Indian festivals are a good way to get-together for social functions. To create an awareness of the heritage and culture that has been handed down to us for generations. These get together can enhance our mental and spiritual dimension that, if left in the dark, make us only poorer and less worthy of our heritage. The harvest festivals of the south, the immersion of Ganesh in Bombay, the car Festival of Puri, snake-boat races in Kerala, Republic Day in Delhi... every region, every religion has something to celebrate.
So make it a point to get a few of your friends together to celebrate and remember the age old traditions of the past.
It is difficult to transport the same enthusiasm and feeling for the festival when it occurs in India as the number of people recognizing it and celebrating it is far less and spread out. We have outlined some of the major festivals and celebrations held in India. We hope that this can be a starting point to understanding the vast culture and heritage of India.
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Republic Day
Every year, a grand Republic day parade is held in New Delhi, India's capital city to observe the anniversary of the Indian Republic. The Government of India spends a lot of energy and resources to put up a good show and the various government agencies spend the several months planning for the event. But for most Indians, born after the independence (in 1947), the day has lost its meaning and value. It has just become yet another day not to go to work or school.
Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival. This holy day marks the commencement of the Sun's northern course in the Heavens, known as the Uttaraayana patha. This turn in the Sun's course takes place at the point of time when it enters the sign of Makara or Capricorn. Interestingly, this is the only festival in Hindu calendar that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the fourteenth of January every year (all other Hindu festivals are computed using the lunar calendar). People take dip in the rivers and worship the sun. Gangasagar Mela is being organized near Calcutta where people come from all over India. In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by the flying of kites. In Hindu belief, a person dying on this auspicious day directly goes to the heaven. Bhishma, an elder in the epic of Mahabharata, is said to have waited for this day to breathe his last.
Pongal
Sankranti is termed as Pongal in Tamilnadu, and is celebrated with a popular dish with the same name. Kolams (Rangoli) and prayers constitute the celebration of the festival. People buy new clothes, ornaments, sugarcane and sweet candy for the festival. The farmers worship their harvested crops and share with friends and relatives. Women and young girls wear new clothes, wear golden and silver ornaments, volunteer different flowers and visit their relatives and friends. The zeal and the enthusiasm of the Tamilians come alive during the four day festival of Pongal which is the harvest festival of the Tamil Nadu. The Tamilians give it utmost importance. It is the biggest event of the year in Tamil Nadu. Pongal literally means "boiling over". The four day festival consists of Bhogi - Pongal, Surya - Pongal, Mattu - Pongal and Kanyapongal. The first day is devoted to the Rain God, Indran. The second day is celebrated in the honor of the Sun God Surya. In several places of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Jallikatu, a kind of bull fight is held. The third day is dedicated to honor and worship the cattle (mattu). On the last day colored balls of the Pongal are offered to birds. All houses display their collection of dolls for three days.
Kumbh Mela
It is also on this day of Makar Sankranti, every twelve years the
Great Kumbh-Mela is held at Prayag. The Kumbh Mela is considered to
be one of the most important religious events in India. The origin
of the festival lie in the ancient belief in the conflict between
the gods and the demons over the possession of the "Amrit Kumbh", a
pitcher filled with nectar.
This fair is celebrated in a twelve year cycle at 4 places –
Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik and Ujjain. The Ardh-Kumbha is
celebrated every six years. People, from all over the world, come to
participate in this momentous event, drawn by their curiosity about
the exotic traditions and the religious mysticism of India. At this
great festival (it is said to be the largest gathering of humans
anywhere) at Prayag, where Ganga, Yamuna and the subterranean
Saraswati meet, about two million pilgrims from all over the country
take a holy dip at the sangam (confluence of the above rivers),
while at other places over a million do the same in the holy rivers
of Krishna and Godavari. A large number of sadhus gather on the
banks of the Ganges to take a dip in the holy river and people bath
at the 'Har ke Pauri' Ghat at Haridwar on this auspicious occasion.
The noise baffles all description, the shout and cries of
ash-smeared sadhus come mingled with the neighing of horses, the
trumpeting of elephants, the grunts of camels, the bellowing of
bulls, and as if these are not enough, there are gongs and drums
beating, trumpets blaring, condishells blowing and bells ringing.
According to legends, once the gods and demons fought for a long
time, but neither could vanquish the other. In the meantime, they
came to know a pot (Kumbha) of nectar which was lying at the bed of
the ocean that could make the drinker immortal. For getting the
nectar (Amrit), they put the fabled Mandara Mountain as a churning
rod and the great serpent Vasuki as the churning string. They
eventually found the pot of nectar but the battle among the gods and
the demons continued and during the struggle, a few drops of the
nectar fell at Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. The war
ultimately resulted in victory for the gods and since then Kumbha
Mela is held in these places every twelve years. Religious
discourses, non-stop recitations of the Vedas, epics and the Puranas
are held in the camps, specially set up for the Kumbha Mela.
Tyagaraja Festival
The Tyagaraja festival is celebrated in the memory of Tyagaraja. Tyagaraja, a South Indian composer and saint was born in 1767. He has composed a number of Telugu songs in praise of Lord Rama. Many young poets and musicians are inspired by this man's amazing work. Every year, South Indian musicians assemble at Thiruvaiyaru - 13 kms from Tanjore, to sing in his praise. People, young and old, sing in perfect harmony. The melody is such that one cannot remain untouched by its sheer devotion and divine resonance.
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Taj Mahotsav
A
ten day event that starts on 18th to 27th February every year in
Shilpgram, Agra (on Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal). The Taj Mahotsav is
a much awaited event. India's extensive traditional, arts, crafts
and culture are on display. Folk music, shayari and classical dance
performances traditional games and a food festival, all add to the
excitement of the occasion.
Have your ever
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The Rajasthan is love for colour and joyous celebrations is proved by the elaborate rituals and the gay abandon with which he surrenders himself to the numerous fairs and festivals of the region. In addition to the festivals celebrated the Hindus, Muslims and others, there are also the traditional fairs. Among the better known fairs of Rajasthan are:
Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March-April)
The Elephant Festival is an
inimitable event held annually in Jaipur. Groomed flawlessly, rows
of elephants do a catwalk before an enthralled audience liked best
fashion models to make this festival an amazing one. The elephants
move with poise in pageant, run races, play the regal game of polo,
and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi. It is
festival time with elephants typically celebrated one day before the
Holi, Indian festival of colors.
Staged at Jaipur Chaugan Stadium elephants put up a variety
programme and the arena is brought alive with musician and dancer.
The crowd, which includes sizable presences of foreign and Indian
tourist, electrify the atmosphere. The festival starts with an
impressive procession of the majestic animals lovingly painted and
tastefully attired with glittering ornaments and embroidered
velvets. There are deadly and fierce elephant fights.
A ceremonial procession is recreated with caparisoned elephants,
lancers on horses, chariots, camels, cannons, and palanquins.
Elephant is the centre of attraction in the many races and beauty
pageants.
Most of the participants are female elephants. The mahouts (elephant
keepers) take great care to decorate the elephants painting their
trunks, foreheads, and feet with floral motifs and adorning them
from tusk to tail with interesting trinkets. Female elephants wear
anklets with and make music as they walk. The game of polo forms the
highlight of the festival. Dressed in saffron and red turbans, the
teams try to score goals with long sticks and a plastic football.
Finally, the tourists are invited to mount the elephants and play
Holi. Participants dance with great vigour and the excitement rising
to a crescendo.
The Rajput kings had extraordinary implication for elephants not
only during war but also during the royal festivities-a must at
royal pageant. Nishan-ka-hathi, the flag bearer, led the
procession. The king always mounted a caparisoned elephant. Special
hunting programs and elephant fights were organized to entertain the
royal guests. Jaipur was a favourite spot with the important
personalities of the British Raj and the Maharajas always arranged
for their guests of honour elephant rides up to the Amber palace.
Even today, the mahouts take tourists up to the Amber Palace on
elephant back like shuttle taxis.
Rajasthan Tourism revitalized the ritual by including the Elephant
Festival in the cultural calendar. The present-day pageant,
originated only a decade ago, was worked out especially with the
tourist in mind. The inclusion of the game of polo is more recent,
being inspired by a cartoon in Punch magazine that showed the Indian
polo team atop an elephant after it won all the international
tournaments. Every year on Holi, the old stadium at Jaipur, the
Chaugan (originally planned for elephants), makes the setting for a
stunning fete.
Teej, Jaipur (July-August)
Teej is the festival of swings. It marks the advent of monsoon month of Sawan (August). The monsoon rains fall on the parched land and the pleasing scent of the wet soil rises into the air. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days on the festive occasion which is watched by people in large numbers. The teej idol is richly decorated with ornaments and gaudy dresses. The Teej idol is covered with a canopy whereas the Gangaur idol is open.
Urs Ajmer-E-Sharif, Ajmer (According to Lunar calendar)
Held in the memory of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, it is an occasion of thousands of believers to congregate at the Shrine and offer their prayers.
Ganga Sagar Mela
Ganga Sagar Mela is the largest and the most important fair celebrated in West Bengal. This fair is held where a nexus is formed by Ganga and Bay of Bengal. Hence the name Ganga Sagar Mela. This festival is a major attraction for millions of pilgrims from all over India. It is said that a dip in the Ganga purifies their 'self' and thus 'punya' can be. A special 'puja' is performed which is offered to the Sun God as a thanksgiving for good harvest. It is also believed that the girls who take the holy dip get handsome grooms and the boys get beautiful brides.
Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami has a specific meaning, Basant means Spring, whereas Panchami means the fifth day of the spring. It falls on Panchami - on the Waxing Moon. The festival lies in the month of January-February. The young girls dressed in the diverse shades of yellow magnify the splendor of nature. Kite flying, a popular sport in India, is associated with the Basant Panchami day. It is a day for young crowd - no routine work, no studies, only merry making. In West Bengal, the day of Basant Panchami is dedicated to Goddess 'Saraswati' - the goddess of learning who bequeaths the greatest wealth to humanity, the wealth of knowledge. Hindu mythology depicts Saraswati as a pristine lady bedecked with white attire, white flowers and white pearls, sitting on a white lotus, which blooms in a wide stretch of water. The Goddess also holds Veena, a string-instrument, like Sitar, for playing music. The prayer of Sarasvati finally concludes as, "Oh Mother Sarasvati remove the darkness (ignorance) of my mind and bless me with the eternal knowledge." The festival is celebrated with great fervor in the university town of Santiniketan.
The festival is celebrated with full vivacity and festivity to mark the end of the winters. It is one of the first festivals of the Year and is celebrated all over India. The yellow color has great significance, people wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers in worship and put a yellow, turmeric tilak on their forehead. They visit temples and offer prayers to various gods. At home, kesar halva, also yellow in color, is prepared. The yellow flowers of mustard crop covers the entire field in such a way that it seems as if gold is spread over the land glittering with the rays of the sun.
Shivaratri
All over the country, Shivratri is observed as the night, when Lord Shiva danced the 'Tandav' - his cosmic dance. Fasts and prayers mark the day and devotees throng the temples. The major Shaivite temples at Varanasi, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu) are noted for their special celebrations.
Holi
Holi is one of the most boisterous of India's festival of colors,
coincides with the advent of spring, when nature is in full bloom.
It is the festival of colors and is celebrated by throwing colored
water and powder on each other. Holi is associated with the divine
love of Radha and Krishna, and is celebrated with special gusto in
the villages around Mathura, the birth-place of God Krishna.
Holi heralds the beginning of spring and is celebrated with great
enthusiasm all over India. According to a legend, Hiranya Kashyap,
the demon who ruled over 'Sapta Deep' believed himself to be more
powerful than God. He contemplated killing his youngest son Prahlad,
an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu after he refused to worship him as
God.
Holika, the demon's sister who possessed a divine, garment to
protect her from fire, agreed to enter the burning pyre with Prahlad
in her lap but got burnt herself. Huge bonfires are lit on the eve
of Holi as its symbolic representation. Holi thus signifies the
triumph of good over evil and is marked by grand festivities all
over India and particularly in the Braj area where it is celebrated
with great gaiety and fervour.
It is believed that Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, in
human form played holi with the Gopi's (cowherd maids) in the
ancient past. Keeping this tradition alive in Braj, Holi
celebrations last for more than a week and are marked by people
sprinkling colored water & smearing colored powder on each other.
The playful teasing of the Gopis by the Gopas (cowherd boys) is
enacted by groups of men and women through special Holi songs and
dances, called Rasiya. The festival of Holi is being celebrated
since centuries with the same zeal and zest.
Gangaur
The most important local festival in Rajasthan, Gangaur celebrations last for eighteen days. It is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated by girls and married women throughout Rajasthan. The images of Gauri are ornamented and offerings are made. This is also an auspicious day for young people to select their life partners. Colorful processions with the town band playing, horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle.
Gan is a synonym for Shiva and Gaur which stands for Gauri or
Parvati who symbolises saubhagya (marital bliss). Gauri is the
embodiment of perfection and conjugal love which is why the
unmarried women worship her for being blessed with good husbands,
while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of
their spouses and a happy married life.
The festival commences on the first day of Chaitra, the day
following Holi and continues for 18 days. For a newly-wedded girl,
it is binding to observe the full course of 18 days of the festival
that succeeds her marriage. Even unmarried girls fast for the full
period of 18 days and eat only one meal a day.
Images of Isar and Gauri are made of clay for the festival. In some
families, permanent wooden images are painted afresh every year by
reputed painters called matherans on the eve of the festival. A
distinct difference between the idols of Teej and Gangaur is that
the Idol will have a canopy during the Teej Festival while the
Gangaur idol would not have a canopy.
The ladies decorate their hands and feet by drawing designs with
mehendi (myrtle paste). The figures drawn range from the Sun, Moon
and the stars to simple flowers or geometrical designs.
Ghudlias are earthen pots with
numerous holes all around and a lamp lit inside them. On the evening
of the 7th day after Holi, unmarried girls go around singing songs
of ghudlia carrying the pots with a burning lamp inside, on their
heads. On their way, they collect small presents of cash, sweets,
jaggery, ghee, oil etc. This continues for 10 days i.e. upto the
conclusion of the Gangaur Festival when the girls break their pots
and throw the debris into a well or a tank and enjoy a feast with
the collections made.
The festival reaches its climax during the last three days.
Unmarried girls and married women decorate the images and make them
look like living figures. At an auspicious hour in the afternoon, a
procession is taken out to a garden, tank or a well with the images
of Isar and Gauri, placed on the heads of married women.
Teppam
Teepam is widely celebrated every year in Tamil Nadu from mid-January to mid-February during the full moon month which in Tamil is known as Thai. Fantastically dressed and bejeweled images of the goddess Meenakshi and her consort undaresvara are floated on rafts. All along the shore, the devotees chant hymns as a bevy of bands beat drums in tempo with their chants.
Desert Festival
The desert festival celebrated in the golden city of Jaisalmer has an aura of its own. The festival becomes lively with legions of puppeteers, acrobats, and folk dancers add splashes of color. Camel races are of great significance and camel polo is a big attraction. The turban-tying competitions and the best-dressed Rajput contests add to this three day long festival.
Nagaur Fair
Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of the largest in the country. Exciting games and camel races are part of the festivities. Owners of cattle from all over Rajasthan come and camp around the outskirts of Nagaur while they buy and sell animals. This fair is also famous for the various sports events that are organized in it, Tug-of-war, camel races and cockfights. At nightfall, folk music and songs bring out a magnificent musical touch to the quiet ambience of the desert.
Mahavir Jayanti
Mahasivratri marks the festival of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. It commemorates the birth of Mahavira. It is mainly celebrated by Jains with great zeal and enthusiasm. They visit sacred sites and worship Teerthankaras on this day. The festival is celebrated on a large scale in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Ram Navami
Ramnavmi celebrates the birth of Rama, a human incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ayodhya and Pondicherry, the places which are said to have witnessed the events of Ramayana, are the main centers for this festival. Temples are decorated and prayers are offered. One of the greatest Ram Lila (Play on Holy Book of Ramayana) to be held at Agra is world wide famous. Almost Twenty Lacs of people of Agra and nearby regions includes the foreign tourists gathered to see this long lasting play for One month. Ram Barat, it being the wedding ceremony of God Ram, which moves throughout the city during whole night. Every year a new locale of the town is chosen as Janakpuri, which is elaborately decorated to perform the royal wedding. The Rambarat (marriage procession) starts from Lala Channomaiji Id Baradari for Janakpuri passing through different parts of the town. The barat is a large procession of Jhankis followed by the swaroops of Ram-Lakshman mounted on elephants.
Good Friday
This Christian festival marks the memory of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Just as it is celebrated around the world, Good Friday is observed in India, too, in April every year. All Christians attend Mass held in the churches on this day. Following Good Friday comes Easter Sunday, which is also celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.
Easter
Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It represents the victory of life over death. Easter is a celebration of Christ's resurrection from the dead.
Vishu
Vishu is the New Year's Day for the Keralites. The New Year is supposed to bring better knowledge and understanding between all humans. The festival is celebrated with much joyous and happy minds and forgetting all the differences.
Nau Roz
Nau Roz is Kashmir's New Year's Day. On this day, there is a general festivity and rejoicing throughout the state.
Goru Bihu
The Goru Bihu, the cattle festival is celebrated on the Hindu New Year's Day that is April or May. On this day, the cattle are washed and decorated. They are smeared with turmeric and are treated to Gur (Jaggery) and Brinjals.
Naba Barsha
This festival is the New Year's Day of the Bengalis. It welcomes the New year with early morning processions, songs and dance. Beautiful designs called Alpana are made on the floor by the house-wife.
Gudi Padva
Gudi Padva is widely celebrated in Maharashtra. The day is very auspicious for the people of Maharashtra. It is generally believed that any venture started on this day gives nothing but success.
Ugadi
Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit. It is believed that Lord Brahma started creation on this day. Ugadi is the Telugu New Year's Day. On this day mantras are chanted and predictions made for the New Year.
Puthandu
It is celebrated as the Tamil New Year's Day. At Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam a big car festival is held.
Cheti Chand
This festival reflects the tradition and culture of the Sindhis. It is celebrated as the birthday of Asht Dev. Hi is believed to be the community God of the Sindhis. His birthday falls on the second tithi (occasion) of Chaitra (the first month of the year according to the Hindu calendar). This day is considered to be very auspicious and is rejoiced with much pomp and splendor.
Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima, the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, is celebrated by Buddhists all over India. But it is very popular in Sarnath and Bodhgaya. The Buddhists offer prayers in their temples on this day. The Buddha was born on a full moon day in the month of Vaisakh in 563 B.C. He achieved enlightenment as well as Nirvana on the same date.
Id-Ul-Fitr
Id-ul-Fitr or Ramzan Id marks the end of Ramzan, the month during which the Muslims fast everyday. Ramzan means the 'festival of breaking the fast'. Fitr is derived from the word 'fatar' meaning 'breaking'. Ramzan Id is celebrated on a day when the new moon appears. Prayers are offered in mosques and Idgahs and elaborate festivities are held. The festival is celebrated by the Muslims with great fanfare.
Baisakhi
Held on first 'Baisakh'- the 13th April - Baisakhi is one of Himachal's most important festival. Rooted in the rural agrarian tradition, it bids a final farewell to winter. The Sikhs celebrate this as a collective birthday, filling the atmosphere with gaiety, music, dancing and good cheer. This festival is an opportunity in villages to enjoy with sheer abandon because they know that a season of hard work follows soon after which is the time for harvesting corn and other grains.
Karaga Naba
The dramatic festival of Karaga begins from the Dharmaraja temple in Bangalore. A devotee is chosen and a Karaga or a clay pot is placed on his head. The pot represents Shakti, the mother-goddess of archaic strength. The devotee has to balance the pot as he has a staff and a sword that occupy his hands.
Meenakshi Lalaynam (Chitra Festival)
This 10 day festival takes place at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, to celebrate the mythical marriage between Siva and Meenakshi. The Meenakshi temple is one of the most spectacular excessive displays of architecture on earth. The temple has nine towering gopurams and thousands of pillars, covered from top to bottom with some 30 million colorful carvings and gypsum images of gods, demons and animals.
Dhungri Forest Festival
The Dhungri Forest festival is celebrated at the Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali. This four story wooden temple is located in the middle of a forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar. The Goddess is worshipped by the local women, who arrive in their colorful dresses to perform the ritual dance before her in order to appease her. Legend states that the king who commissioned the temple was so highly satisfied with the results that he cut off the craftsman's right hand to prevent him from duplicating it elsewhere.
Id-Ul-Azha Or Id-Ul-Zuha (Bakri Id)
Bakrid is celebrated with ritualistic fervor particularly in Andhara Pradesh. Bakrid is an important festival of Muslims falling in the last month of Islamic Calendar. The significance of the festival is the commemoration of the ordeals of Prophet Ibrahim. On this day prayers are held and goats are sacrificed.
Rath Yatra
This spectacular chariot festival is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri. Images of Lord Jagannath - the Lord of the Universe, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out in procession in three immense chariots. The procession or Rath Yatra draws huge crowds from all over the country.
Mela Hemis Gompa
A big fair is held at Hemis Gompa about 50 kilometers from Leh, to celebrate the birthday of Padmasambhava, the founder of Lamaism. The ritual dances by masked dancers are the main attraction, as are the main attraction, as are the local handicrafts.
Teej
This Rajasthani festival is celebrated by the women, on the third day of the moonlit fortnight of Shravan, in memory of Goddess Parvati’s departure to her husband’s home. Besides Rajasthan this festival is also celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. In the morning Puja is performed. Later, in the evening Young ladies and girls dressed up in lehengas and chunaris to perform dandia dances.
Bonalu
The Bonalu festival is a major welcome for the people of the Telangana region. This festival is and old tradition and is celebrated with undiminished ebullience and religious ardency. This one-month long festival witnesses musical treats and ritualistic worship. The word "Bonalu" has been derived from "Bhojanalu" meaning food, which is offered to the Goddess. The prayers are offered to the village deities Yellamma, Mahankali, Maisamma, Pochamma, Gundamma. It is also an annual thanksgiving by the people to the Goddess for fulfillment of their vows.
Raksha Bandhan
The pure bond of love and affection between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human emotions. Raksha Bhandan is celebrated on the full-moon day in the Himdu month of Sravana (July-August). The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolizes love, affection and the feeling of brotherhood. On this day, sisters tie an amulet, the Rakhi, around the right wrist of their brothers praying for their long life and happiness. Raksha means protection, and in some places in medieval India, where women felt unsafe, they tied Rakhi round the wrists of men they could count upon, regarding them as brothers. The tradition of tying a thread or "rakhi" around the wrist to convey different feelings has been coming down through the ages since the Vedic times.
Raksha Bandhan is a divine festival not only sisters tie the holy threads to their brothers, Priests tie to people of his congregation. During ancient times, if a woman tied a Rakhi on the hand of any man, then it became essentially important for him, as his religious duty of the highest order, to protect that woman. That man would put his life at stake to protect the honor of that woman. Many Rajput Kings sacrificed their lives to protect their spiritual sisters. Humayun the great Mughal Emperor received a Rakhi from the queen Karmavati of Chittor and for that, Humayun carried out his sacred brotherly duty and protected her by opposing his own soldiers.
According to Indian traditions, the festival rituals follows as chanting of sacred sonnet (Mantras), sanctified with rice, red color (roli) etc. The sister dressed in their typical Indian attires serves her brother by putting Tilak (red color) on his forehead added with raw rice. Then she ties Rakhi thread on her brother's wrist and offers him with the plate of sweets, here - the brother become obliged to protect her sister under any circumstances.
It is said that this protection thread protects from sins on the one hand and removes diseases on the other hand. By tying this thread, one is secured for the entire year and all kinds of fears are removed.
Naga Panchami
Nag Panchami is observed on the 5th day of the bright half of Shravan (July-August). On this day nag, cobras and snakes are worshipped with milk, sweets, flowers, lamps and even sacrifice. The image of Nag deities made of silver; stone, wood are first bathed with water and milk, and then worshipped with the reciting of the mantras.
Jhapan (Manasa) Festival
This festival is dedicated to Goddesses Manasa, the daughter of Lord Shiva. She is believed to be the divine leader of the fertility cult of snake worship. More popularly, it is celebrated as a festival of snakes. The biggest attraction of this festival is the deadly cobra.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat
The serene mountains of the Chamoli district of Garhwal reverberates with a flurry of festive activity during the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a royal pilgrimage through the precipitous mountains, that has been in vogue since time immemorial. It is an important religious event mired in deep rooted religious tradition, folklore and mythology. The Yatra is associated with the legend of Nanda Devi, a Goddess held in reverence by the local inhabitants of the region.
Ganesh Chaturthi
This day is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of all good beginnings and success. Held annually, this festival is a ten day long event. The images of Lord Ganesha are installed and worshipped and on the last day these are taken in processions to be immersed in flowing water. The seafront at Mumbai, packed with people, is a spectacular sight.
Onam
Kerala's most important festival is celebrated in the honor of the ancient asura king Mahabali. The occasion also heralds the harvest season. The decorating of houses with carpets of flowers, a sumptuous lunch and songs in praise of the golden reign of Mahabali, mark the ten day long festivities. A major attraction of the Onam celebrations is the famed snake boat races along the backwaters at Champakulam, Aranmula and Kottayam.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami, the birth of lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion and éclat on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon, in the whole of north India. The temples are tastefully decorated for an extravagant and colorful celebration. Raslila, a tableaux depicting scenes from Krishna's life especially the love for Radha, is performed to recreate incidents from the life of God Krishna. In the evening, bhajans are sung, which end at midnight, the auspicious moment when lord Krishna was born. Thereafter, arti is done, prasad distributed and flowers showered on the idol.
Muharram
Muharram is the opening month of the Hijra year. The 10th day of this month (May) is honored by the Muslims of Kerala. Muharram marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed. Taziyas which are bamboo and paper replicas of the martyr's tomb, adorned with mica are carried throughout the streets of the city. The tragedy is expressed by mourners by beating their breasts and grieving over the murder of the Imam accompanied by drum beats. Fasting is an important ritual of this day.
Batkama
The festival of Batkama in Andhra Pradesh is the most aesthetic occasion. It is basically, a festival of flowers. Celebrated for about a month, The festival commences from the Ganesh Chaturthi and ends on the Dussehra Festival. Flowers are arranged on a square wooden plank or a square bamboo frame with the size of frames in a conical shape to form an apex on top. This little floral mountain represents and is worshipped as Goddess Batkama.
Dussehra
Dussehra or Vijay Dashmi is a very popular Hindu festival, celebrated with éclat throughout the country. It is observed on the tenth day of the bright halk of Ashvin (September-October). It is a ten-day celebration, commemorating the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king, Ravana. ‘Ramlila’ which is based on the epic story of Ramayana, is staged at various places in most of the cities and towns in northern India. During this performance the Ramayana is constantly recited accompanied by music. It presents a fine blending of music, dance, mime, and poetry before an enthusiastic and religious audience sharing every event of the story with the actors.
Id-E-Milad (Barah Wafat)
During this festival sermons are delivered in mosques by learned men, focusing on the life and noble deeds of the Prophet who was born on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Muslim year. The word 'barah' stands for the twelve days of the Prophet's sickness. In some parts of the country, a ceremony known as 'sandal' rite is performed over the symbolic footprints of the Prophet engraved in stone.
Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, falls on 'Amavasya', the darkest night of 'Kartika'. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the lifting of the spiritual darkness that envelops the soul. The festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom, Adyodhya after completing his 14 years of exile & killing the King Rawan (Lanka). The word Deepawali which means rows of lighted diyas (earthen lamps), brings a glow to the humblest home or the grandest houses. Sweets and gifts are exchanged between families and friends amidst the bursting of crackers. Doors are left open on Diwali for Goddess Laxmi. The festive occasion also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Lord Ganesha who is the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom worshipped along with Goddess Laxmi on this day. Houses and streets are lit with earthen lamps and colorful fireworks light up the night sky.
Gurupurab (North India)
Gurupurab or Guru Nanak Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak-the first guru of the Sikhs who founded the Sikh faith. For two days and nights preceding the festival, the 'Akhand Path'-recitation of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib (Scriptures) is held in gurudwaras all over the country. On the day of the festival, the Guru Granth Sahib is taken out in a grand procession. The celebrations at Amritsar are the most impressive. Prayer meeting and processions are carried out particularly in Punjab. Sikh conduct 'langars' (distribution of food) in the Gurudwaras where people of all castes sit together to eat and sing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Pushkar Fair (Pushkar, Rajasthan)
This lovely and gigantic fair falls on the last day (Full Moon Day) of the Hindu month of Kartik (Oct – Nov) near the sacred lake of Pushkar. This beautiful lake surrounded by bathing ghats, has its religious significance, rooted in a myth. The fair is primarily dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator and one of the holy trinity. The colorfully dressed people enhance the exuberant mood of the fair. The fair is the biggest camel market. Thousands of pilgrims gather here, to take a dip in the holy lake. Puppet shows are the other major crowd - pullers.
Nagula Chatvithi
Nagula Chavithi is celebrated on the fourth day after Deepavali, which falls on a New Moon day. On this day serpents are worshipped with great devotion and religious fervor. On this day women and children observe fast and worship snake god. Dressed in their festive best, they offer milk at the snake hills. On this day there is a great demand for snake hills. Some complete the ritual at home placing a picture or idol of a snake. Nagula Chavithi is celebrated twice a year during the months of Karthika and Sravanam. 'Nagula' means of the snakes and 'Chavithi' is the fourth day after every New Moon or Full Moon day.
Navratri
This celebration in honor of the goddess, the mother of the world, begins on the first day of Ashvin, and goes on for nine days. The goddess is the personification of Power, or "Shakti". She is known by many names: "Kali", "Laxmi", "Sarasvati", "Chandi-ka", "Durga", "Bhavani", "Ambika", "Ashtabhuja" (eight hands). Her main task is to punish the wicked. She is engaged in war, and weapons are in her hands. She sits on a lion. Her weapons are the "shul" (pike), "chakra" (wheel), "parshu" (axe) and "talvar" (sword). Kali is known as "Mahisha-surmardini", the slayer of the demon Mahishasur. The fight against the demon begins on the first day until he is defeated on the ninth day. VAIKUNTH EKADASHI.
There are in all 24 Ekadashis observed by Hindus during the year. Vaikunth Ekadashi is observed in November and is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Ekadashi. People fast and pray to the goddess. In Maharashtra, pilgrims march in a procession, singing bhajans or devotional songs and assemble at the Vithal Temple in Pandharpur.
Hampi Festival
The magnificient ruined city of Hampi, once the capital of Vijaynagar Empire, comes alive once again during this lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.
Sonepur Livestock Fair (Sonepur, Bihar)
The Sonepur Fair is held on Karthik Purnima (the full moon day) in the month of November in Sonepur (Bihar), on the banks of river Ganga. It lasts for a fortnight and the cattle are decorated for the occasion. It is Asia's largest cattle fair where anything can be bought right from elephants to camels, buffaloes, goats and all sorts of four-legged creatures. The fair becomes a virtual explosion of colors, music, dances, magic shows, cattle, merchants and handicrafts as people from all over the world congregate to participate in this huge event. It has all the fun and hue of a popular fair, which has religious connotations as well and is enjoyed with a lot of jest and fanfare by all.
Christmas (All over India)
Christmas is celebrated all over India by the Christians and non-Christians alike with special enthusiasm and great fervor. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion and offer attractive bargains. Carol singing, get-togethers and the exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas spirit. Christmas parties launch off celebrations for the New Year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a week.
Konark Dance Festival (Konark, Orissa)
Konark Festival in the Sun Temple, Konark, offers an unforgettable experience every December 5th. A host of celebrated dancers from all over the country perform on the temple platform or beach. The sound of ghungroo bells, flute and pakhabhauj fill the air and a marvelous crafts mela, with a variety of handicrafts and delectable cuisine, adds to the festive mood.
Karva Choth
Karva Choth is an important festival in Hindu Mythology for Hindu married women. On this occasion all married women keep fast (even Without water) since last night. At evening when moon come on sky they pay holy Arc (water) to moon, and pray for long life of their husband they took water by her husband to break their fast. this event celebrated before 10 days from Deepawali. (Picture of Mrs. Sushama Swaraaj, The Union Minister, Govt. of India)
Sravan is a very important month of Hindu Mythology so many fairs & festival starts in the month of Sravan.
God Shiv have so many names as Neelkanth, Bhole Shanker, Kailashpati, Deena Nath, Amar Nath, Vishwn Nath, Rameshwar, Shanker, Prathvi Nath etc etc.