Indian Culture

The whole of India is in the mood of celebrating the 63^rd Independence Day. It’s no doubt a day of pride and honor for citizens of India. Nationwide jubilance and high spirits were apparent amongst the citizens. It’s remarkable to notice high spirits amongst all people despite security threats, swine flu, drought and other worrying issues.

As usual, the Red Fort in Delhi witnessed the biggest celebration admits tight security and Prime Minister’s visit. Other state capitals had their share of celebration as well.

The nation witnessed Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh unfold the flag in New Delhi for the sixth consecutive year. Considering himself fortunate of having an opportunity to address the citizens on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made no direct mention of Pakistan in his hour long statement, but he did address the issue of anti India terrors on nationalism. He said that India has enough resources and belief in itself along with political and economical stability to advance towards a golden future in the years to come.

Indian Independence Day

Dr Singh said that the government will endeavor to remove all social and economic dissatisfactory factors prevailing in the country. Below are the few highlights of the Prime Minister’s speech on Independence Day.

-Black marketers will be booked and punished.

-Government is working towards eradicating H1N1, and there is no need for immense panic over the situation. Dr. Manmohan Singh assured that the center is working with the state government to control the spread of H1N1 flu. New diagnosis and treatment centers are set up across the country.

-Assurance that the benefits of development will reach the masses.

-Restoring the growth rate of the country to 9% in this year. Considering the global recession, the prime minister admitted this to be a big challenge, but was optimistic of reaching the desired figure.

-All possible necessities to be provided to farmers who have been affected by lack of monsoon during this year.

-Special care measures for disabled children.

- Rajiv Awas Yojna will be launched, in order to eradicate slum from the country.

-Appealed to businessman and industrialists to fulfill their social responsibilities so that the country heads towards a better future.

-Better Education laws to be implemented without considering the cost impact, since education is imperative for the growth of the country.

Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the government was doing everything within its powers to control the rising prices of basic food items, and mentioned of bringing in food-security legislation to make sure that that the poor people do not starve.

Thousands of citizens, including school children gathered at Red Fort to notice the unfurling tri-color, followed by the Prime Minister’s speech. The Prime Minister delivered his speech behind bullet-resistant glass, admits tight security from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort.

Despite facing security threats and other surmounting issues, India braced through the 63^rd Independence Day smoothly. As usual, the flag hosting ceremony was a remarkable one, honoring the people who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.

India is said to be the land of festivals. Indian festivals depict the rich civilization, and the long-established background of the country. It’s been an integral part of the Indian culture since many centuries.

Over 100 festivals of all kinds and types are celebrated in India throughout the year. Each and every festival is considered auspicious, and they are characterized by joy, enthusiasm, colors, prayers and rituals.

Every festival plays an important role in an individual’s life. They are responsible for strengthening family bonds, and bringing together people of diverse religions. Each and every festival has a specific value, and reason for celebration.

Indian Diwali from Daily Times

Diwali is one amongst the most popular festivals celebrated in India, usually during the last quarter of the year. It is also called the festival of lights as it is celebrated with crackers. Every house is literally illuminated with lights during this festival. It is celebrated for Lord Rama, who returned to Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) after defeating his enemies after 14 years of exile.

Holi is another popular festival in India. It’s celebrated with colors and balloons. Holi started in the memory of Lord Vishnu’s devotee Prahlad, who was saved by Lord Vishnu from the clutches of the demoness Holika. The evil demoness Holika was burnt alive in the fire, which is why this festival is celebrated as an ultimate triumph of the ‘good’ over the ‘evil’.

Republic Day is a moment of celebration for every individual. January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day with great pride and honor by all individuals in India. It’s a national festival, and the most important day in Indian history. On 26th January, India became a republican unit, realizing the dreams of great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives fighting for the freedom of the country.

New Year festivals are also celebrated on grand scale in most cities in India. Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Losoong, Naba Varsha and Mela Losar are amongst the New Year festivals celebrated in India.

Every festival in India has a history behind it. India has always been known as a country which encourages diverse cultures and traditions. Hindus celebrate Diwali, Muslims celebrate Ramzan Id, Parsis celebrate New Year, Christian’s celebrate Christmas and so on. Although the causes and reasons for celebration vary, individuals celebrate most festivals without considering the caste, creed, race etc. They believe in enjoying in the moment, forgetting all their prior disputes. Gifts and sweets are exchanged in festivals like Diwali, Christmas and many more.

Most festivals are not only popular amongst Indians, but they have been able to chant a magic spell amongst foreigners as well. Large numbers of foreigners across the world visit India to experience and enjoy the festival moment. The electrifying atmosphere and incredible level of joy and zeal during a festival period is beyond a feeling of expression for most Indians.

All Indian festivals nurtures immense joy, and unite all Indians, inviting a feeling of brotherhood and happiness amongst all Indians. They have been a framework of the country since ages, and will continue to be so for many more centuries to come.