|
The festivities and
celebrations are a colourful reflection of the people and their lives.
Throughout the year, festivals
are celebrated by different people in different ways, most of them centering
around their modes of living and livelihood.
Mamallapuram Dance
Festival-(Mamallapuram
) Celebrated
in the month of January
Once the ancient port of the
Pallavas, Mamallapuram
plays host to a vibrant festival of dance. Exponents of Bharata Natyam,
Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali perform against the magnificent backdrop of
the Pallava rock sculptures.
Pongal (
Madurai
) - Celebrated
in the month of January
A celebration of the
harvest-Pongal is observed for
three days in January, in Tamil Nadu. Bhogi Pongal-the first day, is an
occasion for festivities at home. Flavoured rice is offered to the Sun God
on the second day. Mattu Pongal, the next day, is celebrated in a more
boisterous fashion. Village cattle are bathed and decorated and cattle races
enliven village festivities.
Float Festival-
Celebrated
in the month of January
This magnificent festival
is celebrated in
Madurai
. On the night of the full moon, ornamented icons of goddess Meenakshi and
her consort are taken out in a colourful procession to the huge Mariamman
Teppakulam. The icons are floated in the tank on a raft decked with flowers
and flickering lamps.
Ganesh Chaturathi
Celebrated
in the month of September
This day is dedicated to
the Lord Ganesha, the elephant- headed god of all good beginnings and
success. Held annuall, this festival is a ten day ling event. The images of
Lord Ganesha are installed and worshipped and on the last day these are
taken in processions to be immersed in flowing water. The sea front at
Mumbai, packed with people, is a spectacular singht.
Shivrarti
Natyanjali Festival (Chidambaram, ) Celebrated
in the month of March
Shivrarti
is the occasion for a five day long festival of classical dance and music at
Chidambaram. The magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built a
thousand years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop for the event.
Republic
Day-State capitals
Commemorating
the day India became a republic (26th January), the Republic Day
is celebrated with a splendid parade a
colourful affair with soldiers marching in unison, followed by folk dancers,
school children and floats from various states.
Good
Friday- Celebrated
in the month of March
Good
Friday is observed by Christians nationwide with special services in the
churches.
Baisakhi
-Celebrated in the month of April
The
Hindu New Year finds expression in this exuberant festival, celebrated
throughout
India
.
Mahavir
Jayanti-Celebrated in the month of April
The
birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, is observed by
the Jain community. Special prayers are offered at temples and shrines.
Ramnavami-Celebrated
in the month of April
The
anniversary of Lord Rama’s birth is celebrated as Ramnavami by the Hindus.
The epic’ Ramayana’is read for eight days preceding the festival.
Id-ul-Fitr-
Celebrated in the month of May
The
festival marks the end of ‘Ramzan’- a month when Muslims fast throughout
the day and eat only at night. Prayers, family get- to getters and feasts
are the major highlights of the celebrations.
Janmashtami-Celebrated
in the month of August
The
birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervour all over the country.
Independence
Day -Celebrated in the month of August
Commemorating
the day
India
attained freedom (15th August), Independence Day is celebrated
with flag hoisting ceremonics and cultural programmes in the state capitals.
The Prime Minister’s speech at the Red Fort in
Delhi
is the major highlight.
Dussehra
- Celebrated in the month of October
Celebrated
to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama, Dussehra symbolizes the triumph
of good over evil. The Ramlila –an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is
held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than
life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother – Meghnath and Kumbhakarna,
are set alight.
Muharram-Celebrated
in the month of october
Commemorates
the martyrdom of the Prophet Mhammed’s
grandson – Imam Hussein. Tazias, glittering replicas of the
martyr’s tomb, are carried in procession through the streets. The tazias
of
Lucknow
and
Hyderabad
are noted for their splendour.
Diwali
-Celebrated in the month of October
This
festival of lights is the prettiest and the most eagerly a waited occasion
in
India
. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, the hero of
the epic Ramayana, to Ayodhya after a fourteen year exile. The
flickering lights of the traditional clay lamps or ‘diyas’ illuminate
the houses and fireworks resound through the night. The goddess of wealth
and prosperity – Lakshmi, is worshipped on this day. Houses are white
washed and elaborate designs drawn at the thresholds to welcome the goddess.
The exchanging of gifts and sweets among friends and relatives and playing
of games of chance at night, are all an integral part of the celebrations.
Gandhi
Jayanti-Celebrated in the month of October
The
birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi – the ‘Father of the nation’ (2nd
October). The President and Prime Minister, along with other eminent
political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat – the Samadhi of Mahatma
Gandhi.All the offices and schools, throughout the country, remain closed on
this day.
Guru
Purab -Celebrated in the month of November
The
birth anniversary of Guru Nanak – the first guru of the Sikhs, is
celebrated with great fervour. The ‘Akhand Path’ – recitation of the
Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurdwaras all over the country. Taking the
holy book out in procession,is also an integral part of the celebrations.
Christmas
-Celebrated in the month of December
Christmas
is celebrated in
India
with great fervour. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Shops
and bazaars and offer attractive bargains.
Carol
singing, get-togethers and the exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas
spirit. Christmas parties launch off celebrations for the New Year, thus
retaining the festival mood for at least a week.
|
Tamil Nadu
