Indian Festivals are a true Reflection of the Cultural and Religious Diversity.
Indian Festivals are the days of joy and happiness. People wear new dresses, exchange greeting and enjoy special dishes on festivals.
In india, we celebrate three types of festival:-
- National Festivals
- Religious Festivals
- Harvest Festivals
National festivals
We celebrate three National Festivals
- Independence Day
- Republic Day
- Gandhi Jayanti
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on the 15 August every year. On this day in 1947, India got Independence from the British rule.
The main function of independence Day is held in Delhi. The Prime Minister of India hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort. Then the Prime Minister addreses the Nation and lets the people know about the progress made by the country. Cultural programmes are organised in all the towns and cities of India.
Republic Day
Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January every year. On this day in 1950, India adoped its own constitution.
The main function of Republic Day is held at Rajpath in New Delhi. A grand parade is taken out from Vijay Chowk. Our armed forces, school childreen and folk dancers take part in the parade. From different states showing their achievements form a big attraction of the parade. The President of India takes the salute of the parade. Government buildings around the Rashtrapati Bhavan are illuminated with colourful lights in the evening.
Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi jayanti is celebrated on 2 October every year/ It is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. He was a great leader. He led our freedom movement. The main function of Gandhi Jayanti is held at Raj Ghat, the samdhi of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi.
The President, The Prime Minister and others gather at Raj Ghat to pay their homage. Mahatma Gandhi is called the Father of te Nation. He is also lovingly vcalled Bapu.
Apart from these National festivals a few other important days are celebrated in India as Indian Festivals.
Childreen’s Day
Pandit jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India. Children called him Chacha Nehru. He loved children very much. In India, 14th November, his birthday, is celebrated as Children’s Day. On this day, a lots of activities are held for children.
Teachers’ Day
In india, 5 September is celebrated as Teachers Day. It is the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, was a great scholar. he understood that India could progress only if everyone in the country is educated. students express their love and respect for their teachers on this day by giving them flowers and cards. The Government of India also presents awards to teachers who have dedicated their lives to the education of children.
Religious Festivals
India is a land of different religions. different religious festivals are celebrated by the people of different religions as Indian Festivals. Lets us know about some important religious festivals.
Dussehra
Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated to honour Lord Ram’s Victory over Ravana. Dussehra is celebrated for ten days. During these days, Ramlila, the story of Lord Rama, is enacted. On the tenth day, the effigies of Ravana, Meghnada and Kumbhakarna are burnt.
In west Bengal, Dussera is celebrated as Durga Puja. People worship idols of Goddess Durga. On the last day, these idols are taken out in huge processions and then they are immersed in the holy water.
Diwali
Diwali is called the Festival of Lights. It comes twenty days after Dussehra. Diwali marks thr return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14years in exile.
On Dewali, people decorate their houses with lights, clay lamps called diyas and candles. Colourful Rangoli is made at the entrance of the house. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha at night. They exhange sweets and gifts. Children burst crackers.
EID
Eid or Eid-Ul-fitr is an important festival of thr Muslims. It comes after the holy month of Ramzan. The Muslims keep fast during this month.
On Eid, people wear new dresses and go to the Mosque or Idgah to offer prayers. They embrace each other saying Eid Mubarak. And distributed food, Money and Clothes among the poor people. A special sweet dish called sewaiyan is prepared on Eid. Children get Idi (Money) from their elders.
Chritstmas
Christmas is celebrated every year on 25 December to mark the birthday of Lord Jesus Christ. People decorate their houses with Christmas trees. They gather around these trees and sing carols. They also go to the Church at midnight to offer prayers. Cakes and pudding are made on this day. Childreen belive that Santa Claus Bring gifts for them at night.
Gurupurb
Gurupurb is celebrated to mark the birthdays of the ten Sikh Gurus. On Gurupurb, people go to the Gurudwaras to offer prayers. Processions are taken out and langars are organised in the Gurudwars. Special Karha Prasad is prepared and distributed among the general people.
Harvest Festivals
Harvest festivals are celebrated when crops are ready for harvest. Holi, Pongal, Onam, Baisakhi, and Bihu are some important harvest festivals.
Holi
Holi is celebrated in the month of February or March. It marks the end of winter. Holi is called the Festival of Colours. People spray coloured water and gulal on eah other. They sing and dance on the beating of drums.
Pongal
Pongal is the hervest festival of Tamil Nadu. It falls in the month of January when the rice crop is ready for harvesting. pongal is a three-day festival. People worship the Sun God and the Mother Cow on these days. They prepare Pongsl rice from newly harvested rice and jaggery.
Onam
Onam is the harvest festival of Keral. It falls in the month of August or September. decorated elephants can be seen in big processions. The famous snake- boat races are held on Onam.
Baisakhi
Baisakhi is the harvest festival of Punjab. It is celebrated inthe month pf April. People express their joy wiyh the beat of dhol and drums. The famous dance Bhangra by men and Gidda by women are performed on this day.
Bihu
Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam. Peoples in colourful dresses perform the Bihu Dance on this day.
Besides these Festivals, people also celebrate many festivals. A list of some important Indian Festivals is given below:-
- Raksha Bandhan is a festival of brothers and sisters.
- Basant Panchami is celebrated in the honour of Goddess Saraswati.
- Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in nthe honour of Lord Shiva.
- Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna.
- Navratri is celebrated in the honour of Goddess durga.
In Indian Festivals, We should the respect all the festivals. Festivals teach us to live togather happily and peacefully. It brings unity among the people of different religions and regions.
Also Read:- History and Significance of Mother’s Day & Best ways to celebrate