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Whether you live in abroad or in India, you simply cannot take out that zest of celebrating the Indian festivals. India is a country loaded with a bouquet of diversity right from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to the seven sister states. One witnesses a plethora of festivals amid the year that bring joy and happiness. Our cultures and traditions are so rich that every month of the year brings along some or the other festival with it. Excited to know what festival awaits next? Alright, read on about the religious festivals of India.
Makar Sankranti festival is a harvesting festival that is celebrated with a zest and marks the end of harvesting season. It also signifies about the return of longer days. The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated in different ways like kite flying in states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab. Pongal is celebrated like Makar Sankranti when the sun shifts its celestial path to the tropic of Capricorn. The Tamilians all across the world celebrate Pongal with a great enthusiasm and make offerings to the Sun God.
Holi khele Raghuveera Awadh mei, Holi Khele Raghuveera is hummed during the colorful season of holi. Holi is a vibrant festival that is celebrated on a global scale. The people immerse themselves completely in the joy and apply colors on each other. A bonfire is organized to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the next day people indulge in playful activities.
Easter is a religious festival that represents the resurrection of Christ. Easter falls exact after 2 days when Jesus was hanged on the cross. The churches are decorated beautifully, all day long prayers are held and people bedeck the eggs. Sumptuous lamb dishes are prepared and offered to the underprivileged to spread brotherhood and equality among all.
Maha Shivratri is an auspicious day for the Hindus. This day is celebrated as the day when Lord Shiva tied the nuptial knot with Goddess Parvati. All the temples are ornamented beautifully, especially the ones that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the devotees flock in a large number to offer their prayers. The beguiling processions are taken out that catch the sight.
Eid is another major festival that is celebrated throughout the world. The month of Ramadan is observed prior Eid. All the Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The iftaar parties are organized where scrumptious delicacies are served. On the day of Eid, all the Muslims wear new clothes and offer namaz in the mosques. The sewaiyan is prepared and shared with all nears & dears.
Janmashatami is another major festival celebrated by the Hindus all across the globe. The day denotes when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Krishna on earth. The temples, on the occasion of Janmashtami, are embellished beautifully and hundreds of devotees flock at the first stroke of mid-night to offer their prayers. The ISKCON temples worldwide and pilgrim cities like Mathura & Vrindavan get flooded by the devotees of Shri Krishna.
Durga Puja and Dussehra are auspicious Hindu festivals. Durga Puja is celebrated for 9 days and is also known as Navratri. Goddess Durga is worshipped in her 9 forms and sumptuous devotional offerings are made. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth and signifies the victory of good over evil. The effigies of Ravana are burnt all over the country.
Commonly known as the Festival of Lights, Deepawali is a Hindu festival that is celebrated with zeal. This cultural festival marks the home coming of Lord Rama after 14 years of exile. Everyone embellish their homes with lights and diyas. Lord Ganesha along Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped. The people exchange gifts and wish for well being for each other.
Buddha Purnima is observed as a felicitous day by the followers of Buddhism. This day marks the birth as well the day he attained enlightenment. The monasteries are ornamented and the devotees visit to offer special prayers. Bodh Gaya in India is the place where a vast number of Buddhists gather on this day.
Losar Festival is the Tibetan Buddhist New Year that is celebrated by the Buddhists on a wide scale. This day marks the emergence of Buddhism in Tibet and is celebrated with a great enthusiasm. The chhaang, a Tibetan beer, is drunk by the people and grand feasts are organized that marks a grand welcome to the Tibetan Buddhist New Year.
Christmas doesnt need any introduction as it is the most popular and widest celebrated festival across the globe. This festival marks the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christians, along with enthusiastic non-Christians, worldwide offer their prayers to the holy child in the beguiling churches. The Christmas tree is decorated in homes and Santa Claus ushers to the children with gifts.
The diversity of India speaks about everything. Right from the traditions, culture till the cuisines, our country is exotic and exuberant in all the four directions. All the citizens of this marvelous country celebrate the festivals filled with effervescence. The manner may differ but all the festivals of India preach one message of peace and humanity among all the groups.
