The city of Ghaziabad although an industrial city has many attractions. Since the city is very rich in culture and heritage there are many fairs and festival attractions constantly being held. Most of these festivals are considered to be of Hindu origin. Important features of many of Ghaziabad’s festivals consists of feasting and fasting and is celebrated much in the same manner as other places. There are even important festivals of the Sikhs which is held on the birthday of their gurus named Nanak, Bovind Singh, Lorhi, and Baishaki. Mourning muslim festivals called Barawfat, Shab-e-Barat, Id-ul-Fitr, and Muharram is even observed to be celebrated in the city of Ghaziabad. There is also huge bathing festival observed in Ghaziabad where people bath in Ganga and then attend a great fair at Garhmukteshwar.
There are seven major festivals celebrated in Ghaziabad each year. The main seven festival attraction celebrated in Ghaziabad is the Ram Navami, Naga Panchami, Janamastmi, Dasahra, Dipavali, Shivratri, and the Holi. The festival Ram Navami is held to celebrate the birthday of Lord Rama with temples decorated and very beautifully illuminated at night. The Ramayana is recited and people flock to listen and admire the lights. The Naga Panchami is celebrated for the serpent gods. Music, song, and dance takes place in this festival. Janamastimi is to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna and the eating of prasad takes place this event attracts nearly 50,000 people. The Dashara is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Rama over Ravana and it held as a big fair in Ghaziabad. The Dipavali is considered as the festival of lights and people feast. The Shivratri is celebrated in recognition of Lord Shiva’s birth extravagant decorations and vigils are held. The Holi is the last festival of the year. It consists of singing, bonfires, and the tossing of colored powder in water.
The history of Ghaziabad is rich in culture and historical importance. Few people truly know the history behind this fast developing city located smack dab in the center of Ganga-Yamuna doab near the Hindon River. Connected to many important cities in India Ghaziabad is a fast paced growing industrial city officially formed into a district in 1976 on the exact birth anniversary of the first prime minister of India, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehry. Nicknamed the “Gateway of U.P.” due to the fact that it is the main entrance of Uttar Pradesh and beside Delhi. Originally founded in the year of 1740 and called Ghaziuddinnagar by vizir Ghaziudin. The name of Ghaziabad came about as shortened form of the original name of the city for simplicity once the railway line opened up. |
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