![]() India is a land of multi-ethnicity where people of different languages and cultures live together with peace and harmony. India is worldwide known for its cultural diversity and colourful festivals. Apart from these festivals, the Indian national festivals such as Gandhi Jayanti, the Independence Day, Republic Day and many more are a part of the country’s culture. Gandhi Jayanti One of the most celebrated Indian national festivals, Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Ji was born on October 2, 1869, into a Hindu family, in Porbandar city of Gujarat. Every year, this auspicious occasion is celebrated on October 2 with great zeal and enthusiasm. People across the nation pay tributes to Gandhi Ji on this day. Various cultural programmes showcasing Gandhi Ji's life and struggle for independence are organized at school, colleges, government and private organizations etc. Also, different types of competition, such as essay writing, painting, etc. are organized to remember the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Independence Day Independence Day is celebrated to mark the Independence of India, is considered another Indian national festival and is currently a national holiday. India became independent on August 15, 1947, after the British left the country. Since then, August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day. On this day, various formal events including flag-hoisting and march-past in all states, districts, panchayats, schools, colleges are organized to commemorate the day of freedom. The Prime Minister of the nation hoists the tri-colour national flag (Tiranga) at the Red Fort and addresses the nation from its rampart. Independence Day is one of the three Indian national festivals that bind the people of different cultures and religions into a bond of unity and brotherhood. Republic Day of India Republic Day is amongst the three Indian national festivals and is one of the national holidays of India which is regarded as the most important day in the Indian history. This auspicious day is celebrated on January 26 to commemorate the adoption of constitution. As per the records, the constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950 by replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. Like the Independence Day, flag hoisting ceremony and cultural programmes are organized across the nation on the Republic Day. Other Festivals of India Some famous religious festivals mark the advent of the seasons and some mark the celebration of cultural events. A large number of national festivals celebrated in India have a religious outlook. These festivals are being celebrated in commemoration of some saints, gurus and prophets, the Gods and Goddesses or events celebrating their victories. Religious ceremonies, enthusiasm paralleled with ample fun and celebration marks these Indian national festivals. Cities or states are famous for the celebration of particular festivals e.g. Kolkata (West Bengal) for Durga Puja, Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) for Holi and Janmashtami, Maharashtra for Ganesh Chaturthi, Kerala for Onam. Similarly, Muslim festivals of Id-ul-Zuha and Muharram are famous in Muslim community, Parsi festival of Jamshed Nav Roz in Mumbai, Christian festivals in Goa and the Kaza festival in the Lamaistic strongholds of Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti and Sikkim. In some tribal areas, the cult of Mother Goddess is more prevalent. However, the celebrations dissolve ethnic limitations and all religious groups merge into one, during such festivals. |
More ArticlesIndian National Festivals (5) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indian National Festivals