India is known for its vibrant and diverse festivals that reflect the country’s rich heritage. Each festival holds its own value, thereby reinforcing the idea of unity in diversity.Some of the most prominent Indian festivals are-
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Diwali is one of India’s most significant festivals celebrated with immense fervour. It’s a lot like the Fourth of July (other than its significance) Symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, Diwali is a festival of joy and togetherness. Families come together, exchanging sweets and gifts, wearing traditional Indian colourful clothes. Homes and public places are full of oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangoli designs. Families meet up for dinner, and then light up fireworks together. The night sky is full of fireworks, creating a magical atmosphere of joy and festivity. Diwali is my personal favourite festival.
Holi: The Festival of Colors
This is similar to La tomatina festival in Spain, except with coloured powder instead of tomatoes. As bright colours fill the air, people smear each other with coloured powders, breaking the barriers of caste and creed. Families, friends, perhaps even strangers in the neighbourhood, all celebrate together in a huge ground. Usually there is loud and lively music, followed by delicious Indian food.
Eid al-Fitr: The Festival of Breaking the Fast
Eid al-Fitr, an important Islamic festival, marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a celebration of charity and gratitude to Allah. The act of fasting during Ramadan also represents self-discipline and spiritual reflection. The fast is broken with a huge feast of mouth watering food like biryani and chicken curry. The family sits together to break the fast.
Navaratri and Durga Puja: Festival of Goddess Durga
Navaratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense devotion. Durga Puja is particularly celebrated in West Bengal, where the goddess symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Ganesh Chaturthi: Honouring the Elephant God
Ganesh Chaturthi, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is celebrated with great fervor in various parts of India. There are many idols of Lord Ganesha installed in homes and public places. The festival involves daily prayers, devotional songs, and processions. I visited the biggest celebration of this festival in Mumbai, and it was magical to say the least. Ganesh Chaturthi embodies the spirit of new beginnings and prosperity.
Indian festivals are not just events, but to many people they mean a lot more.They are profound expressions of the country’s cultural diversity heritage.Regardless of religious beliefs, these celebrations bring people together. I can guarantee you that every person celebrating Diwali in their neighbourhood in India, is definitely making new friends and meeting new people. (I end up lighting fireworks with absolute strangers every year) I would definitely recommend visiting India for at least one of the above festivals!
I found it interesting to learn about the numerous festivals in India. I never really knew that there were so many festivals celebrated each with their meaning and history to which. A common theme that I found in all the festivals celebrated is the importance of friends and family– as you cannot celebrate these holidays without having people around you. I think that these holidays also resonate with the importance family holds in India as well as keeping relationships and good relations with all, celebrating happiness with all around whether you are close with them or not. I also enjoyed how you added your perspective to the holidays, as you have had a first-hand experience! With all of the other blog posts and now learning about the rich festivals celebrated showcased the depth of Indian culture.
I really enjoyed reading this guide on some of the most prominent Indian festivals! While I had heard of a few of them, namely Holi and Eid al-Fitr, I did not know a lot about them and just how important these all are to Indian culture. I find the festivals dedicated to the gods and goddess to be the most fascinating. I really like what the goddess Durga represents, the triumph of good over evil, and I love how the festival for her takes place over nine days! I also very much enjoy how these festivals bring people together and give everyone a place to feel accepted in the culture and community. I appreciate you taking the time to write this blog post about something that is so important to you. These festivals seem amazing and so profound!