Culture of India - the festivals that define the Indian culture

Imagine walking into a joyful procession of people nonchalant about the rest of the world. People, singing to the tunes that are closest to nature. People, dancing and bursting with energy and splashing the view with a myriad of colours; that is India for you.

The legacy of centuries handed down by learned countrymen has made the country rich in culture. You can find a different cultural experience on every mile. And yet, it all melts down to be unified, strong and bold. The essence of the entire world lies in India’s 29 states, 7 union territories and countless. Plan a trip to India, to expose yourself to a bunch of exigents yet thrilling experiences.

On your first visit to the country, you’ll be dazed. You will listen to strange languages. Experience distinct aromas in the air. There are so many people around that it feels like a ceremony.

Every day in India is a celebration of sorts. The actual festivals and events are altogether a unique experience to immerse in India’s gigantic pot of culture! Every intuitive India trip planner will suggest you plan a trip to the country around the time of these festivals.

Here are a few insights from the locals about events and festivals of India that define the culture of India.

Deepawali - the celebration of light

When: October/ November

Best place to catch a glimpse: All of India

Every Indian festival has its roots buried deep down in history. This history is often so old that there remains a very thin border between the history and the mythology. Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated by illuminating the streets, homes, nooks and corners with lights in the earthen lamps. The Indian streets and homes dazzle with lights, with extravagant fireworks illuminating the sky.

During Diwali, Indian homes welcome friends and foes. People dressed in their festival fineries visit each other. The guests treat them with a hospitality, replete of homemade delicacies and warmth.

This is the time when the Indian air smells of nothing but love! 

Image Credit - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diwali_Festival.jpg

Holi - the riot of colours!

When: March

Best place to catch a glimpse: Uttar Pradesh

The festivity of Holi begins a night before the actual festival. People gather around a giant bonfire and watch the negativity burn away. On the next day, this serious affair is turned into a flamboyant event. The otherwise shy Indians splash colours on each other. They forget the boundaries of age and gender.

Happy faces dipped in multiple hues dance on the joyous tunes.  Savouring chilled glasses of Bhang (a cannabis drink) instantly urges you to join. And the hot March afternoon turns into one crazy party! 

Image Credit - https://pixabay.com/p-2416686/?no_redirect 

Navratri - a divine ceremony

When: September/October

Best place to catch a glimpse: Gujarat 

This festival of India celebrates the female goddesses like Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati. These are a human manifestation of virtues like courage, peace, knowledge and love. This 9-day long festival has many names, varying with regions. East India calls it Durga Pooja while the rest of the India calls its Navratri.

Durga Pooja in West Bengal is all about beautiful pandals and the special food that is served for one and all. Navratri in the state of Gujrat is famous for its beautiful Raas Garba dance performance. In Raas Garba, people of all ages join in a synchronised dance formation on traditional beats.

Huge pandals adorned with extravagant decorations are installed on every nook and corner of Indian cities and towns. The atmosphere is filled with sanctity.

On the next day after Navratri is the festival of Dussehra. On this day, a gigantic statue of the evil demon named Ravana is burnt to mark the victory of good over the evil.  

Image Credit - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Navratri_-_the_festival_of_Maa_Durga.jpg

Ganpati - welcoming the god of wisdom

When: August/September

Best place to catch a glimpse: Maharashtra 

Ganpati or Ganesha is the elephant-headed God of Hinduism. He is an epitome of wisdom and knowledge.  Every new beginning is marked by worshipping this adorable deity. In this festival, the deity’s sculpture is carved to perfection with natural clay. The idol is then dressed in beautiful ornaments and flowers and welcomed into homes. The god resides in the homes for 10 long days and on the 10th day, the idol is immersed into a water-body. The immersion is a symbolic representation of Ganesha returning to his parents Shiva and Parvati, Shiva and Parvati reside in the mighty Himalayas.

Earlier it was a private festival for Indian homes. During Indian struggle for Independence against the British, it was turned into the largest public festival.

Today, it is one of the most awaited festivals of the year. Larger-than-life idols of Ganesha are installed with a day-long procession. There are uncountable activities, along with a lot of fun and frolic that never fails to amaze. The streets flood with people and the spirit is all that there is!

Image Credit - https://www.flickr.com/photos/43727061@N02/8038827739/in/photolist-dfn6qg-9mFQoJ-dFMoQX-L1oLMT-deZKBD-fXfXVU-cEGBQY-3eXeuX-aii6jS-3f2CEy-buuoNS-ajbk9o-6SByN3-buGhL3-isNaxP-7DHsss-cCVidj-oLruPg-3dbNqQ-3dbL8b-3d7mAZ-3d7pCr-3d7o7n-5hYYzG-3dbLSs-amSDfq-6kS8HX-nN4WJ-cCWxoy-fXg5AN-fXgi29-ob2M9u-5q8dc5-fXfYtM-fXgaHE-fXg5iT-fXg5ri-6PPCbb-4YwJC-9bXU1Y-cCVhr3-4YwJB-dEhu3M-4YwJA-3eXfNF-oFaWgh-dEhu8T-cCVcAb-cCTG4N-3d7ngv

A country that is home to one and all has uncountable such Indian festivals that await. And as you open yourself to the experiences offered by this mighty land, it embraces you with balminess. It fills your senses with love and empathy for life and people.

Plan your trip to India and you will be exposed to a different way of living!