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India is a diverse country with many cultures. We have diverse topography- ranging from Deserts to Snow clad mountains to large river fed plains and then we have islands as well as long coastlines.
We also have plateues, Mountain valleys and some mixed topography too.
These geographies as well as mixing and mingling of people over the ages coupled with influences from external invaders, settlers like Greeks, Arabs, Persians, British has made India a country like no other.
So, it is no surprise that we will have a lot of festivals. Yet, the time period starting from August when we have Raksha Bandhan(festival of bonding between brother and sister), and then Janmasthami- Lord Krishna birthday, and then others like Ganesh Chaturthi which come in close succession make it a great festive time.
Markets are abuzz with activities and people buying a lot of materials to be used in Pooja(prayers coupled with hymns and shlokas), fruits, decorative materials, garlands for the Gods, sweets(Yes those yummy Ladoos, and other sweets).
We have upcoming Navratra festival too where people fast for nine days. We will have Dusshera- which signifies the triumph of Good over evil. Before it will be Shraddhas when people pray and feed other humans and animals in memory of their ancestors.
Then, we have Karva Chauth- perhaps a unique festival in the world where women fast the whole day wishing long life for their husbands. Now, I am not sure if some women of today make their husbands also keep fast for one day, or husbands automatically go on fast, is another question!! (just kidding!).
This is a tough ordeal, but women even many working ones face it with pleasure.
Then comes one of the greatest Indian festival of light- Diwali – when people light lamps and candles and burst crackers (being discontinued by many people owing to their polluting nature) or use other fireworks display which cause dazzling lights.
This time is good for white goods producers as well as for Restaurants and Car/Bike dealers who do brisk business.
Post Diwali, movies also do good, since many people go to watch movie after Diwali.
Other religions’ festivals like GuruPurnima(birth of Guru Nanak Dev, first spiritual guru of Sikhs), Halloween- now increasingly becoming popular in India, and Christmas. Now, Christmas is something that even Non-Christians celebrate with fanfare in India demonstrating the unique culture of unity in diversity in India.
But then, in between if India wins some great cricket series or tournament, it is even a bigger bonanza.
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You are so right about India having diverse topography. I can tell by the music videos I watch. A great intro to the different festivals. I didn't know that one about the wife fasting for the husband. (Actually, I didn't know most of them. :) ) What I really like about most festivals, whatever the country, are the pretty lights. You just can't have a great festival if you don't have pretty lights! :)
I am not a part of these activities but they do brush on me specially those fireworks, the colours, the dance....the works. I particularly like to watch kids getting up to break that pot
isn't it diwali on october or november?
It will be a grand sight to see the lights and kavadi, very beautiful sight.
Oh and I also love the murukus!
But why do the ceremony goes until past midnight?
@peachpurple people are so excited during Diwali time that festivities continue past midnight!
@cmoneyspinner @bestwriter Yes the festivals are great and they help people fight away the depressions and troubles of life at least for some time, and feel positive.
True, well written article. I always like the second half of the year, after January. Once the monsoon starts all the happenings and festivities starts
Yes, India is a vast country with diverse religions and with countless Gods they have made for them to worship. India is full of festivals I think every month start with with a new festival attracting the sight of the whole world people to come and see the festivals of India with physical eyes. Kum Mela in one of the best Mela I like it most.
Every festival has a social, religious and mythological value. Accordingly, Dussehra has a great significance. People believe that this is the occasion when goddess Durga killed Mahisasura and save the people from the clutches of a great demon. This is also an occasion to fight against all that is evil and establish truth. S
imilarly the Janmastami festival has also a great religious and social significance. This is the occasion when Lord Krishna was born to kill Kansa and other demons and save the people from a great danger. This festival also teaches us how to fight evil and falsehood and establish truth.
These festivals are observed throughout the year with great pomp and ceremony. Some festivals like Dussehra, Diwali and Holi are observed throughout the country and some others are observed regionally. All the people, irrespective of their social position, observe these festivals with their families and also socially with their friends with great enthusias
My brothers Indian enjoy your festival with whole hearts.