How Many Types of Festivals

Introduction

A festival is an occasion where people gather to do rituals or celebrate shared beliefs rooted in their culture or religion. In a country as diverse and culturally rich as India, it is nearly impossible to give an exact number of celebrated festivals. That said we can definitely assume it to be anywhere above fifty.

Festivals can be classified into various types based on different criteria. Some of that classifications are as follows :

1) Resligious and Non - Religious Festivals

One way of classifying festivals is whether they are based on religious beliefs or a shared love and admiration for something or some idea.

A. Non - Religious Festivals

Republic day, independence day, and new years eve, music festivals are celebrated all over the country regardless of religion or state people belong to. These festivals are celebrated based on shared feelings like patriotism in the case of republic day and love and appreciation for music in the case of music festivals.

1. Republic day: Every year on January 26, Republic Day is observed nationwide. India's constitution went into effect on this day, January 26, 1950. This day is significant because it marks the beginning of our nation's transition to a democratic republic and the establishment of equal voting and political rights for all citizens. A unique event (grand parade) takes place in New Delhi on Rajpath every year. The national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," is played nationwide on this day.

2. Independence day: Every year on August 15, the country celebrates its independence. Since India won its freedom from British domination on this day, August 15, 1947, other nations also refer to it as "India Day." We honour the freedom fighters who gave up their youth to secure our independence. The Prime Minister raises the Tri-color National Flag at Red Fort (New Delhi). On this day, all Indians feel proud.

B. Religious Festivals

Diwali, Christmas and Eid are festivals based on religious festivals. These festivals are celebrated on the stories based on a holy test that people of the respective religions follow.

1. Diwali: Diwali, an autumn festival, is observed on the year's darkest new moon, which falls between the months of October and December. It is also known as the "Festival of Lights" since everyone, especially Hindus, lights candles and diyas to decorate their homes on this day. It is a holiday commemorating Lord Rama. He spent 14 years in the wilderness before returning to his home kingdom of Ayodhya. On this day, folks participate in their family events while dressing to the nines. This event, which celebrates the victory of good over evil or the triumph of light over darkness, includes fireworks, lanterns, and festivities.

2. Christmas: Every year, on December 25, the eve of the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, people celebrate Christmas. For Christians, who consider Jesus Christ to be the son of God, this is one of the most revered holidays. On this day, it is said, Santa Clause, a man dressed in red, arrives to help the underprivileged and distributes gifts for their loved ones. Along with their Christmas trees, people also decorate their homes.

3. Eid: It is a Muslim holiday, and Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr (the feast of breaking the fast) and Eid-ul-Adha as its principal events (Feast of sacrifice). The Eid holidays are those holidays that spread love and joy to close friends and family.

2) State Wise Festivals

Festivals are celebrated in twenty-eight states based on religious ideas and philosophies. All educational institutes and organisations of work give holidays in the state on these days. Some examples of this are as follows:

Andhra Pradesh-Ugadi, Dasara, Brahmotsavam

Assam- DehingPatkai, Ambubachi, Baishagu

Gujarat-Uttarayana, Kutch Utsav, Janmashtami

Himachal Pradesh- Rakhadumni, Gochi Festival

3) Seasonal Festivals

These festivals are celebrated in a particular month of the year. The dates are usually based on the local calendars rather than the standard calendars. Some of them are:

1. Basant Panchami: Hindus celebrate Basant Panchami (also known as Vasant Panchami) as "Saraswati Puja". Every year, February is typically when it is observed. The spring season and the Holi festival both begin with this celebration. People honour Devi Saraswati, the goddess of learning, music, and culture, on this day.

2. Pongal: The 14th of January is recognised as Pongal Day in Tamil Nadu each year. This day is recognised as Makar Sankranti in several regions of India. This holiday is characterised by abundance and prosperity. Freshly harvested foods and grains are prepared on this day. Makar Sankranti is a day when people celebrate the Sun God.

3. Lohri: Every year, on January 13, the day before the Makar Sankranti holiday, Lohri is observed. The popularity of this holiday is highest among the Punjabi people. As it coincides with the start of the Hindu month of Magh and the conclusion of the Hindu month of Paush, the Lohri Festival is also called the Maghi Festival. The Dulla Batti fable is a well-known one in Punjabi mythology. On this day, kites are flown, folk songs are sung, and people dance around the fire.

Conclusions -

There are many more festivals which are celebrated throughout the country. These festivals have been part of our culture from time immemorial. They bring a sense of community and harmony to society. These festivals help to instil a sense of pride and joy in one's culture in young children. They play a vital role in passing on heritage and customs. Hence, the celebration of festivals is an integral part of social life.