Chapter: 14. Festivals Of India
Festivals of India
Festivals are special times that bring joy and happiness! In India, we celebrate many different festivals with our families, friends, and communities. People living in the same area often celebrate together, sharing gifts, singing, and eating delicious food. This togetherness helps us feel connected as a community.
India celebrates three main types of festivals:
National Festivals: Celebrated by everyone across the country. Religious Festivals: Special events connected to different religions, often celebrated by people of all faiths together. Harvest Festivals: Celebrated when important crops are ready to be gathered. Here are some important words you will learn about:
Festivals: Special days or periods of celebration. Religious festival: A festival connected to a particular religion. Harvest festival: A festival celebrated at the time of harvesting crops. National festival: A festival celebrated by all people of a country. Celebrate: To observe a happy occasion with festivities.
National Festivals
National festivals are celebrated by all the people in India, no matter what their religion or where they live. India celebrates three important national festivals.
Republic Day
When: Celebrated every year on 26 January. Why: On this day, the people of India chose to follow the Constitution of India. The Constitution is like a rulebook that guides our country. A grand and colorful parade is held at Rajpath, New Delhi. The parade includes the army, navy, air force, school children, and representatives from different states. The President of India takes the salute, which means they formally acknowledge the parade.
Independence Day
When: Celebrated every year on 15 August. Why: India became an independent country on 15 August 1947. This day marks our freedom from British rule. The Prime Minister of India unfurls (spreads out) the national flag. The flag-hoisting ceremony and the Prime Minister’s speech take place from the Red Fort in Delhi. The Prime Minister addresses the entire nation.
Gandhi Jayanti
When: Celebrated every year on 2 October. Why: This day marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Who was Mahatma Gandhi? He was a very important Indian leader who worked tirelessly to help India gain its independence. He taught us the power of peace and non-violence. How it’s celebrated: Special prayer meetings are held all over the country to honor his memory.
Religious Festivals
India is home to many different religions, and each has its own special events and festivals. The wonderful thing is that people of all religions often celebrate these festivals together, showing unity and respect for each other’s beliefs.
Dussehra
Significance: Celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Timing: It comes after nine days of fasting and celebrations known as Navaratri. On the tenth day, Lord Rama killed Ravana. Large effigies (models) of Ravana are burnt. In West Bengal, this festival is celebrated as Durga Puja, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory.
Diwali
Significance: Known as the festival of lights. It marks the day Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and his brother Lakshman returned home to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Timing: Celebrated twenty days after Dussehra. People clean and decorate their homes. They pray to Lord Ganesha (for good beginnings) and Goddess Lakshmi (for wealth and prosperity). Families exchange sweets and gifts. Homes are lit up with beautiful diyas (oil lamps) and lights. Green Earth Tip: To keep our air clean, it’s best not to burn firecrackers during Diwali as they cause air pollution. Let’s celebrate a “Green Diwali” by using lights and eco-friendly decorations instead!
Eid
Significance: Celebrated at the end of Ramzaan (or Ramadaan), which is a holy month of fasting that lasts for 30 days. People offer special prayers in mosques. They wish each other “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). A special sweet dish called seviyan (vermicelli pudding) is prepared and shared.
Gurpurab
Significance: Celebrated to mark the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship) are beautifully decorated with lights. Gurbani, which are prayer songs from the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of the Sikhs), are sung. A community kitchen called langar is set up, where free food is served to all visitors, regardless of their background.
Christmas
Significance: Marks the birth of Jesus Christ, who is central to the Christian faith. When: Celebrated every year on 25 December. People go to church to pray. Families have special feasts together. Plum cake is a special fruit cake traditionally made and enjoyed during Christmas. Some other festivals celebrated by Christians include Easter and Good Friday.
Religious Books
Hindus: The holy books for Hindus include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana. Christians: The holy book for Christians is the Bible.
Harvest Festivals
Harvest festivals are celebrated when major crops are ready to be harvested, marking a time of thanksgiving for bountiful produce.
Holi
Significance: Known as the festival of colors. It celebrates the arrival of the spring season and signifies the triumph of good over evil. People sing songs and go around a campfire (Holika Dahan) on the eve of Holi. On the main day, people playfully spray colored water using pichkaris and apply colored powders (gulal) on each other. It’s always a good idea to use natural colors while playing Holi to protect your skin and the environment. FactPedia: Thanksgiving is also a harvest festival celebrated in many Western countries.
Onam
Region: A harvest festival celebrated in Kerala. People decorate their houses with beautiful floral designs called rangoli (also known as Pookalam). The famous snake boat race is organized as a special contest, attracting many spectators.
Bihu
Region: The biggest harvest festival of Assam. How it’s celebrated: People dance and sing traditional Bihu songs to celebrate.
Baisakhi
Region: Celebrated by Punjabis primarily in Punjab. When: Mid-April every year. Significance: It marks the beginning of a new year for the Sikhs and the harvest of the Rabi crops. How it’s celebrated: People perform the energetic bhangra dance to celebrate this festival.
Pongal
Region: A major festival of Tamil Nadu. Duration: Celebrated for a period of three days. People worship the Sun God (Surya Devta) and cattle (especially cows, which are sacred). A special dish called Pongal rice is cooked with milk and jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar).
Celebrating festivals together helps us feel happy and keeps us united as a country. When celebrating, always remember to follow safety rules, especially with lights or any festive decorations, to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.
In a Nutshell
Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve learned about the amazing festivals of India:
India celebrates three main kinds of festivals: national, religious, and harvest festivals. Religious festivals include Diwali, Dussehra, Gurpurab, Eid, and Christmas. Harvest festivals include Holi, Onam, Bihu, Baisakhi, and Pongal. National festivals are Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. Celebrating festivals together is important because it keeps us happy and united.
Self Study
