Indian Culture

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.