Indian Festivals

Tamilnow Articles -> Indian Festivals, Hindu Festivals like Diwali, Navratri and Durga Pooja

India is a land of festivals. There are a lot of festivals celebrated all over India and also there are many regional festivals. Festivals means fun, bright colours, sweets, crackers, clothes, music and dance in India. There are also main rituals associated with many festivals. There will be procession of deities for some festivals, illumination of the houses and places of worship for some others. Overall, Indian festivals are an occasion of joy, enthusiasm and get together of families and friends.

Major Indian Festivals :

We list here some of the Indian festivals celebrated all over India like Diwali, Navarathri, Christmas, Easter, Bakr-Id, Eid-ul-Fitr, Holi and much more.

Hindu Festivals :

Diwali :
Diwali is a very grand festival celebrated all over India. It is the biggest festival celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. Diwali is also called Deepavali. The festival is significant among the Hindus, Sikh and the Jains. Diwali is known as "the festival of lights". It symbolises the victory of good over evil. People light 'Diyas' (the traditional earthen lamps) around their house on Diwali. Fireworks are associated with the festival. It usually occurs in October/November.

People clean their houses, wear new clothes and distribute sweets. There are many beliefs regarding the origin of Diwali. One of the most popular belief is that Diwali is celebrated to mark the return of Rama and Sita along with brother Laxmana to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile and slaying of demon King Ravana. People celebrate Diwali by lighting diyas to dissipate the darkness of amavasya and commemorate the crowning of Lord Ram. There is a popular belief that Goddess Laxmi will come to their homes on Diwali. So everyone keep their houses clean and pure.

Navratri :
Navratri means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit. So Navratri is the festival of nine nights. Nine forms of Shakti, that is female divinity are worshipped on these days and nights. The forms of Shakti like Durga (the inaccessible one), Bhadrakali, Amba or Jagadamba (Mother of the Universe), Annapurna (the one who bestows grains in plenty), Sarvamangala (the one who gives joy to all), Bhairavi (consort of the Wrathful Shiva), Chandika or Chamunda, Lalita (the one who plays), and Bhavani (giver of life).

This is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. The first 3 days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess, dressed in red and mounted on a lion). This is done to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, dressed in gold, seated on a lotus) for all the blessings for wealth and prosperity. The last 3 days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge, dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan). On the tenth day of Navratri, an effigy of Ravana is burnt to celebrate the victory of good (Rama) over evil. Navratri holds special significance among Bengalis and Gujaratis. Dandiya and Garba Rass are the highlights of the festival in Gujarat.

Durga Pooja :
Durga Puja is the most important festival of Bengalis. Sweets, Songs and dances are integral part of Durga Pooja in West Bengal. In Kolkata alone more than ten thousand pandals are set up, all clamouring for the admiration and praise of the populace. The city is adorned with lights. People from all over the country visit Kolkata during Durga Festival. In Mysore, Dussehra is the most popular festival. Elephants are decked up with robes and jewelery and taken in processions through the streets of the city.

Next >> Hindu Festivals - Ganesh Chathurthi, Pongal, Onam, Holi, Mahashivaratri, Janmashtami