10 Famous Festivals of India
The distinctive feature of India is that it accepts people of diverse cultures, traditions, castes, creeds, and races without discrimination. Whoever comes to India gets mixed with the culture of India. Therefore, India has become a unique land where people of different cultures and traditions live harmoniously. Not only the sacred festivals celebrated by Indians but also the national festivals. The national celebrations are commemorated to remember any golden day that is written in Indian history. In this article, a long list of Indian festivals is given. Read on to know more about them:
1. Diwali: Welcome wealth and prosperity at your home
Diwali is the most famous festival celebrated by Indians with great pomp and show. It falls in the last month of October or the first month of November. On this day, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after getting victory over the demon Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit up the lamps in the whole city to welcome him. From this day, Hindus celebrate it as one of their most pious days. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi are worshipped. It is believed that this is the day of wealth and prosperity. People decorate the entrance of the houses with beautiful rangoli designs for Diwali. At night, the children with their parents, friends, and neighbors burn crackers with zeal. The positive vibes of enthusiasm and happiness are spread everywhere. Money plant is also known for the luck and prosperity of our homes. Have a look at the different types of money plants which we can easily decorate our homes with.
2. Holi: let’s play the festival of colors together
Holi is the festival of colors. Hindus celebrate this festival in March. On this day, it is believed that those who are not friends become friends. People love to rub colors on one another’s faces. They tend to use dry or wet colors and get drenched in the colors of happiness and positivity. On the eve of the Holi festival, the people burn Holika and dance around it. On this day, Lord Vishnu saved the life of his great devotee Prahlad from the hands of Holika. She wanted to burn him but got burnt in the end. Have a look at the best and latest Holi decoration ideas to enhance your experience at this festival.
3. Dussehra: Spreads the message of the power of goodness
Another great Indian festival that signifies the importance of goodness. On this day, Lord Ram killed Ravana who had kidnapped her wife Sita. In this way, the earth got rid of the sins of Ravana as he killed many innocent people and sages to spread his fear among people. People like to start their businesses on this day.
4. Navratri: Celebrated twice a year
The occasion of Navratri fills the colors of optimism and peace everywhere. Navratri means nine pious days of Goddess Durga. On these nine days, the goddess Durga is worshipped by their devotees. They used to keep fast and sing her songs Fasting can be associated with health also. The digestion system works well and the immunity level is boosted due to fasts.
5. Krishna Janmashtami: Swing the cradle of little Krishna
It is believed that Lord Krishna took birth on this day. He is known as an incarnation of Lord Visnu. He took birth on the earth to give freedom from the sins of the demon Kans. Devki and Vasudev gave birth to him but Yashoda and Nandbaba brought him up. On this day, people love to keep fast. They break their fast after celebrating Krishna’s birth at midnight. The whole environment gets the devotional vibrations from the devotional songs of Lord Krishna. You would also like to have a look at some inspirational Lord Krishna quotes on life and love. On the festival of Janmashtami, ladies also put mehndi over their hands to celebrate the festival. People do put Radha Krishna Mehndi designs as well. Have a look at the latest and new Janmashtami Mehndi designs.
6. Ganesh Chaturthi: Enjoy the festival of 10 days
In the whole of Maharashtra, the auspicious festival of lord Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated. The idol of lord Ganesh is celebrated for nine days. On the tenth day, his idol is immersed in the sea. When people go to immerse lord Ganesha’s idol in the sea, the streets of Maharashtra get echoed with the noise of heavy drums.
7. Onam: light the lamps to overcome darkness
This auspicious festival is celebrated in South India. The people of Kerala celebrate it like the festival of Diwali. They used to light lamps and pray to God that the darkness of ignorance and evilness should be overcome by the light of knowledge and goodness, There is a mythological tale behind celebrating the festival. According to it, King Mahabali gave three steps of land to a dwarf Vaaman. This dwarf was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu who took the whole universe in these three steps.
8. Mahashivratri: Festival of Lord Shiva
Another auspicious festival of Hindus is Mahashivratri. On this day, it is believed that Lord Shiva got married to the Goddess Parvati. Hence, the Hindus keep fast on this day and go to temples to worship Lord Shiva. In the evening, the temples of Lord Shiva are decorated. This festival is called the most auspicious festival of Lord Shiva. It is said that those who worship Him can never be unhappy in their lives because when His devotee offers Him something with great devotion, he pays Him back double.
9. Guru Purnima
If we talk about the most sacred festival of the Sikh community, then, Guru Purnima should be considered the holiest one. On this day, the Sikhs visit Gurudwaras and offer their prayers. Gurudwaras are decorated with door border rangoli designs and a langer is held. On this pious day, the Sikh community eats together in the langer. Gurudwara Harminder Sahib is known as the most sacred Gurudwara of the Sikhs. Visiting this Gurudwara on the day of Guru Purnima holds great significance among them. Hence, they visit this pious place and offer their prayers. It is believed that whatever they will ask from Lord on this day will be confirmed.
10. Eid-Ul-Fitr
After fasting for 30 days during the month of Ramadan, the festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr is celebrated across India. This is considered one of the most pious festivals of the Muslim community. On this day, people used to wear new clothes and visit their friend’s houses to express their happiness and gratitude for God. People also put Arabic Mehndi on their hands. Tasty meals are prepared with a great sweet dish named ‘Sewaiyaan.’ In addition to it, the children get gifts from their elders and it is their custom to offer something to the poor people on this day.
