Dadra & Nagar Haveli is a U.T. formed in post independent India that came to be established in the year 1961. It’s located in Western India- Dadar can be called an enclave situated at 1 km NW which is surrounded by the state of Gujarat while Nagar Haveli seems wedged between Gujarat and Maharashtra. Silvassa is the capital city for the landlocked Union Territory. It covers a population of around 2, 20, 451 where 23 percent constitute the urbanites and 62 percent involves varied tribal groups inhabiting the region. The most significant tribal groups of the area include Varlies, Kokana, Dhodia, Koli, Dublas, Naika and Kathodi. Bhili and Bhilodi are the most commonly used among the tribal languages here.
DNH presents a truly vibrant kaleidoscope with its colorful bunch of populace, rich culture and festivals celebrated with grand aplomb. The Union Territory believes in mirth and merriment which is rejoiced with each of the festivities here. The DNH populace loves celebrations and hence you will find at least one festival or fair coloring up each of the months here.
In regards to the number of festivals, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is seen to celebrate a vast range of festivals throughout the year. While there are the typical tribal festivities, the secular UT has also made space for commemorating all the major festivals for every religious sect residing here. There are religious festivals as well as festivities meant to pay tribute to the resourceful contribution of Mother Nature to the common livelihood.
The DNH folks prefer to mark their celebrations with grandeur, joy and vibrant merrymaking. Cultural exhibitions like dance and song seem to be a very vital aspect of each of the festivities here- whether it’s celebrating a religious occasion or the new harvest or the personal extravaganzas such as marriage.
The major festivals of Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Pongal- Pongal is one of the most celebrated festivals across Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It takes place during winter solstice when the sun passes into Capricorn sign leading to the onset of spring in the country. The exact date of Pongal is determined by the Hindu calendar used among the people here.
Masimagam Festival- This is another hallmark festival of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Masimagam festival falls on the month of February/March & is celebrated on a full-moon day in the Tamil Masi month. The festival connotes bathing of most worshipped deities in the holy “theerthavari” which is commonly known as Bay of Bengal. Masimagam Festival has idols from 64 temples brought to sea front closer to Kuruchikuppam for the ceremonial bath in early morning. A great host of rituals are a part of this sacred bath.
Villainpur Temple Car Festival- It is another major religious festival celebrated with great devotion and mirth in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It’s celebrated in mid-May & the precise date of the festival is determined by the arrival of full moon in the month. The occasion is marked by a procession where the embellished car from the temple of Thirukameswarar Kokilambal is released on the streets, pulled by thousands of devotees.
French Food Festival- French Food Festival is an eminent part of DNH culture given the rich history of French dominance over the region long back. The gourmet festival takes place in the month of August and is rejoiced with great enthusiasm & fervor amidst the food buffs here. It celebrates the sumptuous culinary aura of France which is regarded in high esteem throughout the Union Territory.
Bastille Day- It’s commemorated on 14th of July every year, celebrating Indo-French pageantry.