Indian Festival- India is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions, and numerous festivals (Numerous Indian Festival) are held throughout the year. Some of the most significant festivals held in India are.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Hindu festival which is celebrated annually in India and other parts of the world. It usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
The festival is celebrated by lighting oil lamps and candles, decorating houses with colourful lights and rangolis, exchanging gifts and sweets, and bursting firecrackers. The light of lamps and candles is thought to symbolise the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. The festival also serves as an opportunity for family gatherings and feasts on traditional Indian specialties.
Holi
Holi is a popular Hindu festival in India and Nepal. It is also called the Festival of Colours and the Festival of Love. The festival generally falls at the end of February or early March, according to the Hindu calendar.
During Holi, people also exchange treats and traditional specialties, and visit friends and family to wish them a happy Holi. Music and dance are an integral component of the festival, and people gather in public places to sing and dance together.
Holi is a joyful and dynamic Indian festival that gathers people from all walks of life, without distinction of caste, creed or social status. This is the time to let go of differences, forgive past grievances and celebrate the spirit of love and friendship. The festival has gained popularity in other parts of the world too, and is now celebrated by people from various cultures and origins.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the most popular Indian festival and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. The festival is usually held in August or September, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
The festival is celebrated over a period of 10 days, with the installation of beautiful idols of Lord Ganesha in homes and public pandals. To seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha, who is considered the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings, devotees offer prayers, sing devotional songs and perform aarti.
On the last day of the festival, the idols are transported in large processions to be immersed in bodies of water such as rivers, lakes and the sea. This ritual of immersing the idols is called Ganesh Visarjan, which symbolizes the return of Lord Ganesha to his home in Mount Kailash. The processions are accompanied with music, dance and songs.
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is not only a religious festival, but also a social and cultural event that brings people together, regardless of their caste, belief or social status. It is an occasion to feast on traditional delicacies, exchange gifts and enjoy the festivities with family and friends.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is among the most important festivals on the Islamic calendar. That is the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe fasting, prayer and reflection. The festival is also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and is held for three days, although the exact duration may vary according to the region.
Eid al-Fitr starts by observing the new moon, which signals the end of Ramadan. On Eid morning, Muslims get up early, take a bath and wear fresh or clean clothes. Afterwards, they attend Eid prayers, which usually take place in mosques or open spaces.
After the prayers, people greet one another with the sentence “Eid Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid.” Families and friends often exchange presents and share traditional dishes that vary by region. In some countries, it is customary to give money or presents to children during Eid.
Eid al-Fitr is a time for forgiveness, gratitude, and celebration. This is an occasion for Muslims to reflect upon their spiritual growth during Ramadan and to renew their commitment to their faith. The festival is also an opportunity for family and friends to come together, strengthen ties and build a community.Top of Form
Christmas
Christmas is an important celebration for Christians in India, especially in the states of Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated on the 25th of December each year, and it is a national holiday in India. In certain parts of India, particularly in Goa and Kerala, traditional Christmas dishes are prepared, such as vindaloo, sorpotel, and plum cake. People also exchange gifts and treats among themselves, and it is customary to visit family and friends over the holidays.
In many cities, particularly in metropolitan areas, Christmas is celebrated by people of every denomination. Shopping centers and markets are decorated with Christmas themes, and special events and shows are organised to celebrate the festival. On the whole, Christmas in India is a time of joy and celebration, marked by the gathering of people from various communities and origins to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Other Indian Festival
Navratri
Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival (Indian Festival) which takes place in various parts of India. The Navratri festival is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga Mata and her nine avatars, each of them represents a different aspect of femininity and strength.
During the festival (Navratri), people fast and follow strict dietary restrictions, and visit temples to offer prayers to the goddess Durga. On the eighth or ninth day, depending on the region, Kanya Puja or Kanjak Pujan is performed, where young girls are worshipped and offered food and gifts.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is a significant Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims around the world. It is generally celebrated within the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.
On the day of Eid al-Adha, Muslims wake up early and pray in congregational mosques or outdoors. After the prayers, they greet each other and exchange gifts and sweets. They also sacrifice animals like sheep, goats following the example of the prophet Ibrahim, and distribute the meat to family, friends and the poor.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a large Hindu festival (Indian Festival) held in India, especially in the state of West Bengal and in other parts of the country and also in Nepal and Bangladesh. The festival is normally held in September or October and lasts 10 days.
The Durga Puja celebration marks the victory of good over evil, and celebrates the triumph of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is also known as Navaratri, as it stretches over nine nights and ten days, with the 10th day being celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival (Indian Festival) which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most loved and revered divinities of Hinduism. We also call it Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami or quite simply Janmashtami.
The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and joy, with devotees performing a variety of rituals and ceremonies to honor the divinity. One of the most popular traditions is the Dahi Handi, where people form human pyramids to break a jar filled with curd which is suspended at a height.
Onam
Onam is a great harvest feast held in the Indian state of Kerala. This is a 10-day festival which usually falls in the month of August or September, and it is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Kerala.
Over the ten days of the festival, people from Kerala decorate their homes with flower mats, prepare elaborate feasts, and participate in a variety of cultural events and competitions. One of Onam’s most iconic features is the traditional dance called Thiruvathira Kali, which is performed by groups of women in colourful dress.
Pongal
Pongal is a harvest festival held principally in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This is a four-day festival that generally falls in mid-January and is one of the largest festivals in the state.
During Pongal, people decorate their homes with colorful rangolis (decorative patterns made with rice or coloured powder) and flowers. They also put on new clothes and pray to the sun god, Surya, who would be the source of life and energy.
One of the most important rituals of the festival is the boiling of the first harvested rice in a clay pot, which is done in the morning of the first day of the festival.
Pongal’s second day is known as Mattu Pongal, who is dedicated to livestock. On this day, cows and bulls are decorated with colorful paints and flowers. The third day of Pongal, known as Kanum Pongal, is a day for relaxation and visiting friends and family.
Baisakhi
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a large festival celebrated in the north of India, especially in the state of Punjab. It is generally celebrated on the 13th or 14th of April each year and marks the beginning of the new Hindu solar year.
On that day, people awaken early, bathe in rivers or lakes, and visit gurudwaras or temples to offer prayers. They also take part in the Nagar Kirtans, which are processions led by the Sikh community, singing hymns and praying. In the evening, people get together for cultural shows like Bhangra and Gidda, which are traditional Punjabi dances.
Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a Sikh festival that celebrates the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev, the earliest Sikh guru and founder of Sikhism. It is one of the most important festivals of Sikhism and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and dedication by Sikhs worldwide.
The day is marked by the recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib and the offering of Langar (communal meal) to all, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu celebration in honour of Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. It is observed on the 14th day of the dark night of the 15th of Phalguna, which falls between February and March in the Gregorian calendar.
On this day, Lord Shiva devotees observe a fast and remain awake all night, singing prayers, mantras and bhajans singing to the praise of Lord Shiva. They visit the temples of Shiva, perform Abhishekam (ritual bath of Shiva Linga) and offer flowers, fruits and other offerings to the divinity.
These are just some of the many festivals held in India, and every festival (Indian Festival) has its meaning, traditions and customs. There are 29 states in India and various festivals are celebrated in various ways in each state.
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