FESTIVALS OF INDIA

FESTIVALS OF INDIA

India is a land of festivals, where people from different religions coexist harmoniously. The wide variety of festivals celebrated in India is a true manifestation of its rich culture and traditions.While the celebrations happen all over the year, October till January is the time when the country can be seen at its vibrant best.Being a highly spiritual country, festivals are at the heart of peoples lives in India. The numerous and varied festivals that are held throughout the year offer a unique way of seeing Indian culture at its best. Don't miss these following popular festivals in India.

There are many types of festivals celebrated in India1. DIWALI2.DUSSHERA 3.JANMASHTAMI4.GANESH CHATURTHI5.HOLI6.GURUPURAB7.RAKSHA BANDHAN

DIWALI OR DEEPAVALIDiwali is a five day festival that honors the victory of good over evil and brightness over darkness. It celebratesLord Ramand his wife Sita returning to their kingdom of Ayodhya, following Ram and monkey godHanuman'sdefeat the demon King Ravana and rescue of Sita from his evil clutches. It's known as the "Festival of Lights" for all the fireworks, small clay lamps, and candles that are lit. The candlelight makes Diwali a very warm and atmospheric festival, and it's observed with much joy and happiness.

DIWALI ILLUSTRATIONS

DUSSHERA

Dussehra, also referred to asVijayadashami, is also among the most famous festivals of India. It is celebrated in different forms countrywide. Ramlila(enactment of scenes from Ramayana) is held everywhere for 10 days. Its culminated with Ravan Dahan the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and kumbhakaran which is a real spectacle to see.Significance:It celebrates the death of the demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama.Key attractions:Hustle bustle of the decorated markets, Ram-leela acts, and the big event of the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and KumbhakaranWhen:10th day of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar

DUSSHERA ILLUSTRATIONS

JANMASHTMIJanmashtami is again a beautiful one among the most important religious festivals of India. Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are very popular. People fast throughout the day and break it with a special meal after dusk. Visiting temples, praying, dancing, and singing bhajans (hymns) at midnight is a part of the celebrations of the birth of Lord Krishna. Often, small children dress up like Lord Krishna on this day. Images and picturization of Krishnas life story are depicted in the jhaankis in temples.

JANMASHTMI ILLUSTRATIONS

GANESH CHATURTHIThe spectacular eleven day Ganesh Chaturthi festival honors the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed god,Lord Ganesha.The start of the festival sees huge, elaborately crafted statutes of Ganesha installed in homes and podiums, which have been especially constructed and beautifully decorated. At the end of the festival, the statutes are paraded through the streets, accompanied by much singing and dancing, and then submerged in the ocean.

GANESH CHATURTHI ILLUSTRATIONS

HOLIHoli is a two day festival that also celebrates the victory of good over evil, as well as the abundance of the spring harvest season. It's commonly referred to as the "Festival of Colors". People exuberantly throw colored powder and water all over each other, have parties, and dance under water sprinklers.Bhang(a paste made from cannabis plants) is also traditionally consumed during the celebrations. Holi is a very carefree festival that's great fun to participate in if you dont mind getting wet and dirty.

HOLI ILLUSTRATIONS

GURUPURABOn the most important Sikh festival of India, special assemblies on the lives and teachings of the gurus, and langars (community meals) are organized in the gurudwaras. Karah Prasad is distributed among all, and hymn chanting processions are held in the city. People light up their homes with lamps and candles and burst crackers to celebrate Gurpurab.Significance:It is the celebration of the anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus.Key attractions:The soulful Bhajan-Kirtan (hymns), Gurbani in the Gurdwaras, the Langar and the Karah PrasadWhen:The full moon day in the month of Kartik of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which correspondsto November of the Gregorian calendarWhere:Celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world, especially in Punjab

GURUPURAB ILLUSTRATIONS

RAKSHA BANDHANOne of the famous festivals of India, Rakhi is celebrated among Hindu. Signifying the brother-sister bonding, during Rakhi, the sister performsAarti(prayer), appliestilak, and ties rakhi (a sacred thread) on the brothers wrist wishing his well being. The brother, in return, vows to protect the sister. Another festival which has strong similarity to Rakhi is Bhaidooj which comes just after Diwali.Significance:It symbolizes the strong bonding of a brother and sister.Key attractions:The ritual of Rakhi and the brightly decked up markets showcasing a colourful variety of rakhis and sweetsWhen:The full moon day of Shravana month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August of the Gregorian calendarWhere:Particularly in North, Central and West India

RAKSHA BANDHAN ILLUSTRATIONS

JAPAN FESTIVALS DOLF

Gion Matsuri is a one of the most famous festivals in Japan. It takes place during the entire month of July, but the highlight is the grand procession of floats called Yamaboko Junko on the 17th and 24th. It takes place on the Kawaramachi and Oike Streets

Kanda Matsuri is one of the most famous festivals in Tokyo and is a festival for the Kanda Myojin Shrine. The main action happens during the middle of May. The portable shrines, called Mikoshi, are accompanied by about a thousand people, and after they leave the Kanda Myojin Shrine in the morning, the parade continues through the Kanda district, Nihonbashi and Akihabara and returns to the shrine in the evening.

HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL