Festivals and Fun Facts in Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is located in the heart of the Indian subcontinent and is known for its cultural heritage. For more details on Madhya Pradesh festivals, keep reading this article to learn more about Madhya Pradesh festivals. The state is said to have one of the most tribal populations and has a variety of beliefs and traditions that are strongly reflected and reflected in their festival forms. A concrete enclave of cities and tribes, this religiously racially tolerant nation celebrates a variety of festivals, including New Years and Christmas. The state’s festivals are known for their flamboyant colors, and it’s hard to resist the glamour of the festivals held here.
Culture and Festivals in Madhya Pradesh:
1. Pachmarhi Festival:
This is one of the famous festivals in Madhya Pradesh. The celebration lasts about 6 days. The festival starts around December 25 and ends around New Year’s. It showcases the country’s folk art and artisans sell their products to preserve the rich cultural heritage. Several craft fairs and exhibitions were held during this period. The main and famous attraction is the Shivratrimela experienced during this period. This is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and hundreds of thousands of devotees flock to the Shiva Temple in the Sapra Mountains. Mahadeo temples are crowded with such devotees who worship and pray.
- significance: Reflecting the belief in Lord Shiva and Parvati, people worship and pray in the temple.
- Main Attractions: Prayers and sacrifices to Lord Shiva. In addition, exhibitions and trade fairs are held and many entertainment events are offered.
- Where to celebrate: This festival is celebrated in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
- Holiday dates: It generally starts in the last week of December and lasts until around January 1st.
[See Also: Famous Temples in Madhya Pradesh]
2. Khajuraho Dance Festival:
Khajuraho Dance Festival is another important festival in Madhya Pradesh. It is organized by Kalaparihad Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho Dance Festival is a full 7-day dance festival. This is one of the most important cultural events, and all the locals, tourists and even celebrities flock to experience the grand performance of some famous cultural talents. The 29-year-old celebration takes place in front of the floodlit temples of the Khajuraho West Group, providing a platform for all locals to dance like Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and more.
- significance: The dance performed in front of Chitra Gupta Temple and Lord Siva Temple is dedicated to the sun god.
- Main Attractions: In the context of the temple, dance and art forms are celebrated here. This festival is a treat for the eyes and a once in a lifetime experience.
- When to celebrate: around February or March
- Where to celebrate: UNESCO site in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
- Holiday dates: February 20-26, 2019; 2020 dates not announced
3. Chetiyagiri Vihara Festival:
The Chetiyagiri Vihara festival is a big celebration in the state. This is in the last few months of each year around November. The Chetiyagiri Vihara Festival is held in Sanchi, a one-day celebration related to Buddhist principles and norms. As thousands of Buddhist monks and saints flock to Michi for the festival, the relics of two of the Buddha’s disciples are enshrined and viewed here. This auspicious day is completely related to these cultural relics.
- significance: Worship and believe in the value system given by the Buddha. Buddhist monks come to Michi for this festival.
- Main Attractions: Buddha’s second disciple relic viewing.
- When to celebrate: Every year around November or December
- Where to celebrate: Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
- Holiday dates: November 26.
[See Also: Must Visit Sanctuaries and National Parks in Madhya Pradesh]
4. Dansen Music Festival:
The Tansen Festival is well-known in the Indian subcontinent due to the participation of well-known musicians and singers from all over the country. This goes back to Akbar’s time, when Tanson was one of the nine jewels in Akbar’s court. Tansen is buried in Gwalior, so that’s why this festival, which is a cultural and musical event, is held in Gwalior, MP. This is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Madhya Pradesh Government.
- significance: Celebrating the music and poetry of Akbar’s Navarratna (Tansen).
- Main Attractions: Musicians from all over the country came together. This event offers the opportunity to hear some of the most recognizable voices in the country, and it’s worth taking part in the festival.
- When to celebrate: Four-day festival in December
- Where to celebrate: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- Holiday dates: A date has not been announced.
5. Dushela:
This is another major festival in Madhya Pradesh. The state celebrates Dusshera in a grand way. The festival is celebrated for 10 days. It is associated with the myth of the exiled Lord Rama, whose return is celebrated with festivals. Because of this, during the Dusshera, the statue of King Ravana is lit and set on fire, symbolizing the triumph of good and the destruction of evil.
- significance: Celebrate Lord Rama’s return from exile and kill Ravana, King of Lanka.
- Main Attractions: The statue of Ravana is lit to celebrate the victory of good and evil.
- When to celebrate: every October
- Where to celebrate: all over Madhya Pradesh
- Holiday dates: Depends on yearly, October 8, 2019
So, these are some of the important festivals celebrated in Madhya Pradesh. What is unique and special about these festivals is that there is an important mythological story behind them, as well as the beliefs and cultural values of the people, and they are celebrated in a grand manner. Great attention is paid to the celebration of these festivals, which follow ancient customs and are carried out with great enthusiasm. Madhya Pradesh is not only known as the heart of India, but also a state that hosts the best heritage and cultural fairs. All these bazaars interweave different religions and exude a charm that no one can resist!
[See Also: Romantic Places in Madhya Pradesh]
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Is there a harvest festival in Madhya Pradesh?
Hareli is an important harvest festival in Madhya Pradesh. The Gond tribe celebrates this festival. On this day, they worship farm implements and cows and pray for a better harvest. The festival takes place from July to August.
2. What dishes are there in Madhya Pradesh festivals?
Generally, food items such as Poha, DaalBafla, PalakPuri and Malpua are served on special occasions such as festivals. The latter two are desserts, well-received by many tourists, as specialties during the celebration.
3. Which language is widely spoken in Madhya Pradesh?
Generally speaking, Hindi is the official language and is widely spoken across the state. However, there are also various dialects such as Awadhi, Bagheli in other parts of the state such as the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh.