India,
the land of diverse religion, language and culture is also known for its
numerous festivals celebrated by people of different faiths. Most of the
festivals have religious associations and other are related to change of
season and harvesting. Every region has its own unique festivals displaying
the tradition, culture and life of the people of India. Music, dance,
colour, prayers, feasts, rituals, processions are major parts of Indian
festival. Some of the widely celebrated festivals of India are given below.
National Festivals
» Republic Day - Celebrated every year on 26th
January and there are formal events including march past and flag hosting in
all capitals of the states. In the National capital Delhi, one can see a
most spectacular celebration including march past of the three wings of the
armed forces, massive parades, folk songs & dances of different regions
showing the unity and diversity.
» Independence Day - The Independence Day of August
15th commemorates the day in 1947, when India achieved freedom from British
Rule. Flag hoisting ceremony and cultural programmes are organised in every
state capital. Prime Minister's speech at the Red Fort, Delhi is a major
attraction of this day. A national holiday is announced for this day.
» Gandhi Jayanti - The day October 2
is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the father of the nation, Mahatma
Gandhi. Also known as Bapu, he played a significant role in achieving
independence for India. It is a national holiday and prayers are held in
Rajghat, in all state capitals and in all Gandhian institutions.
Popular Festivals
»
Diwali - Known as the festivals of light, it is one of the widely
celebrated festivals of India. It is celebrated with lights, crackers and
sweets in all over India. Diwali marks the victory of good over evil.
» Dussehra - This festival is dedicated to the
goddess Durga and is celebrated for her victory over the demon Mahishasura
according to Hindu mythology. This 10 days long festival consists of several
cultural programmes related to the story of Lord Rama and is celebrated with
great fanfare.
» Holi - The festival of colours or Holi is
celebrated on the arrival of spring seasons. People throw colour powder and
water at each other and is celebrated publicly. The legend behind the
festival talks about that when a wicked king Hiranya Kashyapu tried to
prevent his son Prahlad from worshiping Lord Vishnu, with the help of his
sister Holika ; Prahlad escapes with the grace of Lord and Holika was burnt
to death. Holi also symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
» Id - Id also known as Id-ul-Fitr is the most
important festival for Muslims. It is celebrated with the end of Islamic
holy month of Ramadan(month of fasting).
» Christmas - It is one of the famous
festival widely celebrated throughout the world. It marks the birth of Jesus
Christ and is celebrated on December 25th every year.
Besides the above mentioned festivals, numerous other festivals are
celebrated with great joy. Some other well known festivals in India include
Baisakhi, Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthy, Janmashtami, Guru Purnima and
many more.
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