This is continued from part two of this article series. Please read that before you read this article. In India, the festival is very popular in the state of Gujarat where it is celebrated with much fervor. Everyone wears the age-old traditional clothes and perform Garba and Dandia (garba played with sticks in hand) for nine nights. The reason behind celebrating Navratri is that Goddess Durga (also known as Shakti) killed the demon Mahishasura. This was a victory of the good over evil. During the nine days of Navratri, many people fast and do pooja and aarti of Mother Durga.

In eastern India, specially in the state of West Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Durga puja. Durga puja is the most famous and most important festival of the Bengalis. The streets of Kolkata come alive during Durga puja. In every nook and corner of the city, public celebrations are held with idols of Mother Durga installed in huge pandals. Lots of money and time is spent in the decoration of these pandals with lots of flowers, lights, shows, etc. Pandals compete with each other for the title of the best decorations in the city. People move around the city to visit the famous pandals and see the decorations and themes. On each of the nine days, the goddess is worshipped with puja and aarti. On the last day, the idols are taken for immersion (visarjan) in the sea or rivers.

Raksha Bandhan – Raksha Bandhan is the festival celebrating the relationship of brothers and sisters in India. It’s a festival of love and care for each other. It generally comes in the month of August. On this day, the sister ties a rakhi (sacred thread) on the wrist of the brother. In return, the brother promises to protect her and also gives her gifts in return. Sisters also make special dishes and sweets for brothers. Generally, brothers and sisters visit each other’s house and family gathers together.

Janmashtami – Janmashtami is also known as Krishnashtami and Gokul Ashtami. It is a Hindu festival which celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna – the incarnation of Vishnu. It comes in the month of August or September. On this day, children and youngsters get together and make a human pyramid to break the dahi handi (clay pot of curd) which is hung at a height between two poles/buildings/trees.

Makar Sankranti – Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over India. Makar Sankranti comes on 14th January every year. It is the day of kite flying. All people – children and elders go out and fly kites of all colors and shapes and sizes in the sky. The ladies prepare sweets out of Til and Gud on this day.

Ram Navami – Ram Navami is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Shri Ramchandra. Lord Ram was the son of King Dashratha of Ayodhya. Shree Ram is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated on the ninth day of chaitra according to the Hindu calendar. Please read further in part four of this article series.

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Category: Culture
Keywords: raksha bandhan, janmashtami, makar sankranti, ram navami, festivals, india, indian festivals