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Impact of Festivals On Environment
Impact of Festivals On Environment
Impact of Festivals On Environment
Introduction
India is a land where the life of its people is beautified with festivals. Festival is a
celebration of the changing seasons, harvest, reconciliation and the birth anniversaries of
saints, gurus and prophets and honours the gods and goddesses.
History of Festivals
Epigraphical evidences prove that festivals have been celebrated in India since Vedic
times. The Aryans conquered India around 1500 B.C. and cultural integration with the
local population took place.
Religious Festivals
A large number of festivals being celebrated in India have a religious outlook. These
festivals are being celebrated in commemoration of some saints, gurus and prophets, the
gods and goddesses or events celebrating their victories.
Temple Festivals
No festival in India is complete without a feast, and the Hindu temple provides feasts
during the temple festivals. The attendees spend all day at the temple, enjoying
themselves.
Fairs or Melas
Melas or Fairs are extremely popular not just in India but all over the world. Mela serves
a very important role as most of the festivals are celebrated in individual homes. Melas
that are normally celebrated for a week to over a month help to bring the community
together and share greetings.
National Festivals
Independence Day, August 15, commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved
freedom from British rule. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world`s
biggest democracy as a national festival.
Regional Festivals
India presents a cultural potpourri of number of religions with their festivals and
celebrations but the four major religions followed in India are Hinduism, Islam,
Christianity and Sikhism in the descending order. There are a number of regional
festivals that are celebrated in particular areas only.
New Year Festivals
Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is the first day of the month of Vaisakha, the beginning of the
Hindu year in some parts of the country. For the Sikhs in Punjab and other parts of the
country, this day has a particular significance, as it was on this day in 1699 that Guru
Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa.
Shivaratri, or Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival, celebrated all over
the country with great 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 who 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 ( vrata) 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.
Deccan Festival : Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan
Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas,
typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-
hued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed
cuisine to visitors. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan
Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad every year in February/March. This five-day festival
reflects the culture of the Deccan and highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and the
famous Nawabi cuisine. During the festival, many cultural programmes are organised;
these include ghazal, qawwali and mushaira, (poetry sessions), which are typical of the
city. Renowned singers and dancers are invited for performances, making the Deccan
Festival a must-see for every visitor. This festival also includes Pearls and Bangles fair,
displaying creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties,
and a Food Fair, with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine. This festival
comes alive with food stalls and arts and craft shops.
Festivals in Bihar
Bihar is steeped in history and has a rich tradition of festivals from time immemorial.
Bihar as an ancient land has a long list of festivals and fairs which the people of Bihar
actively take part in. The most famous festival of Bihar is Chatth Puja which is celebrated
twice in a year, once in March and the other in November. Sama-Chakeva is another
festival celebrated in Bihar especially in Mithila. Ramnavami, Makar Sankranti,
Nagpanchami, Bihula are some of the other festivals celebrated in Bihar.
Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known
as Surya Shashti. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life
on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of
energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote well-
being, prosperity and progress. In Hindu mythology, Sun worship is believed to help cure
a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of
family members, friends, and elders.
The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They
include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in
water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and aragh to the
setting and rising sun.
Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai regions of
Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas
have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India.
Sonepur Mela
The famed cattle fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the banks of the River
Ganga. It is one Of the Asia's largest cattle fair. The full moon day of the month of Kartik
(November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus.
Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the
reverence of a blessed ground and lasts for a fortnight.
In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has
unique and historical importance.
A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for
thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.
The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the widest possible range
of cattle and commodities. The array of shops sells all sorts of merchandise. Sonepur Fair
is the only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold.
These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging
operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to
the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.
Festivals of Maharashtra
The Maharashtrians are vibrant people for whom celebrations is a part of their lives.
Festivals form an integral part of the people of Maharashtra. All he festivals display their
culture and tradition. They celebrate their festivals with all traditional rituals. Festivals in
Maharastra also include dance and music which attract world-renowned artistes -
musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who come together to pay tribute to
Maharashtra's rich culture and legacy. The most important festival is Ganesh Chaturthi,
the patron deity of Maharashtra.
List of Festivals in Maharashtra:
Ganesh Chaturthi
Nag Panchami
Gudi Padwa
Gokul Ashtami
Narali Purnima
Pola
Dusshrea
Diwali
Makar Sankranti
Holi
Pune Festival
Banganga Festival
The Elephanta Festival
Ellora Festival
The Kalidas Festival at Nagpur
Thimithi
Kalidas Festival
Indian Derby Weekend 2010
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Shivaji Jayanti
Gudi Padwa
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad. This
festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesha or Ganpati is one of the most
popular deities in the Hindu religion. It is worshiped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.
Even Buddhists and Jains have faith for Ganpati. He is considered to be an avatar of both
Shiva and Vishnu.
On the occasion of the Ganapati festival, a large number of idols are made of clay or
metal in all possible sizes; sometimes even up to twenty feet.
People buy idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol
for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets
of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and immersed into the river, sea or well.
A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at
Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and
film festival are the main features of this festival.
Narali paurnima: The full moon day (purnima or pournima) of the Hindu lunar calendar
month of Shravan is celebrated as Narali paurnima, Rakshabandhan and at certain times,
as Shravani.
Significance
A confluence of rivers is purer (sattvik) than a river. But the sea is the purest among all
bodies of water. As a Sanskrut quote goes, “The sea symbolizes all the places of
pilgrimage.”
Worship of the sea on this day signifies worship of Lord Varun (Deity of rain). Sea
transportation of cargo occurs smoothly only if Lord Varun is pleased. Hence Lord Varun
is worshiped on this day.
Celebration
On this day, people residing in coastal regions worship the sea as a form of the divine
principle, Varun and offer coconuts (naral). Offering coconuts on this day is both
auspicious and symbolic of the energy of Creation.
Sweet rice made with coconuts is also partaken as Holy sacrament (prasad).
Shravani
If on the full moon day of this month, the lunar asterism ‘Shravan’ is present, then the
Vedic ritual called ‘Shravani’ is performed on this day. Shravani is a ritual in which one
resumes leaning and teaching after a long vacation. It is also called ‘Upakarma’,
‘Upakaran’, etc. It should be performed on different days, depending on the followers of
the various Vedas. For any Holy or religious occasion to bring maximum spiritual
benefit, in terms of increased motivation and energy for spiritual practice, Bliss, peace,
etc., and reduction in obstacles to it, the occasion has to be observed as per the science of
Spirituality and with spiritual emotion (bhav). Hence, even if one does not have access to
the sea, Rakhis or other components/materials for celebrating the festival as per the
science of Spirituality, one can at least celebrate it with due reverence and spiritual
emotion. One can do so by remaining in sattvik activities like attending satsang,
participating in satseva, as well as chanting* as much as possible through out the day.
Shivaji Jayanti
On February 19th, the birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a grand
scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born in 1630 at the Shivneri fort. He was a great leader
and the creator of the Maratha nation. He founded the Hindu kingdom in the Deccan
against all odds, fighting against the mighty Mughals. He inspired and united the
common man to fight against the tyranny of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, by inculcating a
sense of pride and nationality in them. The tiny kingdom established by Chhatrapati
Shivaji known as "Hindavi Swaraj" (Sovereign Hindu state) grew and spread beyond
Attock in Northwest India (now in Pakistan)and beyond Cuttack in East India in course
of time, to become the strongest power in India. He united the Maratha chiefs from
Maval, Konkan and Desh regions the promotion of Maharashtra Dharma. He carved out a
small kingdom by defeating the alien powers. He stabilised the state with effective
civil and military administration. He was tolerant to all religions and sects in his state. He
introduced systems in revenue collection and warned the officials against harassment of
subjects. He thought ahead of times and was a true visionary. Shivaji was not only the
maker of the Maratha nation, but also the greatest constructive genius of medieval India.
States fall, empires break up, dynasties become extinct, but the memory of a true King
like Shivaji remains an imperishable historical legacy for an entire human race. His
dazzling victories and ever-ready smile made him the idol of his soldiers. A royal gift of
judging character was one of the main causes of his success. The history of India is
incomplete without the history of Marathas and Shivaji is the nucleus of Maratha history.
Shivaji has been a source of inspiration and pride to the past generations and will
continue to inspire generations in future. On this day processions are taken out. People
dress up like Shivaji and his associates to take part in the procession where they put up
small skit, which they keep on performing all the way in the procession. A colourful
procession with lezims (a traditional musical instrument) and floats is taken around the
city. It terminates at Kranti Chowk where there is an impressive bronze statue of Shivaji
Maharaj. Various programs are arranged on this day.
Festivals of Punjab
The land of five rivers, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, Punjab has a rich cultural
history of celebrating various festivals and fairs with grandeur and enthusiasm. Festivals
in Punjab are famous for its vivacity and colour. Social interaction and rejoicement forms
part of the festivals in Punjab.
Festivals are usually held in April and May when the harvest is ripe and ready. People
come out to celebrate Baisakhi with zeal and religious fervour. Gurupurab, Lohri, Holi,
Diwali, Bahidooj, Mehendi festival are some of the popular ones celebrated in Punjab.
List of Festivals in Punjab:
Baisakhi
Lohri
Holi
Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Jayanti
Gurudwara Fatehgarh SahibJor Mela
Martyr Festival
Diwali
Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan at Devi Talab in Jalandhar
Mukatsar Maghi Festival in Punjab
Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib
Birthday Guru Ramdassji
Installation of Guru Granth Sahibji
Chappar Mela
Sodal mela
Guru Nanak
Chandigarh Garden Festival
Holla Mohalla
Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on
the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in
the fulfillment of his year's hard work.
He joins the merry-making with full gusto and does not mind walking for miles to be
able to do so. Since this fair is also an expression of prosperity, singing and dancing
constitute its most enchanting features. The Punjab's famous Bhangra and Giddha are
inextricably linked with this festival.
Many fairs in the Punjab are held near the tombs and shrines of pirs. These fairs must
have originated in a spirit of devotion to those saints and sages. The most famous among
such fairs are the Chhapar fair, the Jarag fair, and the Roshni fair of Jagranyan.
Baisakhi marks the beginning of New Year, particularly in the northern part of India. It is
among the few Indian festivals that have a fixed date. Baisakhi is always on April 13th.
In Kerala, Baisakhi is called as "Vishu" and in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as
"Puthandu".
Considered a holy day, the devout celebrate the Baisakhi with a dip in the holy rivers just
around the break of dawn. It is on this day that Sun enters Aries, the first sign of Zodiac.
This signifies ushering of the New Year.
In Punjab (the land of Green Revolution) particularly and in the northern belt of India in
general, farmers perform their own prayers and rejoice. For on this day, they commence
cutting their harvest.
The fields can be seen full of nature's bounty. Dressed in their typical folk attire, both
men and women, celebrate the day with Bhangra and Gidda. Sweets are distributed, old
enmities are forgiven and life is full of joy, merriment and everyone seems to belong.
The above two are the main reasons for celebrating Baisakhi.
Holla Mohalla - a Sikh festival is celebrated every year in the month of March, a day
after Holi. Hola "Mohalla" derives its name from Punjabi word “Mohalla” implies an
organized Procession in the form of an army column accompanied by war drums and
standard-bearers, and proceeding to a given location or moving in state from one
Gurdwara to another.
The festival was started by the tenth Sikh Guru – Guru Govind Singh who had tried to
gather Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles after Holi. This has now become a
traditional annual festival of Sikhs held at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab.
The festival also marks the New Year as per lunar Nanakshahi calendar of Sikhs. It is
celebrated over three days and it retains the character of fun and joy of Holi which
concludes a day before.
Even today, Sikhs celebrate this festival joyfully by watching and performing in martial
arts parades, led by the Nishan Sahibs of the Gurdwaras. Which is then, followed by
poetry readings and music competitions. But viewing it closely might be risky for
spectators as the participants who perform Holla Mohalla fight hard with one another
even though they do not fight in reality. The celebration has been recognized as a
National Festival by the Govt. of India and it is being celebrated in the state of Punjab
since 1701.
Water Pollution: The practice of immersion of Ganesh idols after the Ganesh festival in
various cities is causing severe water pollution which leads to the death of tonnes of fish
and many aquatic creatures. Gone are the days when the idols are made with clay,
nowadays idols are made with Plaster Of Paris and chemical dyes.
The repeated cautions and warnings of ecologists and environmental scientists towards
the possible hazards inflicted by the Plaster Of Paris are falling into the deaf ears of the
idol makers and buyers. According to scientists, Plaster Of Paris does not get dissolved or
disintegrated fast. Moreover, the chemical dyes and colours being used to colour the idols
contain poisonous elements. Particularly, Red, Blue, Orange and Green colours contain
Mercury, Zinc oxide, Chromium and Lead, the potential causes of developing cancer.
According to one estimate, 7500 idols of Ganesh are weighing about 20,000 kg or in
other words, 20 tons. The sea-shore of Mumbai absorbs the immersion of about 1.5 lakh
idols every year. The very calculation of the accumulation of clay, Plaster Of Paris,
dangerous Chemicals from the paints and colours will shatter the thinking faculty of any
brain.
The immersion of Durga Statutes during the Durga pooja is also a cause of concern for
environmentalists. In Orissa alone 5,000 Durga pooja idols are made, most of them using
harmful paints.
Heavy metals like lead and chrome are not easily assimilated in an aquatic environment
and can lead to the massive hurt of flora and fauna of the river, pond, lake and coastal
areas. As the same river, pond and lake water is used for bathing and drinking purpose
high levels of lead can damage the heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system and central
nervous system, the environmentalist warned.
As Ganesh festival and Durga pooja is troubling the aquatic creatures largely, Holi, a
festival of vibrant hues that brings with it a variety of colours is harmful to human beings.
The seemingly harmless, “pleasing to eye” colours are synthetic and toxic because of the
presence of cheap materials like mica, acids, alkalis, pieces of glass, which not only
induce skin disorders like abrasion, irritation, itching but can impair vision, cause
respiratory problems and also cancer.
Diwali, one of the important festivals in India has the distinction of polluting the
environment to the core. Newborns and aged people have a nightmarish experience
because of the high levels of sound caused by crackers during Diwali. Noise pollution on
Diwali is between 69.7 db and 88.3 db which are higher than the prescribed limit of 50
db. The decibel levels alarmingly high in metros and it may reach up to 100 db.
Crackers are sometimes manufactured using barium sulphate, sodium nitrate, sulphur and
potassium chlorate and when burnt, emit gases such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of
nitrogen, oxides of heavy metals and particulate matter that pollute the air and cause eye
irritation, respiratory disorders and allergies.
The government, police, pollution control boards are suggesting many alternative ways to
celebrate festivals which does not pollute the environment. Even strict and stringent
warnings are also given to public to refrain from bursting crackers such as atom bombs,
hydrogen bombs, bullet bombs, thousand and ten thousand wallas. But it is all solely
depend on the “change of mind”.
Air pollution during Diwali
Clearly environmental groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle. They come up
with awareness campaigns and slogans like “Diwali is a festival of lights, not crackers”,
“celebrate an eco-sensitive Diwali this year”, but nobody seems to take notice. Apart
from the noise, crackers release a lot of toxic gases like Sulfur dioxide and Nitrogen
dioxide which can lead to many health problems.
Impact of air pollution on health
Air pollution can lead to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory
diseases, and allergies in adults. It can also cause acute respiratory infections in children.
Suspended particulate matter can cause asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disease
Sulfur dioxide can damage lungs and lead to lung disorders like wheezing and shortness
of breath.
Oxides of Nitrogen can cause skin problems, eye irritation, and cause respiratory
problems in children.
Chemicals used in crackers like lead, magnesium, cadmium, nitrate, sodium, and others
can have various harmful effects.
But no one can left Indian culture and festival celebrating. festivals colours our life in a
new way. Every festival In India have different colors, prayers, sweets and old unique
rituals.
Many types of festivals are celebrated here in India like national, regional, local, religious
or seasonal festivals. In every months many festival comes and fill colors in our lives.