Upcoming Festivals In India(2009)

Independence Day ) – It is a national festival and the most important patriotic remembrance of India. India got its independence in 15th August 1947 from the British rule. The day is observed as national holiday and celebrated to commemorate the birth of world’s biggest democracy.

At that day prime minister of India hoist the flag at Red Fort and gives a speech. Recently, kite flying has become a popular event and people can be seen flying numerous kites of colors, sizes and shapes symbolizing the freedom. Schools and people hoist the national flag through out the country and put them up on the rooftops and the buildings. It is a day of celebration across India and people of all age are in a holiday mood.

Raksha Bandhan - The festival is an auspicious and emotional moment for brother and sister. In India, relationship between brother and sister is considered as divine and this particular day epitomizes the relationship in a special way. In this particular day sister tie a sacred thread of protection around their brother’s wrist. It is believed that by accepting the thread, the brother is bound to protect his sister from any harm.

Janmashthami -
Janmashtami is one of the biggest festivals of India that celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. Major celebration occurs at midnight as Krishna is believed to have made his divine incarnation in that hour. The festival is pious for Hindus specially women, they sing, hymn chanting, and perform puja on this day. People queue in front of temples and keep fast for the whole day. One of the main events of Janmasthami is dahi handi. It is great fun to see the event. It takes generally on the second day of the festival. An earthen pot containing a mixture of milk, dry fruits, ghee is hung around 20-30 feet high in the air with the help of rope. Young people make a human pyramid by standing one on top of the other, trying to break the pot while the onlooker keep distract them by throwing water to them. Breaking of pot is followed by prize distribution.

Ganesh Chaturthi- Ganesh Chaturthi is the birth celebration of Indian pot bellied elephant god. On the festival day it was placed on raised platforms in their home or outside. Ganesh Chaturthi is especially famous in Maharashtra where most of the people revere Lord Ganesha as their main deity. The statues are installed in different corners of the streets and decorated with colorful lighting, mirror and the most common flowers. The biggest attraction is the procession during the last day of the festival when statues are carried on decorated floats to be immersed in the sea after one, three, five, seven and ten days. this processions and immersions are accompanied by drum beats, devotional songs and dance.

Onam (12th September) - Onam is one of many annual harvest festivals, which is celebrated in the state of Kerala. The most important thing is onakkodi that means new clothes that are worn in the day of Onam. Onam sadya is another important aspect of the festival that is actually a feast served on banana leaves and serves with rice and minimum of four dishes. The colorful pookkalam is a multi colored floral decoration that usually decorates on the ground in front of houses. But the main attractions for tourist’s as well local people are the famous snake boat race. Around 100 oarsmen row huge and graceful snake boats.

Durga Puja – Durga Puja is one of the biggest celebrations India, especially in West Bengal. Huge pandals with attractive designs are made in the whole state in different corners. Here also like Ganesh Chaturthi different statues are installed in different corners of the streets and decorated with lighting.

In this day people wear new clothes, jewelry and other finery to participate in the Durga Puja celebration. The main attraction is undoubtedly the magnificent pandals that are made in different themes.

Navratri(30th September to 9th October) – Navratri meaning nine nights, is the worship of nine forms of shakti, or divine energy of the goddess Durga. This festival is especially famous in north India. People buy new clothes, jewelry and other house hold items.

ID-ul – Fitr – ID ul Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival that celebrated throughout the country with much pomp and glory. It commemorates the end of fasting during Islamic holy month of Ramadan or Ramzan. Sighting of new moon is an important aspect for commencement of this festival. Like many Hindu festivals, Muslims also buy new clothes, make delicious dishes, decorate their houses and exchange sweets as a part of the gaieties.

Diwali – Perhaps the most important festival in north India, Diwali epitomize light and consider as a festival of light. it is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Ram and his wife Sita to Ayodhya . It is festival of light and thus the streets and home are decorated with lights. This is also celebrated as Lakshmi Puja, who is the goddess of wealth.

Christmas – Christmas is celebrated annually on 25th December to mark the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated in India with much pomp and glory. Christmas trees are decorated and people exchange gifts among themselves. A lot of lightning and decoration is done on Christmas Eve.

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