Fairs & Festivals — Set 2
Arts & Culture · मेले और त्यौहार · Questions 11–20 of 80
The 'Sonepur Mela', one of Asia's largest animal fairs, is held in which Indian state?
Correct Answer: D. Bihar
The correct answer is 'Bihar'. Sonepur Mela takes place at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Gandak on Kartik Poornima. It is traditionally famous for the large-scale trading of elephants, although this has decreased in recent years. Historically, even Emperor Chandragupta Maurya is said to have bought elephants from this fair.
The 'Bonalu' festival, where Goddess Mahakali is worshipped, is primarily celebrated in which twin cities?
Correct Answer: C. Hyderabad and Secunderabad
The correct answer is 'Hyderabad and Secunderabad'. Bonalu involves offering cooked rice in brass or earthen pots to the Goddess as a token of thanks. The festival is celebrated during the Ashada Masam (July/August) in the state of Telangana. It serves as a prayer for the prevention of diseases and epidemics.
Which historical fair is organized annually at the Surajkund Lake in Haryana?
Correct Answer: A. Surajkund International Crafts Mela
The Surajkund Mela is one of the largest crafts fairs in the world, promoting traditional Indian handlooms and handicrafts. Each year, a specific state is chosen as the 'Theme State' to highlight its unique culture. It is an international event with participation from various countries across the globe.
The 'Nuakhai' festival, an agricultural festival of welcoming the new harvest, is native to which state?
Correct Answer: B. Odisha
Nuakhai is celebrated by eating the first harvest of the season to show gratitude to the presiding deities. It is particularly popular in Western Odisha and the neighboring areas of Chhattisgarh. The festival emphasizes social harmony and the importance of agriculture in the region.
In which state is the 'Lathmar Holi' traditionally celebrated in the towns of Barsana and Nandgaon?
Correct Answer: D. Uttar Pradesh
The correct answer is 'Uttar Pradesh'. Lathmar Holi involves women playfully beating men with sticks as part of a traditional reenactment. This unique custom is linked to the legends of Lord Krishna and Radha. It attracts thousands of tourists who come to witness this vibrant and energetic local tradition.
The 'Bauchna' or 'Sibi' festival of flowers, known as 'Phulaich', is celebrated in which state?
Correct Answer: D. Himachal Pradesh
The correct answer is 'Himachal Pradesh'. Phulaich is a major festival of the Kinnaur district where people climb mountains to collect rare wild flowers. The flowers are then offered to the local village deity amid traditional singing and dancing. It is usually held in the month of September to mark the arrival of autumn.
The 'Wangala' festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival, is celebrated by which tribe?
Correct Answer: C. Garo
Wangala is a post-harvest festival celebrated in Meghalaya to thank the Sun God for a rich yield. Men and women dance in traditional attire to the rhythmic beat of long oval-shaped drums. It is the most significant cultural event for the Garo community.
In which city is the 'Gangaur' festival celebrated with great fervor to honor Goddess Parvati?
Correct Answer: B. Jaipur
The correct answer is 'Jaipur'. Gangaur is celebrated primarily by women who pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. Beautifully carved wooden idols of Gauri and Isar are worshipped and taken out in colorful processions. It is one of the most colorful and important festivals in the state of Rajasthan.
The 'Behdienkhlam' festival is a major cultural event celebrated by the Pnar people in which state?
Correct Answer: C. Meghalaya
The correct answer is 'Meghalaya'. Behdienkhlam is celebrated annually in Jowai to drive away the plague and seek a good harvest. Tall bamboo structures called 'Roths' are carried to a muddy pool for a symbolic ritual. The name literally means 'Driving away the plague with sticks'.
The 'Kila Raipur Sports Festival', often called the Rural Olympics, is held in which state?
Correct Answer: D. Punjab
The correct answer is 'Punjab'. The festival features traditional village sports like bullock cart races, tug-of-war, and feats of physical strength. It was started in 1933 and has become a major destination for enthusiasts of rural Indian culture. It is held annually in a village near the city of Ludhiana.