India - Culture and Festivals

India - Culture and Festivals 

Culture is defined as the peoples way of life. Due to its huge population and long history, the culture in India is a amalgamation of several cultures that span across the Indian subcontinent. It is a blend of cultures of various religions, castes and regions. The best way to enjoy the different tastes of this culture is through festivals. There are many festivals celebrated throughout the country all around the year.

These Indian festivals and cultures are characterized by gaiety, colors, rituals and enthusiasm. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in India.

Diwali :-

Diwali is the major festival celebrated in India. Also known as the festival of Lights, it was first celebrated by the people of Ayodhya on return of Lord Rama from 14 years in exile. Even today small clay lamps and candle are lit during the celebration. The light symbolizes victory of good over evil. This is the best festival to enjoy Indian sweets.

This festival is celebrated for 4 to 5 days and each day has its own significance.

1. Dhanteras - It is the first day of Diwali and on this day the Dhan(wealth) that you possess is    worshiped. A huge amount of buying, especially gold, silver and precious ornaments is done on this day.
2. Narak Chaturdashi - This day is celebrated for victory of  Lord Krishna over demon      Narakasur, freeing the world from fear.
3. Lakshmi Pooja - This is the actual day of Diwali. People worship Goddess Lakshmi and also Lord Ganesha. People light diyas and candles in their homes, and the streets all across India light up with millions of sparklers, crackers and fairy lights. 
4. Vasu Baras - This is known by different names in different parts of the country. Some names are Bestu Baras, Govardhan Pooja, Vishwakarma and Annakut. On this day people worship their instruments, arms and machinery.
5. Bhai Dooj - It is the last day of the festival. Brothers visit their sisters on this day, and the sisters celebrate and prepare sweets specially in honour of their brothers, wishing a long, happy, healthy life and great success for them.

Holi: -

Holi is also known as the 'Festival of Colors'. It commemorates the slaying of Holika, a she-demon, by  Lord Vishnu's ardent devotee Pralhad. 

The name Holi comes from the Sanskrit words 'Holika Dahanam' meaning Holika's slaying. The ceremony of Holika Dahan is observed on the first day. The following day, people celebrate Holi by throwing colored powder and squirting colored water on each other. Kids dung each other in mud pools. In many parts of India, people also consume Bhang, a drink made from cannabis plant. 

Holi is also celebrated in the memory immortal love of Radha and Krishna. In some regions, Holi glorifies the new harvest and return of color in nature.

Navaratri, Durga Pooja and Dussehra :- 

Navaratri is a festival of dance and worship. Navaratri is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Nine - Nights'. Navaratri is a time for lively Garba dance, where people dance around earthen lamp on devotional music. 

Dussehra or Vijayadashami is the day following the nine days of Navaratri. It commemorates the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. This day also coincides with the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. This festival is celebrated jubilantly in the states of Gujarat and West Bengal.

The vibrant festival lasts for 10 days, 9 of which are spent in worship and the 10th day, huge statues of Goddess are immersed into river Ganga.

Ganesh Chaturthi :-

This is the most important festival in Maharashtra. The 10 day long festival is celebrated in honor of the birth of Lord Ganesha. This festival was started by Lokamanya Tilak during the British rule to unite people. 

Huge idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes and podiums of the devotees. A special sweet, Modak is given to Lord Ganesha during this festival.

At the end of the festivities, the statues are paraded through the streets and immersed in the ocean.

Lal Bagh cha Raja Idol

Onam :-

Onam is the harvest festival marking the return of king Mahabali. The Onam carnival brings about the best of Kerala tradition and culture. People decorate the front of their house with Pookalamm, floral Rangolis.

Pookalamm

 Traditional feasts of rice with 4 different curries are served on banana leaves. Snake boat races is one of the most remarkable features of Onam.

Janmashtami :-

This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Since Krishna was fond of milk and butter, women prepare a wide range of delicacies on this day to offer to Lord Krishna.

The fun tradition of this festival is 'Dahi Handi'. It involves people climbing upon one another to form a human pyramid. The one on the top tries to break open the clay pot which is hung high from the buildings. 

Christmas: -

Christmas is celebrated by both Christians and Non Christians in India. It is a blend of Indian and Western cultures.

The malls and markets in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are decorated in lights and Christmas themes. Exchange of gifts and family festivals are a main feature of this festival.

Baisakhi: -

Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of India and is celebrated by Sikh community. It is a harvest festival and also the Punjabi New Year all rolled into one.

It also indicates the birth of Khalsa. Guru Govind Singh organized the Sikh people into Khalsa so as to eliminate the difference between the rich and the poor.

Also check out other posts on India.
India-Places to visit
India-History