India Travel
Republic Day is India's most significant national event that is celebrated every year on 26th January. India completely became a republican country in the year 1950 on this day, when the constitution of India was formally adopted. With an elected parliament, India then became a truly self-governing, democratic and republic state. India eventually enjoyed the freedom of spirit, rule of law and fundamental principle of governance. The patriotic ardor of the Indian people on this day brings the whole country together.
To mark the event, every year on this day, a grand parade with great eclat and pageant is held in the country capital New Delhi. The parade originates from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), goes along the Rajpath, past India Gate and on to the historic Red Fort in the old quarter of the city. The parade comprises of different infantry, cavalry and mechanized regiments of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. They march in calculated formation, clad in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute and addresses the nation with his Republic Day speech. The parade also includes the latest weapons of the Indian security forces instilling confidence in the people about the protection offered to them and inspiring them with patriotic feelings. The parade also includes many conventional dance troupes, to symbolize the cultural heritage of India. It traditionally ends with some air tricks and a colorful fly-past by Indian Air Force jets in a ‘tiranga’ (three national colors) formation.
Republic Day is celebrated throughout the country - national capital, state capitals, municipal corporations, panchayats, and other official agencies. People also celebrate this important event in their homes, housing colonies, schools, colleges and institutions of every kind to boost the feelings of familiarity, brotherhood and unity among all who share the same history and hold some connection to this vast country.
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Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months of their year. Muharram festival memorializes the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet. The festival starts on the 1st day of Muharram (the start of the Islamic New year) and lasts for 10 days until the 10th day of Muharram, known as Ashurah, the day of voluntary fasting. The name ‘Muharram’ is derived from the word ‘haram’ meaning forbidden, and is so called because it was unlawful to fight during this holy month. It is the most sanctified of all the Islamic months. During this holy month, Shia Muslims especially remember the Battle of Karbala. The Shias celebrate this festival in a different manner.
This day is related to the time of Moses when he crossed the Red Sea escaping from the Egyptian Pharaoh. Sunni Muslims often fast on this sacred day. The month of Ramadan is recommended for fasting and so the day of Ashura has become optional. Some religious sects of Muslims hold meetings where speeches are made on the happenings of Karbala and on the lives of martyrs. People put on black clothes as the festival approaches, as black is taken as a color of bereavement. Majalis (assemblies) are held every day during the first nine days when Shia orators relate the incident of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his party in great details.
On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions are formed and the dedicated followers parade the streets holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who fell at Karbala. They express their grief and sorrow by inflicting wounds on their own bodies with sharp metals tied to chains with which they flagellate themselves. This is done in order to render the agony of the martyrs. It is a deplorable occasion and everyone in the procession chants "Ya Hussain". A white horse attractively decorated for the festival, is also included in the procession, to mark the empty mount of Hazrat Imam Hussain after his martyrdom.
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Holi, or the Festival of colors, is an annual festival much like other events in India and is one of those very popular ones which are celebrated with more and more fun every passing year. The spring festival, Holi, is mainly observed by the Hindu community of India and abroad. It is one of the oldest festivals of India and bears religious, cultural and literary significance as well. The festival of colors, Holi, is enthusiastically celebrated in all parts of India at the end of March or the beginning of April. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon). People go wild swashing friends and neighbors alike in colored water (called 'gulal') and smearing them with colored powder (called 'abeer') and hurling water-balloons at whoever passes by. Holi is the time to come closer in the spirit of renewal and symbolizes the triumph of all Good over all Evil. There are a few myths and legends associated with this colorful festival of Holi. But the differences of the narratives not withstanding, the all-encompassing spirit of goodness and virtue is the common thread that runs through all these legends behind the festival of Holi.
Along with many other good things, the festival of Holi involves the tradition of gift-giving too. There are gifts for all you can think of—the near and dear, kith and kin, friends, neighbors, teachers and everyone else whom you old close! Traditionally, families and friends visit each other on Holi, with a Puja 'thali' (plate) and sweets.
The special food items that are prepared on Holi are gujjia, papri and kanji ke vade. From the irresistible 'Jalebi's to the variety of 'Laddoo's, there are always an impressive array of sweets and sweet delicacies around on Holi. Meat dishes, like kofta curry, are also popularly served. And to add to the spirits, people often drink the ‘Thandai’ (a Holi special drink) and alcoholic beverages along with the food. The word 'Holi' also conjures up images of that milky white cool drink laced with a narcotic derived from the dried leaves and seed capsules of the Cannabis, commonly called 'bhang'.
The festival of Holi strengthens bonds between people, bringing them closer in all this colorful mirth and merriment. It gives a reason to settle old scores, if any, and start afresh. Holi is the time to celebrate with all, being all and one in the various shades of color and joy!
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Rakshabandhan, otherwise known as Rakhi, is celebrated all over the country with much enthusiasm. Rakshabandhan symbolizes the deep love between brothers and sisters. The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers' right wrists, and pray for their long life. Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, and studded with semi precious stones.
The ritual in its original form would include “pundits” (priests) chanting Vedic hymns, following the prescribed religious rituals, following the “Yagyopovit” which is then tied by the sister on her brother’s wrist. Once the ritual is over, sweets are served; sweets made from coconut are the traditional fare for this festival.
Rituals like Rakshabandhan are extremely helpful to ease out societal strains, promote fellow feeling and bring joy to the everyday life.
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After centuries of bloodshed, gory battles and selfless sacrifices, India finally won back its freedom from British rule on August 15th, 1947. This day in August marks the glory of India’s independence, and is the day when India became completely independent after nearly 200 years of arduous British domination. It was on this historic date that Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime Minister of India, unfurled the Indian tricolor on the ramparts of the glorious Red Fort, symbolically marking the end of the British colonial rule. It was a day of fulfillment, the day of a new beginning, a birth of a nation.
Today Independence Day is celebrated all over the country with flag-hosting ceremonies and cultural programs taking place in the state capitals. The Prime Minister's speech at the Red Fort in Delhi enjoys the prime spotlight of the day. Although it is a National holiday, flag hoisting ceremonies also take place in all Government offices and private companies and even within domestic circuits. No academic work is carried out in schools and colleges around the country. Only ceremonies for flag hosting and singing patriotic songs are held for paying tributes to the soldiers and martyrs who gave up their lives to get freedom for the nation. Another very popular activity of the day is kite flying where people of all ages take an active part. Other activities marking the day include somber speeches, colorful parades and patriotic celebrations.
The people of India had put up a great struggle and given up even more to achieve this freedom. So every August 15 is a day to remember and reflect, to share the pride and wish all fellow Indians a very "Happy Independence Day".
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Durga Puja, the most significant festival of the Bengalis, is the worship of 'Shakti' or the heavenly power. Durga Puja is the most sacred festival of the people of eastern India. It is celebrated throughout the eastern states, but with more splendors in Kolkata. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
The five festive days of Durga Puja, welcoming Devi Durga is poised with rituals and accompanied with “dhak” (Indian drum), “dhunuchi” and “shiuli”(a type of flower). "Shiuli", a small fragrant flower is an indispensable part of the Durga Puja festivities. Among all the festive days, "Mahaashtami" is the most important day of Puja as it celebrates the triumph of the Goddess over Mahishasura (the buffalo-demon). The goddess is bathed (symbolically) and dressed for the final battle. This ritual takes place just after dawn. During the day, Devi Durga is supposed to have killed the demon.
In old days, a buffalo was offered as a sacrifice to the Goddess. These days, bananas, pumpkins and cucumbers replace the animal. Older rituals of animal sacrifices are now substituted with 'chalkumro' (type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana. Devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers (pushpanjali) to Devi Durga and ask for her blessings. On this day of Durga Puja, the Devi is worshipped in the form of wealth, sustenance, good luck and prosperity - as Mahalakshmi. Mahaashtami is universally accepted as the culminating point of the five-day celebrations. Festivities reach its peak in the evening of this day as thousands of people throng the different pandals to enjoy the decorations, lights, sounds and various artistic creations of Goddess Durga. Sandhi Puja is also performed at the junction of Mahaashtami and Mahanavami, the exact time when goddess Durga is said to have slain Mahishasura. One hundred and eight lotuses are offered and 108 lamps are lit for the Mahaashtami ritual.
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Durga Puja is celebrated in the months of September or October. In traditional Bengali families, Durga Puja is celebrated for ten days although the main part of the Puja is restricted to five days only. The image of Goddess Durga, which is worshipped by the Bengalis, depicts Goddess Durga equipped with weapons in her ten hands and astride a lion as her carrier, killing the Buffalo Demon, Mahishasura. This image of Goddess Durga along with her four children on her either side, reminds people of the ‘inner strength’ that is required to emerge victorious from the interminable battle between the ‘Good’ and the ‘Evil’.
After the main Puja or worship starts, the prime time is reached during the transition phase or ‘Sandhikkhan’ between Mahaashtami and Mahanabomi. A special Puja known as the ‘Sandhipuja’ is performed in this transition period. The last day of Durga Puja is the ‘Mahanabomi’. The five festive days of Puja welcoming Devi Durga are well composed with rituals and are accompanied with dhak, dhunuchi and shiuli flowers. ‘Sandhipuja’ is performed at the confluence of Mahaashtami and Mahanavami, the exact time when Goddess Durga is said to have slain Mahishasura. One hundred and eight lotuses are offered and 108 lamps are lit for this ritual.
Nabami Bhog is the food that has been offered to Devi Durga and is later distributed among the devotees. This day of Mahanabomi is considered doubly encouraging, as on this day of Durga Puja, the Devi is worshipped in the form of the forces of destruction, and eventual regeneration.
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Dussehra or Vijaya Dasami is one of the most significant Indian festivals and is close to the heart of Hindus all over the world. It is one enthralling festival of India and is celebrated with great joy and exuberance by the Indians every year in the Hindu Vikrami Calendar month of Ashwin (September or October). The word ‘Dussehra’ is derived from the word 'Dus' meaning 'Ten' and 'Hara', meaning 'annihilated'. So Dussehra is the day on which the 10 facets of Evil are demolished. As the legend holds, this day marks the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon king Ravana. Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura.
People spend the day decking up the entrances of houses and shops with flower studded strings called 'Torans' or ‘Floral Gateways’. The 'Ramlila' - a portrayal of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth and final day, at night, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnad are stuffed with firecrackers and set alight. This symbolizes burning of all evil forces. People of all ages enjoy watching this spectacle because of the significance it holds along with its visual splendor. The festival, which is thought of as the 'Victory of Good over Evil' and ‘Return of Rama from Exile', is celebrated in an impressive style and vigor. The day is believed to be very prosperous; people inaugurate new vehicles, machineries, books, weapons and tools by ceremonially asking God to bless the new items.
Dussehra is celebrated in different ways in various parts of India. In Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Durga Puja, while in Tamil Nadu, the festival incorporates worship of the goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Shakti.
Dussehra is the festival marking the end of Navratri (the nine nights) and the immersion of Durga idols, which are worshipped for nine days prior to Dussehra. Dussehra is also the day when many families start formal education of their kids. In the warmth of getting together, wishing each other all the goodness, Dussehra or Vijaya Dasami is the day to unite in a newfound hope and dream for a better tomorrow.
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Dipawali or Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated on a nation-wide scale on a new moon day in the month of October- November. Diwali symbolizes the age-old tradition of India to overcome the ignorance and drive away the darkness that engulfs the light of knowledge.
The word Deepawali comes from the words Deepa meaning light and Avali meaning a row, it s not just a row of light but Deepawali is an event where illuminations and lights form the main attraction. Every household, rich or poor, hut or palace is lit with the shimmering lights of ‘diyas’ and candles. Ornamental fireworks, multi colored Rangoli designs, floral decorations all contribute to the grandeur of this joyous festival. During Dipawali, Lakshmi the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped all across the country. In eastern part of the country Goddess Kali is also worshipped during Dipawali.
During Diwali sweets are prepared in all homes and are distributed among relatives and neighbors. Children are gifted with new clothes and people wish each other and ask blessings from seniors. Dipawali, the festival of lights even to-day projects the rich and glorious past of India and teaches us to uphold the true values of life.
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Of all the various family relationships, the bond shared between a brother and sister is nonpareil. Bhai Dooj Festival or Bhaubeej Festival as it is known, is the fifth day of the Diwali festival, which falls on a new moon night. The name 'Dooj' or ‘Beej’ means the second day after the new moon, the day of the festival, and 'Bhai' means brother. The day is exceptional amongst brothers and sisters and is witnessed as a symbol of love and fondness. Women celebrate their love for their brothers by putting a sacred tilak (made from vermilion or sandalwood paste) on their brothers' foreheads. They perform an ‘aarti’ to their brothers to honor them for taking care of them and protecting them, and pray for their well-being. Brothers and sisters give gifts to each other.
Bhai Dooj is also called Yama Dwiteeya as it's believed that on this day, Yama, the God of death and the custodian of Naraka visits his sister Yamuna, who puts the auspicious mark on his forehead and prays for his well being. So it's held that anyone who receives a tilak from his sister on this day would never be hurled into hell. The festival usually occurs in the month of October or November. Bhai Dooj is celebrated in different parts of India in different names such as Bhaubeej or Bhau-Beej in Marathi, Bhai Dooj in Hindi, Bhai Beej in Gujarati or Bhai Phota in Bengali.
The rituals and traditions of Bhai Dooj festival provide an earnest look at the dynamics of lifelong sibling relationships. It is a happy family gathering overall. Feasting, exchanging gifts and outing has become a part of the auspicious ceremony. The celebrating of this day has its own importance in continuing to maintain the love between brothers and sisters and in reaching out to the inner most depths of the hearts.
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Id-Ul-Fitr, popularly known as the “festival of breaking the fast”, is celebrated by the Muslim community in India at the end of the month of fasting. The month of fasting is known as Ramadan and this comes to an end as soon as the full moon is sighted at the end of the month. Muslims would attend the special Eid prayer early in the morning at the Idgah, a large place especially set-aside for large congregations for ceremonial prayers. Muslims celebrate the day by greeting each other at home and in the neighborhood. People visit each other’s homes and participate in festive meals. Special dishes, beverages and desserts are prepared for this occasion. Muslims all over India celebrate this festive and joyous occasion in a responsible manner.
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Christmas, the biggest festival of the Christians is celebrated with great gusto in India. Not just the Christian population participates in the celebration but people from all religion participate in the celebration. While Christians mark the day by going to Church and offering their prayer, it’s a general holiday for the rest of the population. Christmas trees are decorated in most household and churches, buildings and streets are decorated with light. As in most other parts of the world, Christmas cakes are an integral part of Christmas celebration in India and most good restaurants would have Turkey in their special Christmas menu. The western state of Goa is probably the best place to be during Christmas. The whole state celebrates the annual carnival during this time with lots of fun, fare, food and frolic. It is a prime attraction for most visitors and the city of Goa hosts the maximum tourists during this period.
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