Janmashtami Festival India

8/13/2019 Janmashtami Festival India

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JANMASHTAMI

DELHI + VARANASI + KHAJURAHO + AGRA + JAIPUR + DELHI

In India, Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the incarnation ofLord Vishnu. The temples witness an extravagant and colorful celebration on this occasion.

Raslila is performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his lovefor Radha. The image of the infant Krishna is bathed at midnight and is placed in a cradle.Devotional songs and dances mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over NorthernIndia.

The celebration of Janmashtami is at its peak in the city of Mathura-birth place of Lord Krishna.The city is about 55 Kms from Agra. Lord is said to have been born around 5000 years back toput an end to the evils of demons. The city of Mathura adorns a complete festive look and thedevotional mood reaches its pinnacle.


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The main celebration takes place at the actual place of birth, now converted into a big templeknown as Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir. Lord's idol is kept in a room also known as theGarbhaGriha.Devotees keep a day-long fast and break it at midnight after the birth time of

Bhagwan Krishna. All through the day devotees remain immersed in the chanting of Shlokasand name of the Lord.

Day 01: DELHI ARRIVAL

Arrive Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, you will be Greeted and Escorted by Indo Asia Tour Executiveto your Hotel.

On arrival at hotel check in. (Room will be available from 1200 Noon)

In its 3000 years of existence; seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands.Here you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Wheregovernment buildings, medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. Delhi isa city waiting to be explored.


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Day 03: VARANASI

Early morning boat rides on the river Ganges and sees the sunrise. The boat ride passes along

some of the 100 ghats, with numerous palaces built by Hindu kings. Experience the earlymorning rituals of the Hindus being performed on the ghats. Thousands of people take a bathbelieving they will be free from the circle of rebirth. It is interesting to see the pilgrims offeringsweets, flowers and holy water to the Sun God.

After breakfast drive for the excursion to Sarnath, one of Buddhism's major centers in India. Itwas here that Buddha gave his first Sermon after attaining Nirvana. In the complex is theDhamekh Stupa (5th-6th AD) or Dharma Chakra, the most imposing monument at Sarnath builtto commemorate the place where Buddha delivered his first sermon to the five disciples.


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Later enjoy the city tour of Varanasi which includesthe visit to the following:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple -The temple is located in the premises of the BanarasHindu University and is about thirty minutes walkfrom the gates of the university. The temple, builtby the Birlas, was planned by Pandit Madan MohanMalaviya. Unlike many other temples in Varanasi,this temple is open to all irrespective of caste orcreed.

Durga Temple -Located 2 kilometres south of the old city, thiseighteenth century Durga Temple is also known asthe Monkey Temple due to many aggressivemonkeys that reside here. The temple was built in acommon north Indian style with an ornate shikhara,consisting of five segments symbolizing theelements and supported by finely carved columns.Here Durga is represented as the embodiment ofshakti or female power, clad in red and riding atiger and fully armed with Shiva's trident, Vishnu's discus and a sword. A forked stake in thecourtyard was used during festivals in the earlier times to behead sacrificial goats. The ritual of

sacrifice has now been replaced by a symbolic mark in vermilion. Non-Hindus are admitted tothe courtyard but not the inner sanctum.

Bharat Mata Temple -This temple of Bharat Mata (Mother India), inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi, lies about 3kilometres west of Godaulia, outside the old city. Here, instead of gods and goddesses, onefinds a huge relief map in marble of the whole of Indian subcontinent and Tibetan plateau. Themap is said to be perfectly to scale both vertically and horizontally with mountains, rivers andthe holy tirthas (pilgrimage centres) all clearly visible.

Tulsi Manas Temple -Built in 1964, the Tulsi Manas Temple stands about 150 m south of Durga Temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Rama is situated at the place where Tulsidas, the great medieval seer, is believed to have lived and written the great epic "Shri Ramcharitmanas". The two tier walls ofthe temple are engraved with the verses and scenes from this great epic.


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Benares Hindu University -One of the oldest educational centres in India, the Banaras Hindu University was built in 1917. The university was founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya as a centre for the study of

Indian art, culture, music and Sanskrit. The university campus is spread over five squarekilometres and houses the Bharat Kala Bhavan. The Bhavan has a fine collection of miniaturepaintings, sculptures from first to fifteenth centuries, old photographs of Varanasi and brocadetextiles.

Overnight at the Hotel

Day 04: VARANASI - KHAJURAHO

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Khajuraho.

Temple town of Khajuraho is much different from any other temple city of India. It is not aboutreligion and worshipping and deities. The temples of Khajuraho are instead famous for theeroticism etched on its walls in the form of sculptures. An amalgamation of science and art ofarchitecture, these 10th-11th century temples have a very interesting legend behind them that


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connects them to the origin of Chandela dynasty. It is said that in a fit of passion and lust, theMoon God seduced and ravaged a beautiful Brahmin girls known as Hemvati, resulting in thebirth of Chandravarman (the founder of the Chandela dynasty). Later, Chandravarman had a

dream where his mother requested him to make a temple, which would reveal all aspects of thetreasure of passion and erotic fantasy to the world.

On arrival at Khajuraho, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05: KHAJURAHO AGRA

In the morning visit Eastern Group of temples mainly dedicated to the Jain teachers -tirthankaras - The Parsvanatha Temple, the Adinatha Temple and the Santinatha Temple. Thetemples are ornately carved on the outside with beautiful figures of Hindu gods, goddesses.Also visit theWestern Group of temples, which consist of a group of artistic temples built in


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sandstone. The sculptures of Hindu deities, dancers and musicians appear to be so natural as ifthey would come alive any time.

Later transfer to the Jhansi railway station to board the train to Agra.

On the way visit Orchha. The Orchha is a highly picturesque, set on an island on a bend in theBetwa River. You see the beautiful old fort palace raised on a rocky promontory above thewooded countryside. Orchha was founded in the early 16th century by Rajput chieftain, RadraPratap and remained the capital of powerful Rajput Kingdom from 1583 till 1783. Orchhagolden age was during the first half of the 17th century when Jehangir visited the city in 1606, aspecial palace, the Jehangir Mahal, was specially built for him. Later both Shah Jahan andAurangzeb raided the city.

Visit the Raj Mahal with its Hall of Private Audience and Public Audience and royal chamberswith beautiful painted murals on the walls and ceilings of religious and secular themes. The RaiParveen Mahal named after the musician courtesan (1592-1604).

The Jahangir Mahal (7th century) palace built to commemorate the Emperor's visit.


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Later continue your drive towards the railway station to board the train NDLS Shatabdi at 1756hrs to Agra. On arrival in Agra at 2025 hrs transfer to the hotel and check in.

Agra stands on the right bank of the river Yamuna, was once the seat of the Mughal rulers, thezenith of art and an en-shrined romance. A town famous for its beautiful medieval monuments.The passion of the Mughals for building endowed it with some of the loveliest buildings in theworld.



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Day 06: AGRA

After breakfast visit the Taj Mahal- a poem in white marble, built by the Mughal Emperor

Shahjahan in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Today India's most fascinatingand beautiful masterpiece, this perfectly symmetrical edifice is set amidst landscaped gardenson the banks of the Yamuna River. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunriseand sunset, while it is dazzling white during the day and glows pearl-like in the moonlight andduring the monsoon.

Later visit Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565 A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70feet high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces. The Agra forthappens to be on the same bank of the river Yamuna as the Taj Mahal, which is visible in all itsbeauty from one side of the fort. Emperor Shahjahan, a prisoner of his son Aurangzeb in his old

age was put in a cell from where he could gaze at the Taj Mahal at a distance from his cell in theAgra Fort. It is an imposing structure with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers long.


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Later visit the stunning tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah or the `Baby Taj'- a marble memorial withexquisite inlay work built in 1628 by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas

Beg.



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Day 07: AGRA MATHURA - AGRA

After breakfast drive for the excursion to Mathura to witness the Janmashtami Festival.

In Mathura, Janmashtami celebrations are filled with enjoyment and color. The DwarkadheeshTemple in the town is brightly decorated for the Janmashtami midnight pooja. Jhulanotsava andGhatas are the center of attraction for the Janmashtami celebration in Uttar Pradesh or Mathura.Jhulanotsava is the cradle celebration of the town or the whole state. People gather to rock thecradle of the baby Krishna at midnight. This cradle is decked up with precious stones andjewelries. Flowers are also used to decorate this special cradle.

Later drive back to Agra.

Overnight at the hotel


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Day 08: AGRA - JAIPUR

After breakfast drive to Jaipur.

On the way visit Fatehpur Sikri. It is a beautiful and deserted medieval city built by Akbar theGreat in the 16th century to serve as the capital of his vast empire. The Mughals later abandonedthis city for lack of water.

Later continue your drive Jaipur.

Maharaja Jai Singh II built Jaipur in the 18th century. It is a planned city built with ancientHindu rules as the colonial capital of a richly colorful state. The whole city was painted pink towelcome the visit of Prince Albert in 1853. On arrival check in the hotelOn arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel.



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Day 09: JAIPUR

After breakfast, half-day excursion trip takes you to Amber Fort with Elephant or Jeep ride.

This city Fort is situated 130m high with the Aravali hills around 11 km north of Jaipur. It wasthe ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs till 1037. En route, make a photo stop at thepalace of winds the Hawa Mahal. A 5 storied building with 25cm thick facade from the 18century having 953 windows and niches so that ladies of royal family could see the processionand events in the city without being visible to the people.

In the afternoon, visit City Palace occupies the center of Jaipur. It now houses the Royalresidence and museums with collections of textiles and costumes, armoury, manuscripts,paintings etc.

Later visit Jantar Mantar (1728-34) by king astrologer Jai Singh II. The instruments are built ofstone with marble facing on the important plains for measuring the harmony of the heavens.Each instrument serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading.Overnight at the hotel


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Day 10: JAIPUR - DELHI

After breakfast drive to Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 11: DELHI

On time transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onwards journey.

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Janmashtami Festival India