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FESTIVALS - Of India

Habitat Group | India | Festivals | Bengal | Calcutta | Timeline

FESTIVALS
- Diwali
- Durga Puja
- Holi
 

   ▲ Diwali
Deepavali (or Diwali), the literal meaning of which in Sanskrit is a "row of lamps" is one of the most colourful festivals in India. Filling little clay lamps with oil and wick and lighting them in rows all over the house is a tradition that is popular in most regions of the country. The lamps welcome 'Lakshmi' the goddess of wealth and prosperity to one's home - as also banishes darkness which is a symbol of evil.
In 2006 the auspicious day falls on 21-Oct-2006.

▲ Durga Puja
Once a year in autumn (Sept-Oct), when harvests fill up our fields, Bengal and India rejoices. For five days, we forget our miseries, wear new clothes and move around places of worship for the Mother Goddess Durga. She is the  embodiment of good over evil and is depicted as having ten hands bearing ten weapons killing the demon Mahishashura. Seven days before the Pujas (this year Oct 19-23) is Mahalaya (Oct 13) - the auspicious day from which preparations for the worship starts. Village drummers (Dhakis) sound their drums of welcome.

▲ Holi
On the advent of spring each year (Feb-March) when the trees adorn them selves with fresh young green leaves and plants sprout flowers of myriad colours - India celebrates 'holi' the festival of colours. It is customary to smear each other with vegetable paints, offer 'abir' (gulal) - a red powder in reverence to the elders and sing, dance and rejoice
a new beginning with nature.

Author's Name: Dr. Dipak R. Sarbadhikari
Contact address: Click here
URL of page: www.sarbadhikari.com/festivals.htm
Updated: 15 Oct 2006

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