During our visit to India, we were fortunate enough to experience one of the many Hindu festivals that take place in New Delhi. The monsoon season which always brings lots of rainfall to South India and runs from June to early October had just ended .
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I think after all that wetness, the people were extremely happy to have good weather and another reason to celebrate. From what l gather October is the start of many a festival, culminating with Diwali, the biggest autumn hindu festival, and one that is celebrated by millions (Hindus, Sikhs and Jains) over a five day period with fireworks and plenty of family feasts.
Hindu Festival in New Delhi: Colourful
Hindu face paint:
This particular festival was for a saint or guru, not sure which, named Madhvacharya Jayanti. From what l understood, his followers believe that individual souls and Brahman are eternal and mutually separate entities. I would be lying if l said l knew what that meant. Our guide tried to explain, but l could tell he didn’t even understand it much as it wasn’t his religion. I know he said something about Vishnu (heard that before, but don’t know what it means either. I always think spirituality though).
What we did see was a lot of celebration on the streets. Hindus had their faces painted in wild and beautiful colors, even the animals had on face and body paint. There were loads of trucks and tuk tuks decorated too and they were stuffed to the gills with people. I did notice that they had ceramic figurines (which looked like Buddhas to me) but were probably images of M. Jayanti.
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Festivals in Hinduism:
What strikes you is the joy that is evident in all the participants eyes. You can tell that they are happy to share their religion and festivities with everyone. The traffic moved really slowly and they made eye contact with us, like we should join them. We did by moving to the music and clapping. It was fun to witness.
Apparently, the followers do not acknowledge his death, but rather the day of his disappearance to Badri in 1317 C.E. Sounds like the same thing to me, but what do l know? :-). The cops had their hands full trying to control the crowds. It was bad enough with regular traffic, but throw in a procession every now and then that had people spontaneously dancing in the street and holding up traffic on both sides of the road, and you have a very slow commute for everybody.
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We had originally planned on doing some sight seeing. Instead we decided to enjoy the sounds and noise of the streets, after which we headed to the nearest mall. I was a bit surprised that the whole city was not involved with the festival. I had assumed New Delhi would be full of Hindus, but it seemed more evenly split with Muslims as quite a few of the people were also watching the festival happenings. Our guide informed us that later on in the evening, after all the celebration, every Hindu person would be fed dinner free of charge.
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There were different spots in the city (one of which was close to our hotel) where huge tents were set up and we saw people already in line for food, hours before sundown. Huge stereo systems were set up, so yeah…very loud music. I loved it though, l am a huge fan of world music :-). This was one of our highlights of New Delhi. For our honest review of New Delhi, make sure to read this article covering the highs and lows.
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Hinduism Festival: Thoughts
If you happen upon one like we did, make sure to stay and watch, and even participate. It was completely unexpected and we felt fortunate to be able to enjoy a religious and fun festival. It served to enhance our trip a bit more.
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Have you ever happily run into a celebration that derailed your plans? In Nigeria, it could be anything from a funeral procession to a carnival (those are my least favorite because they wear some really, really scary costumes and l feel trapped in the car. Of course, they can smell that, and surround the vehicle 🙁 ) to a wedding where whole streets have been rented out :-).
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It looks so colorful and festive! Funny that they paint the animals. Interesting about the Hindu celebrating and Muslims watching. Experience this must have been very cool!
It was very unexpected, but very cool to see. Those boys on the motorcycle were our first hint :-). I keep wondering if all the different groups were supposed to meet somewhere and form a massive party. Thank God they did’t though, it would have been a mess!!! Loved it though.
Looks a bit crazy!!I don’t think I’ve ever had one derail my plans, but I’ve stumbled on a few rather randomly, like the gay pride parade when I was in Paris. It was a delight to watch!
I’m sure that must have been fun! I used to love watching the WeHo one as the store was right under Trader Joe and we had a great view :-). It’s not too uncommon in Nigeria though, especially church activities which can bring out over 1 million worshippers. Many plans get derailed on a weekly basis 🙁
I love how colorful everything is & that even the animals get in on the celebration. It is always so interesting & I love seeing how and what other cultures celebrate,
Yeah..it’s great how the cars and animals are decorated. There was a lot of singing, dancing. Great to watch..
I haven’t been to India yet, but seeing as I have family who were from there it is high up there. I have some friends in New Delhi. Looks hectic, but fun.
It was fun, and definitely hectic..it looked disorganized, but fun..maybe due to the huge population, it is impossible to get everyone together..just hundred here, 200 hundred there…every few yards on all sides..haha!! Still don’t know how l feel about the area as a whole..
So much color and fun! I really loved this and I’m sure I would’ve loved to be part of the celebration. It’s really interesting that they give free food to all Hindu people. Now that’s a good reason to celebrate!
Yeah! I think for a lot of people, the free food was tops. The lines were long and it was only the afternoon, so it is obviously a much needed part of the festival. Haha! I would celebrate food too :-). It was fun to see…even the heat did not stop people from enjoying.
This was going on when I was in Jaipur, India. The streets were so colorful and everyone looked like they were having so much fun!
So glad you got to see this too! It was definitely fun to watch. I especially enjoyed seeing the decorations on the carts, trucks, horses and even mules.. :-). They were definitely having fun :-). Thanks for the comment.
I agree with someone up in the comments that everything looked colorful and festive. I recently attended Mardi Gras Carnival and the street party totally derailed my plans.
I can see that happening during the Carnival. It must have been frustrating, but fun! It definitely was festive :-).
Nothing like experiencing other cultures.
Yep! Love it :-).
Its like one of those Dr. Seuss books with all these people on different sets of wheels. All looks a bit crazy.
Frank (bbqboy)
Crazy, disorganized fun! It was insane..makes me wish l had read Dr Seuss. Would have liked it probably.
What an amazing experience! The timing of your visit was perfect. I always appreciate when I’m able to witness these kinds of celebrations during my travels. When we were in Ecuador, it seemed like there was a parade everywhere we went – lol. Witnessing festivities like this just gives you such a different perspective of the local culture. And the women’s saris are gorgeous! I’d definitely be kind of nervous seeing folks in scary costumes surrounding my car though.
It really was fun getting a glimpse into the festival and traditional Hindu life. I love those kinds, and hate the garish scary ones like l have witnessed in Nigeria. It’s like they can sense your fear immediately. I remember being chased down the street once when l was young by one of those things. They are harmless and just pick up on the fear, but l was traumatized :-(. Ecuador must have been a fun one too :-).
Feels like I was living the dream with you through the photos 🙂 Amazing!
Wow! I think that is one of the best compliments any photographer could ever hope for. Thanks a lot!..really :-).
This is legit on my bucket list! This is the festival of colored powder fun!! I once went to New Orleans and it was super random but we seen all of these men wearing red dresses (yes women dresses)…it was for some kind of cause and you get free or discounted drinks if you were a man in red. It was weird but the entire Bourbon St. was full of men in red. A sight to see indeed!
Haha! I think you would enjoy it..it’s true, the paint is usually made from flowers, l had forgotten about that. It must have been surreal seeing all the men in red..haha! Anything for free booze eh? What a sight l picture in my mind.. :-).
‘Love the post kemkem. India as ever is colourful, interesteing but seems to always have it’s chaotic nature in order lol!
I have run into a few celebrations during my years of travel but I don’t mind in the least. It’s all part of the journey. In fact, in Barcelona just last year! we were on a walking tour when we heard some music and shouting. Now any sane person would stick with the guide and continue the tour, but I turned the opposite direction and ran to the music. In fact, we all did and left the tour guide standing! (We were only 4 people!) so he followed us lol!
I wouldn’t particularly plan a festival around my holiday but I would love to be accidentally there!
Glad you enjoyed it :-). Organized chaos! Haha..funny what you guys did to the tour guide. It was also sporting of the guide to join you, not that he had a choice.. I think l would have done the same as l have quite the enquiring mind.. aka..nosy :-). Love random events like this, gives you just a glimpse of life..
This reminds me of Holi. I was able to participate in the festivities when I traveled to India in March of last year. It was a fun cultural experience but we had to toss our clothes afterward because of the stain from the colors.
Oh, it’s funny you mentioned having to toss your clothes :-). I was wondering about that. I saw so many people in white, and for sure those clothes would never be the same again. I imagine people would wear the same thing every year, but for you…hahah..the clothes had to go! You must have had fun, l moved a little to the music, but did not want to get doused.. 🙂
We love the celebrations and festivals in whatever country we’re in and really try to make arrangements to watch and sometimes even participate. Loved watching Carnival in Mexico and Curacao, the Lenten processions of Antigua, Guatemala and fireworks in every Latin American country “just because.” Sunday we even went to a sausage festival in a little Portuguese town. How lucky that your visit coincided with the Hindu Festival and that you were able to go with the flow and watch the festivities. I’ll bet the festival is probably one of your favorite memories of your time in India! Anita
I always try and look up if anything cool is going on when we travel too. Last year l think it was, we got to see the Carnival of Culture in Berlin by moving our dates a bit. That was fun! All the ones that you have seen have me envious, as they sound so nice. I would love to see you guys shaking your groove thing to Latin music :-). Haha..they love “just because” fireworks in Malta..oh my God..summer is intense all day long..Nary a year goes by without an exploding factory sometimes taking lives with it :-(. They love their fireworks!!!!
So many BEAUITFUL colors! I can feel the energy through the pictures!
Thanks Simone! Very pleased to hear that indeed! I love the saris that the women wear. I wish l had taken the picture of a decorated ox..but l was so amused..l forgot to shoot :-).
Gorgeous!! I cant wait to visit there!
It was gorgeous! They love to party. If l every go back to India (not on my list l’m afraid, l would go for the Diwale season..):-). Thanks for the comment.
You captured so many beautiful images! I love experiencing times of celebration in other cultures!
There’s nothing quite like getting a peek into a local celebration, is there? :-). Thanks for the comment and the compliment especially :-).
How cool! I definitely want to go to India one day.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
It was definitely cool :-). Here’s to your wish coming true, Allison ;-).
Has it really been that long since I read your blog?? Did you change things up? That festival looks exciting, I would love to visit India especially during Holi.
Aaah..the prodigal sister! :-). You totally disappeared from everywhere! Hope you are well. I did change things up a bit..hope you like it. The festival was fun for sure. 🙂
I LOVE the photos on this post! I suppose this is one of those situations where you just have to accept the chaos and stopped traffic and sit back and soak it all in. I’d love to see Diwali some day – an dance randomly in the street!
I sort of wish we had been there for Diwali, even though at that point l couldn’t wait to leave truthfully. You’re right though, nothing to do but enjoy the chaos and just soak it in. Thanks for the compliment. Haha! I dance randomly in the street whenever l go back to Nigeria. I love the native drums, and can’t resist when l hear it from the buskers.. :-).