Women-Only Car Rally in Varanasi

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>From the "Only In India" Department ...

 

VARANASI (Uttar Pradesh), Feb. 14, 2005: As people across India

celebrated Basant Panchami, or the Spring Festival, women in

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, found a unique way to mark the occasion.

 

A special all-women's car rally with the machines decked in florals

heralded the change of season in Varanasi. It was an interesting

fusion of tradition and modern as the ladies took part in this one

of a kind event on Sunday.

 

"It is very big event, a great source of enjoyment for us and really

great that something like this has been conceptualised and organised

just for us," said Khalida, a participant. "It is the festival of

Basant (Spring) today and celebrating it like this is really unique,

we are getting a feel of colours that come alive in India's villages

as crops bloom this season."

 

On this day offerings are made to Saraswati, the Goddess of

Learning, whose idol is decorated with mustard, sunflower and the

colour of the season. Donning the colour of the season - yellow -

the women and children were seen enjoying the spirit and fervour of

the festival.

 

"During Basant (Spring), women celebrate and begin any new thing

after wearing yellow as it is the colour of happiness and this years

since the rally is coinciding with the festival," said Ankita

Aggarwal, another participant. "It is very appropriate that we are

following the theme."

 

Organised by a private company in collaboration with a voluntary

group, the rally is held annually in the city considered as one of

the holiest pilgrimage sites in India.

 

Basant or Spring, which coincides with Panchami or the waxing moon

at the end of January or early February, is considered auspicious by

Indians.

 

The day is also considered auspicious for initiation of children

into learning. The tradition has it that children should not be

helped by adults into learning until the initiation ceremony is

performed before goddess Saraswati. (ANI)

 

 

SOURCE: New Kerala

URL: http://news.newkerala.com/india-news/?action=fullnews&id=71839