Bharat Milap which is celebrated during the month of October or November is performed at Nati Imli on the day following Vijayadashmi (Dusshera). It pertains to the episode of the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and his reunion with his brother Bharat. Just as the last rays of the setting sun touch the stage, the performance takes barely three minutes to enact.

Another episode from Ram Lila pertains to Shoorpnakha, demon king Ravana’s sister. This festival is held on the 4th night of Kartika at Chetganj. It lasts almost the whole night. The ‘Kalia Daman’ episode from ‘Krishna Lila’ is celebrated in November on the Tulsi ghat. Shivratri is celebrated on the 14th day of Phalgun. ‘Ganga-Dussehra’ and ‘Nirjala Ekadashi’ fall on the 10th day of bright half of Jayestha. It is believed that Ganga waters reached Haridwar this day in the remote past. The next day, is the day of fasting for all the devotees. Panchkoshi Parikarma is another famous pilgrimage. It is held in the month of Vaisakh, circumambulation of ‘Kashi-Dharma Kshetra’.

Muslim Festivals

The most solemn and colourful Muslim function held in the state is Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet. In all cities and towns Muslims take out impressive processions of colourfully decorated tazias, replicas of the martyr’s tomb at Karbala. The most solemn and impressive Muharram is observed in Lucknow, where gold and silver replicas of old Nawabi times are brought out and men beat their breasts in mourning constantly until blood oozes out.

The two Imambaras and Shah Najaf are beautifully illuminated for two days. An impressive event is a fire-walking feat held in one of the Imambaras. After the burial of the tazias on the tenth day, a gathering of mourners in utter darkness is held, known as Majlis Sham-i-Ghariban, one of the most soul-stirring events among Muharram observances. The other occasions of religious importance for Muslims are Id-Ul-Fitr, Ramzan (a month devoted to fasting), Chehlum, Bara Wafat, Shah-i-Barat and Id-Uz-Zuha.