Winter Festival, An Ode to the Culture of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is state known for its rich culture and tradition in India. The “Winter Festival” is celebrated to honour this rich culture and tradition of the State of Rajasthan. The “Winter Festival” is celebrated amidst the lush green, scenically beautiful and picturesque location of Mount Abu which is also called the “Oasis of Rajasthan” as it is the only hill station in the state. The “Winter Festival “showcases some of the most popular art and dance forms, The artistes perform with cheer and joy and spread happiness all over the place. The Festival is known to be the celebration of the kindhearted and joyful people of Mount Abu, who greet the tourist with utmost hospitality. The festival includes a variety of performances like folk, classical dances and songs which mesmerize the visitors. The Festival is unique in its own way and is marked by its colorful and vibrant traditional Procession which sets the mood of the “Winter Festival”.
The “Winter Festival” was started by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Municipal Board of Tamil Nadu. The main intention to start this festival was to attract tourists from all over India. The “Winter Festival” celebrations last for three days. The celebrations start from the RTDC Hotel called “Shikhar” and proceeds further through the Aravalli Hills. Various processions are carried out by the local authorities mark the inauguration of the “winter festival”. The processions include the dance troupes from Punjab, Gujrat, Haryana and other near by states. “Daph”, “Ghoomar” and “Gair” are the famous folk dances that are performed at the Winter Festival every year. These processions finally end at the “Nakki Lake Chowk”. The “Nakki Lake” also known as “Deepdaan” where one can see a number of floating lamps on the lake. This is a visual treat to all the tourists as it looks beautiful as the sun sets. Apart from these cultural activities, even water sports and sports like cricket are a major attraction. A number of rowing competitions are held on the lake. Hence it is said that the three main ingredients for this festival is the hospitality of the people, exotic location and the colourful culture.
Mount Abu is a lovely and the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is an escape from the scorching heat for the people living in other parts of Rajasthan. Hence it is considered as the best place for vacation. One can also visit the famous “Dilwara Temples” in Mount Abu during this festival. The “Winter Festival” is celebrated during the last week of the month of December which is usually a vacation for kids and hence attracts more tourists at this time of the year. This year i.e. in 2012 the festival will be celebrated from the 29th December to the 31st December. The New Years Eve, which is the last day of the three day long celebration, ends with dazzling and colorful fireworks which light up the night sky in Mount Abu. The “Winter Festival” in short offers the tourist an insight into the diverse and splendid culture and tradition of Rajasthan.