Embark on a Cultural Odyssey: Exploring the Diverse Festivals of India

India, a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, is renowned for its vibrant festivals that celebrate the country’s unity in all its diversity. From the colourful fervour of Holi to the spiritual tranquillity of Diwali, the festivals of India offer a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of its heritage. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the kaleidoscope of festivals that grace this incredible nation.

Onam
Celebrated in the southern state of Kerala, Onam is a 10-day harvest festival usually celebrated in August or September. This year 2023, Onam starts on the 20th of August and ends on the 31st. Onam commemorates the legendary King Mahabali, known for his benevolence and just rule. It is a grand affair showcasing Kerala’s cultural richness, including vibrant rituals and unique traditions.
One of the most iconic aspects of Onam is the creation of Pookalams, which are intricate and colourful floral rangoli designs made at the entrance of homes. These designs become increasingly complex as the festival progresses. A grand feast, known as Onasadhya, is a highlight of Onam. It involves serving an elaborate traditional meal on a banana leaf, featuring various vegetarian dishes.
Onam is also famous for its spectacular boat races, known as Vallam Kali, where colourfully adorned snake boats compete in a breath-taking display of teamwork and tradition. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha is particularly renowned.
Another unique tradition during the 10-day festival is the Pulikali or Tiger Dance, where men paint themselves as tigers and perform energetic dances during the festival procession.

Ganesh Chaturthi
Coming up on the 19th of September, 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a prominent festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. This festival holds immense significance in Indian culture, and it is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country, mainly in Maharashtra. The ten days festival ends with the grand immersion of the Ganesha idols into water bodies.
Lord Ganesha is revered as the deity of intellect, wisdom, and new beginnings. According to Hindu mythology, his distinctive elephant head symbolizes the wisdom to think and reflect, his large ears represent the capacity to listen, and his broken tusk signifies sacrifice. Ganesha is often invoked at the start of important ventures or ceremonies to remove obstacles and provide blessings for success.

Devotees prepare for the festival by creating or acquiring elaborate clay idols of Lord Ganesha. Often crafted with intricate detailing, these idols come in various sizes, from small household ones to colossal installations in public spaces. The atmosphere is devoted as people decorate their homes, streets, and pandals with flowers, lights, and vibrant decorations.
The festival reaches its pinnacle on the tenth day, known as Anant Chaturdashi, when the idols of Lord Ganesha are taken in processions through the streets to be immersed in rivers, lakes, or the ocean. This immersion symbolizes Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode, accompanied by chants, music, and a charged atmosphere. The processions are a sight to behold, with devotees dancing, singing praises of Lord Ganesh, and offering their heartfelt prayers.
In recent years, people have been increasingly opting for eco-friendly clay idols that dissolve in water and are also using natural and bio-degradable colours to paint the idols to help minimize environmental pollution. Artificial/temporary ponds are also created at this time for immersion, allowing for the easier collection of the immersed material and thus preventing pollution of the natural water bodies.

Navratri and Durga Puja
Navratri and Durga Puja are two grand festivals celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion across India, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. While Navratri is celebrated in the North, Durga Puja is celebrated in the East. Both these festivals center on Goddess Durga’s worship, embodying the divine feminine’s power, strength, and grace.
Navratri, which means “nine nights” in Sanskrit, is a festival honoring the goddess in various forms. It usually falls in September or October, depending on the lunar calendar. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different manifestation of the goddess, with the tenth day celebrated as the festival of Dussehra.
While all nine days are celebrated during Navratri, only six days of Durga Puja (which coincide at the same time) are considered the main days of the 10-day festival and are celebrated with fervour. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijay Dashami when the idols of goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies for the goddess’s return to her celestial abode.

This year, Navratri/ Durga Puja falls on the 15th-24th of October.
Many people observe fasts during Navratri, focusing on prayer, meditation, and reciting religious texts. Dance forms like Garba and Dandiya are popular during these nights, symbolizing the divine play of the goddess. On the other hand, Durga Puja is the most significant festival in Bengal, where elaborate and artistic idols of Goddess Durga are created, showing her slaying the demon Mahishasura. Temporary pandals are erected to house the idols, and these pandals are often designed with breath-taking creativity, reflecting various themes and artistic styles.
During Durga Puja, people often engage in “pandal hopping,” i.e., visiting various pandals to admire the artistic work, offer prayers, and soak in the festive atmosphere. Cultural programs, including music, dance, and theatre, are organized during Durga Puja to celebrate the goddess’s victory over evil.

Dussehra

Also known as Vijaya Dashami, the festival of Dussehra falls on the 10th day of Navratri, thus marking the end of the festival and the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana.

According to the epic Ramayana, Lord Rama, his devoted brother Lakshmana, and the mighty Hanuman defeated Ravana to rescue his wife, Sita. One of the most iconic aspects of Dussehra celebrations is the burning of effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad (also known as Indrajit). These towering effigies, often filled with firecrackers, are set ablaze to symbolize the destruction of evil forces.

Dussehra is more than just a commemoration of a mythological event. It symbolizes the broader theme of righteousness, courage, and the eventual triumph of truth over falsehood, virtue over vice, and good over evil. This year Dussehra shall be celebrated on the 24th of October, 2023.

Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals amongst Hindus worldwide. It holds immense significance as the festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali’s origin is rooted in various mythological and historical contexts, but a common theme across these stories is the victory of light and righteousness over darkness and ignorance. The return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana is a widely celebrated legend, and the lighting of lamps and fireworks signifies the jubilant welcome of the rightful king and the dispelling of darkness.
One of the most captivating aspects of Diwali is the intricate and vibrant decorations that adorn homes and public spaces. The use of diyas (oil lamps) and candles illuminating every corner represents the victory of light and the removal of ignorance. Rangoli designs with coloured powders, rice, or flower petals embellish doorways, courtyards, and streets, adding to the festive atmosphere. Diwali, this year will be celebrated on the 12th of November.

Pongal

Pongal celebrated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is also known as Thai Pongal, is a four-day festival that typically falls in mid-January and is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The festival marks the harvesting of the winter crop, primarily rice, and expresses gratitude for the abundance received from the land.

The first day of Pongal is celebrated as Bhogi, where people discard old belongings and clean their homes to welcome new beginnings. The second day is the main Pongal day, when families gather to cook a special dish called “Pongal” using newly harvested rice, jaggery, and milk. The dish is prepared in new clay pots, and as it boils over, it symbolizes prosperity and abundance. On the third day, known as Mattu Pongal, cows and other cattle are worshipped as they play a vital role in farming. They are adorned with garlands and fed special meals. The fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, is marked by picnics and family outings, where people enjoy the festive atmosphere and share meals by the riversides. Pongal date in 2024 is 15th January.

Holi
Often referred to as the “Festival of Colours,” Holi holds a special place in the hearts of people across India. This vibrant festival marks the arrival of spring and is a time of merriment, unity, and the triumph of good over evil.
Holi’s most recognizable feature is the playful and colourful atmosphere. People of all ages come together to drench each other in vibrant colour powders and water. This tradition of splashing colours is symbolic of shedding inhibitions, breaking barriers, and fostering a sense of equality among all participants. The rainbow-like aura created by the colours is a visual representation of the unity that Holi brings.
One of the most well-known legends associated with Holi is that of Prahlada and his aunt Holika. Prahlada’s devotion to Lord Vishnu protected him from the fire in which Holika tried to burn him. This story symbolizes the victory of devotion and righteousness over evil intentions.
Another popular narrative associates Holi with the playful antics of Lord Krishna, who would playfully splash colour on Radha. This playful act has become the inspiration for the modern practice of throwing colours during Holi. Holi shall be celebrated coming year on the 25th of March, 2024

Eid-al-Fitr & Eid-al-Adha

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are two of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. These festivals hold deep spiritual and cultural significance, fostering a sense of unity, gratitude, and compassion within the Muslim community.

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims. It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion that marks the conclusion of a month-long period of self-discipline, fasting, and increased spiritual devotion.

An integral aspect of Eid al-Fitr is the practice of giving back to the less fortunate. Muslims are encouraged to provide a form of charity known as “Zakat al-Fitr” to ensure that everyone can partake in the festivities, regardless of their economic status.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is observed to commemorate the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, coinciding with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

A central aspect of Eid al-Adha is sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, to honour the tradition of Ibrahim’s obedience. The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the needy, one-third to friends and family, and one-third is kept for personal consumption.

Both Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha shall be celebrated coming year on the 10th of April, 2024, and 17th of June, 2024 respectively.

India’s festivals reflect its rich cultural heritage, providing a glimpse into the tapestry of traditions, myths, and values that bind its people together. From the grand celebrations to the small rituals, each festival tells a unique story and offers an opportunity to connect with the heart of India’s diversity. So, whether it’s the vibrant colours of Holi or the serene lamps of Diwali, these festivals are an open invitation to witness the unity in diversity that defines this incredible nation.

So, if you are interested in visiting India and knowing about the great culture and traditions, do try witnessing one or more of the upcoming festivals and immerse yourselves in the nation’s vibrant colours! Apply for your visa to India at https://www.blsinternational.com/e-visas/