Fun and festivities in India - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

In mysterious and remote India, people like to celebrate different holidays and organize colorful festivals. The unique atmosphere of the East influences the organization of Indian holidays and festivals. People who manage to attend any of these entertainments are guaranteed unforgettable memories and positive emotions of the festivities. Many Indian holidays have religious roots, and the traditions of their celebration go deep into ancient times. However, it is not only traditional festivals and holidays that are celebrated in India. Special attention is also paid to official dates, the celebrations of which are bright and colorful as well.

The new calendar year in India, as in most countries, starts with a celebration of the New Year. However, the celebration of the New Year on January 1st is mainly held by Christians. During the period from January 4th to January 7th, all yoga lovers spend it in the town of Pondicherry. The main reason why they decide to gather here is to celebrate the international yoga week. Republic Day has become the most important holiday for Hindus. It is celebrated every year on January 26th, starting from 1950. There are special festive parades which are organized in each state capital and the capital of the country. In the capital of India, beautifully designed platforms are represented on the parade, each of which represents a particular state. The main event of the holiday is the military parade of the Delhi garrison. From the end of February to the beginning of March, the city of Khajuraho becomes the center of the Indian dance festival. In the same period, Maha Shivaratri or the Great Night of Shiva is celebrated. It is celebrated by people staying awake all night, reading mantras and religious chants.

With the onset of spring, the festival of elephants is celebrated in India. The festival begins on March 2nd, the day when Hindus celebrate the Holi festival. Both of these events are dedicated to spring and awakening of nature from the winter season. Within the framework of the Holi festival and the festival of elephants, people that occupy different social positions throw colored powder over each other and splash colored water on one another. Elephants are also decorated to match the colors of celebration and their huge bodies are decorated with different patterns. Only elephants are allowed to take part in the celebrations. After seeing all the elephants in the procession, a jury chooses the most beautifully decorated elephant. Another entertainment is the tug-of-war between the elephant and a group of people. In late April and early May, the city of Sarnath celebrates the birthday of Gautam Buddha, the ninth incarnation of the Vishnu God. At the time of celebration, Sarnath becomes the center of attraction for millions of religious pilgrims. On May 8th, Indians simultaneously celebrate three of the most important events in the life of their main god Buddha. According to the tradition, Buddha was born on this day of May. The event took place in 623 BC. After 80 years on May 8th, he achieved enlightenment and passed away. This holiday is very important for every Buddhist. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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.