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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
India, popularly known as a land of fairs and festivals has
the richest culture and it known for its cultural diversity
through out the world. Indian calendar has a long list of
festivals and each day is a celebration. These festivals
depict the true colors of India. Every occasion is welcomed
with a celebration involving every region and every religion.
The list of these festivals is very long. However some of the
major festivals of India are given below which are a major
tourist attraction an attract thousands of people through out
the world:-
Republic day it is held every year on 26th January
celebrating the establishment of Indian republic. This day is
major celebration all over the nation and is followed by the
procession of grand military parade and colorful programmes
represented by school children.
Independence day it is held every year on 15th august
celebrating India freedom. This day is associated with flying
kite and kite competition in different regions all over the
country. On this day the prime minister delivers his speech at
the historic Red Fort.
Gandhi Jayanti it is a national holiday held on 2nd
October every year as this day marks the birthday of Mahatma
Gandhi, also known as the father of nation.
Dusshehra is a 10 day festival. During this festival
the episodes of Ramayana which is an Indian epic are played by
different characters in a huge ground decorated specially for
this day.
On the 10th day effigies of Ravana the king of Lanka are burnt
amidst fireworks. The night of Dusshehra is accompanied by a
joyous fair. Dusshehra is celebrated differently in different
regions of the country.
Diwali also known as deepawali is a major Indian
festival celebrated through out the country. This is the
festival of lights which brings along with it the message of
victory of the good over evil and this calls for a huge
decoration and celebration all over the country. Each house is
decorated with lamps or diyas. Diwali is associated crackers
and fireworks which lit up the sky during this festival.
Holi the festival of colors. It marks the arrival of
spring. This festival is a very bright and a lively festival.
It is associated with powdered and water colors thrown on each
other on this day.
Raksha Bandhan this is the most beautiful festival of
India celebrated with lot of sentiments through out the
country as it signifies the relationship between a brother and
a caring sister. On this day all the sisters pray for the
longevity if their brothers and in turn their brothers give
them gifts and sweets. They tie colorful bracelets or rakhis
on their brothers wrists.
Eid-ul-fitr it is a Muslim festival which comes after
30 days of fasting and is celebrated through out the country
with a lot of happiness. It is a treat to all those who fasted
and have controlled their desires during the month of Ramadan.
(The fasting month)
Eid-ul-zuha
also known as bakr-id is again a Muslim festival which is
associated with the sacrifice of lambs or other specified
animals commemorating the martyrdom of Abraham.
Muharram it is a first month of
Islamic calendar. It is a Muslim festival that commemorates
Imam Hussain's martyrdom. Tiger dancers lead processions of
colorful replicas of the martyr's tomb.
Ramnaumi - this festival is celebrated through out the
country and marks the birth of Rama, the hero of the epic
Ramayana. It is a 9 day festival.
Navratras - this festival marks the change in season and the
worship of lord Shiva for 9 glorious nights.
Makar Sankranti this festival is associated with dips
in holy waters of Ganga. During this time the sun enters
Capricorn. Makar Sankranti brings with it great festivities.
Christmas it is celebrated on the
occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on a
large scale in Bombay and Goa. Pongal
- held mainly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It is a colorful
Tamil harvest festival.
Vasant Panchami This festival is mainly celebrated in
the eastern states of India and is mainly dedicated to
Saraswati, the goddess of learning. Kumbh
Mela this festival takes place every three years only at
one of the three states of India i.e Maharashtra, Madhya
Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. People take holy dips during this
festival Shivratri it is celebrated
on the wedding anniversary of lord Shiva and Parvati. Special
celebrations are held all over the country on this day.
Floating festival it is held in Tamil Nadu celebrating the
birthday of the 17th century rule. On this day barge carryings
are illuminated decorating the temple cities.
Good Friday also known as holy Friday is the day when
Jesus Christ was crucified.
Nagaur cattle fair celebrated as
an animal fair in the state of Rajasthan.
Mardi Gras it is held in Goa for 3
days. It is associated with the carnival and the gaiety.
Vaisakhi also known as Baisakhi is a Sikh festival
celebrating the beginning of the harvesting season.
Pushkar Mela - it is an annual cattle fair held at
Pushkar in Rajasthan. It is marked by camel races, folkdance
etc. and is joined by a lot of people from all over the world.
Janmashtami this day is marked as the day of birth of
lord Krishna. On this day people celebrate by fasting plays
depicting the episodes of lord Krishna
Teej - this festival is celebrated on the onset of
monsoon. It is associated with procession of camels, elephants
etc. Ganesh Chaturthi this festival
is dedicated to the elephant headed god Ganesh, it is colorful
festival. Onam it is the harvest
festival of Kerala. It is associated with the amazing snake
boat races. Apart from all the festivals
given above there are innumerable festivals celebrated in
India at a national level. People from different section of
society celebrate these wide ranges of festivals together with
feelings of brotherhood and patriotism. India is a secular
country depicting it unity in diversity. Other festivals which
are not included in the list are:- Mahavir
Jayanthi
Pooram
Urs
Durga Pooja
Amaranth Yatra
Rath Yatra
Guru Purab
Kolayat Fair
Chandra Bhaga fair
Elephant Festival
Gangaur Fair
Bij Festival
Bikaner Festival
Marwar Festival etc.
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