What do the festivals of India signify?
India is a country representing harmonious combinations of various faiths
and sects. It is known world over for its brilliant unity in diversity. The
colourful festivals of the country impart unparalleled beauty to this
amazing land. Most popular of the many festivals are Holi, Dussehra, Diwali,
Id, Janmashtami and Makar Sankranti. There is no better option to gain an
insight into the chromatic culture of the country than taking part in its
grand and pompous festivals.
Which are the popular festivals?
» Holi
Holi, a festival of mirth and glee, is one of the most buoyant festivals of
the Hindus. It is celebrated on the Full Moon day in the month of Phagun as
per the Hindu Calender, continuing for three consecutive days. As per the
English calendar, it is the month of March. The festival heralds the arrival
of Spring, the season of hope and new beginnings. During the festival, all
the towns, cities
,
and villages go merry-making. Men, women and children including the elderly
appear funny an ridiculous. The people spurt colours on one another. The
festival is known as Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima in Bengal and Shimga in
Maharashtra. On the eve of the festival, large bonfires are lit up with logs
of wood, cow-dung cakes, ghee, honey and the freshly brought new crop from
the fields.
» Dussehra or Durga Pooja
Dussehra or Durgapuja is a grand ten-day festival of the Hindus. It
symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Huge effigies of Ravana, the
wicked king, is set on fire to mark the defeat of Evil. People crowd around
as the effigy explodes making them all cheerful. Images of Goddess Durga is
installed and worshipped for four days before finally immersing it into the
river. A long procession can be seen following as the idol is taken for
immersion.
» Diwali
Diwali or the festival of lights falls after 21 days of Dussehra. It
commemorates the arrival of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 long years in
exile. innumerable oil lamps and candles are lit in and around the houses.
The night seems truly enchanting.
» Id
Id is a grand festivals of the Muslims. The festival marks the end of 30
days of fasting known as Ramadan. It is the time when the Muslims prepare
themselves to be devotional and pious all the year round. They try not to
deviate from the Path that Allah has shown to them. They go to visit their
near and dear ones after finishing the Id-prayer. Delicious dishes are
prepared for the guests.
» Janmashtami
The festival of Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. It
is celebrated all over the country with great pomp and ceremoney. Special
Janmashtami celebrations can be witnessed in Mathura and Brindaban, where
Lord Krishna spent his childhood days, are the special
Janmashtami-celebration sites. During the festival, prayers are offered and
religious hymns are chanted in temples. Various scenes from Lord Krishna's
life are also enacted.
» Maha Shivratri
Though Maha Shivratri is celebrated all over India, the true spirit of the
festival can be best observed at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The Shiv-lingam
is worshipped with the accompaniment of all the religious rite and rituals.
Devotees and worshippers keep fast all day and keep vigil throughout the
night. At the end of the day, they break their fast, taking the ritual-bath
to purify themselves to the depth of their souls. deep within. They wear new
clothes and wash the Shivlingam with milk, observing other religious
rituals.
»
Saraswati Pooja
The Saraswati Pooja, also known as the Vasant Panchami is observed almost
throughout the country. It hold a special significance in the state of West
Bengal. Godess Saraswati symbolises learning and wisdom. Idols of the
goddess are installed in towns and cities. The ancient scripture
'Padampurana' depicts Godess Saraswati as sitting on a white flowering
Lotus, dressed in immaculate clothes with a white bead-studded necklace
round the neck and holding a Vina.
» Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti, is looked upon as the most auspicious day by the Hindus.
Different states call it by different names- in south it is Pongal, in Uttar
Pradesh it is Kichri, in Bundelkhand and in Madhya Pradesh it is called
Sukarat or Sakarat. It symbolises the victory of Order over Chaos and Love
over Hate. The tribals in the country light bonfires, dance and eat their
dishes. For them it is the start of their New Year.
» Poila Baisakh
Poila Baisakh or the Bengali New Year falls on the first day of the month
of Baisakh. The Bengalis sing and dance, playing regional games and flying
kites. The festival marks prosperity, hopes and new beginnings. With
powdered rice, Rangoli (Colorful design) is drawn on the floors. The
festival can be best observed in the state of West Bengal.
