Festivals

FESTIVALS OF INDIA

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Festivals of India

India is one of the ancient countries of the world.  It has rich historical and cultural heritage.  With the passage of time various festivals emerged from the long tradition and practice.  In fact, festivals are spirit of a nation which unified the entire nation and on these occasions, people from different walks of life come together and celebrate these festivals.   India is a motherland of various religions. Here people of various religions such as Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrian etc. inhabit. Following are the major festivals celebrated in India.

Broadly festivals can be categorized into two parts.

Cultural Festivals

  1. Holi

It is known as the festival of colors. People of all religions, castes and creeds celebrate it with enthusiasm.  On the eve of Holi, Holika bonfires are made. Holi celebration begins on Phalgun Purnima which falls in the month of February end or early March. Holi festival is traced back in ancient India and in fact, it is the celebration of  the triumph of ‘good’ over ‘bad’. This festival bridges the social gap and refurbishes our relation with each other. On this day, people gather in open areas and apply colour on each other.

  1. Dusshera

Dussehra, is also one of the most popular festivals of India. It is celebrated throughout the country.   For ten days there is a festive seasons across the country. Ramlila is held everywhere.  On the day of  Ravan Dahan  huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakaran are burnt.

  1. Diwali

Diwali is celebrated throughout the country.  This is the festival of lights.  On this day Lakshmi Puja is performed and houses are decorated with candles, clay lamps etc.  On the occasion of Diwali, people burst crackers and  greet each other.  Sweets and gifts are shared on this day. This is the high time when friends, families, and neighbors meet each other. It is celebrated in the month of October or November.  Though it is a Hindu festivals but people all   over the country celebrate it with great joy.

  1. Navratri

Navratri, as the name suggests, is nine days celebration organized throughout India.  People, especially women keep fasts and worshipped Goddess Durga or Amba (Power). Navratri is celebrated twice in a year, in the beginning of spring and at the beginning of autumn.

  1. Durga Puja

Durga Puja is celebrated in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, …