With so many states, different religions, people and over a million Gods
to please, practically everyday in India can be celebrated as some festival
or the other. Of the numerous festivals celebrated all over the country,
some of the most popular ones are celebrated by one and all.
| Diwali | |
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Is the one Hindu festival that unites the whole
of India. It is traditionally known as the "festival of lights",
for the common practice, is to light small oil lamps (called diyas)
and place them everywhere. Irrespective of their religious and economic
background, the festival is celebrated throughout the country to ward
off the darkness and welcome light into life as light is always associated
with hope for the future. The celebration of the festival is customarily
accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. |
| Holi | |
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The ancient festival of Holi celebrates an
ultimate triumph of the 'good' over the 'evil'. Literally "Holi"
signifies "burning" in Indian language. The reference
to Holi is found Indian mythology, where Prahlad, son of Hiranyakashipu,
triumphed over is father’s evil ways with his persistent reverence
to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu appeared as “Narasimha”
the lion avatar (incarnation) to destroy Hiranyakashipu, the manifestation
of evil. Holi is also linked to to Krishna, another avatar of Lord
Vishnu. Krishna was known for his charming ways with the village
belles and liked to indulge in playful pranks like smearing coloured
powder on them and teasing them. This playfulness gave the “colourful”
dimension to Holi. It is perhaps the only festival in the world
which is truly a riot of colours. |
| Eid | |
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Coming with the new moon, the festival marks the end of 'Ramadan' - a month when Muslims fast throughout the day and eat only at night Prayers, feasts and family get- together are the major highlights of the celebrations. It was during this month that the holy Koran was revealed. Eid means recurring happiness or festivity. Eid is celebrated in India with much enthusiasm and fervour and Muslims and Hindus alike. Greetings of "Eid-Mubarak" or "a blessed Eid" are exchanged with one and all. A very important aspect of Eid is the charity, which all the Muslims are expected to extend to the needy. |
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| Raksha Bandhan | |
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Rakhi holds immense significance in Indian cultural ethos. The custom of celebrating Rakhi started in Vedic times and even today brothers and sisters consider it must to celebrate the occasion in traditional manner. When brothers are away sisters send Rakhi to them and express their love. Accepting the Rakhi with grace brothers send Return gifts to their sister. This loving gesture goes a long way in strengthening brother sister relationship and building stronger family ties. The importance of Raksha Bandhan is same as Diwali festival in India. |
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