A festival is when a community comes together to celebrate its culture or religion, sharing special events and traditions. In India, we celebrate many festivals. Festivals bring the people of neighbourhood together. They unites us and brings happiness in our life.
Festivals are mainly of two types:
(i) Religious festivals
(ii) National festivals
(i) Religious Festivals
People of different religions celebrate different festivals. They spread joy and happiness among people. Holi, Id, Diwali, Christmas, Gurpurab are some of these festivals.
1. HoliHoli is a colourful Hindu festival celebrated to welcome spring. People play with colours and water, enjoying sweets and festive foods.
2. Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Hindu festival symbolising the victory of light over darkness. People decorate their homes with lamps, burst fireworks, and share sweets.
3. Eid
Eid is a festival celebrated by Muslims twice a year. People pray, share meals, and exchange gifts with family and friends.
4. ChristmasChristmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. This is the main festival for the Christians. The festival is for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. People decorate their homes, exchange gifts, sing carols, and enjoy meals with family and friends.
5. Gurpurab
Gurupurab is celebrated as Guru Nanak’s birthday. It is the festival of the Sikhs. They go to Gurudwaras and pray. Langar – a community lunch is served there.
6. PongalPongal is a harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. People thank the Sun God and nature for the harvest. They cook special rice with milk and jaggery in a pot until it bubbles over.
7. BihuBihu is a joyful festival celebrated in the Indian state of Assam to welcome the Assamese New Year and the spring season. People dance, sing, and enjoy traditional music and food to celebrate the harvest and the start of spring.
8. Onam
Onam is celebrated in Kerala. Boat races and feasts are arranged on this day. This festival is celebrated to welcome King Mahabali.
(ii) National FestivalsNational festivals are celebrated by everyone throughout the country.
1. Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on 15th August. It is the day of our freedom from British rule. On this day our Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at Red Fort in Delhi.
2. Republic DayRepublic Day is celebrated on 26th January. The president of India hoists the flag, and a parade is organised in Delhi at Rajpath in Delhi.
3. Gandhi Jayanti
October 2 is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti. It is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi is remembered as the Father of the Nation. People put flowers on his Samadhi at Rajghat in Delhi.