This festival is celebrated all over Rajasthan. 'Gan' is a synonym for Lord Shiva and 'Gauri' or 'Gaur' stands for Goddess Parvati, the heavenly consort of Lord Shiva. Gangaur is celebrated in the month of chaitra (March-April), the first month of the Hindu calendar.
This month marks the end of winter and the onset of spring. This festival is celebrated especially by women, who worship clay idols of 'Gan' and 'Gauri' in their houses. These idols are also worshiped by unmarried girls who seek the blessings of Gan and Gauri for a good husband, while the married women pray for the good health and long life of their husbands.
The Losar Festival means New Year and it is celebrated with great fervour. The festivities are filled with ageold ceremonies that commemorate the struggle between good and evil. People come out on the streets and chant, pass fire torches, dance and sing.
The last day of the preceding year is a day to prepare for the coming New Year. The monasteries are all decked up in the finest decorations. Homes are freshly painted, families dress up in new clothes, good food and special dishes are cooked. So, plan a trip to Tibet and be part of the gaiety and joy.
Cricket on Ice was the brainchild of a few British cricket enthusiasts who challenged the students of the international boarding school Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz to a game. Since 1988, the twenty over tournament attracts international players and businessmen from all over the world.
On Lake St Moritz, the game of cricket is played a little differently. Instead of whites, the players wear warm tracksuits. The ball is made of hard rubber, because traditional leather would become wet, heavy and unpredictable in the snow. The pitch is artificial grass on an oval-shaped cricket ground.
The game consists of twenty overs per inning; bowlers are limited to four overs. As the sport offers a different setting, it also demands a considerable amount of skill and agility from the players.
Cricket on Ice is a sensational experience, setting an atmosphere of fun, frolic and sporting brilliance. The prestigious occasion also sets a great platform for communication, networking and business for visitors across the world.
There are plenty of good reasons why Cologne is known as the carnival capital of Germany. During what is known as the 'fifth season of the year', the people of Cologne really let their hair down. Locals and visitors from all walks of life come together to enjoy a few drinks and have a party.
The highlight is the Rose Monday procession on the Monday before Lent. This is the culmination of the carnival season, which officially starts at 11.11am. The city goes wild for many days after the carnival.
Everyday life grinds to a halt and the city is taken over by the Prince, the Peasant and the Virgin, the people in Cologne have a great time during this carnival.
ET Bureau
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