Dussehra
(All over India)
Celebrated to mark the defeat
of Ravana by Lord Rama, Dussehra
symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The Ramila - an enactment
of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days
preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies
of Ravana, his son and brother – Meghnath and Kumbhakarna,
are set alight.
In West Bengal, puja
pandals have beautifully decorated images of the goddess Durga
and people gather here in large numbers to enjoy the festivities.
In South India, houses
are decorated with displays of toys and clay images of gods. Relatives
and friends visit each other to exchange greetings.
In Gujarat, the exuberant
Navaratri celebrations include dancing the lively garba
and dandiya ras.
In Himachal Pradesh,
a week-long fair in the hill town of Kullu, is a part of the
Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills,
deities are brought in procession to the 'maidan' in Kullu,
to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji.
Mysore - the city of
palaces, celebrates the ten day Dussehra in a royal style.
The Mysore Palace is illuminated with a myriad lights. Majestic processions,
a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil
city.
Muharram
(All over India)
Commemorates the martyrdom
of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson—Imam Hussein.
Tazias, glittering replicas of the martyr's tomb, are carried
in procession through the streets. The tazias of Lucknow
and Hyderabad are noted for their splendour.
Marwar
Festival
(Marwar, Rajasthan)
The festival celebrates the
'Maand' style of folk music - an evolved classical style that
describes the romantic life of Rajasthan's rulers. Held during
Sharad Purnima, the folk artistes bring alive the legends and
folklore of earlier times.
Diwali
(All over India)
This festival of lights is
the prettiest and the most eagerly awaited occasion in India. It celebrates
the return of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana,
to Ayodhya after a fourteen year exile. The flickering lights of the
traditional clay lamps or 'diyas' illuminate the houses and fireworks
resound through the night. The goddess of wealth and prosperity –
Lakshmi, is worshipped on this day. Houses are white washed
and elaborate designs drawn at the thresholds to welcome the goddess.
The exchanging of gifts and sweets among friends and relatives and
playing of games of chance at night, are all an integral part of the
celebrations.
Gandhi
Jayanti
(All over India)
The birth anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi - the 'Father of the nation' (2nd October).
The President and Prime Minister, along with other eminent political
leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat – the samadhi
of Mahatma Gandhi. All the offices and schools, throughout
the country, remain closed on this day.
Rajgir
Mahotsav
(Rajgir, Bihar)
This colourful festival of
dance and music is held at Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha
kings – the land where the Buddha meditated and
preached.
