National Festivals Of India

National Festivals Of India

1. Republic day

The Indian Constitution, enacted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, went into force on January 26, 1950. This marked the conclusion of India's journey to an independent country with a democratic governance structure.

The date of January 26 was also selected to commemorate Republic Day since it was on this day in 1929 that the Indian National Congress (INC) issued the Declaration of Indian Independence.

Several units of the military, naval force, and air force parade to India Gate with their orchestras. The parade is led by the President of India, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.

The national song is played as he unwinds the flag. The Armed Forces units then begin their march past. The President presents prestigious prizes like the Kirti Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Paramvir Chakra, and Vir Chakra.

2. Independence day

Every year on August 15, India commemorates Independence Day. To commemorate India's independence on August 15, 1947, a gazetted holiday is observed each year.

It is a day when Indians pay tribute to their rulers and those who battled for India's independence in the past. On the morning of Independence Day, the president gives the "Address to the Nation."

The Prime Minister of India raises the Indian flag and delivers a speech at the Red Fort in Old Delhi. Flag hoisting events and cultural performances are conducted in state capitals, and many schools and organizations participate.

3. Gandhi Jayanti

On October 2, annually, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (Gandhi Jayanti) is an officially designated holiday in India. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2, 1869.

Gandhi is considered a pioneer to the Indian independence movement. Prayer services, remembrance rituals, and tributes will be held throughout India. Exhibitions of art and essay contests

The giving of prizes to programs that promote a nonviolent lifestyle. Film screenings and book readings on Mahatma Gandhi's life and accomplishments.

Many people sing Gandhi's favorite devotional hymn, Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram. Petals or flower garlands are put on numerous Mahatma Gandhi sculptures across India. On October 2, some individuals also refrain from eating meat or drinking alcohol.

Other important festivals in India

1. Diwali

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a yearly festival of lights commemorated across India, particularly in northern, western, and eastern India. The celebration commemorates the victory of light over darkness.

Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for knowledge and money, but Lord Ganesh is worshipped for success and wellbeing. The event, which takes place in November or October, commemorates Lord Rama's homecoming after 14 years in exile.

The event is held for five days in several regions of the nation. It is, without a question, the most well-known Indian holiday, and it is viewed as a celebration of life. In certain regions of the nation, the celebration marks the start of the New Year.

Diwali will be observed in India on October 24, 2022.

2. Holi

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a lively occasion that includes singing, dancing, and the fun flinging of colored powders and water at other enthusiasts.

Many households customarily wood fuel or cow dung in campfires the evening before the major Holi celebration, Holika Dahan. Holi marks the coming of spring.

It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, as well as a day to rejoice in love, pleasure, and a bountiful harvest. The Holi celebration derives from many Hindu traditions, notably the narrative of Prahalad and Holika. Holi will be held on March 8th, 2023.

3. Navratri

In Hinduism, Navaratri is a great celebration conducted in the worship of the sacred feminine. Navratri lasts nine days in the months of Ashvin. On the tenth day, it is often concluded with the Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami) festival.

Garba is a popular dance, particularly in Gujarat. The first third of the festival traditionally concentrates on elements of the goddess Durga, the second third on characteristics of the goddess Lakshmi, and the last third on features of the goddess Sarasvati.

Offerings to the deities and their many facets are often offered, and ceremonies are conducted in their honor. Kanya Puja, which happens on the eighth and ninth day, is a popular ceremony. Navratri will be observed from October 26th to September 5th, 2022.

4. Janmashtmi

In certain areas, it is known as Gokulashtami or Sreekrishna Jayanthi. Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana or Bhadra, according to the Hindu calendar.

 It marks Lord Krishna's birthday, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu who delivered the crucial message of the Bhagwat Gita - the guiding principles for every Hindu.

Krishna was born in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. A frequent custom in this area is the staging of Krishna Lila, a folk theatre based on incidents from Krishna's life.

Janmashtami is widely celebrated by Hindus across India. It is observed for two days and will be observed on the 18th and 19th of August 2022.

5. Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is an important Hindu festival held each year in honor of Lord Shiva. Maha Shivratri literally means "Great Night of Shiva." Maha Shivratri occurs just once a year at the ending of winter and the start of spring and early summer.

On the day of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati are said to have wedded, according to Hindu mythology. While Lord Shiva represents Purusha or attentiveness, Maa Parvati represents Prakriti, or environment.

The combination of mind and energy fosters creativity. This celebration also serves as a reminder to overcome negativity and illiteracy in one's life. The auspicious festival of Maha Shivaratri will take place on February 18, 2023.

6. Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day celebration celebrated in India to honor Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Every day, devotees carry home clay Ganesha figurines and worship them.

Large mandaps (tents) are established in public locations, where gigantic Ganesha statues are put and daily prayers are held.
Every day, devotees get special modaks (a sort of Indian sweet).

The Ganesha figurines are submerged in a waterbody at the conclusion of the tenth day, with a magnificent parade through the streets.
Date: August 31, 2022

7. Durga Pooja

West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Bihar celebrate Durga Puja with considerable passion. This celebration symbolises the triumph of good over evil when Goddess Durga slew Mahishasur.

Durga Puja lasts 10 days in Ashwin. The event begins on the sixth day. On this day, Goddess Durga supposedly visited Earth.
Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijayadashami are 5 Durga Puja days.

 Every day is unique. Mahalaya is Durga Puja's first day. On Mahalaya, demons and devas clashed.
Date- 1- 5 October, 2022

8. Dusshera

The Hindu holiday of Dussehra commemorates the triumph of virtue over evil. The event commemorates Rama's victory against Ravana, the 10-headed demon king who kidnapped Rama's bride, Sita.

According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on the 10th day of the shining half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashvin. Outdoor celebrations (melas) and a big procession with Ravana statues are held.

 In the evenings, the effigies are burned on bonfires. The Navaratri celebration culminates with Dussehra. On October 5, 2022, it will be celebrated.

9. Guru Purab

It is a Sikh festival that takes place with great energy and passion by Sikh and Punjabi people equally in various regions of India. The birth of the ten Gurus,

Who helped form the faith and taught the significance of religious devotion, is the focus of most Sikh celebrations. Guru Nanak Gurpurab honors the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the very first Guru of the Sikhs and the creator of Sikhism.

Two days before the due date day, an Akhand Path, an uninterrupted reading of the Sikh holy book Guru Granth Sahib Ji, begins. The date is November 8, 2022.

10. Eid-ul-fitr

The Muslim community throughout the world celebrates Eid-Ul-Fitr, which symbolizes the completion of the Ramadan period. Eid-Ul-Fitr, also termed as Meethi Eid, is the completion of Ramadan's Roza (fast), which lasts the entire month.

Muslims celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr to thank Allah for providing them with health and resilience throughout Ramadan. During the holy month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad is said to have received the first realisation of the Holy Quran.

Eid-ul-Fitr is set to begin on April 21st, 2023, and finish on April 22nd, 2023. However, depending on the moon sighting, the exact date may change.

11. Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi is a protective thread woven with a sister's love for her brother. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in India on the full moon of the Hindu month of Shravana.

It's on August 22, 2022. There are various legends about how Raksha Bandhan began centuries ago. Hindu mythology is mentioned in certain stories.

On this day, a sister ties a rakhi on her brother's wrist to pray for his well-being. The brother gives his sister presents and swears to protect her.

12. Christmas

Christmas is a Christian festival remembering the birth of Jesus Christ, who is regarded as God's son. Christmas, which falls on the 25th of December every year, has grown into a worldwide secular and religious holiday over two centuries.

The name "Christmas" comes from the early English expression "Ctistes Masses," which means "Christ's Mass." Christmas is now a much-anticipated gathering of relatives and friends to exchange presents and greetings.

 Christmas trees are usually fake pine trees or natural tree branches.

13. Onam

Onam is a Kerala festival that is observed all throughout the state. During Onam, all sectors of the population in Kerala are filled with pleasure, excitement, and delight.

 Onam is observed for a variety of reasons, including mythology and traditional agricultural activities. Mahabali is claimed to have vanquished the gods and conquered the three planets.

This angered the gods, who begged Lord Vishnu to assist them in their battle against the demon ruler. It is also the time of year when Kerala has seen a wonderful harvest, resulting in plenty and gladness.

According to the local calendar, Onam is celebrated for 10 days in the month of Chingam (August/September). It will begin on 30th August and will end on 8th September.

14. Baisakhi

In India, the Baisakhi celebration celebrates the arrival of spring. Baisakhi often marks the conclusion of the harvest season and is a time of great pleasure and revelry for farmers.

 The festivities are focused on the states of Punjab and Haryana. People begin the festivities by bathing in a holy river and visiting Gurudwaras, the most important of which are the Golden Temple in Amritsar,

The Gurudwara at Anandpur Sahib, where Khalsa was founded, and Talwandi Sabo, where Guru Gobind Singh recompiled the hallowed Guru Granth Sahib. Following the prayers, people celebrate by dancing and singing.

As delighted farmers celebrate a good harvest, the popular word 'JattaAayi Baisakhi' is chanted loudly throughout communities. It will take place on April 14, 2023.

15. Makar Sankranti

The celebration marks the day when the sun enters Makara Rashi or the Capricorn zodiac. Every year, according to the solar calendar, it falls on January 14th.

 The celebration also symbolizes the end of winter and the start of a new harvest season. It is both seasonal and religious in nature. It is regarded as one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar.

On this day, people would visit temples and take a purifying dip in the Ganges River to honour the sun deity, Surya. People also enjoy jaggery and sesame sweets and take part in the kite festival.

16. Chhath Pooja

The 'God Sun' has been adored by almost all societies, but it takes on a distinctive shape in Bihar. The only time that the lowering sun is worshipped with the rising light is during Chhath Puja.

Chhath Puja is observed on the sixth day of Kartik month, according to the Hindu calendar. The bathing festival of Chhath Puja, also known as Surya Shashti, is accompanied by a four-day period of abstinence and ceremonial cleanliness.

People often bring Ganges water to their houses to make special offerings and ceremonies. Large crowds of devotees meet on the riverbanks in the evening to make offerings (Arghya) to the sunsets.

Folk songs depicting Bihar's culture and history are performed.
Date-Sunday, October 30th, 2022

17. Pongal

Pongal is a harvest celebration observed by the Tamil people. It is a festival to celebrate the Sun, Mother Nature, and the numerous livestock who contribute to a good harvest. Pongal,

Which is enjoyed for over 4 days, also signifies the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai, which is considered fortunate. Every year, it occurs on the 14th or 15th of January.

Pongal is also the title of the meal that is prepared and consumed during this occasion. It is made from boiling sweet rice. It comes from the Tamil term pong, which means "to overflow."

18. Hemis

Hemis Event, which commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, is one of the most significant Buddhist festivities in Ladakh. The festival is a two-day celebration held in one of Ladakh's most frequented monasteries,

Hemis Gompa, on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar, which corresponds to the month of June/July in the Gregorian calendar.

Cham Dancing and other dance performances are conducted at Hemis Monastery to the rhythms of drums and cymbals, as well as to the strains of a long pipe-like Tibetan music instrument.Giant thangkas (Buddhist paintings) are spread to the public on both days. It will be held from 4 Jul, 2022 –16 Jul, 2022

19. Easter

Easter is a religious celebration that commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. Despite being crucified, killed, and buried, Jesus was resurrected from the dead three days later.

Christ's victory over death and our salvation from sin were achieved through this. On the first Sunday following the first full moon following the vernal equinox, it is celebrated.

Alternatively, it might imply "the season of fresh life" or "the season of the increasing sun." Easter is thus connected to the changing seasons.

Great Lent, which starts on Clean Monday, 40 days before Easter Sunday, symbolizes the beginning of the Easter ceremonies. Date- 9th April 2023.

20. Basant Panchami

Hindus celebrate Basant Panchami usually around early February. On this day, education, arts, and learning goddess, Saraswati are celebrated. India's schools and colleges observe this day.

The Goddess is prayed to for intellectual, artistic, and musical success. Different Indian states celebrate the occasion differently, yet certain patterns endure.

Women wear yellow saris, the Goddess's hue. The event is yellow because mustard is harvested. Maa Saraswati is also served sweets as "prasad" It's on January 26, 2023.

21. Mahavir Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti honors the birth anniversary of the father of Jainism or Mahavir Janma Kalyanak and is amongst the most important holidays for the Jain community.

It is celebrated to observe serenity, and harmony, and to propagate the principles of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

The emphasis of Jainism is on global peace and harmony, with no or little damage to living species. On April 4, 2023, Mahavir Jayanti will be commemorated.

Conclusion

You can tell a nation's culture is rich and profound by its festivals, and it is true! There are several festivals in India that show the distinct cultures and customs of each state.

To put it another way, the reflections of a location and its inhabitants are vividly seen in these mirrors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are important national festivals in India?

Some of the festivals of National importance are Republic day, Independence day, Mahavir jayanti, Christmas, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, etc.

Q2. Why do we celebrate national festivals in India?

Festivals such as Independence Day and the National Day of Remembrance serve as reminders of the importance of our constitution as well as a way to unify the people of this Country behind a common purpose. This is why we celebrate them.

Q3. Which festival of India is celebrated worldwide?

Festivals such as holi, raksha bandhan, diwali, Janamashtmi, etc. are celebrated worldwide since Indians are spread all around the globe.