Introduction / Context:
This question tests your awareness of Indian tourism initiatives and state-level festivals that promote adventure, water sports, and local culture. Jal Mahotsav is frequently highlighted in government publicity and tourism campaigns as India's biggest water carnival. Knowing its location is important for general knowledge, especially for exams related to tourism, state schemes, and cultural festivals. The key is to recall which island in India is specifically branded with this large-scale water-based festival.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- We are dealing with India's biggest water carnival called Jal Mahotsav.
- The event is organised annually on a particular island.
- The options are Hanuwantiya Island, Havelock Island, Kadmat Island, and Munroe Island.
- No numerical calculations are required, only factual recall of the location.
Concept / Approach:
The Jal Mahotsav water carnival is organised in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is specifically associated with Hanuwantiya Island on the backwaters of the Indira Sagar Dam on the Narmada river. The festival promotes water sports, cultural performances, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism. Other islands in the options, such as Havelock and Kadmat, are famous for tourism but are not linked to the Jal Mahotsav branding. Recognising the connection between Madhya Pradesh tourism and Hanuwantiya Island is the key to solving this question.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall which state hosts the Jal Mahotsav water carnival. It is Madhya Pradesh.
Step 2: Within Madhya Pradesh, the festival is held on an island in the Indira Sagar Dam reservoir, known as Hanuwantiya Island.
Step 3: Compare this with the given options. Havelock Island is in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kadmat Island is in Lakshadweep, and Munroe Island is in Kerala.
Step 4: None of these other islands are associated with Jal Mahotsav publicity campaigns.
Step 5: Therefore, Hanuwantiya Island matches the well-known tourism initiative for India's biggest water carnival.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify your answer by remembering promotional images and brochures of Madhya Pradesh Tourism, which often use slogans such as “The heart of incredible India” and showcase Jal Mahotsav at Hanuwantiya Island. Media coverage and government press releases also consistently identify Hanuwantiya as the venue for the country's largest water carnival, featuring activities like parasailing, jet skiing, hot air balloon rides, and cultural performances.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Havelock Island: Located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, famous for beaches like Radhanagar Beach, but not known for the Jal Mahotsav water carnival.
- Kadmat Island: Part of the Lakshadweep archipelago and popular for coral reefs and scuba diving, but not associated with this specific festival.
- Munroe Island: Situated in Kerala's Ashtamudi Lake region and known for backwaters, but again not linked to the Jal Mahotsav branding.
Common Pitfalls:
Because the name Jal Mahotsav suggests a coastal or island setting, many candidates wrongly associate it with famous sea islands like Havelock or Kadmat. However, the actual venue is an inland island in Madhya Pradesh, not an oceanic island. Another common error is to guess based on familiarity with popular beach destinations rather than the specific tourism campaign connected to Madhya Pradesh.
Final Answer:
India’s biggest water carnival, Jal Mahotsav, is organised every year on
Hanuwantiya Island in Madhya Pradesh.
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