Badrinath Mandir

It is a holy temple of Lord Vishnu located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli district of the state Uttarakhand. It resides on a mountain named Nar-Narayan on the banks of Alakananda river. It is one of the Char Dhams, which are considered to be the most pious sites of pilgrimage in India. It is situated 3133 m above sea level and is closed for half the year due to excessive snowfall in the winters.

Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath temple is located in the city of Puri, Odisha on the eastern coastline of India. It is also one of the Char Dhams, one of the most pious pilgrimage sites in India. Here, Lord Krishna is worshipped in the Jagannath form, along with Balaram and Subhadra. A magnificent Rath Yatra is organised in this temple once a year which is very famous for its grandeur around the world.

Dwarkadhish Temple

This temple is located in the town of Dwarka, Gujarat. It lies on the west coast of India. Dwarkadhish temple is one of the Four Char Dhams, the pious pilgrimage sites in India. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most beautifully located temples in India. It is around 2500 years old.

Amarnath Temple

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Amarnath temple lies in the holy caves situated in the Himalayas in Jammu & Kashmir, India. The caves are about 5000 years old and Lord Shiva is worshipped over here. Every year, a holy Shiva Linga forms of ice in the caves. It lies at an altitude of 3888 m above sea level and the route to reach there is a tough one. People have to be physically fit in order to start the hike.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

This holy temple of Lord Shiva is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is located on the Western banks of the Holy river Ganga. People from all over the world come here to seek blessings, as it is believed to be a way of achieving salvation.

Ramanathaswamy Temple

This temple situated in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Rameshwaram is also one of the Char Dhams and is a very holy as well as beautiful place. The Shivalinga in this temple is believed to have been built by Lord Ram himself.

Golden Temple

Golden Temple is a gurdwara, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is situated in Amritsar, Punjab. It is made up of gold and is surrounded by a beautiful lake. It was built in the 15th century and is considered to be one of the most spiritual sites of Sikhs.

Tirupati Balaji Temple

This temple is situated in Tirumala, Tamil Nadu. This temple is officially known as the Venkateshwara Temple, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is one of the richest and most beautiful temples of the world. It has a very delicate architecture and symmetry. It is one of the most revered temples, with lots of devotees and tourists visiting it round the year.

Maa Vaishno Devi Mandir

This temple is situated at a mountain in Katra, Jammu at the foothills of the Himalayas. It requires a 12 km long trek to reach this holy temple and other options like Horses and helicopters are also available to reach the temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishnavi with lakhs of devotees reaching here to worship the goddess every year.

Shri Sai Baba Temple

This is one of the most famous temples around the world which is located in Shirdi, Maharashtra. Lots of devotees have belief in this significant shrine and lakhs of people come here all the year to seek blessings from Sai Baba. This is also one of the richest shrines present in India.

Mahakaleshwar Temple

This temple is located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of river Shipra and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas present in India, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many devotees come here to worship Lord Shiva all around the year.

Handicrafts are often used in fashion accessories to highlight and provide an aesthetic look to the apparel. Handicrafts such as wall hangings, furniture, cutlery are also widely used in festive decorations to amplify the beauty and aura of the premises. India also possesses a rich heritage of Tribal handicrafts such as Baskets, Ceramics, Clock Making, Embroidery, Decorative Painting, Glass Work, Jewellery, Metal Crafts, Paper Crafts, Pottery, Puppets etc. Many varieties of handicrafts are even exported to foreign countries which generates revenue and earns brand value. So let us have a look at some of the famous handicrafts of India.

1.Pottery 

Pottery is one of the most beautiful and famous handicrafts of India. It is used to make various items like- daily use items such as pots and decorative items like toys and showpieces. The heritage of pottery is very rich in India. Pottery can be of colours like orange, brown, black, dark red and light red depending upon the region. Lots of beautiful pottery designs also exist in India like Painted Pottery of Bikaner Rajasthan, Kagzi Pottery of Alwar, and the world famous Blue Pottery of Jaipur.

2. Bidriware

This handicraft originates from Karnataka and has been given the status of Geographical Indication in India. It is a type of metal handicraft which has marvelous artwork involved. An alloy of Zinc and Copper within sheets of Silver is used as the metal in this handicraft.

3. Carpet Weaving

Carpet Weaving is an age-old handicraft of India. Indian Institute of Carpet Technology has also been set up in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh to assist the Textile and Carpet industries. Previously all the work was done manually in this field, but now some semi- automated looms have also been set up. This handicraft has a rich heritage. Large carpets are produced in India with various beautiful designs and embroidery on them some of which are even done with gold and silver. Silk carpets are woven in Srinagar.

4. Woodwork

Woodwork Handicrafts include a wide variety of materials made such as Masks, doors, window frames, sculptures, wooden toys, wood carvings and furnitures. Different regions use different types of woods for the woodwork handicrafts. For example, walnut trees are used for this art form in Kashmir,and Sandalwood and Rosewood is used in the southern part of the country. The designs created on wood in this handicraft can be floral, animals and birds.

5. Madhubani

Madhubani or Mithila painting is an artform which originates and is practiced in Bihar and Nepal. This artform is majorly natural as it is generally created using brushes, twigs, matchsticks, pins and natural dyes. The themes of these paintings are festive occasions like weddings, Holi, Kali puja etc. The paintings have intricate geometric patterns.

6. Marble Stone Craft

This craft originates from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This craft has been practiced since ages on marble stones which have been used in royal forts, palaces and temples. This craft includes a combination of engraving, carving and undercuts delicately done on stones. The soapstone is also used in it. Marble handicrafts such as elephant showpieces are also used by many people to decorate their homes. They are also used to make jewelry like bangles and earrings.

7. Bamboo Handicrafts

These handicrafts are produced in different forms all over the country especially in the North East parts. These handicrafts are considered to be the most eco-friendly one as bamboo is a natural material itself and the processing materials used are also organic. Bamboo handicrafts are used to create decorative and useful items like toys, mats, furniture, wall hangings, baskets, stands, tables etc. These handicrafts are one of the oldest and still have a huge demand for them in the country as well as in the world. A high level of skill is required to create this amazingly intricate handicraft.

8. Pattachitra 

This handicraft is the art of traditional cloth-based scroll painting. It originated in Odisha. These paintings or handicrafts are used to depict the traditional stories of Hindu Culture. The varieties in this artform lies from the paintings of individual gods and goddesses to stories of Indian epics. They are often used for decoration purposes.

Folk Dances are an integral part of the culture and tradition of India. The native communities of a place have been performing their folk dances since ages for various purposes like to celebrate harvest season, celebrate weddings and for entertainment. The attire and accessories used in the dance form are quite dazzling and magnificent. The people have preserved their culture of dances well by performing and propagating it. Nowadays, we also see that these folk dances are performed in cultural programmes at schools and colleges by not only the particular community, but also by other people who may admire the dance form. So here, let us have a look at some of the folk dances of India, along with their details and interesting facts.

1.Dumhal 

This beautiful folk dance form belongs to Jammu and Kashmir. The Watal tribe traditionally performs it. Men wearing colourful long clothes and conical caps with beads studded on them perform Dumhal. This dance is performed in groups with the dancers matching the beats of the drums and singing songs in chorus. A flag or a banner with a message on it is dugged into the ground and the dance is performed around it.

2. Bhangra 

This folk dance belongs to Punjab. It is so popular all over the country that it seldom requires introduction. It is one of the most energetic and popular dances of India performed on strong beats of drums, dhols and nagadas. Punjabis celebrate their harvest festival ‘Lohri’ by performing Bhangra in groups in a circle. People also perform this in functions like weddings and other celebrations.

3. Ghoomar 

This folk dance belongs to Rajasthan. The literal meaning of Ghoomar is ‘Ghoomna’ in Hindi which means to twirl or rotate. Initially, the Bhil community used to perform it. Then other Rajasthani communities also started performing it in due course of time to worship goddess Saraswati. Ghoomar is usually performed by women wearing dresses called Ghaghara. It is performed at special occasions like weddings and religious or festive occasions. Lots of songs and movies in Popular Culture have a reference to Ghoomar.

4. Theyyam   

This folk dance belongs to the Malabar region of Kerala. It is actually a form of worship of Goddess Kali. The dancers wear headgears and paint their faces with lots of colours to add vibrancy to their costumes. This is an age long custom which prevails in the culture of Kerala as a symbol of worshipping the Goddess.

5. Garba 

This folk dance form belongs to Gujarat.  It is traditionally performed during the 9 day festival called ‘Navratri’ in the Hindu Culture honoring Goddess Durga. It is performed in circles around either a centrally lit lamp or a picture of Goddess Shakti. People wear a variety of vibrant and colourful costumes while performing it like Odhani, Chaniya Choli etc. This dance form is also very famous in foreign countries. The Garba dance is extremely magnificent and a delight to eyes.

6. Bihu 

This folk dance belongs to Assam and is related to the Bihu festival celebrated by the Assamese community. This dance form has brisk hand and body movements. Musical instruments like Dhol, horn shaped pipes are played during the performance of Bihu. The costumes and accessories used in this dance form have a red colour base. This is a very elegant dance form.

7. Cheraw Dance

This folk dance form belongs to Mizoram. It showcases an enthralling combination of rhythm and skills. Pairs of long bamboo sticks are held horizontal and close to the ground by 4-8 people. The people holding the sticks rhythmically clap them and the dancers dance between the sticks on the beats of the song and claps made. The dancers wear beautiful dresses with feathers and hats on heads. 

8. Lavani

This folk dance type belongs to Maharashtra. It is actually a combination of folk dance and music. It is performed rhythmically to the beats of a percussion instrument called Dholki. The women who perform Lavani wear beautiful vibrant coloured sarees which are around 9 yards long. Lavani is considered to be a very fast dance with powerful rhythm.

9. Lava

This folk dance form traditionally belongs to Lakshadweep. It is usually performed by males on celebrations such as festive occasions. The dancers match to the beat of the drums and make a circle to perform this dance. They were beautiful costumes like red trousers, white scarfs and white headgears.

10. Dalkhai

This folk dance belongs to Odisha. Sambalpuri saree and scarfs are used by women as costumes in them. Its theme is based on the theme of Radha and Krishna from the epics. It is mainly performed at festivals on the beats of Dhol.

India is a land of festivities. Throughout the year, people find reasons to celebrate life. Even the Festivals and fairs celebrated here are associated with some meaningful lessons and morals of life. Various fairs are organised all around the year in almost every part of the country. These fairs are celebrated for different reasons like religious purposes, trade of animals and showcasing art forms. So let’s have a look at some of the Famous Fairs in India.

1. Kumbh Mela

This fair takes place four times every 12 years. It takes place alternatively in four locations that are Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain And Nashik. It is celebrated according to the relative astrological positions of Sun, Moon and Jupiter. This fair is celebrated by taking a holy dip in the rivers that flow through respective cities. The most famous Kumbh is held in Prayagraj at the Sangam (confluence) of  Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswati (mythical river). Around 24 crore people attended the 2019 Kumbh mela at Prayagraj.

2. Pushkar Fair

The Pushkar town in Rajasthan, meaning flower in Hindi, is famous for its annual cattle fair. During the later phase of the festive period, the devotees who come to to take part in this fair, take a dip in the holy Sarovar Lake of the city. This is a famous Indian fair which attracts tourists from all over the world. It is known for Camel trading and people can also participate in activities like camel rides, desert safari. An interesting and unique competition named ‘Longest Moustache’ is also conducted during it. The Pushkar fair is a very vibrant occasion, which is full of colours, lights, traditional clothing, jewelry etc.

3. Gangasagar Mela

Every year on the Makar Sankranti festival, the place near the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal celebrates the fair named Gangasagar Mela. People visit this fair to take a holy dip in the river Ganges, worship Surya Dev and then seek blessings from the Kapil Muni temple. It takes place at the beautiful Gangasagar or Sagar Island. About 18 lakh people had visited this fair in 2018. Naga Sadhus also visit this festival to do their worship.

4. Sonepur Fair

This is the largest cattle fair of Bihar. This Cattle Fair is held in November on the full moon day at the confluence of the rivers Gandak and Ganges. It is also known as the Harihar Chhetra Mela. Various breeds of animals like buffalos, horses, birds and elephants are sold in this fair. Haathi Bazaar is even one of the biggest events of this fair. People not only from India, but also from Asia come to witness its grandeur event.

5. Nagaur Fair

This 8 day fair is held every year in the months of January- February. It is the second largest cattle fair in Rajasthan. Animals like camels, horses, cows, goats and sheep are traded in this fair. They are also decorated and even a beauty contest is organised to choose the best animal. Mirchi Bazaar is set up in this fair, where jewelry, handicrafts and wooden items are put for sale. Various Traditional cuisines are also arranged in this fair for visitors to experience them. A vibrant firework show is organised in the night to add to the fair’s beauty.

6. Urs Ajmer Sharif

This fair is held in Ajmer in the memory of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti to commemorate his death anniversary. It is held over a period of 6 days in the 7th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Night long Qawwali singing is a very unique event organised in it. Dazzling events are organised to celebrate the brotherhood and love amongst people. ‘Kheer'(a pudding like dish of milk and rice) is prepared in large quantities and enjoyed by people.

7. Surajkund Crafts Fair

Every year from 1 to 15 February a unique cultural festival takes place in a town in Haryana named Surajkund located 8 kilometres from Delhi. This showcases some of the finest Handloom and handicraft traditions of the country. Traditional craftsmen like painters, artists, sculptors, weavers participate in this fair to showcase their art and talent. Artisans from SAARC nations also visit this fair. Every year, a specific state of India is chosen as the theme of the fair. Various cultural performances are conducted in the evenings for entertainment and enjoyment of the public.

8. Hemis Gompa Fair (Ladhak)

Hemis Gompa Fair is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. It is held at the Hemis Monastery. It is celebrated on the 9th and 10th day according to the Tibetan calendar. This fair traces its roots long back in the history of Buddhist traditions. Lamas perform the ‘Mask Dance’ along with traditional music, chanting and worshipping. The mask dance depicts the battle between god and evil. People dress in traditional clothes and celebrate this colorful fair with full enthusiasm.

Greeting (Namaste)

Namaste or Namaskar is one of the most popular Indian cultures of greeting each other. It requires the person to join both palms before the chest and doesn’t require a direct body contact of the people greeting each other (like the shakehand). Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease in the world, people outside India have also started to use this form of greeting, as the disease is a communicable one. Many top leaders of the world have also been seen to greet each other by doing Namaste.

Namaste is a traditional greeting which has been mentioned in the Hindu scriptures called Vedas. Its literal meaning is ‘I bow to you!’. Its importance as written in the Vedas is that it signifies each other’s egos getting reduced in front of each other.

Festivals

Living in India, Festivals are almost absorbed in one’s culture. There’s a festival in India every month, and at times every week. The presence of diverse cultures and religions is the reason for so many festivals being celebrated in India throughout the year. Some of the major festivals celebrated in India are Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi, Mahavir Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Navratri etc. You can further read about them in detail in our article named ’10 Popular Festivals in India’. The festivities in every festival are a delight to watch. People dress up in their ethnic and traditional dresses, pray to god, prepare delicious cuisines and visit each other’s homes to celebrate the festival in full swing.

Indian Food

This is one of the biggest specialties of Indian culture. The wide variety of Indian cuisines is well recognized all over the world. In India, the food changes from region to region. Most of the famous regions are famous because of some popular food. Bihar is known for Baati-Chokha, Bengal is famous for Fish and Rasagulla(a sweet), Hyderabad is famous for its Biryani, non-vegetarian dishes of the Punjabi and Mughlai cuisines are extremely famous, South India is known for its vegetarian dishes. The list of Indian Cuisine is almost endless! The unity in diversity of Indian Culture is evident in the cuisines themselves. People enjoy the food of other regions as well. Love and brotherhood blend in the Indian culture like spices blend in the food!

Indian Architecture 

Indian Temples and other forms of architecture are absolutely magnificent and are a delight to watch. Some of the single cut structures and wall carvings used in ancient Indian Architecture are also considered to be Engineering Marvels. Another interesting fact is that most of the temples are located along the magnetic lines of the Earth, which attracts positive energy of the cosmos. This is the reason why people feel relaxed while visiting the Indian Temples.

Indian Dances

Dances in India are very diversified and have lots of varieties. Different regions of the country are known for their folk dances. Some classical dance forms are also based on Indian Mythology. The performer narrates the mythological story through dance, expressions and gestures. ‘Natyashastra’ is a Sanskrit text which mentions 8 classical dances of India, namely Kathakali from Kerela, Mohiniyattam from Kerela, and Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Oddisi from Odhisa, Manipuri from Manipur, Sattriya from Assam, Bharatnatyam from Tamil Nadu and Kathak from Central India. The clothes and makeup worn while performing these dances are also very dynamic and a treat for the eyes to watch. 

Indian Scriptures

Indian culture is extremely rich in terms of Scriptures and literature. The mythological epics have been written in the form of plays, stories, and poems. Mahabharata and Ramayan are considered to be the greatest epics ever written. The importance of these scriptures is that they carry the knowledge of morals, values and wisdom required to live a peaceful and meaningful life. By reading them, one can understand various aspects of life and its motto. There is a rich heritage of Vedas, Upanishads and Granths in India, which is full of science and social values.

Indian Dresses

Indian traditional dresses are quite famous around the world. Both- Dynamic and Simple dresses are worn in India. Indian ‘Sari’ is very popular among women. In men’s clothing Kurta-Pyjama and Sherwani are famous. Most of Indian traditional dresses don’t only look soothing but also are comfortable to wear.

Other Indian Traditions and Customs

There is a lot that we can learn from the Indian culture and apply to our lives. What the environmental activists are doing for a couple of decades, has been told to perform in Indian culture. The 5 basic elements of nature Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Space are all individual gods in the Indian tradition and are worshipped by people. In this culture, even animals are given the status of god and worshipped. This culture preaches us to respect every living thing and preserve it.

The ideology of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ is told to people which means the world is one family. ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’ which means the guest is god, is a part of the Indian culture. Fasting (Vrat) is a way to express one’s gratitude toward the gods in this culture.

The practice of Yoga is one of the most widely recognized parts of the Indian culture. It includes various Asanas and Pranayams for keeping both the mind and body fit.

Yoga

The benefits of Yoga have been scientifically proven. Yoga has been practiced in the culture of India since time innumerable. It consists of Asanas and Pranayam. Asanas are slow stretching exercises which require physical movement of the body. While Pranayam is rhythmic control of the breath which has immense mental health benefits.

Surya Namaskar is a collection of 12 Yoga poses, performed in a particular order while facing the sun. Practising Surya Namaskar itself helps in losing weight, improving digestion, getting a glow on the skin, improves the sleeping cycle and strengthens the core body muscles. Anulom Vilom is a popular Pranayam which requires taking breaths from alternate nostrils while keeping the other one closed. June 21 is celebrated as International Yoga day to spread awareness about the advantages of Yoga and subsequently motivate them to perform it.

Ayurveda

It is the traditional medical practice of India, that has been used by the Indians since ages. Its foundation period ranges back to the Vedic times. It has been used and subsequently developed through generations. This makes it better than other forms of medicine. Most of the substances used in Ayurveda are organic and eco-friendly. In addition to being beneficial for the human body, it does no harm to the environment unlike other forms of medicines which use substantial amounts of chemicals. 

There are several physical advantages of Ayurveda like it deeply cleans the body. Panchkarma treatments clean the harmful toxins gathered through food and poor lifestyle. Ayurveda provides a sound sleep to the body by reducing stress. Better sleep will in turn improve the metabolism of the body. Ayurvedic treatment also helps in weight management to a great extent. It improves the skin of your body and keeps it fresh and glowy.

Drinking water from Copper Utensils

In India, there is a tradition persistent amongst the elder generation that they drink water from Copper Utensils. This practice has many advantages for health. Storing water in a copper vessel purifies it in ways like killing the microorganisms because of the fact that small amount of copper ions get dissolved in that water. Some of its other benefits are that it can boost your immune system, smoothen the digestion process, improve the wound healing capacity of the body and strengthen the joints.

Walking Barefoot on Grass

The primary health benefit that this practice provides is supplying freshness to one’s body. The body absorbs the freshness created by dewdrops on the grass. Many studies and researches have been conducted on this practice, which have concluded that walking barefoot on grass can help improve the sleeping habits, can reduce muscle tension, can be beneficial for eyesight and lower the stress levels of one’s brain.

Drinking Warm Water in the Morning

We all must have seen the older generation of India use this practice widely in their daily lifestyle. Drinking warm water in the morning is believed to clean the digestive system and relieve constipation. Moreover, adding lemon juice or honey to the warm water can be further beneficial because lemon itself has Vitamin C (improves immunity). So, drinking warm water in the morning is a good Indian tradition that helps in living a healthy lifestyle.

Fasting

Fasting has also been a part of the Indian tradition. Hindu culture involves ‘Vrats’ and Muslim culture involves ‘Roza’, both are types of fasting. Fasting helps in weight loss, speeding up metabolism and improves brain function. Different types of intermittent fasting can be used by people upon their convenience to get benefitted from this age-long Indian Tradition.

Eating with Silver Cutlery

Using Silver cutlery for eating purposes has been an old tradition in India. Several accounts in various texts have been found about people eating in silver cutlery in India. Eating with silver cutlery is instrumental for having good health as silver has been proven to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. These properties help to protect the food from viruses and bacteria and in turn this keeps you healthy. 

Jewelry

Wearing different types of jewelry has been a part of traditions in India. Wearing silver jewelry is believed to help in boosting blood circulation and  helping in cold and flu prevention. While, wearing gold jewelry is said to regulate the body temperature attract positive energy towards the body.

Eating with Hands

Eating with hands instead of spoon is a widespread practice in India. It is quite beneficial for health as it primarily provides good exercise for the fingers. Moreover, by eating with hands, one can get a texture and sense of temperature. So, it is quite a simple practice, but provides a good positive impact on health.

1.Diwali- Festival of Lights

Diwali has a strong cultural and traditional importance in our culture. It is celebrated in the Kartika month of the Hindu calendar. It conveys the message of good over evil (Lord Rama over Ravana). It is the day when Lord Rama arrived in Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.  Also known as the ‘Festival of Lights’, this festival has not only a pan India presence but also an international presence. People begin this day with an auspicious pooja of Goddess Laxmi, they further celebrate by wearing new traditional clothes, preparing sweets and decorating their houses with glowing deeyas, garlands of electric lights and colourful rangolis. They also burst crackers at night to continue the celebrations in full swing. Bursting eco-friendly crackers is being recommended from few years so that it doesn’t have a harmful effect on the environment

2. Holi- The Festival of Colors

Holi is celebrated in the Phalguna month of Hindu Calendar. It marks the start of harvest season. It has a good presence in terms of celebrations all over the world. It is celebrated by applying and throwing colours (both wet and dry) on each other. At some places, flowers are also used. In the evening, people visit each other’s homes wearing new ethnic clothes to exchange sweets. Holi propagates the message of brotherhood, love and unity in integrity amongst people.

3. Christmas

The birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated with full joy every year on the 25th day of December around the globe. A Fantasy Legend has it that Santa Claus comes to homes and distributes gifts, which is very popular among children. People decorate Christmas trees in their houses with colourful and dazzling stars and hanging balls. They also pay a visit to the Church in order to seek blessings from Jesus.

4. Dussehra- Vijayadasami

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is celebrated on the 10th day of navratri. This festival is celebrated because Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day. The burning effigies of Ravana and his two brothers is also a part of the culture of this festival. Ramleela (play of the story of Ramayan) is organised by various groups. Feats are also organised in cities and villages to celebrate this festival.

5. Durga Puja- Navaratri

Durga Puja is a major festival of Bengalis, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. Pandals are set up with idols of Goddess Durga with other gods and goddesses. ‘Aarti’ of the gods is worth watching. The historical importance of this festival is that Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasur. A lot of different cultural activities are organised like singing, dancing to celebrate this auspicious event 

6. Janmashtami

Birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated as Janmashtmi, primarily in the northern part of India. Vrindavan and Mathura are the epicentres of the festivities. Every year, the temple priest reveals the idol of Shree Krishna at the time of his birth. Lots of people gather in the temple to be a part of the celebrations. Programmes are organised depicting different phases of Shree Krishna’ life in the forms of folklore, songs, plays and poems.

7. Ganesh Chaturthi

This festival is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra, but people from all over the country witness it and celebrate it in their own ways. It spans over a period of 10 days, while on the last day, the majority of celebrations are held. Huge idols of Lord Ganesha are carried to the seashore (or the river) in full joyous mood for the procession of Visarjan ( immersing the idol inside the water body, and wishing for the lord to return again the next year). All over the way, people keep on singing, dancing and throwing colours to enjoy. 

8. Eid-Ul-Fitr

Eid-Ul-Fitr is a major festival for Muslims in India and is celebrated with full enthusiasm by all people. People visit the mosque on this day for an auspicious prayer, and they wear new clothes and prepare delicious cuisines like sewainyan (vermicelli). Idi is given to children, a token of gift while elders hug each other and offer gifts to each other to celebrate this festival. Eid-Ul-Fitr is a festival which symbolises brotherhood among the humans. 

9. Onam

Onam is a very important festival in the southern state of Kerala in India. It is a very colorful festival indeed. It is a harvest festival which marks the new year for the Malyali people. Plays, Kathakali dances and other events such as boat races, tug of war are organised to celebrate this festival in full spirit. People also decorate their houses with flowers and rangoli and also wear new clothes.

10. Raksha Bandhan

This festival’s motive is to celebrate the pious bond of brother and sister. Sister ties a thread called Rakhi on her brother’s wrist as a symbol that he would protect her in life. In return, brother gives chocolates, dresses and most importantly a promise to protect her. Sweets and new traditional clothes are used to celebrate this festival of love and bonding.