festivals of India

India is a land of fairs and festivals. As different communities belonging to different religions live here, therefore many festivals are celebrated regularly every year. Among these festivals, some are religious; some are based on seasons while some are of national importance. All the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in a colourful atmosphere. Diwali, Dussehra, Raksha Bandhan, Id-ul-Fitr, Id-ul-Zuha, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti, Gurunanak Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturhi etc. are the religious festivals of India. These festivals are celebrated by different communities but they are celebrated as a whole. We can see festive atmosphere everywhere in India. Holi, Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, Bihu, Pongal, Onam etc. are seasonal or harvest festivals. The spirit of Holi is colour-rich and vibrant, flung into the air and smeared with immense joy on friends and dear onces. This festival marks the end of winter season and advent of bright days of summer. Baisakhi, a harvest festival, is celebrated in North India, particularly in Punjab and Haiyana, when the Rabi crop is ready for harvesting. In South India, during the same period, 'Pongal' is celebrated. The farmers worship the sun, the earth and the cattle as thanks giving for a bounteous harvest. And then there is Basant Panchami. It marks the arrival of sweet spring the season of pleasant breeze, flowers and fragrance. All fill life with vigour and vitality. Hence people celebrate this festival with great zeal and excitement. Then comes our national festivals- the Independence Day, The Republic day and the Gandhi Jayanti these festivals are celebrated by all communities through out the country. The Independence Day celebrated on 15th August every year reminds us those numerous freedom fighters that made the Britishers leave the country. They gave us our long-cherished freedom. The Republic day, which falls on 26th January, is observed with national feeling. This festival fills us with pride that now we live in a sovereign democratic republic country with a constitution of our own. On this day colourful parade starts from Vijay Chowk which ends at the Red Fort. Similarly Gandhi Jayanti is also celebrated nation wide. It falls on 2nd October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Nation. Whole nation pays heartiest tribute to our revered soul, who lived and died for the country. The festivals make our life colourful and enthusiastic. They bring people together. They come every year to make us forget all ill-will and communal hatred the festivals strengthen the feeling of oneness too people, without any malice, meet with one another and wish for bright future. Thus, festivals are very important and they must be celebrated with pomp and show by all

India is a land of great diversity. It described as a land of many religions and innumerable languages, it might well be described as a land of festivals as well. Indians love celebrating. Every little occasion from the harvesting of crops, welcoming the spring or rain, to seeing the full moon lends itself to joyous celebrations splashed with colors, music, folk dances and songs. Even the birthdays of divine beings are celebrated by connecting them with particular festivals. The Indian calendar is one long procession of festivals. These are as varied in origin as they are large in number. India is a multilingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural nation. The homes are neatly decorated, new dresses are worn for every occasion, prayers offered to Gods, and lot of sweets and goodies are cooked. Most of these festivals are common to most part of India however they may be known by different names in different parts of the country. Different cultures also mean that different rituals are followed. Indian festivals are celebrated according to the solar and lunar calendars. Consequently, dates & months may vary accordingly.

Here's a list of common festivals celebrated all over India.

January:
Lohri : Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January in the month of Paush or Magh, a day before Makar Sankranti. For Punjabis, this is more than just a festival, it is also an example of a way of life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather round the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames, sing popular songs and exchange greetings. Makar Sankranti / Pongal : These 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 In Gujarat, Makar Sankranti is celebrated by the flying of kites. Republic Day: Celebrating the anniversary of India's establishment as a Republic 26th January 1950, all the state capitals resound with the beating of drums and parading of the army. Delhi, the national capital of India has the grandest parades, displaying India's strength in terms of the armed forces and weapons. These are followed by floats and dancers from all parts of the country.

February :
Maha Shivratri :Maha Shivaratri This is a day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva, the third deity of the Hindu trinity. Religious people stay awake and chant prayers the whole night. Processions to the festivals are followed by chanting of mantras and anointing of lingams. Vasant Panchami is a festival in honor of Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning.

March :
Holi : This is one of the most exuberant festivals and also the most colorful. It heralds the advent of spring and the end of winters. It is celebrated by throwing colored water and powder at each other. On the eve of Holi, bonfires are built to symbolize the destruction of the evil demon Holika. Mahavir Jayanti : 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. Ram Navami : is the day of Rama's birth and is celebrated as a day of great piety, with the chanting of prayers and the singing of ballads.

April :

Easter and Good Friday : Good Friday is observed in India in April every year, broadly on the pattern adopted worldwide. Christians from all stratas of society visit the Church to attend the Mass held on this occasion. Easter Sunday, which follows Good Friday is celebrated with much joy and gaiety. Processions are taken out in some parts of the country. Baisakhi : Baisakhi, celebrated with joyous music and dancing, is New Year's Day in Punjab. It falls on April 13, though once in 36 years it occurs on 14th April. It was on this day that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. The Sikhs, therefore, celebrate this festival as a collective birthday.
Id-ul-Fitr or Ramazan Id : is a day of feasting and rejoicing as it marks the end of the end of

Ramazan (Ramadan), the Muslim time of fasting.

May - June :
Buddha Purnima : The Buddha's birth, enlightenment and his reaching nirvana are all celebrated on this day. The Buddha is supposed to have gone through each of these experiences on the same day, but of different years.

July :
Naga Panchami :This festival is dedicated to Ananata, the serpent whose coils Lord Vishnu rests between universes. Offerings are made to snake images. Snakes are supposed to have the power over the monsoon rainfall and keep evil from homes.

August :
Raksha Bandhan : is an integral part of the Hindu family structure whereby a woman ties a rakhi or decorative thread on the wrist of her brother to remind him to protect her if the need arises. Independence Day : The anniversary of India's independence commemorates the day on August 15th. The prime Minister delivers an address from the ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort. It is celebrated all over the country with meetings and flag-hosting ceremonies.

September - October - November :

Janamashtami : The birth of lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation on earth of Lord Vishnu, is celebrated throughout India. Devotees celebrate it by fasting and prayers, which is followed by feasting and merriment. Id-ul-Zuha or Bakrid : celebrates the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. To celebrate the event Muslims sacrifice one animal per family or group of families. There are prayers in mosques, feasting, and rejoicing. New cloches are worn and visits and greetings are exchanged. Onam : is celebrated Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated against a setting

of lush green vegetation. This picturesque harvest festival brings ten days of colour, feasting, boat races, song and dance to the state. Ganesh Chaturthi : This festival is dedicated to the popular elephant headed God, Ganesha. Pune, madras, and Bombay are the important centers of celebration. In Maharashtra, huge images of Ganesha are carried in procession. On specific dates in the following ten days, these images are immersed in the sea or rivers with thousands of worshippers dancing and singing after them. Navaratri/Dussehra/Durga Pooja. : Navaratri, the Festival of Nine Nights, is celebrated in honor of goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. The tenth day, Dussehra, commemorates the victory of Rama, of the epic Ramayana, over Ravana. In many places it culminates with the burning of huge images of Ravana and his accomplices, celebrating the victory of the good over evil. Re-enactments of the epic Ramayana takes place in various places. Gandhi Jayanthi : A solemn celebration marking the birth date of Gandhiji, the father of the nation, includes prayer meetings at the Raj Ghat where he was cremated. Diwali or Deepawali : This is perhaps the happiest of Hindu festivals.Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. Countless number of lamps are lighted at night, giving the impression that the stars have descended on earth. Gurpurab: The birth anniversaries of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism (October-November), and of Guru Gobind Singh, the last Guru (December-January), are important festivals of the Sikhs. In addition to the reading of the holy verses, the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, is carried in procession. Govardhan Pooja : A Hindu festival dedicated to the holiest of animals for the Hindus, the cow. Bhai Dhuj Guru Nanak Jayanthi is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion.

December :
Christmas : Christians in India celebrate their festivals broadly on the pattern adopted worldwide.
However some influence of local Indian tradition has been absorbed into the festivities. . Christmas is a major event in all Indian Christian households and one can see Goa come to life at this time of the year. Festivals of India are characterized by color, gaiety, enthusiasm, prayers and rituals. Foreign travelers are struck by the scale and multiplicity of Indian festivals that have evolved in the society. Diwali, the popular festival of Indians, celebrates the return of Lord Rama and Sita from exile. Diwali is also called as thefestival of lights. It usually falls between 15th October and 15th November. It is celebrated because on that day hundreds of years ago lord ram returned home to Ayodhya after 14 years of being into exile.

It also celebrates the day Mother Goddess destroyed a demon called 'Mahisha' & Victory of Good over evil. The day is celebrated by lighting lamps, diyas, visiting relatives, feasting, and displaying fireworks. Major Festivals of India Makar Sankranti | Baisakhi | Diwali festival | Durga Puja | Dussehra | Onam | Holi | Janmashtami | Karwa Chauth | Maha shivaratri | Naag Panchami |Ganesh Chaturthi | Navratri | Pongal | Raksha bandhan | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Lohri | Eid ul Fitr | Muhorram| Ram Navami | Christmas | Good Friday | Gandhi Jayanti | Independence Day | Republic Day | Jamshed Navroz | Buddha Purnima | Hemis Gompa | Other Festivals in India : The word festival means feast day, festive celebration. As kids, when there used to be festivals the only thing that came to our minds was holidays and sweets that in turn meant lots of fun. India being a society of may religions there are a lot many festivals. For the Hindus there is diwali, for the Muslims there is id, for the Christians its Christmas and for the Parsis its the New Year and apart from all these days there are two other days that are celebrated by all Indians irrespective of cast, creed or sex. Yes, its 26th January and 15th August. i.e. republic day and the Independence Day Dusshera in India is another festival celebrated by the Hindus. It marks the victory of good over evil. On that day lord ram killed the evil Ravana. On dusshera an effigy of Ravana is burnt at many places. Ramzan Id is the most important festival in the Muslim calendar. A month long fasting and prayers is followed by Ramzan Id. Its said that during this month all the prayers and wishes of an individual comes true. Christmas in India - Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December every year and is an inseparable part of Christians all over the country and the world. Santa Claus, gifts, cakes, cookies, and the beautifully decorated Christmas tree with a midnight mass depicts he beginning of Christmas. Easter is another important festival for Christians. Its usually falls in the month of March or April. 40 days fast is followed by Good Friday and Easter. On this day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are a major attraction during Easter. Parsi New Year is one of the most important days in the Parsi community. It marks the beginning of a New Year filled with joy and prosperity. 15th august is celebrated by all Indians because on this day in the year 1947 India received independence from the British rule in India. Holi is another festival that is celebrated by all communities. Its a festival of colours. It marks the beginning of summer season and so water balloons are burst to beat the heat. Some other festivals that are celebrated happily all over the country are Onam, Baisakhi, Pongal, Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Guru Purnima, Raksha Bandhan, Krishna

Janmashtami, Gandhi Jayanti, Kumbh Mela, Childrens day, Ganesh Chaturthi and many many more festivals. Festivals bring joy and happiness in our lives. If we celebrate all festivals alike we can spread the message of joy, happiness, brotherhood and humanity among one another and live as one family and community.

Festivals Of India
India is often described as a land of many religions and languages, but it might as well be described as a land of festivals. Some festivals are observed throughout the country; others have specific regional associations. India celebrates holidays and festivals of almost all the faiths in the world. In one region or the other, festivals happen almost every day, each with a specialty of its own. Each festival in each region has its own particular foods and sweets appropriate to the season and crops, and days are spent in their careful preparation. There are three National holidays: Independence Day: This is celebrated on 15th August as India gained independence from British rule on this day in 1947. Republic Day: This is celebrated on 26th January. On this day India became a republic. Gandhi Jayanti: This is celebrated on 2nd October which is father of the nation Mahatma Gandhis birthday. Following are some of the major festivals from India. Diwali: Deepawali literally means an array of lamps is the Festival of Lights. Depawali is the occasion of joy and jubilation for one and all in the entire Hindu world. All the illumination and fireworks, joy and festivity, signifies the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness. Deepawali symbolizes the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. Depawali is a festival that lasts 5 days. In North India, Depawali is associated with the return of Sri Rama to Ayodhya after vanquishing the demon Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, overwhelmed with joy, welcomed Rama through jubilation and illumination of the entire capital. In South India, Diwali is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. To the Jains, Depawali has an added significance to the great event of Mahavera attaining the Eternal Bliss of Nirvana. Though, Diwali is mainly a 5 day festival but people start preparing for Diwali weeks ahead by cleaning and decorating their households. It is said that Lakshmi, Goddess of

wealth roams the earth on this day and enters the house that is pure, clean and brightly illuminated. It is also the beginning of the new financial year for the business community. For More information on Diwali Click Here Bhai Dooj: Bhaiya Duj is the festival that is celebrated on the fifth day of Diwali and it falls on second day after Diwali that is on 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' in the Hindi month of 'Kartik'. 'Dwitiya' means 'Duj' or the second day after the new moon. This festival is popular in different regions with different names such as 'Bhai-Dooj' in north India, 'Bhav-Bij' in Maharashtra, 'Bhai-Phota' in Bengal and 'Bhai-Teeka' in Nepal. On this day sisters perform 'aarti' of their brothers and apply a beautiful 'Tilak' or 'Teeka' on their forehead. Then they offer sweets to them. Then the brothers and sisters exchange gifts with each other. Sisters are lavished with gifts, goodies and blessings from their brothers. For More information on Bhaiduj Click Here Dussehra or Vijayadashmi: Dussehra or Navratri is one of the most popular festivals of India. Dussehra is the anniversary of the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura, giving the goddess her name Mahishasura-Mardini (the slayer of Mahishasura). Dussehra also commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana of Lanka. The theme of this festival is the victory of good over evil. For more information on Dussehra click here. Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi, the birthday of Lord Ganesh, is celebrated in August-September. Ganesh is the elephant headed son of Goddess Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. In Maharashtra, it is most important festival and is celebrated for 10 days. It is celebrated from 4th to 14th day of bright fortnight of Bhadrapad month. In Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, images of Ganesh made of unbaked clay are worshipped on this day in every house. A special sweet called Modak is prepared on this occassion. To mark the end of the festivities, the clay idols are immersed in water. Holi: The full-moon day in February-March is celebrated as Holi, the festival of colors. Holi is a festival of fun and gaiety for people of all ages. Bonfires are lit and people smear colors on each other. Holi signifies the start of spring and end of winter. People celebrate the new harvest and return of color in nature. The mythological origin of this festival varies in North and South India. In the South, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it is believed that Kama Deva, the God of love, aimed his arrow at his wife Rati. The arrow hit Shiva by mistake. Kama was burnt to ashes by the fire coming out of the third eye of the enraged Lord Shiva. Rati, was so grief-stricken that Shiva relented and granted her the power to see Kama deva but without a physical form. In Tamil Nadu, the festival known as Kaman vizha, Kaman pandigai, or Kama Dahanam commemorates the burning of Kama. In the North, it is believed that a mighty King Hiranyakashipu ordered his people to worship him as a God. But Prahlad, his only son, refused to accept his father as a God,

because he believed only in Lord Vishnu. The King tried to kill his son, but every time Prahlad was saved as he uttered the name of Vishnu. Finally, Prahlad's aunt Holika, claiming herself to be fireproof, took the child in her lap and sat in the fire to burn him alive. When the fire subsided, the king found, the child alive while Holika had perished. In North India, grains and stalks saved from the year's harvest are offered to Agni, the God of Fire. Holi fire is a symbol of destruction of all filth and impurity be it physical or mental. For more information on Holi Krishna Janmastami: The birth of Lord Krishna an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is celebrated on the eight day (Ashtami) of a lunar fortnight in August-September hence the name (Krishna + ashtami). Krishnastami is celebrated over two days. This first day is Krishnastami or Gokulastami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmastami. Men and women fast and pray on the occasion of Janmashtami. As it is the worship of infant Krishna, who was fond of milk and butter, women prepare a variety of delicacies with milk products as offerings. This festival is a community celebration and people visit temples which are specially decorated for this occasion. Durga Puja or Navaratri: This nine-day festival of the Hindus is celebrated in almost all parts of India in the month of Ashvina, and is marked by fasting and praying to different aspects of Devi. Literally 'nine nights', this nine-day period from the new moon day to the ninth day of Ashvina is considered the most auspicious time of the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated as Durga Puja in the state of West Bengal. Durga Puja is the most important and the most eagerly awaited festival of the state. It commemorates the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The nine different aspects of Devi are worshipped over the nine days. Durga: goddess beyond reach; Bhadrakali: the auspicious power of time; Amba or Jagdamba: mother of the world; Annapurna: giver of food and plenty; Sarvamangala: auspicious goddess; Bhairavi: terrible, fearful, power of death; Chandika or Chandi: violent, wrathful, furious; Lalita: playful; Bhavani: giver of existence. The festivities culminate on the tenth day on Vijayadashmi or Dussehra. In North India the nine-day period from the first to the ninth day in the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra is also known as Navaratri and is dedicated to the worship of nine different aspects of Devi. The ninth day in this month is also celebrated as Ramanavami. In Gujarat, this is the time for the joyous Garba and Dandia dances and people pour out at night to participate in this community festival. In Tamil Nadu, the first three days of the festival are dedicated to Lakshmi, the next three to Durga and the last three to Sarasvati. Maha Shivaratri:

On the 14th day of the dark half of Margshirsh month the great night of Shiva is celebrated. On this day the devotees of Shiva observe fast. According to a legend once King Bhagiratha left his kingdom to meditate for the salvation of the souls of his ancestors. He prayed for the holy River Ganga from heaven to wash over his ancestor's ashes to release them from a curse and allow them to go to heaven. But Lord Shiva was the only one who could sustain the weight of her descent. So he prayed to Lord shiva and Ganga descended on Shiva's head, and after meandering through his thick matted locks, reached the earth. This story is believed to be re-enacted by bathing the linga. The love of water, the primary element of life, is also remembered in this ritualistic action. The linga is bathed with milk, water and honey. It is then anointed with sandalwood paste. People offer wood apple or bel leaves and fruit, milk, sandalwood and jujube fruit or ber to the linga. People decorate the linga with flowers and garlands and also offer incense sticks and fruit. Ramanavami: The birth anniversary of Lord Rama is celebrated as Ramanavami in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). It occurs on the ninth day (navami). The festival commemorates the birth of Rama who is considered to be Maryada Purushottam or The Ideal Man. Ramrajya (the reign of Rama) has become synonymous with a period of peace and prosperity. Mahatma Gandhi also used this term to describe how, according to him, India should be after independence. Celebrations begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. At midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special prayer is performed.

Raksha Bandhan: This is a festival that falls on the brightest night of Shravan month.Raksha Bandhan stirs up one of the deepest and noblest emotions - the abiding and chaste bond of love between the brother and the sister. On this day sisters tie a rakhi which may be a colorful thread, a simple bracelet, or a decorative string around the wrist of their brother(s). The word "raksha" signifies protection, and "bandhan" is an association signifying an enduring bond; and so, when a woman ties a rakhi around the wrist of her brother, she signifies her loving attachment to him. He, likewise, recognizes the special bond between them, and by extending his wrist forward, he in fact extends the hand of his protection over her. Yugadi: The first day of the year according to the National Calendar of India is significant both for its historical importance and for the advent of bountiful nature. On the national plane, the day recalls the inspiring occasion when the invading Shakas - the barbaric tribal hordes from Central Asia descending on India like locusts during the 1st century A.D. - were vanquished by the great emperors Shalivahana and Vikramaditya. The day falls in the beginning of spring - Vasanta Ritu - When the Goddess of Nature gets bedecked as a divine bride. In some parts of India, the tender leaves of Neem mixed with jaggery are distributed on the occasion. The Neem, extremely bitter in taste, and jaggery sweet and delicious, signify the two conflicting aspects of human life - joy and sorrow, success and failure, ecstasy and agony. The Neem-jaggery blend is offered to God as

naivedya and then distributed as prasad. This embodies one of the highest philosophical attitudes taught by the Hindu spiritual masters. Makar Sankranti: Makara Sankranti festival coincides with the beginning of the sun's northward journey, and falls on January 14 according to the solar calendar. According to legend, Bhishma, a great hero of the Mahabharata, though wounded mortally, waited for this auspicious time to give up his life. For, it is believed that, a person dying on this day reaches the Abode of Light and Eternal Bliss. In many states, the celebration has a special offering of rice and pulses cooked together with or without jaggery and clarified butter. In many areas of India people distribute tilgud - the sesame seed and jaggery. The til brimming with fragrant and delicious oil, stands for friendship and comradeship and jaggery for the sweetness of speech and behavior. In Tamil Nadu, Makara Sankranti is celebrated as Pongal, a three-day harvest festival. On Bhogi Pongal, the house is cleaned and the discards are burnt, while children sing and dance around the bonfire. On Surya Pongal, sweet Pongal is prepared and the Sun God is worshipped for a good yearly harvest. The last day of Pongal, Mattu Pongal, is celebrated to pay respects to the cows, the animal that is used in cultivation. In Uttar Pradesh, it is called the Khichri Sankranti. In Gujarat, there is a custom of making gifts to near relatives on this day. Makara Sankranti bears a festive occasion for the people of Rajasthan. Kite Festivals are organized on Makara Sankranti. Kite flyers from all over the world participate in the festival. Guru Purnima: Devotional worship of the Guru - the teacher - is one of the most touching and elevating aspect of the Hindu cultural tradition. The auspicious moment of Vyasa Poornima, chosen for observing this annual festival, is no less significant. It was the great sage Vyasa, son of a fisherwoman, who classified the accumulated spiritual knowledge of the Vedas under four heads - Rig, Yajur, Saama and Atharva. The Guru in the Hindu tradition is looked upon as an embodiment of God himself. For, it is through his grace and guidance that one reaches the highest state of wisdom and bliss. Gururbrahmaa gururvishnuh gururdevo Maheswarah Guruh-saakshaat parabrahma tasmai shrigurave namah "My salutations to the Guru who is Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. The Guru is Parabrahma incarnate" Karwa Chauth: Karwa Chauth is a very significant festival for the women of North Indian. Karwa means clay pot and Chauth corresponding to the fourth. The festival is celebrated nine days before Diwali, on the fourth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, around October-November Traditionally the Indian woman was expected to uphold family honor and repute. The festival of Karwa Chauth is not only a day when women pray to God for the long and prosperous lives of their husbands, but is also symbolic of their unflagging

loyalty towards their spouses. Married women, old and young, begin their fast on the day of Karwa Chauth well before sunrise, and eventually partake of food and water only after spotting the moon. But this is not a solemn day rather a good measure of festivity, rituals and merriment complement its more serious aspects. For more detailed information on Karwa Chauth please click here. Vasant Panchami: Literally 'the fifth day of spring', Vasanta Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha. The festival itself dates to antiquity. It is reminiscent of the festival of Vasantotsava of the ancient times, which was one of the most important celebrations as it marked the beginning of the agricultural season. Vasanta Panchami heralds the spring season. It is hence celebrated with gaiety and festivity to mark the end of the winter, which can be quite severe in northern India. The festive color yellow, symbolic of spring, plays an important part of this day. People wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers in worship and put a yellow, turmeric tilak on their forehead. They visit temples and offer prayers to various gods. It is also known as Sirapanchami in Bihar and Orissa, when the ploughs are worshipped and the land is furrowed after the winter months. In Bengal, the day is celebrated as Saraswati Puja and is marked by the worship of Saraswati. Baisakhi: This is a major Sikh festival - a religious festival, harvest festival and New Years Day all rolled into one. In April, this day marks the beginning of the Hindu solar New Year. In fact this day is celebrated all over the country as New Year day under different names. It is also the time when the harvest is ready to cut and store or sell. For the Sikh community Baisakhi has a very special meaning. It was on this day that the last Guru Gobind Singh organized the Sikhs into Khalsa or the pure ones. By doing so, he eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings were equal. Hanuman Jayanti: Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the monkey god widely venerated throughout India. It is celebrated during Chaitra and is especially important to Brahmacharis, wrestlers and bodybuilders. Hanuman was an ardent devotee of Rama, and is worshipped for his unflinching devotion to the god. From the early morning, devotees flock Hanuman temples to worship him. The officiating priest bathes the idol and offers special prayers to the gods. Then the entire body is smeared with sindoor and oil, a symbol of life and strength. According to a popular belief, once when Sita was applying sindoor to her hair, Hanuman asked her the reason for doing so. She replied that by applying sindoor, she ensured a long life for her husband Shri Ram. The more sindoor she applied, the longer Rama's life would be. The devoted Hanuman then smeared his entire body with sindoor, in an effort to ensure Rama's immortality. Hence Hanuman's idol is always daubed with sindoor.