India is a nation of diversity. It has different religions, multiple cultures and the numbers of beautiful festivals. Every religion has its own festival which is celebrated with full drums and rolls. However, thanks to this increasing globalizing period, we are no more religion-centric in terms of celebrating the festivals, rather we believe in celebrating every festival with full joy and excitement. And so our children too. A child in India now also celebrates Halloween along with Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Baisakhi. And a child sitting in States not only celebrates Christmas, but also Holi - the festival of colours and other festivals.
It is one of the biggest advantage of the globalization that it has promoted and let the understanding of the culture, rituals and the traditions of the other nation and the religion. In a world where the religious disputes and cultural intolerance is common, we can teach our children about the other culture and their festivals to promote and stimulate peace and harmony in true sense.
Usually, we hardly teach our children a deeper meaning of the festivals, and hence a child simply grows up following the tradition blindly.
Nowadays, festivals have become more commercialized. Buying chocolates, new clothes, gifting and bursting of crackers are the sign of festivity. Children are hardly been taught about the deeper significance of the festival. The rituals are been passed down from generation to generation without sharing its clear understanding. Therefore, the basic essence of a festival is lost somewhere.
We have numbers of the festival to celebrate - starting from the Ganesh Chaturthi to the Vasant Panchami - but our kids hardly know about the importance and the logic behind these festivals. Festivals are the time which gives an opportunity to socialize and embrace the bond with our family and friends. As parents, it is our responsibility to do some research on the festivals and make our kids understand the value, reason and the most important, stories associated with these festivals. These festivals are the good time to teach kids the real moral value of life.
It is not just about following of rituals, but also the history and the values associated with these festival.
1. DIWALI
Diwali is a most prominent festival of a Hindu religion. It arrives with a sign of lighting of lamps, decoration of homes, bursting of firecrackers, etc.
When do we celebrate?
According to the Hindu Calendar, 15th Day of the Kartik Month (October / November).
Why do we celebrate?
Besides the famous story of returning back home (Ayodhya) of Shri Ram after 14 years of exile, Diwali is also celebrated for many other reasons too. The other reason is the rescue of Goddess Lakshmi from the King Bali with the help of Lord Vishnu. That is why the Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this auspicious day.
2. HOLI
Holi is an important spring festival which is celebrated throughout India. It is a cultural and playful event.
When do we celebrate?
The full moon day of the Hindu calendar falling in the month of Phagun (Feb-March).
Why do we celebrate?
Holi signifies the victory of goodness over evil. As per our Indian mythology, the famous story of Prahalad and Hiranyakashipu is associated with the celebration of Holi. This festival signifies that if you do anything wrong or harm others, your boon will also not save you. Therefore, never give any harm to anyone.
3. Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love and duty between brothers and sisters. It also symbolizes sister's love and best wishes for her brother and in return brother takes a vow to protect her sister from every possible difficulties lifelong.
When do we celebrate?
This festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Shravan month (typically in August month) of the Hindu Calendar.
Why do we celebrate?
This is a festival we celebrate to bring all men and women together to celebrate harmony and peace. It brings a sense of responsibility too.
4. Eid-Ul-Fitr
Eid is an important and religious festival celebrated by Muslims. It is a festival of faith, devotion, gratitude and helping the needy. This festival is also known as Ramadan and is celebrated across the country.
When do we celebrate?
It is celebrated on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar.
Why do we celebrate?
Eid Ul-Fitr falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal, which is the only day where Muslims are not allowed to do fast. Moreover, according to the Holy book 'Quran' they all have to continue the fasting till the last day of Ramadan and has to do some charity also.
5. GURPURAB
Gurpurab is a celebration of the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev. It is marked by holding a festival. It is a sacred festivals, often been remarked as a 'festival of Gurus'.
When do we celebrate?
We celebrate this auspicious festival on the full moon day of Kartik month, according to Hindu calendar.
Why do we celebrate?
Gurpurab is a birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru. It is commemorate to remember the philosophy of Guru Nanak ji. Guru Nanak Jayanti is also about reliving his preaching and teachings that are quoted in the Holy book 'Guru Granth Sahib'.
6. PONGAL
Pic Courtesy: India.com
This is a harvest festival majorly celebrated in the Southern parts of India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and feast. It is also a thanksgiving festival dedicated to Sun God.
When do we celebrate?
It is a four-day long festival, followed as per the Tamil calendar. It is usually celebrated along Makar Sankranti and Lohri (the harvest festivals as well).
Why do we celebrate?
We celebrate Pongal to pay homage to the Mother Nature for providing us with the vast variety of super foods to eat.
7. ONAM
It is a biggest festival of the Indian state, Kerala. Onam is a harvest festival in Kerala.
When do we celebrate?
According to the Malayali calendar, Onam is celebrated during the month of Chingham (August-September).
Why do we celebrate?
It marks the homecoming of the King Mahabali. It also brings out the beautiful culture and the tradition of the state. The people gets united to celebrate this harvesting festival.
Although I have covered the major festivals of the country, in addition to them, there are many other beautiful festivals too, to celebrate together. Always, teach your kid the real reason behind each and every festival, as it also imparts good learning and moral values in the children. Without giving proper understanding about the tradition and culture, a child may not feel the importance of the festival. Festivals teach the empathy and kindness to the children, while also enhancing the knowledge and the understanding about the other religion and culture.
At last to conclude, a child should be taught about the real essence of the festival rather than how to follow the tradition blindly.
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This blog post is part of Festival Blog train hosted by Jayshree, https://makeupandbeautyblog.in/. I would love to thank Swarupa Panda who passed this chance to me in her blog http://www.fashionandcity.com
And further I would give this chance to Avin Kohli - a Food Blogger, who loves to cook, eat & entertain guest. A stay at home Mom to a 4 year old son & wife to the most loving husband . She blogs at https://www.theyellowdaal.com
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Festival brings joy and enthusiasm in every one. Its binds together family and friends
This is such a brilliant write up. Often we notice the celebration and forget the history and specialty of these festivals. Thanks for writing this refreshing post
Good read..I loved the way you tried to include different cultures in the post😊👍
Agree dear.. Festivals are actually the emotion not tradition..