Jaigarh Fort – It Provides A Glorious View Of The Amer Surroundings

JAIGARH FORT

AT

JAIPUR

The Jaigarh Fort is conveniently located at Amber, which is roughly 14 km from the centre of the city of Jaipur.The Jaigarh Fort is a majestic stronghold built by Sawan Jai Singh II. 

This almost-intact fort is surrounded by huge battlements and is connected to the Amer Fort (also called 'Amber' Fort), with subterranean passages. Originally built to protect the Amer Fort and the palace within the complex, the Jaigarh Fort is architecturally similar to the Amer Fort, and offers a panoramic view of the city of Jaipur.

The fort houses the world's largest cannon on wheels, a majestic palace complex and the assembly hall of the warriors known as 'Shubhat Niwas' along with a museum and an armory. Apart from the intricate architecture of the fort, the fort was also renowned for a huge treasure that was believed to be buried under the fort.

It is now said that the government of Rajasthan seized the treasure when it was discovered in the 1970s. The Jaigarh Fort was built to secure Jaipur City and the Amer fort from warlords and rivals.

The fort is built with thick walls of red sandstone and is spread over a vast range of 3 kilometers in length, with a width of one kilometer. The fort houses the world's greatest cannon on wheels known as the 'Jaivana Cannon' and a huge palace complex.

This includes the Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Aram Mandir and the Vilas Mandir. The fort has a well-tended garden which can be viewed by tourists even today along with an armory and a museum.

Jaigarh Fort has a rich history behind it. During the Mughal period, Jaigarh Fort, located 150 miles away from the capital, became one of the main cannon foundries due to abundance of arms and ammunition there.

It was also a storage place for arms, ammunition and other important requirements of war. It was looked after by Dara Shikoh, but when he was defeated by Aurangzeb, the fort came under the rule of Jai Singh, who renovated and refurbished it. One interesting story goes with the history of the fort. According to folklore, the rulers buried a huge treasure in the soil of the Fort. However, the treasure was never recovered.

Jaigarh Fort may be reached from Jaipur at ease by road. One may take a taxi or cab, and even frequent buses run by Rajasthan Road Transport Corporation are available. The buses are well-furnished, with comfortable seats and air conditioning. One may also take an auto-rickshaw, which will charge not less than Rs. 500. Sometimes, tourists opt for one of the several packages offered by the travel guides, which includes a whole-day excursion to all the three forts nearby: the Jaigarh Fort, the Nahargarh fort and the Amber Fort.

Palitana Jain Temples – These Temples Modernized Many Times At Different Period

PALITANA JAIN TEMPLES

AT

BHAVNAGAR

Palitana is a city in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, India. It is located 50 km southwest of Bhavnagar city .Palitana located 51 km south west of Bhavnagar is known for being the largest cluster of Jain temples.

There are in total 863 temples from base to the peak of the Shatrunjaya hill, where the Palitana temples are located. The path is climbed through 3950 steps spanning 3.5 km up the Shatrunjaya Hills.

The construction of temples of Palitana spanned over a period of 900 years and was structured in two phases. From the 11th to12th centuries AD as a part of the resurgence of temple building all over India, the first phase of temple architecture was constructed.

The second phase followed later, from the 16th century AD onwards. Muslim invaders destroyed some of the earliest temples built in the 11th century AD, during the 14th and 15th centuries AD. No one person can be attributed for the construction of these magnificent temples rather it was the effort of the wealthy businessmen who were followers of Jainism.

According to Jainism, since ancient times Palitana is a major site of salvation and nirvana of Jain saints and sages. Palitana is a major pilgrimage site of the Jain religion.

On this temple are situated many temples, which are built of marble carving and are extremely beautiful. The main temple on this mountain is Jain religion s Lord Adinath temple. This mountain is situated at an altitude of about 220 feet.

Palitana is the greatest and biggest pilgrimage center and sacred place of Jains. The Shwetambar Jain community believes that the hill of Palitana (Siddhachal) is eternal. Rshabhadev (Adinath), the first Jain Tirthankara, came here several times and preached. Billions of monks and nuns have attained Nirvana (Salvation) from this hill from times immemorial.

It is also believed that hundred millions monks leaded by Dravida andVarikhilla attained here Nirvana on the auspicious day of Kartika Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Kartika according to Indian lunar calendar) and fifty millions leaded by Nami and Vinami on Chaitri Purnima (Full moon day in the month of Chaitra according to Indian lunar calendar).

From the foot of the hill to the top there are 3,800 and odd stone steps cut to facilitate climbing.The steps were hewn out of the rock in the 13th century CE during the time of Jain minister Vastupal.

These temples are built with an aim of having a common place of gods. People believe that all gods sleep here during night. This is why no priest is allowed to stay in the temple overnight. The rule is for other people as well. At different times, these temples have been renovated around 16 times.

By Air

Various domestic airlines connect Bhavnagar with Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

By Train

It is on the Western Railway Line. It is 777 kms. from Mumbai via Ahmedabad.

By Bus

State transport buses and private luxury coaches gives an easy connectivity to Bhavnagar. It is situated 791 kms. from Mumbai via Ahmedabad and 200 kms. from Ahmedabad via the State Highway.

Annual Feast In St.Andrew's Forane Church At Arthunkal For Devotees

 ARTHUNKAL PERUNNAL

Start date: 10-01-2017

End date: 20-01-2017

Venue: St. Andrew's Forane Church

Location: Arthunkal

District: Alappuzha

The Arthunkal Perunnal (perunnal meaning feast) is the annual feast of St. Sebastian held in the St. Andrew's Forane Church at Arthunkal in Alappuzha. The event sees devotees from across the state throng the church to participate in the feast which is held in January every year. 

One of the main events during the feast involves a ceremonial procession wherein the statue of St. Sebastian is taken out from the church to the beach and back. Another intriguing event is the ceremony on the final day when devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church. 

By Air

Cochin International Airport, about 85 km

By Train

Cherthala, about 8 km; Alappuzha, about 22 km

Lakshman Temple - It has A Holy Idol Of Vishnu Brought From Tibet By Chandella Rulers

LAKSHMANA TEMPLE

AT

KHAJURAHO

Lakshman Temple is located in Khajuraho town of chattarpur district of the Madhya Pradesh state of India. This temple stands facing the Varaha and Devi mandaps. lt is one of the three largest temples of Khajuraho and the Western Group and is considered to be the earliest (c. AD 954) to have been built by the Chandella rulers.

Lakshmana temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, was built from 930-950 AD during the reign of King Yasovarman of the Chandella kingdom. It houses a sacred image of Vaikuntha-Vishnu brought from Tibet.

Though the temple is one of the oldest in the Khajuraho fields, it is also one of the most exquistely decorated, covered almost completely with images of over 600 gods in the Hindu Pantheon.The main shrine of the temple, which faces east, is flanked by four freestanding subsidiary shrines at the corners of the temple platform

The temple faces the east and is dedicated to Vishnu, by a rather inappropriate name of Lakshman, the brother of Ram, the hero king of the epic poem Ramayana. The temple is as tall as it is long, measuring approximately 25.9 metres in lengtlh.

The lakshman Temple stands like a gaint mountain of stone at the centre, and is unique in khajuraho for its four subsidiary shrines at the four corners of its rectangular platform. Each Subsidairy shrine has a little porch, band of scultpure along the esterior walls.

The large erotic sculptures adorning the main body of the temple are placed, as in all the other temples in Khajuraho, on the south and north sides, between the two balconies. On the south side (also seen from the staircase of the Matangeshvar Temple) the top panel depicts a bearded god, identified as Agni; beneath is the figure of the divine bridegroom walking in procession accompanied by musicians. Belo, on the lower panel is Shiva with his top-knot still secure, embracing his wife Parvati and sharing a passionate kiss that has lasted a thousand god years!

The temple has only one entrance on the east side, Set at the top of the stairs. The porch has a pretty toran or stone garland above the entrance. Cemented along the porch wall is the Challdella stone inscription found in the vicinity of tlhe temple. The inscription, written in AD 954, records that Yashovarman, the seventh Chandella ruler, constructed a temple to Vishnu and was succeeded by his son Dhangadeva. It is therefore assumed that Lakshman Temple was built just before AD 954 

By Air

Khajuraho is having a domestic airport known as City Airport Khajuraho. It is located at 2 Km south of Khajuraho town.

By Train 

Most important railway station for Khajuraho is Khajuraho Railway Station which is just 5km from Khajuraho Town. Their is direct train for Khajuraho Railway Station (UP Sampark Kranti Express) for Khajuraho. It is the only train, at present from New Delhi to Khajuraho.

By Bus

Khajuraho city is very well connected by Jhansi, Orchha, Satna, Katni, Bandhavgarh, Chattarpur etc. Usually tourists arrive at Jhansi Railway Station by train and take taxi car to travel to Khajuraho, via Orchha or directly. From Jhansi, Khajuraho is just 200kms.04:00hrs. 

Feeling Rich In Shikara Boat In Hydel Tourism Of Kerala

HYDEL TOURISM

 AT

 KERALA

Ever wanted to cosy into a shikara, glide through placid waters in abandon, be surrounded by nothing but lush greenery and stick you head out to enjoy the spectacular natural environment?

No, you needn’t head off to Kashmir to enjoy the scenic splendour in a shikara. All these and more are on offer in the many hydel packages of the Kerala Hydel Tourism Centre, a subsidiary of the Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd. (KSEBL). The following are the hydel packages in the Munnar circuit.

Trout Lagoon/Kundala Dam

The dam at Kundala is Asia’s first Arch Dam and the lake formed by the dam here offers opportunities for boating. Atop the dam, you will get a panoramic view of the lush green surrounds. Boating facilities include pedal boats, Kashmiri shikara boats and rowing boats. Ringed by hills and lush valleys, with the majestic dam forming the backdrop, a ride in the lake can work wonders for your soul.

Dew Valley Boating Center/Sengulam Dam

This is the latest dam site in Munnar which is already creating ripples in the tourism circuit with its boating centre which offers myriad boating opportunities in natural surrounds. Glide through this pristine lake in pedal boats, speed boats, pontoon boats and large boats. Those charming visuals that pass by you will last a lifetime. A Games Corner and Fish Spa are also present here.

Elephants’ Abode/Anayirangal Dam

Yet another scenic spot in Munnar is the Anayirangal Dam.  This majestic reservoir ringed by tea plantations and evergreen forests promises splendid views of nature. Wade through the crystal clear waters of the lake in a boat, let the cool mountain air envelope you, and just be.?

Hydel Park, Munnar

This nature park set amidst the woods promises a plethora of activities such as nature walking, adventure trails, boating in the serene waters, watching migratory water birds or just reveling in vast stretches of lawn.

Sun-Moon Valley, Mattupetty

Set against the Mattupetty Dam is this dollop of heaven. The Mattupetty Dam is frequented by many wild animals and birds. Once here, immerse in water sport activities like boating in speed boats, pontoon boats. Other activities include buggy ride, a games corner, food courts, 6D Studio etc.

Echo Point

13 km off Munnar is the Echo Point. Activities are aplenty here with a games corner, and boating center. The verdant hills and evergreen trees provide opportunities for trekking and nature walks.

For Details

Ph: +91 471 2514209

Mob: +91 9447640600

Baga Beach – Hippies Discovered Like New Beach And Became Traveller’s Truism

BAGA BEACH

AT

NORTH GOA

Baga beach is located in North Goa, 16 km from the state capital Panaji. Calangute Beach is to its south and Anjuna Beach to its north. The Baga river skirts the sides of the beach, ultimately to flow into the Arabian Sea. Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends. However, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where.

Baga became a traveler’s truism in the ’60s and early’70s. It was the hippies who discovered the pristine beach. They spread the word around resulting in hordes of European tourists descending on the golden sands of Baga.

Thumbing or hitchhiking and travelling by cheap transport are things of the past. Baga is no more the watering hole for Hippies.Baga Beach is the most famous beach of Goa, known for its stunning nightlife, beach parties, and mouth-watering seafood delicacies.

For people who enjoy crowd, drinking, and dancing to pulsating music, all against an impressive backdrop, Baga Beach is the perfect place to be.

Shacks serve authentic seafood and local drinks with foot tapping music, and create a perfect atmosphere of enjoyment and excitement!

Indulge in a salt bath, as this famous beach of Goa is blessed with huge and powerful sea waves.

Baga figures high on tourist itineraries because of its sun and the sea, flea market, nightlife and for its watering holes and eateries. Baga is home to some of the biggest hot-spots by night in Goa.

Café Tito and Cafe Mambo have achieved iconic status and among the most important things to do suggested by tour guides. Nightlife is very vibrant in Baga.

The sight of shops on the white sandy beach lit with lamps, milling crowd and live bands, all add up to the carnival like ambience. By day, the beach is a paradise for tourists who wish to soak in some sun and the sand.

Apart from the scenic pleasures, Baga Beach offers lots of activities for the tourists, to indulge in. Water sports are a huge attraction. Para sailing, wake boarding, windsurfing, kite surfing or a ride on a jet ski, travelers have a plethora of choice. Dolphin spotting and island trips are other options you could try during your stay in Baga.

Nightlife in Baga is very vibrant. It is home to some of the biggest hot-spots by night in Goa. If you want to take a peek into Indian classical music and dance, attend one of the concerts held regularly at Kerkar Art Complex. The concerts are held on Thursdays and Fridays.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Dabolim (50 kms)

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Karmali (17 kms) and Panaji (15kms). Express and Super fast trains run to Panaji from major cities of India.

By Road

The Baga beach is just half an hour drive away from Panaji and 15 minutes from Mapusa.

Kanyakumari Beach - International Tourists Like To Come To Watch The Sunrise And Sunset From This Place

KANYAKUMARI BEACH

Kanyakumari Beach is the Confluence of three oceans Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Kanyakumari shore is popular world - wide, because it is the only places on earth, where you can see the Sun Rise and Sun Set from the ocean. 

It is the only place in India where one can enjoy the unique spectacle of Sunset and Moonrise simultaneously on full moon days. It is even more special and spectacular on Chitra Paurnami [full moon that occurs in Apr-May] when one can view both the sun and the moon facing each other on the same horizon, a rare sight of unique grandeur, which seems to happen by prior arrangement.

This beach is visited not by the people from Tamil Nadu and Neighboring States alone, International tourists visiting South India have Kanyakumari on their itinerary too. 

Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula; its former name was Cape Comorin. The Kanyakumari beach is a beautiful sight with multi-coloured sand. The beach here does not really offer one the opportunity to sunbathe on soft golden sands, or to frolic in the waves either. 

The seashore is rocky and dangerous, and there is a manmade wall running along it. People are warned to stay off the rocks, and when if someone ventures out of bounds, he or she is quickly and severely reprimanded by a watchful policeman. There is a lighthouse from where one can get a panoramic view.

The sea is fairly rough, so it is entertaining to watch it beat itself against the rocks and then subside, before it gathers itself up for another attack. With long stretches of sands of many hues, the beach offers a welcome change. The place is also famous for its distinctly beautiful (reddish) sunrise and sunset.A variety of shells are on sale on the Kanyakumari beach.

By Air

Located at a distance of about 67 kilometres, the nearest airport to Kanyakumari is the Trivandrum International Airport. Apart from being well connected with the major cities in India, the airport is also well linked with some gulf countries. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a cab to Kanyakumari which will cost you somewhere between Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500.

By Train

Kanyakumari has its own railhead and trains from major cities of India stop at this junction. Kanyakumari Express is well-connected to Mumbai and Bangalore. 

By Bus

Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari Road Transport Corporation offer regular fleet of buses to almost all the major cities of South India. You can choose from deluxe, regular and air-conditioned private buses which run between Kanyakumari and Bangalore, Trivandrum and Chennai.

Kapila Theertham - One Who Bathe In This Holy Water Falls, Will Relieve From All Sins

KAPILA THEERTHAM (HOLY WATERFALLS)

AT

CHITOOR

The Holy Shrine of Kapila Theertham is a unique temple because it is the only temple dedicated to God Shiva in an area of a 50-mile radius among the temple cities of Tirupati and Tirumala that have numerous temples dedicated for Vaishnavaite Deity, Lord Shri Vishnu.

The huge temple is located at the entrance to a large mountain cave in one of the vertical and steep faces at the edge of the enthralling hills of Tirumala. The temple stands at the foot where the pristine waters of Paapa Vinasanam, the mountain stream falls from the heights to form a huge waterfall.

The visitors are greeted by a huge stone statue of a Nandi, a seated bull at the entrance of the temple. Nandi is the steed of Lord Shiva. A legend associated with the temple is that one of the most revered of Hindu saints, Shri Kapila Maharshi, lived at this place, worshipped, and meditated in the cave in front of the idol of Lord Shiva and that is how the shrine got its name Kapila theertham. The theertham refers to the holy waters coming from waterfalls that formed the lake or pond.

Kapileshwara Linga temple is situated near holy waterfall of Kapila Theertham. The place also has a small Venkateswara idol that was established in fourth cave just above the waterfall. The temple is located within a distance of 1 kilometer from Alipiri (the starting point of Tirumala ghat route). It is at a distance of about 4 to 5 kilometers from the Tirupati railway station. 

The most ancient inscriptions that are found in this temple are the Kulothunga Chola inscriptions. There are several other well-known inscriptions found in the temple. The Kulothunga Chola inscriptions belong to the 10th century. The inscriptions describe the greatness of Lord Kapileswara.

The sacred temple has a great historical association with it. It was developed by the Pallava rulers, Vijayanagara kings, Tirumala Mahants and several other rulers. The temple is maintained by the authorities of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, TTD currently. 

The most celebrated occasion at the Kapileshwara Theertham is the festival of Maha Shivaratri. On that auspicious day, thousands of visitors as well as locals gather at the temple and worship Lord Kapileshwara.

Apart from being a holy destination, Kapila Theertham is also a beautiful and picturesque location that s filled with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.

during karthika masam, on the full moon day afternoon, all the thirthams from the three worlds join in kapila thirtham. If one takes bath during this time, will get rid of all sins and go to Bramha's world. one will get the result of donating gold of the size of Meru mountain by just donating the gold of sesame seed size at this thirtham. 

It gives chandra lokam by just donating land, imparting knowledge, giving a girl or doing mantra upadesam. The one who chants the mantra "Ayanthi sarva theerdhaani madhyahne kaapilam saraha" and takes bath in the afternoon of a full moon day during kaarthika masam will get the above result.

So Far Goa Tourism Won 13 Awards For The Year 2016

Awards for the year 2016

1.Goa won the Asia Spa-India Reader’s Choice Award in the category, My favourite SPA DESTINATION, India.

2.Goa Tourism bags Best Destination for Fun and Relaxation at ITB Berlin 2016

3.Mr. Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Tourism, Govt. of Goa bags Best Tourism Minister PATWA international award at ITB Berlin

4.Goa gets top honors from TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice Awards (Destinations) - No. 3 in India and No. 20 in Asia

5.Goa gets top honors from TripAdvisor'™s Travelers Choice Awards (Beaches) - 7 beaches in Top 10 India, 2 beaches in Top 10 Asia and 1 beach in Top 25 beaches in the World

6.Goa bags €˜Best Value Destination (India)€™ at Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2016.

7.Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar bags Best Tourism Minister PATWA International Award

8. Goa Tourism bags prestigious Pitch Top 50 Brands Award 2016

9. Goa Tourism bags Most Innovative Product Award at the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad 2016

10.Goa Tourism bags prestigious Pitch Top 50 Brands Award 2016

11. Goa Tourism Digital Marketing Campaign Bags Gold at Direct Marketing Association CreatEffect 2016

12. Goa Tourism bags €˜Film Tourism Destination of the Year€™ Award at IITM Chennai

13. Goa Tourism bags prestigious India Travel Award for Best Beach Destination

Virupaksha Temple – It Is One Of The 7th Century Oldest And Primary Temple In Hampi

VIRUPAKSHA TEMPLE

AT

HAMPI

Virupaksha temple is located in Hampi of Bellary district of Karnataka state of India and it is a magnificent marvel of Vijayanagara Empire. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Virupaksha), and situated on the banks of the beautiful river, Tungabhadra, the temple is extensively famous for its tall gopuram, grand architecture and intricate carvings.

The temple, built in the 7^th century underwent a lot of additions by various rulers that ruled the kingdom, to display their power. The central pillared hall, Ranga Mandapa, is the most ornate addition by Raja Krishnadevaraya. Virupaksha temple is a centre of marriages as well as the festivities of Virupaksha-Pampa in December. This South Indian Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This area in general has been an important pilgrimage centre for the worshipers of lord Shiva. Virupaksha temple is equally sort after by the tourists and pilgrims. The annual festivals attract huge crowds of both the types.

The very origin of Hampis history as a sacred place revolves around the myths associated with this temple. It believed that this temple has been functioning uninterruptedly ever since its inception in the 7th century AD.That makes this one of the oldest functioning temples in India.

The main temple is east facing and has two large courtyards, one leading to the other. You directly enter into the first courtyard through the tower mentioned above. This courtyard mainly houses a pillared hall called 100-column hall at the far left corner.

The sanctum contains the idol of lord Virupaksha in the form of a Linga (A phallus image). A corridor surrounds the sanctum.
The two narrow porches on either sides of the inner hall can be used to get in and out of the main shrine.

The most important of the sub shrines are that of Goddess Pampa and Bhuvaneswari, consorts of lord Shiva, towards the north of the main shrine. These shrines are in fact much older than the rest of the grandiose structures in the compound.

You can witness the daily temple rituals and ceremonies in the mornings and evenings. Temple opens before the sunrise and closes in the night. Usually the sanctum is closed in the noon. So entry into the campus may not be possible at that point of time.

The chariot festival in the month of February is the chief annual festival celebrated here. The divine marriage between Virupaksheshwara and Pampa is celebrated in the month of December.

By Air

The nearest airport to Virupaksha Temple is bellary airport , bellary which is 54 km away from Virupaksha Temple.

By Train

The nearest railway station to virupaksha temple is Hospet Railway Station which is 9 km away from Virupaksha Temple. 

ByBus

Karnataka government buses are plying regularaly to the temple

Teej Festival - It Is An Imperative Festival Only For Women

TEEJ FESTIVALS

The Teej festival is an important festival for married women, and much anticipated monsoon festival. It commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, after she paid a penance of 100 years separation. The invocation of Parvati's blessing during the festival is believed to bring about continued marital bliss.

"Teej" refers to the third day after the new moon, and third day after the full moon, every month.  During the monsoon season, these festivals are celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Shravan, and on the third day of the waning and waxing moons during the Hindu month of Bhadrapad. This means that there are actually three Teej festivals -- known as Haryali (Green) Teej, Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej. In 2016, these festivals will take place on August 5-6, August 19-20, and September 4 respectively.

The Teej festival is widely celebrated in northern and western India, particularly in the desert state of Rajasthan.

It's also worth experiencing Kajarai Teej celebrations in Bundi in Rajasthan. Teej festival fairs, featuring handicrafts and Rajasthani cultural performances, are also held at Dilli Haat, in Delhi. In 2016, this will be taking place from August 5-7 at the Janakpuri Dilli Haat.

Women dress up in their finest clothes and jewelry to worship the Goddess Parvati. They also get their hands decorated with henna, accompanied by the singing of special Teej festival songs. Swings are fixed to branches of large trees, and the women take turns to joyfully swing on them.

During Haryali Teej in Jaipur, a spectacular royal procession featuring an idol of the Goddess Parvati (Teej Mata), winds its way through the lanes of the Old City. It comprises antique palanquins, bullock carts pulling cannons, chariots, decorated elephants, horses, camels, brass bands, and dancers. A bit of everything really! The procession starts out from Tripolia Gate and winds its way through Tripolia Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar, Gangauri Bazaar, and ends at Chaugan Stadium. Tourists can watch and photograph it from the terrace of the Hind Hotel, opposite Tripolia Gate.

A fair is held during Kajarai Teej in Bundi and there's also a colorful street parade featuring a beautifully decorated idol of Goddess Parvati. 

Girls engaged to be married receive a gift from their future in-laws on the day before the festival. The gift consists of henna, bangles, a special dress, and sweets. Married daughters are given a number of gifts, clothes and sweets by their mother. After the worship has been completed, they're passed on to the mother-in-law.

The Teej festival is a very uplifting occasion, filled with singing, swinging, and dancing. There's plenty of feasting too.