Vibrant Colors of India – Festivals

Incredible India

A very huge country celebrates every day of a year as a festival. People of India celebrate all the festivals with great joy and happiness. Festivals which India celebrates are Diwali, Holi, Rakhi, Eid, New Year, Christmas, Vijaya Dashmi and Onam etc. India is a unique country with national, local, religious and seasonal celebrations which fill various colors in one’s life.

Major Festivals

Guru Purnima: Celebrated in the month of Ashadh – July or August according to Hindu, Guru Purnima is celebrated in honor of the birth of Maharishi Veda Vyasa. On this day Gurus are worshipped by their disciples. Especially, this fest is celebrated in the ashram of Sivananda, Rishikesh.

Raksha Bandhan: The festival of love, compassion, sacrifices and protection, Rakhi is a holy thread of protection decorated with the love of a sister for her brother. In the month of Shravan – July or Sugust, Rakhi is celebrated mostly in north and western region of India. It is also renowned in other parts of India.

Ganesh Chaturthi: This festival is devoted to Ganesh. Devotional songs, dances, drum beats are the main parts of procession and hence this fest becomes more energetic. It is celebrated on Bhadarva Sud 4^th mostly in the states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Janamashtami: Known as Krishnastami or Gokulastami, Janamashtami is a festival dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna. On this day, devotees do fast, bhajans and puja. An idol of lord is offered bhog full of Fruits, kheer, pedha, milk, and milk products. The main attraction of Janamashtami is chappan bhog- 56 dishes which are offered to Bal Gopal. This is celebrated in months of August-September.

Radhasthami: Radhasthami is closely linked with the divine mystery of Sri Radha-Krishna. The idea and spiritual importance is associated with legends. On this day, Radha Krishna is attractively embellished with flowers. Devotees worship Radha along with Lord Krishna in August- September.

Nagapanchami: A festival dedicated to snake-god, Nagpanchami comes on the fifth day (panchami) of the fortnight. On the fifth day of Shravan, people worship Nāga Devata. Devotees visit temples worship the snakes. Snakes are offered milk and silver jewelry to protect from all evils. People fast on this day. This festival is celebrated from July to August. Mostly, Punjab and Bengal celebrated this fest to the fullest.

Sri Ramanavami: Dedicated to lord Rama, this festival comes on the ninth day of the month Chaitra – April. The festival is associated with the birth of Rama. The chief attraction in this procession is decorated chariot especially in states such as Bihar and U.P.

Diwali - the Festival of Lights: Festival of Lights is one of the major festivals of India. People celebrate this fest with great joy and excitement in the month of October or November. During Diwali people visit the places of their relatives and greet for New Year. Lakshmi goddess of wealth is welcomed in the decorated houses with lamps and diyas. People wear new clothes, fire crackers offer sweets to their friends and relatives. People of all the regions celebrate this fest.

Basant Panchami: An advent of spring, Basant Panchami is feted as Saraswati Puja. Devotees gain blessings from this goddess. This festival occurs in the month of January-February. During this festival, yellow color is given major importance. Worshippers visit temples and do prayers to several gods. Women prepare kesar halwa. On this festival, Sarswati is adorned especially in Bengal.

Holi - Festival of Colour: Holi is celebrated with great joy and wild abandon. It is also known as a spring harvesting festival. On this day people lit bonfire. They sing songs and dance around bonfire. This festival is not only for children but elders also celebrate this fest with spraying colorful colors. This festival needs big time planning. Baskets and barrels are filled colorful balloons in which water is filled. This festival is celebrated in March in the states especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat Maharashtra.

Mahashivaratri: The history of this fest is linked with lord of Mount Kailas-Lord. During this festival, only cold water and leaves of bael are offered. According to history, other traditional offerings are also served. Worshippers use milk and Panchamruta – a blend of curd, milk, ghee, honey and sugar. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the god of adjournment. Mahashivaratri is celebrated in the month of February or March. Major states like Rajasthan, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh celebrate this festival.

A realm of various traditions and cultures, India appears as light with its splendid festivals. It is rich in its diversity of festivals. Indians take part with harmony in each and every festival; they enjoy freedom to practice any religion in India. With lot of excitement and prosper, Indian festivals are celebrated.