Travel ideas, vacation planning

Elephanta, a small island 10kms away from the Mumbai harbour, is a favored destination for culture lovers during the festival held in February. The Elephanta Island is known for its great cave shrine, excavated in the 6th century.

Elephanta caves, earlier known as Gharapuri, are the tranquil abode of Lord Shiva. This land was renamed, Elephanta by the Portuguese, after the majestic carved elephant on this island. The temple here has large pillars and nine marvelous sculptured panels, set on the wall, which are awe-inspiring.

The sculptures display the changing moods of Lord Shiva, with the magical interplay of light and shade intensifying the overall effect.The Puranas tell us that Lord Brahma’s attempt to create the human race was futile since he had
only created the male species. Realizing this, Brahma sought the help of Lord Shiva who obliged by assuming the form of Ardhanarishvara. ‘Ardha’, ‘nari’ and ‘ishvara’, meaning, ‘half’, ‘woman’ and ‘God’ respectively, is depicted in the transformation of one side of Lord Shiva’s body into that of a woman. This prepared the way for procreation and the emergence of the human race. The sculptures at Elephanta bring out this dichotomy, where the contrasting gender components of the god are clearly expressed. Perhaps the message is that gender differences are therefore complementary and contained within a single entity.

The main highlights of the festival are the illuminated Maheshmurti (Shiva-idol), in the main cave of the island. Folk dances by the local fisher folk, ethnic local food varieties add to the ambiance. Over the years, the festival has become a major tourist attraction for Mumbaites and for incoming domestic and foreign tourists.

The festival will host a number of ethnic food stalls, which will highlight the traditional foods of the locality. There will be a ‘Shehnai’ program at the Gateway of India and Gemini boats will be arranged with the help of the Navy to ferry the visitors.The Elephanta Islands was unearthed somewhere around the 6th century. Initially, the cave shrine was known as Gharapuri, meaning the peaceful abode of Lord Shiva. However, with the arrival of the Portuguese, the caves got renamed as the ‘Elephanta Caves’, after the carved elephant sited on the island.

During the Elephanta Music & Dance Festival, the entire island turns into a large auditorium, where accomplished musicians as well as dancers from all over the country come and perform. Organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), Elephanta Music & Dance Festival serves
as a major attraction for the local population of Mumbai as well as the neighboring cities. At the same time, domestic as well as international tourists coming to the city make it point to attend this festival.

Along with the performances of the acclaimed artists, the festival is also quite popular for the folk dances by the local fishermen. Anyone attending the Elephanta Festival must taste the ethnic local food served there. During the Elephanta Festival, the island virtually turns into a colossal auditorium, where leading and emerging dancers from all parts of the country come to perform and show their talents. This event boosts travel and cultural spirit in the Bombay city of India. Folk dances performed by the local angler have become a popular feature of the event, besides the other performances.

The huge idol of Lord Shiva becomes the highlight when it is illuminated brightly and adds to the colorful atmosphere of the island. One should never miss the relishing local food served up there. People, who have taste for performing arts, along with national and international tourists, come to attend this dance and music festival of national importance, which is nonetheless a treat for eyes, ears as well as cerebral experience.

The colossal idol is magnificently illuminated, adding to the beauty of the performances.  The festivals witnesses performances by not only the eminent personalities in the field of dance and music, but upcoming artists as well. At the same time, it also presents folk dances by the local fishermen.

For the food buffs, there is no reason to worry. At the Elephanta Festival, you can have the most exotic local cuisine of Maharashtra and that too, at reasonable prices. So, next time you come to the state, time your visit in such a way that you are able to be a part of this extravaganza.

A variety of foods are also available during this festival. The Elephanta festival in Mumbai has attracted a large number of tourists. The cultural programs that are shown during this festival fascinate tourists. The temple of Lord Shiva is decorated beautifully during this festival. Sculptured panels that are on the wall of this temple are awe-inspiring. The temple has large pillars that intensify the overall effect.

A visit to this island is a must as it has a tranquil atmosphere. It is a weeklong festival that comprises of classical dances, plays, skits and instrumental and vocal recitals. They perform with the background of rock cut images.

Every year the performers give a mesmerizing performance. The seats of audience are under open sky. All this makes a perfect atmosphere for cultural extravaganza. You can travel through the sea by a motorboat and reach the island. You will indeed have fascinating experience at this festival.

The tourists have an opportunity to mount the elephants and play Holi. Participants dance with great vigor-the excitement rising to a crescendo.You will be fascinated by this rare opportunity to see so much of color and splendor all at once.

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