Independence DayIntroduction

Independence Day of India is celebrated on Fifteenth of August to commemorate its independence from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation in 1947. The day is a national holiday in India. All over the country, flag-hoisting ceremonies are conducted by the local administration in attendance. The main event takes place in New Delhi, the capital city of India, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally televised speech from its ramparts. In his speech, he highlights the achievements of his government during the past year, raises important issues and gives a call for further development. The Prime Minister also pays his tribute to leaders of the freedom struggle. The Prime Minister also declares holiday on 15 August.

History

In 1946, the Labour government in Britain, its exchequer exhausted by the recently concluded World War II, and conscious that it had neither the mandate at home, the international support, nor the reliability of native forces for continuing to control an increasingly restless India,[2][3] decided to end British rule of India, and in early 1947 Britain announced its intention of transferring power no later than June 1948.

As independence approached, the violence between Hindus and Muslims in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal continued unabated. With the British army unprepared for the potential for increased violence, the new viceroy, Louis Mountbatten, advanced the date for the transfer of power, allowing less than six months for a mutually agreed plan for independence. In June 1947, the nationalist leaders, including Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Abul Kalam Azad,Jinnah ,, B. R. Ambedkar , and Master Tara Singh agreed to a partition of the country along religious lines. The predominantly Hindu and Sikh areas were assigned to the new India and predominantly Muslim areas to the new nation of Pakistan; the plan included a partition of the provinces of Punjab and Bengal.

Many millions of Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu refugees trekked across the newly drawn borders. In Punjab, where the new border lines divided the Sikh regions in half, massive bloodshed followed; in Bengal and Bihar, where Gandhi's presence assuaged communal tempers, the violence was more limited. In all, anywhere between 250,000 and 500,000 people on both sides of the new borders died in the violence.[4] On 14 August 1947, the new Dominion of Pakistancame into being, with Muhammad Ali Jinnah sworn in as its first Governor General in Karachi. At the stroke of midnight, as India moved into August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, read out the famousTryst with destiny speech proclaiming India's independence.India, now a smaller Union of India, became an independent country with official ceremonies taking place in New Delhi, and with Jawaharlal Nehru assuming the office of the first prime minister, and the viceroy, Louis Mountbatten, staying on as its first Governor General.

Celebration

The historic meeting of the Assembly commenced on August 14, 1947 at 11 p.m, with the singing of verse of Vande Mataram by Sucheta Kripalani, followed by Dr Rajendra Prasad’s address. Thereafter the historic Assembly stood two minutes in silence to honor the memory of those who had died in the struggle for freedom in India and elsewhere[5].

The Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site, Red Fort, Delhi, on August 15. This was telecasted live on the National Channel Doordarshan and many other News Channels all over India. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs took place in all the state capitals. After the last stroke of midnight, every member of the Constituent Assembly took a pledge to dedicate self “in all humility to the service of India and her people”[5]. In the cities around the country the national flag is hoisted by politicians in their constituencies. In various private organisations the flag hoisting is carried out by a senior official of that organisation. All over the country, flags are given out to citizens who wear them proudly to show their patriotism towards India. Schools and colleges around the country organise flag hoisting ceremonies and various cultural events within their premises, where younger children in costume do impersonations of their favourite characters of the Independence era. They also have a parade. Families and friends get together for lunch or dinner or for an outing. Housing colonies, cultural centres, clubs and societies hold entertainment programs and competitions, usually based on the Independence Day theme. Most national and regional television channels screen old and new film classics with patriotic themes on Independence Day. Many non-governmental organisations telecast patriotic programs. It is a national festival that is celebrated by every Indian irrespective of religion.

Republic Day

IntroductionThe Republic Day of India commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force replacing the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of India on 26 January 1950.[1]

The 26th of January was chosen to honour the memory of the declaration of independence of 1930. It is one of the three national holidays in India, and while the main parade, Republic Day Parade takes place at the Rajpath, in the national capital New Delhi, where the president views the parade, state capitals also have their state celebrations.

History

Although India obtained its independence on 15 August 1947, it did not yet have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935, and the country was a Dominion, with George VI as head of state and Earl Mountbatten as Governor General. On 28 August 1947, the Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar as chairman. While India's Independence Day celebrates its freedom from British Rule, the Republic Day celebrates the coming into force of its constitution.

A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Assembly on 4 November 1947. The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of 2 years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950. Two days later, the Constitution of India became the law of all the Indian lands. The Constitution of India was passed on 26 November 1949, 10.18 AM IST, but it came into effect completely only on 26th January, 1950. Following elections on 21 January 1950, Rajendra Prasad was elected as the president of India. The Indian National Congress and other parties had been celebrating 26 January as a symbol of Independence, even before India actually became independent. Thus, applying the constitution on 26 January, to mark and respect 26 January and the freedom struggle and the freedom fighters.

The amending mechanism was lauded even at the time of introduction by Ambedkar in the following words: "We can therefore safely say that the Indian federation will not suffer from the faults of rigidity or legalism. Its distinguished feature is that it is a flexible federation.

"The three mechanisms of the system derived by the Assembly, contrary to the predictions, have made the constitution flexible at the same time protected the rights of the states. They have worked better than the amending process in any other country where Federalism and the British Parliamentary system jointly formed the basis of the constitution."

What Sir Anthony Eden, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (April 1955 to January 1957), said at the time of the emergence of Indian Republic is relevant in this context. He said, "Of all the experiments in government, which have been attempted since the beginning of time, I believe that the Indian venture into parliamentary government is the most exciting. A vast subcontinent is attempting to apply to its tens and thousands of millions a system of free democracy... It is a brave thing to try to do so. The Indian venture is not a pale imitation of our practice at home, but a magnified and multiplied reproduction on a scale we have never dreamt of. If it succeeds, its influence on Asia is incalculable for good. Whatever the outcome we must honour those who attempt it."

Even more meaningful was the opinion expressed by an American Constitutional authority, Granville Austin, who wrote that what the Indian Constituent Assembly began was "perhaps the greatest political venture since that originated in Philadelphia in 1787."

Austin has also described the Indian Constitution as 'first and foremost a social document.' ... "The majority of India's constitutional provisions are either directly arrived at furthering the aim of social revolution or attempt to foster this revolution by establishing conditions necessary for its achievement."

Celebration

To mark the importance of the occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan(President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate . Prior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate at one end of Rajpath, which is followed by two minutes silence in the memory of unknown soldiers. Thereafter he reaches the main dais at Rajpath to join other dignitaries, subsequently the President arrives along with the chief guest of the occasion. First he unfurls theNational flag, as the National Anthem is played, and a 21-gun salute is given. Next, important awards like the Ashok Chakra and Kirti Chakra are given away by the President, before the regiments of Armed Forces start their march past.

The different regiments of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is theCommander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Floats exhibiting the cultures of the various states and regions of India are in the grand parade, which is broadcast nationwide on television and radio. Also part of the parade are children who win the National Bravery Award for the year.[2] The parade also includes other vibrant displays and floats and traditionally ends with a flypast by Indian Air Force jets.

Celebrations are also held in state capitals, where the Governor of the state unfurls the national flag. If the Governor of the state is unwell, or is unavailable for some reason, the Chief Minister of the state assumes the honour of unfurling the National Flag of India.

Today, the Republic Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all over the country and especially in the capital, New Delhi where the celebrations start with the Presidential address to the nation. The beginning of the occasion is always a solemn reminder of the sacrifice of the martyrs who died for the

country in the freedom movement and the succeeding wars for the defence of sovereignty of their country. Then, the President comes forward to award the medals of bravery to the people from the armed forces for their exceptional courage in the field and also the civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their different acts of valour in different situations.

To mark the importance of this occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, from the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath. The different regiments of the army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery and official decorations even the horses of the cavalry are attractively caparisoned to suit the occasion. The crème of N. C. C. cadets, selected from all over the country consider it an honour to participate in this event, as do the school children from various schools in the capital. They spend many days preparing for the event and no expense is spared to see that every detail is taken care of, from their practice for the drills, the essential props and their uniforms.

The parade is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. These moving exhibits depict scenes of activities of people in those states and the music and songs of that particular state accompany each display. Each display brings out the diversity and richness of the culture of India and the whole show lends a festive air to the occasion. The parade and the ensuing pageantry is telecast by the National Television and is watched by millions of viewers in every corner of the country.

The patriotic fervor of the people on this day brings the whole country together even in her essential diversity. Every part of the country is represented in occasion, which makes the Republic Day the most popular of all the national holidays of India.

Gandhi JayantiIndia is called as the land of festivals. Some part or other of the nation has some festival or other, either small or big, those of various religions, beliefs, races and cultures. But few of these are celebrated on a national scale. One of these is Gandhi Jayanti, which is celebrated on the second of October every year in India. Gandhi Jayanti, India marks the birth of the father of the nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. 2nd October is one of the 3 officially declared national holidays of India and is observed in all states and Union territories of India.

About the Mahatma

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was given the title of Mahatma (great soul), which he indeed was. He was and is called fondly as gandhiji. His ideologies and philosophies are like none other on earth. He was the pioneer of satyagraha- the resistance of tyranny through mass civil disobedience, and also firmly founded upon ahimsa or total non-violence-, which lead to India's independence. Gandhiji said that, u can hit me, u can kill me, u can insult me, but u can never forget me. It is almost impossible that gandhiji's name will be wiped out from the pages of history. The Indian currency notes have a picture of his, every city in India has a street named after him and statues of the Great Mahatma are made at many places. He believed in simplicity, truth, non violence and spiritual and practical purity. His highly effective ideologies still inspire people from all over the world. On Gandhi Jayanti, India a national holiday is declared.

Celebrations

2nd of October every year is marked by prayer services and tributes all over India, especially Raj ghat, which is Gandhi's memorial in New Delhi where he was cremated. Celebrations include prayers, commemorative ceremonies in different cities by colleges, local government institutions and socio-political institutions. In schools, painting and essay competitions are held and best awards are awarded for projects in schools. Themes are generally of glorifying peace, non-violence and Gandhi's effort in the Indian freedom struggle. Gandhiji's favorite song named Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram is sung in memory of his on this day. No wonder that the government of India saw a need to declare a national holiday for just the birthday of such a person. He was none other than Mahatma Gandhi, the man of the previous century.

International women’s dayInternational Women's Day (IWD), originally called International Working Women’s Day, is marked on March 8 every year.[1] Nowadays this is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements. Started as a Socialist political event, the holiday blended in the culture of many countries, primarily Eastern Europe, Russia, and the former Soviet bloc. In many regions, the day lost its political flavour, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and St Valentine's Day. In other regions, however, the original political and human rights theme designated by the United Nations runs strong, and political and social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide are brought out and examined in a hopeful manner.

History

The first national Women's Day was observed on 28 February 1909 in the United States following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America.[2] In August 1910, an International Women's Conference was organized to precede the general meeting of the Socialist Second International in Copenhagen. Inspired in part by the American socialists, German Socialist Luise Zietz proposed the establishment of an annual 'International Woman's Day' (singular) and was seconded by Clara Zetkin, although no date was specified at that conference.[3] Delegates (100 women from 17 countries) agreed with the idea as a strategy to promote equal rights, including suffrage, for women.[4] The following year, on 18 March, 1911, IWD was marked for the first time, by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In the Austro-Hungarian Empire alone, there were 300 demonstrations[3] In Vienna, women paraded on the Ringstrasse and carried banners honouring the martyrs of the Paris Commune.[3] Women demanded that women be given the right to vote and to hold public office. They also protested against employment sex discrimination.[2] Americans continued to celebrate National Women's Day on the last sunday in February. [3]

Peace one dayPeace One Day was founded by British documentary filmmaker and actor Jeremy Gilley in September 1999. The charity promotes the idea of one day a year free of conflict and war, one day of a global truce regardless of all kinds of conflict. The UN had already declared the third Tuesday of September the international day of peace [1] in 1981. However initial success for the charity came on the 7th September 2001 when the United Nations passed a further resolution declaring 21 September the International Day of Peace[2][3] with the additional aim of declaring a global ceasefire and doing so on a fixed day of the year.

To raise public awareness of Peace One Day, celebrities and musicians gather together for large concerts on Peace Day. With the proceeds of these concerts students are provided with packets of information and a documentary film was made of the entire process. Peace One Day has also partnered with large corporations like Skype, Coca-Cola, and Puma AG in order to continue raising awareness of 21 September and the importance of global ceasefire.

History

At the Womad music festival in 1998 Jeremy Gilley conceived the idea of one day when all countries vowed not to wage war; a worldwide ceasefire, a non-violence day. Later that year, Jeremy began meeting students, peace negotiators, NGOs, government representatives, heads of state, and United Nations officials in order to make his dream a reality. Those he contacted included:His Holiness the Dalai Lama, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, Secretary General of the League of Arab States Amre Moussa, Peace Laureate and former Israeli President Shimon Peres, formerCosta Rican President and Nobel Peace Laureate- Oscar Arias Sanchez, Nelson Mandela and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

After much effort. On 7 September 2001, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, sponsored by the UK and Costa Rica, formally establishing an annual day of global ceasefire andnon-violence on the UN International Day of Peace - Peace Day - fixed in the global calendar on 21 September.[4] This recalled the previous UN resolution[1] that had declared the first ever peace days.

The first Peace Days passed relatively uneventfully, and it was not until 2006 that "life-saving activities" began to take place on the 21st.[5] On Peace Day 2006 the World Food Programme delivered 30 tonnes of food to Southern Sudan, Star Syringe Ltd. carried out immunization programs in nine countries, and the International Rescue Committee reunited a former child soldier with her family.[5] 2007 was an even better year for the organization: "over 100 million people, in over 100 countries are marking the day, today [September 21] in many different ways,"[5] said Director of the United NationsNews and Media Department Ahmad Fawzi.

Around the world Peace Day walks, discussions, poetry readings, assemblies, and football matches were held, but most important of all has been the ceasefire in Afghanistan. The ceasefire allowed UN agencies and the Afghan government to give polio vaccines to 1.4 million children in areas of southern and

eastern Afghanistan.[5] Gilley and Peace One Day Ambassador Jude Law traveled to Afghanistan to videotape the impact of the 2007 Peace Day in Afghanistan for Gilley's documentary "The Day After Peace", meeting with Afghan Minister of Education Mohammad Atmar, UN Special Representative to Afghanistan Tom Koenigs, the head of the Afghan Red Crescent Society Fatima Gailani, and many others.

Celebration

Through numerous meetings it was learned that a United Nations General Assembly resolution would be a good way to establish such a day, and this was made that the goal. Many of the meetings were filmed and compiled them to create the documentary film "Peace One Day", which was then showed to the United Nations General Assembly to convince them of the importance of the mission of Peace One Day.

DiwaliDiwali (also spelled Devali in certain regions) or Deepavali,[1] popularly known as the "festival of lights", is an important five-day festival in Hinduism,Jainism, and Sikhism, celebrated for different reasons, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment ofmoksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC.[2][3]For Sikhs, Diwali is important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive by Mughal Emperor with him in the Gwalior Fort in 1619.

Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshmana, from his fourteen-year-long exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the Capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and burst firecrackers.[7]

History

In each legend, tradition and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness into light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside India, it is more than a Hindu festival, it's a celebration of South-Asian identities.[7]

While Deepavali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light". Central to Hindu philosophy is the assertion that there is something beyond the physical body and mind which is pure, infinite, and eternal, called the Atman. The celebration of Deepavali as the "victory of good over evil", refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance that masks one's true nature, not as the body, but as the unchanging, infinite, immanent and transcendent reality. With this awakening comes compassion and the awareness of the oneness of all things (higher knowledge). This bringsanand (joy or peace). Just as we celebrate the birth of our physical being, Deepavali is the celebration of this Inner Light.

The Sparkle of Diwali (Celebration)

Diwali festival, India is celebrated throughout the nation in different ways and patterns. However, there are certain rituals and traditions associated with Diwali that are commonly followed throughout the country. The festival is celebrated in the months of October or November and marks the defeat of evil Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated for five consecutive days and also marks the end of Narkasura at the hands Lord Krishna. The festival is mainly celebrated to mark the end of the evil and disperse darkness and spread the light of peace, goodwill and

knowledge. Diwali also consists of Lakshmi Puja, wherein Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of power, prosperity and wealth is worshipped. In most parts of the country, the five days of Diwali begin with Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanteras on the first day (auspicious for making purchases), Narkachaturdashi (when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narkasura), Lakshmi Puja, Varsha Pratipada or Padwa (beginning of a new year for the traders and businessmen) and Bhaiyyadooj (celebrates the brother-sister affection).

Diwali festival, India is more than just a Hindu festival and has cut religious boundaries to be celebrated at a national level. For Diwali, people clean their homes and adorn them with bright and colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes. The homes are also adorned with numerous oil lamps and other colorful electric lights, which illuminate the homes and make them, look very pretty. One of the major attractions of Diwali is the firecrackers and aerial fireworks, which are especially popular among children and youngsters. It is the time when families indulge in shopping for new clothes, appliances and other home décor. The magnitude of the festival has grown in size and the festival is now celebrated even in different countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and several other countries.

Dusshera Festival IndiaIndia is considered as the land of festivals because of more than 70 festivals being celebrated all throughout the year. The rich diverse cultural heritage of India is responsible for such huge celebration. The secular nature of the Indian constitution allows people from all the culture and race co exist. The amalgamation of so many cultures led to celebration all throughout the year. But there are few of the festivals, which are considered as prominent by the Government of India and a public holiday is being announced on that. Dusshera is one of such festivals that commands immense popularity all over the country and thus earns a public holiday. Dusshera is a Hindu festival celebrated during the month of September and October.

Significance of the Festival

Dusshera Festival, India is celebrated to mark the victory of good over the evil. The celebration is based on the mythology that Goddess Durga won over the demon Mahishasura somewhere in the southern parts of India. Another mythology attached to the Dusshera is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana because he abducted his wife Sita. Thus from ages the festival is celebrated with equal zeal as it was there with the victorious. The festival is also called as "Vijayadashami" because this word signifies victory in the Sanskrit language.

Celebrations of Dusshera

Dusshera Festival, India follows the ten-day Navratri festival. The Navratri festival is marked in different style in different parts of India. Generally in many parts of India this festival see worshipping of various forms of Goddess Durga. The culmination of the ten-day festival results in the Dusshera. On this day the idol of the goddess is drowned in the local water body. The other important part of the celebration is the burning of the effigy of the demon Ravana. In the interiors of the country the countrymen stage a show called Ram Leela. Generally the actors of this show enact the story of Ram fighting against Ravana and emerging victorious.

Dusshera Festival, India is one of the biggest festivals celebrated all over the country with almost all the regions participating. It brings along joy and happiness for all and sundry.

Holi Festival IndiaIndia the land of diversity and festivals has several festivals in its annual calendar. Holi festival is celebrated as a festival of colors, which falls in the month of March. Just when the spring warms up families and youths start preparing for Holi. Prominently celebrated in the northern India, it is one day when youths cuts loose. Youths color each others faces with dry color. Holi is full of colors and fun and sweets.

History

Holi festival is originally celebrated to celebrate the good harvest and fertility of land. However, every festival in India is based on a mythological story. Similarly, an interesting story is associated with Holi as well. The story is centered on an arrogant King who resents his son Prahalad who is was a follower of Hindu god Vishnu. He tries to kill his son but fails inspite after several attempts. Thus the king's sister Holika converts herself into fire and sits on Prahalad. But Prahalad emerges out of the fire unscented, while Holika burns to death. Thus to commemorate the victory of Prahalad, which also signifies the victory of good over evil a huge bon fire is burnt on the eve of Holi.

Similarly the festival is also celebrated to remember the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radhika. Thus, Holi is a big celebration in Mathura and Vrindavan. The festival is celebrated over 16 days in both the cities. Along with the usual fun with colored powder and water, Holi at Mathura and Vrindavan is accompanied by folk songs, and dances.

Normally the celebration comes to end by late afternoon and every one collects at the river bath tub. After a noisy afternoon generally a silent is spread all across India by the evening.

Celebration

On the day of Holi individuals from all castes come together and enjoy the sprit of Holi. It is one day when every one forgets all castes and creed and enjoys together. Holi thus is also a symbol of colorful Indian culture, which integrates secularly on this day.

The spirit of Holi is captured in many poems and has added flair of fun and enjoyment to many Hindi movies as well.

Eid El Fitr IndiaIndia is one of the greatest examples of secularism and is home to almost all the religions of the world. The nation is the birthplace of religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism while it has a strong presence of religions like Islam, Christianity and Jews. The Hindus mainly dominate the country with almost 80% of the population being Hindus. The second largest religion in the country is Islam and hence Islamic culture and traditions are practiced greatly all over the country. The Islamic festivals are celebrated with equal zest and enthusiasm with Eid-El-Fitr, India is the most important festival for the Muslims.

Eid-El-Fitr - Fasting Month

Eid-El-Fitr, India marks the end of the fasting month of Ramazan. During the month of Ramazan a Muslim must fast from sunrise to sunset and must not indulge in acts like consuming alcohol or smoking during that time for an entire month. This month of fasting ends with Eid-El-Fitr, which mainly celebrates forgiveness, brotherhood and unity. On the day of Eid, every Muslim is expected to wake up early and attend the regular dawn prayers. After the prayers, the followers must eat in small quantities, which is a symbolic gesture of ending of the Ramzan fast. After breaking the fast, the Muslims again attend special ceremonial prayers that are held in the vast open courtyards of the mosques. After these prayers, the worshippers greet and wish their loved ones by embracing each other.

The Eid-El-Fitr, India symbolizes the end of Ramazan, which is considered to be the most holy and sacred period of the year by the Muslims. The Ramazan marks the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is marked by strict fasts, charity, self-accountability and religious observances. Hence, after practicing fasts and praying regularly during Ramazan, the festival of Eid also marks moral victory and self-control. Every Muslim must donate money or food to the poor on Eid-El-Fitr according to their financial capacity. The Muslims usually dress in new clothes and also present gifts to the children of the family and even to other members of the family, friends and relatives.

Eid-El-Fitr, India celebrates the true Islamic spirit of self-control, devoutness and brotherhood and is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals in the country.

BaisakhiVaisakhi is an ancient harvest festival celebrated across North indian states especially punjab by all punjabis whether hindu,sikh or muslim. In sikhism , as khalsa founded on same day of Baisakhi festival, so double delight for sikhs.

In Sikhism, it is one of the most significant holidays in the Sikh calendar, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa at Anandpur Sahib in 1699, by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

This day is also observed as the beginning of the Hindu solar new year celebrated by people across Nepal, the Assam Valley, Kerala, Orissa, West Bengaland other regions of India. The particular significance attached to the occasion shows regional variation outside of Punjab too. In Himachal Pradesh, the Hindu Goddess Jwalamukhi is worshipped on Vaisakhi, while in Bihar, the Sun-god Surya is honoured. The festival is celebrated as Rongali Bihu inAssam, Naba Barsha or Pohela Boishakh in Bengal and Tripura, Puthandu (Tamil New Year) in Tamil Nadu, Vishu (or Vaishakhi) in Kerala, Bikhu orBikhauti in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Maha Vishuba Sankranti (or Pana Sankranti) in Orissa, and the Sinhalese New Year festival in Sri Lanka. Besides Punjab, Vaisakhi is widely celebrated as a traditional harvest festival in many northern states of India, such as Haryana, Himachal Pradesh andUttarakhand. In many places the day is marked by ritualistic bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges.

Celebration

Vaisakhi is usually on the 13th April, and occasionally on 14th April. To mark the celebrations, Sikh devotees generally attend the Gurudwara before dawn with flowers and offerings in hands. Processions through towns are also common. Vaisakhi is the day on which the Khalsa was born and Sikhs were given a clear identity and a code of conduct to live by, led by the last living Sikh spiritual teacher, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who baptized the first Sikhs using sweet nectar called Amrit.[3]

Punjab, India

The main celebration[6] takes place at Talwandi Sabo[7] (where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib), and in the gurdwara at Anandpur Sahib, the birth place of the Khalsa and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar[8].

Onam

Onam (Malayalam: ഓണം�) is the largest festival in the Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the first

month of the Malayalam calendar which is Chingam (August–September) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King Maveli. The festival lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala's culture and tradition. Intricate flower carpets, elaborate banquet lunch, snake boat races, Puli Kali, and the Kaikottikkali dance all play a part in the festival.

History

Onam is an ancient festival which still survives in the Modern times. Kerala's rice harvest festival and the festival of rain flowers which fell on the Malayalam month of Chingam celebrated the annual visit from pathalam of the very noble Demon King Maveli. Onam is unique since king Maveli is revered by people of Kerala from prehistory.

According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its golden era during the reign of King Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy and prosperous and the king was highly regarded by his subjects. He was that much highly regarded among the subjects that even the Gods under Indra became jealous of Mahabali, they approached Mahavishnu claiming that Mahabali is now equivalent to an Indra. Since a world with two Indras represents imbalance, Mahavishnu assumed the form of a dwarf: the Vamana avatara and tricked him to Pathalam, the Underworld. However, as Mahabali is equal to an Indra, he is to wait until the next Yuga where he would be the Indra. In the meantime, with the grace of Mahavishnu, Mahabali visits his people on an annual basis. Mahavishnu serves Mahabali as a gatekeeper in the world of Pathalam as the Lord himself serves his greatest devotees.

Celebration

The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruonam. The 10 days are part of the traditional Onam celebrations and each day has its own importance in various rituals and traditions. Earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vamana(an Avatar of Vishnu) are placed in the dung-plastered courtyards in front of the house and beautifully decorated with flowers. Known as ‘Onapookkalam’, it is a carpet made out of the gathered blossoms with one or two varieties of foliage of differing tints pinched up into little pieces to serve the decorator's purpose. It is a beautiful work of art accomplished with a delicate touch and a highly artistic sense of tone and blending. (In a similar manner North Indians make something called "Rangoli" which is made of powders of various colors.) When completed, a miniature pandal, hung with little festoons is erected over it.

Post Onam celebrations

Normally Onam celebrations ends by Thiruonam. However two following days after Thiruonam is also celebrated as Third and Fourth Onam. The third Onam is called as Avvittom which marks the preparations of King Mahabali for his ascension to heavens. The main ritual for the day is to take the

Onattappan statute placed in middle of Pookalam for past 10 days and immense in nearby rivers or seas. The pookalam will cleaned and removed and marks the finale to the Onam celebrations. The day is also important, as it marks the great dance of lions, known as Puli Kali where men in costumes of lions, dances and make a procession around the town of Thrissur in large groups. The Puli-kali can marks the end of traditional Onam celebrations.

Fourth Onam is called as Chatyam which marks the birthday of one of the famous social reformer of Kerala, Sree Narayana Guru and celebrated as Narayana Jayanthi in his honour. The official government celebrations ends on this day with a mega dance festival in the capital city- Thiruvananthapuram.

Durga Puja

Durga puja, also referred to as Durgotsava(Bengali: দু�র্গো���ৎসব, ‘Festival of Durga’), is an annual

Hindu festival in South Asia that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It refers to all the ten days observed as Mahalaya,prothomä","ditriya","tritiya","chaturthi","panchami", Shashthi , Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Bijoya Dashami. The dates of Durga Puja celebrations are set according to the traditional Hindu calendar and the fortnight corresponding to the festival is calledDevi Paksha (Bengali: ‘Fortnight of the Goddess’). Devi Paksha is preceded by Mahalaya (Bengali, the last day of the previous fortnight Pitri Pokkho (Bengali: ‘Fortnight of the Forefathers’), and is ended on Kojagori Lokkhi Puja (Bengali: ‘Worship of Goddess Lakshmi on Kojagori Full Moon Night’).

The prominence of Durga Puja increased gradually during the British Raj in Bengal.[citation needed] After the Hindu reformists identified Durga with India, she became an icon for the Indian independence movement.[citation needed] In the first quarter of the 20th century, the tradition of Baroyari or Community Puja was popularised due to this. After independence, Durga Puja became one of the largest celebrated festivals in the whole world.

History

A considerable literature exists around Durga in the Bengali language and its early forms, including avnirnaya (11th century), Durgabhaktitarangini by Vidyapati (14th century), etc. Durga Puja was popular in Bengal in the medieval period, and records show that it was being held in the courts of Rajshahi (16th century) and Nadia district (18th century). It was during the 18th century, however, that the worship of Durga became popular among the landed aristrocacy of Bengal, the Zamindars. Prominent Pujas were conducted by the landed zamindars and jagirdars, being enriched by emerging British rule, including Raja Nabakrishna Deb, of Shobhabajar, who initiated an elaborate Puja at his residence. Many of these old puja exist to this day. Interestingly the oldest such Puja to be conducted at the same venue is located in Rameswarpur, Orissa, where it has been continuing for the last four centuries since the Ghosh Mahashays from Kotarang near Howrah migrated there as a part of Todarmal's contingent during Akbar's rule. Today, the culture of Durga Puja has shifted from the princely houses toSarbojanin (literally, "involving all") forms. The first such puja was held at Guptipara - it was called barowari (baro meaning twelve and yar meaning friends)

Celebration

The worship of Durga in the autumn ( Shôrot) is the year's largest Hindu festival of Bengal. Durga Puja is also celebrated in Nepal and Bhutanaccording to local traditions and variations. Puja means "worship," and Durga's Puja is celebrated from the sixth to tenth day of the waning moon in the month of Ashvin (Bengali: Ashshin), which is the sixth month in the Bengali calendar. Occasionally however, due to shifts in the lunar cycle relative to the solar months, it may also be held in the following month, Kartika (Bengali: )In the Gregorian calendar, these dates correspond to the months of September and October.

In the Krittibas Ramayana, Rama invokes the goddess Durga in his battle against Ravana. Although she was traditionally worshipped in the spring, due to contingencies of battle, Rama had to invoke her in the autumn akaal bodhan.[12] Today it is this Rama's date for the puja that has gained ascendancy, although the spring puja, known as Basanti Puja [One of the oldest 'sabeki' Basanti Puja is held every year at spring in Barddhaman Pal Bari at Raniganga Bazar, M.K.Chatterjee Rd near Karjon Gate], is also present in the Hindu almanac. Since the season of the puja is autumn, it is also known as (Bengali: 'Sharodia').

The pujas are held over a ten-day period, which is traditionally viewed as the coming of the married daughter, Durga, to her father, Himalaya's home. It is the most important festival in Bengal, and Bengalis celebrate with new clothes and other gifts, which are worn on the evenings when the family goes out to see the 'pandals' (temporary structures set up to venerate the goddess). Although it is a Hindu festival, religion takes a back seat on these five days: Durga Puja in Bengal is a carnival, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs, participate and enjoy themselves to the hilt.

Ganesh ChaturthiGanesha Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaga Chaturthi is the Hindu festival of Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, who is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees in the duration of this festival. It is the birthday of Ganesha who is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.

The festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). The date usually falls between 20 August and 15 September. The festival lasts for 10 days, ending on Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon period).

While celebrated all over India, it is most elaborate in western and southern India. Outside India, it is celebrated widely in Nepal and by Hindus in the United States, Canada and Fiji.

History

It is not known when and how Ganesh Chaturthi was first celebrated. But according to the historian Shri Rajwade, the earliest Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations can be traced back to the times of the reigns of dynasties as Satavahana,[citation needed] Rashtrakuta[citation needed] and Chalukya.[citation needed] Historical records reveal that Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations were initiated in Maharashtra by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the great Maratha ruler, to promote culture and nationalism. And it had continued ever since. There are also references in history to similar celebrations during Peshwa times. It is believed that Lord Ganapati was the family deity of the Peshwas. After the end of Peshwa rule, Ganesh Chaturthi remained a family affair in Maharashtra from the period of 1818 to 1892.

In 1893, Indian freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak transformed the annual festival into a large, well-organized public event.[1]

Tilak recognized the wide appeal of the deity Ganesh as "the god for everybody",[2][3] and popularized Ganesh Chaturthi as a national festival in order "to bridge the gap between Brahmins and 'non-Brahmins' and find a context in which to build a new grassroots unity between them", and generate nationalistic fervor among people in Maharashtra against the British colonial rule.[4][5]

Tilak encouraged installation of large public images of Ganesh in pavilions, and also established the practice of submerging in rivers, sea, or other pools of water all public images of the deity on the tenth day after Ganesh Chaturthi.[6]

Under Tilak's encouragement, the festival facilitated community participation and involvement in the form of intellectual discourses, poetry recitals, performances of plays, musical concerts, and folk dances. It served as a meeting ground for people of all castes and communities in times when, in order to exercise control over the population, the British discouraged social and political gatherings.

Celebration

Two to three months prior to Ganesh Chaturthi, artistic clay models of Lord Ganesha are made for sale by specially skilled artisans. They are beautifully decorated & depict Lord Ganesh in various poses. The size of these statues may vary from 3/4 of an inch to over 25 feet.

Ganesh Chaturthi starts with the installation of these Ganesh statues in colorfully decorated homes and specially erected temporary structures mandapas(pandals) in every locality. The pandals are erected by the people or a specific society or locality or group by collecting monetary contributions. Themandapas are decorated specially for the festival, either by using decorative items like flower garlands, lights, etc. or are theme based decorations, which depict religious themes or current events.

The priest, usually clad in red silk dhoti and shawl, then symbolically invokes life into the statue by chanting mantras. This ritual is the Pranapratishhtha. After this the ritual called as Shhodashopachara (16 ways of paying tribute) follows. Coconut, jaggery, 21 modakas, 21 durva (trefoil) blades of grass and red flowers are offered. The statue is anointed with red unguent, typically made of Kumkum & Sandalwood paste . Throughout the ceremony, Vedic hymns from the Rig Veda, the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, and the Ganesha stotra from the Narada Purana are chanted.

LohriLohri (sometimes spelled Lodi) is an extremely popular Punjabi agricultural winter festival celebrated throughout Punjab and in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Jammu.

The origins of Lohri are many. Many people believe the festival began as a celebration of the eve of the winter solstice.

History

Lohri is the Punjabis' and Dogras' cultural celebration on the eve of the winter solstice. However, instead of celebrating Lohri on the eve of winter solstice, Punjabis celebrate it on the last day of the month during which winter solstice takes place, Paush. This is due to linking Lohri to the Bikrami calendar.

According to folk lore, in ancient Punjab Lohri was celebrated on the eve of winter solstice day. It is for this reason that people believe the Lohri night is meant to be the longest night of the year and on the day after Lohri, day light is meant to increase.

However, scientifically, the shortest day of the year is around December 21–22 after when the days begin to get longer. Accordingly, winter solstice begins on December 21 or December 22 and Lohri ought to be celebrated a day before winter solstice. Lohri is the worship of fire

Celebration

While Lohri is essentially a Punjabi festival, it is celebrated in some other states of North India as well. In cities like Delhi, which have a predominant Punjabi population, Lohri is celebrated to denote the last of the coldest days of winter. Apart from Punjab, people from other northern Indian states of Haryana, Delhi,Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, become busy making preparations for Lohri.

In houses that have recently had a marriage or childbirth, Lohri celebrations will reach a higher pitch of excitement. Punjabis usually have private Lohri celebrations, in their houses. Lohri rituals are performed, with the accompaniment of special Lohri songs.

Singing and dancing form an intrinsic part of the celebrations. People wear their brightest clothes and come to dance the bhangra and gidda to the beat of thedhol. Punjabi songs are sung, and everybody rejoices. Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti is usually served as the main course at a Lohri dinner. Lohri is a great occasion that holds great importance for farmers. However, people residing in urban areas also celebrate Lohri, as this festival provides the opportunity to interact with family and friends.