Monday, January 24, 2011
SOME MORE FESTIVALS
JANUARY- FEBRUARY
 | Tepam: Floating Festival in Madurai in Tamilnadu. |
| | Desert Festival: Jaisalmer. |
| | Temple Car Festival: Srirangapatnam near Mysore. |
FEBRUARY
| | Lucknow arts festival: Lucknow. |
| | Delhi Flower Show: Purana Qila, Delhi |
FEBRUARY- MARCH
| | Natiyanjali Festival: Chidambaram. |
| | Mahashivaratri Festival: Car Procession at Rameswaram. |
| | Chariot Festival: Kanchipuram. |
MARCH
| | Khajuraho Dance Festival: Khajuraho in early March. |
| | Jamshed Navroz: New Year's Day for the Parsees. |
| | Float festival: At Tiruchi Tepakulam. |
MARCH- APRIL
| | Asokhastami: 4 day Shiva festival at Bhubaneshwar. |
| | Elephant Festival: Jaipur. |
APRIL-MAY
| | Pooram: Thrissur. |
| | Ooty Flower Show: Ootacamud in the Nilgiri hills of Tamilnadu. |
| | Spring Festival: Srinagar in Kashmir. |
| | Baisakhi: In North India and Tamilnadu, celebrating the Hindu Solar New Year. |
| | In Punjab, the Sikhs celebrate the formation of the Khalsh. |
JUNE-JULY
| | Car Festival: Serempore. |
| | Hemis Festival: Leh. |
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER
| | Avani Moolam: Meenakshi Temple, Madurai. |
| | Festival of our Lady of Health, Velankanni, near Tanjore. |
| | Kailash Fair: Kailash near Agra. |
NOVEMBER
| | Sonepur Fair: The largest cattle fair in the world, held at Sonepur in Bihar , on the banks of the Ganges |
| | Shiva festival: Tiruvannamalai. Children's day: On November 14th, in memory of Nehru's birthday |
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
| | Puskhar cattle fair: In Puskhar. |
DECEMBER- JANUARY
| | Vaikunta Ekadasi: Srirangam temple near Tiruchi. |
| | Margazhi Festival: Srivilliputur near Madurai. |
OTHER FESTIVALS
POORAM GOMATESHWARA
Once in every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhishekh or the ritual anointing of the giant monolithic statue of the great Jain saint Gomateshwara takes place.
It is a very sacred and significant occasion for the Jain pilgrims, who throng the place in thousands from all over the country. An offering of milk, honey and butter is poured over the statue's head in large quantities. It is situated at Shravanbelagola near Mysore.
PUSHKHAR FAIR
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At the Pushkhar fair in Rajasthan, thousands of Bhil tribals gather at the junction of the Som and Mahi rivers in remembrance of their ancestors and take a holy dip. As most fairs, here also makeshift bazaars spring up everywhere near the vicinity and lot of buying and selling takes place.
TARNETAR FAIR
At Tarnetar in Gujarat, a huge three-day fair is held during the months of August- September. The Bharwads and Rabaris, the tribals of this area celebrate this fair elaborately. This fair is mostly taken, as a marriage mart where many betrothals take place and folk dances is also an important feature of this fair. Young men and women turn out in their best traditional dresses while the crowd gather around the Shiva temple of Triniteshwar.
KUMBH MELA
Kumbha means a pitcher or a water pot. When the ocean was churned and the nectar began to appear, there was a scramble for it between the gods and the demons that the contents splashed and fell at four places. These four places are Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Kumbh Parva or Mela is held every 12 years at rotation at these places. It is called Purana Kumbha and the ones held every 6 years in between the full ones is called Ardha Kumbha or half Kumbha. At Haridwar it lasts for about a month and half in Phalguna- Chaitra. At Prayag, it is held in Magh. The Ujjain Mela is held In Karthik and the Nasik one in Shravana month. These melas terminate with the final bathing on the new moon day. The Kumbh Fair is the most magnificent bathing festival ever held in the world. Millions of pilgrims including saints, sanyasis, rishis, priests, naga sadhus, mahants and milling crowds participate in it. Sometimes the crowd becomes unmanageable with serious stampedes that had consumed several hundreds of lives.
THE ECLIPSE
The time of eclipse is an occasion when the devotees take bath in the Ganges and other holy waters. They offer libations to the souls of their departed ancestors and offer water to the sun and the moon. At Kurushetra, where the famous Mahabharata war took place, thousands take a dip in the holy pool. A bath taken in the holy waters and charities done on this day purify the mind and the soul of the aspirant. On the eclipse day, widows, sadhus observe strict fast. People in general are prohibited from sleeping and touching the idols of their Gods. Meditation and recitation of the Gita, and charity are recommended during the eclipse.
MAL-MAAS (ADDITIONAL MONTH)
Mal- Maas is also called Adhikmas or Purushottam-mas. It is an inter calculated 13th month. In this month the sun does not move from one position to the other. It occurs after every 32 months, 15 days and 4 ghatis. During this religious ceremonies are prohibited. Fasts and charities observed on this day are considered to wipe off ones' sins. During Mal-maas, ghee, grains and jaggery are given in charity to the Brahmins. When Malmaas occurs in the months of Vaishakha or Jyaishtha or Ashad it is considered to be inauspicious and when in Chaitra it has no special significance. For the rest of the months it is taken to be good. During the Mal-maas, a grand fair is held at Rajgriha in Bihar. According to the Puranas at this time 33 crore gods and goddesses descend here and it becomes the holiest place on earth.
PRADOSHA VRATA
Pradosha means the dusk of the early night or evening tide. This vow is observed in the evening twilight and hence the name. It is observed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight. It is practiced to propitiate Lord Shiva and the evening tide is the best time to worship him. Pradosha equals scores of other pujas in merit. To light even a single ghee lamp on this day is highly meritorious. Along with Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kartikeya, the Nandi Bull are also worshipped and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is repeated 108 times. Some undertake strict fast and the Skanda Purana are recited in the temples. When the Pradosha falls on Monday, Saturday or Sunday it is considered all the most propitious.
TYAGARAJA FESTIVAL
This festival takes place in January to honor Tyagaraja, the famous musician and composer and saint who is renowned for composing numerous songs in Telugu in praise of Lord Rama. At Tiruvaiyaru, which is 13kms from Tanjore, which is in Tamilnadu, Indian musicians gather to sing in praise of his memory.
BRAHMOTSAVAM
This ten-day festival is held in March-April and December-January at the temples of Madurai, Kanchipuram and Tirupathi. The temple deities are beautifully dressed and taken out in processions along the city streets followed by caparisoned elephants. Householders along the route offer offerings to the deities.
VELANGANNI FESTIVAL
An image of the Virgin Mary was caught in a fisherman's net at Velanganni, which the Roman Catholics believed was a miracle. The image was installed in the local church. Thousands of pilgrims throng to the "Lourdes of the East" church to cure their ailments and infirmities.
FIRE-WALKING FESTIVAL
This festival is held once in a year in many villages in Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh in honor of the local deities and for a good harvest. First the people who are supposed to walk over burning fire go on a procession led by priests to have a bath. Then they smear their bodies with turmeric paste, sing and dance and then walk on a bed of live coal without being scathed. Then singing and feasting takes place.
CHHATH
This festival celebrated in honor of the Sun god, takes place throughout Bihar with great austerity. Fasting and penance continues for 6 days after which oblations are offered to the gods. Then taking Prasads after they are offered to their deities, breaks the fasting.
ZATRA AT CANSAULIM
A zatra is held at Cansaulim on January 6th to mark the visit of the three eastern kings to see the baby Jesus. Dancing, fun and frolic are the main parts of this festival.
FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
This festival is held on December 3rd at Velha in Old Goa. The embalmed body of the saint, Francis Xavier, in honor of which the festival is held, is enshrined in a silver casket, in the Basilica of Bom Jesus built in 1605 by the Jesuits. It is exposed to public homage every 10 years and thousands of pilgrims come from all over the world to pay their tributes to the departed saint.
THE CARNIVAL
In March-April is held the remarkable and colorful carnival, which is celebrated by the Roman Catholics in a spirit of gaiety once a year for three days preceding the Lent Days. The whole place resounds to the sound of music and dance.
JWALAMUKHI FAIR
In April and October, the Hill people of the area who believe that the jets of the inflammable gas coming from the volcano are actually the sacred fires coming out from the mouth of their Goddess, worship the Goddess of the Jwalamukhi volcano in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. 
KARAGA
This festival, which is held in Bangalore in April, is associated with Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. A moonlight procession is taken out in honor of the incarnation of primordial powers when devotees show their skill with the weapons.
MUSLIM FESTIVALS
Since the Muslim calendar is not synchronized with the English Gregorian calendar, the Muslim festivals keep on changing dates. They do not follow the seasons like the other festivals.
RAMZAN
Legend says that God conveyed the message of Quran to Hazrat Mohammad through Gabriel in the days of Ramzan. All through the month of Ramzan the devout Muslims keep strict fast. Only before sunrise and after sunset they take any food. For the morning "Sehri", generally cooked in milk, and tea or water is drunk. Then the call for prayer is heard from the mosques, and the children and men set to their mosques to offer "Namaz". Women stay at their houses and recite the Koran. But the fasting during the days of Ramzan does not affect the daily routine of the Muslims and they go on with their daily chores.
As the sun sets, the call for the Maghrib prayers are heard from the mosques and the fast is broken. It is called "Iftar" and the fast is broken with a sip of water, a few dates and some fruits. The food taken in Iftar is called Iftari and special delicacies like fried cornflower, boiled grams and lentils, meat kebabs and sweet meats are taken. Thus the 29 or 30 days of the month of Ramzan pass and the sighting of the new moon brings glad tidings of Eid-ul-fitr and the end of the month of Ramzan. EID-UL-FITR
Eid-ul-fitr means the joy at the end of the days of fasting. This is the day following the appearance of the new moon. The Muslims put on their best clothes. The Eid prayers are said between the early morning and the noon prayers. Once the prayer is over they greet each other: Eid Mubarak! This festival is particularly the favorite of children. They are given special money called "Eidee" by their parents for buying toys and balloons on this day. Special delicacies are prepared. They include "Seviyan", vermicelli's sweet preparation, "Sheer Korma, and other savoury dishes.
EID-UL-ZUHA
It is one of the grandest festivals of the Muslims and it is also called Bakrid. It falls on the 10th day of the Muslim month of Zil- Hijja. Hazrat Ibrahim was ordered by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his dearest thing. So, he decided to offer his son and with the permission of his family blindfolded his son and struck him with his sword. To his amazement when he opened his eyes he saw that he had sacrificed a ram in the place of his son. This is the legend behind the festival. So on this day a ram or a goat or a camel is sacrificed and distributed among the near and dear ones.
This festival falls about two months and nine days after Eid-ul-Fitr. On this occasion Muslims who can afford go on a pilgrimage to Mecca and this is called Haj. On this day others go to the mosque and offer prayers. Charities are practiced on this day.
MILAD-UL-NABI
This festival commemorates the birthday of Hazrat Mohammad and it falls on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal month. Prophet Mohammad was born in 571 A.D on April12th, in Mecca in Arabia. On the day of Milad, the Prophet's teachings are repeated, the Quran is read and religious discourses are arranged in the mosques. The Muslims invite their friends and relatives for a grand feast on this day.
MUHARRAM
This is the Muslim festival of mourning. Muharram is observed in the first month of the Hijri year. The Shia community in particular celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm. They fast, offer prayers and recite the Quran and sing elegies in homage to the martyrs during the celebrations. On the final day, Tajjas are taken out in grand processions, accompanied by brass brands and bagpipes playing sad tunes. The Tajjas represent the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain. The processions terminate at Karbala where the Tajjas are ceremoniously buried. Hazrat Hussain was the second son of Fatimah, the prophet Mohammad's daughter.
The sad celebration called "Majlis-e-Shoora" is observed with great passion at Lucknow, the stronghold of the Shia community and also at Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. After the burial of the tajjas, they go to their places and offer money, etc to the poor. They observe this day of Martyrdom in peace and silence. Muharram is in fact a sort of ceremony for showing gratitude to the departed souls who fought so bravely for preserving their faith.
SHAB-I-BARAT
The Muslims on this particular day, the fourteenth day of Shaban, God registers the actions of all men and dispenses their fates according to their deeds. It is celebrated with illuminations, fireworks and crackers. People distribute food and sweets in the name of their deceased ancestors and offer flowers for their graves. The shias associate this night with the birth of their last Imam.
BARAWAFAT
This is the birthday of Prophet Muhammad as also his death anniversary. This is celebrated on the twelfth day of Rabi-Ul-awwal when the Muslims gather to hear the discourses on the Teachings of Allah. Distribution of alms to the needy is also done.
GIARAVAHIN SHARIF
This is observed on the eleventh day of Rabi-us-Sani, in honor of Abdul Qadir Jilani who is acclaimed as the descendant of Prophet Muhammad. Prayers, sweets and flowers are offered in his memory. This festival is of special importance for the Sunnis.
WINTER FESTIVALS
NEW YEAR'S DAY
Though it is not an Indian festival, since the first day of the year in India doesn't start on the first day of the Gregorian calendar, it has been adopted as a festival because of its long association with the British.
Greetings and good wishes are exchanged, sweets are distributed, parties are thrown and people start wishing "Happy New Year" right after 12 in the night. People send greeting cards and good wish messages to their friends and near & dear ones .
The Christian majority in India celebrates this festival with traditional gaiety. The day starts with special services in the churches and then begins a round of never -ending festivities, merry-making, dancing, singing and feasting. At mid-night when the New Year is ushered in and the church bells loudly toll to welcome the year, people in large numbers come out into the streets to exchange pleasantries and for lighting crackers. The New Year's Eve has most of the hotels full with lots of fun and frolic that continue till the wee-hours of the next day.
Exchanging costly gifts and starting new work and new accounts on this day has also caught up with the Indian people.
LOHRI
This is one of the famous festivals in the state of Punjab. The origin of this term is not known but some connect it with fire. This festival occurs on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before the famous Makar Sankranthi. It is celebrated in the biting cold of the winter season when the winter rains are about to come or have come already.
The festivities include the famous and boisterous Bhangra dance, which ideally suits the occasion since its fast movements generate enough heat in the body to fight off the freezing cold. On Lohri, the dancers perform around a fire in a ring shape. The fire is offered "Chivra"or beaten rice, "Meva" or dry fruits, "Til-gur-revri" or sesame seeds sweet preparation and "gajak" another variety of sweetened sesame seeds. Then the fire becomes the deity of the occasion.
Astrologically the 13th and the 14th January is that span of period when the sun becomes mobile towards the north. This tilt in movement changes the amount of heatness reaching the earth, particularly in the northern snow-clad areas. The people having experienced the biting cold welcome the warm sun rays by celebrating this festival. Til, meaning Sesame seeds and Rorhi meaning a form of sweet jaggery in Punjabi are meant to keep the body warm. So these two terms Til+ rorhi combined to form Tilrorhi, which eventually corrupted to form the name Lohri.
Its special significance for the agriculturist's culture is because it marks the beginning of a new financial year because on this day they settle the division of the products of the land between themselves and the tillers. Women folk remain busier because they also participate in the "Gidda" dance and the youngsters indulge in a lot more acrobatics to the mesmerizing rhythm of the Dholak and the Nagara.
Lohri has spread far and wide from its place of origin and now mostly the Punjabis do not only celebrate it in India but also abroad in many countries with great verve and style.
PONGAL
Celebrated almost at the same time when "Lohri" and "Makar Sankranthi" are celebrated in the north, Pongal is the most popular festival of the Tamilians. A harvest festival honoring the Sun God and the lord of rains, Indra, Pongal also symbolizes a thanks-giving festival for the plentiful paddy crops that the farmer has harvested during the mild winter months in South India.
Literally meaning "Boiling over", Pongal, signifies the advent of prosperity. Pongal is normally celebrated over a period of four days, starting on the 13th January. Since the calculation to determine the day is based on the solar calendar, the date doesn't change. It is considered a very auspicious occasion when the Sun transits the Capricorn sign. A rich and abundant harvest of paddy and other crops depend on the availability of good rain, as most of the rivers in Tamilnadu are not perennial. Hence the invocation of the Sun God and the God of Rain at the time of Pongal.
As is customary, cleaning of every house a few days prior to the Pongal festival is an indispensable ritual. Not only every house is cleaned, but it is also dusted and whitewashed. Wearing new clothes on Pongal is also customary. Attired in a new "Lehanga" and half sari for young girls and lungi and angavastram, the men, women and children prepare themselves for celebrating the first day called Bhogi Pandigai. This day is dedicated to Indra, who is also called Bhogi. It is believed that on this day Lord Krishna had urged the people to neglect Indra and not worship him. People take oil bath on this day. Using rice paste "Kolam" is drawn and this represents the Sun. The following items are arranged to celebrate Pongal; Sandalwood paste, vermilion, mango saplings, coconut fronds, sugarcanes, banana leaves, ginger pieces, white flour, new vessels for cooking, turmeric, and a "thali" or metal plate in which the sun is viewed.
The next day is the first day of the next Tamil month "Thai". This invariably falls on the 14th of January. In this day, the outside of the house is decorated with strings of mango leaves tied neatly. The vessel to be used for cooking is decorated with vermilion and haldi dots. The vessel and its contents are placed under fire by the daughter-in -law or the lady of the house. Dishes prepared on this day are of two varieties: the salty one is called "Ven Pongal" and the sweet one is called "Chakkarai Pongal". The milk is boiled and some newly harvested rice and jaggery are added to it. Once this is cooked, spices are added for taste and flavor and after performing the puja, it is offered to the Sun God. The boiling over of milk with rice is supposed to indicate plenty and prosperity.
On the morrow of the Pongal is a day of thanks giving to the cattle, which have served the men and their families throughout the year. On this day a special race called "Manju Virattu" is held when their owners beautifully decorate the bulls and driven out into the open with moneybags tied to their necks. Whoever catches and controls the bull can claim the money. The bulls are driven with special sticks called "Adalikombu".
The fourth day falls on 17th January. It is the last day of Pongal and is known as "Kanum Pongal". It is generally believed to be the period of rest. On this nothing new is begun as it is supposed to be an inauspicious day or "Karri Naal". On this day people prefer to indulge in sightseeing and whirl away their time in merry making.
The fifth or last day of Pongal celebrations is called Kanya Pongal when different preparations of rice and curd are kept in banana leaves or on leaves of the turmeric plant. Then the thing is left in the open so that birds, squirrels and ants may get their share of the newly harvested rice. On this day married women are invited along with their families by their parents or brothers for a grand feast in the afternoon.
The dishes prepared during these days are "Sarkarai Pongal", "Ven Pongal", Dosai and Sambhar, Vadai and Payasam (a sweet rice pudding).
MAKARA SANKRANTHI
When the sun transits the Makar (Capricorn) this festival is celebrated. The special significance of this day is that on this day the lunar and the solar calendars are synchronized. It normally falls on January 14th. It is the day, which marks the beginning of the auspicious time again for performing marriages and other ceremonies. "Sankranthi" means change or a particular form of transgression, as during this time the Sun starts to travel northwards.
Makar Sankranthi is also called "Uttarayan Sankranthi" .On this day the devotees in thousands take a holy dip in the Ganges and other holy streams. At Ganga Sagar where the Ganges confluences with the Sea, a grand fair and festivities are held on this day. This is an auspicious day for giving alms. Edibles made of sesame seeds are donated liberally. Giving of uncooked lentils and rice called "Kichadi" in local parlance is also held very meritorious. This "Daan" ceremony is celebrated in the eastern part of the country very elaborately. In some communities, the affluent families weigh things like Kichari, edibles, warm clothes, quilts, blankets, etc against their infants in a balance to be given off as alms.
Despite the differences in the manner of celebration with different names, Makar Sankranthi or its derivatives Lohri or Pongal is a very joyous and auspicious occasion.
MAUNI AMAVASYA
Falling on the fifteenth day of the dark fortnight of Magh is this unique festival called Mauni Amavasya, that is the moonless day for observing the vow of silence. Magh is one of the most sacred months among the pious Hindus. The uniqueness of this festival is that it is the only day when holy men and the devout remain silent.
Bathing on this day in the holy waters like the Ganges, eating frugally, visiting temples and religious shrines, and listening to discourses by holy men are considered to be meritorious. The Magh- Mela in Allahabad attracts millions of devotees to the holy bath at the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna. The holy men and Naga Sadhus take bath here. It is a treat to watch scores of unclad or scarcely clad holy men taking bath at the Sangam amidst great fanfare and the police bandobust at daybreak when temperature on the river surface may be below zero degree.
On Mauni amavasya day, traditionally Lord Vishnu is worshipped and the "Peepal Tree" is religiously circumambulated. The purpose of observing silence on this day is said to be sharpening our concentration power and living in total communion with the Lord Almighty.
SANKAT CHAUTH
This day falls on the fourth day of the dark half of Magha (Jan- Feb). On this day "Vrata" is observed in the honor of Lord Ganesh and it ensures wisdom, trouble-free life and prosperity. After the early morning bath and observance of the routine piety rituals, a pitcher and Ganesh idol are installed and worshipped with sweets and balls made of jaggery and sesame seeds. Moon-god and Rohini are also worshipped. At night, after the moonrise, the fast is broken after offering the moon, the sacred water called "Arghya". It has a related legend which claims that it was the great sage Markandeya who advised a dethroned king to keep fast on this day to regain his lost glory. He did so and everything was well for him.
Lord Ganesh is said to be the Lord who can remove all obstructions from one's path to success. Hence his worship on Sankat Chauth. It is believed that keeping fast on this day ensures trouble-free year ahead.
VASANT PANCHAMI
Vasant is said to be the prince of all seasons, when the whole nature swoons in ecstasy. So the ancient Hindu calendar started with this season. Vasant Panchami or Sri Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of Magha (Jan- Feb). This day is specially dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, wisdom, and fine arts.
On this day, robes, yellow in color are traditionally worn, taking clue from the fields wearing a mustard flowers' brilliant color. This color also signifies maturity and ripeness. The "Prasadam" for the Goddess varies from community to community. Some have "Ber"- a kind of plume that is found in abundance in North India, and "Sangari"- a kind of bean that grows in the root of the radish plant are offered as prasadams. Along with these two, some "Burfi" sweets, which are yellow in color and marigolds, are placed on a "Thali" in front of the deity. The younger girl of the family normally begins the worship.
Goddess Saraswati is selected for worship on this day since she is a female deity free from any negative attributes and also appears very graceful. Since she is associated with fine arts, music concerts and poetic symposiums are held on this day all over the country. Vasant Panchami is rarely held as a holiday now in India. When it was taken as a holiday long before, kite -flying was followed in almost all the households of north India.
MAGHI POORNIMA
The full moon day of Magh (Jan-Feb) is known as Maghi Poornima. It is a great bathing day and is as important as Karthik Poornima. The dead ancestors are offered libations, and the poor are given clothes, food, money, etc. Then Brahmans are fed and given "Daan- Dakshina" according to one's means.
On this day great bathing festivals are held at various places along the banks of the holy rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, Sarayu, Narmada, Tapti, Kaveri, Krishna, etc. A bath in the sea at Kanyakumari or Rameswaram or Puskhar or at the sacred tank in Kumbakonam is considered to be very meritorious. The Magh Mela at Prayag near Allahabad held on this day is very famous in India. More than a million devotees assemble at the confluence of the Ganges and the Yamuna and earn merit.
Float festival
On the full moon day of Magh, the float festival is celebrated at Madurai in Tamilnadu. Madurai has a temple dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi. Magh Poornima happens to be the birthday of King Tirumala Nayak who builtMariamman Teppakulam which is a few kms to the east of Madurai. With the accompaniment of music and devotional songs, the highly decorated and illuminated floats are taken. Lakhs of pilgrims assemble at the city to witness this grand event. On this day, the images of Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwara are mounted on floats and taken to the famous temple.
MAHA SHIVARATRI
On the "Triyadashi" or the thirteenth day of the waning moon fortnight in the month of Phalgun falls the festival of Maha Shivratri, symbolizing the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi. This day comes sometimes in the latter half of February or beginning of March about a fortnight after the colorful festival of Holi.
While the unmarried worship Shiv - Parvati to allow them the same kind of marital bliss as they enjoyed by bestowing a husband of their choice, the married pray for their husband's prosperity and long life. The devotees spend the whole night in meditation, chanting the holy name, reciting Shiva- Mahima Strota and Shiv Tandava Strota. The lingam, the symbol of Shiva is worshipped with Ganjalal, milk, curd, honey and ghee. Bel (Wood apple), Dhatura fruit and "Aak" flowers are the special favorites of the Lord.
Since Shiva is the top most popular deity of the Hindu fold of India, his marriage is celebrated elaborately. It is the only occasion in entire Hindu calendar when a marriage is celebrated with so much fanfare. The hub of the activity of this festival is the temples and not the homes. About 4 p.m onwards people come to the temple with some milk, bel fruits and flowers. Drinking a special drink made from almonds, pistachios, milk, honey and Bhang (cannabis Indica) is held very auspicious. After the pooja the devotees gather around Shiva's idol and sing bhajans and devotional songs. Special pujas are held at Varanasi, Tarkeshwar, Baidyanth, Walkeshwar, Rameshwaram and Mahakal in Ujjain.
DIWALI
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Diwali is the day of Goddess Lakshmi's special worship. She is the Goddess of cleanliness next to wisdom. People clean their houses around Diwali with special enthusiasm to welcome Lakshmi into their home. They remove old clothes and have their house freshly painted. New clothes and shoes are got for the entire family.
The celebration of Diwali starts from the early morning. People get up early in the morning; tidy their houses, decorate their houses with arches and festoons, and take oil- bath. In the evening they place earthen lamps filled with oil and cotton wicks on the sills and the boundary walls of the houses. Gifting sweet packets and other items are also part of the Diwali custom. When all the lamps have been lit, the younger members of the house start bursting crackers and the older ones set out to greet their friends and relatives.
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Besides Diwali, in some regions a festival called "Kojagara" is also celebrated to propitiate the Goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi. This festival is observed on the night of full moon in the month of Ashwina. "Kojagara ", literally means the night of awakening. It is also a festival of Goddess Lakshmi who descends on the earth on this auspicious night to bless all with health and prosperity. This is one of the most important festivals of Central India, particularly the Budelkand region.
KARWA CHAUTH
Married ladies observe Karwa Chauth on the fourth day of the dark half of Karthik, during October- November, in order to ensure prosperity and long health of their husbands. Widows and unmarried girls normally don't participate. The married women keep a strict fast on this day.
Shiva, Parvati and their son Karthikeya are worshipped along with ten Karwas or small earthen pots with spouts filled with sweets. The karwas are given as gifts to the daughters and sisters. At night after the moon appears they break their fast after offering water to the moon. Married women receive gifts from their parents, brothers and husbands. On the day before this day, the mother- in -law sends eatables to her daughter-in -law to eat before the fast, as she would be in her parent's place. Women join and eat before sunrise, fruits, milk, oranges, sherbet, tea, coffee, puri, aloo, etc and whichever they fancy.
Newly married girls wear their Lehanga and Chunni. Young ladies, as they are not supposed to do any house-hold work, crowd around mehndiwallahs and the churiwalli or Bangle-seller and adorn their hands with henna and beautiful color bangles. Women who do the pujas wear roli teeka on their foreheads and at the hair partings. Women offer water to the moon by holding a lamp in one hand and with the right hand pour water on the ground seven times along with pieces of broken puas. The ceremony ends with a grand feast for the whole family.
SKANDA SHASHTI
Skanda Shashti is celebrated in South India with great fervor and devotion in the Tamil month of Tulam during October- November. Skanda, the second son of Shiva, also known as Karthikeya or Subramanya was born without the intervention of any female. Shiva cast his seed into the fire and it was received by the Ganges and Skanda emerged and Krittika fostered him.
In South India, there are six places, which are associated with him and are considered holy. At these places Skanda shashti is celebrated with thousands thronging the temples. It is the day, when Taraka, the great demon who was a nuisance to the gods was defeated. The festivities begin six days before the shashti. According to mythology, the devotion offered on this day brings prosperity and happiness to ones life.
KARTIKA PURNIMA
The Hindus celebrate this day as a day when God incarnated himself as Matsya avatar or Fish form. The aim of this avatar was to save Vavaswata, the seventh Manu, and the progenitor of the human race from the destruction by a deluge. Charities and piety observed on this day are considered to be highly meritorious. People bath in the Ganges and other holy waters, observe fasts, practice charities and meditate on God. It is also believed that on this day Shankara killed Tripurasura on this day. Shiva is worshipped on this occasion.
Big cattle fairs are held on this day. The great cattle fair held at Puskhar Lake near Ajmer in Rajasthan is a great draw, which transforms the scene into a seething color of sea and gaiety. Thousands of camels, bulls, goats, buffaloes and cows are brought here for sale. Camel races are held and thousands of people take bath in the sacred river here.
GURU-PARAB OR JYOTOSAVA
It is one of the most sacred festivals of the Sikhs. Guru Nanak's birthday is celebrated on this day by lighting lamps. This festivity falls on the full moon day of Kartika (Oct- Nov) and is celebrated to commemorate Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. He was born in 1469 at Talwandi about 45 kms away from Lahore and is known as Nankana Sahib. On Guru Parab, a grand fair and festivity is held here and Sikhs from all over the country and even abroad congregate here.
On Guru Parab, Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Scripture is read and recited inside the Gurdwaras continuously. Processions are carried out, free meals are arranges and prasads are distributed. Similarly other Gurus are also commemorated. The second Guru Parab commemorating the Guru Govind Singh is celebrated in the month of Pausha (Dec- Jan).
CHRISTMAS
The festival of Chritmas or the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ is celebrated with great cheer and enthusiasm by the Christians all over the country. It falls on December 25th and is also hailed as "Bada Din" since from this day the duration of each day is lengthened when compared to the previous days. Though no historical records are there to prove that it was that particular day, people started celebrating Christmas on this day because it was found favorable by the people living in the dark and cold countries.
On this day, people in their best clothes attend special midnight masses in churches. The festivities continue till the New Year's Eve. On Christmas Eve, Carol singing and visiting friends and relatives take place till the midnight. In big cities and towns processions are carried with tableaus depicting the life and teachings of Jesus and his disciples.
Christians beautifully decorate their houses for this day with bells and flowers and make Christmas trees bedecked with bells and flowers and gifts for the children. The Christmas tree reminds people to be unselfish and help others. A mystical character Santa Claus also appears on the Christmas night to give gifts to the children. Hindus and Muslims also now enthusiastically join the Christians in celebrating Christmas these days.
FESTIVALS OF AUTUMN
DURGA PUJA
Durga Puja is a time for people to show their gratitude to Mother Nature or the Goddess Durga. It is the apt period to revive oneself after the agonizing period of rains followed by deadly epics.
The religious ceremony is observed on the seventh, eighth and ninth day of the moon and the immersion of the image are on the tenth day, usually in the month of Ashwin (September-October). Durga Puja is followed by the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Grace and Prosperity on the evening of the full moon.
Durga is depicted as a powerful and beauteous Goddess, riding a raging lion, holding aloft ten weapons in her ten hands. Above the head of the Goddess broods the small figure of Shiva, her Lord, the essence of Goodness. On either side are seated her four children: Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, Ganesh, the God of fulfillment and Karthikeya, the God of war and purity.
Once an Asura took the form of a buffalo and harassed the gods. He drove them out of the heavens and occupied the place of Indra. The gods went to Shiva and Vishnu for help and when both of them heard about this, a strange brightness emerged form them, which spread throughout the earth and the heavens and later condensed into a glorious Goddess and she was named Durga. She immediately destroyed the strange asura after a hectic fight.
Durga Puja has now become a national festival with most non-Bengalis and non-Hindus participating in it. Calcutta is hardly recognizable during the Puja week, with the blazing lights, blaring music, beautifully decorated Puja pandals, where crowds gather in their best attire to greet, pray and meet their friends and relatives. The ladies are also busy these days, making tasty, dry, economical, traditional sweets that everybody likes. These sweets are made of sugar, flour, honey, molasses, and coconut and flavored with nutmeg and cardamoms.
When the three days of Puja are over, the image is taken down from the pedestal and stared on its final journey with the blowing of conch shells and chanting of the Goddess' name. Trucks, cars and tempos or sturdy shoulders then carry the image to the nearby rivers, lakes or ponds and plunged into the water.
DUSSEHRA
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Dussehra literally means that which takes away ten sins. It is the time, before which, after the rainy season, most of the diseases afflict the people. When they have successfully fought against these, the people look forward to some festivities with eagerness and the first to come is the Dussehra. As like many festivals, Dussehra symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
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The festival lasts for ten days and nights, the first nine nights of which are the Navaratri dedicated to the worship of different aspects of Durga on some areas and also of Lakshmi and Saraswathi in others. In the north, the ten days of dussehra are publicly dominated by the Ramlila, vivid enactments of episodes from the Ramayana that culminate with the burning of Ravana and the triumph of Rama. In the villages, each evening of the ten days have the story of the Ramayan enacted and on the final day paper effigies of Ravan, Meghnath and Kumbhakarnan, stuffed with fire crackers are set alight. They blaze and crackle in fiery splendor, till finally the huge figures fall down.
The finest Ramlila is held near Varanasi across the Ganges at Ramnagar. It is more than just a play with thousands of people participating in the event. The Lila play lasts for thirty days.
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In Tamilnadu, dussehra is known as Navaratri or the nine nights. Three nights are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, three to shakthi or Parvathi, and three to Saraswathi. Every home has a kolu; a decorated stepped platform filled with toys and clay figurines, representing gods, Goddesses and animals. On the ninth day of Navaratri, Ayutha Puja is performed when books, professional implements are kept in the puja. The tenth day is the Vijayadasami Day when people rededicate themselves to their profession. Vijayadasami is also the day of Vidyaramba or beginning of study when children usually begin to learn the alphabet.
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In Karnataka, Dussehra is the most important festival of the year. Devotees assemble in thousands at the grand temple of Chamundeswari on the Chamundi hills where Chamundeaswari is the presiding deity. The city of Mysore would be festively decorated. In Kerala, on the other hand, it is a quiet festival where the Hindus celebrate it in their own houses with less pomp.
PRATYUSHAN PARVA
It is a Jain festival, and is celebrated by both the Svetambar and the Digambar sects in the month of Bhadra (August- September). The Svetambar Jains start observing it in the dark half of the month from the 13th day up to the fifth day of the bright half for eight days. But the Digambar or the sky-clad Jains observe it from the fifth day of the bright half of Bhadra and terminate it after eight days on the 13th lunar day. This festival signifies a man's emergence into the new world of spiritual and moral refinement from that of gross and depraved world.
The ten cardinal virtues cultivated during this festival are: forgiveness, charity, simplicity, contentment, truthfulness, self-restraint, fasting, detachment, humility and continence. During the days of the celebration, the devout Jains keep fast, eat only once in a day, worship the tirthankaras, and try to imbibe the qualities and virtues of great Jain saints and preachers. FESTIVALS OF THE RAINY SEASON
RATHA YATRA
On the second day of the bright half of Ashadha(June- July), Ratha Yatra is celebrated throughout the country, and chariot processions of Sri Jagannath are taken out through the main streets in many cities, but the main festival is held at Puri in Orissa.
This is famous throughout the world and many foreigners also participate in this spectacular event. The 12th century Jagannath shrine is situated on the Nilchala Mountains, 60 kms from Bhubaneshwar. It is one of the four great holy places of the Hindus. The other three being, Badrinath, Dwaraka and Rameshwaram.
It is believed that a three days and nights sojourn to Puri will free a pilgrim from future births and deaths. On this day, the idol of Lord Jagannath is taken on an enormous chariot, which is 45 feet high, and 35 feet square and has sixteen wheels, which are seven feet in diameter.
The chariot is drawn by hundreds of thousands of devotees. Another two chariots for Jagannath's sister and brother are also drawn. While that of Balbhadra is 44 feet high and has 14 wheels, Subhadra, his sister's chariot is 43 feet high and has12 wheels. Krishna's journey to Mathura from Gokul at Kansa's invitation is the legend behind this great Car festival. The procession goes along Broad Avenue to Gundicha Mandir, the Lord's summer Garden House, where they stay for seven days and then they are brought back to the temple. Once the ceremonies are over, the chariots are broken down to make religious relics. Every year new chariots are made. The deities are made of wood and they are renewed at certain intervals. An important feature of this temple is that there are no caste distinctions and all are equal to enter the temple and worship the Lord.
The legend of Lord Jagannath is quite interesting. A hunter killed Krishna accidentally and some pious people found his body and stored the bones. Later Vishnu directed a King called Indrayumna to make an image of Jagannath and place Krishna's bones inside it. Vishwakarma was assigned this job and he asked for privacy till the work was complete. But the King impatiently went to the architect and so Vishwakarma left the images undone. That is why the deities have no hands and feet.
The king of Puri, the descendant of king Anantavarman Chodaganga, and the original founder alone has the right to carry the Lord's umbrella and other paraphernalia. Over 6000 males are at the Lord's service, headed by the king. Some 20,000 people are said to be dependant on the temple for their livelihood.
TEEJ
Teej, purely a festival of girls and ladies is sacred to the Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It was on this auspicious day that Parvati was reunited with Lord Shiva after a long separation. It is annually celebrated in most parts on India, and especially in the state of Rajasthan, on the third day of the bright fortnight of the month of Shrawan. Processions bearing the images of Parvathi are taken out escorted by caparisoned elephants, camels and horses.
On the occasion of Teej, young girls of the house who dress up in Sarees, Lehangas and Chunris perform Dandia dances. Basically Teej is a festival of Rajasthan and Gujarat. On the day of Teej, it is a must for the girls to receive clothes from their parents. Newly married girls get special costly attires from their parents.
Swings are hung on trees and in the houses and the women amuse themselves. Fairs are also arranged on this occasion and people enjoy themselves. This festival seems to welcome the coming monsoon season.
RAKSHA BANDHAN
Sravani, the sacred thread tying ceremony, and Raksha Bandhan are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (July- august). Sravani is a specifically Brahmin festival, referred in the ancient Sanskrit scripts and it is regarded as an important day in Bengal, Orissa, Gujarat and some Southern states.
The origin of Raksha Bandhan has a legend behind. Once there was a fierce battle between the Gods and the demons and the Demons were about to triumph. The next day was the full moon night of the month of shravan. Indrani, the wife of Lord Indra, prepared a chasm according to the rules prescribed in the sacred texts and tied it on her husband's wrist. And it happened that when Indra entered the war-front with the chasm in his wrist, the demons lost and fled away. Probably, Raksha Bandhan appeared from this belief.
Now, it has come to be a sitter's day, symbolizing the love that binds them to their bothers. Once a girl ties a "rakhi", as the sacred thread is called, in any man's wrist, he becomes closer to the girl than other blood relations. During this season, all stops are found stacked with colorful and glittering wristlets of all hues and colors and to fit every pocket, with values from a rupee to a few thousand rupees. On the day, the girls and boys dress in their best and girls take the rakhi to their brothers and daub his forehead with vermilion and saffron and then tie the rakhi. They also give sweetmeats to their brothers. The boy in return gives some money to his sister as a mark of affection. When a girl ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist, she makes fervent wishes for her prosperity, happiness and success in all he undertakes. In return, the guy renews his pledge to guard her honor and self-respect. In some places Raksha Bandhan is also called Rakhi, Rakhri and Saluno.
There are several mentions about this Raksha Bandhan in our history. Maharani Karmvathi's kingdom was once besieged by Governor Bahadur shah. She did not know what to do and so she sent a rakhi to the emperor humayun who immediately accepted it and came to fight with Bahadur shah, and routed his army, despite he being a Muslim ruler and the Maharani being a Hindu. Rajasthan has many tales from history regarding this Rakhi tying custom. During the freedom movement, many women tied rachis on men's wrist and made them pledge their lives for the liberation of India. The great leader of Bengal, surendranath banerjee, even tried to elevate this Raksha Bandhan to the status of a national festival.
GANESH CHATHURTHI
On this day, a beautiful idol of Lord Ganesh is made of clay or some metals like silver and it displaced in a high pedestal. Then the idol is anointed with saffron paste and sandalwood and offerings are given to it. They include tulsi leaves, white lily flowers, durba grass twigs, red sandalwood, red vermilion powder, panchamrita (a mixture of milk, honey, curd, sugar and water), etc. Then the devotees move ceremoniously around the lord seven times and lie down on the ground face down to salute him. Then Laddoos are given as prasadam to the lord and later distributed to the devotees. After the ritual worship, the idol of the Lord is immersed in nearby waters like a tank, river or sea.
On this pious day viewing of the moon is strictly prohibited. On the Ganesh chathurthi day, all women who are desirous of the welfare of their husbands and sons compulsorily worship him. This is a special function day and the grandest festival of the state of Maharastra. Almost each locality of every town has its own image of Ganesh, specially made for this occasion. Though there are many places where the idols are made, the images made from a village called "Pen" are rated higher in Maharastra.
The size of the Ganpathi idols varies from a few inches height to over a hundred feet. How long the idol is kept a t home depends on family tradition. It may be thirty-six hours in some houses and it may go unto five, six or seven days till Anant Chaturdashi. Children decorate the idols with colorful strings and papers and Arthi is performed daily. It is customary to make offerings of twenty-one blades of grass, Kewra(Pandanus buds), a lotus flower and twenty-one modaks as "Prasadam.
The local community Ganesh images appear bigger in size and it is depicted in a variety of activities. New forms are invented to depict the current theme and fashion. It was Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak who made the ritual worship of Ganesh in Maharastra almost a national festival. The festival is fondly called "Ganesh-Utsav".
JANMASHTHAMI
On the eighth day of the black half of bhadra(August-September) was born shri Krishna, the eight avatar or incarnation of Vishnu. Therefore this day is known as Janmashtami or Krishna Janmashtami. This auspicious day of the birth of Krishna, the direct manifestation of Lord Vishnu himself is celebrated with great éclat and enthusiasm all over the country.
Sri Krishna was born as the eighth son in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva. Fearing for the life of his son, Vasudeva flew to Gokula and exchanged him for a baby girl born to Nanda and Yashoda there. The janmashtami celebrations start from the early morning bath in the sacred waters with prayers. The climax is the midnight with the rising moon, which marks the divine birth of Lord Krishna. On this day the devotees observe strict fast until midnight. Temples and homes are decorated with scenes of Krishna's birth and his childhood pranks. At night after the birth, the child image of Krihna is given a bath in Charnamrita.
In Braja Mandala, especially in gokula and Mathura, this festival is celebrated with greatest fervor and enthusiasm. People from all over the country congregate at Mathura and Vrindavana for this special occasion. The fast observed on this day ensures the birth of many good sons and salvation after death. The Bhagavad Gita and the Geet Govindam are read on this day at houses and in the temples.
ONAM
Onam is a festival of flowers, a spring festival. It falls on Shravan day in the month of Shravan or Bhadon (August-September). During this period the harvest are over and the farmers will be in a festive mood with their granaries full. Onam has a legend attached to it. In ancient times, an Asura King Mahabali ruled Kerala. He extended his rules to the heavens and the nether world. So, the King of gods, Indra hatched a plot to oust him. Disguise as a Brahmin boy, Vamana, he asked Mahabali to give him as much land he could cover in three steps. As the King agreed, Vamana grew in size till he was big as the Universe. He took two steps and covered the earth and the heavens in the two steps and asked for the King's head for his third step. Then vamana pushed Mahabali into the far below nether land. But before that, the King sought Vishnu's permission for visiting the earth once in a year, and it was granted.
The celebration of Onam is tribute to Mahabali's sacrifice. In memory of the happy days of Mahabali's rule, a grateful Kerala celebrates his annual homecoming with all pomp and grandeur. Onam celebrations last for ten days, beginning with a colorful reception to King Mahabali. Earthen mounds, which like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vishnu are placed in dung-plastered courtyards and decorated with beautiful flowers. After the traditional prayers, the people of the house are given new clothes. A lavish feast as to what one's purse can afford follows this.
Certain dances like Kaikottikali take place. The most exciting of all is the Aranmula Boat Race. Men, women and children come from far and near to watch these snake-shaped boat races.
Interestingly during Onam, not only King Mahabali but also Vishnu is also worshipped. The celebration of Onam became very popular after the establishment of a temple dedicated to Vamana at Thrikakara nears Cochin. The temple was built in the 8th century. Hindus, Muslims and Christians of Kerala symbolizing the hopes and aspirations of all of the Keralites now celebrate Onam.
SUMMER FESTIVALS
MAHAVIR JAYANTHI
Both the Digambara and the Shwetambara Jains observe the birthday of Lord Mahavir, the Jain Teerthankar, on 13th day of the bright half of the Chaithra month as Mahavir Jayanthi. (March- April).
Though it is celebrated by Jains throughout the country, it is celebrated with great style and fervor in Rajasthan and Gujarat where the Jains are settled in large numbers. On this day Jain pilgrims from all over the country congregate at the ancient Jain shrines at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat and at Mahavirji in Rajasthan, and Pawapuri, Vaishali in Bihar. Vaishali being the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, a grand festival is held here and it is known as Vaishali Mahotsava.
On this auspicious and holy day, grand chariot processions with the images of Mahavir are taken out. Rich ceremonies are held in the temples and fast and charities to the poor and the needy are done. On this day the Jain scriptures are devotedly read and in some places big fairs are held.
HANUMAN JAYANTHI
HANUMAN
Lord Hanuman is known to give quick solutions to problems. He is also known as Sankat Mochan or the remover of distress and affliction. There is hardly any place in North India where there is no temple for the Lord Hanuman. So, his birthday is celebrated with great devotion. On chaithra Shukla Purnima- full moon day, generally falling between 15th March and 15th April, Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated all over the country.
Hanuman is believed to be the son of the monkey chieftain, Kesri and his wife Anjaani. He is also called Shankar- Suvan. It is widely held that during the great churning of the Oceans, the gods and the Demons began to fight over the ownership of the great "Amrita".
Lord Vishnu came in the form of a beautiful Lady to deviate the demons and let the gods have the Amrita. Lord Shankar was so much attracted to the Lady that he chased her and prematurely ejaculated. The sages and seers did not want to waste the seed of shankar that they collected it and implanted it in the womb of Anjani and thus Lord Hanuman was born.
The birth anniversary of Hanuman is celebrated with great devotion. Devotees visit Hanuman shrines, observe fasts, offer prayers and puja and read the Ramayana. On this day the idols of Hanuman are given a special coating of vermilion mixed with clarified butter. People offer "besan Ladoo" or "Boondi" as prasad and chant various hymns eulogizing his glory.
GANAGAUR
Primarily a women's festival, Ganagur is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of Chaithra (March-April). It is a local festival in Rajasthan and is also celebrated in many parts of northern India with great fervor. Ganagaur is actively an 18-day festival culminating on the final day. The celebrations commence right from the next day of Holi with the worship and prayers to Gauri. Gauri is an epithet of Parvati, the eternal spouse of Lord Shiva.
Both the married and the unmarried girls worship the Goddess everyday during the festival with durva grass, fruits and bright glass pots filled with fresh water. The married woman seeks the blessings for faithful conjugal happiness and bliss while the virgins pray for a suitable handsome husband and future marital prosperity.
On the final day of Ganagaur festival, the ladies keep strict fast, worship the Goddess, wear colorful raiment and ornaments, exchange sweets and the earthen or wooden images of Ganagaur (Shiva- Parvathi) are taken out in processions through the main streets to the accompaniment of music for the immersion of the idols in the nearby lake. Normally Ganagaur is celebrated at the daybreak.
CHITHRAI FESTIVAL
Meenakshi Temple
Madurai Meenakshi Temple
In Madurai, a great festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Sundareswarar with the fish-eyed goddess Meenakshi is held with great enthusiasm in the month of Chaithra (March- April). It lasts for 10 days and centers on the famous Meenakshi temple, an extraordinary temple of Dravidian architecture. The deities are taken around the temple in chariots. Thousands of devotees from all over the country gather in the city of Madurai on this occasion.
The wedding anniversary is called as Meenakshi Kalyanam, which is the most spectacular festival of Madurai. According to the legends, Indra set out on a pilgrimage to atone for the misdeeds he has done unknowingly. During his pilgrimage when he came near Madurai, he felt that the burden has lightened and he found a Shiv Linga lying there. He immediately built a beautiful temple there and installed the lingam there. Then he desired to perform a puja and so Lord Shiva caused a Golden lotus to appear in the nearby pool, and that day happened to be a chaithrapoornima. The golden lotus lake is still inside the temple premises.
RAM NAVAMI
Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama is a major Hindu festival celebrated all over the country by all sects of the Hindu fold. Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born on the ninth day of the bright half of the lunar month chaitra.
The festival preparations start early in the morning with people taking bath in the holy waters and coming to the temple of Lord Ram. They keep fast till 12, noon, when the avatar is supposed to have taken place. People take "Phalagar" only in the afternoon. It consists of a sweet made of khoya, potatoes or calacosia made in any form without the use of Haldi, garlic and onion. All kinds of root vegetables are consumed and no green vegetables. Fruits are allowed. The puja is done in the noon by singing various slokas, hymns and ending with the distribution of Panjeeree, chranamrita, fruits and sweets.
In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Ram, the temples are heavily decorated and great festivities take place. Ramayana is read and recited and great fairs are held here on that day. Ran Navami is also celebrated as the Vasanta Navarathri festival with the celebrations starting from the first lunar day of the bright half of the chithrai month.
BAISAKHI
BAISAKHI
A typical rural festival of north India, it is a very prominent one for the State of Punjab. This is an agriculture-based festival and it signifies the happiness of the farmers after their crops have been harvested. It is celebrated with gusto and fervor by all the sturdy people of Punjab known to be great connoisseurs of all good things in life.
This harvest festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with the joy being expressed by the famous Bhangra dance. It is very important for the Sikhs, Buddhists and Hindus alike and is marked by the ritual bathing at Haridwar.
It falls on the 14th April and marks the beginning of the solar year for the north Indians, and it is called so because after this day, the month Baiskhi starts. But when an extra month is added to the year, this festival falls on the month of Baiskhi.During this festival the clime is very enjoyable and also the farmers have sufficient amount of money in their hands for the celebrations, since the harvests are over and the produce sold.
In the morning of Baisakhi, people take bath at rivers and tanks. Then dressed in new attires they go the Gurdwaras. There they give thanks for the good yield and pray for a similar result, the coming year. The day is considered very auspicious and big cattle fairs are conducted in many village grounds. Giant wheels and merry-go-rounds dot almost all the villages.
It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh initiated the "Panch Piyara" or the five loved ones. He decorated the Khalsa at Anandpur sahib near Chandigarh and gave five people from five different states the rules on how to be like a true Sikh. One of the sacred places for the Sikhs is the Amritsar, Golden Temple. It has a huge tank in it and there is popular belief that anyone bathing in it gets purified of all his sins. On Baisakhi day, water is brought from all the sacred rivers of India and poured into that tank.
Lots of fruits like ber and lookat and mithai are sent to the houses of the daughters and sisters as gifts. Visitors are given lassi and mithai and many other festive foods.
BUDDHA PURNIMA
This is the most sacred day for the Buddhists all over the country. This full- moon day of the month of Vaisakh (April- May) has special significance, because on this day the Great Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and attained Nirvana or death. This strange, three-fold coincidence, gives Buddha Purnima its unique significance.
On the full moon day of Vaisakh the Buddha's mother, Queen Mahamaya, happened to be on her way from Kapilavastu to her parents home in Devdaha. During the journey itself she gave birth to her son under the shade of two Sal trees. And then this Gautama grew up but he was nor attached to worldly pleasures and sought a way out. Then on another full moon night of Vaisakh, on his thirty-fifth birthday he attained enlightenment.
On this day, the Buddhist people take bath and wear white clothes and visit the viharas and give alms to the monks there. Then they attend discourses on the life and teachings of the Buddha from the Buddhist monks there. On this day they refrain from eating meat. Their special forms of charity include kindness to animals; many of them buy caged birds and let them free. They make "Vaisakh Valkats" out of bamboo and decorate their houses with them. To the Buddhists it is not a day of great rejoicing but of deep reflections on the travails of human life in particular, because Buddha was the first to find a solution to the great causes of human grief.
NRIJALA EKADASHI
Ekadashi is believed to be the most pious day in a month in general for the devout Hindu. It comes twice in a month according to the Hindu calendar. It falls on the eleventh day of the waxing of the moon and again on the eleventh day of the waning of the moon. The observance of the rituals connected with this day are said to wipe away the sins that may have been done in the past fortnight. The very religious observe a fast on both the Ekadashis. The regulations for the fasts are nor very strict. Fruits, milks, sweets, tea and coffee can be taken along with water and a full meal can be taken in the night.
"Nirjala Ekadashi" comes in the Hindu month of Jyeshta, the 11th day of "Sukul Paksh" and comes sometimes in the month of June. The origin behind this festival goes like this; Bhim, the son of Kunti, was a great Gourmet. He hated the idea of fasting on every Ekadashi. So his mentors felt that atleast he should absolve of his sins and that it should be a total "Vrat".
In the morning of this day people get up early, take bath and wear ordinary clothes and perform puja. It is not a festive occasion but a sober one, where one is supposed to think of the humble and the poor. Everyone does the puja with water first and then with aipun and roli and lastly with rice, worshipping Ganesh and the appropriate deities.
Both the Digambara and the Shwetambara Jains observe the birthday of Lord Mahavir, the Jain Teerthankar, on 13th day of the bright half of the Chaithra month as Mahavir Jayanthi. (March- April).
Though it is celebrated by Jains throughout the country, it is celebrated with great style and fervor in Rajasthan and Gujarat where the Jains are settled in large numbers. On this day Jain pilgrims from all over the country congregate at the ancient Jain shrines at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat and at Mahavirji in Rajasthan, and Pawapuri, Vaishali in Bihar. Vaishali being the birthplace of Lord Mahavir, a grand festival is held here and it is known as Vaishali Mahotsava.
On this auspicious and holy day, grand chariot processions with the images of Mahavir are taken out. Rich ceremonies are held in the temples and fast and charities to the poor and the needy are done. On this day the Jain scriptures are devotedly read and in some places big fairs are held.
HANUMAN JAYANTHI
HANUMAN
Lord Hanuman is known to give quick solutions to problems. He is also known as Sankat Mochan or the remover of distress and affliction. There is hardly any place in North India where there is no temple for the Lord Hanuman. So, his birthday is celebrated with great devotion. On chaithra Shukla Purnima- full moon day, generally falling between 15th March and 15th April, Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated all over the country.
Hanuman is believed to be the son of the monkey chieftain, Kesri and his wife Anjaani. He is also called Shankar- Suvan. It is widely held that during the great churning of the Oceans, the gods and the Demons began to fight over the ownership of the great "Amrita".
Lord Vishnu came in the form of a beautiful Lady to deviate the demons and let the gods have the Amrita. Lord Shankar was so much attracted to the Lady that he chased her and prematurely ejaculated. The sages and seers did not want to waste the seed of shankar that they collected it and implanted it in the womb of Anjani and thus Lord Hanuman was born.
The birth anniversary of Hanuman is celebrated with great devotion. Devotees visit Hanuman shrines, observe fasts, offer prayers and puja and read the Ramayana. On this day the idols of Hanuman are given a special coating of vermilion mixed with clarified butter. People offer "besan Ladoo" or "Boondi" as prasad and chant various hymns eulogizing his glory.
GANAGAUR
Primarily a women's festival, Ganagur is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of Chaithra (March-April). It is a local festival in Rajasthan and is also celebrated in many parts of northern India with great fervor. Ganagaur is actively an 18-day festival culminating on the final day. The celebrations commence right from the next day of Holi with the worship and prayers to Gauri. Gauri is an epithet of Parvati, the eternal spouse of Lord Shiva.
Both the married and the unmarried girls worship the Goddess everyday during the festival with durva grass, fruits and bright glass pots filled with fresh water. The married woman seeks the blessings for faithful conjugal happiness and bliss while the virgins pray for a suitable handsome husband and future marital prosperity.
On the final day of Ganagaur festival, the ladies keep strict fast, worship the Goddess, wear colorful raiment and ornaments, exchange sweets and the earthen or wooden images of Ganagaur (Shiva- Parvathi) are taken out in processions through the main streets to the accompaniment of music for the immersion of the idols in the nearby lake. Normally Ganagaur is celebrated at the daybreak.
CHITHRAI FESTIVAL
Meenakshi Temple
Madurai Meenakshi Temple
In Madurai, a great festival celebrating the marriage of Lord Sundareswarar with the fish-eyed goddess Meenakshi is held with great enthusiasm in the month of Chaithra (March- April). It lasts for 10 days and centers on the famous Meenakshi temple, an extraordinary temple of Dravidian architecture. The deities are taken around the temple in chariots. Thousands of devotees from all over the country gather in the city of Madurai on this occasion.
The wedding anniversary is called as Meenakshi Kalyanam, which is the most spectacular festival of Madurai. According to the legends, Indra set out on a pilgrimage to atone for the misdeeds he has done unknowingly. During his pilgrimage when he came near Madurai, he felt that the burden has lightened and he found a Shiv Linga lying there. He immediately built a beautiful temple there and installed the lingam there. Then he desired to perform a puja and so Lord Shiva caused a Golden lotus to appear in the nearby pool, and that day happened to be a chaithrapoornima. The golden lotus lake is still inside the temple premises.
RAM NAVAMI
Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama is a major Hindu festival celebrated all over the country by all sects of the Hindu fold. Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born on the ninth day of the bright half of the lunar month chaitra.
The festival preparations start early in the morning with people taking bath in the holy waters and coming to the temple of Lord Ram. They keep fast till 12, noon, when the avatar is supposed to have taken place. People take "Phalagar" only in the afternoon. It consists of a sweet made of khoya, potatoes or calacosia made in any form without the use of Haldi, garlic and onion. All kinds of root vegetables are consumed and no green vegetables. Fruits are allowed. The puja is done in the noon by singing various slokas, hymns and ending with the distribution of Panjeeree, chranamrita, fruits and sweets.
In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Ram, the temples are heavily decorated and great festivities take place. Ramayana is read and recited and great fairs are held here on that day. Ran Navami is also celebrated as the Vasanta Navarathri festival with the celebrations starting from the first lunar day of the bright half of the chithrai month.
BAISAKHI
BAISAKHI
A typical rural festival of north India, it is a very prominent one for the State of Punjab. This is an agriculture-based festival and it signifies the happiness of the farmers after their crops have been harvested. It is celebrated with gusto and fervor by all the sturdy people of Punjab known to be great connoisseurs of all good things in life.
This harvest festival of Baisakhi is celebrated with the joy being expressed by the famous Bhangra dance. It is very important for the Sikhs, Buddhists and Hindus alike and is marked by the ritual bathing at Haridwar.
It falls on the 14th April and marks the beginning of the solar year for the north Indians, and it is called so because after this day, the month Baiskhi starts. But when an extra month is added to the year, this festival falls on the month of Baiskhi.During this festival the clime is very enjoyable and also the farmers have sufficient amount of money in their hands for the celebrations, since the harvests are over and the produce sold.
In the morning of Baisakhi, people take bath at rivers and tanks. Then dressed in new attires they go the Gurdwaras. There they give thanks for the good yield and pray for a similar result, the coming year. The day is considered very auspicious and big cattle fairs are conducted in many village grounds. Giant wheels and merry-go-rounds dot almost all the villages.
It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh initiated the "Panch Piyara" or the five loved ones. He decorated the Khalsa at Anandpur sahib near Chandigarh and gave five people from five different states the rules on how to be like a true Sikh. One of the sacred places for the Sikhs is the Amritsar, Golden Temple. It has a huge tank in it and there is popular belief that anyone bathing in it gets purified of all his sins. On Baisakhi day, water is brought from all the sacred rivers of India and poured into that tank.
Lots of fruits like ber and lookat and mithai are sent to the houses of the daughters and sisters as gifts. Visitors are given lassi and mithai and many other festive foods.
BUDDHA PURNIMA
This is the most sacred day for the Buddhists all over the country. This full- moon day of the month of Vaisakh (April- May) has special significance, because on this day the Great Buddha was born, attained enlightenment and attained Nirvana or death. This strange, three-fold coincidence, gives Buddha Purnima its unique significance.
On the full moon day of Vaisakh the Buddha's mother, Queen Mahamaya, happened to be on her way from Kapilavastu to her parents home in Devdaha. During the journey itself she gave birth to her son under the shade of two Sal trees. And then this Gautama grew up but he was nor attached to worldly pleasures and sought a way out. Then on another full moon night of Vaisakh, on his thirty-fifth birthday he attained enlightenment.
On this day, the Buddhist people take bath and wear white clothes and visit the viharas and give alms to the monks there. Then they attend discourses on the life and teachings of the Buddha from the Buddhist monks there. On this day they refrain from eating meat. Their special forms of charity include kindness to animals; many of them buy caged birds and let them free. They make "Vaisakh Valkats" out of bamboo and decorate their houses with them. To the Buddhists it is not a day of great rejoicing but of deep reflections on the travails of human life in particular, because Buddha was the first to find a solution to the great causes of human grief.
NRIJALA EKADASHI
Ekadashi is believed to be the most pious day in a month in general for the devout Hindu. It comes twice in a month according to the Hindu calendar. It falls on the eleventh day of the waxing of the moon and again on the eleventh day of the waning of the moon. The observance of the rituals connected with this day are said to wipe away the sins that may have been done in the past fortnight. The very religious observe a fast on both the Ekadashis. The regulations for the fasts are nor very strict. Fruits, milks, sweets, tea and coffee can be taken along with water and a full meal can be taken in the night.
"Nirjala Ekadashi" comes in the Hindu month of Jyeshta, the 11th day of "Sukul Paksh" and comes sometimes in the month of June. The origin behind this festival goes like this; Bhim, the son of Kunti, was a great Gourmet. He hated the idea of fasting on every Ekadashi. So his mentors felt that atleast he should absolve of his sins and that it should be a total "Vrat".
In the morning of this day people get up early, take bath and wear ordinary clothes and perform puja. It is not a festive occasion but a sober one, where one is supposed to think of the humble and the poor. Everyone does the puja with water first and then with aipun and roli and lastly with rice, worshipping Ganesh and the appropriate deities.
SPRING FESTIVALS
Seasons according to the Gregorian calendar:
HOLI
This is one of the most popular and colorful festival celebrated in India. It comes when the cold months give way to the summer. This most joyous festival falls on the full moon day during the month of Phalguna, sometimes-late March. It is seasonally the time when bodily humors change markedly, particularly the phlegm - thawing with the onset of summer. Hence, physiologically people in India, particularly in the north rave for more sensuous and sensual pleasures with both the sexes longing to mate!
 HOLI CELEBRATIONS |
Holi is generally associated with Lord Krishna, who in his childhood and adolescence ran around with his band of cowherds and maidens of the village. Another story goes like this: the demon named Hiranyakashyapu wanted all the people to worship him and not Lord Vishnu. But even his son Prahlad did not follow this. The demons tried all tricks to kill Prahlad but in vain. At last, Holika, the demon's sister vowed to kill her nephew. So she sat on a pile of firewood along with her nephew and asked the demons to set it ablaze. Since she had a boon as to she would not be killed by fire, she readily did this act, but to everyone's surprise she was killed but Prahlad was left unscathed, and to commemorate this death of evil, people started celebrating holi.
Before this day people sort out all unwanted things to be burnt on Holi day. This "holi" is set ablaze at a precise "Muhurta" on the eve of the actual holi day called Dhulendi. People gather around it singing and dancing in Joy on the beat of Dholas and Nagaras.
The next day starts with the sprinkling of colored waters and powders on one and all. Flowers of the "flame of the forest" tree are soaked overnight in huge vessels and in the morning they are strained by big clothes. To impart more color unsoaked raw lime is added. This color is said to be good for the skin unlike the various spurious colors that are easily available in the market for Holi. The dress of every passer-by is ruined, but everyone takes it in a jolly mood.
During these days sweet homemade cakes called Goojhas are prepared and offered to every guest. Apart from it "papri", "samosa", kachauris", "kanje ke bari", etc are also prepared. There is no particular Puja associated with Holi.
Holi for the people is a festival of joy revelry and of abandonment of all taboos and restrictions: to forget the innumerable obligations that weigh us down and breathe the air of freedom.
NAVROZE
This is the most celebrated festival of the Parsis. Every year on March 21, Navroze is celebrated. It is considered the Parsi New Year only by one sect of Parsis- the Faslis- but all Parsis join in the festivities and enjoy themselves and greet each other and attend the thanks-giving ceremonies at Fire Temples. March 21 is the first day of the spring and also the vernal equinox of the sun, and therefore a logical day to celebrate the beginning of yet another year. Hence the name "Navroze" which literally means the New Day.
The festival was celebrated as far back as the 6th century BC when Cyrus and Darius ruled over the Persian Empire. The celebration commences with cleaning the house, seeping out cobwebs, painting the whole house. New clothes would be ordered for the entire family. Garlands of roses and jasmine decorate all doors and windows. Steps and thresholds are marked with beautiful patterns in color powders like "Rangoli".
Food is also an important component in these celebrations. Parsi food is a blend of West Asian and Indian style of cooking. "Rava", the popular dish is cooked with Sooji, milk and sugar. When the mixture thickens, it is flavored with rose water and sprinkled with grated nutmegs. The other popular breakfast is fried vermicelli, cooked in sugar syrup and sprinkled with almonds and raisins.
Then they go to the fire temples for worship where they offer sandalwood sticks to the fire. It is customary for the Parsis to cover their heads once inside the temples. The children wear small round caps of gold and silver brocade, while men wear small black velvet caps. The women pull their sarees over their heads. After the prayers they greet one another by bear hugs and say "Sal Mubarak"- meaning may the coming year be prosperous.
Visitors to the house that day are offered sweets and a glass of "Faluda"- a sweet milky drink cooked with a special type of vermicelli flavored with rose essence and served chilled. Pulaos rich with saffron, fish steamed in banana leaves, chicken curries with ground almonds and plain rice and moong dal are considered to be appropriate lunch for the day.
Growing of wheat in small earthenware bowls was also an age-old custom of the Parsis. On the 13th day after the Navroze, they tossed these tiny sprouts of plants into the nearby water-head, as a means of reverence for the water and greenery.
BIHU
Bihu is the biggest festival of the people of the Assam region. This is truly a regional festival, which brings a sense of solidarity and unity among the people of the Assam region. It comes thrice a year and marks the changes in the seasons. The first of the three "Bihus" falls on "Chait Sankranthi". It is called Bihag Bihu or Rangoli bihu. In fact bihu is a festival to celebrate fertility. Rangoli Bihu is the most festive and joyful of all the Bihus. Other Bihus are known as Magh Bihu and Kati Bihu.
The Rangoli Bihu is a Spring New Year and agriculture festival, all rolled into one. The first day of Rangoli Bihu is known as Gori Bihu and is reserved for cattle rites. Household cattle get special attention and they are decorated with colorful garlands of flowers and given good food. The next day is called "Manuh Bihu". Paying homage to elders is customary on that day. On this day special meal is prepared with Chivra (flattened rice), curds and sweets. An attractive feature is the offering of presented called "Bhiguwan", which consists of a napkin woven by women in the family loom. The next day is "Gosain Bihu", which is reserved for religious services. The seventh day has the custom of the people preparing seven types of leafy vegetables called "SatSak ". Games and sports are also a necessary part of the Bihu celebrations. Children join them with great fervor.
The harvest festival celebrated in winter is the Magh Bihu when the crops have been harvested. Feasting forms the main feature of this Bihu. It is also connected with fire rites and the lighting of bonfires. On the bihu eve, every household has a special meal of fish and meat. Groups of young people and children hold community feasts in temporary structures made of dry hay and bamboo sticks.
The Bihu specialties among food items are "Chivra"(beaten rice), "Pitha"(rice cakes), "Laru"(sweet balls) of various kinds. These are eaten as mid-day meals. It is also customary for the young to get blessings from the older members of the family.
The last of the Bihus is the "Kati Bihu" which is a one-day celebration. It falls around October- November, when the paddy crops are yet to mature and the granaries are almost empty. Hence it is called "Kangali" or Poor Bihu.Naturally there is no feasting on this day. Special Tulsi Pujas are held on this day.
GOOD FRIDAY
This is one of the famous Christian festivals and it is observed on the Friday before Easter. It is celebrated in March- April to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for the entire humanity. On this Day, Christians mourn Christ's death and strictly fast and attend masses in the churches.
This is also called "Black Friday"- from the vestments of the clergy and the altar in the western church. One section of Christians call the Good Friday very auspicious and the other, ominous. Some Christians wear Black clothes to symbolize mourning and take out a procession with an image of Jesus Christ to the Cemetery belonging to their church. Dramas depicting the crucifixion of Jesus are enacted in many places and some churches ring the mourning bell as a mark of respect to the Lord.
EASTER
Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a day of great rejoicing and merry-making for the Christians. This is celebrated between March 22nd and April 25th, on the Sunday following the full moon. Easter ceremonies correspond to Passover, the Jewish festival of yore.
Easter symbolizes the ultimate victory of good over evil. Feasts are given to the poor and the needy and sweets are exchanged. Joyous processions are taken out on this day. Edible as also artificial and hard-boiled eggs are given as gifts on Easter day. In short, the Christians congregate in large masses in churches and thank Jesus, the savior of the whole humanity on the occasion of Easter.
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