Festivals in India is a time to celebrate when families and friends come together and spend some quality personal time. It is the gateway to memories and good times for all.
India is known as the land of festivals. The religious diversity of the nation has made it rich in festivals too. Here there are numerous festivals celebrated by people that are from different regions and religions. These festivals are celebrated in spite of cultural differences with complete harmony.
The numerous festivals that are celebrated in India is a manifestation of its traditions and rich culture. Out of all the exciting festivals and celebrations that happen in India across them here, some of the major ones are mentioned below:
- Diwali which is celebrated in November
- EidulFitr or Ramadan Eid
- Holi which is celebrated in March.
- Dussehra which is celebrated in October.
- Navratri which is celebrated in October.
- DurgaPuja which occurs in October.
- Janmashtami which occurs in September.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in September.
- Baisakhi which comes in April.
- Christmas is celebrated in December.
- Pongal which is celebrated in January.
- Onam which is celebrated in August.
- Easter is celebrated in April.
Let us understand about two of the main festivals in India in detail:
Diwali
Festival of lights: This is one of the most prominent festival celebrated in India. It is a Hindu festival, but it is celebrated with a great show and pomp by people of all culture throughout the nation. It is characterized by houses that are decorated with clay lamps, lanterns, and rangoli. Some people also use candles, and Ashok leaves to decorate house during Diwali. Laxmi puja is an important ritual in Diwali. People wear new clothes, do puja, share sweets, chakli, burst firecrackers with their friends, family and neighbors.
Importance: This festival is celebrated to mark the return from exile of Lord Rama and his wife Sita along with brother Laxmana, after 14 years.
Key Attractions: The festival includes decoration of home with fancy lights, clay lamps, and candles. Fireworks, crackers, sweets and bustling shops in the market.
When: This festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik on the darkest new moon night according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It is celebrated in October or November of the Gregorian Calendar.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Festival of sweet festivities and sumptuous buffets.
Eid is one of the prime festivals of the Muslim community in India. It is celebrated to complete the fasting period of Ramadan. Sheer Khurma is a special sweet dish which is made at this festival. People wear new dresses and fineries and attend a special prayer in the morning, after which they visit friends and family and exchange sweets. Children are given eidi which is a gift or money by elders on this day.
Importance: It signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan wherein Muslims observes fasting.
Key Attractions: Mosques and markets are beautifully decked up, morning namaaz is performed at the mosques on Eid, and sweet dishes are prepared.
When: It is celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwal according to the lunar Hijri calendar.
Conclusion
India is a land of festivals and if you want to enjoy different festivals belonging to varying cultures and traditions, then India is the best place to reside. These festivals bring people closer and show the unity in diversity present in the nation.
Comments are closed.