Festivals In india

Festivals of India are gems in the crown of Indian culture. They exude the ways India expresses its most colorful beauty. Festivals are celebrated round the years with great enthusiasm and gaiety. They reflect religious, cultural as well as seasonal diversity of the country. People say India has more festival than the days in a years. That is why, you will also see several festivals celebrated simultaneously. It has a complete mosaic of festivals and fairs.

Some festivals are celebrated in connections with the change in season, the birthdays of God and Goddess, prophets and saints, great historical happenings or of religious reasons. Further more, each regions has its different calender and special occasions to celebrate. Roads and houses are cleaned and decorated, they are made shining with lights. Markets and shops are crowded for festival shoppings. New attire, dance, music and rituals-all add unique and joyful to Indian festivals. Some popular festivals which you should enjoy during your tour to India include

Diwali (The Festival of Lights)
Diwali is the most popular festival among all Hindu festivals. The kind of celebration and festive mood on this occasion can hardly be seen in another day of the year. It is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Lord Rama to Ayodhaya. Houses are lit with earthen pot and candles.

Holi (The festival of colour)
This is a harvest festival celebrated after passing the chilly winter. With the arrival of Holi, People starts arranging functions and parties. On the day of festival, people use lovely colours symbolizing the end of hate and jealousy. It is a festival of love.

Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bhandan is a festival to strengthen the bond and relationship between brother and sister. Sister ties a holy thread around her brother's wrist and takes a commitment from her brother that he will always protect her and help her in the hours of need.

Bhai-Duj
Bhai-Duj festival is observed on the second day after Diwali all over the country. It symbolizes the eternal love between brother and sister. Sister worships of Gods and Goddess for the long day and pray the prosperity and success of her brothers. She apply tilak on his forehead and brother promises to provide a life long protection to his sister.

Dussehra
Dussehra is widely celebrated all over the county. It is observed on the 10th day of the waxing moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin (September /October). It symbolizes the victory of Lord Rama over 10-headed demon Ravana.

Eid Ul Fitr
Eid Ul Fitar is biggest Muslim festival celebrated on the completion of one month fasting in Ramadan. Widely believed, Allah gave this festival to righteous people who fasted till one month on His order. Collective prayers and aftermath celebration make great attractions.

Baisakhi Festival
Baisakhi Festival is one of the great festival in north India and more especially in Panjab. It is celebrated to show thanks to God for the production of the rabi crop, the first harvest of the year.

Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the most popular festival of Bengal, though it is widely celebrated in all parts of north Indian. Special worships of Goddess Durga is held. Her images are installed at every corners of Kolkata and roads and streets are overwhelmed with devotees.