Tourism module – 3 Cultural Attractions of India

MODULE – 3
 49
Cultural Attractions of India
TOURISM
Cultural and Heritage
Aspects of Tourism
in India
Notes
There is a beautiful story attached to Kumbh Mela. Legend has it that in the
mythological times, the gods and the demons once churned the ocean to retrieve
the Kumbh (pot) containing nectar / elixir of immortality (Amrit). As Dhanvantari,
the divine healer appeared with the Kumbh containing nectar in her palms, a
great fight followed between the gods and the demons to wrest the pitcher.
During the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nectar / elixir of eternal life
fell at four different places, Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. It is believed
that these drops gave mystical powers to these places. It is to make oneself gain
on those powers that Kumbh Mela is celebrated in each of the four places since
long as one can remember.
Figure 11.3 Kumbh Mela
The Kutch Festival
It is celebrated in Kutch, when Shivratri is celebrated in Gujarat. There are
colourfully attired dancers, music concerts, Sindhi Bhajan performances. Langa
Desert Music and shops selling embroidered to clothes and jewellery are the
tourist attractions here.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur, Rajasthan
It is held to commemorate the arrival of spring, with Rajasthani songs, dances,
processions, devotional music and firework displays. It is celebrated during the
Gangaur Festival where a procession of colourfully attired women, carrying the
images of the goddess Gauri, makes their way to Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
Visitors also see an unusual procession of boats on the lake.

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TOURISM
MODULE – 3
Cultural Attractions of India
 50
Cultural and Heritage
Aspects of Tourism
in India