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20 National Festivals of India: Significance, Traditions, and Celebrations

 

India is a land of vibrant cultures, rich traditions, and diverse communities. Festivals play a significant role in bringing people together and preserving the nation's cultural heritage. National festivals, in particular, are celebrated across the country with enthusiasm and reverence, showcasing unity in diversity. Here are 20 national festivals of India, their significance, and how they are celebrated.

1. Republic Day (26th January)

  • Significance: Celebrates the day India became a republic in 1950 with the adoption of the Constitution.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • A grand parade takes place in New Delhi, showcasing India’s military prowess, cultural heritage, and technological advancements.
  • Schools organise patriotic activities, including flag-unfurling ceremonies, cultural performances, and essay competitions.
  • Homes and public places are adorned with the tricolour, and patriotic songs are played.

2. Independence Day (15th August)

  • Significance: Marks India's freedom from British rule in 1947.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a speech to the nation.
  • Schools and offices hold flag-hoisting events and cultural programmes.

3. Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October)

  • Significance: Commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Tributes are paid to Gandhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi.
  • Educational institutions organise debates, art competitions, and plays focused on his principles of non-violence and truth.
  • Cleanliness drives are conducted in many parts of the country.

4. Diwali

  • Significance: Known as the Festival of Lights, it celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Homes are decorated with lamps (diyas), rangolis, and fairy lights.
  • Families perform prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity.
  • Fireworks light up the night, and gifts and sweets are exchanged.

5. Holi

  • Significance: The festival marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • People throw coloured powders and water on one another in a joyful display of unity.
  • Bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi (Holika Dahan), symbolising the triumph of good.
  • Families prepare special treats like gujiyas and thandai.

6. Dussehra

  • Significance: Celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and the conclusion of Navratri.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran are burned to signify the triumph of good.
  • Ram Leela plays are enacted across the country.
  • Devotees offer prayers to Goddess Durga, marking the end of Navratri.

7. Durga Puja

  • Significance: Honours the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Elaborate pandals are set up with beautifully crafted idols of Durga.
  • Devotees participate in prayers, cultural performances, and feasts.
  • On the final day, the idols are immersed in water amid music and chants.

8. Raksha Bandhan

  • Significance: Celebrates the bond between brother and sister.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Sisters tie rakhis on their brother's wrists and pray for their well-being.
  • Brothers offer gifts and promise to protect their sisters.
  • Families enjoy festive meals together.

9. Eid-ul-Fitr

  • Significance: Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Special prayers are held at mosques, and the day begins with a feast.
  • Families and friends exchange gifts and sweets like seviyan.
  • Acts of charity, such as giving Zakat, are encouraged.

10. Christmas

  • Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Churches hold midnight Mass and special prayers.
  • Homes are decorated with Christmas trees, stars, and lights.
  • Families exchange gifts and prepare festive meals, including plum cakes.

11. Janmashtami

  • Significance: Marks the birth of Lord Krishna.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Devotees fast and visit temples to offer prayers.
  • Dahi Handi events, where people form human pyramids to break a pot of curd, are popular.
  • Bhajans and Krishna stories are performed.

12. Makar Sankranti

  • Significance: Celebrates the harvest season and the sun’s transition into Capricorn.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • People fly kites in vibrant skies.
  • Traditional dishes like tilgul (sesame sweets) are prepared.
  • Holy dips are taken in rivers like the Ganges.

13. Onam

  • Significance: A harvest festival in Kerala honouring King Mahabali.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Floral designs called pookalams are made at home entrances.
  • Traditional feasts, called Onam Sadhya, are served on banana leaves.
  • Vallamkali (boat races) and cultural dances are held.

14. Baisakhi

  • Significance: Marks the harvest season in Punjab and the formation of the Khalsa.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Farmers celebrate with Bhangra and Gidda dances.
  • Gurdwaras hold prayers and serve community meals (langars).
  • Fairs and processions add to the festive spirit.

15. Guru Nanak Jayanti

  • Significance: Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Gurdwaras hold processions and recitations of Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Community kitchens serve langars to all visitors.
  • Devotees engage in acts of service and charity.

16. Pongal

  • Significance: A harvest festival in Tamil Nadu dedicated to the Sun God.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Special dishes like Pongal rice are prepared.
  • Cows are adorned and worshipped.
  • Homes are decorated with kolams (rice flour patterns).

17. Mahashivratri

  • Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, symbolising spiritual growth.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Devotees observe fasts and visit Shiva temples.
  • All-night vigils and prayers are held.
  • Chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya" fills the air.

18. Buddha Purnima

  • Significance: Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Monasteries hold prayers and sermons on Buddha’s teachings.
  • Devotees meditate and light lamps.
  • Acts of kindness and charity are encouraged.

19. Ganesh Chaturthi

  • Significance: Marks the birth of Lord Ganesha.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Clay idols of Ganesha are worshipped for 10 days.
  • Festivities include prayers, music, and dance.
  • The idols are immersed in water with chants of "Ganpati Bappa Morya."

20. Patriots’ Day (23rd January)

  • Significance: Honours Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary.
  • Traditions and Celebrations:
  • Tributes are paid through parades and cultural events.
  • Speeches inspire people to remember Netaji’s contributions.


Conclusion
India’s national festivals are not just events but a reflection of the country's unity, diversity, and cultural richness. These celebrations bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared heritage. 
At Canary The School, we believe in nurturing young minds by instilling respect for India’s traditions and values. Our students actively participate in celebrations, learning about the significance of these festivals while embracing the spirit of unity and harmony.

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