Some Festivals of India

MAKAR SANKRANTI

REPUBLIC DAYMAHA SHIVRATRIHOLIMAHAVIR JAYANTIRAM NAVMI INDEPENDENCE

DAY

RAKSHA BANDHAN

GANESH CHATURTI

DIWALICHRISTMASPARSI NEW YEARRAMZAN EIDPONGALLOHRI

MAKAR SANKRANTIThese are celebrated

predominantly in the southern part of India. This harvest festival marks the commencement of the sun's journey to the Northern Hemisphere. People take dips in rivers and worship the sun.

REPUBLIC DAYThe anniversary of India's establishment on 26th January 1950 is celebrated as Republic Day. All the state capitals resound with the beating of drums and parading of the army.Great parades are held, the Indian army force marches, the national anthem is sung. These are a common sight in Delhi.These are followed by floats and dancers from all parts of the country.

1. This is one of the most exuberant festivals and also the most colorful.

2. It heralds the advent of spring and the end of winters.

3. It is celebrated by throwing colored water and powder at each other.

4. On the eve of Holi, bonfires are built to symbolize the destruction of the evil demon Holika.

It is a major Jain festival and commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain Tirthankar.

It is a day of prayer.

There are celebrations in all Jain temples and pilgrimages to Jain shrines.

Navroj is the first day of the first month of the Zoroastrian year.

 Men, women and even children wake up early, have a bath and dress up in new clothes. They decorate the threshold and steps of their houses with colored powders, light incense.

After breakfast all the family members go to the nearest Fire Temple or Agiary as it is called. After the "Jashan" ceremony all people greet each other by saying "Sal Mubarak".

»The word Navratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine andratri meaning nights.» During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped.» The 10th day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or Dashera.

RAMZAN EIDA. Coming with the new moon, the festival marks the end

of 'Ramadan' - a month when Muslims fast throughout the day and eat only at night.

B. Prayers, feasts and family get- together are the major highlights of the celebrations.

C. It was during this month that the holy Koran was revealed. Eid means recurring happiness or festivity.

D. Eid is celebrated in India by visiting the mosques to attend Salatul Eid (Eid prayers). Greetings of "Eid-Mubarak" or "a blessed Eid" are exchanged.

¤Janmashtami is the joyful celebration of Lord Krishna's birth¤Major celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami takes place at midnight as Krishna is said to have made his divine appearance in that hour.

IT IS A DAY WHEN SISTER TIE RAKHI TO BROTHER AND TAKES A PROMIS FROM HIM THAT HE WILL ALWAYS TAKE CARE OF HER

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