The rugged and snowy terrain of Auli is so challenging that it used to be a training ground for India’s Paramilitary Forces in the 70’s. Realizing the potential of Auli as a ski-resort, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had it surveyed by French and Australian experts who favorable compared the slopes of Auli to the best in the world. Auli is today a promising ski-spot and an ideal winter resort.

Apart from Skiing Festivals being held here since 1986, National Championships under the aegis of Winder Games Federation of India have been held at Auli with technical and other backup assistance provided by various government and adventure related agencies. Winter Games Federation of India have been providing technical and backup support.

Ram Lila

Ram Lila, the enactment of the story of Lord Rama is believed to have been started by great Saint Tulsidas. The Ramcharitmanas, written by him till today forms the basis of Ram Lila performances. In some places, Rama Lila is associated with Vijayadashmi celebrations in late September and early October and also with Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama.

Ram lila, basically an enactment of a myth, is presented as a cycle-play with the story varying from 7 to 31 days. The Rama Lila performance evokes a festive atmosphere and enables observance of religious rites. It is also rich in performance of crafts such as costume jewelry, masks, headgear, make-up and decoration.

The four main Ram Lila styles are the pantomimic style with a predominance of jhankis – tableaux pageants; the dialogue - based style with multi-local staging; the operative style which draws its musical elements from the folk operas of the region and the stage – Ram Lila of the professional troupes called `mandalis’.

Ayodhya is popular for mandali Ram Lila. The performance is dialogue – based and presented on a platform stage. High standard of performance is complemented by songs and kathak dances and eye-catching décor.

Ram Navmi Mela

Ayodhya, the holy city of the sacred pilgrim center of Hindus plays host to the Ram Navmi Festival in the month of April. Thousands of worshippers gather to venerate the Lord at Kanak Bhawan.

Sravan Jhula Mela

This mela celebrates the playful spirit of the deities. On the third day of the second half of Shravan, images of the deities (specially of Rama, Lakshman and Sita) are placed in swings in the temples. They are also taken to Mani Parvat, where the idols are made to swing from the branches of the trees. Later the deities are brought back to temples. The mela lasts till the end of the month of Shravan.

Parikramas

Ayodhya is perhaps the most noted place in the northern India where parikramas are undertaken by Hindu Pilgrims. These are circumambulations of important religious places and are of varying duration, shortest being the `Antargrahi Parikrama’ which has to be completed within a day. After taking a dip in the Saryu, the devotee commences the parikarma from the Nageshwarnath temple and passes through Rama Ghat, Sita Kund, Manipuravata and Brahma Kund, finally terminating at Kanak Bhawan. Then there is the `Panchkoshi Parikrama’ circuit of 10 miles, which touches Chakratirtha, Nayaghat, Ramghat, Saryubagh, Holkar-ka-pura, Dashrathkund, Jogiana, Ranopali, Jalpa Nala and Mahtabagh. On the way the people pay homage to deities in the shrines which are situated on the route.

The `Chaturdashkoshi Parikrama’ constitutes a circular journey of 28 miles made once a year on the occasion of Akshainaumi, which is completed within 24 hours.

The little town comes alive with colourful festivals throughout the year. The Rang Gulal Mahotsav, held annually, celebrates Holi in an exuberant fashion. During the festival of colour which heralds the onset of spring. Several classical and folk artistes render enthralling performances.

Janmashtami, the birthday of Shri Krishna is celebrated with great pomp and splendor throughout Braj. The Raaslila is enacted recreating the many legends of Shri Krishna's life - his exploits and his amorous dalliances with the gopies. Ceremonies in the temples at midnight include the bathing of the image of infant Krishna which is then placed in a silver cradle. Songs of devotion are sung and toys offered for the amusement of the divine child. Thousands gather to offer their prayers and Mathura is astir with their devotion and celebrations.

The important fairs and festivals of the town include :

Braj Parikrama

The Rainy month of Bhadon, the month when the Lord Krishna was born, is a time of colourful celebrations. The famous Braj Parikrama - a pilgrimage of all the places in Braj that associated with Shri Krishna, is undertaken. Traditionally, the Chaurasi kos (84 KOs) pilgrimage of Braj Mandal, with its 12 vanas (forests). 24 upvanas (groves), sacred hill Govardhan, divine River Yamuna and numerous holy places along its banks, is undertaken annually by lakhs of devotees from all over the country.

The Yatra extends to Kotban to the north of Mathura, to Nandgaon, Barsana and the Govardhan Hill to the west and Southwest of the city and to the a banks of the Yamuna to the east, where the Baldeo Temple is located. Colourful melas and performances of the Raaslila (a depiction of the exploits of Shri Krishna) are distinctive to this festive period.

Gokul

The most celebrated of Shri Krishna's abode, Gokul lies to the west of Sadabad, 1.6 km from Mahavan and 15 km southeast of Mathura, on the Mathura - Etah metalled road. It was here that Lord Krishna was brought up in secrecy by Yashoda, in the pastoral beauty of this village on the banks of the Yamuna.

Gokul attained importance during the time of Vallabhacharya (1479-1531) when it became a major center of the Bhakti cult. The three oldest temples in the place are those dedicated to Gokulnath, Madan Mohan and Vitthalnath, said to have been built around 1511. The other temples include those of Dwarika Nath and Balkrishna in the shrines which were built in the honour of Lord Mahadeo in 1602 by Raja Vijai Singh of Jodhpur.

The celebration of Janmashtami in August is unparalleled for its gaiety and melas are constant attraction here. Other festivities celebrated with traditional fervor include the Janmotsav in Bhadon, the Annakut festival and Trinavat Mela held on the fourth day of the dark half of Kartik month.

Important sites worth visiting in Gokul include the Gokulnath Temple, Raja Thakur Temple, Gopal Lalji Temple and the Morwala Temple.

• Ramayan Mela : Feb-March
• Ramnavmi : March-April
• ‘Deepdan’ during Dipawali : Oct.-Nov.
• Navaratri : March, Oct.
• Vijayadashmi : Oct.
• Shrawan Jhoola Mela : August
• Amavasya Fair : Every month

Jhanda Fair

This fair marks the arrival of Guru Ram Rai, the Sikh Guru, at Dehradun. In the year 1699, Guru Ram Rai built a Gurudwara, Guru Ram Rai Darbar and hoisted his flag. Till this day a large fair is held here every year in the month of March/April on the sixth day after Holi and a flag (Jhanda) unfurled at Jhanda Chowk.

Tapkeshwar Fair

6 km from Dehradun is the famous Tapkeshwar Shiv Temple. Annually a fair is held here on Shivratri dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lakhawar Fair

This fair held at Lakhawar village, during September-October, is very popular in the neighboring area of Chakrata, 78 km from Mussoorie. The fair reflects the customs and traditions of Garhwali tribes. Activities include cultural programs and sport competitions.

Maha Kumbh – 1998

Haridwar – one of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India, is all set to receive nearly eight to ten million devotees during the Maha Kumbh in April 1998. The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe. Mythological legends state that the Gods and the Demons once churned the oceans to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing the nectar of immortality (Amrit). As Dhanwantari, the divine healer appeared with the `Kumbh’ containing nectar in his 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 fell at four different places: Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then these four sacred places have witnessed the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs periodically, every twelfth and sixth year when pilgrims and devotees converge to commemorate this divine event.

According to belief of astrologers during this battle the planet too played an important role. In fact, the Kumbh fair takes place when the Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. This planetary position is said to medicate the waters of the Ganga and turn it into nectar on these days thereby attracting millions to purify their inner self through holy bathing rituals. Spiritually position of planet during the Kumbh fair is good for concentration and medication.

Held every twelve years, the Kumbh fair has come down to us through time as an institution of great significance. It is a unique event that blends religious and social features alike.

With the entire atmosphere saturated with chiming bells, incense and flower fragrance, Vedic hymns and mantras… the Maha Kumbh experience can only be described as pure enchanting for the soul.