In July, the Hemis festival is organized at Hemis Monastery. It is dedicated to the birthday of the master Padmasambhava, the founder of Buddhism in Tibet. Dalai Lama attends this holiday. Participants of the festival dress in national clothes, which have not changed at all since ancient times. The festival offers an opportunity to talk with Lamas who have become masters in the Tibet monasteries. On August 15th, India celebrates its Independence Day which they gained in the year 1947. The main event of the holiday is the hoisting of the Indian national flag at the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort. Hundreds of thousands of Indians, including the country leaders, government officials, and politicians, attend this event. After the flag has been raised, the head of the Indian government delivers a speech to the people of the country. A big reception timed to the holiday is hosted in the President’s Palace. In the middle of August, Indians celebrate the Raksha Bandhan holiday, the favorite holiday of Indian women. During the celebration, sisters tie a red thread around the wrists of their brothers. The threads symbolize the strengthening of their protection from trouble and illness.
In October, India celebrates the holiday of devotion and loyalty, Karva Chauth. Married Indian women dress up in beautiful clothes, fast and pray for the health of their spouses. Men can also join women in the fast, however, it is optional. Fasting means that a couple is ready to sacrifice something in the name of love. Spouses spend this day together and give each other presents. Husbands often present wives expensive jewelry. November 7th in India marks the Diwali Lights Festival. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. On the night of the holiday, also called the festival of lights, Indians light up icing lamp, torches and let off festive fireworks in the sky. According to legends, such illuminations are dedicated to the coronation of Prince Rama. According to another version, the festival of lights is held in acknowledgment of his (Prince Rama’s) wise reign and overcoming the hard period in the country. On this holiday, Indians clean up their houses, fumigate them with incense and light up lamps and candles. The holiday lasts for five days. Hindus congratulate each other, wish one another the very best, dance and have fun.
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