Archive for the ‘Festivals and Holidays’ Category
Sodha Travel wishes all of you a Happy Diwali! Diwali is a national holiday in India and a significant festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Although it is commonly referred to as the Festival of Lights, its spiritual interpretation is the “awareness of the inner light.” Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year to all!
Diwali Lamps
On August 9th, I will be presenting Highlights of India: A Destination Guide in Tigard, Oregon. Join me as I explore popular travel destinations in India, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Mumbai, Kerala and Darjeeling. I will also share travel tips and resources for visiting the country, including visa requirements, vaccinations, and social etiquette. For those of you living in the Portland area, I invite you to attend!
Date: August 9, 2010
Time: 7 – 8:30pm
Location: Community Room, Tigard Public Library
For more details, please visit the Tigard Public Library Upcoming Events. Also, mark your calender for India Day on August 15th in Pioneer Square!
It is almost time for Holi, the Festival of Colors! Holi is a Hindu celebration that occurs at the end of the winter season on the last full day of the lunar month Phalguna. As bonfires are lit to signify a devotion to Lord Vishnu, the God of Preservation, people gather and throw colored powder and water at each other. Depending on the region, the festival can last up to sixteen days. This year, the main day of Holi is on March 1.
Holi received its title as the ‘Festival of Colors’ from the Hindu God Krishna, who is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Krishna enjoyed playing pranks, including using colored powder and water on the villagers. Here is a local bin of powder in Delhi:
Many travelers are not sure what to expect during Holi, and for good reason. Many kids make a game out of throwing powder on the foreigners – even hiding in the trees to sprinkle handfuls of red, green, blue, and gold powder on the heads of unsuspecting tourists. Some people also mix bhang in the food and drinks. The celebration is truly a spectacle in the streets, as people come together to remove sorrow and make life more colorful.
Happy Holi!
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year 2010! It is that time of year when many of us make plans and promises for a better tomorrow. For some, these plans include traveling to a new or favorite destination. For me and the family, the travel bug becomes stronger every year!
Although Sodha Travel focuses on travel services in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, we encourage you to contact us if your travel plans include alternate destinations. Our global network of operators can coordinate tours and custom packages in other countries, including Egypt, Italy, China, Japan, and Morocco. If you wish to travel to an area we do not serve, we will gladly suggest alternate contacts who can assist with the details.
Cheers to new travel experiences and friendships in 2010!
The Sodha Travel family wishes you much peace, love and joy this holiday season! Our office will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25. We will resume regular business hours on Monday, December 28.
Happy Holidays!