Indian Festivals Details

There are many paths that lead to god. But none as scenic as the one shown by this arm.
Everything about this ram is quite unusual. Born once in every 12 years in the beautiful hill district of Chamoli, its birth is predicted by priests months in advance. Four little horns on the newborn’s head mark its divine status.
Brought up with great love and reverence, it is entrusted with the most important task. To lead mortals to the land of their Gods.
Laden with rich offerings, it leads a colourful procession if some 300 silver idols seated on palaquins and thousands of men, women and children. With eager feet they climb through narrow rocky pathways, perilous gorges, grassy meadows and dense forests. The sound of their drums and trumpets echo through the mountains fro 22 days of the steep trek.
Almost towards the end of the journey, at a place called Shail-Samudra, three streaks of lights and a spire of smoke appear in the horizon. Tiredness gives way to spiritual ecstasy, for these are the divine symbols of their deity. Their offerings have been accepted and now the pilgrims can return.

They bid the ram farewell. With tears rolling down its hairy cheeks, it begins to walk away, alone. Disappearing forever in the vast snowy heights of the Himalayas. This festival is know as the Nand Raj Jat and has been held regularly once in every in 12 years through the centuries.
Ancient festivals. Timeless cultures. Curious rituals. A country where almost every day is celebrated.

All festivals have varied origins and around them have grown legends, many depicting the victory of good over evil. All are characterized by colour, gaiety, enthusiasm, feasts and rituals.
Corresponding to the Christian month of January is the month of Pausha. It witnesses one of the most important moments of the solar calendar. Makar Sakranti, when according to Hindu astronomy, the sun enters the zodiac of Makar (Capricorn). A harvest festival, it is celebrated throughout India to propitiate the elements of nature.

On Pongal, rice is ritually cooked and allowed to boil over symbolising the ushering in of plenty. On the night before the festival, people pray and set up thatched pavilions in the countryside. At dawn they are set on fire to mark the beginning of the festivities. Bull fights are an important part of this day.

The Goa Carnival inspires residents to an uninhibited spell of feasting, music and dance. A ritual parade is led Momo, the king of the underworld.
Playful and boisterous is the festival of Holi. According to the legend, Holika, a wicked woman was vanquished by here nephew.

The young and old take part in the celebrations, singing, dancing and smearing each other with many coloured powders.

From the chivalrous days of yore has emerged the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Women tie a thread around wrists of their brothers for their ‘raksha’ or protection.
Janmashtmi is the birthday of Lord Krishna, the butter stealing child god.
Prayers and devotional songs carry on all night, homes and temples are decorated and cradles set up in the anticipation of his birth. His favourite food, pots of butter and yoghurt are tied up high and human pyramids form to reach and smash them.

Ganesha is the god of wisdom and fortune. His birthday Ganesha Chaturthi, is marked by special festivities following which, his image is immersed in the nearest river or sea.
Dusshera heralds the new planting season and celebrates the victory over the demon king. This is also the festival of Durga, a militant version of the female Shakti (perennial Energy). These are the days of Ram Lila, and enactment of the story of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana. Eighteen day after Dusshera, comes Diwali, the festival of lights. Every home is decorated with small oil lamps (called diya). The celebration is accompanied by the exchange of sweets and explosion of fireworks.

On the full moon day, in the month of Kartik (November) the Sikhs celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of their faith. Lamps are lit and free lunches and sherbet (syrupy drinks) are served to one and all.

The Christians in India celebrate Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas and New year with great zest. Shops and bazaars are decorated for Christmas and offer great bargains.
The most important festival for Muslims is Eid, celebrated to commemorate the ritual sacrifice (ld-ul-Zuha-Bakr-id), conclusion of the month of fasting (ld-ul-Fitr-Ramzan-id) and the birth of the prophet (ld-e-Milad-Milad-un-Nabi).
Navroze is celebrated by the Parsis, followers of Noroaster, the great prophet of Iran.
For more information contact your nearest Indian Tourism office. The world’s most amazing journey awaits you.