The animal worshipped as part of the celebration of Guga Navami festival is the Snake. This festival is dedicated to the worship of Guga, a deity associated with snakes, and it is celebrated in various regions of India, especially in Rajasthan and Punjab.

Guga Navami is a festival celebrated primarily in parts of northern India, such as Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, in honor of Guga, a local folk deity who is associated with snakes and is believed to have been a protector of animals, particularly snakes.

The festival falls on the Navami (ninth day) of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August or September). During this celebration, people worship snakes and often organize rituals to honor Guga, who is believed to protect people from snake bites and other dangers related to snakes. The worship of snakes symbolizes reverence for nature and the belief that these creatures hold special spiritual significance.

The festival is marked by various activities like snake processions, prayers, and offerings to ensure protection from harmful snakes and to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and safety. People also visit snake pits or places associated with snake worship to perform rituals and offer milk, flowers, and other items as part of their devotion.

Thus, snakes are the central animals worshipped during Guga Navami, making them the correct answer among the options provided.

Who is Guga?

• Guga is a folk deity who is widely revered in northern India, particularly in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The story of Guga is part of local mythology, and he is believed to have been a warrior prince and a protector of snakes. According to the legends, Guga was a powerful and benevolent ruler who had a special bond with snakes. He is often depicted as a deity who safeguards people from snake bites and other dangers related to snakes, such as venomous creatures.

Why Snakes?

• In many Indian traditions, snakes are considered sacred. They are associated with lord Shiva, who is often depicted with a snake (Vasuki) around his neck. Snakes also symbolize life, fertility, and protection in various cultures.
• The worship of snakes is particularly important because they are seen as intermediaries between the human world and the spiritual realm. In the case of Guga, the deity is considered a protector of both humans and snakes, which is why snake worship is a significant aspect of the festival.

Cultural Significance

• The festival of Guga Navami has deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the people who observe it. It is believed that by honoring Guga and the snakes, people can ensure protection from snake bites, and the snake deity will bring good health, prosperity, and safety to their families. It is also a way of connecting to nature and showing reverence for all creatures, especially snakes, which are often feared or misunderstood in society.

Hence Option B Is Correct.

The Kartik Festival at Raja Nahar Singh Mahal in Gurgaon is a celebration held in the month of Kartik (usually October or November) in the Hindu calendar. This festival coincides with Kartik Purnima, a significant day that marks the full moon night of the month of Kartik, and is celebrated across India, especially in northern and western regions.

At Raja Nahar Singh Mahal, the Kartik Festival is a vibrant event that celebrates cultural traditions, including traditional music, dance, and religious rituals. The Raja Nahar Singh Mahal, also known as Ballabgarh Fort Palace, is a heritage site that has been transformed into a cultural hub for such events. The festival not only honors the religious aspects of Kartik Purnima but also provides an opportunity to showcase the rich history, royal heritage, and vibrant culture of the region.

The Kartik Festival at this venue often includes grand processions, rituals related to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, lighting of lamps (often associated with the significance of light during this time), folk performances, and a celebration of the artistic traditions of the region.

In summary, the Kartik Festival at Raja Nahar Singh Mahal celebrates both religious and cultural elements, combining the spiritual significance of Kartik Purnima with the grandeur of the palace and its historical backdrop.

The Kartik Festival at Raja Nahar Singh Mahal, also known as the Ballabgarh Fort Palace, is a celebration of both religious and cultural importance. Let me explain it in more detail:

1. Significance of Kartik Purnima:

Kartik Purnima is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar, celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik (usually around October or November). The festival has different religious significance across various parts of India:

• Lord Vishnu is worshipped on this day, particularly for his role in restoring balance and protecting the world.
• Lord Shiva is also worshipped in some regions, with the day marking his special connection to water and the cosmos.
• The Ganga Bath is another important ritual for many, where devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges.
• The day also holds importance for devotees of Lord Krishna, as it's associated with his childhood activities, such as the famous Kartik Vrata (fasting).

2. Celebration at Raja Nahar Singh Mahal:

The Raja Nahar Singh Mahal, a heritage fort in Ballabgarh (part of the Gurgaon region), is a significant historical site that reflects the region’s royal past. Over the years, this Mahal has been restored and transformed into a cultural venue, making it a hub for traditional events, festivals, and cultural performances.

The Kartik Festival at this venue merges religious rituals with royal traditions, creating a unique blend of cultural heritage and spiritual significance. Here's how it's typically celebrated:

• Cultural Performances: The festival often features traditional music, dance, and folk performances. This is a way to bring out the rich culture of the region, including performances such as Rajasthani folk dances, classical music concerts, and other artistic expressions that were historically part of royal celebrations.

• Lighting of Diyas (Oil Lamps): A prominent tradition during Kartik Purnima is the lighting of diyas (small oil lamps), symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. These lamps are placed in homes, temples, and other sacred areas. At the Mahal, the lighting of diyas and other illuminations is often part of the grandeur of the festival, creating a breathtaking atmosphere.

• Religious Rituals: On this day, prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. These may involve traditional rituals such as aarti, bhajans, and poojas. The residents, along with visitors, often participate in these spiritual practices that honor the significance of the day.

• Traditional Processions: Like many Hindu festivals, processions are an important aspect of the Kartik Festival. These may involve carrying images or idols of deities through the streets or around the fort, accompanied by chants, music, and dance. This is a visual and spiritual representation of devotion.

• Exhibitions and Cultural Fairs: Some of the celebrations include the setting up of cultural exhibitions or fairs that showcase local handicrafts, foods, and traditional goods. This provides an opportunity for locals and tourists to experience the heritage and craftsmanship of the region.

3. Historical and Cultural Context:

The Raja Nahar Singh Mahal holds great historical importance as it was the seat of Raja Nahar Singh, the ruler of Ballabgarh in the 19th century. The palace’s architecture reflects the grandeur of the era, with its majestic gates, courtyards, and royal rooms.

The Kartik Festival here is not just a religious occasion but also a way of bringing attention to the region's royal past, local art forms, and historical narratives. The fort itself becomes a stage for showcasing the region's royal history, blending it with vibrant cultural expressions.

In short, the Kartik Festival at Raja Nahar Singh Mahal is a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and culture, offering visitors a chance to witness and experience the traditional practices, festive fervor, and the regal charm of the Ballabgarh Fort. The festival provides a space for locals and tourists alike to connect with the region’s rich cultural legacy.

Hence Option D Is Correct.

In Haryana, Chhoti Diwali (also called Giridih) is celebrated a day before the main festival of Diwali. The name "Giridih" is used in certain parts of Haryana and other regions in northern India to refer to this day, which is also known as Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi in other parts of the country.

The significance of Chhoti Diwali/Giridih is rooted in the mythology surrounding the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. According to legend, Lord Krishna defeated Narakasura, freeing 16,100 captive princesses and bringing peace to the region. This victory is celebrated on Chhoti Diwali.

On this day, people clean and decorate their homes, light diyas (small oil lamps), and worship Lord Krishna. It's a day of preparation for the grand Diwali celebrations that follow, when the focus is on worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. So, Giridih specifically refers to the day before Diwali, known in some regions as Chhoti Diwali.

Mythological Significance:

Narakasura's Defeat: The most widely accepted story for Chhoti Diwali is linked to the demon king Narakasura, who had gained immense power through penance and created havoc by oppressing people, abducting women, and even stealing treasures. According to Hindu mythology, Narakasura was eventually defeated by Lord Krishna, aided by his consort Satyabhama.

Regional Names:

While Chhoti Diwali is the most common name for this day across India, in parts of Haryana, Punjab, and some other northern regions, it is referred to as Giridih. This is simply a regional term, and the celebration and customs are generally similar to Chhoti Diwali in other parts of India.

Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi are also terms used for this day, as it falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Ashvin (according to the Hindu lunar calendar).

Sweets and Festivities: People prepare and distribute sweets, and some perform family gatherings, making it a joyous occasion with family and friends.

Hence Option C Is Correct Answer.