Festivals of India

India is often referred as the land of the festival.them. The list of the festivals celebrated in Indian may
Through out the year various festivals are celebratedgo on and on. Some of the major festivals celebrated
all over the country. Different types of people basedare Deepawali, Holi, Dussehra, Navratri, Raksha
on the religious, caste and cultural background exist inBandhan, Christmas, Buddha Purnima, Ramadan, Eid,
the country. Though there is so much of diversity,Baisakhi, Mahavir Jayanti, etc. There are some regional
these people live in complete harmonious way. Being abase festivals like Pongal, Onam, Bihu etc. Apart from
secular country, India offers it's citizens freedom ofthem independence days, Gandhi Jayanti and republic
practicing any religion and culture unless it createsday are important national festivals. They are
communal disharmony. Festivals are one occasioncelebrated in equally pompous way as others.
which brings best out of Indians. During festivals theyTypes of Festivals
forget all enmities and open their arms to everyPeople in India celebrate different variety of festivals.
visitors. These festivals are celebrated amidst muchEach of these festivals are as important as others.
fanfare and on most occasion people from differentWith the globalization festivals too have become
community join each other in their moment of joy.globalized. Many international festivals like Father's day,
People in India have lot of respect for each othersMother's day, Valentine day, etc too are celebrated in
religion. The active involvement in the celebration ofquite popularly. There are many other national and local
each others festivals bring unity among the generallevel festivals celebrated in India. All these festivals
population and has led to the continuity of its secularhave become the essential part of the country's day
credential. There are varied reasons for theto day life.
celebrations of festivals in India. Some of them areInternational festivals: People in India also join world
celebrated to welcome new season, the rains or thecommunity in celebrating major international festivals.
full moon. Others are celebrated on religious occasions,Being global citizen they pride in celebrating these
birthday of religious saints, gurus and spiritual leaders.festivals. Some of the major international festivals
Most of these festivals are commonly celebrated incelebrated are Christmas, Father's day, Mother's day,
every part of India though with a different name. TheValentine days, Daughter's day, etc.
celebrations are in the form of traditional rituals orNational Festivals:
prayers, seeking blessing, exchanging of friendship,There are some festivals which are simultaneously
beautifying the house, wearing new clothes, dancingcelebrated through out the country. Though they may
and feasting.be named differently in some regions. Some of the
Important Festivals of Indiaimportant national festivals celebrated though out the
Home to some of the major religions of world likecountry are Deepawali, Holi, Dussehra, Christmas, Eid,
Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, etc, people ofRakshabandhan, Independence day, Republic Day,
India celebrate every festivals quite devoutly andGandhi Jayanti, etc. Dussehra which is a very popular
joyfully. Each region and religion have something tofestival is celebrated at one time with different name
celebrate across the year. These festivals kind ofthrough out the country. In some parts of country like
reflect the life styles of people of this country. ColourfulBengal and Assam it is celebrated as Durga Puja.
culture, traditions and festivity always keep people onDeepawali is perhaps the most popular festival of India.
their feet. Add this to joyful celebration in the form ofAccording to the legend, this festival of light is
feet tapping dances, exchanging of gifts etc, festivalscelebrated in honour of the return of lord Rama to
are truly an occasion to treasure in India.Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Sheer number of festivals celebrated all over theThough it is basically Hindu festival, during Deepawali
country makes it quite tough to keep a tap on all ofpeople from every religion join in the celebration.