|
Travel
Sites |
Annual tribal fair witnesses lakhs
of participants in Mount Abu
by Vijay Kalal
Mount Abu: Not many people may know that far away from the concrete world, the tribals living in the hill city, Mount Abu, enjoy a blissful life in a special way, celebrating each day as per their centuries old rituals and beliefs. Recently, lakhs of people had a peek into tribals' life during an annual fair at Nakki Lake, held on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. It was a huge congregation of tribals and tourists reaching here to participate in an annual fair. Nakki lake is revered as the holy Ganges for the tribals. Despite many initiatives by the Government to reach out to the tribals, these individuals are still far away from a major improvement in their life. They continue to lead life among thick forests along with animals donning their traditional clothes and jewellery. "I am from Jhaitara Fali village, which is nearby. This lake is like Ganga for us and we come here every year for this fair," said Mansa, a tribal.
On the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the tribals arrive here to dispose
off the last remains of their deceased family members on the banks of
Nakki Lake amidst prayers and Hawans. This year the fair was held on May
13. "This lake is as pure as the holy Ganges. We come here to drown the
last remains of the deceased members of our family. Its a huge fair held
every year," said Thavra, another tribal. Like all years, the annual fair
witnessed a confluence of lakhs of tribals and tourists visiting here
to be a part of the festivities. The tribals were seen in colourful clothes
singing and dancing. Moreover, the annual tribal fair is also known as
a rendezvous for the matrimonial alliances with young boys and girls coming
in their traditional costumes to choose their would be life partner. Once
getting acquainted, the pairs elope and spend about a month's time to
reveal their desire to marry to their parents. Over a lakh tribals reached
Mout Abu to attend the tribal fair. Mount Abu is the only hill station
in Rajasthan. It is a more than just a summer retreat. Its stunning array
of exquisite Dilwara Jain Temples, dating back 11th- 13th centuries, make
it a popular pilgrimage centre.
-May 17, 2006
|
Window
on India |
Tourist
offices
in India
|
News
Links |