|
Dussehra
Dussehra commences both the victory of the warrior Goddess Durga (consort of Shiva) over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, and that of Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), over Ravana, the en-headed king of Lanka, who had abducted Rama's wife, Sita.
Janmaashtami
On the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Shravan, Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born to liberate mankind from the atrocities of the evil King Kamsa. Every year Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Grand festivities, colorful tableaux featuring the antics and exploits of Lord Krishna, enactment of the Leelas of Lord Krishna, are the characteristics of this festival. Read on to know more about the Lord with the alluring smile, the legends associated with him and significance of this festival.
Deepawali
The festival of lights is celebrated in the month of Kartik (October - November) on Krishna Chaturdasi.
The moon rotates around the earth in 28 days. We have fourteen days of light and fourteen days of darkness, Krishna Chaturdasi is the darkest night of the dark period. Diwali is one of the three festivals celebrated all over India along with Holi and Dussera. This festival is different in form and nature from all other festivals. It is associated with the cult of Kali.
The mythological background of this festival is many and varied. It is said that when Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana in Lanka, the people of Ayodhya celebrated the event with lights and fireworks on Krishna Chaturdashi.
Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela is the greatest of the north-Indian fairs and it has exerted a mesmeric influence over the mind and the imagination of the ordinary Indian from time immemorial. It is held once every three years by rotation, on the banks of the Godavari in Nasik, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganga in Haridwar and the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati in Prayag or Allahabad as it is called now. The Purna (complete) Kumbh or Maha Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, which falls once every 12 years, is always at Allahabad, for the Sangam or confluence of rivers is considered to be particularly holy.
The last Maha Kumbh was held in 1989. When the particular configuration of the Kumbh at Allahabad falls on a Monday, it is called the Somvati Amavasya and the spiritual benefits increase manifold.
The Purna Kumbh is followed by the Ardh Kumbh in importance and this fair falls every six years when millions of devout congregate at Allahabad on the banks of the holy river, braving the hazards of cold, disease, hunger and myriad of other privations to gain spiritual salvation and contentment from.
Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in the month of Shravan on the full moon night. The festival of Raksha Bandhan symbolizes love affection and feeling of brotherhood. ?Raksha? means protection, and ?Bandhan? means bond, therefore, when a sister ties a Rakhi around the wrist of her brother, she signifies her loving attachment to him.
The brother extends his wrist forward signifying an extending hand of protection. Raksha Bandhan is also known as Rakhi. Read Festive Features to know more about this festival.
Republic Day
Commemorating the day India became a republic (26th January), the Republic Day is celebrated in Delhi with a splendid parade- a colourful affair with soldiers marching in unison, followed by folk dancers, school children and floats from various states.The Beating Retreat which marks the end of the celebrations on 29th January, is a moving ceremony with massed military bands playing at Vijay Chowk.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated in India with great fervour. 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.
Guru Purab
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs, is celebrated with great fervour. The 'Akhand Path' - recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurdwaras all over the country. taking the holy book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations.
Id-ul-Zuha
Is a muslim festival celebrated all over India. Prayers are offered in the mosques and special delicacies are prepared and served among the family and friends on the occasion.
More Festival in India... |
