This seas shore locale in the state of Maharashtra in India lies along the coast of the Konkan in the state. This is popular for its serene ambience, lovely scenic beauty and a virgin expanse of land and water. It is known by the other name of Dakshin Kashi and has great spiritual importance amongst the Hindus. There is a temple here and the presiding deity is the Indian god Shiva. Many people come to Harihareshwar specially to see this temple.

The city is believed to have been existing since the time of the emperor Shiva and the first Peshwa Bajirao is believed to have come here sometime in the year 1723. There are many temples here which are a complete proof of the kind of architectural intelligence India has and the Maratha influence on the constructions would interest a historian. There are many sculptures here which lend a lot of interest to the people interested to know more about the Indian epics and the extravagant historical tales that India has to relate always.

Shrivardhan is the city located near Harihareshwar and one can reach here from sea too. There are launches which take a person from the city of Shrivardhan to Harihareshwar. There is the Harihar hill or the Pushpadri which is near the Harihareshwar beach .The lovely green ambience shows that Mother Nature has constantly blessed this place and the thick vegetation only adds to the beauty. The glory and grandeur of the past is seen here and one has to just come here and enjoy and feel the difference of being in a paradise away from the rest of the world.

People normally come to Harihareshwar to feel the coolness of the sea breeze here and the tranquility in the beach. This place is the ideal spot for those who want to have the best of ambience, the least of noise and the calmness of spiritual surroundings. The sands in the beach are a perfect blend of softness and purity and people would surely love to lie in the lap of the Arabian sea and feel the serenity of the luscious surroundings enveloping them with thrill and pleasure. The unpolluted sands make a beach lover want to come here more and the sun tanner would love to get tanned here.

Tourists coming here get the lovely water travel on the small boats that are provided specially for this. Tourists are quite enthusiastic about coming here in these small boats and the experience is unbelievably nostalgic. You would always remember a trip to Harihareshwar.

Then you have the Ganesh gully , the land of Ganesh temples and the Kalbhairav temple which is another added attraction. All in all a must visit spot.

Haridwar is the place where the holy River Ganga is said to descend down, and crosses before she gurgles down to  the other town. Haridwar is the place where the Char Dham journey of India begins. The Char Dham journey includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. It is believed that any person who takes a holy dip in the River Ganga here attains salvation.

This pilgrim spot is a heavenly place at 249.7m altitude and has a huge area of around 2360sq km. The summers are very hot and the winters are very cold in Haridwar. There are many religious celebrations here all through the year and the festivals of Ganga Dusshera, Kumbh Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela are all popular. The Kumbh Mela is a unique fair of the Hindus which is held once in 12 years and it is believed that this is the time the planet Jupiter gets nearer to the planet Uranus.

Any devotee would be greatly content if he goes to Haridwar as it is a treasure house of temples and other religious destinations. There are lovely shopping areas for the devotees and also some sanctuaries where wildlife are preserved. It is required that a trip to Haridwar should include a visit to these places too. The Har Ki Pauri and Mansa Devi temple is a must go destination for anyone coming to this land of God Haridwar.

There are mythological tales related to Haridwar and also many references in the Indian epics too. It is also believed that history proves the existence of Haridwar since the time of the great Mauryan Empire. However the distinction of mention of the city goes to the Chinese traveler Huan Tsang who mentioned it in his works. This is also the place the Sikh founder Guru Nanak had his bath and today it is a Gurudwara .

The Har Ki Pauri is the centre of Haridwar’s attractions. This is where pilgrims go to have their bath and also worship the River Ganga. It is legendary belief that this is where the nectar fell when the ocean was churned while creating the world. And a footprint on the stone wall is believed to be that of the Indian God Lord Vishnu’s. The sight of the floating lamps that are put in the evening in the river at Haridwar is something to remember forever.

Then the Maya Devi Mandir is another important religious spot to be visited and gives Haridwar the other name of Mayapuri.

The Mansa Devi Mandir is also a popular pilgrim spot in Haridwar.

Many more places to see in Haridwar, and do make a point to visit this heavenly entrance.

Let us know the destinations one by one

Mayureshwar : The most important of the Ashtavinayak temples, this temple was built with black stone and. The four minarets in this temple give the feeling of being inside a mosque.

Shri Mayureshwar

Situated in Morgaon, this has a nandi which is the divine bull belonging to Lord Shiva. It is unique that you would find a nandi outside the temple of Lord Ganesha as normally only a Shiva temple has a nandi.. The idol has a left turned trunk, a cobra above and also has the two idols of Goddess Riddhi signifying capability and Goddess Riddhi depicting intelligence. The temple is situated in Morgaon.

Siddhi Vinayak temple

Located at Siddahtek, this is the place where it is believed Lord Vishnu killed Madhu and Kaitabh, two demons and prayed to Lord Ganesha. The idol here has a right turned trunk and the only one of its kind.  It is located on the Pune Solapur road.

Ballaleshwar

Legend has it that Lord Ganesha once saved a boy Ballala who was tortured by the locals. The temple is made of wood and was reconstructed by the Indian leader Nana Phadnavis. The idol has diamonds in the eyes and also the bellybutton and the shape is like the mountain behind. . The trunk points to the left. Here instead of the usual modak,besan laddu is given. It is situated on the Mumbai PUne highway.

Dhundi Vinayak

This temple faces west and which is a rare feature. The idol was thrown  by Ballala’s father and is still worshipped today. Even today people come here before going to the temple at Ballaleshwar.

Varada Vinayak

Located at Mahad, this temple faces east with a left turned trunk and has a perennially lit oil lamp. Here the devotees can come near the idol. It is situated on the Mumbai Pune highway.

Chintamani

Located at Theur, this temple faces north. With a left trunk the eyes are filled with diamonds. It is located on the Pune Solapur road.

Girijatmaj

Situated on the Pune Nashik highway it is located near Talegaon in Lenyadri.

Vignahar

Facing east this temple has a idol with a left trunk and ruby filled eyes. With a diamond on the forehead and navel, this also has the Riddhi and Siddhi idols. It is located on the Pune Nashik road.

Mahaganapati

Located in Ranjangaon, on the Pune Ahmednagar road, the idol here faces east with a left trunk.

A visit to the Ashtavinayak temple is a soul purifying experience.

When you visit the religious places in India, then Vaishno Devi in Northern part of India comes across as a must see destination. This pristine locale and virgin surrounding in the land of temples India, is a major attraction. With the lovely background of the snow clad mountains, and the cold surrounding the temple at Vaishno Devi is considered an ultimate spot.

Once you get the Yatra slip you are registered, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to get past the check post at a place called Banganga. It is better to reserve for rooms at the Sanjhichhat Bhawan as it makes things easier. Besides you also get porters, palanquins and porters if you need something different. You are provided with bedding, blanket, drink etc. As you stand in the line, your number will be announced. Then there is a waiting period to reach the temple. For this you have a big hall, and you are given a locker where you could have your articles stored properly.

As is with many other temples in India, Vaishno Devi also has certain rules. You are not allowed to use the cell phones there and photography and videography is prohibited too.  There is a particular dress code too and it is respectable not to have any conversation which is indecent. Please do co-operate with the security force there as it is for your own good that this security is had. There are lot of landslides in this area so protect yourself from this. Be a good citizen and be environmentally friendly by not littering the place and keeping things clean around. It is prudent not to carry valuable things and have any communications with any strangers. Tobacco is also strictly prohibited here.

While you are in this cold place you could fall sick, in which case you have the pony to carry you along. It is not decent to chant mantras, and shout within the temple premises. The authority should also not give any kind of tips or favors.

We can reach Vaishno Devi by taking a bus from Katra. You reach Katra from Jammu. One reaches Jammu by flight from Dehradun. The woolen clothing that you need can be purchased from Katra. You could avail of the walking sticks and other things like umbrellas.

As we go up the hilly tract of Vaishno Devi we pass Banganga the holy water, Charanpadhuka a place where the Goddess is believed to have rested, and then we would reach a place Adkuwari. Here there is an ancient cave. Then you would reach Sanjichat the highest point of the hike. The lovely panoramic view of the place is enthralling.

Thus Vaishno Devi with all its powers is an enchanting Indian festive destination

Thus it is not a surprise that it tops the list of tourist spots in Madhya Pradesh and the Khajuraho Dance Festival is another occasion to reckon with. Held in the months of February and March, the venue is the open air auditorium here which is also adjacent to the temple of the Sun God and the temple of the Indian God Lord Vishwanath or Shiva.  These temples come under the Western Group of temples in India which are very well maintained and are easily accessible.

The dance festival at Khajuraho gathered momentum since 2002, and is a weeklong extravaganza. During the festival, the temple looks different as it is decorated and is in full finery. Dancers come in here in great numbers and perform the classical Indian dance style. All the experts in the areas of the various Indian dances like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, and Kuchipudi congregate here and perform to an audience thirsty for a cultural experience. With the vibrant colors of masks and the equally vibrant dances the Khajuraho Dance Festival is not something to be missed.

The Khajuraho temples exhibit the best form of skills and arts by way of stupendously carved sculptures. All these sculptures exhibit the various expressions of dance and the exponents of music couldn’t be shown better here. Thus this is the ideal place for a festival related only to dance.

When ones sees the intricately set out steps of the Kathak dance, the demureness of Bharatnatyam, the softness and grace of Odissi, the song dance sequences of Kuchipudi, the ancientness of Manipuri and the well laid out stage fights of Kathakali with the masks, then one is ensured that art and culture exists here in the dance festival at Khajuraho the land of sculptures.

This is also the time when the Indian artists get a chance to share their talents with the rest of the world. India is a land of never-ending surprises when it comes to talent and art. With its unique tradition and a culture dating back to centuries, the exponents of all kind of art forms find their way to this festival where all forms of indigenous expressions are given a perfect platform.

Khajuraho is easily accessible by road from all Indian cities and has Delhi, Agra and Varanasi as the nearest airports. Jhansi and Satna are the nearest railway stations.

So if you are looking for dollops of art and culture visit this artistic Indian village. With such mystical values, Khajuraho is a must visit during the Dance Festival.

The Hindu temples during Pongal hosts elaborate celebrations garnished with symphony created by clarinets, drums, conch shells etc. Pongal is celebrated primarily to mark the ending of traditional farming season; during this festival the hardworking farmers get breaks from their droning and draining routine.

The festival of Pongal is celebrated most elaborately in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Here, Pongal celebration continues for 4 consecutive days starting from the 13th of January till the 15th of January.  On January 13 people of Tamil Nadu celebrate ‘Bhogi’, on January 14 they celebrate ‘Pongal’, the 15th of January sees celebration of ‘Maattuppongal’ and on the final day i.e. January 16 the ‘Thiruvalluvar Day’ is celebrated.

During ‘Bhogi’, the people of Tamil Nadu gather old materials and clothes and put fire to them; this ritual marks the start of new lives for them. On January 14, the residents here start celebrating Pongal with boiling of fresh milk in the early hours of the morning. Allowing the milk to boil above the vessel is a tradition and the act is also what Pongal actually means. Then, throughout the day people continues to exchange greetings. Gifting sweets to relatives and friends is also a part of the Pongal rituals. The next day i.e. the day of ‘Maattuppongal’ is meant for offering thanks to buffaloes and cows as these animals are the ones who plough the agricultural lands. On Thiruvalluvar Day also referred to as Kanum Pongal, the locals go for picnics.

This devotion to the Nazare Lady is now 200 years old and is certainly the most vital event in the state. Cirio de Nazare is held on the second Sunday of October every year featuring a big procession as well as an extravagant lunch all over the city. This greatest catholic manifestation in the state is surprisingly attended by over a million people. The procession pulls countless pilgrims who tend to carry symbols that represent the different parts of the body along with the other icons. By doing so, the symbols reflect the need of divine cure. All the pilgrims go behind the statue of Our Lady of Nazareth that is on a chariot adorned with wonderful Amazon flowers. This small image of the Virgin, the heart of the Cirio de Nazare events, was discovered before 300 years ago at the site of the Basilica. This procession covers the distance of 3.6 kilometers starting from the Belem Cathedral and ending at the Nazare Basilica. The chariot goes at its own pace giving everyone a chance to revere the Lady and so reaches its destination after 5 hours. At the Basilica, the statue is kept for two weeks after which it is brought back to the Cathedral.

On the first Saturday in October, a group of boats sail to take out a colorful procession as a tribute to the Virgin de Nazare who is also revered as the sailors’ patroness. Hundreds of boats take part in this river procession that is known as Romaria Fluvial. On the second Saturday of this two week event, folks go for a procession right from the Cathedral and hold the idol of Virgin until the Basilica de Nazare. Then, the next day, that is Sunday, a big fair converts the silent square in front of the Basilica into a hustling environment, where you will come across a number of shops vending handicraft items. In addition, musical shows take place in the fair and food stalls sprinkled around tempt you with its mouth-watering Brazilian dishes. The festival of Cirio de Nazare is known for some of its unique souvenirs of which the Miriti Toy is popular, which is carved from wood of the Mariti palm tree. Exactly when the two weeks have passed, the idol of Virgin goes back via a procession to the Cathedral. This procession is known as the Re-Cirio.

During the procession of Cirio de Nazare, countless folks aim at holding the rope that is connected to the berlinda, the chariot or stand holding the image of Our Lady of Nazareth. But, this heightened emotions when rises simultaneously with the heat results in many cases of fainting. So, paramedics are also available during the procession.

The nub of this festival is the Candle of Nazareth – the opening ceremony that always takes place on the 10th of October and lasts for 7 hours. An atmosphere of religious passion is felt all over the state and there abundant music and dancing. Along the way, each house offers a great fragrance of sugar and spice.

Even if you are not religious, it is worth attending this event as the procession puts colors on the streets of the city offering you a spectacular sight to behold. And if at all you are planning to touch the rope, do so with utmost care with some dexterity.

I recommend booking accommodation in advance, which are plenty and varied here. Otherwise, it is very tough to get one during the festival time.

Food

There is lot to eat and drink at the stalls in the fair. You will have something as per your mood.

2011 Days

It is same – second Sunday in October, but celebrations go on until the first 3 weeks featuring traditional music, dance, and carnival atmosphere.

Location

Belem is in the north of Brazil and the venue there is Praca Justo Chermont. So, when are you booking your tickets?

Edinburgh Vault

Recognized as the red light district in the start of the 19th century featuring dark and no light rooms; this was the venue of serious crimes and violence. In the mid of the century, people reported the first unusual visions and eerie phenomenon after which the officials dropped tons of rubble making the vaults inaccessible. Today, it is the most interesting tourist attraction offering ghost tours and venues such as the Mercat Tours, The Caves, and Marlin’s Wynd. It is said that certain corridors here are the homes of the spiritual characters. The most popular story is of Mr. Boots who as a ghost pushes the tourists, uses foul language, and stamps the hard stone floor. One more young spirit, Jack, is seen giggling and running in the dark rooms. Another spirit is of a sick pregnant woman who cries and yells for help.

Suicide Cliff and Banzai Cliff

This is the island in Japan where many Japanese have committed suicide by jumping down the cliffs in the past. Today, on this largest island of the United States Commonwealth, many ghosts are seen in the tunnels as well as in the underground shelters. The past here was very violent and cruel because of the mass suicides performed in the bunkers or massacres. It is mainly because of these ruthless deaths that the spirits still wander here. Maximum strange sounds and activities are witnessed on these cliffs flanking the limestone laid Mount Tapochau. Not at night, but at day, human figures are observed leaning from these cliffs and then jumping down. Further, the crying of the children is heard. You can see the trapped ghostly activities in the videos on the internet.

Corpse Roads

Since many centuries on these old corpse roads, people have witnessed here strange noises and lights. As per the tales, the spirits often fly over the roads in a straight line, which guides the people at night directing them around walls, fences, and structures. A ghostly light called the Will-o’-the-wisp exists here as the guard and indicate a flickering lamp. In short, all these are just to confuse travelers and they faded if approached. Phantom lights adorn the Scottish cemetery-island of Mun; while a corpse road in England in the Lake District is packed with ghosts. Further, the intersection of corpse roads is regarded risky as it is the home of special spirit-guardians.

Clinton Road

This is in West Milford of Passaic in New Jersey spanning 10 miles, which is popular for unexplained paranormal activity. Visions are of a roadside hitchhiking ghost, fireside witch gatherings, and strange creatures. As per a legend, a ghost boy is present here who died by drowning in a stream here. So, if you throw a coin in any bridges here, the boy’s spirit will throw it back. People who come here for a visit have agreed to the feeling of uneasiness and fear as they go down and this is sometimes so high that they returned in no time. There is also a castle here, which is very scary and famous for its supernatural stories.

Camp Scott

This is a compound in Oklahoma that has witnessed ruthless murders of three girls who had come here with other for camping. Before these murders, many unusual events happened in and around the camping site. Personal items started to vanish and strange notes were found of murder. Today, after heavy rain falls, the crying of these small girls are heard and scary shadows lurk here.

Hinduism – means nothing but ‘Way of Life’. And this life I see electrifying in the nooks, the bazaars of dingy villages to the glass buildings of the leading metro cities, and even those localities which are dwindled in its yearn to be developed and to be at par with the western world. Although, the celebrations may not be a fool-proof representation of religion in all its seriousness, but it is the cultural packaging that dilute with religiosity and festivities which have a charm in its own way. As I write this, the thumping beats of a Bollywood song is almost inevitable, the screeching sounds of the loud speaker making way into my room even after the celebrations are over. Oh, before I can’t stop thinking about how my day went about, let me tell you it was the vibrant festival of Janmashtami today. Like, you can’t get the word right, well, then try saying these words one by one: Gen (like that of Genereation) – Mash (Mash Potatoes, you know!) Tummy – (Where the hunger for Mash Potatoes would never quite die!) So, that makes it Jan-Mash-Tami! Simple, ain’t it?

Janmashtami marks the birthday of The Supreme Personality of Godhead of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is one of the incarnate forms of the aforementioned Lord Vishnu. This festival wraps the whole country in a different fervor, and every region has their way of celebrating the festival. In the commercial capital of India in Mumbai, which marks my stay destination broke the dawn with ‘filmy’ songs from Bollywood (which continues till now at about ten in the night) As the ear-deafening music woke me up, I ran to the window to take notice of whether is it a mass alarm system (alarms are never quite pleasing to the ears) but the streets were still empty with no sight of people. But, I rather saw a clay-pot hanging to a rope. The clay pot was tied with garlands and the brim was shut by a coconut. The rope string it hung on was also decorated with flowers and balloons. I asked my Couch-Surfer Indian buddy who was kind enough to accommodate me in the house for the stay about the whole deal. And he told me that all throughout the year, groups that are locally referred to as Mitra Mandals prepare for this day as they have to reach to the pot by a Human Pyramid to a height even as high as twenty to forty feet without any safety harness or ropes.

It is at this time of the year when Religion mixed with a bit of Political gimmick as there are prizes ranging up to even a crore (in Indian Rupees) that is about Two Hundred and Fifteen Thousand US Dollars. The groups are comprised of about seventy to even hundred people in sets to achieve that height. A lot of accidents also happen in the event, but it is all take as a part and parcel of the festival without causing any disruptions. The members are responsible for themselves and there is no government aid to counter injuries or provide treatment.

While in Mumbai the festival is referred as Gokul Ashtami, in the norther part of India – especially places like Vrindavan, the neighboring Mathura (which is also the birthplace of Lord Krishna) and other areas in the North are abuzz with many many temples dedicated with devotion to this Supreme Personality of Godhead. They refer to the festival as Krishna Jayanti or Janamashtami and the celebrations range up to three long days. The first two days are marked by singing the glories of God, accompanied by Mridangam – this instrument commonly goes to give beats to the hymns of Lord Krishna also the Harmonium (like an Indian piano). The third day is the dahi-handi ritual like the aforementioned way of celebrating in Mumbai by breaking the pot containing either butter or milk – as these products were very dear to Lord Krishna and this also makes for one of his very famous pastimes of stealing butter. This pose of stealing butter with his friends called Gopas is which is imitated.

Mouthwatering delicacies are prepared and first offered to Lord, and then distributed among neighbors, friends and relatives. In the many temples of Vrindavan, Lord Krishna is given a ‘panch-amrit bath’ – which is bathing him five liquids of Honey, Water, Milk, Curd and Ghee.

However, Indian festivals are now rather becoming an occasion for the masses to celebrate just another day without any staunch devotion. This signifies the changing face of India which is still tied to its roots.

2011 – March 7- March 8

2012 – February 20- February 21

2013 – February 11- February 12

2014 – March 3 – March 4

2015 – February 16 – February 17

By the way, whilst this may give the impression to be ridiculous to be thinking regarding an even in the year 2015, it is far-off from absurd for starting making plans for your stopover to Trinidad and Tobago Carnival a year or else additional in advance. Here the party is particularly popular among the locals, the Trini expatriates, as well as tourists in a similar way, as a result you require getting an untimely start proviso you wish for getting a good hotel or else guest-house room, adhere a Carnival band, as well as a seat on a season flight during Carnival.

The principal components of this Caribbean Carnival are steelpan, calypso, as well as playing mas (often masquerade). All through the momentous capital City of Spain, Trinidad, all of these elements are melodiously structured to shape a ritual pageant of five days that begins with the Contest for King and Queen (on Friday), the Panorama (on Saturday), the Dimanche Gras (on Sunday), the J’Ouvert (on Monday) as well as the Parade of various Bands (on Tuesday). These are the main events and there are countless others that craft an unforgettable epiphany of splendor and dazzling demonstrate of the uncontainable human spirit previous to concluding as well as allowing the hushed first day of the Lent along with the reflection acknowledged as Ash Wednesday to be confessed to realization.

In the present day model in Trinidad for public festivity is the most extensively reproduced festival art form all across the world. Numerous Trinidadian Carnival artists are capable of working 365 days a year and perform all the way through Europe, North America, and Caribbean region. Yet in spite of this achievement, a lot of believes that the best is yet arriving.