Nagpur: The 29th edition of Travellers’ Adda held at Chitnavis Centre on Sunday gave a glimpse of two biggest festivals celebrated in India. Taking those present on a journey to North and South India through narration and photographs were Rahul Upganlawar and Dinesh Naidu, both members of Rang Rasiya, a group of professionals who visit various popular destinations.Setting the mood for the southern sojourn with a Bharatanatyam performance by Aiyushi De, Dinesh Naidu, along with Satish Sarda, gave details of Dussehra festivities at Mysuru. “The ten-day festival is celebrated by common people and the royal family of Mysuru. With a bit of advance planning, tourists can be privy to the private palace ceremony by buying the gold pass.”Discussing how the group makes its travel plans, Naidu continued, “It is important to make reservations at least six months in advance and to always hire a guide when visiting such places of historical importance.”Dussehra festival in Mysuru marks the slaying of demon Mahishasur by goddess Chamunda. “The view from the Chamunda hill is spectacular as the entire city and the place are beautifully illuminated during Navratri,” he said.“The 12km procession with an idol of Chamunda Devi being carried on elephants moves through the streets. Accompanying it are hundreds of dancers and artistes dressed in traditional attires performing folk dances,” Naidu added.The second festival which the group attended was Holi at Brij in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. “It is the most colourful event on earth and has to be seen at least once in a lifetime,” said Upganlawar, who along with Naidu, sported a colourful turban to create the flavour.“This is also a ten-day festival beginning with lathmaar Holi at Barsana where a temple of Radha, Krishna’s consort is situated,” they said.“The lathmaar Holi is played between villagers of Barsana and Nandgaon only. Schedules of celebrations at different locations are announced at Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan as the priest plays ‘phool ki Holi’ by throwing flower petals and colour on devotees,” said Upganlawar.Stressing upon savouring local food, the duo said it is wise to ask the locals about where and what to eat rather than checking it online. “The street food at Mathura is divine and has to be tasted along with the easily available bhang,” Naidu added.

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