RRB Group D GK GS Festivals Fairs And Celebrations Notes by Akshay Sir (Railway Exam Wallah)

RRB Group D GK GS Festivals Fairs And Celebrations: India's diverse culture is showcased through numerous festivals, fairs, and celebrations across its states and Union Territories. Key festivals include Onam (Kerala), Pongal (Tamil Nadu), Bathukamma (Telangana), Hornbill (Nagaland), Bihu (Assam), Chhath Puja (Bihar), Gangaur (Rajasthan), and Hemis (Jammu & Kashmir). Many are deeply rooted in regional traditions, harvest cycles, or religious devotion. RRB Group D GK GS Festivals Fairs And Celebrations are explained by Akshay Sir (Railway Exam Wallah). 

Festivals, Fairs, And Celebrations of India 

India, a land of rich cultural diversity, celebrates a multitude of festivals, fairs, and unique traditions throughout the year. These vibrant events reflect the country's varied religious beliefs, agricultural cycles, historical legacies, and artistic expressions. Understanding these regional celebrations is crucial for appreciating India's cultural tapestry and is frequently tested in competitive examinations.

Also Read: 

• RRB Group D GK GS Directive Principles of State Policy
• RRB Group D GK GS Prime Minister And Council Of Ministers

Which Festivals are Celebrated in South India?

Below are the important festivals celebrated in South India states: 

Kerala

Kerala celebrates several significant festivals. Vishu marks the New Year, typically in April. Other notable festivals include Theyyam (or Thirayattam), Onam (a 10-day harvest festival), Thrissur Puram, Vallamkali (the famous boat race festival), and Attukal Pongal, a 10-day event. It is important to note that while Onam is a primary festival of Kerala, Pongal is mainly celebrated in Tamil Nadu. However, Attukal Pongal is specific to Kerala.

Tamil Nadu

The two major festivals highlighted for Tamil Nadu are Pongal and Jallikattu, a traditional event involving bull taming.

Andhra Pradesh

Key festivals in Andhra Pradesh include the Flamingo Festival, Ugadi (the New Year festival also celebrated in Telangana and Karnataka), Lumbini Mahotsavam, and Rotella Panduga, also known as the "Eid of Rotis" or Festival of Breads. (Memory Tip: To remember Rotella Panduga for Andhra Pradesh, imagine someone crying for a roti until they can't see, like they are 'andha' (blind)).

Telangana

Bathukamma is the most important festival for Telangana, widely celebrated. (Memory Tip: The name Bathukamma sounds like "Bathuk-Amma" (Amma means mother). Picture a child asking their Amma to apply "Tel" (oil) to their head, linking "Tel" to Telangana).

Karnataka

Karnataka hosts several festivals such as Hampi Utsav, Kambala (a traditional buffalo race), Kailpodh (a festival involving weapon worship), and Mahamastakabhisheka, a significant Jain festival. (Memory Tip: To remember Kambala (buffalo race) in Karnataka, associate a black 'kambal' (blanket) with the black color of a 'bhains' (buffalo)).

Which Festivals are Celebrated in West and Central India?

Below are the important festivals celebrated in West and Central India states: 

Maharashtra

Prominent festivals in Maharashtra include Ganesh Chaturthi, the Baan Ganga Festival, and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. (Memory Tip: For the Kala Ghoda (Black Horse) festival, think of dacoits on black horses, a common film trope, and Maharashtra's Mumbai as the heart of India's film industry).

Gujarat

Gujarat is known for the Modhera Dance Festival and Patang Mahotsav (Kite Festival).

Rajasthan

Rajasthan celebrates Gangaur, a very important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Other festivals include Bundi Utsav, Elephant Festival, Camel Festival, and Chandrabhaga Mela. (Memory Tip: For Bundi Utsav, recall Rajasthan's arid climate and people longing for every 'boond' (drop) of rain).

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is associated with the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh (Tansen Music Festival), Khajuraho Dance Festival, and Dhrupad Samaroh (also celebrated in Uttar Pradesh). (Memory Tip: Envision someone listening to Tansen's music and absent-mindedly scratching the 'madhya' (middle/center) of their head, connecting the act to Madhya Pradesh and the music to Tansen).

Chhattisgarh

Key festivals in Chhattisgarh include Hareli (a harvest festival), Gauri-Gaura Festival, Chera Cheri Festival, and Raji. (Memory Tip: Associate "Chhattisgarh" (36 qualities) with a wedding. Hareli links to 'haldi', Gauri and Gaura are the couple, and after the wedding, they 'Chera Cheri' (tease) and 'Raji' (persuade) each other). Hareli (Chhattisgarh) is distinct from Harela (Uttarakhand).

Which Festivals are Celebrated in East and North-East India?

Below are the important festivals celebrated in East and North-East India states:

Bihar

Bihar's major celebrations are Sama Chakeva (a festival for migrating birds), Chhath Puja (a very famous and significant festival), and the Sonpur Cattle Fair. (Memory Tip: "Bihar" links to 'Vihar' (Buddhist monasteries). Monks in Vihars undertake 'pravas' (migration) and respect all creatures, including birds, connecting to the bird migration festival).

Jharkhand

The three CORE festivals for Jharkhand are Fagua, Jawa, and Karma.

Odisha

Odisha is known for Chhau (a frequently asked festival), Dhanu Yatra, Bali Yatra, the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra, and the Konark Dance Festival. (Memory Tip: The state name Odisha sounds like "Udi ja" (wake up/get up). Imagine waking up to go on a 'yatra' (journey/pilgrimage), linking to the many Yatra festivals).

West Bengal

The most prominent festival is Durga Puja. Others include Dol Jatra and Jamai Sasthi. Dol Jatra (West Bengal) is distinct from Dhanu Yatra (Odisha).

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh hosts the Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj), Kajli Mahotsav (Mirzapur), Kalinjar Mahotsav (Banda), Taj Mahotsav (Agra), Shakambhari Devi Mela (Saharanpur), and Ayurveda Mahotsav (Jhansi).

Uttarakhand

Harela is a very, very important festival in Uttarakhand, associated with the state's greenery (hariyali).

Haryana

Haryana's festivals include the Pinjore Heritage Festival (also known as the Mango Mela), Teej Mahotsav, the Surajkund Crafts Mela (very important), and Gita Mahotsav.

Himachal Pradesh

The Halda Festival and Dungri Festival are very important in Himachal Pradesh.

Goa

Goa celebrates the Grape Festival and Sao Joao Festival. (Memory Tip: These festivals align with Goa's popular image of relaxing on a beach (Sao Joao / Sunburn) and enjoying fruits like grapes).

Arunachal Pradesh

All of these are important: Dree Festival, Solung, Losar, and Boori Boot.

Assam

Bihu is an extremely important festival in Assam. Other key festivals are Me-Dam-Me-Phi (frequently asked), Baishagu (celebrated by the Bodo tribe), Majuli Festival, Dehing Patkai Festival, and the Tea Festival. Vishu is a festival of Kerala, while Baishagu is a key festival of Assam.

Manipur

Yaosang (celebrated like Holi), Lai Haraoba, Gaan-Ngai, and Dol Jatra are all very important festivals in Manipur.

Meghalaya

The Wangala Festival (also known as the 100 Drums Festival) is very important in Meghalaya, alongside the Strawberry Festival.

Mizoram

Mizoram celebrates Mim Kut and Chapchar Kut. (Memory Tip: A simple association: **Mi**zoram and **Mi**m Kut).

Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival is extremely famous and important in Nagaland, as is Moatsü Mong.

Sikkim

Losung is a very important festival in Sikkim.

Tripura

Tripura is known for the Neermahal Festival and the Orange & Tourism Festival.

Which are the Festivals celebrated in Union Territories?

Here are the names of the festivals celebrated in Union Territories along with their names: 

Which are the Major Fairs/ Melas of India?

India's fairs are vibrant gatherings with cultural and commercial significance:

New Year Festivals Across India

Many states celebrate their own New Year festivals:

Important Festivals for RRB Group D GK GS

Here are some important festivals for RRB Group D GK GS: 

1. Mahamastakabhisheka Festival

The Mahamastakabhisheka festival is an important event associated with Jainism.

2. Kadalekai Parishe Festival

The Kadalekai Parishe festival is celebrated in the state of Karnataka. (Memory Tip: "Kadar kar le" (value yourself) + "Pariksha" (exams) + "Natak mat kar" (don't procrastinate) combines to remind you to value yourself, stop procrastinating, and study for exams in Karnataka).

3. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is held in Mumbai, the film city of India, often evoking images of historical scenes found in films.

4. Gangaur Festival

The Gangaur festival, a significant celebration in Rajasthan, is dedicated to Goddess Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva.

5. Tansen Sangeet Samaroh

The Tansen Sangeet Samaroh (Tansen Music Festival) is a very important festival held in Madhya Pradesh.

6. Khajuraho Festival

The Khajuraho Festival is also celebrated in Madhya Pradesh.

7. Festivals of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is associated with Hareli, Gora-Gauri, Chera-Cheri, and the Rajim Kumbh Mela. (Memory Tip: Imagine a perfect union when all "36" qualities match, leading to happiness ("Raaji ho ja") like the Rajim Mela).

8. Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is a significant festival dedicated to the Sun God (Surya Devta).

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