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Festivals in Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a tiny town in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, adjacent to Haridwar, and is situated along the confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga River in the foothills of the Himalayas. Rishikesh is renowned for its adventure sports, historic temples, well-liked coffee shops, and as the "Yoga Capital of the World." Rishikesh, one of the holiest destinations for Hindus, is a pilgrimage town and the entrance to the Garhwal Himalayas. Due to its location on the revered banks of the Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a gathering place for Sadhus (saints), with various ashrams that provide classes in Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practises. Alcohol and non-vegetarian meals are absolutely forbidden in this town because it is one of religion. In contrast to its contemporaries in Varanasi and Haridwar, Rishikesh hosts the most picturesque nightly aarti on the banks of the Ganga. In the first week of March, this location hosts the International Yoga Festival, which attracts yoga practitioners from around the world.


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Events & Festivals Celebrated in Rishikesh

In Rishikesh, numerous festivals are observed. At the Kumbh Mela, Indians from all over the country assemble to pray to the Lord for wealth and health. Buddhists peacefully observe their religious holidays. To maintain their culture, the people’s art and culture have been well-preserved. It offers so many attractions that spending a day or two there will undoubtedly be worthwhile. We can witness the authentic hues of Hindu celebrations in Rishikesh. But several of the holidays here differ from those on the Hindu calendar. For these events, people used to travel from all across the nation. Festivals signify colours, dance, music, food, and a long-awaited gathering of people. Festivals are times for celebration and play a significant role in Indian culture. Festivals are all about putting aside differences in race, religion, class, and ethnicity in order to bring joy to all.

The Kanwar Mela

This typically arrives in July or August. will begin on the first day of the Hindu calendar’s Sawan Month. People visit the sacred River Ganga to get water during the festival. Only Haridwar and Rishikesh celebrate the festival, as it is not very well known elsewhere. Most visitors to Haridwar Rishikesh arrive by foot, and they go by foot as well after obtaining holy water. With the aid of a stick or by tying a water bottle to their body, they will carry the water on their shoulders. They would present this water to the Lord Shiva temples later on in the day of Shivaratri. Huge traffic jams and extremely massive festivals are also typical during festival season. 2017’s Kanwar Mela will take place from July 10 until July 21.

Basant Panchmi

Usually a harvest festival celebrated in Punjab, Basant Panchmi is celebrated on a unique day in Rishikesh at the Bharat Mandir Temple because the main idol of the temple is given a holy wash in Maya Kund. Numerous residents attend the event in their hundreds. It usually arrives between January and March. It occurs on the fifth day of the Hindu calendar’s Magh month. 2018’s next Basant Panchmi occurs on January 22, 2018.

Ganga Dushehra

Ganga Dushehra is observed on the tenth day of the Jaistha month. It marks the day that Ganga left Brahma’s Kamandal and arrived on Earth. It is regarded as a highly holy occasion to take a Ganga bath. A sizable crowd of people will gather in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and the surrounding area to bathe in the Ganga.

International Festival of Yoga and Music

Since November 2008, the International Yoga Festival has been put on by Nad Yoga Trust, a nonprofit with the mission of educating people about yoga. After that, this day is celebrated in Rishikesh from March 1 to March 7; individuals from all over the country and from different places take part in the yoga festival.The Uttarakhand State Tourism Department organises it each year. In this yoga festival, we can observe many forms of yoga and asanas. Yoga brings harmony to the body, mind, and soul.

Yoga International Festival

The Yoga Festival is more of a Parmarth Niketan Ashram-organized event than an open public festival. The festival had about 1500 attendees the year before. Yoga instructors from all around the world attend this 7-day event to teach yoga. The participation fee is around $500 USD including additional costs for lodging and meals. Hindu Festivals Celebrated in Rishikesh: Since a considerable portion of the population in Rishikesh is Hindu, all significant Hindu Festivals are observed here from March 1–7 each year.

International Kayak Festival

One of the world’s biggest and most potent rivers is the Ganga. The region close to Rishikesh is home to some of the most thrilling rapids in the nation, and Rishikesh is at the forefront of adventurous water sports. The Mass Boater Cross, Down River Race, and Boater Cross competitions make up the festival. For kayakers at the professional level, there are three competitions. The first kayak competition to be organised in India in 2013 was this International tournament.Its original purpose was to promote and increase the number of Indian paddlers participating in kayak contests. It is also available to competitors from outside, and it is gradually developing into a truly global festival.

The Down River Race only has two distinct categories for novices and women. An annual competition is held at the Ganga’s Golf Course Rapid, one of its fastest and most difficult. The arena is situated in a coastal region surrounded by the Garhwal mountain range’s forested hills, a stunning location for spectators.The dates for this festival in 2016 are February 17 to February 19.

Holi

Also known as the festival of colours, this holiday is widely observed in India, where it is similar to most northern Indian states. During the two-day festival, people painted each other. In Rishikesh, it is widely observed, and practically everyone attends, even those who are not Hindus. Since a few years ago, Lakshman Jhula has hosted a small open party where attendees can dress up and dance to Bollywood music. There are no entry fees and it is free to everyone. The next holiday is on March 2.

Diwali

The greatest celebration observed in India is Diwali. It is often observed in Rishikesh as well. Most often, you’ll witness people wishing each other well and exchanging sweets. There will be firecrackers in the evening. Candles or LED lights will be used to decorate almost every home and business. The next Diwali is on October 19.

Additional Holidays in Rishikesh

Navratri and Dushehra are additional holidays. Every full moon day is regarded as lucky, so you will see that many people opt to take a dip in the Ganga at that time. Although Haridwar is where the Kumbh Mela is primarily celebrated, Rishikesh also sees a number of people at that time. However, the subsequent Kumbh Mela occurs in 2021, which is 12 years after that festival.


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