Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasions for the

Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of the country in myriad

cultural forms, with great devotion, fervour & gaiety. It is a harvest
festival. Makar Sankranti is perhaps the only Indian festival whose
date always falls on the same day every year i.e. the 14th of
January.

Makar Sankranti - January 14

introduction
Makar Sankranti is the day when the
glorious Sun-God begins its ascendancy and
entry into the Northern Hemisphere and
thus it signifies an event wherein the Sun-
God seems to remind their children that
'Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya', may you go
higher & higher, to more & more Light and
never to Darkness.

To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge,

spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti
signifies that we should turn away from the
darkness of delusion in which we live, and
begin to enjoy a new life with bright light
within us to shine brighter and brighter. We
should gradually begin to grow in purity,
wisdom, and knowledge, even as the Sun
does from the Day of Makar Sankranti.

The festival of Makar Sankranti is highly

regarded by the Hindus from North to down
South. The day is known by various names
and a variety of traditions are witnessed as
one explores the festival in different states.
 Traditions

Traditionally, this period is considered an auspicious time and the veteran Bhishma of
Mahabharata chose to die during this period. Bhishma fell to the arrows of Arjuna. With his
boon to choose the time of his death, he waited on a bed of arrows to depart from this world
only during this period. It is believed that those who die in this period have no rebirth.

For the people in the Indo Gangetic plain, the day begins with taking dips in the Ganges
and offering water to the Sun-God. The dip is said to purify the self and bestow ‘punya’.
Special Puja is offered as a thanksgiving for good harvest.
 

Til and rice are two important ingredients

of this festival. In the rice-eating belt of
Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, people
have a special rice-centric meal on this
day.

In Makar Sankranti, women prepare

laddus or other sweets of Til & Gur and
offer them to friends & relatives. It
symbolizes a ‘Well-being Prayer for all’
gets manifested in action & deeds.
 Celebrations

Makar Sankranti is observed and celebrated throughout India by all communities but with
slight variations in the festivities.

Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh, Sankranti is called ‘Khichiri’. It is an important bathing

date during the famous Magh Mela and Kumbh Mela at Sangam (Prayag) in Allahabad.

West Bengal: It is known as Gangasagar Mela in Bengal and on the particular day people
come from all over India for a ceremonial cleansing in the river Hooghly, near Kolkata.
 
Tamil Nadu:
In Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti is known
by the name of ‘Pongal’. It is very
popular particularly amongst farmers.
Rice and pulses cooked together in ghee
and milk is offered to the family deity
after the ritual worship.

Andhra Pradesh:
In Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated as a
three-day harvest festival, known as
Sankranthi.

Maharashtra:
In Maharashtra, on the Sankranti day,
people exchange multi-colored tilguds
made from til (sesame seeds) and sugar
and til-laddus made from til and jaggery.

Assam:
Bhogali Bihu is celebrated on the day in
Assam.

Punjab:
In Punjab where December and January
are the coldest months of the year, huge
bonfires are lit on the eve of Makar
Sankranti and which is celebrated as
"Lohri".
 In Central India, it is known as Sankranti.

In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is known as

Uttarayan and is noted for the kite flying

event

February
Mahashivratri

Introduction

Maha Shivratri or Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival,

celebrated all over the country with much pump and enthusiasm.

The festival usually falls every year on the 13th night/14th day in the
Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna
(as per Vikrama) in the Hindu calendar.

The festival is exclusively dedicated to Lord Shiva which is known by

hundreds of names.

Maha Shivratri is the day to rejoice…to pray to the almighty for wellness.
Almost all Hindus throughout the world offer prayers in the
morning/evening and some observe fasting throughout the day. Most
people visit the nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large
crowds.
 The prayers and worship continue
throughout the night and the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits
and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort
Parvati.

As this is a dark fortnight, devotees light candles and diyas (a lamp made
usually of clay, with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee) throughout
the night – this is a symbol of spiritual manifestation.

March
Holi-The Festival of Color

Holi – the festival of color is marked as the opening festival in Hindu

calendar, falls on the full moon day in the month of PHALGUN. People
enjoy themselves playing with several colours and celebrate the whole
day with much pump and gaiety.

Originally Holi was regarded to be the festival to celebrate good

harvests and fertility of the land. There are several legends and stories
behind Holi. A popular legend says that Holi is remembered for the

sacrifice of Holika who burnt herself in fire on this day.

Holi is therefore regarded one of the most ancient festivals of the

Aryans who finds an honored mention in our old Sanskrit texts like
Dashakumar Charit and Garud Puran. Even the play "Ratnavali" written
by Harshdev states a delightful description of Holi as a festival. In
those days this very festival was celebrated as "Vasantotsav". Latter
everybody started calling it "MADANOTSAV".

Celebration of Holi festival is characterized by

performing Holi puja as per Hindu tradition. Dhuleti, which falls day
after Holi Puja, is considered to be the actual festival of colors.
Children and youngsters vie with each other use fast and sticky colors
to celebrate Holi. It is all fun and joy for them.

 Holi – Celebration

Holi commences about ten days before the full moon of the month called
Phalgun (February-March); but it is usually observed for the last three
or four days, terminating with the full moon.

Along with Holi, spring season also arrives which is marked as the
auspicious season for the Hindus. In this season, all the ‘tesu’ and
other trees are filled with sweet smelling flowers. They all proclaim the
glory and everlasting beauty of God and inspire you with hope, joy and
a new life and leave you with the thought to find out yourself that;
who is the actual creator behind them.

Holi is known by the name of "Kamadahana" in South India, which

refers to the day on which Kamadev (Cupid) was burnt by Lord Shiva
(as told above in legends of holi). In North India, a tradition is followed
on the eve of Holi- huge bundles of woods are accumulated and burnt
at night mainly in temples. On the other day, people play Holi
(colorful) joyfully with colored water. Almost everywhere one can hear
the shouts and laughter of people shouting "Holi-hai! Holi-hai!"

People gathered in the streets and pump colored water over the body
and clothes even to the strangers who pass by, no matter whether
he/she is rich or poor. There is no restriction on this day. People
compose and sing special Holi songs (famous bollywood songs) to
mark this occasion.

During Holi festival, people clean up their houses by burning all dirty
articles in and around the house in the fire. According to them, this
practice destroys disease-breeding bacteria and the sanitary condition
of the locality is also improved. During the festival boys also dance
about in the streets and play practical jokes with the passers-by.

Holi is aptly called the festival of color and joy. Its spirit is uniquely
Indian, colorful, exotic, happiness and full of energy. Holi is celebrated
by everybody. People prepare special recipes on Holi day. Before few

days they start cooking (preparing) many delicacies for this day
namely gujjia, papri and kanji ke vade.

There are some necessary customs attached to this festival, where

firstly, Hindu’s invite their sons-in-law and their families for a meal on
Holi. When the meal is over, it is necessary to give the sons-in-law,
what is known as a 'pyala' - a crisp note of any denomination from
rupees five to rupees five hundred is offered along with a glass of
drink.
Secondly, Married daughters on the other hand; are given what is
called 'kothli' by their mother-in-law. Other custom is performed by
the new bride along with the children of the family. Here the new bride
is supposed to play a prank on the older couples of the family, where
the bride somehow tempts them so that they enter the room and she
can lock them in. Then she demands a present for setting them free from
the closed room. The bride is supposed to sing a song specially
composed by her on this happy occasion, in which (song) she demands
her ransom.

APRIL

Good Friday
Good Friday is the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Jesus Christ
was born to Marry in Nezareth – a small town in Israel. He was the
founder of Christianity, one of the world’s largest religions. Christ is
believed to be an incarnation of God and his teachings are described in
the New Testament.

It is believed that on Good Friday, Christ was arrested by clergymen.

Hence, Good Friday is believed to be the time when Christians keep fast
and celebrate the day over the birth of Christ.

Some people believe that ‘Good’ in GOOD FRIDAY is referred to as ‘GOD’

and it is also a common belief that ‘GOOD’ is referred to the gift brought
by martyrdom. And according to one of the views, on this day, it is Jesus
who went to heaven. It is also celebrated as a festival of life and spirit.
Some believe the term "Good" evolved from "God" or God's Friday.

Easter Day
Easter is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and the Christians offer
prayers and services in the Churches. Easter is another important festival
for Christians. On this day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended
into heaven. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are a major attraction during
Easter, the festival of rejuvenation of life and living.
In the days of the early Christian church, only Easter Sunday was
celebrated as a holy day. By the fourth century, each day of the week
preceding Easter was established as holy days including Good Friday.
 
To most Christians, Good Friday is really a misnomer in that it was a "bad"
Friday—the crucifixion day of Jesus. Some believe the term "Good"
evolved from "God" or God's Friday. Others believe "good" represents the
good gift of salvation brought forth by the martyrdom. Regardless, it is a
holy day throughout the Christian world.

Ceremonial worship of the holiday follows closely to the events described

in the scriptures. Some congregations still hold a three-hour service on
Friday representing the three hours He hanged on the cross. A typical
service includes seven distinct elements representative of Christ's seven
utterances while on the cross.

Good Friday is a day of sincere reverence among Goan Catholics. It is the

culmination of Lent, an important observance in the lives of devout
Catholics. Lent is observed for 40 days from February to March, beginning
with Ash Wednesday and ending on Good Friday followed by Easter
Sunday.

The Legend Behind Easter

Originally known as 'God's Friday', the present expression is believed to
have emerged in the 10th or 11th century. According to Christian
legend,Jesus Christ was from Nazareth, a town in modern Israel. A well-
loved and respected citizen, he was considered by many to be the Son of
God.

Some high officials and Jewish priests, however, felt that he was trying to
usurp their authority and mislead the people. They hatched a plot against
Christ with the help of one of his 12 apostles, named Judas. On charges of
misleading the people, of instigating them not to pay taxes to the
emperor, and of claiming to be the messenger of God, they arrested
Christ. The following day, he was produced before a council comprising
priests, teachers of law and elders, and questioned about the charges
against him.

Finding him guilty on all counts, they presented him before the Roman
Governor, who saw no reason to condemn him. But the priests were
adamant. They insisted that it was his teachings, which were responsible
for all the riots in the city of Judea. At the same time, they pleaded for
the release of one of their men, who had been imprisoned for the crime.
The Governor appealed to them, reiterating that Christ had done no
wrong. When the clergy did not agree, he handed Jesus Christ to them to
do as they wished. The crowd asked for his crucifixion.

As he was led away by the soldiers, he was made to wear a crown of

thorns and mockingly addressed as 'King of the Jews' by the jeering
crowd. A huge wooden cross was placed on his shoulders, and he carried
it to the place assigned for his crucifixion. In a show of solidarity, a group
of his followers marched in a procession behind him. Two criminals were
also led to the same place to be put to death with Jesus.

 At the assigned place, the three men were nailed to the crosses and left
to die. Before he breathed his last, Jesus asked God, his father, to forgive
those who were responsible for his death, as they were unaware of the
magnitude of their sin. Jesus is believed to have died at 3 o'clock in the
afternoon, three hours after being nailed to the cross.

On Good Friday, a cross, symbolic of the one on which Jesus was

crucified, is unveiled in many churches. It is believed that Jesus rose
from his grave on the following Sunday, which is celebrated as Easter.
The rituals for Good Friday begin on the preceding Thursday. A feast
symbolizing the last supper of Christ is held on Thursday night. The end of
this meal marks the beginning of the fast for Easter.

The Celebrations
The Celebrations in Panjim, hundreds of devout Goan Catholics gather in
the Panjim Church of Mary Immaculate Conception to listen to mass and
participate in the Way of the Cross. During the afternoon sermon, the
priests narrate the sufferings that Jesus Christ took upon himself for the
sake of humanity.

The mass is in Konkani, Goa's state language, attracts a crowd too large
for the church itself, and people stand in the doorways and in the
premises, dressed in formal clothes with somber countenance.

The Ceremony
After the mass, the crucifix, which until this time has been kept from
view, is now uncovered before the crowd for veneration. A very somber
ceremony, "the Way ofthe Cross " is a reenactment of the path Jesus took
on Mount Calvary before the Crucifixion.

In Panjim, which draws the largest crowd, a large wooden cross-carried

by an image of Jesus is taken from the church, down the steps, and
through the streets of the town. It is carried by the clergymen while the
crowd follows in two parallel lines in front of and in back of the statue,
some weeping and all with very solemn faces.

Those not participating in the actual procession look on from the

roadsides, both Hindus and Christians alike. Somber music played by a
band accompanies the procession, which slowly winds its way through the
main streets in Panjim before returning to the church. The mass and
procession occur in every church in Goa, but the one in Panjim draws the
largest crowd.
MAY
 A Celebration In Honor of All Mothers

... is for the million things she gave me,

... means only that she's growing old,

... is for the tears she shed to save me,

... is for her heart of purest gold;

... is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

... means right, and right she'll always be.

Mother's Day is a time of commemoration and celebration for Mom. It

is a time of breakfast in bed, family gatherings, and crayon scribbled
"I Love You".

This song by Indian singer, Kailash Kher, is dedicated to all Mothers

of the World! Beautiful Song - 'I Love You Mom'!

June

Sindhu Darshan Festival

The Sindhu Darshan Festival, as the name suggests, is a celebration of

River Sindhu, also known as the Indus. Last year, the Festival was
organised from 6-8 June 2000 at Shey livened up by the presence of a
wide variety of cultural troupes from various corners of India.

Troupes from States where the mighty Rivers of India run, brought with
them water from those rivers in earthen pots and immersed the pots in
the Indus, thereby mingling the waters from all over India with that of
the mighty 'Indus', the river that gave India its name.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Sindhu Cultural
Center last year and also inaugurated the new office complex of Ladakh
Autonomous Hill Development Council.

This complex will be helpful in bringing out the unique culture of Ladakh
region and its people. The facilities proposed at the complex include an
auditorium for seating 500 people, an open air theatre, an exhibition
gallery, a music room, a small library and a souvenir shop where Ladakh
handicrafts could be available to visiting tourists.

The Sindhu Darshan Festival is organised annually at Leh. People travel

for a Darshan and Puja of the River Sindhu (Indus), which originates from
the Mansarovar in Tibet. The festival is a celebration of this river.

The Festival aims at projecting the Sindhu River as a symbol of multi-

dimensional cultural identity, communal harmony and peaceful co-
existence in India. It is also an opportunity for people from around the
country and overseas to visit the beautiful regions of Leh and Ladakh.

As part of the celebrations, various groups from different states in India

bring water from the other mighty rivers in the country in earthen pots
and immerse these pots in the Sindhu River, thereby mingling the river
water with other waters of the land. The Sindhu Cultural Centre was
inaugurated a few years back as well as the new office complex of Ladakh
Autonomous Hill Development Council.

This complex will be helpful in bringing out the unique culture of the
Ladakh region and its people.The facilities proposed at the complex
include an auditorium for seating 500 people, an open-air theatre, an
exhibition gallery, a music room, a small library and a souvenir shop
where Ladakh handicrafts could be available to visiting tourists.

The Sindhu Darshan Festival aims at projecting the Sindhu as a symbol of

multi-dimensional cultural identity, communal harmony and peaceful co-
existence in India. Whilst promoting tourism to this area, this festival is
also a symbolic salute to the brave soldiers of India who have bravely
fought the odds at Siachin, Kargil & other places.

The Sindhu Darshan Festival will help forge a bond of unity with those
who live in far-flung corners of the country and provide an opportunity to
visit the beautiful region of Ladakh. As a National Integration Program,
the festival was welcomed by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Shia
Majilis, Sunni Anjumam, Christian Moravian Church, Hindu Trust and Sikh
Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee.

The three day programme will be inaugurated on June 1, 2001 at Shey is

being organized by the Government of Jammu and of Kashmir with the
support of Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Govt. of India. The festival
promises a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and an exciting array of
performing arts being brought together at an exciting place. Indian
Airlines is expected to operate special flights for the festival.

The Sindhu Darshan Festival is organised annually at Leh. The first time
when this Festival was organised in October 1997, over seventy people
from all over India had travelled to Leh for a Darshan and Puja of the
River Sindhu (Indus) which originates from the Mansarovar in Tibet.

JULY

Rathyatra - Chariot Festival - Orrisa

 This spectacular chariot festival celebrated for 8
days is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri (Orissa). Thousands
of devotees flock to Puri during the occasion, as they believe that a
glimpse of Lord Jagannath in his chariot gives salvation. Images of Lord
Jagannath - the Lord of the Universe, his sister Subhadra and brother
Balbhadra are taken out in a procession in three immense chariots. The
main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels.

Thousands of devotees pull these chariots to Gundicha Mandir, a temple 3

km away. After a week, on 'Ashadha Sukla Dasami', the 10th day of the
bright fortnight of Ashadha (June-July), return journey or 'Bahuda Yatra'
of the deities commences in the same manner from Gundicha temple to
the main temple like Rath Yatra.When two months of Ashadha fall in one
year, Rath Yatra is observed as the festival of 'Nabakalebar' the old
deities are buried within the temple premises ('Koilibaikuntha') and are
replaced by new deities, carved out of Margosa trees for which there are
set procedures. Double Ashadha occurs at intervals of 8 to 19 years.
Construction of the chariots begin as early as April.

Jagannath Rath Yatra or the' chariot journey of Lord Jagannatha',

observed in the month of Ashadha (June-July), is a festival that
celebrates the annual visit of the God to his birthplace. The Jagannath
Temple at Puri, Orissa is the venue for all celebrations. Several lakh
people converge at Puri for this festival. An atmosphere of almost
hysterical devotion prevails on this day and in earlier years; devotees
were known to have thrown themselves under the wheels of the rath in
the hope of obtaining instant salvation.

Images of Jagannath, as Lord Krishna is known, his brother Balabhadra

and sister Subhadra, are taken in giant chariots to Gundicha Ghar. They
stay there for a week and then return to the temple. On their journeys
they are accompanied by a huge procession of people, singing and
celebrating.
The Legends behind the Yatra The festival has been celebrated since
ancient times. According to a legend about its origin, Jagannatha is said
to have expressed his desire to visit his birthplace every year for a week.
Accordingly, the deities are taken to the Gundicha Mandir every year.

According to another legend, Subhadra wanted to visit Dwarka, her

parent's home, and her brothers took her there on this day. The Yatra is a
commemoration of that visit.

According to the Bhagavad Purana, it is believed that it was on this day

that Krishna and Balarama went to Mathura to participate in a wrestling
competition, at Kansa's invitation.

Some Hindus believe that Jagannatha is an incarnation of Vishnu. Since

Vishnu has four arms, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana represent
Vishnu's four arms. Each deity has its own massive chariot, which are
replicas of the temple. Jagannatha's chariot, Nandighosha, is yellow in
color, 45 ft high and has 16 wheels, each one seven feet in diameter.
About 4,200 devotees draw the chariot. Balabhadra's chariot is called
Taladhvaja, is blue in color and has 14 wheels. Subhadra's chariot is the
smallest, with 12 wheels and is called Deviratha.

Origin of the chariot rideAccording to a legend, when a poisonous arrow

accidentally killed Krishna, his body was left under a tree. Later,
someone cremated him and placed the ashes in a box. Directed by
Vishnu, Indradyumna requested the divine artisan Vishvakarma to mould
an image from the holy relics. Vishvakarma agreed to undertake the task,
provided that he was left undisturbed till its completion. When several
years passed, Indradyumna became impatient and went to see how work
was progressing. Enraged, Vishvakarma left the image incomplete.
Indradyumna had ordered the construction of a temple to house the
statue. So he ordered his chariot to transport the statue, as it was, to the
temple. There, Brahma breathed life into the image.
The Rituals On the day of the journey, people get up early and offer
prayers to Jagannatha. The chariots are lined up in front of the Puri
temple. The King of Puri with great pomp and ceremony then brings the
deities to their respective chariots. Devotees offer prayers to the deities.
Descendants of the King, heralded by gaily-caparisoned elephants sweep
the chariot platforms with a gold-handled broom and sprinkle scented
water to demonstrate that in the eyes of God, all men are equal.
Devotees also hurl obscenities and profane abuses at the God.

Locals believe that there existed an

incestuous relationship between Jagannatha and his sister Subhadra,
which provoked abuses when the images were out in public. The entire
yatra is a symbolic humanization of God and an attempt to bring God
down from his pedestal of glory to a more human level.

Only the King of Puri and the King of Nepal are allowed to touch the idols
as they belong to the Chandravanshi dynasty, the same as Krishna. Then
the teeming pilgrims line up and pull the chariot.

When the chariots reach the summerhouse, the idols are installed. The
journey back, a week later, consists of another ritual, known as Phera
Rath Yatra.Every year, the chariots are broken down, its wood sold as
relics and a replica made. However the images of the deities are
preserved. It is only when two Ashadha months occur one after the other
that the images are changed. This happens once in 12 or 24 years. The
ceremony, Naba Kalebar, consists of burying the old images inside the
temple. Then new images are created. This practice stems from the
belief that in such a year, everything in the universe changes form, and
therefore Jagannatha receives the same treatment.

This day is a public holiday in the state. Children are seen on the streets
carrying miniature versions of the chariots with tiny idols installed on
them. Shops and houses are decorated with flowers, lights and rangoli.
Special dishes and sweets are prepared. Most people refrain from eating
non-vegetarian food. As this festival falls during the monsoon season,
people also thank the Gods for their mercy and bounty, by participating
in the procession. Nowhere else is a deity, once consecrated, taken out
of the temple. The Jagannatha Temple at Puri is the sole exception to
this general rule. In fact during the Ratha Yatra, the chariots become
mobile temples, which sanctify the city.

August

Independence Day of India

"Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes
when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but
very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world
sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which
comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the
new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long
suppressed, finds utterance.... We end today a period of ill fortune,
and India discovers herself again."

- Jawaharlal Nehru
(Speech on Indian Independence Day, 1947)

On 15 August 1947, India attained freedom from the British Rule. Every
year, August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day in India. This
national festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country.

The Independence Day of any country is a moment of pride and glory. On

this special occasion, rich tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who
sacrificed their lives and fought to free their motherland from the
clutches of the oppressors - British who ruled the country.

September

Onam
Onam is one of the g reatest festivals of
Kerala. It is the festival, which the keralites celebrate unitedly without
the difference of caste and religion. Onam is a time for sports and
festivities and in Kerala where one third of the area is low lying, covered
with canals, lakes and backwaters; the people take to their boats and
country crafts to celebrate. Colourful aquatic festivals are organized
along the sacred rive Pamba.

After three months of heavy rains, the sky becomes a clear blue and the
forests a deep green. The brooks and streams come alive, spitting forth-
gentle white foam, the lakes and rivers overflow and lotuses and lilies are
in full bloom. It is time to reap the harvest, to celebrate and to rejoice.
The harvest festival of Onam corresponds with the Malayalam New Year,

Chingam.

Onam Festival of Kerala Onam Festival of KeralaOnam is the most

important harvest festival of Kerala and is an attraction for thousands of
people within and outside the state. Ranging from four days to ten days,
all the activities during this season are cantered around worshipping,
music, dances, sports, boat races and good food. It is celebrated in the
Malayalam month Chingam (ending of August and beginning of
September). This year it falls on 15 September 2005. Onam is a harvest
festival, and celebrates the bounty of nature after a year of hard labour.
Elaborate procession of Trichur and spectacular snake boat races on River
Pampa mark the merry-making nature of the festival. Women dress up in
new saris and heavy jewellery and make elaborate and intricate designs
of 'rangolis' (with coloured rice paste) and 'pookkalam' (with flowers) in

front of their homes.

Onam is a celebration of Ten days. People put flower mats in front of

their houses, to welcome the King. There will be competition for the
laying of flower mats; Keralites all over the world will be celebrating
these ten days will pomp and gaiety. They will wear new dresses, will be
visiting almost all temples which they can, they will be performing lot of
dances like Thiruvathira kali Thumbi Tullal etc. to name a few and the
most important thing is the grant lunch they will be having on the
Thiuruvonam day. Which is also called the Fourth Onam. Whatever may
happen they will not miss the Grant lunch. There is a saying in Malayalam
that "Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam" which means, "We should have the
Thiruonam lunch even if we have to sell all our properties". They give
that much importance to the lunch on the Thiruonam day.

October

Dussehra
In the months of Ashwin and kartik, Hindus observe a 10 day ceremony of
fast, rituals, celebrations, fiests to honor the mother Goddess and
triumph of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana. Dussehra also symbolizes the
triumph of warrior Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura.

Thus, it is a celebration of victory of good over evil.

This celebration starts from Navratri and ends with the tenth day festival
of “Dussehra”. Navratri and Dussehra is celebrated throughout the
country at the same time, with varying rituals, but with great enthusiasm
and energy as it marks the end of scorching summer and the start of
winter season.

The tenth day after Navratri is called Dussehra, on which number of fairs
are organized throughout the northern India, burning effigies of Ravana.It
is also called “Vijayadashmi” as this day marks the victory of Lord Rama
over Ravana. VijayaDashami is considered to be an auspicious day for the
Indian householder, on which he worships, protects and preserves 'Shakti'
(power). According to Scriptures, by worshipping the 'Shakti' on these
nine-days the householders attain the threefold power i.e. physical,
mental and spiritual, which helps him to progress in life without any
difficulty.

The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the
nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day (Dussehra or Vijay
Dasami), larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother -
Meghnadh and Kumbhakarna are set to fire.

The theatrical enactment of this dramatic encounter is held throughout

the country in which every section of people participates enthusiastically.

In burning the effigies the people are asked to burn the evil within them,
and thus follow the path of truth and goodness, bearing in mind the
instance of Ravana, who despite all his might and majesty was destroyed
for his evil ways.

Legends

Dussehra is also known as Vijaya Dasami, because of the victory of Ram

over Ravana. On this day in Satya Yug, Ram (the eighth incarnation of
Lord Vishnu), killed the great demon and king of Lanka, Ravana.

Puranas also opined that in this day warrior Goddess Durga defeated and
killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
When is Dussehra?

Dussehra is the last day of Navratri; it falls on the 10th day of the waxing
moon during the Hindu month of Ashvin (around September or October).
Dussehra in 2009 is on 17 th of October.

November

Diwali (Deepawali)

Diwali or Deepawali or Dipawali is one the most important, hugely waited

and immensely cherished festival celebrated across India and in parts of
Nepal. Originally, the name was Deepawali, which has its origin from
Sanskrit, meaning “rows of Deep”.

Over the years the name has been pronounced as Diwali, especially in
Hindi, whereas it still remains Dipawali in Nepali. Diwali also popularly
known as “Festival of Lights” is celebrated with great gusto and is
observed as an official holiday across in India.

Importance:

The festival of Diwali is not only significant to Hindus, but, has

importance in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. For Hindus, it is
associated with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, after his 14 years of
exile and victory over the demon Ravana.

On that day, he was welcomed to the kingdom to Ayodhya with rows of

Deep, lightened throughout the kingdom.

Thus, there is a tradition of lighting oil lamps that symbolize the victory
of good over evil and freedom from spiritual darkness.

Hindus, also make preparations to welcome goddess Lakshmi by drawing

rangoli, and footsteps (Paduka) On the entrance that would allure
goddess Laksmi to visit one’s home and bring prosperity along with her.

Customs:

There are numerous customs and traditions associated with Diwali,

namely, burning of crackers, playing cards, lightning of lamps, wearing
new clothes, distribution of sweets, exchange of gifts etc.

A Five Day Festival:

Diwali celebrations spread across five days, with each day having its own
significance and set of rituals.

The first day is called “Dhanteras”, on which new utensils and silver ware
is brought to the house. The second day is called “Chhoti Diwali”, which
normally involves preparation for the next day and the tradition of
playing cards is observed in many families.

The next day, or third day is the “Badi Diwali”, which involves the
worshiping of mother Lakshmi.The fourth day is the Govardhan Puja and
finally the five days end with Bhai Dooj.

The festival of Diwali is truly a “Festival of Lights”, as it not only involves

lighting of Lamps but, it brings the light of happiness, togetherness,
spiritual enlightment and prosperity for everyone.

With the sounds of crackers killing all bad-omens, the lighted lamps-
lighting the lives of people, the prayers and pujas creating an atmosphere
full of goodness and purity, the festival of Diwali indeed fills the
atmosphere with an aura of goodness and a heaven like atmosphere.

Time to celebrate

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Diwali is celebrated on

the new moon day that marks the end of Ashwin and beginning of Kartik
month. In 2010, it will fall on 5th November.

December

Christmas
The term Christmas is a translation of the Old English version – ‘Cristes
Maesse’ which literally means the “Mass of Christ”.

It is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar and the most

auspicious and holistic Christian festival observed across the globe on
December 25th with much fanfare.

December 25th is celebrated as birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ,

who is believed to be born on the same date at Bethlehem, the land of
Jews. The festival is celebrated as a mark of respect to Lord Jesus, who is
considered as the son of God and founder of the Christian religion.

Christmas is basically celebrated by the Christians; but it is also observed

as a day of celebration by other communities around the globe.

Our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular

and religious traditions from around the globe.

Many of the most popular Christmas customs – including Christmas trees,

mistletoe, Christmas presents, and Santa Claus – are modern incarnations
of the most depraved pagan rituals ever practiced on earth.

Merry Christmas is a common phrase exchanged amongst Christians. As

defined in the modern day, ‘Merry’ means cheerful or festive. However,
the most widely accepted meaning of the word is peaceful or blessed.

Therefore, wishing someone Merry Christmas is truly wishing them a

peaceful or blessed ‘Mass of Christ”.

Merry Christmas is a common phrase exchanged amongst Christians. As

defined in the modern day, ‘Merry’ means cheerful or festive. However,
the most widely accepted meaning of the word is peaceful or blessed.
Therefore, wishing someone Merry Christmas is truly wishing them a
peaceful or blessed ‘Mass of Christ”.