newar Buddhists visit each house and receive a small offering of grain or rice to commemorate their ancestors who were not permitted to trade. The Newars decorate their shops and houses with pictures and flowers and the women sit with large baskets of rice and grain to dispense to the Banras. it is celebrated at late night.
=== Janai Purnima ===
The Janai Purnima also known as Rakshyabandhan festival takes place on the full moon day of Shrawan i.e. Shrawan Purnima every year. In the year of 2080, it falls on 14th of Bhadra. It is celebrated by Hindus and other Hindu related religions like Buddhist, Jain, belonging to aumkaar (ॐ कार) family. The Buddhist bath in sacred streams and visit their temples and the Brahman priests offer an ornamental thread to the wrists of their followers and in return receive gifts. Many pilgrims visit Gosainkunda and bath at the sacred lake. Mainly the people of Brahmin and chettri community change the sacred around their neck.
=== Nag Panchami ===Nag Panchami takes place on the 5th of Shrawan to commemorate the battle between Nag and Garur. The stone image of Garur at Changu Narayan is said to perspire during the festival and priests are sent to wipe the perspiration off with a handkerchief. They later present it to the king and water is used to make it into a snake bite remedy, despite the fact that there are few snakes inhabiting Nepal. There is a belief that nag panchami is the day of welcoming the other festivals in the Nepal.
=== Krishna Janmashtami ===
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the 8th of Bhadon, in memory of Lord Krishna. Shops and houses are adorned in celebration.
=== Losar ===
Losar or Lochhar is the festival celebrated by Tamang, Gurung, Sherpa and other Himalayan communities of Nepal. Sonam Lhosar is celebrated by the Tamangs, Gyalpo Lhosar by the Sherpas and Tamu Lhosar is celebrated by the Gurungs.
=== Gai Jatra/Saa: Paru ===Gai Jatra is a Newar festival held in the month of Bhadra. Newars who have lost loved ones during the year traditionally disguised themselves as cows and danced around the palace of the king. However, in modern times, the ceremony is performed only as a masked dance with the singing of songs. Gaijatra, the festival of cows, (gai means cow and jatra means festival in Nepali: गाईजात्रा, and Nepal Bhasa: सापारु) is celebrated in Nepal, mainly in Kathmandu valley by the Newars. It is also a grand festival in Jumla, celebrated by people of all caste . The festival commemorates the death of people during the year. During the festival, cows are marched in the streets and generally celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (August–September).
It falls on the 1st day of the dark fortnight of Gunla according to the lunar Nepal Era calendar. Peoples also distributes food to others. The festival of cows is one of the most popular festivals of Nepal.
The whole complex of Gaijatra festival has its roots in the ancient ages when people feared and worshiped Yamaraj, the god of death. However, the ironic sessions synonymous with the Gaijatra festival entered the tradition in the medieval period of Nepal during the reign of the Malla Kings. Hence, the present form of Gaijatra is a happy blending of antiquity and the medieval era.
According to the traditions since time immemorial, every family who has lost one relative during the past year must participate in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu leading a cow. If a cow is unavailable then a young boy dressed as a cow is considered a fair substitute.
In Hinduism, a cow is regarded as the most venerated among all the domestic animals. It is believed that the cow, revered as a holy animal by Hindus, will help the deceased relative's journey to heaven.
According to the historical evidence, when King Pratap Malla lost his son, his wife, the queen, remained grief-stricken. The king was very sad to see the condition of his beloved queen. The king, in spite of several efforts, could not lessen the grief of his wife. He desperately wanted to see a little smile on the lips of his sweetheart, and so he announced that anyone who made the queen laugh would be rewarded adequately.
During the festival of Gaijatra, the cow procession was brought before the grief-stricken queen. Then the participants began ridiculing and be-fooling the important people of the society. Finally, when the social injustices and other evils were highlighted and attacked mercilessly, the queen could not help but smile. The queen laughed and the king instituted a tradition of including jokes, satire, mockery and lampoon into the Gaijatra celebration.
After the procession is over, in the afternoon, nearly everyone takes part in another age-old tradition in which the participants dress up and wear masks. The occasion is filled with songs and jokes. Mockery and humor of every kind become the order of the day until late evening. Hence, Gaijatra is a healthy festival which enables the people to accept the reality of death and to prepare themselves for life after death. According to Hinduism, whatever a man does in his life is a preparation leading to a good life after death.
=== Bagh Jatra ===
This festival takes place on the 2nd of Bhadra. Dancers once dressed up in tiger costumes but today it is merely a repetition of the Gai Jatra festival.
=== Indra Jatra ===
The Indra Jatra festival begins on the 26th of Bhadra and lasts for eight days. This festival is held in early to mid September and marks the end of the rainy season. On the first day a lofty wooden post is erected before the king's palace or at other Durbar sites and dancers from all across Nepal perform with masks. If an earthquake ever occurred on the opening day of the festival this was considered a bad omen and the festival would have to be restarted.
On the third day, young virgins are brought before the king and worshiped and then carried through Kathmandu, mounted on oars. The highlight is parading the Kumari Devi (living god) through Kathmandu on a special chariot built just this purpose. The chariots are parked outside the Kumar Devi's house at the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
=== Mohani Nakha ===Mohani Nakha corresponds to Dashain and is one of the year's grandest celebrations for the Newars. The event involves family gatherings and outdoor functions, and lasts ten days.The Newar People plant Barley seedlings [Nal:Swa] on first day of dashain. The seedlings are workshipped and grown for the next seven days. On the day of asthami, the newar families get together and have newari grand feast including varieties of food which is called kuchhibhvaya.On the ninth day[Navami] there is tradition to slaughter animal's organ to the males of family following oldest to youngest. On the ninth day, is the main day where mohani sinha is prepared by burning lamp all night in a mud saucer[Pala]. On the tenth day it concludes dashain [Mohani Nakha] by receiving tika and the harvested barley seedlings[Naal:Swa] from elders with blessings and a piece of khokha, a read and white cloth around the neck.
=== Bala Chaturdasi or Satbyu ===This festival falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik or Mangsir (November/December) according to the lunar calendar, One of the most important rituals of Bala Chaturdashi is the Satbij Chharne (sowing of seven seeds). Devotees gather at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and other holy sites to participate in the ritual. They sow seeds of seven different grains (wheat, barley, sesame, rice, maize, millet, and black gram) along the temple premises and in the holy Bagmati River. This ritual is performed early in the morning, before sunrise. Devotees light oil lamps (Diyo) and carry them in processions around the temple. The lighting of lamps symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and ignorance and is believed to guide the souls of the deceased. Taking a holy dip in the sacred Bagmati River or other nearby rivers is considered an essential part of the festival. This act is believed to purify the soul and body, preparing the devotees for the rituals that follow. On the eve of Bala Chaturdashi, devotees stay awake the entire night, singing hymns, chanting prayers, and reciting scriptures. This night vigil, known as Jagaran, is held to purify the mind and body and to seek blessings for the deceased. Bala Chaturdashi is not only a time for individual reflection and rituals but also a time for community bonding. People come together, share food, and participate in the rituals collectively. It fosters a sense of unity and shared spiritual purpose among the participants.
=== Kartik Purnima ===
On the first day of the month of Kartik, many women go to the temple of Pashupati. There they remain for an entire month, fasting and drinking only water. Some women have died during the fasting but the majority generally survive and on the last day of the month, known as the purnima, the night is spent rejoicing the success of the fasting by singing and dancing into the night.
=== Ganesh Chauthi ===
The Ganesh Chauthi festival is held on the 4th of Magh, in honor of Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom. The day is spent fasting and worshipping and in ended by feasting into the night.
=== Maghe Sankranti ===Maghe sankranti is observed in the month of January on the first day of the month of Magh, bringing an end to the ill-omened month of Poush when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. On this day, the sun leaves its southernmost position and takes off for its northward journey, so Maghe Sankranti is similar to solstice festivals in many other traditions. People participate in holy bathing in this festival and auspicious foods like laddoo, ghee, sweet potatoes etc. are distributed. The mother of the house wishes good health to all family members.
According to Mahabharata, king Bhishma, who had the power to control his own death, happened to choose to die on the day of Maghe Sakranti. Therefore, it is believed that to die on this day might achieve Moksha, a release from the rebirth cycle.
=== Basantpanchami or Sri Panchami ===Basanta Panchami: A Celebration of Knowledge and Spring in Nepal
This day is Basanta Panchami, or Saraswati Puja, a festival that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati, in Nepal. It is a day of joy, devotion, and a fresh start, especially for students and those seeking knowledge. Saraswati Puja, also known as Basanta Panchami, is celebrated in Nepal on the fifth day of the bright half of the Nepali month of Magh. This usually falls in late January or early February according to the Gregorian calendar. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. In 2024, Saraswati Puja is celebrated on February 13th.
On the auspicious day of Basanta Panchami, the entire nation comes alive with festivities. The morning begins with devotees taking a ritual bath and donning yellow clothes, symbolizing the bright and blooming mustard flowers that herald spring. Temples and homes are adorned with marigold garlands, and the sweet fragrance of incense fills the air.
The centerpiece of the celebration is the worship of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. Students and scholars gather at Saraswati temples and educational institutions, carrying their books, pens, and musical instruments to seek the blessings of the goddess. It is believed that Saraswati bestows the gift of knowledge and wisdom on this day, making it particularly significant for students.
In schools and colleges, special ceremonies are held to honor Saraswati. Teachers and students come together to perform the puja (worship), which involves offering flowers, fruits, sweets, and a special yellow rice known as 'basanta rice' to the deity. The idol of Saraswati is placed on a decorated altar, and the air resonates with the melodious chant of the Saraswati Vandana:या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना ।
या ब्रह्माच्युतशंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा ॥
Translation:
May Goddess Saraswati, who is fair as a jasmine flower, the moon, or snow, who is adorned in white garments and who holds the veena in her hand, who is seated on a white lotus, and who is always adored by Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and other gods, protect me and remove my ignorance completely.
Importance for Students
For students, Basanta Panchami is more than just a festival; it is a day of renewal and hope. They believe that by seeking Saraswati's blessings, they will excel in their studies and artistic endeavors. Books and instruments are not touched before the puja, symbolizing the reverence for knowledge. This day also marks the beginning of a new educational journey for many, as young children are often initiated into learning with the ritual of 'Akshar Abhyas' (the first writing) on this auspicious occasion.
Basanta Panchami also signifies the arrival of spring, bringing with it a sense of rejuvenation and joy. The mustard fields turn yellow, and the chirping of birds adds to the festive spirit. In Kathmandu, the Basantapur Durbar Square has become a hub of cultural activities, with music, dance, and traditional performances celebrating the season.
Basanta Panchami is a beautiful blend of cultural, religious, and seasonal celebrations in Nepal. It underscores the importance of knowledge, wisdom, and learning while welcoming the vibrancy and renewal of spring. For students, it is a day of deep significance, filled with rituals and prayers for academic success and personal growth. As the chants of Saraswati Vandana echo through the temples and homes, the entire nation comes together to honor the goddess of wisdom and the advent of a new season.
=== Holi ===Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. It marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Holi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, joy, and togetherness, and it brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in a splash of colors. Holi falls in the Nepali month of Falgun (फाल्गुन), which typically corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date of Holi is determined by the lunar calendar and varies each year, as it is celebrated on the full moon day of Falgun, known as Falgun Purnima. Holi's timing in the Nepali calendar aligns with the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, making it one of the most significant and joyous festivals in Nepal.
History and Mythological Significance
The origins of Holi are rooted in ancient Hindu traditions. It is believed to have been celebrated since time immemorial, with references in various ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Puranas and the Dasakumara Charita. The most popular mythological story associated with Holi is the tale of Prahlada and Holika.
Prahlada was a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, but his father, the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was opposed to Vishnu and sought to kill Prahlada. Hiranyakashipu's sister, Holika, had a boon that made her immune to fire. She tried to kill Prahlada by taking him into a blazing fire, but instead, she was burnt to ashes while Prahlada emerged unscathed. This event symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is commemorated by the lighting of bonfires on the eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan.
Celebration in Nepal
In Nepal, Holi is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival typically lasts for two days. The first day, known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan, involves lighting bonfires to signify the burning away of evil. The second day, known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuli, or Fagu Purnima, is the day when people play with colors.
The Kathmandu Valley, especially Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel, and Patan, is the epicenter of Holi celebrations in Nepal. The festivities here are grand, with locals and tourists alike coming together to celebrate. Other regions, such as Pokhara & Baglung, also see large gatherings and vibrant celebrations with national-level celebrity.
Holi has a significant impact on tourism in Nepal. The colorful and joyous celebrations attract tourists from all over the world, eager to experience this unique festival. Special events, musical performances, and cultural shows are organized to cater to tourists, boosting the local economy and promoting cultural exchange.
Holi continues to be an important cultural and social festival in Nepal. It promotes unity and friendship as people come together to celebrate, breaking social barriers of caste, creed, and age. It also serves as an occasion for families to reunite and celebrate together.
Recent Incidents
While Holi is generally a time of joy and festivity, there have been some unfortunate incidents in recent years.
Accidents and Injuries: There have been reports of accidents due to people driving recklessly during the celebrations. In 2023, there were several minor accidents reported in Kathmandu due to drunk driving and unruly behavior during Holi.
Water Balloon Injuries: In some instances, the throwing of water balloons and use of harmful chemicals in colors have led to injuries and skin reactions. Authorities have been advising the public to use organic and safe colors.
Large gatherings sometimes lead to stampedes and crowd control issues. In 2022, a minor stampede occurred in Basantapur Durbar Square, causing injuries to a few participants.
Holi is a vibrant and joyous festival that holds great cultural and social significance in Nepal. While it brings people together in a spirit of celebration and unity, it is essential to be mindful of safety and responsible behavior to ensure that the festival remains a joyful and memorable experience for all. The influx of tourists during Holi also highlights the festival's role in promoting Nepal's rich cultural heritage on the global stage.
=== Maghe Purnima ===
The bathing festival where Newars bathe in the Bagmati River. during Magh. On the last day of the month, bathers are carried in a procession in ornamented dolis, lying on their backs with lighted lamps (known as chirags) on their chests, arms and legs. Other bathers bear earthen water pots on their heads, perforated with straws, through which water seeps down to sprinkle passers by. Traditionally the bathers wear green spectacles to protect their eyes from the sparks of the lamps they are in contact with.
=== Pāhān Charhe ===During Pahan Charhe which is one of the festivals in Kathmandu, Luku Māhādev (meaning Mahadev enshrined in the ground) is worshipped and portable shrines containing images of mother goddesses are paraded through the streets.
=== Ghode Jatra ===
Traditionally on the 15th of Chait, all horses and ponies belonging to government servants were assembled at the grand parade ground and entered into a race in front of the king and top officials who are stationed around a central monument. The monument bore Sir Jung Bahadur's statue. After the event, gambling is allowed for two days and nights and the festival ends with an illumination of the monument. In 1875, Bahadur's statue and four dragon monuments were moved into a newly built temple in his honor, hence the location of the festival moved.
=== Jana Bāhā Dyah Jātrā ===Jana Bāhā Dyah Jātrā is the chariot procession of Jana Baha Dyah, the Bodhisattva of compassion, which is held annually in Kathmandu. During the festival, the image of Jana Bāhā Dyah is removed from his temple at Jana Baha and installed in a car built in the shape of a tower on wheels. The chariot is drawn through the center of Kathmandu for three days.
=== Bunga Dyah Jātrā ===An image of Bunga Dyah (Rato Machhendranath) is placed on a tall chariot which is pulled in stages through the streets of Patan for a month in the longest chariot procession held in the country.
=== Christmas ===
Christmas is celebrated by the Christian community in Nepal.
=== Eid al-Fitr ===
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim community in Nepal.
=== Chhechu ===
Chhechu is a ceremony of the Tamang communities that takes place to the northwest of the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal over the course of ten days. It contains sportive plays (tsema), exorcisms, and rituals. There are eleven tsema performed, and three exorcisms.
=== Yomari Punhi ===
Yomari Punhi is a Newari festival marking the end of the rice harvest. It takes place in November/December during the full moon day of Thinlā (थिंला), the second month in the lunar Nepal Era calendar. On this day yomari is made with the rice flour and some stuffing inside which is steamed later.
It is celebrated in the name of goddess Annapurna.The fillings inside this dish is mainly condensed milk called khuwa and molasses chaku. According to the myth, a couple suchandra and krita played with flour that gave shape to yomari fortunately all the villagers loved the taste and God Kuber disguised as passer by was also offered the dish which he liked a lot and the couple was blessed richness. The celebration holds special date for newar communities.
== Kirat Rai festivals ==Sakela is the main Festival of Kirat Khambu Rais this festival is celebrated twice in a year as ubhauli in full moon day of the Baisakh and udhauli In full moon day of Mangsir
Nwagi is celebrated during prior to eating the harvested food crops,
Yele Sambat also known as Yaledong By Rai People Maghe Sankranti also celebrate same day. The Yele Sambat calendar is named after the first Kirat king Yalambar.
Wadangmi Festival: Wadangmi is a Major Festival of Rai Community Dhankuta District celebrated in the month of October/November
== Limbu festivals ==
Some festivals may be practiced within ethnic groups in Nepal. Here are notable Limbu festivals:Chasok Tangnam - It is also known as udhauli too. It is also celebrated on mangsir's purnima.
Kakphekwa Tangnam or Kusang Tangnam - It is celebrated on maghe sankranti as a new year of limbus.
Sisekwa Tangnam - It is celebrated on Srawan's purnima.
Balihang Tangnam - The Limbu version of the Tihar festival
== Other festivals ==
Public holidays in Nepal
National Paddy Day
== External links ==
Major festivals of Nepal with pictures
Dashain in Nepal |
847 | 40,213,303 | 0 | Ashtimki | Nepal | Ashtimki is a Tharu cultural festival celebrated in the Western region of Nepal, on the day of Krishna Janmashtami. During the festival, the people of Tharu community draw a special artwork known as Ashtimki Chitra. The artwork is made on the wall of the living room of the house of the village elder. The art in painting is believed to be related to the creation of the universe.
== Etymology ==
The word Ashtimki originates from the two words Ashtami and Tika. Ashtami is the eighth day in a Hindu month and lord Krishna was born on the 8th day of the waning moon phase of the Bhadra month and tika is a holy mark worn usually on the forehead.
== Celebrations ==
People of the Tharu community fast all day on this festival. Before the fasting, Tharu people wake up in the morning before the rooster crows to eat some food (dhar bhat) to prepare for the fasting. In the evening, people bathe in the river or well, and then they gather at the house of Mathawa (village elder) and perform the religious rites. The Ashtimki painting made on the wall while singing the Ashtimki song in the house of Mathawa is worshiped by everyone in turn. It is from this Ashtimki festival that the Harya Gurai period of the Tharu community begins. In the month of Baishakh or Jeth, Dhurraya Gurai is celebrated, after which dancing and singing is restricted. The dancing and singing festivities commences on Harya Gurai.
The next day, on the second day of Ashtimki, people get up in the morning, gather at the house of the village elder who had been worshiped on the previous day, and take the worship material and dispose it in the nearby river. After the worship material is washed in the river, the fasting of the devotees is completed and there is a tradition of going back to their respective homes. |
848 | 1,141,844 | 0 | Bhai Dooj | Nepal | Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, Bhaubeej, Bhai Beej, Bhai Phonta or Bhratri Dwitiya is a festival celebrated by Hindus on the second lunar day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of Kartika, the eighth month of the Vikram Samvat Hindu calendar or the Shalivahana Shaka calendar. It is celebrated during the Diwali or Tihar festival and Holi festival. The celebrations of this day are similar to the festival of Raksha Bandhan.In the southern part of India, the day is celebrated as Yama Dwitiya. In the Kayastha community, two Bhai Doojs are celebrated. The more famous one comes on the second day after Diwali. But the lesser-known one is celebrated a day or two after Diwali. In Haryana and Uttar Pradesh a ritual also followed, a dry coconut (named gola in regional language) with klewa tied along its width for worshipping is also used at the time of doing aarti of a brother. In Bengal the day is celebrated as Bhai Phota, which comes one day after Kali Puja.
== Regional Variations ==
The festival is known as:Bhai Dooj (Hindi: भाई दूज) in the entire Northern part of India, observed during the Diwali festival. In Awadh and Purvanchal regions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, it is also known as Bhaiya Dooj. It is widely celebrated by Maithils in Nepal and Bihar as Bhardutiya and people from various other ethnic groups. The first day of this New Year is observed as Govardhan Pūja.
Bhai Teeka (Nepali: भाइटीका) in Nepal, where it is the most important festival after Dashain (Vijaya Dashmi / Dussehra). Observed on the fifth day of Tihar festival, it is widely celebrated by Maithils in Nepal as Bhardutiya Bhai Tika followed by the people of various other ethnic groups among Madhesis. While, the Newaris celebrate it as Kija Puja. The sisters put a vertical Tika of seven colours known as Saptarangi Tika in their brother's forehead.
Bhai Phonta (Bengali: ভাই ফোঁটা) in Bengal and it takes place every year on the second day after Kali Puja. It is mainly observed in West Bengal, Tripura, Bangladesh.
Bhai Jiuntia (Odia: ଭାଇ ଜିଉନ୍ତିଆ) only in western Odisha.
Bhau Beej, or Bhav Bij (Marathi: भाऊ बीज) or Bhai Beej amongst the Marathi, Gujarati and Konkani-speaking communities in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Karnataka.
Another name for the day is Yamadwitheya or Yamadvitiya, after a legendary meeting between Yama the god of Death and his sister Yamuna (the famous river) on Dwitheya (the second day after new moon).
Other names include Bhatru Dviteeya, or Bhatri Ditya or Bhaghini Hastha Bhojanamu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
According to Hindu religion, after slaying the evil demon Narakasura, Lord Krishna visited his sister Subhadra who gave him a warm welcome with sweets and flowers. She also affectionately applied tilaka on Krishna's forehead. Some believe this to be the origin of the festival.
== The ceremony ==
On the day of the festival, sisters invite their brothers for a sumptuous meal often including their favourite dishes/sweets. The procedure may be different in Bihar and central India. The whole ceremony signifies the duty of a brother to protect his sister, as well as a sister's blessings for her brother.
Carrying forward the ceremony in traditional style, sisters perform arti for their brother and apply a red tika on the brother's forehead. This tika ceremony on the occasion of Bhai Bij signifies the sister's sincerest prayers for the long and happy life of her brother and treat them with gifts. In return, elder brothers bless their sisters and may treat them also with gifts or cash.
As it is customary in Haryana and Maharashtra to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Bhau-beej, women who do not have a brother worship the Moon Chandra instead. They apply mehendi on girls as their tradition. The sister whose brother lives far away from her and can not go to her house, sends her sincerest prayers for the long and happy life of her brother through the moon god. She performs aarti for the Moon. This is the reason why children of Hindu parents affectionately call the Moon Chandamama (Chanda means moon and mama means mother's brother).
== The celebration ==
=== Bhai Phonta ===Bhai Phonta in West Bengal is celebrated with much splendour. The ceremony is marked with many rituals along with a grand feast arranged for the brothers. It is necessary that, both brother and sister are more than 5 years of age.
=== Bhai Bij ===
The festival of Bhai Bij is popular in Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa and is celebrated with great fervour and gaiety. Brothers and sisters look forward to the occasion with immense enthusiasm. To add charm to the occasion, Bhai Bij gifts are given to brothers from sisters as a token of love and appreciation.
Bhav Bij is a time for family reunions as all brothers and sisters in the family get together. Close relatives and friends are also invited to celebrate the Bhav Bij in many families. Special dishes for the festival include the Maharashtra sweet called basundi poori or kheerni poori.
On this occasion, brothers and sisters exchange gifts. And both of them pray for their long and happy life.
=== Bhai Tika in Nepal ===
Bhai Tika in Nepal is also known as Bhai Tihar meaning Tihar (festival) of brothers. On this day, sisters pray to Yamraj for a long life and prosperity for their brothers. The ritual involves sisters marking the forehead of their brothers with a seven coloured long tika. The rest of the ritual is similar to that performed by Hindus elsewhere. A special garland of the Gomphrena globosa flower is made by the sister as an offering to their brothers.
== Rabindranath Tagore and the Partition of Bengal ==
Rachel Fell McDermott, Professor of Asian Studies at Columbia University, describes Rabindranath Tagore's rakhi-bandhan ceremonies, inspired by the Bhai Dooj ritual, which were organized to protest the 1905 Partition of Bengal In 1905 Rabindranath Tagore extended the symbolism of Brother's Second, a ritual of bonding between brothers and sisters that is celebrated right after the Pujas have concluded, to evoke friendship between Hindus and Muslims: members of both communities would tie red threads of brotherhood on each others' wrists. All throughout the partition period, these rakhi-bandhan ceremonies were regularly announced in the Bengali and English papers. In addition, some landlords, even the British Indian Association, saw that the boycott and emphasis upon swadeshi items were disturbing peace with rural Muslims in their areas, and withdrew their support. |
849 | 37,772,195 | 0 | Bhairava Ashtami | Nepal | Bhairava Ashtami (Sanskrit: भैरवाष्टमी, romanized: Bhairavāṣṭamī), also known as Bhairavashtami, Bhairava Jayanti, Kala-Bhairava Ashtami and Kala-Bhairava Jayanti is a Hindu holy day commemorating the manifestation of the deity Bhairava, a fearsome and wrathful manifestation of the god Shiva.
It falls on the eighth lunar day (ashtami) in the fortnight of the waning moon (Krishna paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartika (per the South Indian Amavasyant calendar, every month ends with a new moon) or Margashirsha (per the North Indian Purnimant calendar, every month ends with a full moon). By both schemes, Bhairava Ashtami falls on the same day in November–December-January.
The name Kalashtami is sometimes used to refer to this day, but might also refer to any ashtami in Krishna paksha, all of which are days sacred to Bhairava.
== Legend ==
Bhairava is a manifestation of Shiva's wrath. According to the Shiva Purana, the deities Brahma and Vishnu engaged in a debate regarding their superiority over the other. When Brahma resorted to dishonesty and proclaimed his victory over Vishnu, Shiva appeared and created Bhairava, who cut off one of Brahma's five heads. Brahma begged forgiveness from Shiva for his dishonesty, and he and Vishnu engaged in the worship of Shiva in the form of a lingam.The head of Brahma was stuck to Bhairava's left palm due to the sin of killing Brahma, the most learned Brahmin, called Brahmahatya or Brahminicide. To expiate the sin of Brahmahatya, Bhairava had to perform the vow of a Kapali: wandering the world as a Bhikshatana with the skull of the slain as his begging bowl. Bhairava's sin was finally expiated when he reached the holy city of Varanasi, where a temple dedicated to him still exists.
In regional tradition, Shiva as Bhairava is considered to have been entrusted with the task of maintaining law and discipline amongst Hindus, as pertaining to their salvation in the city of Varanasi, where the last rites of Hindus are performed in the holy river Ganges, with accountability of their sins and good deeds.
== Practices ==
An all-night vigil is observed on Bhairava Ashtami with prayers, worship and tales of Bhairava, Shiva and Parvati being told. In the midnight, an arati of Bhairava should be performed with conches, bells and drums. After taking a bath in the morning, devotees, especially Shiva-worshipping Shaivas offer libations and oblations to their dead ancestors. Then, Bhairava, Shiva, Shiva's consort Parvati and Bhairava's vahana (animal vehicle), the dog, is worshipped with flowers and sweets. Dogs are also offered milk, sweets, curds and other food as offerings.
The day is considered holier if Bhairava Ashtami falls on a Sunday or a Tuesday, sacred weekdays dedicated to Bhairava. Bhairava is specifically worshipped for success, wealth, health and obstacle removal. A devotee is said to be freed of sin and the fear of death by observing Bhairava Ashtami.
Bhairava Ashtami is observed in Bhairav Prasad Temple in Vaishno Devi hills in Kashmir. On this day, an image of Kala-Bhairava is made in gold or silver and immersed in a brass metal pot filled with water and worshipped with all scriptural prayers, as is done to Shiva. Then, the priests who do the puja are offered gifts.
In Varanasi, an eight-day pilgrimage of the eight temples dedicated to Ashta Bhairava, eight subsidiary aspects of Bhairava, is undertaken on the first eight days of the fortnight, culminating with Bhairava Ashtami. On Bhairava Ashtami, Kala Bhairava, the city's guardian deity, is worshipped in his temple. For the rest of a year, a cloth covers the central icon, except his face, however on this day, the cloth is removed to reveal the whole image. The image is adorned with a garland of silver skulls on this day. Several devotees flood the temple to capture the unique opportunity to view the whole image. |
850 | 40,506,075 | 0 | Bhume Naach | Nepal | Bhume Naach (also known as Bal puja) is one of the festivals celebrated by the Kham Magar people from Lumbini and Karnali provinces of Nepal. The term Bhume means 'Earth' and Naach means 'dance' in the Nepali language. The Kham people practice a religion that worships the land (bhumi puja), water sprouts (shim), forests (ban puja) and weather, asking for better crop yields and cattle.
Bhume Naach is a folk dance which is performed around a fire to worship the Earth. The Kham people believe that the Earth is God. Earth is considered to be the mother and protector which provides shelter, food and sustenance for everyone. To make the Earth happy, people perform the dance from mid-May through mid-June. The main celebration takes place during the first week of June.
== Celebration ==
During the celebration of Bhume Naach young boys and girls are selected by the leader of the village and sent to a hill or mountain to collect water, soil, and a colorful assortment of flowers deemed holy by the villagers. The boys carry colorful flags and a patho (baby goat/kid); the girls carry holy water and assorted food. After collecting water, soil and flowers, three flags are attached to a huge timber to fly on the mountaintop. After spending fifteen days on the hills or mountains, the children then worship the Earth, sacrifice the patho, and return to the village on the first day in June, which is also the first day of the celebration.
Upon their return, the young boys and girls tie three bright colorful flags on a timber pole and place it upright on the ground. They enjoy singing, dancing and playing a modal (a local musical instrument), and drums. The villagers celebrate and welcome the children by playing drums and another local instrument called the senate. The celebrants then take another patho to the river to wash prior to the sacrifice. Following the sacrifice, the goat, believed to have gone to paradise, is taken to the center of the village. Its neck is adorned with pieces of cloth of a red, yellow, green, and white color. These symbolize the Earth (mother of this indigenous community), happiness, peace, and love. The girls adorn themselves with clothes of the same colors upon their shoulders and around their necks, while performing songs and dances.
== The Patho ==
During the celebration, a boy wearing a white gown pulls a patho or lamb, while other boys follow him, tapping the patho gently with a stick to make it walk around the village. Women and girls stand on the side of the road in a queue holding Nanglo a local handicraft made of bamboo containing ash, corn, maize, millet, coin, colorful pieces of cloths or coal to pour over the patho.
Near the end of the ritual, another boy comes to hold a patho while the Damais (occupational caste) plays drums loudly. The two boys have to run as fast as they can while the other boys tap the patho to make it run as well. While running, if anyone falls down, it is considered to be a bad omen, which can be related to death. If a person falls down he may become ill or die. Their relatives may have similarly bad luck within a year.
If no one falls down, it is considered to be a good omen for the village. Finally, the participants go to the river and take the patho to a ritual place used to worship the land. The patho is sacrificed at the river, its blood is smeared onto colorful pieces of cloths which are attached on a tall pole and left to flutter on a rock. Afterwards, the villagers cook a variety of food, provide various drinks, eat together, and exchange gifts while wishing each other well. After this event, they gather at the main ground where they perform Balpuja. This is a ritual where a circle of people is formed and the crowd sings a song. Every member of the village is required to participate.
== A Ritual Dance ==
The main dance of Bhume Naach, requires that the village boys dance in the center of a circle surrounded by dancing girls who wear beautiful clothing, jewelry, and flowers. The girls distribute their flowers to show respect. The children dance the whole day completing twenty-two steps per song and are required to complete all 22 steps of the dance within the day. The Balpuja conveys a message to the God/Earth. Since the Kham consider Earth as the main source of love and protection, the Earth has to be happy in order to get everything they need, such as food, water, air, light and shelter. The outer circle of girls represents the mother and protector for their own community. Decisions that are made by the family and by the community are heavily influenced by the Kham women. This annual celebration is concluded by people singing sad songs together. Participants weep bitterly and depart from the gathering with good wishes and blessings from their elders.
The process of celebrating this traditional Bhume Naach is a symbolic demonstration of the relationship of Kham people to nature rather than a god. The Bhume Naach highlights and celebrates the fact that without Earth there is no life.
== External links ==
Youtube.com
Lugumyal.com
Ecs.com.np |
851 | 43,111,612 | 0 | Chandeshwori Jatra | Nepal | Panauti Jatra(पनौती जात्रा) is considered the largest festival in Kavrepalanchowk district, Nepal. It is celebrated for three days from the 2 days before Jyaa punhi according to the Lunar calendar.
List of Hindu festivals
== External links ==
Peter Gill (24 May 2014). Banepali Jatra. Ekantipur.com. Retrieved 21 June 2014. |
852 | 14,702,209 | 0 | Chasok Tangnam | Nepal | Chasok Tangnam is a festival of the Limbu people which falls on a full moon day of the month of Senchengla or the Mangsir month of the Nepali calendar. |
854 | 15,958,728 | 0 | Chhechu | Nepal | Chhechu is a ceremony of the Tamang communities in Nepal that takes place over the course of ten days. It contains sportive plays (tsema), exorcisms, and rituals. Chhechu takes place northwest of Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. There are eleven tsema performed, and three exorcisms.
== Description ==
The whole community participates in a variety of ways. The Buddhist lamas produce power (wang) while the villagers produce tsema gren. Tsema gren is accomplished by performing skits such as the ones that the elders put on, which is a friendly mockery of the upper and dominant classes of Nepal. There are also skits that contain information about the past.
Throughout the ritual there are different exorcisms performed, intended to remove threats to the community. There are large scale performances in Mhanegang which villagers exorcise at regular intervals. Other places perform separate two-day exorcisms several days in advance of the performance in Mhanegang. At this time, the people throw effigies of evil off a cliff. Lamas lead men and boys as they wave spears and swords around, scattering dust as they circle a raised central altar. This is done to eliminate the three evils: the inherent incompleteness of exchange, cannibalistic greed, and unrestrained eros.
The exorcism of Kãli mãì involves the entire village and is done in order to remove the fury of Kãli mãì from the village, along with anything associated with him. Men with swords and women with weaving instruments dance around a large effigy constructed from bamboo. At dusk, the effigy is burned in a huge flash fire. When this is done, men thrust their spears upwards and the women bring their materials to their bodies to sexually explicit refrains. They attempt to negate incestuous thoughts which are said to please Kãli mãì.
== Last day ==
On the last day of Chhechu, the Buddhist lamas distribute dough powder balls (Wang ro ro) to the principal headman, then his allies, their wives, then the villagers. |
855 | 5,226,267 | 0 | Dashain | Nepal | Dashain or Bada'dashain, also referred as Vijaya Dashami in Sanskrit, is a major Hindu religious festival in Nepal and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, South India, and Sri Lanka. It is also celebrated by other religions of Nepal and elsewhere in the world, including among the Lhotshampa of Bhutan and the Burmese Gurkhas of Myanmar. The festival is also referred as Nauratha, derived from the Sanskrit word for the same festival Navaratri which translates to Nine Nights.
It is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Bikram Sambat and Nepal Sambat annual calendars, celebrated by Nepali Hindus, along with their diaspora throughout the globe. In Nepal, it is also known as the biggest festival in the country and is the longest national/public holiday, lasting 15 days. It is the most anticipated festival in Nepal. People return from all parts of the world, as well as different parts of the country, to celebrate together. All government offices, educational institutions, and other offices remain closed during the festival period. The festival falls in September or October, starting from the shukla paksha (bright lunar night) of the month of Ashvin and ending on Purnima, the full moon. Among the fifteen days on which it is celebrated, the most celebrated days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and fifteenth.
Dashain is the main festival of Hindus in Nepal.
== Etymology ==
The word Vaḍādaśain̐ (वडादशैँ) is a Nepali sandhi, where baḍā (बडा) means important and daśa͠i (दशैं) means tenth, implying the most-significant final day of the festival of Durga Puja, celebrating the dawn after the end of Nauratha (nine nights). The word Dashain is ultimately derived from the Sanskrit word daśamī, denoting the 12th day of the Kaula (month) in this context.
== Significance ==
For followers of Shaktism, it represents the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, who had terrorised the devas and usurped their abode of Svarga. The first nine days of Dashain symbolize the battle which took place between the different manifestations of Durga and Mahishasura. The tenth day is the day when Durga finally defeated him. For other Hindus, this festival symbolises the victory of Rama over Ravana as recounted in the Ramayana. It generally symbolises the victory of good over evil.
== Day 1: Ghatasthapana ==
The day of Ghatasthapana is marked with Jhijhiya folk dance across the Mithila (region) of Madhesh Province as the welcome ceremony of Dashain. Ghaṭasthāpanā (घटस्थापना; sowing Jamara) marks the beginning of Dashain. Literally, it means placing a kalasha or a pot, which symbolizes goddess Durga. Ghaṭasthāpanā falls on the first day of the festival. On this day the Kalash is filled with holy water and is then sewn with barley seeds. Then the Kalash is put in the center of a rectangular sand block. The remaining bed of sand is also seeded with grains. The priest then starts the puja by asking Durga to bless the vessel with her presence. This ritual is performed at a certain auspicious time which is determined by the astrologers. The goddess is believed to reside in the vessel during Navaratri.
The room where all this is done is known as the Dashain Ghar. Traditionally, outsiders are not allowed to enter it. A family member worships the Kalash twice every day, once in the morning and then in the evening. The Kalash is kept away from direct sunlight and holy water is offered to it every day so that by the tenth day of the festival the seed will have grown to five or six inches long yellow grass. This sacred grass is known as jamara. These rituals continue until the seventh day.
== Day 7: Phulpati ==
Phulpati (फूलपाती) is a major celebration occurring on the seventh day of Dashain. The word Phulpati is made up of two words: phūl meaning flower and pātī meaning leaf. Traditionally, on this day, the royal Kalash, banana stalks, jamara, and sugar cane tied with red cloth are brought by Magars from Gorkha, a three-day walk, about 169 kilometres (105 mi) away from the Kathmandu Valley. Hundreds of government officials gather together in the Tundikhel grounds in conventional formal dress to witness the event. The king used to observe the ceremony in Tundikhel while the Phulpati parade was headed towards the Hanuman Dhoka royal palace. Then there is a majestic display of the Nepalese Army along with a celebratory firing of weapons that continues for ten to fifteen minutes honoring Phulpati. The Phulpati is taken to the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace by the time the occasion ends in Tundikhel, where a parade is held.
Since 2008, when the royal family was overthrown, the two-century-old tradition is changed so that the holy offering of Phulpati goes to the residence of the president. The President has taken over the king's social and religious roles after the end of the monarchy.
In various other cities and towns across Nepal and in India (with a significant Nepali population), a Phulpati procession is carried out. Flowers, fruits and holy symbols are tied in a red cloth, which is then covered with an auspicious red shawl and carried on a decorated wooden log across the town. The townspeople offer flower and fruits as the procession passes through their houses. The process is also accompanied by traditional Naumati instruments.
== Day 8: Maha Asthami ==
The eighth day is called Maha Asthami. This is the day when the most fierce of Goddess Durga's manifestations, the Kali, is appeased through the sacrifice of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks in temples throughout the nation. Blood, symbolic of its fertility, is offered to the Goddesses. Appropriately enough, the night of this day is called Kal Ratri (Black Night), after the form of Durga worshipped on this day. It is also the norm for buffaloes to be sacrificed in the courtyards of all the land revenue offices in the country on this day. The old palace in Kathmandu Durbar Square, as well as the presidential palace, is active throughout the night with worship and sacrifices in almost every courtyard.
On midnight of the very day of the Dashain, a total of 54 buffaloes and 54 goats are sacrificed in observance of the rites. After the offering of the blood, the meat is taken home and cooked as prasad, or food blessed by divinity. This food is offered in tiny leaf plates to the household gods, then distributed amongst the family. Eating this food is thought to be auspicious. While the puja is being carried out, great feasts are held in the homes of common people. On this day the Newar People has an event called Khadga Puja where they do puja of their weapons. It is when they put on tika and get blessings from elders.
== Day 9: Maha Navami ==
The ninth day of Dashain is called Maha Navami, the great ninth day. This is the last day of Navaratri. Ceremonies and rituals reach a peak on this day. On this day, official ritual sacrifices of the Nepal Armed Forces are held in one of the Hanuman Dhoka royal palaces, the Kot courtyard. On this occasion, the state offers the sacrifices of buffaloes as a feu de joie and 21-gun salute are fired in the background in the presence of the Army Staff. This day is also known as the demon-hunting day because members of the defeated demon army try to save themselves by hiding in the bodies of animals and fowls.
On Maha Navami, durga, the mother goddess Devi, is worshipped as it is believed that all the things which help us in making a living should be kept happy. Artisans, craftsmen, traders, and mechanics worship and offer animal and fowl blood to their tools, equipment, and vehicles. Moreover, since it is believed that worshipping the vehicles on this day avoids accidents for the year all vehicles from bikes, and cars to trucks are worshipped on this day.The Taleju Temple gates are opened to the general public on only this day of the year. Thousands of devotees go and pay respect to the goddess this day. The temple is filled with devotees all day long.
== Day 10: Bijaya Dashami ==The tenth day of the festival is the 'Bijaya dashami'. On this day, a mixture of rice, yogurt and vermilion is prepared. This preparation is known as tika. Often Dashain tika time is different each year. Elders put this tika and jamara which is sown in the Ghatasthapana on the forehead of younger relatives to bless them with abundance in the coming years. Red also symbolizes the blood that ties the family and community together.
Elders give Dakshina, or a small amount of money, to younger relatives at this time along with the blessings as they visit. This continues to be observed for five days till the full moon during which period families and relatives visit each other to exchange gifts and greetings. This ritual of taking tika from all the elder relatives (even the distant relatives) helps in the renewal of the community ties greatly. This is one reason why the festival is celebrated with so much vigour and enthusiasm.
== Day 11: Papakunsha Ekadashi ==
Ekadashi is the eleventh day of the lunar fortnight in Hindu calendar. Ekadashis are considered a very auspicious day and people usually fast on this day. The day after Bijaya Dashami is known as Papakunsha Ekadashi (पापकुंश एकादशी). On this day, it is customary to wake up early in the morning and start fasting till evening, after washing and wearing clean clothes. It is also customary to listen to Papakunsha Ekadashi stories and to visit religious sites.While in some parts of the Nepal, the tika is only received on the day of Bijaya Dashami, in other parts of the country, people start visiting their extended family and relatives on this day till Kojagrat Purnima. One is supposed to eat only Sattvic diet during Ekadashis, but people continue their Dashain feasts on this day too, so this Ekadashi is also known as Gidde Ekadashi (lit. Vulture–like–Ekadashi). By donating gold, sesame, barley, grain, soil, umbrella, shoes, etc. on this day, it is believed that one will get heaven after death.
== Day 15: Kojagrat Purnima ==The festival's last day, which lies on the full moon day, is called Kojagrat Purnima (कोजाग्रत पूर्णिमा) or Sharad Purnima. The literal meaning of Kojagrat is 'who is awake'. On this day Goddess Lakshmi who is believed to be the goddess of wealth is worshipped as it is believed that Goddess Laxmi descends on earth and showers whoever is awake all night with wealth and prosperity. People enjoy the night by playing cards and much more.
Animal sacrifices are often the norm during this time, as the festival commemorates the bloody battles between the divine and demonic powers. The proponents of animal killing interpret this sacrificial act as the symbolic sacrifice of our animal qualities, but those who are opposed to animal sacrifice stress that the sacrificial act is nothing but an excuse to fulfill the appetite for food/meat.
== Related traditions ==
=== Music ===
The Malshree dhoon is incorporated into mainstream Nepalese music as the music of Dashain. It is the tune that announces the Dashain has arrived. Malashree dhoon is one of the oldest surviving devotional music of Newa art form, with its origin in the 17th century. In due time and also the fact that Dashain happens to be celebrated not just by Newars but by all Nepalese, this dhoon caught up and now is part of the national culture and played during Dashain.
=== Mantra ===
While putting tika to the younger family members or relatives, the elder people usually recite special Sanskrit mantras as a blessing. There are two main mantras that are recited while putting tika on the Bijaya Dashami day, one for men and one for females.
In the mantra for male members, the qualities of various Hindu mythical heroes (Yudhishthira, Balarama, etc.) as well as antiheroes (Ashwatthama and Duryodhana) are blessed to the person.In the mantra for the female members, they are worshipped as various form of goddess Durga.Alongside these mantra, other blessings for good health and fortune are also given.
=== Games and carnivals ===As Dashain approaches, kite flying becomes more and more common. Riding kites has been a very important part of celebrating Dashain in the country, as it is considered to be one way of reminding God not to send rain anymore. During the festival people of all ages fly kites from their roofs. Colourful kites and voices shouting out 'changā chet' (this phrase is usually used when one cuts the other person's kite string) fill the days during the festival.
Playing cards is another way of celebrating Dashain. While children are busy flying kites during Dashain, the older members of the family pass their time by getting together and playing cards with each other for money and fun.Bamboo swings are constructed in many parts of the country as a way of celebration. Dashain swings are called 'ping' in Nepali. They present the best of local culture, tradition, community spirit, and fun. These swings are constructed by community members with traditional methods which use ropes made from tough grass, bamboo sticks and wood, etc. The swings are normally constructed a week before Ghatasthapana and dismantled only after the festival of Tihar which comes after Dashain. The height of some swings exceeds twenty feet. People of all ages enjoy the swings. They are especially famous with children.
Fairs and celebrations are organized during the festival. Usually, small fairs are organized in the villages with Ferris wheels for children and other entertainment for adults. However, in the city commercial fairs and celebrations are usually organized.
=== Shopping ===
Buying and wearing new clothes is an important part of the festival. As many people living in the villages are below the poverty line, for them it is often the case that new clothes come only with Dashain. Almost all the shops have festival offers and discounts. This makes shopping more attractive. Clothes have the highest sales during the festival.
=== Feasts ===Thousands of animals including buffalo, ducks, and rams are slaughtered in Dashain every year. It has been considered an important ritual since it is believed that the goddesses are appeased by such sacrifices. Almost all the temples, especially the Durga and Kali temples, are offered with thousands of sacrifices. Ashtami and Navami are the days when the sacrifices reach a peak. While thousands of animals are sacrificed to appease the goddesses, people also slaughter animals for feasts. Since many feasts and gatherings are organized throughout the fifteen days of the festival, the demand for meat goes up considerably. To meet the demand, the slaughtering of animals becomes considerably high and necessary.
== Dasain abroad ==
=== Bhutan ===
Dashain was declared a national holiday in 1980 in Bhutan. It is celebrated by the Hindu community of Bhutan and is one of the major festival of Lhotshampa origin Bhutanese people. The King of Bhutan offers the Dashain Tika to the representatives of the Hindu Community at the Devi Panchayan Mandir in Thimphu every year. Tika and Royal blessings are sent to other dzongkhags across the country. The king also offers prayers to the goddess Durga at the Hindu temple. They use white Tika.
=== India ===
Dashain is celebrated by Nepali language speaking communities in Darjeeling, Sikkim and Assam. The Dashain and Tihar festival was given further importance after the Gorkhaland movement. Dashain festival used to have a political agenda and it used to have a cast based distinction. However, it has gradually being celebrated as a collective festival. There used to be white, yellow and red Tika in the past which has now been harmonized to use red Tika by all community. On the other hand, the Nepalese people from Nepal working in India, return en masse during festival causing congestion in border areas.
=== Myanmar ===
Myanmar has about 100,000 Nepali language speaking Burmese population. They celebrate dashain with the same spirit as in Nepal or Northeast India. Animal sacrifices are not done as much as they are in Nepal which is presumably due to the size of nepali population in the country.They offer Tika to ex-King of Burma as a tradition. Almost all traditions of Dashain followed in Nepal are done here as well. Although it is not very common to fly kites as a tradition.
== Criticisms ==
The festival of Dashain is often criticized for its animal sacrifice. Many online petitions have been registered on Change.org, calling for a government action against mass slaughter. Driven by the belief that offerings of fresh blood will appease goddess Durga, scores of animals and birds are ritually slaughtered especially in the eighth and ninth day of the festival. Birds and animals that are traditionally eligible for sacrifice include goats, buffaloes, sheep, chickens, and ducks. Thousands of animals are being traded to sacrifice for meat. Some animal activists have called for the use of pumpkins and coconuts, as opposed to birds and animals.
Numerous national luminaries and animal rights activists alike have expressed their concerns over the issue of animal cruelty in the festival. On 3 October 2016, renowned Nepali comedian Hari Bansha Acharya wrote a satirical piece on Nepal Saptahik – entitled Euta Khasiko Aatmakatha (Autobiography of a Goat) – in light of horrendous exploitation inflicted upon animals during the festival.
Dashain has also become controversial in Nepal's current political climate as several indigenous groups (adivasi janajati) argue that festival has been imposed on them by the state. In an effort to resist what they view as the cultural domination by the Hindu elites that dominate the Nepali state, several organizations have organized a boycott of Dashain. So far those campaigns have had a limited effect across the country. Yet, Dashain and likewise other cultural celebrations are ingrained in Nepalese lifestyle.
Tihar
=== Books ===
James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z. The Rosen Publishing Group. ISBN 0-8239-2287-1.
== External links ==
Media related to Dashain at Wikimedia Commons |
856 | 62,261,770 | 0 | Depukhu | Nepal | Depukhu (Nepali: द्यःपुखू), also De pukhu or Dyo pukhu in Newar language, Deopokhari festival in English, and Deopokhari jatra in Nepali, is a festival celebrated in August each year by the Newar community of Khokana in central Nepal. It involves the ritual sacrifice of a virgin she-goat (often a kid) in the Deopokhari pond which is situated in the premises of Rudrayani temple in Khokana, in a process described as inhumane and barbaric by animal rights activists. Once taken as a matter of cultural pride, international outcry and criticism has led the locals to attempt to reform the festival in recent years.
== Background and introduction ==
The tradition of the festival is believed to have begun around the 12th century. According to folklore, as the number of deaths by slipping and falling into the pond rose, the belief that an angry supernatural being inhabited the pond began to take hold. Consequently, the festival begun with sacrifices of a virgin she-goat once a year to the demon or angry god that resides in the pond, so that people using the pond are spared for the rest of the year. The festival is celebrated annually the day after Gaijatra, which is mid-August, by the Newar community in and around the ancient village of Khokana in Lalitpur District.
== Goat sacrifice ritual ==While a huge crowd gathers around the pond and on rooftops to watch the ritual, a young man jumps into the pond with a live young female goat on his shoulders. While he attempts to drown the goat, other young men from various communities in and around Khokana join him. They work together to prevent the goat from escaping. While the group tries to drown the goat, the youths also bite her with their teeth, and attempt to rip her apart with their bare hands. The goat is reported to struggle for as long as forty minutes before she dies. Once the goat is dead, a competition ensues for the possession of the carcass. Youths from different communities struggle to win it for their community, which earns them the privilege of leading the religious procession that follows. The struggle and tug-of-war for the possession of the carcass is reported to last as long as 90 minutes. The youths that win lead a procession out of the pond, concluding the ritual sacrifice.
== Controversy ==
In recent years, animal rights activists have opposed the festival for causing unnecessary suffering to an innocent animal, calling it barbaric and inhumane. The organising committee has repeatedly appealed not to bring the festival into controversy as it is a very old tradition and a part of the local community's cultural heritage. Some in the community have advocated continuing the festival in its traditional form, terming it Khokana's pride while others have advocated change arguing that the festival had tarnished Khokana's reputation at the world stage.
== Attempted reforms ==
Some years before 2013, an attempt was reportedly made to replace goat sacrifice with a symbolic sacrifice of a pumpkin brought from Rudrayani temple, but it had minimal impact as the tradition continued unchanged.
Setopati reported that, in 2017, the sacrifice ritual was different from years before. While the kid was still drowned by a group of youths, there was no additional violence done upon her before or after her death. |
857 | 75,822,523 | 0 | Dhunge Sanghu Mela | Nepal | Dhunge Sanghu Mela (Nepali: ढुंगेसाँघु मेला) is a festival celebrated annually on the day of Maghe Sankranti at Sita Ghat on the bank of Seti River in Pokhara city, Nepal. Hindu pilgrims from Pokhara and neighbouring districts visits the Mela. It is believed that the Mela has been occurring since the Treta Yuga. The written documentation, however, states the Mela has been occurring since 1964 BS.
It is believed that various god and goddess including Shiva, Brahma, Visnu, Yakchya, Gandarva, and Apsara come to observe the Mela. Lord Ram and Sita are believed to come to the Sita ghat during their lifetime.
The festival serves as a marketplace to sell local produce. Mainly, iron utensils are sold in the Mela. The festival is also subject of various pop songs.
== Controversies ==
In 2076 BS, a controversy started when it was found that the land used for the Mela was illegally sold for a private use.
List of Melas in Nepal |
860 | 23,442,906 | 0 | Ghanta Karna | Nepal | Ghanta Karna (also known as Ghanta Karna Chaturdasi and Gathe Mangal) is a Nepalese Newari festival celebrating the defeat of the mythical demon Ghanta-karna (bell-ears) or Gatha-Mungal in local Newari language. According to the myth, the demon wore bell earrings in order to drown out the name of the god Shiva with their jingling. Attributed to him are acts of robbery, murder, and kidnapping of children. The festival takes place during the month of Shrawan (July/August).
== Sources ==
Festivals in Nepal |
861 | 67,552,521 | 0 | Ghode Jatra | Nepal | Ghode Jatra(Nepali:घोडे जात्रा) is a horse festival native to Kathmandu. The festival occurs annually on mid March or early April.
In the festival, a horse parades is organized in Tundikhel. The parade and competitions is carried out in the presence of heads of state. Nepal Army organizes the parade and competitions.
Kathmandu native Newar people mark the festival with a feast. There is a public holiday in Kathmandu on the day of Ghode Jatra.
== Origin ==
In the inner city of Kathmandu, whenever children disappeared, it was assumed that demons or cannibals did it. In order to scare off the bad spirits, campers in Tudikhel who had horses with them, were asked to run those horses around Tudikhel to scare off the demons. People gathered and fed the demons near the tree that is still located in the middle of Tudikhel. The ritual later took a form of festival. The tradition later changed into a national festival.
List of festivals in Nepal |
862 | 64,256,477 | 0 | Ghost Festival (Nepal) | Nepal | Ghost Festival (भुतमेला, bhoot mela) takes place on the full moon day of the month of Kartik (October/November) in Siraha district of Nepal at the Kamala River. In this festival, the shamans cure any illness caused by their family deity, or by evil people in their village by using tantric power.
== History ==
The festival is a centuries-old tradition celebrated every year on the full moon day of Kartik to control the influence of ghosts and Boksi. The festival occurs in the same time as Dashain. The origin of this festival is not known.
== Activities ==
Thousands of people, mostly from Dhanusha District and India take part in the event. During the night, people chant mantras while shamans practice various rituals near the temple of Sonamai (सोनामाई). Shamans classify the possessions into two groups. First one is the people possessed by the soul of another person who suffered an untimely or unwanted death (ghosts). Second, are the ones possessed by their lineage to god or goddess and therefore considered godly.
Food and temporary shelters are generally provided by the organization committee for the pilgrimages.
== Controversy ==
The practice is considered to be superstitious and victimizing the marginalized community such as the lower caste Dalit community. |
863 | 74,372,723 | 0 | Godavari Mela | Nepal | Godavari Mela (Nepali: गोदावरी मेला) or Simhastha Mela is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated every 12 years in Godavari, at Lalitpur district of Nepal. The festival attracts Hindu pilgrims from all over Nepal, India and some foreign tourists. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the holy spout during the festival washes away their sins. The festival was started in the Lichhavi period. The festival is celebrated for one month. Millions of people visit the festival.
== Festival procession ==
The festival begins after priests and devotees leave Harisiddhi temple in early morning to Godavari escorted by traditional musical orchestras. The main priest, pours milk into the Godavari pond, take a holy dip. It is then followed by 28 other priests. The pond has five stone spouts which are believed to have been formed during samundra manthan and a drop of Amrit (nectar) fell at the Godavari and the other fell in Nasik in India.
Pilgrims visit the Siddeshowr Mahadev and Godavari Ganga temples. During the festival, the road from Patan to Godavari is crowded with buses, people and shops. Local produce are showcased in the stalls. Volunteers, including Scouts and Red-cross manages the festival under the organization committee.
== Mythology ==
According to the mythology, when a Hindu saint named Gautam Rishi was grazing cattle, one of the cows fell off a cliff and died. The Rishi prayed to Shiva for help. Shiva told him to pray to goddess Ganga. The same night, the goddess appeared in his dream and the next day the Ganga appeared in Godavari, when the Jupiter was aligned with the Sun. The rishi then built the Siddheshwar Temple beside the pond at Godavari Kunda. The aligning of Jupiter and Sun happens every 12 years, hence the festival is also celebrated every 12 years.
== Similar mela ==
A festival is celebrated in Kailali district of Nepal with a similar name. It is called Godavari Amrit Mahasnan Dibya Sahasrha Kumbha Darshan Mela and is celebrated in Maghe Sankranti. More than 500,000 people visit the festival from surround district in Nepal and pilgrims from India. In 2016, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari inaugurated the event. |
864 | 66,792,541 | 0 | Gyalpo Lhosar | Nepal | Gyalpo Losar is a new year festival of Sherpa people of Nepal, Sikkim and Darjeeling. The festival is celebrated every year from Falgun Shukla Pratipada, the second day of the waxing moon until the full moon.
Gyalpo Losar is also regarded as a Tibetan New Year. The calendar has a cycle of 12 years named after mouse, cow, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog and boar.
== Mythology ==
According to mythology, the Losar was first celebrated when an old woman named Belma introduced moon based time measurement. People went to the local spring to perform rituals of gratitude and offerings were made to the Nagas (the snake god), or water spirits, who activated the water element in the area, and smoke offerings were made to the local spirits associated with the natural world.
== History ==
Gyalpo Losar was celebrated as a spring festival from the reign of Pude Gungyal, the ninth emperor of Tibet.
== Activities ==
Gyalpo Losar is celebrated for 2 weeks. The main celebrations take place during first three days. On the first day, a traditional beverage called Changkol, an equivalent of Chhaang is drunk. In the second day, which is the start of new year, Gyalpo Losar is celebrated. On the third day, people gather together to have a feast.
Various traditional dances representing the struggle between demon and god are performed in the Monasteries. Mantras are chanted and holy torches are passed among all the people in the crowd. A traditional dance depicting a battle between a deer and the King is also performed.
Traditional dishes are served during the festival. One of the main dishes is a soup called Gutung cooked with nine kinds of beans and meat, wheat, rice, sweet potato, cheese, peas, green pepper, vermicelli noodles and radish. The soup is served with dumpling. Khapse, a deep-fried pastry commonly eaten during, symbolizing the start of holiday celebrations.
Firecrackers are fired to get rid of ill spirits. Traditional dances such as Syabru are performed.
Sonam Losar, new year of Hyolmo people
Tamu Losar, new year of Gurung people
Losar, new year of Tibet people |
865 | 74,374,598 | 0 | Indrayani Jatra | Nepal | Indrayani Jatra is an annual celebration done at Kathmandu, Nepal. The festival is held for eight days every year, starting on Marga Krishna Ekadashi (late November). The festival is celebrated by both Buddhist and Hindu communities together. The origin of the Jatra is unknown, but is believed to be started by the Licchavi.
== Mythology ==
According to the mythology, Indrayaini was one of the eight daughter of goddess Vatsala Maju (Bhuvaneshwori) of the Kathmandu valley, however she was poor and ignored by the family. Once Vatsala Maju invited all her daughters for a feast on the 29th day of Chilla (Paha Charhe), which occurs on the fifth lunar month of Nepal Era calendar. Seven of the daughters were served well on golden plates, but Indrayani and her children were ignored and given hard millet bread on leaf plates. She was harassed and ignored for being poor. This behaviour made her sad, and she left without eating the food. While going back home, her kids cried for being hungry. Indrayani could not handle the children's cries. So, she even could not remember where she left her children. By the time she reached her home, she was alone. An old woman saw her and gave her a pumpkin. Indrayani took the pumpkin and put it on the fire to cook. But she could not concentrate on cooking and cried for the whole night and slept. The next morning, there was smoke in the kitchen, so she rushed to check. However, instead of finding fire, she found a pot full of gold. The pumpkin had turned into the gold. But she was not felt greedy while seeing the gold. She took some piece of the gold and kept the remaining in the Bishnumati River for others to find. Because she had gold now, she was named Luti Ajima (Lu meaning gold in Newari). Her mother also started to treat her well. But she had not forgotten the mistreatment in the feast. So instead of joining the feast, she removed her jewellery and start feeding food to the gold jewelleriser and shouts out that they loved her wealth but not her. She went back to her home and decided to make a feast without inviting her mother or sisters. The Jatra is celebrated to mark the same feast.
== Festival procession ==
The Maharjans, Dongols, Mahanthas, Thaku Jujus, Kasais, Manandhars take part in the Jatra. The festival starts on Trayodashi day. An idol of Indrayani is brought from Tyauda to the Dhalko temple on a palanquin. A special snake-offering oblation (Sarpahuti Yagya) is performed on the temple premises. In this ritual, a pair of snakes, two fishes, sparrows and grasshoppers are offered to the flame. During the puja, men stand as guard at the temple's doors called Paa Pi Wonegu. During the festival, a 48 feet tall wooden pole called Yansi is raised inside the Indrayani Temple at Dhalko. The Bajracharyas of Thahity, Kathmandu bring their ancestral gods called Aju and Aji in the Indrayani Temple.
The next day, the idol of Indrayani is carried to Thahity on the palanquin to meets her children Swan Chhapu Ganesh, Bhudi Ganesh, Shova Bhagwati, Mankhacha and Jwalamai. All her children except Mankhacha and Jwalamai.
On the new moon day, the palanquin of Indrayani is carried around the city, including Swet Bhairav at Chhetrapati. In the past, Swet Bhairav was accompanied by Indrayani around the city, but this practice was stopped about 70 years ago.
== Indrayani Jatra of Kritipur ==
A festival with similar name and same timing is also celebrated in Kirtipur, another city in the Kathmandu valley. A procession of chariot, along with musical band, is done throughout the day to various locations. The goddess and her chariot is brought back to the main temple on the third day near the Bagh Bhairab Temple. |
866 | 6,932,124 | 0 | List of Jatras in Nepal | Nepal | Jatra (Newar: 𑐖𑐵𑐟𑑂𑐬𑐵, Nepali: जात्रा) refers to the types of Newa Festivals involving street festival or carnival.
== List of Jatras ==Janadya Jatra: Celebrated in central Kathmandu
Yenya (Indra Jatra): Celebrated in central Kathmandu
Bungdya Jatra: Celebrated in Patan
Bisak Jatra: Celebrated in Major parts of Bhaktapur
Bisket Jatra: Celebrated in Bhaktapur, Dhapasi, Madhyapur Thimi, Tokha and other places in Nepal
Bhoto Jatra: Celebrated in Patan
Gai Jatra: Celebrated on the Kathmandu Valley
Ghode Jatra: Celebrated in Tundikhel, Kathmandu
HaadiGaun Jatra: Celebrated in Hadigaun in Kathmandu
Khame Jatra: Celebrated on the Bhaktapur on the ninth day of Dasain
Shikali Jatra: Celebrated in Khokana, Lalitpur
Dolkhala Jatra: Celebrated in Dolkha
Dharmasthali Jatra: Celebrated in Dharmasthali in Kathmandu
Indrayani Jatra:Celebrated in Kathamndu
Navadurga Jatra:Celebrated in Bhaktapur
Newar
Newa Festival
== External links ==
Jwajalapa |
867 | 71,922,509 | 0 | Khame Jatra | Nepal | Khame Jatra or Kha Me Jatra is a festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It occurs in the ninth day of Dashain. It is mainly celebrated by the Newar people. A similar procession is also practised in Panauti, but it is in the form of Puja rather than a Jatra.
== Preparation ==
Kha Me means a pure male buffalo which does not have any physical wounds or defects. It must have seven chakras and its hair in the front and the middle parts should lean towards the front and the hair in back should lean towards the back. This buffalo is specially reared for the festival in the name of Bramhayani goddess by Banamala clan, a sub-group of Newar community. In case such buffalo cannot be found, a rope is tied as a symbol of Kha Me in the temple pillar.
== Main activity ==
In Dasain, the buffalo is brought to Gathemung (Dattatreya square) near the temple of goddess Durga. On the evening of the ninth day of Dasain, it is taken to the open street and chased from the Durga temple towards Bramhayani temple which lies about a kilometer away on the bank of Hanumante river. Before the chasing starts, it is made drunk by feeding alcohol.
After chasing, the buffalo is cleaned in the holy water of Hanumante river. Pilgrims also bath in the same river. A tantric ritual is performed by sprinkling holy water, rice and flowers on the body of buffalo and some tantric mantra is whispered in its ear. The buffalo is then slain as a symbol of demon Mahisasura.
The head is displayed as the demon king Mahisasura while the body is distributed as prasada. It is believed that the if the holy prasad keep the evils away from the family. The prasad is stored and burnt in the fire as incense in the Lakshmi Puja. |
868 | 62,184,328 | 0 | Kukur Tihar | Nepal | Kukur Tihar (also called Narak Chaturdashi, Nepali: कुकुर तिहार) is an annual Hindu festival originating from Nepal which falls on the second day of the festival of Tihar (around October or November). The second day of Tihar, called Kukur Tihar, is dedicated to the worship of dogs. On this day, people worship dogs to please Yama, the god of death, as they are considered to be his messengers. Dogs are decorated with tilaka and wear flower garlands around their necks. Worshippers offer them various foods including meat, milk, eggs, and dog food. It is considered a sin if someone acts disrespectfully to a dog on this day.
Kukur Tihar is also celebrated worldwide by the Nepalese diaspora.
== Background ==Tihar is a five-day-long Hindu festival originating from Nepal; it is the second-largest festival in the country, after Dashain. Kukur Tihar is celebrated on the second day of Tihar. During the festival of Tihar, many animals including cows and crows are also worshipped.
In the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, the five Pandavas on their way to heaven are accompanied by a dog. The five Pandavas with their wife Draupadi and brothers climb the Himalayas; all of them except Yudhishthira and his dog perishing along the way. Then Yudhishthira meets Indra, King of the gods, who welcomes him to heaven but tells him he has to leave his dog behind. Yudhishthira refuses to enter heaven without his dog and says he will go back to earth. The dog disappears and it is replaced by Yama, the god of death; Indra is impressed by his actions and then his righteousness opens the gates of heaven for Yudhishthira.
In Hindu mythology, Yama has two dogs—Shyama and Sharvara—who guard the door of hell. Nepali Hindus believe that by worshipping dogs they start to see death positively, because a dog follows them in their final journey. They hope that dogs will guard them against the torture in hell. Dogs are considered to be a companion of Yama and to please him, dogs are worshipped.
According to ABC Science, dogs might have been first domesticated in Nepal and Mongolia.
== Celebrations ==Tihar is celebrated around October or November every year. During the festival, dogs are worshipped, bathed, and decorated with tilaka, which is made from kumkuma or gulal powders with rice and yoghurt. Flower garlands are draped around their necks and they are offered food including meat, milk, eggs, and dog food. Police dogs and stray dogs are also honoured.Kukur Tihar also celebrates the relationship between dogs and humans. It is considered a sin if someone behaves disrespectfully to a dog on this day.
== Reception ==
After the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Animal Nepal used the occasion of the festival to promote awareness about dogs who became homeless. The Kathmandu Post reported that people were buying foreign breeds of dogs which left the local dogs in the streets.
Kukur Tihar spread around Mexico in 2016 to make people aware of respecting animals. Special Broadcasting Service reported that many Nepalis in Australia were also celebrating the festival. In 2008. Asian Art in London celebrated the festival by creating a dog walk charity event. Also in 2016, Kathmandu Metropolitan City with the help of Humane Society International and Jane Goodall Institute Nepal created a program to humanely manage urban dog population. An educational assessment done by International Companion Animal Management Coalition (ICAM Coalition) found that dogs in the capital of Nepal were generally healthy and accepted by the community.
In 2018, a dog named Kushal was named The Best Dog of the Year by the Nepal Police on the occasion of the festival after the dog helped discover the murderer of a 10-year-old girl.
After the Chinese Lychee and Dog Meat Festival, in which festival-goers eat dog meat and lychees, garnered international outrage, One Green Planet described Kukur Tihar as [it] will restore your faith in humanity. People on social media contrasted the Chinese festival with Kukur Tihar and The Dodo reported that [it gave] heartbroken dog lovers a reason to feel hopeful again. In a 2016 newspaper article, the President of Animal Nepal appealed to Nepalis to take a pledge this Kukur Tihar, to not just worship your pets on this day but to do the right thing for them all year round. Unchain and uncage your dogs, learn to interact with them, take them for walks, understand their feelings, … A 2007 BBC photo essay also pointed out the need to improve the treatment of Nepali dogs which, during the rest of the year, are not generally well treated...
== Gallery ==
Tihar
Dashain
Ghode Jatra |
869 | 27,636,998 | 0 | Kushe Aunsi | Nepal | Kushe Aunsi (Nepali: कुशे औंसी; Gokarna Aunsi or Buwa ko Mukh Herne Din) is a Nepalese Hindu lunar festival of celebrating fatherhood and paternal bonds, equivalent to the Father's Day celebration. The festival falls on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Bhadra (late August or early September). The cow-eared incarnation of lord Shiva— Gokarneswor Mahadev is also worshipped on this day.
Many people go to pilgrimage to Gokarneswor Mahadev temple, located northeastern part of Kathmandu, and they bathe and make offerings. People whose father has died also perform Shraddha (yearly death rituals).
== Etymology ==The festival falls on the day of new moon day known as Aunsi in Nepali. The word Kushe is derived from the word Kush, a holy plant in Hinduism. On this day, people bring new Kush plant into their home. The plant is worshipped as a symbol of Lord Bishnu.
The festival is also commonly known as Buwa ko Mukh Herne Din, literally translated as 'day to see one's father's face' in Nepali language. The children worship their father, feed him sweets and delicacies, and give him a gift as a part of the celebration.
The festival is also known as Gokarna Aunsi, literally translated as cow-eared (Gokarna) and new moon night (Aunsi).
Pitri Aunsi is another name of the festival. Pitri means spirits of the departed ancestors in Hindu culture. On this day, the spirits of the departed ancestors are also worshipped.
== Moti Jayanti ==
The birth anniversary of the prominent Nepalese poet Motiram Bhatta is celebrated on this day every year. Bhatta was born on the day of Kushe Aunsi in 1866. He also died on the same day in 1896 at the age of 30.
Matatirtha Aunsi, Nepalese Mother's Day. |
870 | 1,487,939 | 0 | Losar | Nepal | Losar (Tibetan: ལོ་སར་, Wylie: lo-sar; new year) also known as Tibetan New Year, is a festival in Tibetan Buddhism. The holiday is celebrated on various dates depending on location (Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, India) tradition. The holiday is a new year's festival, celebrated on the first day of the lunisolar Tibetan calendar, which corresponds to a date in February or March in the Gregorian calendar. In 2024,
the new year commenced on 10 February and celebrations ran until the 12th of the same month. It also commenced the Year of the Male Wood Dragon.
The variation of the festival in Nepal is called Lhosar and is observed about eight weeks earlier than the Tibetan Losar.
== History ==Losar predates the arrival of Buddhism in Tibet and has its roots in a winter incense-burning custom of the Bon religion. Tibetan new year is counted by the current year added to 127 BCE the year of the founding of the Yarlung dynasty. During the reign of the ninth Tibetan king, Pude Gungyal (317-398), it is said that this custom merged with a harvest festival to form the annual Losar festival.
The 14th Dalai Lama (1998: p. 233) frames the importance of consulting the Nechung Oracle for Losar:For hundreds of years now, it has been traditional for the Dalai Lama, and the Government, to consult Nechung during the New Year festivals.
Tenzin Wangyal (2002: p.xvii) frames his experience of Tibetan cultural practice of Losar in relation to elemental celebrations and offerings to Nāga (Tibetan: Klu):During Losar, the Tibetan celebration of the new year, we did not drink champagne to celebrate. Instead, we went to the local spring to perform a ritual of gratitude. We made offerings to the nagas, the water spirits who activated the water element in the area. We made smoke offerings to the local spirits associated with the natural world around us. Beliefs and behaviors like ours evolved long ago and are often seen as primitive in the West. But they are not only projections of human fears onto the natural world, as some anthropologists and historians suggest. Our way of relating to the elements originated in the direct experiences by our sages and common people of the sacred nature of the external and internal elements. We call these elements earth, water, fire, air, and space.Losar is celebrated in the city of Dharamsala in India and in other Tibetan Buddhist communities.
== Practice ==
Losar is celebrated for 15 days, with the main celebrations on the first three days. On the first day of Losar, a beverage called changkol is made from chhaang (a Tibetan-Nepali equivalent of beer). The second day of Losar is known as King's Losar (gyalpo losar). Losar is traditionally preceded by the five-day practice of Vajrakilaya. Because the Uyghurs adopted the Chinese calendar, and the Mongols and Tibetans adopted the Uyghur calendar, Losar occurs near or on the same day as the Chinese New Year and the Mongolian New Year, but the traditions of Losar are unique to Tibet, and predate both Indian and Chinese influences.
As well as that, the Sherpas are associated with Losar and enjoy Losar in the high altitudes of the Nepal Himalayan Range. Prior to the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1950, Losar began with a morning ritual ceremony at Namgyal Monastery, led by the Dalai Lama and other high-ranking lamas, with government officials participating, to honor the Dharmapala (dharma-protector) Palden Lhamo. After the Dalai Lama was exiled, many monasteries were destroyed and monks imprisoned. Since that time, Tibetan Buddhist practice in Tibet has been difficult to observe publicly.
Losar forms part of the culture of Ladakh for Buddhists residing in that region.
In Tibet, various customs are associated with the holiday:Families prepare for Losar some days in advance by thoroughly cleaning their homes; decorating with fragrant flowers and their walls with auspicious signs painted in flour such as the sun, moon, or a reversed swastika; and preparing cedar, rhododendron, and juniper branches for burning as incense. Debts are settled, quarrels are resolved, new clothes are acquired, and special foods such as kapse (fried twists) are made. A favorite drink is chang (barley beer) which is served warm. Because the words sheep's head and beginning of the year sound similar in Tibetan, it is customary to fashion a sheep's head from colored butter as a decoration. Another traditional decoration that symbolizes a good harvest is the phyemar (five-grain bucket), a bucket with a wooden board that creates two vertical halves within. This bucket is filled with zanba (also known as tsamba, roasted qingke barley flour) and barley seeds, then decorated with barley ears and colored butter.
Losar customs in Bhutan are similar to, but distinct from, customs in neighboring Tibet. Modern celebration of the holiday began in Bhutan in 1637, when Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal commemorated the completion of the Punakha Dzong with an inaugural ceremony, in which Bhutanese came from all over the country to bring offerings of produce from their various regions, a tradition that is still reflected in the wide variety of foods consumed during the ritual Losar meals. Traditional foods consumed on the occasion include sugarcane and green bananas, which are considered auspicious. In Bhutan, picnicking, dancing, singing, dart-playing, archery (see archery in Bhutan), and the giving of offerings are all traditions.
The Dalai Lama blesses many Buddhists in Dharamsala during Losar, from the young to the old, and they form a queue to manage the number of people who visit the Dalai Lama's temple to do this.
== Dates ==
The Tibetan calendar is a lunisolar calendar. Losar is celebrated on the first through third days of the first lunar month.* Note: Rabjung (Wylie: rab byung) is the name of the 60-year cycle of the Tibetan calendar that started in 1027 CE, and is currently in its 17th cycle.
** Note: These year names have more than one translation into English with different terms used by different groups.
*** Note: Losar is celebrated by some international communities at more or less the same time it is celebrated in Asia. For example, for a year when Losar starts on February 1 in Asia time zones, it may be celebrated by some in United States time zones on January 31. Losar celebrations are normally for three days.
Galdan Namchot
Losoong Festival
Lunar New Year
Nepali calendar
Tibetan astrology
Tibetan calendar
Lunar New Year: Celebrations of Lunar New Year in other parts of Asia
South and Southeast Asian solar New Year: Similar Asian Lunisolar New Year celebrations that occur in April: |
872 | 69,260,590 | 0 | Makar Mela | Nepal | Makar Mela is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated every 12 years in the month of Magh (Mid January-Early February) in Panauti town of Nepal. The festival attracts Hindu pilgrims from all over Nepal, India and some foreign tourists. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the holy river during the festival washes away their sins.
The festival is celebrated for the whole month of Magh at Tribenighat, the confluence of three rivers viz. Punyamati, Roshi (also called Lilawati) and Rudrawati. The festival starts when the sun enters Makar Rashi as per the Vedic astrology. Pilgrims bath in the river and worship Basuki Naag which is considered to be the caretaker of Panauti. Then the devotees proceed to worship Indreshwor Mahadev.
== Mythology ==
According to the mythology, once Indra, the king of heaven, suffered from an incurable disease. To cure it, he meditated for 12 years to get rid of disease by pleasing Shiva at Tribenighat. Shiva mixed some nectar in Rudrawati river to cure the disease. When Indra dipped in the river, he got cured. It is believed that every 12 years, the nectar flows in the river which will cure all the diseases.
Another mythology describes that the festival is celebrated from the time of king Dirgharath of Panauti and king Satyawar of Patan which they started to pray goddess Phulchowki for the rivers Roshi and Godawari.
As a ritual, the festival was forbidden to be visited by the King of Nepal because the kings of Nepal and the main god of the festival - Vishnu were considered to be the same god. However, the last King of Nepal, Gyanendra visited the festival.
Some environmental concerns have been raised because of the water pollution caused during the festival.
== Festival years ==
2066 B.S.
2078 B.S. (2021)
2090 B.S. |
873 | 21,345,976 | 0 | Mandali Puja | Nepal | Mandali Puja is a celebration in Chimkhola and nearby villages in the Dhawalagiri Zone of west-central Nepal. It is celebrated annually on a Tuesday in the month of Mangsir (the eighth month of the Nepalese calendar), after the Marghashirsha (the first month of winter) Sukla Pratipada with a black she-goat (if possible). It may also be observed individually throughout the year on Ujjali (Tuesday) of any month. Mandali Puja is observed to appeal for a cure from illness, relief of misfortune and success in foreign travel. Women who wish to become doctors believe that if they make an offering, 75% of them will be successful. The offering was originally a goat, but since 2025 BS (1968 AD) a pair of pigeons are also used. A comb, thread, ribbon, mirror and a sari are offered to the goddess. She is believed to be very powerful, so she is worshipped by people from different places.
== Mandali Bajai ==
According to legend, Mandali Bajai (third granddaughter of the last Thakuri king of Dholarthan) was married in Waakhet in Pathlekhet VDC. Her third daughter was Mandali Bajai. Since childhood she was different and at age 17 or 18, she was beaten and scolded by the villagers. Despite pain and illness she came to Chimkhola, crossing the Raghuganga River in 1921 BS (1864 AD). Mallika Puja was taking place at Mulkarha, and Mandali Bajai became a pilgrim. After a long night of celebration, on her way back to Chimkhola she was struck by a cow named Guleni on the north side of Mandali Than (now known as Chulthepathi) and died of her injuries. Eight to ten years after the accident Mandali Bajai began to appear through spiritualists, convincing them to worship her at the present place. Her veneration began in 1930 BS (1873 AD).
The shrine was originally near a large puwale bush, but in 1975 BS (1918 AD) Chambir Tilija, a devotee, built a fence around the area. In 2008 BS (1951 AD), however, a landslide from the Tamkhane Gahra destroyed the puwale bush and surrounding area. After the landslide the temple was moved to the north of the village, in Chamalabot. However, the witch doctors encouraged worship at the old site, near a milky tree. In accordance with their wishes, the villagers searched the area and found a dudelo tree (a tree in the region of Chimkhola which is used to feed domestic animals). Beginning in 2013 BS (1956 AD) worship began at the original site, which was again fenced in by Chambir Tilija. In 2021 BS (1964), G. K. Paha Bahadur Pun dedicated a temple; later, Karna Bahadur Tilija's sons Li Tam Bahaur Tilija, Som Bahadur Tilija, Moti Bahadur Tilija and Man Bahadur Tilija (who lived in the area) built another temple. In 2062 BS (2005), the original temple was renovated by G. K. Paha Bahadur Pun, Jaisara Pun (his oldest wife), Kali Maya Pun (his youngest wife), Indra Bahadur Pun (his oldest son), Ruk Maya Pun (his oldest daughter-in-law), Dek Bahadur Pun (his youngest son) and Bina Pun (his youngest daughter). |
874 | 64,410,954 | 0 | National Paddy Day | Nepal | National Paddy Day (Nepali: राष्ट्रीय धानरोपाई दिवस, romanized: Rastriya Dhanropai Diwas) is an annual festival in Nepal which marks the beginning of the rice planting season. It is celebrated on the 15th of Ashadh (29 June) every year. The festival is also named Ropain Diwas, Dhan Diwas, and Ashadh Pandra. It is celebrated because the farmer have planted the materials e.g rice, lentils, vegetables e.t.c.
The festival usually starts with people making a parade in their village before entering the rice fields. People wear Nepali traditional clothes. According to OnlineKhabar, Particular responsibilities are shared among men and women. Men plough the field, arrange drain water, level the fields and make fine mud slurry for the plantation. The people splash each other and play in the mud, plant rice seedlings, eat the traditional dish of curd and beaten rice, and sing folk songs. Some communities schedule related cultural programs.
The festival is also popular among tourists who visit Nepal, and hence this festival also forms a part of agrotourism.
== History and significance ==
According to the cultural norm, 15 Ashadh is considered as the auspicious day to start rice planting for the year. The date falls during the monsoon season, an optimal time for rice planting. On 14 December 2004, the Nepal Government officially declared Ashadh 15 as National Paddy Day. The celebration takes place under the theme of Increase rice production for self-sufficiency and prosperity.
The Provincial Assembly of Karnali Province has declared Ashadh 15 to be a public holiday in Karnali Province except for the Jumla District; paddy planting starts on 25 March in Jumla.
Rice contributes to about 7 percent of Nepal's GDP. In 2018, it was estimated that Nepal imports about Rs 25 billion worth of rice.
== Foods ==
Curd and beaten rice are traditionally consumed on National Paddy Day. Yoghurt is also served.
== Major developments ==
A survey by The Himalayan Times in 2020 reported that in many remote areas of Nepal, children were not aware of the festival. In 2020, it was reported that the festival celebration was stale because of the fear of the COVID-19 pandemic and locust infestation.Agriculture in Nepal
List of festivals in Nepal
National Education Day (Nepal) |
875 | 74,376,142 | 0 | Navadurga Jatra | Nepal | Navadurga Jatra is a festival celebrated every 12 years in the Thecho and Sunakothi regions of the Lalitpur district, Nepal. During the Jatra, masked dancers posing as deities perform a ritual dance at Mulchowk in Patan Durbar Square.
A tantric ritual is performed on the start of the Jatra at Bal Kumari Temple in Sunakothi on the seventh day of Dashain (Fulpati). Worship is performed until midnight, when an animal sacrifice is made. The Jatra is composed of 28 festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. The main feast called Deyh Bhavay is the main highlight of the Jatra. A devotee dressed as god Bhairav serves the food. Seven types of dance rituals are performed by dancers dressed as 11 types of gods and goddesses. During the dance ritual period, weddings, feasts during death rituals, and bratabhanda are prohibited. The dance ritual was added in the Licchavi period.
The Jatra is managed by the Navadurga Guthi. All households in Thecho and Sunakothi attend the Jatra.
== Navadurga Jatra of Bhaktapur ==
A festival with the same name is also celebrated in Bhaktapur. 13 masked deities perform the Navadurga dance at various location in Bhaktapur. These deities are Bhairav, Mahakali, Barahi, Brahmayani, Maheshwari, Kumari, Vaishnavi, Indrayani, Ganesh, Mahadev, Shwet Bhairav and Nandi-Bhringi. This Jatra was started by King Bhuvan Malla to avoid famine and increase prosperity.
List of Jatras in Nepal |
877 | 52,971,573 | 0 | Nepal Literature Festival | Nepal | Nepal Literature Festival (Nepali: नेपाल साहित्य महोत्सव) is an annual international literary festival which takes place in Pokhara, Nepal (previously Kathmandu). It was founded in 2011 by Bookworm Foundation, a not-for-profit organization.
== Timeline ==
=== 2011 ===
The first edition of the festival was held from 18 to 21 August in Gyan Mandala in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur. The festival was sponsored by Ncell, a telecommunication company.
=== 2012 ===
The second edition of festival was held from 20 to 23 September in the premises of the Nepal Academy at Kamaladi, Kathmandu The festival was sponsored by Ncell, a telecommunication company. The festival had participated by international writers: Mark Tully, Indra Bahadur Rai and Ira Trivedi.
=== 2013 ===
The third edition of festival was held from 25 to 28 October in the premises of the Nepal Academy at Kamaladi, Kathmandu. The festival was sponsored by Ncell, a telecommunication company. The festival had participated by international writers:Shobhaa De, Ravinder Singh, Prajwal Parajuly and Farah Ghuznavi.
=== 2014 ===
The fourth edition of festival was held from 19 to 22 September in the premises of the Nepal Academy at Kamaladi, Kathmandu. The festival was sponsored by Ncell, a telecommunication company. The festival had participated by international writers: Shashi Tharoor, Farah Ghuznavi, Tishani Doshi, Carlo Pizzati, Basharat Peer, and Hartosh Singh Bal.
=== 2016 ===
The fifth edition of festival was held from 29 January-1 February 2016 in premises of Nepal Tourism Board, Pardi, Pokhara. The festival was inaugurated by retired British Gurkha officer. The festival had writers like Barkha Dutt, Ira Trivedi, Shobhaa De, Farah Ghuznavi, Ned Beauman, Vinod Mehta including Poet Uday Prakash.
=== 2017 ===
The sixth edition of festival was held from 29 January-1 February 2017 in premises of Nepal Tourism Board, Pardi, Pokhara . The festival was attended by authors, artists, politicians, media persons, intellectuals, economists, sociologists and attendees. The festival had Indian writer Ramachandra Guha, novelist Durjoy Datta and poet Uday Prakash.Full list of festival participants:
Aahuti, Aditya Adhikari, Amar Neupane, Amit Dhakal, Amrit Gurung, Amrit Subedi, Bairagi Kainla, Basanta Basnet, Basanta Thapa, Bhupal Rai, Bhupin, Bibek Shrestha (Kandara), Bimal Acharya, Binod Baniya, Birendra Bahadur Basnet, Bishwa Paudel, Buddhisagar, Chaitanya Mishra, Chandra Kishore, C.K. Lal, Devendra Bhattarai, Dhruba Chandra Gautam, Dipendra Shrestha, Durjoy Datta, Gagan Thapa, Ganess Paudel, Ghanashyam Bhusal, Gunaraj Luitel, Hari Bahadur Gandharba, Hari Bahadur Thapa, Hari Sharma, Harihar Birahi, Hari Bansha Acharya, Hima Bista, Ishwor Mani Adhikari, Jiba Lamichhane, Jiwan Kshetri, Kalpana Chiluwal, Kanak Mani Dixit, Kapil Sharma, Kedar Sharma, Kedar Bhakta Mathema, Khagendra Sangraula, Kiran Nepal, Kripa Joshi (Miss Moti), Kulman Ghising, Kumar Nagarkoti, Kusumakar Neupane, Laxmi Sharma, Lochan Rijal, Madan Krishna Shrestha, Mahesh Bikram Shah, Narayan Dhakal, Namgay Zam, Narayan Gandharba, Narayan Wagle, Nayanraj Pandey, Nabaraj Parajuli, Neeva Shah, Omprakash Aryal, Prabha Bhattarai, Pranika Koyu, Pushkar Shah, Rabindra Adhikari, Rabindra Samir, Rajan Mukarung, Rajendra Dahal, Rajendra Parajuli, Rambhakta Jojiju, Ramchandra Guha, Raamesh Koirala, Ramlal Joshi, Richa Bhattarai, Sabitri Gautam, Samriddhi Rai, Saraswoti Pratikshya, Saraswati Shrestha Saru, Sarita Tiwari, Shakuntla Joshi, Shiva Gaule, Shivani Singh Tharu, Shubha Kayastha, Subin Bhattarai, Sudheer Sharma, Sujit Mahat, Swarnim Wagle, Tirtha Shrestha, Upendra Paudel, Uday Prakash, Yangesh.
=== 2018 ===
The seventh edition of the festival was held on the banks of the Fewa Lake opposite the Ratna Mandir in Pokhara, from December 22 to December 25, 2018. The then Honorable Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari was the Chief Guest of the event. Pakistani writer Mohammed Hanif, British illustrator and graphic artist Nicola Streeten, Nepali-Indian author Prajwal Parajuly, Indian writer Namita Gokhale, and Nepali-Canadian writer Manjushree Thapa were some of the panelist at the festival. The festival also had a performance by famous Nepali singer Dharmender Sewan.
=== 2019 ===
The eighth edition of the festival was held on two locations. It was held in Janakpur, Nepal on November 8 to November 10 and in Pokhara from December 13 to December 16(Nepali: मंसिर २७ देखि ३० गते).
Former President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav chaired the Janakpur edition of the festival. The first day of the festival was celebrated with Maithili songs and performance and speech by Dr. Yadav, author and critic Hari Sharma, journalist Anil Mishra and Province 2 coordinator of Visit Nepal Year 2020, Manish Jha. On the second day, discussions were held on topics ranging from Chure range to food culture of Madhesh and literature related to Tarai-Hill political dynamic. A session titled ‘Madhesh ko Bhojan’ (the food cultureof Madesh) was held with Gayatri Sharma, Imtiaz Wafa, Kedar Sharma and Gani Ansari in a discussion.
The Pokhara edition of the festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Gandaki State, Prithivi Subba Gurung.
The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, 2019 was awarded to Indian writer Amitabh Bagchi for his novel 'Half the Night is Gone' in the presence of the shortlisted authors and the jury panel by Chief Guest Ishwar Pokhrel, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Nepal during the festival in Pokhara.
=== 2020 ===
The ninth edition of the festival was held from 28 December to 30 December 2020. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, some of the panels were held virtually while some were held in isolated location in Sarangkot, Pokhara and streamed digitally on YouTube.
List of panelist of the festival
Bina Theeng Tamang, Ramesh Bhusal, Chandra Prakash Dhakal, Shilshila Acharya, Rajkumar Baniya, Dr. Rolina Dhital, Roshan Mishra, Nischal Basnet, Biswo Poudel, Ayushi KC, Priyanka Karki, Rabindra Puri, Sobita Gautam, Swechha Raut, Hari Khanal, Bikesh Kabin, Chandra Prakash Baniya, Durga Karki, Avasna Pandey, Keshab Dahal, Kuber Chalise, Bhaskar Dhungana, Aranico Pandey, Alok Tuladhar, Manushree Mahat, Prithvi Subba Gurung, Kiran Gurung, Manju Devi Gurung, Sita Sundas, Pradip Rodan, Amrit Subedi, Saugat Wagle, Bhavana Tamang, Jagannath Lamichhane, Illya Bhattarai, Yangesh, Bonita Sharma, Deepak Pariyar, Sonika Manandhar, Basanta Basnet, Dr. Anup Subedi, Milan Bagale, Shivani Singh Tharu, Prakriti Bhattarai Basnet, Niranjan Kunwar, Bhikku Kashyap
2022
The 10th edition of Nepal Literature Festival was held in Pokhara from 21 to 26 December 2022. There were 55 diverse sessions over 5 days. The event was a combination of literature, culture, poetry, and music as well as discussions on different topics. This included sports to food, nature to politics, literary translation to creative writing and many more.[1]
== External links ==
Official website |
878 | 61,163,114 | 0 | Nepal Pride Parade | Nepal | Nepal POMSOGIESC (People of Marginalized Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics) Pride Parade (Nepali: नेपाल सिमान्तकृत यौन अभिमुखिकरण, लैङ्गिक पहिचान र यौन विशेषताका व्यक्तिहरूको गौरव यात्रा, romanized: Nēpāla Simāntakr̥ta Yauna Abhimukhikaraṇa, Laiṅgika Pahicāna ra Yauna Viśēṣatākā Vyaktiharūkō Gaurava Yātrā) known as Nepal Pride Parade (नेपाल गौरव यात्रा, Nēpāla Gaurava Yātrā) in short, is organized on every second Saturday of June. The Pride March is organized by Queer Youth Group in collaboration with Queer Rights Collective. Since 2020, Campaign for Change (intersex rights organization) has also been involved. This Pride March marked establishment of first independent Pride Parade in Nepal.
== 2022 ==
The fourth annual Nepal Pride Parade was conducted in physical attendance after two years of virtual momentum. The parade was gathered at Fibwakhya (Maitighar) and concluded at New Baneshwar. There were speeches in multiple indigenous languages with sign language interpretation.
== 2021 ==
The third annual Nepal Pride Parade was also conducted virtually. Events included:-Social Media Posting (Before 1 pm)
Tweetathon and Instathon (11 am to 12:30 pm)
Video Screening (1 pm to 3 pm)
Networking Event (3:30 pm to 4:30 pm)
Dance Party (5 pm to 6 pm)
== 2020 ==
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the second annual Nepal Pride Parade was conducted online. The day started with Tweetathon & Instathon that led to virtual sessions being conducted. Events included:- Video Posting What is Pride for you? (Before 11 am)
Tweetathon and Instathon (11 am to 1 pm)
Mental Health and Us : Webinar (1:30 pm to 2:45 pm)
Intersectionality in the Queer Movement : Webinar (3 pm to 4:30 pm)
Networking Event (5 pm to 7pm)
== 2019 ==
The first parade drew around four hundred people on the busy streets of Maitighar Mandala. The first pride march was organized on June 29, 2019, which declared second Saturday of June to be celebrated as Pride Day in Nepal.
In 2019, people gathered at Maitighar Mandala (Fibwa Khya) in the morning and marched towards New Baneshwar (Khunthoo). Around 400 people showed up. People held Rainbow Pride Flag, Bisexual Pride Flag, Transgender Pride Flag, Genderqueer Pride Flag, Genderfluid Pride Flag, Intersex Pride Flag along with slogans in four different languages. The theme of the pride march was 'Inclusion of queer (gender and sexual minorities) at all levels of state and decision-making process.
== Gallery ==
=== Nepal Pride Parade, 2019 ===
LGBT rights in Nepal
Pride parades in Nepal
== Notes == |
879 | 75,717,272 | 0 | Nepali Dhoti Diwas | Nepal | null |
880 | 38,013,448 | 0 | Nwagi festival | Nepal | Nwagi (Nepali: न्वागी), also spelled Nuwagi or Udhauli, is a major festival celebrated the by Kirati people (Yakkha , Limbu , Rai , Sunuwar ) and Chepang people , which is performed on a Tuesday during third week of Bhadra (some day in August and September). Nwagi is celebrated prior to eating the harvested food crops, some of which are offered to ancestors and nature gods. Locals believe that if somebody eats the crops without celebrating Nwagi, they will be cursed by their ancestors.
== Nuwagi Cycle ==The nuwāgi cycle celebrates the first fruits offering and is the most important ritual occasion during the harvest season in autumn, in the month of Kārtik (October/ November). The ancestors are presented with the new rice or millet, and only after they have eaten can the household consume the newly harvested grains. Thus it is a happy occasion: it is a time when the work of the year is about to be completed, the hard days of food scarcity (Nep. anikāl) are over and food is plentiful again. As a good harvest depends on the support of the ancestors, they have to be satisfied and given their share. As honoured guests, they are invited and given the best of foods before everybody else, and they are asked to remain benevolent and supportive. The nuwāgi is a half-day feast marked by a communal meal to which a good number of relatives and neighbours are invited. |
881 | 28,542,211 | 0 | Pride parades in Nepal | Nepal | Throughout the year, different organizations host pride parades in Nepal. Blue Diamond Society, an LGBT rights organization, in 2010 organized Gai Jatra Gay March, with most participants on masks to prevent being identified by suspected homophobic people. In recent years, many pride parades in different times of the years have been organized. Due to criticism of Blue Diamond Society for organizing pride parade in Gaijatra festival many organizations deviated into new rallies. All the parades by Blue Diamond Society have coincided with the Gaijatra festival. The parades end with a candle-light vigil in memories of those who died in the past year, promoting equality for all.
== Nepal Pride Parade ==Nepal POMSOGIESC (People of Marginalized Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics) Pride Parade, known as Nepal Pride Parade in short (Maithili: 𑒢𑒹𑒣𑒰𑒪 𑒑𑒾𑒩𑒫 𑒨𑒰𑒞𑓂𑒩𑒰; Newar: 𑐣𑐾𑐥𑐵𑑅 𑐐𑐬𑑂𑐧𑐫𑐵𑑅; Tamang: ནེ་པལ་ རང་ཏང་ ཡུལ་ཀོར་།།; Gurung: नेपाल ङ्होईल्वुबये भ्रज्ञाँ / नेपाल ल्हुब्ये प्रबक्याँ; Limbu: ᤏᤣᤐᤠᤗ ᤜᤣᤴᤇᤠᤶ ᤋᤱᤏᤠᤔ), is organized on every second Saturday of June. The Pride March is organized by Queer Youth Group in collaboration with Queer Rights Collective. Since 2020, Campaign for Change (intersex rights organization) has also been involved. This Pride March is the first pride march in Nepal. While many other LGBT marches existed around the year, this has become the first pride march celebrated on pride month. The first parade drew around four hundred people on the busy streets of Maitighar Mandala. The first pride march was organized on June 29, 2019, which declared second Saturday of June to be celebrated as Pride Day in Nepal.In 2019, people gathered at Maitighar Mandala (Fibwa Khya) in the morning and marched towards New Baneshwar (Khunthoo). Around 400 people showed up. People held Rainbow Pride Flag, Bisexual Pride Flag, Transgender Pride Flag, Genderqueer Pride Flag, Genderfluid Pride Flag, Intersex Pride Flag along with slogans in four different languages. The theme of the pride march was 'Inclusion of queer (gender and sexual minorities) at all levels of state and decision-making process. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the second annual Nepal Pride Parade was conducted online. The day started with Tweetathon & Instathon that led to virtual sessions being conducted. The third annual Nepal Pride Parade was also conducted virtually.
== Queer Womxn Pride ==
Queer Womxn Pride is organized every year on International Women's Day. It was organized since 2019 by Queer Youth Group to voice women from diverse sexual orientations and inclusion of women who were assigned intersex at birth as well as transgender women. The term 'womxn' was used instead of 'woman' the rally to claim a language where 'man' does not become the central or by default gender. A queer tree was also marked on the event. Second annual Queer Womxn Pride was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The third annual Queer Womxn Pride was gathered in Bwojyaa-khya / Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The theme of the year was All women from now. The rally called for inclusion of intersex women, transgender women and women of diverse sexual orientations beyond heterosexuality and against other gender
== Trans Pride Parade ==
Trans Pride Parade is celebrated the Saturday following December 17. The event is organized by Queer Youth Group and Trans Rights Collective since 2020. The event marks a linguistic landmark on 17 December 2018 when the term transgender was introduced in Nepali language as pāralaingik (Nepali: पारलैङ्गिक), while prior to it trans people were referred with derogatory terminologies in the language. The event was held in Basantapur, Kathmandu. In 2021, around a hundred people marched from Fibwakhya (Maitighar Mandala) to New Baneshwar.
== Blue Diamond Society ==Blue Diamond Society organizes an LGBT March on a Newar festival Gai Jatra(Saa Paaru). However, the event isn't seen as a Pride Parade, and rather a celebration of its own, different from 'Western concept' of Pride Parade.
== Gallery ==
=== Nepal Pride Parade, 2019 ===
LGBT rights in Nepal
Blue Diamond Society
National LGBTI Day (Nepal) |
882 | 40,946,778 | 0 | Sama Chakeva | Nepal | Saama Chakeba is a Hindu festival, originating from the Mithila region of the Indian subcontinent. It is a festival of unity. It is celebrated in November and commences when birds begin their migration from the Himalayas down towards the plains of India. According to the Hindustan Times, the festival, which includes folk theater and song, celebrates the love between brothers and sisters and is based on a legend recounted in the Puranas. It is celebrated by Maithils & Tharu people of India and Nepal.
== Mythological significance ==
It tells the story of Sama, a daughter of Krishna who had been falsely accused of wrongdoing. Her father punished her by turning her into a bird, but the love and sacrifice of her brother Chakeva eventually allowed her to regain human form.
== Celebration ==
The celebration starts from the night of Chhath puja. This is the 7th day of the month of Kartik. Young, mostly unmarried girls assemble near the ghats of chhath with a basket containing small idols of sama and chakeva, candles, kohl, clay made daily use appliances etc. at night.
They sing traditional songs, perform some rituals like making kohl, exchanging baskets. This celebration continues till Kartik Purnima. On the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima, girls take a dip in river and the idols of Sama and Chakeva are immersed in the river.
== Traditional Songs / Geet ==
''Tohe Badka Bhaiya ho''
''Sama Khele Chalali''
''Chugla''
''Phaoura Bharavaka''
''Sama Khele Geliyai ge Bahini''
and Many more... |
883 | 71,923,621 | 0 | Shikali Jatra | Nepal | Sikali Jatra is a religious festival of Newar people in Khokana of the Kathmandu Valley. The jatra is performed in Dashain by the people who do not celebrate the Dashain festival.
The Jatra is five days long and is dedicated to the goddess Sikali (also called Ajima). The goddess Shikali is one of the sisters of goddess in Dakshinkali. The Shikali's temple is located in Khokana.
In Khokana there are three major communities namely Tagu, Salagu and Jagu. On the day of Jatra, four virgin boys each from Tagu and Salagu is selected to worship Sikali. The locals wears masks to represent 14 Hindu gods and goddesses. Masked dances is performed following tantric rituals. The dancers wears colourful attires. A wooden chariot of goddess Rudrayani is carried on the streets and finally set at the Sikali temple. The procession is led by a Newar priest wearing white robe. |
884 | 66,785,022 | 0 | Sonam Lhosar | Nepal | Sonam Lhosar is a New Year's day festival of the Tamang and Hyolmo people of Nepal as well as Sikkim and Darjeeling regions of India. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice which is usually the Magh Sukla Pratipada based on the eastern lunar calendar.
Years are associated with 12 different animals - Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Eagle, Snake, Horse, Goat/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar. Historically, the festival is celebrated after harvesting the crops.
== Activities ==
In Sonam Lhosar the Hyolmo people visit monasteries and stupas sacrifice themselves meanwhile special rituals with mask dance are performed to drive away evil spirits. The houses and surroundings are cleaned to welcome gods and goddesses.
Beef, pork, chicken, mutton, fish, and sweet desserts are consumed in the Sonam Lhosar. Khapsey and Babar (kind a like chapati but made of rice) and Thongsey are mainly eaten in Hyolmo Community. People wear traditional dresses and jewellery to participate in cultural events and exchange the greetings with each another. Tamang Selo and the Damphu is played in the festival for dance. Syabru is commonly dance in Hyolmo Community.
Sonam Lhosar, New Year's day of Tamang and Hyolmo people
Gyalpo Lhosar, New Year's day of Sherpa people
Tamu Lhosar, New Year's day of Gurung people
Lhosar, Tibetan New Year's day
== External links ==
Photos |
885 | 66,792,726 | 0 | Tamu Lhosar | Nepal | Tamu Lhosar is a new year festival of Gurung people of Nepal. It is celebrated on every 15th Poush (December/January) of the Nepali calendar. Similar to other Lhosars, the Gurung people also represents the years with a cycle of 12 years representing various creatures (garuda, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat).
Each Gurung is linked with a particular totem animal. Each year is linked with a totem animal.
== Activities ==
In the lhosar, the Gurung men wear Bhangra, a white apron and a Kachhad, a short. Gurung women, both children and adolescents, wear Ghalek, a velvet blouses and gold ornaments such as earrings and semi-precious stone necklaces.
People in small and large groups feast during the festival and perform traditional dances. Home-made Raksi is served during the feast.
It's a public holiday in Nepal on Tamu Losar day.
Gyalpo Lhosar, new year of Sherpa people
Sonam Lhosar, new year of Tamang people
Lhosar, new year of Tibet
== External links ==
Photos of festival |
886 | 4,410,615 | 0 | Teej | Nepal | Teej (Sanskrit: तीज, romanized: Tīja), literally meaning the third denoting the third day after the new moon when the monsoon begins as per the Hindu calendar, is a combined name for 3 Hindu festivals primarily dedicated to Hindu deities - the mother goddess Parvati and her male consort Shiva, mainly celebrated by married women and unmarried girls mostly in Nepal and North India to wish for the long life of their husband or future husband and to welcome the arrival of monsoon season with the singing, swings, dancing, enjoyment, prayer rituals and often fasting.
Teej is a generic name referring to the three types of Teej festivals - Haryali Teej on the third day after new moon of the Shravana month, Kajari Teej 15 days later, and Hartalika Teej another 15 days later. The Haryali Teej (literally meaning the green teej), also known as the Sindhara Teej, Chhoti Teej, Shravana Teej or Sawan Teej, falls on the third day after new moon of the shravana month, marking the day when Shiva consented to goddess Parvati's wish to marry him, celebrated by married women, who visit their parental home and prepare swings on which they then swing and sing happy teej songs. The Kajari Teej (literally meaning the dark teej), also known as the Badi Teej, is celebrated 15 days after the Haryali Teej during the dark (waxing crescent) phase of the moon. The Hartalika Teej (literally a composite word of Harat and Aalika meaning a woman's kidnap with her consent by her female friends), falls one lunar month after the Haryali Teej on the third day after new moon in the month of Bhadrapada which usually falls a day before the Ganesh Chaturthi, it marks the occasion when Parvati encouraged her friends to kidnap her to escape the marriage with Vishnu after her father Himalaya wanted to gave her hand in marriage to him. It is celebrated by married women who observe nirjala vrata (water-less fast) for the long life of their husband.
== Etymology ==Teej refers to the third day that falls every month after the new moon (amavasya), and the third day after the full moon night of every lunar month. According to Kumar (1988), Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej fall in Bhadrapada.
The festivals celebrate the bounty of nature, arrival of clouds and rain, greenery and birds with social activity, rituals and customs. The festivals for women, include dancing, singing, getting together with friends and telling stories, dressing up with henna-coloured hands and feet, wearing red, green or orange clothes, sharing festive foods, and playing under trees on swings on Haryali Teej. The monsoon festival in Rajasthan is dedicated to Parvati.
== Haryali Teej ==
Haryali Teej (lit. Green Teej) is celebrated on the third day after the new moon in the month of Shraavana/Sawan (of the Hindu calendar). As Shraavana falls during the monsoon or rainy season when the surroundings become green, the Shraavana Teej is also called Hariyali Teej.
The Hariyali Teej festival is also celebrated to remember the reunion of Shiva and Parvati, the day when Shiva accepted Parvati as his wife. Parvati fasted and was austere for many years and was accepted by Shiva as his wife in her 108th birth. Parvati is also known as Teej mata (lit. Teej mother).
=== Sindhara ===
On Teej married daughters receive the gifts by her mother such clothes, bangles, bindi, mehandi, etc. Ghevar, a special sweet, are given to them on this day. These gifts are known as Sindhara. According to Bhatnager (1988), Sindhara is derived from the Sanskrit word sringar which means decoration of women and their charming beauty.
=== Observance of Haryali Teej ===Haryali teej is celebrated in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The festival is also celebrated in Chandigarh.
==== Chandigarh ====
Chandigarh administration makes special arrangements for Teej celebration in the Rock Garden in the city. School children present plays and other cultural programs on this day. The female members of the family, especially daughters, are given gifts and dresses.
==== Haryana ====
Haryali Teej is one of the famous festivals of Haryana, and is celebrated as an official holiday. Many functions are organised by the Government of Haryana to celebrate this festival, which welcomes the rainy season. Boys traditionally flew kites from morning to evening, though this tradition is losing its charm in big cities due to high rise buildings and lack of terrace space.
Swings are set up in open courtyards, under trees for the season. Girls apply henna to their hands and feet and are excused from household chores on this day. On Teej, girls often receive new clothes from their parents.
On Teej, just as on Karva Chauth, the mother sends a baya or gift. The puja is performed in the morning. The baya, which consists of a variety of foodstuffs, is placed on a thaali at a place of worship where a chowk (square) has been decorated, and an idol or picture of Parvati has been installed. The evenings are set aside for folk singing and dancing, including the women's prayers for their husbands' longevity and their families.
==== Punjab ====Teej is known as Teeyan in Punjab and is seen as a seasonal festival which is dedicated to the onset of the monsoon. The festival is celebrated by women of all faiths, and lasts from the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Sawan as per the Bikrami calendar (Punjabi calendar) to the full moon of Sawan (about 13 days). Teeyan involves women getting together and performing Gidda, married women visiting their families and receiving gifts. It is also traditional for women to ride on swings.
Fairs are organised in schools and colleges where dance competitions are held.
Teeyan is a festival when girls play on swings that are set up under trees or open courtyards. During Teeyan, family members give gifts, typically new clothes and accessories, to girls and women. Sweets are prepared especially Ghevar in some parts of Punjab.
==== Rajasthan ====
Teej welcomes the monsoon and observed in the month of Shravan (July/August). The monsoon rains fall on the parched land and the pleasing scent of the wet soil rises into the air. Swings are hung from trees and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon.
This festival is dedicated to Parvati, commemorating her union with Shiva. Parvati is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession is taken out in Jaipur for two continuous days on the festive occasion which is watched by people in large numbers. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open. The traditional Ghevar sweet is also associated with the festival.
During Teej, Parvati is worshiped. The day before Haryali Teej, is celebrated as Sinjara, wherein women put mehndi on their hands and feet.
== Kajari Teej ==Kajari Teej is celebrated in the Bikrami lunar month of Bhadrapada: the third day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada. Kajari Teej is also called Boorhi Teej. In Rajasthan, Kajari Teej is called Badi Teej (lit. Bigger Teej) as it follows Haryali Teej, which is known as Chhoti Teej (lit. Smaller Teej).
Women in Uttar Pradesh pray to Shiva on Kajari Teej. It is also customary to sing folk songs known as kajris. The focus of the lyrics is usually on separation expressing the pining of a woman for her beloved in her parents' home, where she has been sent to celebrate Teej, or waiting in anticipation to be collected by brothers to celebrate Teej. The kajri is a folk song composed and sung in the regions of eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Women who observe the Kajari Teej fast go without food and water. Kajari Teej is associated closely with Kajali Teej, which also involves praying to the moon. The fast is broken by eating sattu. The other focus of the day is to pray to the neem tree. A fair named Kajali Teej Mela is held in Bundi in Rajasthan to celebrate Kajari Teej.
== Hartalika Teej ==Hartalika is a combination of the Sanskrit words harit and aalika which means abduction and female friend respectively. According to the legend of Hartalika Teej, Parvati, incarnated as Shailaputri
On the third day of the bright half of Bhadrapada, Parvati made a shiva lingam out of sand and silt of Ganga and prayed. Shiva was so impressed that he gave his word to marry Parvati. Eventually, Parvati was united with Shiva and was married to him with her father's blessing. Since then, the day is referred to as Hartalika Teej as Parvati's female (aalika) friend had to abduct (harit) her in order for the goddess to achieve her goal of marrying Shiva.
Accordingly, Hartalika Teej is seen as a major festival and is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Indian/North Nepali Lunar month of Bhadrapada. The festival women feasting during the evening of Hartalika Teej, praying to Parvati and Shiva, remembering their wedding and staying up all night listening to prayers. The fast (also called nishivasar nirjala vrat) commences during the evening of Hartalika Teej and is broken the next day after a full day's observance which involves women not even drinking water. The focus is on praying to Parvati whom Shiva desired should be worshipped under the name Hartalika. The main areas of celebration are Rajasthan, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In Rajasthan, an idol of Parvati is taken out in procession in the streets accompanied by singing, and music. Hartalika Teej has also spread to parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh .
In Maharashtra Hartalika teej also known as Hartalika tritiya vrat, which is celebrated in similar manner like northern India. It is observed by married women for the welfare, health, and long life of their husbands and for a happy married life and unmarried girls for being blessed with a good husband. It is Nirjala Vrat, they fast for one and half day.
Women do Sola shrungar, apply mehndi, wear new red or green sari, observe fast, make idol of Shiva, Gauri, Sakhi and Ganesha with clay or river sand, read katha.
They do bhajan sangeet pooja in night as well and open vrat on the second day.
It is very auspicious vrat for women in India to worship goddess Parvati in the form of Gauri along with Shiva parivar.
In Bihar,married women keep Nirjala Upvas for the whole day of Teej, & deck up with Shringaars like Aalta, Mehndi, e.t.c.. In the evening, the women get decked up in heavy sarees, gold jewellery,their wedding Chunris, & don the traditional orange Sindoor from the tip of their nose. In many homes, it is a tradition to wear their wedding Banarasi Saree, on the eve of Teej.They make & worship small clay idols of Shiva, Gauri, Ganesh & Kartikeya. They offer flowers, garlands, Fruits, sweets & items of 16 Shringaar to Maa parvati. Then they recite & listen to the Hartālikā Teej Katha,& offer reverence to the deities. Very early in the next morning,before sunrise, the women get ready & worship the idols again & finally conclude their fasts. The idols are later immersed in a holy water body. In Bihar, traditional delicacies such as Thekua, Pidakia, e.t.c. are prepared for offering. Traditional folk songs are sung, & women adorn Sindoor from their wedding Sinhora.
== Elsewhere in India ==
=== Akha Teej ===Akha Teej (also called Akshaya Tritiya) falls on the third day after full moon in the month of Vaisakha. It is an auspicious day of the birthday of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu. On this day, Vyasa and Ganesha began to write the Mahabharata. Jains celebrate this day to commemorate Tirthankara Rishabha's ending of his fast by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. According to Gagne (2013), Akha Teej is an important festival in the Hindu calendar.
=== Awra Teej of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh ===
Awra Teej is celebrated in the month of Vaisakh in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This festival of Teej falls in Spring. The month of Vaisakh occurs during spring.
=== Jhulan Utsav ===Haryali Teej coincides with the swing festival of Jhulan Leela also known as Jhulan Utsav or Hindola Utsav which is associated with Krishna and Radha, and is celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple and other temples in the Vrindavan area of Uttar Pradesh. The festival lasts until Krishna Janmashtami for 13 days.
On the day of Teej, idols of Krishna and Radha are placed on swings in the temples and the focus of Jhulan Leela is religious. The green theme, popular in neighbouring Rajasthan and Haryana on Haryali Teej, can also be seen in the Jhulan Utsav. Idols of Krishna and Radha are dressed in green clothes.
Haryali Teej and Jhulan Utsav fall on the same day, but the Teej is a monsoon festival dedicated to Parvati whereas, Jhulan Utsav is dedicated to Krishna and Radha.
=== Kajal Teej of Telangana ===
Teej in Telangana forms part of a wider celebration which is a forerunner to other festivals being celebrated and is known as Kajal Teej. Kajal Teej is one of the Banjara tribe's biggest festivals.
=== Kevada Teej of Gujarat ===
Kevada Teej, also known as Kevda Trij, is a festival observed mainly in Gujarat. The festival is celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing of the moon) of Bhadra in Gujarat. This observance is similar to the Hartalika Teej fast (vrat). Married and unmarried women observe a fast on the day and offer the kevada flower (pine screw) to Parvati and Shiva.
== Haritalika Teej observance in Nepal ==Dedicated to Parvati, commemorating her union with Shiva, the festival is celebrated for well-being of spouse and children and purification of one's body and soul. The festival is a three-day-long celebration that combines sumptuous feasts as well as rigid fasting. Teej (also romanised Tij) is celebrated by women, for the long life of her husband and long and firm relationship between them in this life and all the lives to come. It is particularly celebrated by women from various castes of Nepalese society, particularly the Maithils (Native Madheshis), Bahun, Chettri, Newairs and Kiratis, on the third day after the new moon of the month of Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September).
=== First day ===The first day of Teej is called Dar Khane Din. On this day the women assemble at one place in their finest attire and start dancing and singing devotional songs. Amidst all this, the grand feast takes place. The feast is hosted by men as usual. Women, who work hard throughout the year, do not have to do anything that day. That is the day for them to embellish themselves in sorha singaar — dressing up and using make up to the full extent, indulge in good food, and dance. Oftentimes, because women are invited by multiple brothers for the feast, they try to dance off some food before they are ready to eat more. The food served is supposed to be rich and abundant.
This is probably the only day in a year that allows women full freedom of expression. Consequently, women have traditionally used this occasion to express their pains and pang in the songs they sing while dancing. With the advancement of communication and awareness, women these days use this occasion to voice their concerns about social issues and discrimination against women. The jollity often goes on until midnight, after which the 24-hour fast starts.
=== Second day ===
The second day is the day of fasting. Some women don't eat or drink food and water while others drink liquids and eat fruit. The fasting is observed by married and unmarried women. Married women abstain strictly from food and drinks with a belief that their devotion to the gods will be blessed with longevity, peace and prosperity of their husband and family. Unmarried women observe the fast with a hope of being blessed with a good husband.
They dress gaily and visit a nearby Shiva temple singing and dancing on the way. The Pashupatinath Temple gets the highest number of devotees. At the temple, women circumambulate the shiva lingam, which symbolizes Shiva. The main pooja (religious ceremony) takes place with offerings of flowers, fruits, etc., made to Shiva and his wife Parvati, beseeching them to grant their blessing upon the husband and family. The important part of the puja is the oil lamp which should be alight throughout the night. It is believed that by the light of an oil lamp all night will bring peace and prosperity to the husband and family.
=== Third day ===
The third day of the festival is Rishi Panchami. After the completion of the previous day's puja, women pay homage to seven saints or sages, offer prayers to deities, and bathe with red mud found on the roots of the sacred datiwan bush, along with its leaves. The Rishi Panchami revolves around the purity of women. During this festival, which occurs two days after the Teej, the women participate in ritual baths and puja (worship). One of the defining characteristics of the Teej Festival is the songs the women sing. Traditionally, these songs emphasized the subservient role of women in Nepalese society in addition to reinforcing traditional Hindu ideology of gender relations. Within the past few decades, as Nepal and the surrounding area experiences rapid development and modernization, the Teej songs have become more of a critical commentary on gender relations from women's perspectives. These songs extend the women's thoughts and experiences of hardships from an intimate conversation to a public setting. The Teej songs allow women to effect change in their respective societies by giving them a public voice.
== Sources ==Bhatnagar, Manju (1988). The Monsoon Festival Teej in Rajasthan. Asian Folklore Studies. 47 (1): 63–72. doi:10.2307/1178252. JSTOR 1178252.
Levy, Robert Isaac; Rājopādhyāya, Kedar Rāj (1990). Mesocosm: Hinduism and the Organization of a Traditional Newar City in Nepal. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. ISBN 0-585-13103-1. OCLC 43476658.
Skinner, Debra; Holland, Dorothy; Adhikari, G. B. (1994). The Songs of Tij: A Genre of Critical Commentary for Women in Nepal. Asian Folklore Studies. 53 (2): 259–305. doi:10.2307/1178647. JSTOR 1178647. |
887 | 15,964,311 | 0 | Tij | Nepal | null |
888 | 68,590,520 | 0 | Toran La | Nepal | Toran-La is the biggest festival of Thakali people of Nepal. It falls on the same day as Holi (Falgun Purnima) and generally lies in the month of March. The festival lasts for three days- before, after and the night of full moon.
In Toran La, ancestors are worshipped for their contribution to the community. Women from the family bath at midnight to prepare Khimi which consists of alcohol, milk and Chhaang and ghee at three ends. The Khimi is offered to ancestor. The other foods such as vegetables and cooked meat are also placed in a leaves plate called bota and burnt. The smoke is believed to reach the ancestors.
Besides praying the ancestor, the Thakali community meet in their community house. Men play the game of archery, which is known as Tara. In the game, the archer has to hit a dummy at a distance of about 10m and aim for the heart. Women dress up in traditional thakali dress called Noghan Cholo and play cards, dance for entertainment.
Because Holi also falls on the same day, it is also celebrated by using colors and water. |
889 | 38,092,101 | 0 | Ubhauli | Nepal | Ubhauli (उभौली) is festival of the Kirat communities of Sunuwar, Rai, Limbu and Yakkha of Nepal, India and around the world by Kirati people celebrated every year marking the migration phase upwards towards the hilly regions when the summer season arrives. The migration from hills downwards to areas of lower altitude is called Udhauli (downwards), which is also an annual festival of these communities. Sakela is the dance performed during the festival. On this Ubhauli festival day, the Kirat people pray to mother nature for healthy crops and protection from natural calamities in that year.
Udhauli |
890 | 38,092,099 | 0 | Udhauli | Nepal | Udhauli (उधौली) is a festival of the Kirat communities of Kirati people specially celebrated by Sunuwar, Limbu, Yakkha, Khambu Rai etc. of Nepal, India and other different countries around the world where these indigenous people (Kirati People) resides. It is celebrated every year marking the migration phase downwards towards the low-elevation regions when the winter season arrives. The migration from the low-elevation areas upwards to hilly areas is called Ubhauli (upwards), which is also an annual festival of these communities On the Udhauli festival day, the Kirat people offer thanks to mother nature for providing a good harvest.Udhauli festival is celebrated by all Kirat people. It is believed that from this day the winter season starts. So people, birds, and animals migrate from cold regions to warmer regions. It's mainly celebrated in the eastern region of Nepal by dancing an exotic dance called Sakewa or commonly known as ''Sakela''. The dance is very popular in Nepal and is performed by dancing harmoniously in a circle with the beat of Dhol/drum, Jhyamta/cymbals etc. Sakela's dance steps were passed down from ancestor that had been copied from the life style of animals and their behaviors.During the dance each tribe of kirat communities perform their own dance steps according to their sub clans. As sakela is a dance for respecting the mother earth, it is believed to please nature as appreciating nature's gift to human. So, in each steps of Sakela the dancer shows how civilization began and how kirati people learned to live in harmony with animals and birds.
The main destinations for the Sakela are Khotang, Bhojpur, Dharan, Dhankuta, Pathari, Kanepokhari, Kerabari etc. This event of the Kirat people has also been stated in the Mundhum (holy book of the Kirat people).
Sakela
Chasok Tangnam
Ubhauli |
897 | 52,351,191 | 0 | Ängsbacka | Sweden | Ängsbacka is a course and festival center focused on personal development, yoga, Tantra, dance, meditation, spirituality and self-expression. It is located in Molkom, Sweden, and was started in 1996.
The center hosts an average of eight festivals per year, mainly during the summer. Although Ängsbacka's Tantra Festival is the largest in Sweden, the No Mind Festival is the largest of the festivals with around a thousand participants. Vegetarian food is served.
It is registered as a not-for-profit organization owned by members and is run in a large part by volunteers.
The course center and its No Mind Festival were the feature of the 2008 documentary Three Miles North of Molkom.
== External links ==
Ängsbacka – official site
Festival @ Ängsbacka – Ängsbacka Course & Festival Center YouTube channel |
898 | 38,014,541 | 0 | Christmas in Sweden | Sweden | Christmas (Swedish: jul, IPA: [ˈjʉːl] ) is celebrated throughout December and traditionally until St. Knut's Day on January 13. The main celebration and the exchange of gifts in many families takes place on Christmas Eve, December 24. The Feast of St. Lucy, a high point in the Swedish Christmas season, is celebrated during Advent, on December 13.
Christmas contains a mix of domestic and foreign customs that have been adapted. Many Swedes celebrate Christmas in roughly the same way, and many local customs and specialities have disappeared.
== History ==
The origin of the Germanic word Jul is somewhat unclear. Around the year 600, it is mentioned in the Gothic calendar together with Christian religious texts. Around the year 900, the word Jul can be found in a tribute to king Harald Fairhair, in which someone is said to Dricka Jul (Drink Jul). The pretext for the Jul celebration was to mark the winter solstice when the days start to get longer and the nights shorter again.
In Nordic prehistoric times there was a midvinterblot rite (mid-winter blót), which was a sacrificial rite held in mid-winter, which may either mean the same time as Jul (in later sources called julablot), or in mid-January which was in the middle of the winter period. The people sacrificed cattle and perhaps humans, to win the Æsir's blessing on the germinating crop. The ás (singular of Æsir) who was especially hailed at this time was Odin, who commonly went by the name of Jólner. The Jul was Christianized, while the blót rites were forbidden and abandoned when Sweden became a Christian country.
The celebration of Christmas at the end of December is a very old tradition with many origins. Among these is the Old Norse Christmas celebration – which was prevailing in Scandinavia in the 11th century – and was celebrated in connection with the midwinter offering celebration. Moreover, there is the Christian Christmas celebration in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ. The earliest records of these celebrations are from year 333. Eight hundred years later this is merged with the Old Norse Christmas celebration.
In the Old Norse sources the pagan celebration of Jul in the Nordic countries is often described as to drink jul/yule. The central aspect of the pagan Germanic celebration of midwinter was to eat and drink well. To bake and to produce ale and mead were important preparations for the celebration. In medieval wooden calendars and pre-Christian picture stones, this celebration is still symbolised by a barrel of ale, or a drinking horn. So the emphasis on food and drink traditions was originally a pagan trait of the Christmas celebration.
The Christmas tree is a custom that was imported from Germany in the 1880s. The former tradition of giving joke presents, often a log of wood, was replaced during the late 19th century and 20th century by Christmas gifts given out by the Christmas goat (Julbocken) or, especially later, Santa Claus (Jultomten).
== Traditions ==
=== The month of December ===The Christmas celebrations in Sweden usually starts with the first Advent in the end of November. However Christmas decorations and julmust might go on sale in stores much earlier, often directly after All Saints Day. At this time many people start to plan their Christmas and start buying gifts. On December 1, the first episode of the Christmas calendar airs on tv and radio. The 13th of December is Lucia where most of the children and some adults dress up and have processions in preschool, school and companies. The third and fourth Advent is important for many families as many preparations are done then. Baking and cooking are common activities, just like decorating the home. A big shopping of food and drink is often done the weeks before the holidays as well as the last purchases of Christmas gifts.
Many preschools and schools start their Christmas vacation between December 17 to 22. Many workplaces start the vacation later, between December 20 and 23. The start of the vacation depends on what day of the week Christmas Eve is on. The last days before Christmas Eve, between December 20 and 23, the greatest preparations are made like, preparing most of the food, buying and decorating the Christmas tree and wrapping presents. During the last days there are usually a lot of people in stores and shopping malls to buy things for the Christmas celebrations.
After Christmas Eve there are two public holidays: juldagen (Christmas Day) and annandag jul (Boxing Day). Most of the families have holiday and are free from work, but some workplaces can start the work again in the days before New Year's Eve. After the New Year's Eve the schools usually have at least a week before the spring term starts, but workplaces often start the work again a couple of days after the new year.
Many Swedes visit the service on Advent Sunday, the Midnight Mass on December 24 or the Christmas Matins in the early hours of Christmas Day (Julotta).
=== Christmas tree ===The story of the Christmas tree originated in Holy Roman Empire (Germany) in the 16th century. During the 17th and 18th centuries the Christmas tree started being dressed with candles. The first Swedish Christmas trees were generally decorated with live candles and treats such as fruit and candy. Apples were often hung on the branches where the candles were located to make them more parallel to the ground. It soon became more common for families to make their own decorations with paper and straw. Some families preferred to build a Ljuskrona decorated with cut paper. From around 1880, commercial Christmas tree decorations were readily available in larger Swedish cities, the finest of which were imported from Germany. The day that people in Sweden buy and dress their Christmas tree varies greatly from family to family, but most have them dressed on 13 December and throw them out by 13 January. Commonly used decorations today include: baubles, candles, apples, Swedish flags, small gnomes, and straw ornaments. The house may be filled with red tulips and the smell of pepparkakor – a heart-star, or goat-shaped gingerbread biscuits.
St. Knut's Day (13 January) marks the end of the Swedish Christmas and holiday season. Children, especially, may celebrate it with a Knut's party.
=== Jultomten ===
Jultomten, or just tomten, is the being who brings the gifts at Julafton (the evening of December 24). The gifts are called julklappar, and are probably a modern version of the Yule log. Jultomten does not climb down the chimney, he delivers the gifts in person. This task is often performed by an old man who secretly dresses up as Jultomten and knocks at the door with a sack of gifts.
The origin of the modern Jultomte is a hybridisation between the pre-Christian being called Tomte and the (originally Dutch) Santa Claus. A Tomte is mostly portrayed as a small, gnomelike spirit being who lives on a farm and takes care of it (or the family) while the farmer family are asleep. He might be a gift giver if the farmers treat him and the livestock correctly. The tomte is an echo of ancient ancestral cult. It is thought that the tomte was considered a spirit of previous generations at the homestead, and there are references to them following the family/clan, when they move. Despite its different cultural roots, the Jultomte (Tomte of Jul) is today portrayed similarly to the commonly known image of Santa Claus.
=== Food and drink ===The foods served in Sweden during Christmastime differ per region. But here, too, homogenisation has set in, due in no small part to the uniform offerings of the department stores and the ready availability of convenience foods. Few have time to salt their own hams or stuff their own pork sausages nowadays.
The traditional main meal on Christmas Eve is a smorgasbord called julbord which has been prepared with all the classic dishes. A good quality restaurant would typically serve more than fifty (or even a hundred) different dishes at a julbord. A family-julbord being much smaller.
A traditional julbord is typically eaten buffet style in five to seven courses (depending on local and family traditions).
The first three courses are usually fish-courses. The first plate is an assortment of different pickled herrings served with sour cream and chives. The second is a variety of cold fish, particularly several kinds of lox (e.g. gravlax). And the third plate is hot fish-dishes – particularly lutfisk. Other traditional dishes would be (smoked) eel, rollmops, herring salad, baked herring, smoked salmon, smoked char and shellfish canapés, accompanied by sauces and dips.
The fourth course is often a selection of cold sliced meats, the most important cold cut being the Christmas ham (julskinka) with mustard. Other traditional cuts include smoked sausages, leverpastej, wild game cuts, smoked leg of lamb (fårfiol), pâtés and several types of brawn (sylta). It is also common to serve the cold meats with sliced cheese, pickled cucumbers and soft (vörtbröd) and crisp breads.The fifth course would be warm dishes (småvarmt). Traditionally, the fifth course begins with soaking bread in the stock from the Christmas ham, which is called dopp i grytan. Warm dishes include Swedish meatballs (köttbullar), small fried hot dog sausages (prinskorv), roasted pork ribs (revbensspjäll), pork sausages (fläskkorv), potato sausages (potatiskorv), and Janssons frestelse (literally Jansson's Temptation) – a warm potato casserole, matchstick potatoes layered with cream, onion and sprats. Side dishes include beetroot salad in mayonnaise and warm stewed red, green or brown cabbage and boiled potatoes.
The sixth and seventh course is a cheese plate and a dessert plate. Julbord cheeses include stilton, cheddar, västerbottenost and Christmas edammer. Desserts include rosettes (struvor), klenäts (klenäter), polkagrisar, knäck, dates, figs, ischoklad, saffron buns, mandelmusslor, gingerbread cookies, marzipan figures, different kinds of nuts, risalamande and most importantly rice pudding (risgrynsgröt) sprinkled with cinnamon powder. Traditionally, an almond is hidden in the bowl of rice pudding and whoever finds it receives a small prize or is recognised for having good luck.
A julbord often also include local and family specialties. Among them are isterband, baked beans, omelette with shrimps or mushrooms covered with béchamel sauce, äggost, saffranspannkaka, långkål, rörost, ostkaka, kroppkakor and julgädda.
Beer and the occasional snaps, brännvin or akvavit are common beverages to this Christmas meal. The seasonal soft drink julmust is also served at the julbord, as well as during the whole Christmas holiday.
The Christmas ham is either boiled or broiled and then painted and glazed with a mixture of egg, breadcrumbs and mustard.
Lutfisk, lyed fish made of stockfish (dried ling or cod), is served with boiled potato, thick white sauce or mustard sauce, green peas and sometimes cubed bacon. More and more families opt to eat Lutfisk as dinner the day before or after Christmas Eve rather than as a dish among other at the Julbord.
While the julbord is meant to be eaten in several courses a lot of swedes simply mixes the different dishes they like. One reason for this is that many families only prepare a small julbord with just the essentials.
Julbord is served from early December until just before Christmas at restaurants and until Epiphany in some homes. Mulled wine glögg, gingerbread cookies and saffron buns are served throughout December.
== Gallery ==
Christmas worldwide
Yule and Christmas in Denmark
Christmas in Finland
Christmas in Iceland
Christmas in Norway
== External links ==
Sweden.se: Christmas and New Year's Eve in Sweden |
900 | 16,615,415 | 0 | Gothenburg Book Fair | Sweden | The Gothenburg Book Fair (also known as Göteborg Book Fair, Bok & Bibliotek, Bok- och biblioteksmässan or Bokmässan) is an annual event held in Gothenburg, Sweden, since 1985.
== Overview ==
It started primarily as a trade fair (for librarians and teachers), but is now the largest literary festival in Scandinavia and the second largest book fair in Europe after the Frankfurt Book Fair. The book fair usually takes place in the last week of September each year. It has around 100,000 visitors and 900 exhibitors annually.
== External links ==Official website |
901 | 39,195,440 | 0 | Gothenburg quadricentennial jubilee | Sweden | The Gothenburg quadricentennial jubilee (Swedish: Göteborg 2021) was originally scheduled to be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2021 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the city. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden, organizers have postponed the celebrations to 2023, while a small-scale event will still take place in 2021. The anniversary follows the city's tricentennial jubilee held in 1923 (which was intended to be held in 1921, but was delayed due to World War I).
The city was granted its founding royal charter in 1621, by King Gustavus Adolphus.
== Themes ==
The executive committee appointed to plan the celebrations is focusing on seven themes:Green Town
City of Culture
Knowledge City
Young Town
Experience The City
Growing Town
Open Town
== Ongoing projects ==
The work of several existing projects is being integrated into the overall jubilee project:Bergsjön 2021
BoStad2021
Campus Näckrosen, University of Gothenburg
Älvstaden, including the New Göta Älvbron
A borderless West Sweden
Cultural institution's role
Mistra Urban Futures
Red Stone Konsthall
Sustainable Gothenburg
Wake Gothenburg
Developing the North East
Vision Angered
West Swedish package
A more sustainable transport system
Marieholm Tunnel
New Götaälvbro
Congestion charges
Developed public transport
West Link
Gothenburg Exhibition (1923)
== External links ==
Official website |
902 | 35,604,930 | 0 | International Science Festival in Gothenburg | Sweden | The International Science Festival in Gothenburg (Swedish: Vetenskapsfestivalen) is an annual festival in Gothenburg with science activities.
== About the festival ==
The International Science Festival in Gothenburg took place for the first time in April 1997 and is since then an annual recurrent event.
The purpose is to communicate science to the public and schools in an easy accessible and in a thought provoking manner. Another objective is to create a positive attitude to research and science which is intended to encourage higher education.
About 100 000 visitors come each year. This makes it the largest popular science event in Sweden and one of the largest popular science events in Europe.
University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology contributes with the knowledge.
The International Science Festival in Gothenburg is a member of the European Science Events Association, EUSCEA.
== Theme ==
Each year a special theme that the festival focuses on is chosen: (translated)2001: Food and eatables
2002: Travel and science expeditions, Life and Medicine
2003: Love and energy
2004: The meaning of life and sustainable development
2005: Design, physics, Finland
2006: Athletics & health
2007: Passion, pistil and personality
2008: Let's play
2009: Civilization in all times and countries
2010: Sustainable feature with small and large changes
2011: Creativity
2012: It's all in the brain
2013: Control or No Clue
2014: Act : React : Interact
2015: Life and Death
2016: Same but Different, 13-17 April
Universeum - Public science centre in Gothenburg, Sweden
Hackerspace - Space for people into technology
== External links ==
Official homepage (2012)
Search for activities (parametric search)
Program for 2012, pdf 5 MB (English at page 46)
Where the paper version can be picked up in 2012, pdf 2 MB (Swedish) |
903 | 217,912 | 0 | Name days in Sweden | Sweden | This is the old Swedish name day calendar, sanctioned by the Swedish Academy in 1901, with official status until 1972. Some days still refer to traditional or religious feasts rather than personal names. Some of the names below are linked to the original saints or martyrs from which they originate. A work group, consisting of the Swedish Academy, publishers and others, agreed to adopt a new name day list in 2001, very similar to the old one but with more names. It is intended that this list will be updated every 15 years. In the year of 2022 seven new names will be added.
In Sweden, it is not uncommon for people to celebrate their name day.The tradition originated with the Calendar of Saints.
== Notes ==
== External links ==
Name days - Svenska akademien (in Swedish) |
905 | 42,427,010 | 0 | Skärgårdsfest | Sweden | Karlskrona Skärgårdsfest is a festival where the unique history of the world heritage meet the pulse of people and the modern city. During these days, usually in the end of July, the city parks and gems bursts with music and festival activities. |
906 | 57,694,516 | 0 | Statement Festival | Sweden | The Statement Festival is a music festival in Sweden for women, non-binary and transgender persons. It took first place in Gothenburg in 31 August to 1 September 2018 and aims to be held annually. The organisers stated that the festival would be held without men, in practice meaning men who are not transgender, as neither visitors nor artists. The festival organisers use the gender studies term cis men. The festival's backstage area was jokingly dubbed a man-pen (Swedish: manshage) by organisers, in reference to male technicians, managers and members of artists' entourages who would generally reside there. For visitors there is an 18 year age limit.
== History ==
The idea of a man-free festival came from comedian Emma Knyckare after several festivals in the preceding seasons such as Bråvalla Festival and We Are Sthlm had problems with rape and sexual assault among the festivalgoers. She presented the idea on Twitter and the number of positive responses she received encouraged her to organise the event. In 2017 a crowdfunding Kickstarter campaign raised about 50,000 euro towards organising the festival. Approximately 30 additional organisers joined in the following months. In a September 2017 interview, the organisers discussed having hired lawyers to provide legal counsel with regards to legislation on the equal treatment of men and women.
In May 2018, Emma Knyckare added a long term goal to the festival: to open the festival also to all men. The festival received 200,000 kronor in state subsidies from the Swedish Arts Council in 2018.
Among the booked artists are Frida Hyvönen and Dolores Haze, Maxida Märak, Radula, Beatrice Eli, Ionnalee and British rock band Girlschool. Comedians Nour El-Refai och Josefin Johansson will also appear.
== Discrimination ==
In July 2018, the Swedish Equality Ombudsman initiated an inquiry on whether the organisers are breaking the laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender. The organisers replied to the discrimination ombudsman that non-transgender men were allowed entrance. In December 2018, the Equality Ombudsman ruled that not welcoming men who aren't transgender as well as calling the festival man free constituted gender discrimination.
== External links ==
Statement Festival official home page in English |
907 | 10,423,737 | 0 | Stockholm Water Festival | Sweden | The Stockholm Water Festival (Swedish: Stockholms vattenfestival) was an annual street festival held in Stockholm, Sweden, in August from 1991 to 1999. The festival featured many activities in central Stockholm, but was eventually cancelled after the 1999 festival due to lack of funds.
During the Stockholm Water Festival of 1993, a JAS 39 Gripen aircraft crashed at the island of Långholmen in central Stockholm during a display of the new aircraft. Despite the crash occurring near thousands of spectators, only one person on the ground was injured.
Stockholm Water Prize |
908 | 53,753,212 | 0 | Sweden International Improv Festival | Sweden | Sweden International Improv Festival, abbreviated as SWIMP, is an international festival for improvisational theatre. The festival was first hosted in 2015 at Reginateatern in Uppsala, Sweden.
The festival goes on for four days and fosters workshops and shows by improvisers and instructors from different parts of the world. One of the main ambitions with the festival is to create meaningful artistic exchanges and form relations between artists and visitors from all over the world.
During the first three years of SWIMP, improvisational theatre companies and workshop instructors from 17 countries have participated. Some of the countries represented are the United States, Italy, India, Belgium, England, the Netherlands, Scotland and Argentina. The festival intends to represent a diverse range of nationalities. SWIMP also has a preference for having a broad representation of performers on stage and has made equal gender representation one of their main goals.
SWIMP is produced and hosted by Teater Prego and Reginateatern. Reginateatern is the oldest theatre in Uppsala.
Improvisational theatre
== External links ==
SWIMP17. Swedenimprovfestival.com. Retrieved 2017-04-12. |
921 | 41,790,677 | 0 | Alasitas | Peru | The largest Alasitas fair (or Alacita, Alacitas, Alasita; Spanish: Feria de las Alasitas) is an annual month-long cultural event starting on 24 January in La Paz, Bolivia. It honours Ekeko, the Aymara god of abundance, and is noted for the giving of miniature items. Other fiestas and ferias throughout Bolivia incorporate alasitas into religious observances: The Fiesta of the Virgin of Copacabana and the Fiesta of the Virgin of Urkupiña, for example.
== Origins ==
The indigenous Aymara people observed an event called Guyatt in the pre-Columbian era, when people prayed for good crops and exchanged basic goods. Over time, it evolved to accommodate elements of Catholicism and Western acquisitiveness.
Its name is the Aymara word for buy me.
Arthur Posnansky observed that in the Tiwanaku culture, on dates near 22 December, the population used to worship their deities to ask for good luck, offering miniatures of what they wished to have or achieve.
Based on Posnansky's observations, the manufacture of miniatures would have its origins in the pre-Columbian era and the Alasitas fair would have its first urban expressions in the early years of the founding of La Paz, specifically, when its founders moved it from Laja on the banks of the Choqueyapu River. During that occasion, Juan Rodríguez ordered the celebration of a mass where Spanish and Indigenous people participated, the latter wanted to contribute by bringing small stone idols and miniatures exchanging them for stone coins.During the 1781 siege of La Paz, Sebastián Segurola re-established the celebration moving it from October to 24 January, as a gesture of gratitude towards Our Lady of Peace, the holy figure for which the city of La Paz was named. The transactions were made with the same stone coins and slowly the cult to the Ekeko was reintroduced. He appeared for the first time modelled in clay; nowadays, the figures are usually cast in plaster.
== Modern celebrations ==The Alasitas festival is held annually for the Ekeko. It sprawls along many streets and parks in central La Paz and smaller events are held in many neighborhoods around the city. People attend the event from all over the city and even travel from other cities inside Bolivia to buy miniature versions of goods they would like to give to somebody else. These goods can be blessed by any one of the men and (less frequently) women acting as shaman. It is believed that if somebody gives a miniature version, the recipient will get the real object in the course of the following year. Examples of goods that can be bought are household items, food, computers, construction materials, cell phones, houses, cars, university diplomas and even figures of domestic workers (whom the recipient might hope to employ).
At mid-day on 24 January, the Catholic Church joins in the celebration by blessing the gifts at the main cathedral in La Paz.
This spring festival also celebrates the abundance or fecundity of humanity.
In March 2011 Elizabeth Salguero, Minister of Cultures, nominated Alasitas along with two other Bolivian festivals to UNESCO for World Heritage recognition as part of the cultural and intangible heritage of humanity.
In the year 2016 the Feast of Alasita and miniatures of the Altiplano of Puno was declared Cultural Heritage of the Nation of Peru, This declaration supports that the alasitas fairs and the ritual use of propitiatory miniatures are part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Peru.
Ekeko
== External links ==Feria de las Alasitas, bolivian.com (in Spanish) |
922 | 42,063,977 | 0 | Ch'iyar Jaqhi (Cusco) | Peru | Ch'iyar Jaqhi (Aymara ch'iyara black, jaqhi precipice, cliff, black cliff, Hispanicized spelling Chiaraje) is a mountain the Andes of Peru, about 4,654 m (15,269 ft) high. It lies in the Cusco Region, Canas Province, on the border of the districts Langui, Quehue and Yanaoca.
Ch'iyar Jaqhi or Tupay (Quechua for to crash, to collide) is also the name of a festival which annually takes place at the mountain in the plain called Ch'iyar Jaqhi Pampa on January 20. During the festival, people of various communities meet to fight against each other. It is considered a ritual battle. This clash between communities is similar to the ritual battle of Tupay Tuqtu which also takes place in the Canas Province.
Takanakuy
Warachikuy |
923 | 42,088,863 | 0 | Chukchu | Peru | Chukchu (Quechua for malaria) is the name of a festival and a satirical dance of the Andes region in Peru. The festival is held annually on August 25 in the Santo Tomás District of the Chumbivilcas Province in the Cusco Region. The dance is performed on festivals dedicated to the patron saints (fiestas patronales) of communities in the provinces of Anta, Canchi, Chumbivilcas, La Convención and Paucartambo. The figures represented in the dance are sick persons, nurses, doctors, assistants and mosquitos. Members of the Chukchu troup may wear sickly masks, that represent plantation house slaves who became infected with malaria in the jungle. Their choreography includes throwing flour on crowd in imitation of the spread of disease. |
924 | 43,494,218 | 0 | Día de la Canción Criolla | Peru | The Día de la Canción Criolla is a Peruvian festivity celebrated yearly on October 31. The event celebrates the criollo culture of Peru. It was established on October 18, 1944, by the President Manuel Prado y Ugarteche.
== History ==
The celebration was established, by supreme resolution of October 18, 1944, to be celebrated on October 31 of each year, to coincide with the feast of the Lord of Miracles. It was promulgated by President Manuel Prado Ugarteche and the Minister of Education Pedro M. Oliveira. It was also promoted by Carlos A. Saco, who was director of the newspaper El Comercio.
== External links ==
El Comercio
Radio Programas el Peru |
925 | 23,835,112 | 0 | Diablada | Peru | The Diablada, also known as the Danza de los Diablos (English: Dance of the Devils), is an Andean folk dance performed in Bolivia, in the Altiplano region of South America, characterized by performers wearing masks and costumes representing the devil and other characters from pre-Columbian theology and mythology. combined with Spanish and Christian elements added during the colonial era. Many scholars have concluded that the dance is descended from the Llama llama dance in honor of the Uru god Tiw, and the Aymaran ritual to the demon Anchanchu, both originating in pre-Columbian Bolivia
While the dance had been performed in the Andean region as early as the 1500s, its name originated in 1789 in Oruro, Bolivia, where performers dressed like the devil in parades called Diabladas. The first organized Diablada group with defined music and choreography appeared in Bolivia in 1904. There is also some evidence of the dance originating among miners in Potosi, Bolivia, while regional dances in Peru and Chile may have also influenced the modern version.
== History ==
=== Pre-Columbian origins ===Bolivian historians claim that the Diablada originated in that country, and that Oruro should be named as its place of origin under the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity policy promoted by UNESCO; Bolivia has also claimed that performances of the dance in other countries are cultural appropriation. Bolivian historians currently maintain that the Diablada dates back 2000 years to the rituals of the Uru civilization dedicated to the mythological figure Tiw, who protected caves, lakes, and rivers as places of shelter. The dance is believed to have originated as the Llama llama in the ancient settlement of Oruro, which was one of the major centers of the Uru civilization. The dance includes references to animals that appear in Uru mythology such as ants, lizards, toads, and snakes. Bolivian anthropologist Milton Eyzaguirre adds that the ancient cultures of the Bolivian Andes practiced a death cult called cupay, with that term eventually evolving into supay or the devil figure in the modern Diablada.
Due to syncretism caused by Spanish influence in later centuries, Tiw was eventually associated with the devil; Spanish authorities also outlawed several of the ancient traditions but incorporated others into Christian theology. Local and regional Diablada festivals arose during the Spanish colonial period and were eventually consolidated as the Carnaval de Oruro in the modern city of that name. ...The Spanish banned these ceremonies in the seventeenth century, but they continued under the guise of Christian liturgy: the Andean gods were concealed behind Christian icons and the Andean divinities became the Saints. The Ito festival was transformed into a Christian ritual, celebrated on Candlemas (2 February). The traditional llama llama or diablada in worship of the Uru god Tiw became the main dance at the Carnival of Oruro....
Chilean and Peruvian organizations suggest that since the dance has roots in Andean civilizations that existed before the formation of the current national borders, it should belong equally to the three nations. Some Chilean historians concede that the Diablada originated in Bolivia and was adopted for Chile's Fiesta de La Tirana in 1952, though it is also influenced by a similar 16th Century Chilean tradition called Diablos sueltos.
Some Peruvian historians also concede that the dance originated in Bolivia but was influenced by earlier traditions practiced across the Altiplano region, including some specific to Peru. The Peruvian version, Diablada puneña, originated in the late 1500s among the Lupaka people in the Puno region, who in turn were influenced by the Jesuits; with that dance merging with the Bolivian version in the early 1900s. Scholars who defend the Diablada's origins in Peru cite Aymaran traditions surrounding the deity Anchanchu that had been documented by 16th Century historian Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. There is also a version of the Diablada in Ecuador called the Diablada pillareña.
=== Spanish influence ===Some historians have theorized that the modern Diablada exhibits influences from Spanish dance traditions. In her book La danza de los diablos, Julia Elena Fortún proposed a connection with the Catalan entremés called Ball de diables as performed in the Catalonian communities of Penedès and Tarragona. That dance depicts a struggle between Lucifer and the archangel Saint Michael and is first known to have been performed in 1150. Catalan scholar Jordi Rius i Mercade has also found similarities between the Ball de diables and several Andean dances including the similarly-themed Baile de Diablos de Cobán in Guatemala and Danza de los diablicos de Túcume in Peru.
Those theories contradict the more common theory that the modern Diablada is most influenced by the Spanish practice of autos sacramentales during which the colonizers introduced Christianity to the natives of the Andes, due to differing conceptions of the devil and his temptations. The autos sacramentales process has been cited as an influence on the emergence of the Diablada puneña in Peru, shortly after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, as believed by Garcilaso de la Vega. Peruvian scholar Nicomedes Santa Cruz and Bolivian anthropologist Freddy Arancibia Andrade have suggested a similar process, with the dance originating among miners who rebelled against the Spanish at Potosi in 1538 while combining the ancient ritual of Tinku with Christian references. Andrade has also proposed a similar process among striking miners in 1904 as the origin of the modern version of the Diablada.
=== Post-independence period ===
Though the traditions of the Diablada were merged with Christianity during the colonial period, the meanings of the original traditions were revived and reassessed during the Latin American wars of independence. The Altiplano region, particularly around Lake Titicaca, became a center of appreciation for pre-Columbian dance and music. During the Bolivian War of Independence, the main religious festival honoring the Virgin of the Candlemas was replaced by Carnival, which allowed for greater acknowledgement of pre-Christian traditions including the Diablada. The present annual Diablada festival was established in Oruro by 1891.
The first institutionalized Diablada dance squad was the Gran Tradicional y Auténtica Diablada Oruro, founded in Bolivia in 1904 by Pedro Pablo Corrales. That squad established a counterpart called the Los Vaporinos in Peru in 1918. A squad from Bolivia was invited to travel to the Fiesta de la Tirana in Chile in 1956, and that country's first established squad was called Primera Diablada Servidores Virgen del Carmen, centered in Iquique. In 2001, the Carnaval de Oruro was declared one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, along with the Diablada and 19 other dances performed at the festival. In 2004, the Bolivian government awarded high national honors to the Gran Tradicional y Auténtica Diablada Oruro for its 100th anniversary.
== Choreography ==In its original form, the dance was performed with music by a band of Sikuris, who played the siku. In modern times the dance is accompanied by an orchestra. Dancers often perform on streets and public squares, but the ritual can also be performed at indoor theaters and arenas. The ritual begins with a krewe featuring Lucifer and Satan with several China Supay, or devil women. They are followed by the personified seven deadly sins of pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. Afterwards, a troop of devils come out. They are all led by Saint Michael, with a blouse, short skirt, sword, and shield. During the dance, angels and demons move continuously. This confrontation between the two sides is eclipsed when Saint Michael appears and defeats the Devil. The choreography has three versions, each consisting of seven moves.
== Music ==The music associated with the dance has two parts: the first is known as the March and the second one is known as the Devil's Mecapaqueña. Some squads play only one melody or start the Mecapaqueña in the fourth movement by four. Since the second half of the 20th century, dialogue is omitted so the focus is only on the dance.
== Regional variations ==
=== Diablada Puneña (Peru) ===The Diablada Puneña originated in modern Peru with the in the Lupaka people in 1576, when they combined tenets of Christianity from the autos sacramentales with ancient Aymara traditions.[4][23] Some additional influences from the cult of the Virgin Mary were added in the following century.[22] The Peruvian version of the Diablada was quite different from the Ururo-based Bolivian version until the two merged at the Fiesta de la Candelaria in 1965. However, the Peruvian versions continue to feature homegrown figures like Superman, American Indians, ancient Mexicans, and characters from popular films.[39]
The costumes used in the Peruvian Diablata also include influences from Tibet as well as elements from pre-Columbian Peruvian cultures such as Sechin, Chavin, Nazca, and Mochica.[4] Homegrown masks were produced and sold in Peru starting in 1956.[40] Music for the dance was originally performed on the siku,[41] but that was later replaced by percussionists known as Sicu-Morenos.[39]>
=== Fiesta de La Tirana (Chile) ===
In Chile, the Diablada is performed during the Fiesta de La Tirana in the northern region of that country. The festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually to the small village of La Tirana. The festival is descended from the celebrations for the Virgin of Carmen that began in 1540.
=== Diablada de Pillaro (Equador) ===One of the theories about the Diablada de Pillaro (loosely translated as the Devilish meet of Pillaro) origin says that is was born as a rebelion from the lower classes agains the ruling invaders and the Church.
Carnaval de Oruro
Fiesta de la Candelaria
Fiesta de La Tirana
== External links ==Cultures Ministry of Bolivia Archived 2009-10-11 at the Wayback Machine (in Spanish)
Folklore's Group Association - Oruro (in Spanish)
National Culture Institute - Peru (in Spanish) |
926 | 28,958,176 | 0 | Estamos en la Calle | Peru | El Festival Cultural de Arte Urbano “Estamos en la Calle”, (English: Street‐Art Cultural Festival “We’re on the Streets”) commonly known as Estamos en la Calle, is a non-profit annual festival of street art, presented in Iquitos, Peru. To date, it has been held ten times. It is organized primarily by the Instituto Nacional de Cultura del Perú and a youth group of the same name. Beginning with the first festival, presentations have showcased street performers, musical works, theater, poetry, fine and graf artists, jugglers, live bands, documentary screenings, and news conferences. The idea for “Estamos en la Calle” arose in late 2007, inspired by a much smaller event, where a few rock groups gathered to perform.
== Festivals ==
I Festival Cultural de Arte Urbano Estamos en la calle (July 7, 2008)
II Festival Cultural de Arte Urbano Estamos en la calle (July 20–25, 2009)
III Festival Cultural de Arte Urbano Estamos en la calle (August 6–28, 2010)
== External links ==
Official site |
927 | 24,520,921 | 0 | Fiesta de la Candelaria | Peru | null |
928 | 37,535,747 | 0 | International Ballet Festival of Trujillo | Peru | The International Ballet Festival of Trujillo is an event held in the Peruvian city of Trujillo since 1977. The dancers vary with each event, but over the years participants have come from Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Mexico, and Germany
Currently, the festival is organized by the Ballet Company of Trujillo.
The years 2016 and 2018 is also featured the II International Ballet Festival of Trujillo. This is a separate and distinct festival, launched when the original was on hiatus. Many of the same individuals assist with both.
== History ==Lady Stella Puga was first dancer and founder of the Ballet of Chamber of Trujillo since 1960. In 1969 she founded in Trujillo city the School of Ballet. She was director or principal of INC in Trujillo, and in 1977 she organized the International Festival of Ballet of Trujillo, which had international recognition. The festival was organized and held since 1977 until 1996 by Stella Puga. Since year 2007 was returned and organized in national version by the INC-La Libertad through Selene Ruiz and Hugo Yucra the Director of the Ballet Company of Trujillo and Coordinator respectively. The festival in year 2012 takes an international version again.
Festival Dates:
November 6-7. 2012
November 7-9, 2018
The Ballet Company of Trujillo has organized the festival since 2007.
An II International Ballet Festival of Trujillo was launched in 2016 when the original festival was on hiatus. Both festivals are scheduled to run about a month apart in 2018.
The 2018 version of the II International Festival, run by the Asociacion Festival Internatcional Danza Trujillo, featured dancers from Trujillo (Peru), Lima (Peru), Argentina), Chile, Mexico, Ecuodor, and the United States. In addition to evening performances, there were opportunities for both the performers and local dancers to take part in master classes from visiting artistic directors and other international artists. Dancers also had the opportunity to tour local ruins alongside their counterparts from other companies.
The II Festival of Trujillo dates:
October 18-20, 2018
Huanchaco
Las Delicias, Trujillo
Santiago de Huamán
Trujillo Marinera Festival
Trujillo Spring Festival
Víctor Larco Herrera District
== External links ==
Location of Trujillo, place of International Ballet Festival of Trujillo
Ballet Municipal de Trujillo Archived 2012-11-03 at the Wayback Machine
=== Media ===Cultural Promotion Center of Trujillo |
929 | 3,193,611 | 0 | Inti Raymi | Peru | The Inti Raymi (Quechua for Inti festival) is a traditional religious ceremony of the Inca Empire in honor of the god Inti (Quechua for sun), the most venerated deity in Inca religion. It was the celebration of the winter solstice^ – the shortest day of the year in terms of the time between sunrise and sunset – and the Inca New Year, when the hours of light would begin to lengthen again. Celebrated on June 24, the Inti Raymi was the most important festival of the Inca Empire, as described by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, and took place in the Haukaypata, the main square of Cusco.
Today, the festival is recognized as the second-largest festival in South America and the most important and well-attended celebration of the year in Cusco, attracting thousands of visitors from across Peru and around the world.
== History ==According to chronicler Garcilaso de la Vega, Sapa Inca Pachacuti created the Inti Raymi to celebrate the new year in the Andes of the Southern Hemisphere. The ceremony was also said to symbolize the mythical origin of the Inca people. It lasted for nine days and was filled with colorful dances and processions, as well as animal sacrifices to thank Pachamama and to ensure a good harvest season. The first Inti Raymi was in 1412. The last Inti Raymi with the Inca Emperor's presence was carried out in 1535. After this, the Spanish colonists and their Catholic priests banned the ceremony and other Inca religious practices.In 1944, a historical reconstruction of the Inti Raymi was directed by Faustino Espinoza Navarro and indigenous actors. The first reconstruction was based largely on the chronicles of Garcilaso de la Vega and referred only to the religious ceremony. Since 1944, an annual theatrical representation of the Inti Raymi has been taking place at Saksaywaman on June 24, two kilometers (1.24 miles) from the original site of celebration in central Cusco. It attracts thousands of tourists and local visitors.
Inti Raymi is still celebrated in indigenous cultures throughout the Andes. Celebrations involve music, wearing of colorful costumes (most notable the woven aya huma mask), and the sharing of food. In many parts of the Andes though, this celebration has also been connected to the western Catholic festivals of Saint John the Baptist (June 24), which falls a few days after the southern winter solstice (June 21). The celebration today begins at Qorikancha, followed by the Plaza de Armas, and other important sites of the Incan times.
== Modern day re-enactment ==
The Inti Raymi is traditionally performed in three historical and natural settings commonly used for staging, where over 800 artists don typical garments and engage in diverse presentations, including dances and performances. These events primarily take place at the temple of Qorikancha, the Archaeological Park of Sacsayhuaman, and the Plaza de Armas (Main Square) of Cusco.
=== Qorikancha ===
The celebration begins in this temple, historically the primary site for sun worship during the Tawantinsuyu. The contemporary ceremony unfolds here before the retinue proceeds along Loreto Street or Inti K'ijllu toward the Plaza de Armas.
=== Plaza de Armas ===
Formerly referred to as Auqaypata or Warrior's Square, this location hosts rituals such as the Coca Rite and the Meeting of the Times, where the Inca meets the city's mayor to exchange the khipu representing the three powers: munay (to want), yachay (to know), and llankay (to work).
=== Sacsayhuamán ===
Situated approximately one kilometer from Qolqanpata, an Inca neighborhood, this archaeological site serves as the focal point for the central ceremony, which includes:Ceremonial sitting.
Report from the 4 Suyos (regions) and Offerings: Qollasuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu and Chinchaysuyu.
Rite of the Chicha.
Rite of the Sacred Fire Inka.
The Llama's sacrifice (Andean camelid) and omens.
Rite of the Sankhu (holy bread).
Q’ochurikuy (popular worship).
== External links ==The celebration of the Sun
Inti Raymi - Cultura Interactiva |
930 | 15,385,406 | 0 | Lord of Miracles | Peru | The Lord of Miracles (in Spanish: Señor de los Milagros), also known as Christ of Miracles, is a Roman Catholic title of Jesus Christ that is associated with a painting of Christ crucified venerated in Lima, Peru. The image was painted during the 17th century by Benito or Pedro Dalcon, an African taken from what is now Angola to Peru as a slave. An annual procession commemorating the image occurs every October. It is one of the oldest Catholic traditions in Peru. It is one of the largest religious processions in the world.
== Description of the Image ==Jesus Christ is depicted on the cross, with the Holy Spirit and God the Father above. On the left is the Virgin Mary, and on the right is Mary Magdalene.
Its name originated in the 17 and 18th centuries, after earthquakes in 1655, 1687, and 1746 destroyed most of the city, leaving only the mural standing. This is considered a miraculous occurrence by many living there. What began as an Afro-Peruvian tradition was increasingly adopted by the Creole middle class in the 18th century after the third earthquake, which destroyed the city of Lima and much of the coast what is now the department of Lima and its provinces from Chancay to Canete.
== Veneration ==
Every year in October, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all walks of life participate in a religious procession honoring the image through the streets of downtown Lima.
The predominant color for the procession and the habits are purple with white rope. The procession route circles downtown Lima and takes approximately 20 hours to complete.
In the main plaza of Lima, the image is honored in three different building sharing the same square, by The President of Peru, The mayor of Lima, and the Archbishop of Lima in their respective buildings. Prior to this, The National Congress and Federico Villarreal National University honor the procession. On its path, people release purple and white balloons and throw flowers.
In Peru, the month of October is known as the purple month due to the colors of the procession. There are seasonal delicious sweets like mazamorra morada (purple pudding) and Turron de Dona Pepa that are very traditional for October traditions related to the history of the procession.
The Fair of The Lord of The Miracles is a celebration of bullfights since 1946, gathering the best bullfighters of the world, the months of October, November, and the first days of December, competing for The Golden and Silver Scapulars of The Lord of the Miracles, taking place in Acho bullring in Lima.
Lord of Miracles of Buga
Basilica del Senor de los Milagros de Buga
Monasterio de Santa Rosa de Lima
Feria del Señor de los Milagros
== External links ==
(in Spanish) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS4QAYkqUy8
(in Spanish) http://limacitykings.com/senor-milagros/
(in Spanish) https://www.peruhop.com/senor-de-los-milagros/
(in Spanish) https://www.americatv.com.pe/noticias/actualidad/senor-milagros-conoce-desvios-18-y-19-octubre-recorrido-procesional-n392198?ref=irela
(in Spanish) Pachacamac y el Señor de los Milagros: una trayectoria milenaria by Maria Rostworowski |
931 | 41,950,134 | 0 | Pachamama Raymi | Peru | Pachamama Raymi (Quechua Pachamama Mother Earth, raymi feast, Mother Earth feast) is a ceremony held annually on August 1 in Ecuador and Peru.
== Location ==
=== Ecuador ===
In Ecuador, the feast is celebrated in the Zamora-Chinchipe Province.
=== Peru ===
In Peru it takes place in the Ccatca District of the Cusco Region, Quispicanchi Province, on August 1.
== Other uses of the expression ==Pachamama Raymi also refers to a methodology to generate widespread prosperity in areas of extreme poverty. The methodology was developed since 1988 in Cusco, Peru.
Willka Raymi |
932 | 13,780,863 | 0 | Quyllurit'i | Peru | Quyllurit'i or Qoyllur Rit'i (Quechua quyllu rit'i, quyllu bright white, rit'i snow, bright white snow,) is a syncretic religious festival held annually at the Sinakara Valley in the southern highlands Cusco Region of Peru. Local indigenous people of the Andes know this festival as a native celebration of the stars. In particular they celebrate the reappearance of the Pleiades constellation, known in Quechua as Qullqa, or storehouse, and associated with the upcoming harvest and New Year. The Pleiades disappears from view in April and reappears in June. The new year is marked by indigenous people of the Southern Hemisphere on the Winter Solstice in June, and it is also a Catholic festival. The people have celebrated this period of time for hundreds if not thousands of years. The pilgrimage and associated festival was inscribed in 2011 on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
According to the Catholic Church, the festival is in honor of the Lord of Quyllurit'i (Quechua: Taytacha Quyllurit'i, Spanish: Señor de Quyllurit'i) and it originated in the late 18th century. The young native herder Mariano Mayta befriended a mestizo boy named Manuel on the mountain Qullqipunku. Thanks to Manuel, Mariano's herd prospered, so his father sent him to Cusco to buy a new shirt for Manuel. Mariano could not find anything similar, because that kind of cloth was sold only to the archbishop. Learning of this, the bishop of Cusco sent a party to investigate. When they tried to capture Manuel, he was transformed into a bush with an image of Christ crucified hanging from it. Thinking the archbishop's party had harmed his friend, Mariano died on the spot. He was buried under a rock, which became a place of pilgrimage known as the Lord of Quyllurit'i, or Lord of Star (Brilliant) Snow. An image of Christ was painted on this boulder.
The Quyllurit'i festival attracts thousands of indigenous people from the surrounding regions, made up of Paucartambo groups (Quechua speakers) from the agricultural regions to the northwest of the shrine, and Quispicanchis (Aymara speakers) from the pastoral (herders) regions to the southeast. Both moieties make an annual pilgrimage to the feast, bringing large troupes of dancers and musicians. There are four groups of participants with particular roles: ch'unchu, qulla, ukuku, and machula. Attendees increasingly have included middle-class Peruvians and foreign tourists.
The festival takes place in late May or early June, to coincide with the full moon. It falls one week before the Christian feast of Corpus Christi. Events include several processions of holy icons and dances in and around the shrine of the Lord of Quyllurit'i. The culminating event for the indigenous non-Christian population takes place after the reappearance of Qullqa in the night sky; it is the rising of the sun after the full moon. Tens of thousands of people kneel to greet the first rays of light as the sun rises above the horizon. Until recently, the main event for the Church was carried out by ukukus, who climbed glaciers over Qullqipunku and brought back crosses and blocks of ice to place along the road to the shrine. These are believed to be medicinal with healing qualities. Due to the melting of the glacier, the ice is no longer carried down.
== Origins ==
There are several accounts of the origins of the Quyllurit'i festival. What follows are two versions: one relates the pre-Columbian origins, and the other the Catholic Church's version as compiled by the priest of the town of Ccatca between 1928 and 1946.
=== Pre-Columbian origins ===
The Inca followed both solar and lunar cycles throughout the year. The cycle of the moon was of primary importance for the timing of both agricultural activities and associated festivals. There are many celebration of seasonal events related to animal husbandry, sowing seeds, and harvesting of crops. Important festivals such as Quyllurit'i, perhaps the most important festival given its significance and meaning, are still celebrated on the full moon.
The Quyllurit'i festival takes place at the end of a period of a few months when the Pleiades constellation, or Seven Sisters, a 7-star cluster in the Taurus constellation, disappears and reappears in the skies of the Southern Hemisphere. Its time of disappearance was marked in Inca culture by a festival for Pariacaca, the god of water and torrential rains. It occurs near the date of qarwa mita (qarwa meaning when the corn leaves are yellow).
The return of the constellation about 40 days later, called unquy mita in Quechua, was long associated in the Southern Hemisphere with the time of the coming harvest and therefore a time of abundance for the people. Incan astronomers had named the Pleiades constellation as Qullqa, or storehouse, in their native language of Quechua.
Metaphorically, the constellation's disappearance from the night sky and reemergence approximately two months afterward is a signal that the human planes of existence have times of disorder and chaos, but also return to order.
=== Catholic Church origins ===
In the city of Cuzco in the late 17th century, the celebration of Corpus Christi reached a height under Bishop Manuel de Mollinedo y Angulo (1673–99), with processions through the city including Inca nobles in ceremonial regalia. The bishop also commissioned portraits of the nobles in their ceremonial clothes. Scholars such as Carolyn Dean have studies this evidence for its suggestions about related church rituals.
Dean believes that such early churchmen thought that such Catholic rituals could displace indigenous ones. She examines the feast of Corpus Christi and its relationship to the indigenous harvest festival at winter solstice, celebrated in early June in the Southern Hemisphere. According to the church, events of the late 18th century that included a sighting of Christ on the mountain Qullqipunku became part of myth, and the pilgrimage festival of the Lord of Quyllurit'i is still celebrated in the 21st century.
It is told that an Indian boy named Mariano Mayta used to watch over his father's herd of alpaca on the slopes of the mountain. He wandered into the snowfields of the glacier, where he encountered a mestizo boy named Manuel. They became good friends, and Manuel provided Mariano with food. When the boy did not return home for meals, Mariano's father went looking for his son. He was surprised to find his herd had increased. As a reward, he sent Mariano to Cusco to get new clothes. Mariano asked to buy some also for Manuel, who wore the same outfit every day. His father agreed, so Mariano asked Manuel for a sample in order to buy the same kind of cloth in Cusco.
Mariano was told that this refined cloth was restricted for use only by the bishop of the city. Mariano went to see the prelate, who was surprised by the request. He ordered an inquiry of Manuel, directed by the priest of Oncogate (Quispicanchi), a village close to the mountain. On June 12, 1783, the commission ascended Qullqipunku with Mariano; they found Manuel dressed in white and shining with a bright light. Blinded, they retreated, returning with a larger party. On their second try they reached the boy. But when they touched him, he was transformed into a tayanka bush (Baccharis odorata) with the crucified Christ hanging from it. Thinking the party had harmed his friend, Mariano fell dead on the spot. He was buried under the rock where Manuel had last appeared.
The tayanka tree was sent to Spain, as requested by king Charles III. As it was never returned, the Indian population of Ocongate protested. The local priest ordered a replica, which became known as Lord of Tayankani (Spanish: Señor de Tayankani). The burial site of Mariano attracted a great number of Indian devotees, who lit candles before the rock. Religious authorities ordered the painting of an image of Christ crucified on the rock. This image became known as Lord of Quyllurit'i (Spanish: Señor de Quyllurit'i). In Quechua, quyllur means star and Rit'i means snow; thus, the term means Lord of Star Snow.
== Pilgrims ==The Quyllurit'i festival attracts more than 10,000 pilgrims annually, most of them indigenous peoples from rural communities in nearby regions. They are from two moieties: Quechua-speaking Paucartambo, people from agricultural communities located to the northwest of the shrine in the provinces of Cusco, Calca, Paucartambo and Urubamba; and Aymara-speaking Quispicanchis, which encompasses those living to the southeast in the provinces of Acomayo, Canas, Canchis and Quispicanchi, This geographic division also reflects social and economic distinctions, as the Quechuas of Paucartambo cultivate agricultural crops, whereas Quispicanchis is populated by the Aymara, whose lives are based on animal husbandry, especially herds of alpaca and llama.
Peasants from both moieties undertake an annual pilgrimage to the Quyllurit'i festival, with representatives of each community carrying a small image of Christ to the sanctuary. Together, these delegations include a large troupe of dancers and musicians dressed in four main styles:Ch'unchu: wearing feathered headdresses and carrying a wood staff, the ch'unchus represent the indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon Rainforest, to the north of the sanctuary. There are several types of ch'unchu dancers; the most common is wayri ch'unchu, which comprises up to 70% of all Quyllurit'i dancers.
Qhapaq Qulla: dressed in a waq'ullu knitted mask, a hat, a woven sling and a llama skin, qullas represent the Aymara inhabitants of the Altiplano to the south of the sanctuary. Qulla is considered a mestizo dance style, whereas ch'unchu is regarded as indigenous.
Ukuku: clad in a dark coat and a woolen mask, the ukukus (spectacled bear) represent the role of tricksters; they speak in high-pitched voices, and play pranks, but have the serious responsibility of keeping order among the thousands of pilgrims. Some also go up to the glacier to spend the night. They cut blocks of glacier ice and carry them on their backs to their people at the festival in the valley. When melted, the water is believed to be medicinal for body and mind. It is used for holy water in the churches during the next year. In Quechua mythology, ukukus are the offspring of a woman and a bear, feared by everyone because of their supernatural strength. In these stories, the ukuku redeems itself by defeating a condenado, a cursed soul, and becoming an exemplary farmer.
Machula: wearing a mask, a humpback, and a long coat, and carrying a walking stick, machulas represent the ñawpa machus, the mythical first inhabitants of the Andes. In a similar way to the ukukus, they perform an ambiguous role in the festival, being comical as well as constabulary figures.
Quyllur Rit'i also attracts visitors from outside the Paucartambo and Quispicanchis moieties. Since the 1970s, an increasing number of middle-class mainstream Peruvians undertake the pilgrimage, some of them at a different date than more traditional pilgrims. There has also been a rapid growth in the number of North American and European tourists drawn to the indigenous festival, prompting fears that it is becoming too commercialized. The pilgrimage and associated festival were inscribed in 2011 on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
== Festival ==The festival is attended by thousands of indigenous people, some of whom come from as far away as Bolivia. The Christian celebration is organized by the Brotherhood of the Lord of Quyllurit'i (Spanish: Hermandad del Señor de Quyllurit'i), a lay organization that also keeps order during the festival. Preparations start on the feast of the Ascension, when the Lord of Quyllurit'i is carried in procession from its chapel at Mawallani 8 kilometers to its sanctuary at Sinaqara.
On the first Wednesday after Pentecost, a second procession carries a statue of Our Lady of Fatima from the Sinaqqara sanctuary to an uphill grotto to prepare for the festival. Most pilgrims arrive by Trinity Sunday, when the Blessed Sacrament is taken in procession through and around the sanctuary.
The following day, the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i is taken in procession to the grotto of the Virgin and back. Pilgrims refer to this as the greeting between the Lord and Mary, referring to the double traditional Inca feasts of Pariacaca and Oncoy mita. (See section above.) On the night of this second day, dance troupes take turns to perform in the shrine.
At dawn on the third day, ukukus grouped by moieties climb the glaciers on Qullqipunku to retrieve crosses set on top. Some ukukus traditionally spent the night on the glacier to combat spirits. They also cut and bring back blocks of the ice, which is believed to have sacred medicinal qualities. The ukukus are considered to be the only ones capable of dealing with condenados, the cursed souls said to inhabit the snowfields. According to oral traditions, ukukus from different moieties used to engage in ritual battles on the glaciers, but this practice was banned by the Catholic Church. After a mass celebrated later this day, most pilgrims leave the sanctuary. One group carries the Lord of Quyllurit'i in procession to Tayankani before taking it back to Mawallani.
The festival precedes the official feast of Corpus Christi, held the Thursday following Trinity Sunday, but it is closely associated with it.
Religion in Peru
Syncretism
== Notes ==
== Bibliography ==
== External links ==Seti Gershberg, Qoyllur Riti: An Inca Festival Celebrating the Stars, May 2013, The Path of the Sun website
Adrian Locke, From Ice to Icon: El Señor de Qoyllur Rit'i as symbol of native Andean Catholic worship, Essex College (UK)
Vicente Revilla, photographer: Qoyllur Rit'i: In Search of the Lord of the Snow Star, online exhibit, W.E.B. Du Bois Library, University of Massachusetts Amherst, October 1999 |
933 | 70,596,995 | 0 | Situa | Peru | The situa or citua (in Quechua situwa raymi) was the health and ritual purification festival in the Inca Empire. It was held in Cusco, the capital of the empire, during the month of September on the day of the first moon after the spring equinox, which in the southern hemisphere takes place normally on September 23. It was a very important festival whose rites are well described by the early Spanish chroniclers, in particular Cristóbal de Molina, Polo de Ondegardo and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. The latter witnessed situas as a child after the Spaniards had reduced them to memorials of the actual Inca festival. The situa is also mentioned by Bernabé Cobo, who copied, most probably, its text from Molina,: xxii Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala, Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa and Juan de Betanzos.
The festival was held when the rain season had just begun and many illnesses tended to occur. Rituals to the Creator-god were thus executed both in Cusco and in other lands conquered by the Incas in order to purify them and send the evil away.: 30 The four days rites included offerings rams (that is llamas and alpacas), carefully chosen for their white color, to the deities,: Ch VIII purification by bathing in the river water, lighting large straw torches (like large balls, called panconcos) and preparing and eating the ritual maize buns called sanco (sankhu in Quechua): sankhu whose dough was often mixed with blood. All were allowed to drink chicha (fermented beverage, corn beer) during the four days festival «without stopping».: Ch VIII A great number of persons and beasts gathered in the main plaza of Cusco (Haucaypata), which in Inca times was much larger than the current Plaza de Armas.
Figures of the deities from the huacas (shrines) were carried to their respective temples they had in Cusco.
To obtain proper cleanliness of the city, all foreigners and with those with physical defects were banished from the city for a distance of two leagues.: 31
According to Molina, Pachacuti Inca was the sovereign who defined the way the festival had to be performed, giving rules to an ancient tradition.: 50
== Description of the situa ==
“Illnesses, disasters, misfortunes, and dangers, leave this land!” – ritual cry of the situa festival
=== Preparation ===
According to Garcilaso, the priests could detect the equinox by observing the shadows of stone columns as projected though an east to west line and could discern the exact date of the situa.: Bk 2-Ch XXII
In order to obtain proper cleanliness of the city, all those who were not natives of Cusco were banished for a distance of two leagues. Moreover, anyone who had broken earlobes, all the hunchbacks and anyone who had a lesion or defect on their body were taken out of city, being considered as carriers of bad fate. Even the dogs were chased out of the city so that they would not howl.: 31 They could all return to the city at the beginning of the last day of the festival.
In the meantime, the population of Cusco prepared for this festival with fast and abstinence for three days. Children fasted just one day. On the night before the start of the festival, men, women and children gathered at the house of the eldest brother of the family and prepared the bread called sanco, made with corn flour and other previously toasted cereals, cooked with little water and some fat. This bread, prepared in buns the size of a small apple,: Bk 6-Ch XX was used in ceremonies as sacred food and it was left half cooked.
A variety of Sanco was additionally prepared with blood in the dough (in Quechua yawar sankhu, where yawar means blood), which Garcilaso affirms was taken from children between five and ten, by bloodletting through a cut in the middle of the eyebrows,: Bk 7-Chr VI . The two kinds of sanco were cooked separately. Polo de Ondegardo reveals that the blood was in fact taken from sacrificed beasts. He also reports that the acllas, Virgins of the Sun, prepared a great amount of buns, which were also given to the foreigners in the last day of the festival, while even more buns were sent to the distant shrines and to the kurakas (local chiefs and governors) as a sign of confederation and loyalty to the Sun-god and the Inca.: Ch VIII Sanco was also used to warm people, statues and mummies, rubbing it on the bodies so as to revitalize them. The chroniclers use the Spanish word calentar for this action.
Before dawn, everyone washed their bodies and took a little of the blood sanco and passed it over their heads and faces, chests and backs, arms and legs in order to cleanse their bodies of all diseases. The elder brother, lord of the house, smeared the threshold of the street door with sanco and left it glued to them, as a sign that the lavatory had been done and all the persons were cleansed.: Bk 7-Ch VI
The situa lasted four day as follows:the first day was dedicated to ritual bathing and purification by eating sanco;
the second day was dedicated to the deities: Creator, Sun, and Thunder, with sacrifices for them and saying prayers for the Inca;
the third day was for the Moon and the Earth, and sacrifices and prayers were performed to them;
the next day all the nations subjected to the Inca entered the plaza with their huacas, dressed in the finest clothing of their lands, bringing a large amount of livestock.
=== Day 1 ===
On the day of the conjunction of the Moon, at noon, the Inca went to the Coricancha (Quechua Qorikancha: qorikancha ), the temple of the Sun-god, with his council, the priests and the most noble persons of Cusco. There they discussed the details of the festival, because in some years certain aspects could be added or removed.: 242 In the meantime, many armed warriors met in the small square in front of the temple, while the statues of the deities from some huacas were brought to that same square. The high priest of the Sun would then declare the festival opened.
In the middle of the main plaza of Cusco there was a special ushnu (a ceremonial platform) which was shaped as a golden pillar and resembled a well. It was filled with chicha poured on top of it as a sacrifice, which everyone could drink.: 33
Four hundred runner warriors, fully armed, were assembled and waiting around the ushnu; each group of one hundred was facing one of the four suyus (provinces of the Inca Empire): Chinchaysuyu (NW), Antisuyu (NE), Kuntisuyu (SW) and Qullasuyu (SE).
When the priests form the Coricancha arrived, the four hundred warriors shouted a ritual cry and started running towards the four directions of the Inca empire. The runners, continuously shouting the ritual words, carried their weapons; after a quarter of a league they passed them to other warriors and so on until they were about five or six leagues out of the city.: Bk 7-Ch 7
There the runners bathed and washed their weapons in the rivers at the places they had reached.
The warriors going to Collasuyu bathed in the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota) near the modern town of Quiquijana, those going to Chinchaysuyu bathed in the Apurímac River below the modern town of Limatambo. Those who carried their shouts to Antisuyu bathed in the Urubamba River beside the modern town of Písac and those who went to Cuntisuyu washed at the Cusibamba River.
Molina states that: «the reason that they bathed in these rivers was because these are voluminous rivers [that] they know lead to the sea, and so [the rivers] would carry the illnesses [away]».: 34
While the warriors passed along the ceques, the sacred paths radiating from Cusco joining the huacas, people stood out of their houses shaking their clothes and blankets while shouting for the illnesses to leave the city and asking for a prosperous year.
Bauer: 104 points out that «during Inca times, the ritualized cleansing of evil ended with the four relays of warriors bathing themselves and their weapons in the major rivers of the region. In the later and more limited rituals witnessed by Garcilaso de la Vega,: Bk 7-Ch VI the situa festival ended with the runners sticking their spears “in the ground as a barrier to prevent the ills from re-entering the area from which they had been banished». Moreover Garcialso states that a royal blood Inca, not necessarily the Sapan Inca, fully dressed and with a spear, run down from the Sacsayhuamán fortress to the Haucaypata, where four royal blood Incas (and not four hundred warriors) awaited and then run towards the four suyus.: Bk 7-Ch VI
When the night came everybody danced, including the Inca.: 34
=== Day 2 ===At dawn, people went to the rivers and springs to bathe, and ordered any illness to leave them.
After bathing, they prepared and lit large straw torches, similar to large balls tied with ropes, called pancuncos or panconcos (pankunku in Quechua, meaning dry wood or straw torch). The men went around playing and hitting each other with them.: 36 : pankunku These torches interested the Spanish chroniclers and they gave different descriptions of the practice. Polo de Ondegardo states «[…] they emitted great shouts, with torches in their hands, crying “Evil be driven out,” and hitting one another with the torches. These were called panconcos.»: Ch VIII Garcilaso de la Vega states «[…] they went out with great torches of straw woven like the jackets for oil jars in round balls. These were called pancuncu, and took a long time to burn. Each was fastened to a cord a fathom in length, and they used to run through all the streets trailing the torches till they were outside the city, as if the torches removed the evils by night as the spears did by day. The burned torches were finally cast into the streams that pass through the city, together with the water in which the people had washed the previous day, so that the running water might carry the ills they had driven out of their houses and out of the city down to the sea.»: Bk 7-Ch VII Felipe Guamán Poma de Ayala, who describes the situa in his manuscript El primer nueva corónica y buen gobierno (First New Chronicle and Good Government), states «Men armed as if they were going to fight a war, throwing fire slings, saying in a loud voice: Leave sicknesses and pestilences from the people and from this town! Leave us!» Guamán provides a picture of the pancuncus.
After this, the men returned to their houses, to end the day eating sanco, which they also put on their faces and in places where they kept their food and clothes. They also threw sanco into the springs, wishing not to be ill and any illness to be kept out of their houses. Sanco was also given to the other members of the family and friends. The mummies of the dead relatives were warmed with sanco, so that they could enjoy the celebration. The day ended in joy, and everyone ate and drank the best foods they had; even the poorest persons had saved food for the festival.: 36
During this celebration no one argued with one another, nor pronounced angry words, nor asked to be repaid a debt because they believed that if they had behaved badly in this day, they would have quarrels and difficulties all year long. That night the statues of the Creator the Sun and the Thunder, were taken out of their respective temples and the priests warmed them with sanco.: 36
=== Day 3 ===
On the next morning the priests brought fine foods to be presented to the statues of the Creator, the Sun, and the Thunder in their respective temples. The priests of the huacas received this food and burned it as a sacrifice to the deities.
As in other cultures, the Incas mummified their dead sovereigns, the Sapan Inca and his Qoya (queen) and worshipped them after the death. Mummies were taken care of by the panaka (lineage) of the dead emperor and shown in public at festivals.
Thus the third day of situa each panaka took out and brought to the main square the royal mummies they were taking care of and at night they ritually washed them in the same baths that each sovereign had been using while alive.: 36
Once the mummies were taken back to their respective homes they were warmed with sanco and then each mummy was offered the food they liked most in their life, which after this rite was burnt as an offering to the deities.
When the Sapan Inca finished his own bath he went to his private room with his principal wife where both were warmed with sanco on their heads, which were then adorned with the iridescent plumes of a bird. The same ritual was performed on the statue of the Creator-god. Afterward the Inca, fully dressed in his richest robes and accompanied by his court, went to the main plaza of Cusco.: 37
At the same time, the main image of the Sun-god, accompanied by the priests of the Sun, was brought to the plaza together with two other gold images representing its wives.
=== Day 4 ===
During this last day, all those who were driven out of the city at the beginning of the festival were summoned inside once again to join the celebration. Everyone went again to the plaza with the priests, the huacas and the Inca. A great amount of livestock, of all types and from each of the four regions, was brought to the plaza too. Molina states that «according to those who gave statements … there were over one hundred thousand heads. This livestock had to be clean, without any blemishes or marks, and woolly, having never been shorn».: 39
The high priest of the Sun choose four among the cleanest and whitest rams, rubbing them with blood sanco and sacrificed them. The high priest then warned everyone that those who dare eating sanco in sin will be punished by the gods, while those who ate sanco in pure spirit will be rewarded by «joyful years, bountiful food, and everything else needed for success».
The high priest ate his portion of sanco followed by the nobility from the two Cusco neighborhoods, hanan and hurin (upper and lower), saving some for those who were absent.
The lungs of the sacrificed rams were taken out and inflated by blowing into them. The priests then looked for any signs that implied either fruitful or bad incoming years. Then the lungs were burnt and the meat of the four rams was eaten by the priests, while all the other people were invited to share the remaining rams sacrificed and cooked on the square. A great amount of chicha, prepared in due time from white maize for the purpose of the festival, was brought to the plaza and drank.: 40
Meantime the priests carried their huacas to the plaza on litters, while the nobility joined their two groups in one to make room for them. The local chiefs were then rubbed with sanco and they recited a joint prayer, after which they ate the rams meat.
All the nations danced the situwa taki,: taki the special song for the situa festival.
Then the representatives of the nations asked permission to return to their respective lands and were given a reward by the Inca for having participated to the festival.
=== Prayers ===
Molina reports several prayers recited during the situa both in Quechua and with a translation in Spanish. They are an important witness of the ancient Inca rites.
A well known prayer, whose text is also provided by Guaman Poma de Ayala, Martín de Murúa and Juan de Santa Cruz Pachacuti Yamqui Salcamaygua is the following:O Creator! [You] who are without equal to the end of the world. [You] who gave life and strength to mankind, and said, [Let] this one be male,” and to the women, “[Let] this one be female.” Saying this, you created them, shaped them, and gave them life. Protect those that you have created, [let them] live safe and sound, without danger, [and] in peace. Where are you? Are you in the heights of heaven? Or below in the thunder [clouds]? Or in the storm clouds? Hear me, answer me, and grant me [my prayers]; give us eternal life forever. Take us by your hand and receive this offering wherever you may be, O Creator!
=== Later remnants ===
When the Spaniards conquered the Empire and imposed the Christian religion as the only one, they started a fight against idolatry, forbidding all Inca festivals and ritual practices to take place. Even the situa, among the most important, was suppressed. It became a sort of folkloric memorial rather than a religious feast. Polo de Ondegardo states in 1559 that the bathing, the drunkenness and some trace of the situa still lasted four days with somewhat differentiated ceremonies, and with a lot of secrecy.: Ch VIII Garcilaso confirms in 1609 that the celebration was still practiced, in a reduced form as compared with the festivals of the 1540s and 1550s. While he was a young boy he was an eyewitness to part of the rituals since, as a child, he was not allowed to see all of it. He writes: «I remember having seen part of this celebration in my childhood. […] I saw the four Indians running with their spears. I saw the common people shaking their clothes and making the other gestures, and saw them eat the bread called sanco. I saw the torches or pancunu [sic], but did not see the nocturnal rite, because it was very late and I had already gone to bed».: Bk 7-Ch VI
Inti Raymi
Coricancha
Inca Empire
Ceque system |
934 | 41,949,697 | 0 | T'anta Raymi | Peru | T'anta Raymi (Quechua t'anta bread, raymi feast, bread feast) is a religious feast in Peru. It is celebrated annually on October 4 in Oropesa in the Cusco Region, Quispicanchi Province, Oropesa District. |
936 | 42,073,129 | 0 | Tupay Tuqtu | Peru | Tupay Tuqtu (Quechua tupay to crash, to collide, tuqtu broody hen) is a festival held annually on February 2 at the mountain Tuqtu in the Cusco Region in Peru. On April 1, 2008, it was declared a National Cultural Heritage by Resolución Directoral Nacional No.466-INC. The event takes place in a plain named Winch'iri on the border of the districts Quehue of the Canas Province and Livitaca of the Chumbivilcas Province.
During the festival people of various communities of the two provinces meet to fight against each other. It is considered a ritual battle. This clash between communities is similar to the ritual battle of Ch'iyar Jaqhi which also takes place in the Canas Province.
Takanakuy
Warachikuy |
937 | 42,061,079 | 0 | Warachikuy | Peru | During the Inca Empire Warachikuy (Quechua) was a ceremony where young men, after undergoing various tests of skill and valor, could receive the official status of an adult man. Today Warachikuy is still an important festival which represents the Andean cultural heritage. The celebrations are held annually at the archaeological site of Sacsayhuamán near Cusco on the third Sunday of September. They include rites, warlike dances, battles like ch'iyar jaqhi (Aymara chiyara black, jaqhi cliff, black cliff, Hispanicized chiaraje) and competitions.
Inti Raymi |
938 | 42,292,596 | 0 | Willka Raymi | Peru | Willka Raymi (Quechua willka grandchild / great-grandson / lineage / minor god in the Inca culture, an image of the Willkanuta valley worshipped as God / holy, sacred, divine, willka or wilka Anadenanthera colubrina (a tree), raymi feast) is a feast celebrated in the Cusco Region in Peru. It is the representation of the traditional offering ceremony to Pachamama. The celebrations are held annually on August (24th) in the archaeological complex of Pisac.
Pachamama Raymi |
949 | 15,121,726 | 0 | Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia | Argentina | Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (The Grape Harvest National Festival) takes place annually in Mendoza City, Argentina. It is one of the most important festivals in the country, attracting large numbers of tourists to the region. It is a celebration of wine and the winemaking industry.
Each of the 19 departments in Mendoza Province prepare for the festival in the early months of the year. The main event occurs in the first week of March in Mendoza city featuring hundreds of dancers and performers, the selection of a Reina Nacional de la Vendimia (National Vendimia Queen) and a large fireworks display.
== History ==
The first vendimia celebrations in Mendoza Province occurred in the 17th century. The first official valendimia festival took place in 1936. Recently Mendoza's Vendimia ranked number two in National Geographic's Top 10 World's Harvest Festivals, after the Thanksgiving celebrations in Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts.
== Departments ==
Each of Mendoza's departments are represented at the festival:
== Programme of events ==
=== Blessing of the fruit ===
The blessing of the fruit takes place on the last Sunday of February.
=== Vía Blanca de las Reinas ===
On the evening of the first Friday of March the prettiest women elected as Reinas (queens) from each department parade in allegoric chariots through the streets of Mendoza dressed in decorative outfits designed to celebrate the winemaking tradition, and the character of their departments. This event has been known to attract over 200,000 spectators.
=== Carrusel Vendimial ===
The Carrusel Vendimial takes place on the Saturday morning, it takes the form of a daylight parade, where the Reinas ride their chariots through the streets, accompanied formations of men dressed in Gaucho style outfits and riding horses, they are followed by dancers representing various provinces of Argentina and other Latin American countries. This parade also attracts huge numbers of spectators.
=== Central act ===
The Acto Central takes place in the Frank Romero Day Greek theatre. It is an impressive spectacle of light and sound featuring over 1000 performers and dancers. The show pays homage to the Virgen de la Carrodilla and features traditional folklore music.
The finale of the show sees the election of the Reina Nacional de la Vendimia and a large firework display.
== Cultural impact ==
Vendimia Planitia, a large plain on the dwarf planet Ceres, is named after the festival.
National Sea Festival
== External links ==
(in Spanish) Vendimia Mendoza website |
963 | 3,296,532 | 0 | Christmas in Norway | Norway | Jul or jol ([jʉːɽ]) is the term used for the Christmas holiday season in Scandinavia and parts of Scotland. Originally, jul was the name of a month in the old Germanic calendar. The concept of jul as a period of time rather than a specific event prevailed in Scandinavia; in modern times, jul is a period of time stretching from the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve, December 24, to (traditionally) mid-January at the date of Epiphany with the month of December and Christmas, and the week up to the New Year, as its highlight. The modern English yule and yuletide are cognates with this term.
The term jul is common throughout Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, Scotland and the Faroe Islands.
Whereas the start of jul proper is announced by the chiming of church bells throughout the country in the afternoon of 24 December, it is more accurate to describe the season as an eight-week event. It consists of five phases: Advent, julaften, romjul, nyttår, and The End of Christmas, very often with Epiphany, the thirteenth day of Christmas, as the final day of the season. From the original beginning on Christmas Day, the custom of Julebord has spread to the entire season and beyond, often beginning well in advance of December.
The modern day celebration is largely based on the Church year and has retained several pre-Reformation and pre-Christian elements.
The central event in Scandinavia is Christmas Eve (julaften), when the main Christmas meal is served and gifts are exchanged. This might be due to the old Germanic custom of counting time in nights, not days (e.g. fortnight), as it holds for other holidays like Midsummer Eve (Jonsok, lit. 'Wake of St. John') and St. Olav's Mass (Olsok, lit. 'Wake of St. Olav'), with the main celebration on the eve of the official church day.
== Norse roots ==Jul or Jol are cognates of Norse Jòlnir or Ýlir, which are alternate names of Odin, although the root itself is debated. Jul was celebrated during the second moon (from new moon to new moon) of the winter half of the year – roughly from the new moon of November to the new moon of December. At this time, the animals for slaughter were the fattest, flour had been processed, all the work of autumn was completed, and it was time to celebrate.
The time of celebration has varied. According to written sources such as the legislation of Gulaþing, it was mandatory for farmers to have a beer-drinking party with at least three farmers attending. If a farmer was so far away from his neighbours that this was difficult, he still had to brew as much beer as if he had been taking part in such a party. The beer should be ready by November 1.
The tradition of Yule ale and drinking jul is symbolized by a drinking horn on December 25 on the Runic calendar, with an upside-down drinking horn depicted on January 13, symbolizing that the ale should be finished by then.
According to the wording of the legislation, there are two celebrations where beer drinking was mandatory. The first was a form of thanksgiving (where at least three farmers attended), while the second was a smaller party for the family.
The old tradition of brewing Yule ale and drinking in honor of the Æsir, friends, and kinfolk also remained in the time following Christianization, with the law demanding people to brew enough as well as strong enough. However, people were now to drink in honor of Christ and the virgin Mary instead.
The figure of the mischievous but gift-bearing Norse nisse, a mythological creature associated with the winter solstice in Scandinavian folklore, is a white-bearded, red-wearing ancestral spirit also known as Julenissen ('Jul spirit'), which has been integrated with the figure of Sinterklaas to comprise the modern-day figure of Santa Claus. Like the cookies traditionally left for Santa Claus today, it was customary to leave a bowl of rice porridge with butter for the Jul spirit in gratitude. The food represented a sacramental meal. Sacramental meals were formally called blót—in this particular instance, yuleblót or winterblót.
== Common customs ==
As usual in the western world, Christmas features Christmas dinner, decorated Christmas trees and the exchange of gifts. Gifts are brought by Julenissen ('Christmas Hob' or 'the Christmas Wight', who today appears identical to Santa Claus).
Remnants of customs from the older agrarian society include decoration with boughs of green from spruce or fir, e.g. on the doormat, and a sheaf of wheat (julenek) hung outside.
== Food ==
Culinary traditions vary regionally. In Northern and Western Norway, pinnekjøtt (ribs of mutton which are salted and dried, and some places also smoked, and then steamed) is a common dish, whereas lutefisk and cod are popular in Southern Norway. In Eastern Norway and Central Norway, pork rib roast is common, usually served with medisterkaker and medisterpølser (meatballs and sausages made of minced pork meat with suet). Turkey has recently made its way into the variety of cuisines enjoyed during jul.
Other traditional foods are eaten at første juledags frokost, a Christmas Day luncheon where the household serves all available delicacies in a grand buffet. Families might serve several kinds of meat such as ham, fenalår (leg of lamb), cooked cured leg of lamb, pickled pigs' trotters, head cheese, mutton roll, pork roll, or ox tongue; and several kinds of fish such as smoked salmon, gravlax, rakfisk, and pickled herring. There will also be a range of cheeses and various types of jam. After the meal, tradition prescribes serving seven kinds of julebakst, pastries and coffee breads associated with the holiday. Gingerbread and gingerbread houses are commonly decorated with sugar frosting. In some instances, gingerbread cookies are used for decorating windows as well as the Christmas tree. Although originating in Sweden, strawberry-flavoured marshmallow Santa Claus candy called juleskum is also commonly eaten in Norway.
On Christmas Eve, many families eat risengrynsgrøt, a type of rice porridge that includes a single almond, scalded of its skin to leave it white. Whoever gets the almond wins a prize, usually a marzipan pig.
Brewing is closely associated with the preparations for jul, and most Norwegian breweries release a traditional Christmas beer, which is darker, stronger and more flavorful than the common Norwegian lagers. Breweries also produce a special soda, known as julebrus. Aquavit is also commonly served as a digestif to accompany the heavy, often fatty meals.
== Phases of Jul ==
=== Julebord ===
Julebord is a holiday banquet, often in the form of a buffet, at which is served traditional Christmas foods and alcoholic beverages. The period during which julebord is hosted begins in November and overlaps the beginning of Advent. The tradition has its roots in the communal parties held in medieval Norway as part of the Gulaþing.
As times have changed since 1000 CE, the labor-intensive tradition of serving julebord at home is vanishing; the custom is moving out of private life to become an end-of-the year corporate social gathering, usually at a restaurant or a rented facility with ordered catering. In most cases employers only invite employees, not their families. There is typically one party for every employer and other organizations that one might be a member of, as well as large corporations inviting important clients, and non-alcoholic parties at schools and kindergartens.
=== Advent ===
Advent starts with the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
December 1 to 24, it is common for children to have their own Advent calendar which contains one small gift for each day leading up to Christmas. Typically it contains sweets like chocolate, small toys or in later years LEGO bricks encouraging building of a small piece of a larger Lego-construction throughout the calendar.
=== Little Christmas ===
December 23 also has special status as lille julaften, 'Little Christmas Eve'. Many use this day to decorate the Christmas tree if they have not already done so. Some allow children to open one small present as a teaser for the day to come.
=== Julaften ===
On julaften, Christmas Eve, many families gather around the TV in the morning to watch the Czech movie Three Wishes for Cinderella (narrated by a voiceover in Norwegian by Knut Risan), followed by Reisen til Julestjernen (1976) and a Disney Christmas special. Some children get a Christmas stocking with candy when they wake up. Often, the parents use this time to prepare the Christmas dinner. Many families go to church before dinner, even many who never go to church otherwise.
It is common to eat rice porridge for lunch, and dinner is usually at 5 p.m., when the church bells ring to symbolize the beginning of the main holiday. It is called ringe julen inn, ringing in Christmas.
After dinner and dessert (often leftover rice porridge mixed with whipped cream, called riskrem, served with a red berry sauce), the gifts are opened.
=== Romjul ===
Romjul is the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, known in English as the 'Interscotia'.
All hunting, but not fishing, is prohibited on these days; during julefred (Christmas Peace) there is a closed season on all wild animals.
The First and Second Day of Christmas (December 25 and 26) are holidays, and all businesses are closed.
December 25 is usually considered a very private holiday, when one sees only family. On December 26, it is fairly common to invite close friends over to help eat up what is left of the food from Christmas Eve.
=== Julebukk ===
Julebukk translates to 'Yule goat'. Today it is commonly known as a goat figurine made out of straw, created in the beginning of December often used as a Christmas ornament. The Yule Goat's oldest representation is that of Thorr's magical goats, which would lead him through the night sky. The Yule Goat was also a spirit that would protect the house during Yuletide and it was tradition to sacrifice a goat to the Gods and accompanying spirits during the time span between the Winter Solstice Winter Night and the New Year called romjul. It was during romjul that a goat or julebukk was sacrificed; adults then donned guises to personify the julebukk. Animal masks and skins, commonly goats and horses, were donned in an activity called hoodening. Participants would parade from house to house, disguising their voices, singing, offering spiritual protection and warnings. The group would receive small amounts of money, food and drink in exchange for the blessing they offered.
=== New Year's Eve ===
December 31 is commonly a half day at work. In the evening, families tend to have a dinner party similar to the Christmas Eve dinner, though it is common to invite friends and/or neighbours. As midnight approaches, it is common to leave the house and light up fireworks together with neighbours, as they congratulate each other.
=== End of Christmas ===
The exact date that ends jul varies. One common date is the thirteenth day of Christmas, Epiphany, of the Mass of St. Knut, on January 7. Another is the old gisladag or tjuendedag, the twentieth day, on January 13, also called Epiphany Day. By Candlemas on February 2, the Christmas tree and all decorations have usually been removed.
Advent calendar
Norway at Christmas worldwide
Jól (Iceland)
Jul (Denmark)
Jul (Sweden)
Yule
Celebrations in Norway by Bente Gullveig Alver and Ann Helene Bolstad Skjelbred - Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mål vekt tid - Arild Hauge
== External links ==
Christmas in Norway
Julebord Parties in Norway
Seven Sorts Christmas Cookie tradition and Recipes |
964 | 39,251,384 | 0 | Dyrsku'n | Norway | Dyrsku'n is an annual agricultural show held in Seljord, Norway. It originates from the first exhibition held in 1866. Dyrsku'n was primarily a showcase for the breed Telemark cattle. Today's show has a wider agricultural scope, and attracts about 70–80,000 visitors.
== Name ==
Dyrsku'n is a local dialect form of the word dyreskue in Standard Norwegian, which means animal showcase. The word dyreskue in itself is a generic term and could, especially in the past, also refer to similar shows elsewhere. A comparable term is fesjå, which means cattle showcase in Nynorsk and a number of dialects.
== History ==
In 1866 State Agronomist Johan Lindeqvist organized the first cattle show in Seljord, an exhibition of the breed Telemark cattle. This event was the first of the later annual Dyrsku'n show. The show is held each year in September.From 1867 the festival had a cowshed with room for 200 cattle. This was expanded to 300 cattle in 1897. From 1947 other cattle breeds were allowed, in addition to the Telemark cattle. In 1962 Dyrsku'n included an exhibition of home arts and crafts articles for the first time. The number of visitors exceeded 20,000 first time in 1970, and 50,000 first time in 1981. In 2002 the number of visitors first time exceeded 75,000.
== Dyrskuplassen ==
The site Dyrskuplassen was donated to the municipality of Seljord in 1865 by farmer Even Høyesen. From 1866 the site has been the location of the annual agricultural exhibition Dyrsku'n. The site is an ancient graveyard, and according to publications from the 18th century there were around 150 gravemounds in the area. In 1893 archeologist Nicolay Nicolaysen administered excavation of thirty gravemounds at the site.
In addition to the agricultural exhibition (Dyrsku'n), Dyrskuplassen hosts a variety of activities, such as markets, concerts, religious gatherings and festivals. Among annual summer festivals are the Seljord Festival (thirteenth anniversary in 2013), and the Country Festival (held fifteen times).
== Pictures 2022 ==
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