INDIAN FESTIVALS

  Makar Sankranti  Makar Sankranti | National Festivals of India Makar Sankranti is one of those few Indian festivals celebrated based on the solar calendar. It marks the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days with the sun’s transit into the Capricorn constellation. The festival is known and celebrated by different names across in India. For instance, it is celebrated as Maghi in North India, Magh Bihu in  also celebrate Makar Sankranti. People celebrate the day with various rituals and traditions, like taking a dip in the Ganges, offering water to the Sun God, and flying kites. Where is Makar Sankranti (National Festival of India No. 15) celebrated? – All over India When is Makar Sankranti (National Festival of India No. 15) celebrated? – 14 th  January

  Rakshabandhan Rakshabandhan | National Festivals of India Rakshabandhan or Rakhi cherishes the bond between a brother and a sister. On this popular Hindu festival, sisters tie an amulet or talisman on the wrists of their brothers. The brothers, on their part, give their sisters a gift and a promise to protect them whenever the need arises. The festival holds much significance for brothers and sisters of all ages. It has been shown in countless Bollywood movies as well to highlight the emotional brother-sister bond. Where is Rakshabandhan (National Festival of India No. 11) celebrated? – Central, West, North India When is Rakshabandhan (National Festival of India No. 11) celebrated? – August

  Christmas Christmas | National Festivals of India Christmas needs no introduction. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and so, holds special significance for Christians. But like many other festivals in the country, it also holds appeal for the people of other religions. And since Christmas is followed by the New Year, there is a festive spirit in the air. Churches are lit up and bedecked in an attractive manner. Decorated Christmas trees are a common sight everywhere, from people’s homes to the largest malls in India. The day is celebrated with attending prayer mass at churches, exchanging gifts, and feasting with friends and family. Where is Christmas (National Festival of India No. 9) celebrated? – All over India When is Christmas (National Festival of India No. 9) celebrated? – 25 th  Decembe r

 DUSSERA Dussehra | National Festivals of India Dussehra marks the end of Navratri as well as Durga Puja. A prominent name in the Indian festival calendar, it is also known as Vijayadashami. As is with most festivals, Dussehra is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the country. While in some states it is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, others consider it Goddess Druga’s triumph over Mahishasura. The  celebration of Dussehra  is marked with enactments of Ramlila and burning of mammoth effigies of Ravana along with Kumbhkaran and Meghnad. Mysore in Karnataka is the best place to enjoy Dussehra in India. During the festival, Where  is Dussehra (National Festival of India No. 5) celebrated? –  All over India , but the celebrations in Mysore, Kullu and Delhi are worth attending When  is Dussehra (National Festival of India ) celebrated? –  October – November

 DURGA PUJA Durga Puja | National Festivals of India A symbol of cultural identity for the Bengalis,  is celebrated with much fanfare and gaiety for four days. One of the major festivals of India, it is particularly popular in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Bihar. During Durga Puja, huge clay idols of the ten-armed Goddess Durga and her four children are worshipped in specially made  mandaps . People dress up in new clothes and go  pandal -hopping with family and friends. The festival culminates with the immersion of the idol of the goddess in water. Where  is Durga Puja (National Festival of India No. 4) celebrated? –  All over India , but the festival is more vibrant in West Bengal, Delhi, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Bihar When  is Durga Puja (National Festival of India No. 4) celebrated? –  October – November

  NAVRATRI Navratri | National Festivals of India Navratri counts as one of the major Hindu festivals ,  and the celebrations continue for days on end. In Sanskrit, the term Navratri means nine nights. True to its name, the festival spans over nine days and nights. During Navratri, Goddess Shakti is worshipped in different forms. In North India, Navratri celebrations involve vibrant Dandiya Raas and Garba dances that are enjoyed by men, women, and children dressed in colorful traditional attire. Where  is Navratri (National Festival of India No. 3) celebrated? –  All over India , but the festival is more vibrant in Maharashtra and Gujarat When  is Navratri (National Festival of India No. 3) celebrated? –  October – November

Holi Holi is another noteworthy name in the list of festivals of India. Considered the festival of love and the festival of colors, it signifies the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated all over the country with a lot of enthusiasm and fervor. Typically, the celebrations start on the eve of the festival. Huge bonfires are lit Where  is Holi (National Festival of India No. 2) celebrated? –  All over India , but the festival is more vibrant in the Northern states, especially in Vrindavan and Mathura When  is Holi (National Festival of India No. 2) celebrated? –  February – March

  Diwali Diwali | National Festivals of India Undoubtedly, Diwali or Deepavali is the most spectacular festival celebrated in the Indian subcontinent. Autumn heralds in this Hindu festival of lights that is celebrated across the length and breadth of the country. The celebrations are marked by people decorating their homes with candles, earthen lamps, and lights, bursting crackers, and exchanging gifts and sweets with friends and family. Since it is celebrated on a new moon night, these sparkling lamps and lights add a magical feel to the whole scenario. A festival that commemorates Lord Rama’s return with his wife after 14 years of exile and his triumph over Ravana, Diwali symbolizes the ultimate victory of good over evil. Where  is Diwali (National Festival of India No. 1) celebrated? –  All over India When  in Diwali (National Festival of India No. 1) celebrated? –  October – November

  26th January Republic Day of India  India is celebrating its 74th Republic Day on 26 January across the country with full zeal and enthusiasm. President Droupadi Murmu led the nation from Kartavya Path, New Delhi on Thursday. This year, India has invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest of the parade. The Indian Express JOURNALISM OF COURAGE Sign in Home Explained Political Pulse India Cities Opinion Entertainment Lifestyle Technology Videos Sports Audio Education Premium Daily Crossword 🇮🇳 Republic Day Sale Health Specials Union Budget Movie Reviews Daily Horoscope UPSC Special HomeExplainedRepublic Day parade 2023 has an Egypt contingent: Which other foreign contingents have participated earlier? Republic Day parade 2023 has an Egypt contingent: Which other foreign contingents have participated earlier? The first-ever foreign marching contingent in India’s R-Day parade, the 76-member French contingent was followed by a military band, in 2023 Jan...