India is known for its spectacular festivals that showcase the deep-rooted cultural and religious diversity of the country. These festivals have a deep history and symbolism behind them, which fascinate people all over the world.
In this article we will explore 25 interesting facts about the festivals of India.
1. Diwali: Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is the biggest and most popular festival in India, celebrated to mark the victory of light over darkness.
2. Holi: Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a vibrant and joyous celebration that symbolizes unity, love, and the triumph of good over evil.
3. Maha Shivaratri: It is an important festival dedicated to the god Shiva, where devotees fast and pray all night.
4. Eid: It is one of the most important Muslim festivals celebrated in India, marking the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting.
5. Navaratri/Durga Puja: It is a festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, celebrated for nine nights with traditional dances and songs.
6. Onam: It is the largest festival in the state of Kerala, celebrating the start of the harvest year with dragon boats, dances, and traditional food.
7. Ganesh Chaturthi: It is a ten-day festival dedicated to the elephant-headed god, Ganesha.
8. Pongal: A four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, marking the end of winter.
9. Raksha Bandhan: It is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
10. Karva Chauth: It is a fast observed by married women for the health and longevity of their husbands.
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11. Janmashtami: Marking the birth of the god Krishna, this festival is celebrated with much pomp and fervor.
12. Lohri: It is a fire festival, celebrated in Punjab to mark the end of winter.
13. Makar Sankranti: It is a Hindu harvest festival, celebrated across India, marked by kite flying.
14. Easter: Despite a smaller Christian population, Easter is widely celebrated in areas such as Goa and northeastern India.
15. Baisakhi: It is a harvest festival in Punjab that also marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year.
16. Ram Navami: The celebration of Lord Rama’s birth, who defeated the demon Ravana, is celebrated with the recitation of the epic Ramayana.
17. Ugadi: It is the Telugu and Kannada New Year, celebrated with the reading of poetry and the preparation of a special dish called Ugadi Pachadi.
18. Bihu: It is a set of three major harvest festivals celebrated in Assam.
19. Muharram: Commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, it is a period of mourning for the Shia community.
20. Chhath Puja: It is a festival dedicated to the sun god Surya and is mainly celebrated in Bihar and in Nepal.
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21. Puthandu: It is the Tamil New Year, celebrated with an extravagant feast and temple visits.
22. Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri are celebrated not only in India but also in many other parts of the world where there are large Indian communities.
23. Diwali is celebrated in India not just by Hindus, but also by Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists.
24. Jalebi, samosa, laddoo, and gulab jamun are some of the most popular foods prepared and consumed during the festivals of India.
25. Rangoli, the art of creating beautiful patterns on the ground using colored flour, rice, or flowers, is a popular practice during many Indian festivals.
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The festivals of India are a reflection of its richness and cultural diversity. They are a vibrant blend of rituals, colors, music, dance, and most importantly, joy. Each festival brings with it an explosion of happiness and enthusiasm that penetrates every corner of the country, turning India into a mosaic of colors and lights.
Now watch the video presentation:
Which festival you would really like to experience in India?
