India is often referred to as the land of the festival. Throughout the year various festivals are celebrated all over the country. There are different types of people based on religious, cultural background and caste exists in the country. There is so much of diversity in India but still, citizen lives in a completely harmonious way. India is a secular country offers its citizens freedom of practicing any religion and culture unless it creates communal disharmony. During Major religious festivals, they forget all enmities and open their arms to every visitor. These festivals are celebrated amidst much fanfare and on most occasions, people from different community join each other in their moment of joy.
People in India have a lot of respect for each other’s religion. These major festivals in India have usually celebrated in every part of the country a different name. Although The celebrations are done in the form of traditional rituals or prayers, exchanging of friendship, seeking blessing, beautifying the house, dancing, wearing new clothes and feasting.
The large population across the vast region of India is consisting of different religions that celebrate their own religious festivals. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism are major religions in India, among others. Some festivals are unique to local regions while there are other vibrant festivals celebrated throughout the country.
The following describes some of the widely celebrated festivals in India.
Durga Puja and Dussehra
Durga Puja, one of the biggest and most popular festivals in the country of the Hindus. This festival is in the worship of the Hindu Goddess of Power, Goddess Durga. Although this religious festival is a ten-day affair, observation of rituals and ceremonies are performed in the last six days. The last day of Durga Puja is known as Dashmi or Dussehra. The festival takes place generally between the months of September and November and is widely celebrated in Eastern India. States from other parts such as Delhi and Karnataka also celebrate this festival. Thus, we can say that the celebration of this festival takes place with great gusto all over India.
Diwali or Deepawali for the Indians is the festivals of lights and is celebrated grandly throughout the country. As India depicts a diverse cultural heritage, every region celebrates Diwali in its own special and unique ways as the visitors on different tours will witness. However, the history behind the celebration of Diwali is the same throughout all regions and is based on the legendary victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravan. Mainly, five days are observed as Diwali. Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi Diwali or Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj are the five days of the Diwali celebrations. Each of these days has its own connotation and history related to the divine celebration.
Holi is celebrated in almost all regions in India during March, the religious festival of colors. It signifies the victory of good over evil and celebrations are through a carnival of colors. The main occasion takes place on the day of full moon in March every year. This popular festival is celebrated throughout India. Holi started in Mathura at Vrindavan which is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. People celebrate this day smearing each other’s face with colors.
Janmashtami signifies the day of the birth of Lord Krishna, who is the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It usually takes place in the month of August or September. It’s a big highlight for the people of Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna and celebrate it by offering their prayers.
Ram Navami signifies the birthday of Lord Rama. The celebration of Ram Navami takes place on the ninth day of “Sukla Paksha” in the months of March and April as determined by the Hindu calendar. The day of the major festival begins with the offering of prayers to the sun and then singing devotional songs during the midday, the time when Lord Rama was believed to be born.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is dedicated to the Remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva. It is a ten-day long festival. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great gusto in Maharashtra and other South Indian states. People buy Ganesh idols and worship it for ten continuous days. During this festival, cultural programmes and feasts are also held to liven up the auspicious day.
The festival of Basant Panchami is celebrated by the Hindus as “Saraswati Puja”. It normally falls every year on the month of February. This festival marks the start of the Holi festival and altogether spring season. On this day, people worship the Goddess Saraswati, the one who bestows knowledge, culture, and music.
The major religious festivals in India take place according to the planetary calendar. Throughout these bright events, citizens of all sects, castes, and religions join together to celebrate these joyous occasions. Marches are held, prayers are put forward, presents are given and taken and people celebrate by dancing and singing during these colorful events. Although Passing out the factual colors of the affluent Indian culture, the fairs and festivals of India contribute a significant part in alluring tourists to the country. These fairs and festivals are an essential ingredient of the life of the people of incredible India.Major religious festivals in India by Astrologer Amit