India is a land of festivals and fairs. Every day of the year there is a festival celebrated in some part of the country. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the new year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion
PONGAL
Pongal is a Harvest Festival thanking SUN God for bountiful harvest. It is also known as SANKARANTHI.
Pongal is celebrated in the month of January.Bhogi is the day before Pongal, when a bonfire is lit outside the houses using unwanted ,old items signifying letting go of old and unwanted feelings and emotions, welcoming the new year of peace and prosperity.Harvest is reaped. Pongal is cooked with the new harvest and is offered to Sun god .Next day is celebrated as Maatu Pongal. Cows are decorated and worshipped for there contributions.Kannu Pongal is celebrated the next day when people gather in common areas to have a community celebration.
MAHA SHIVRATHRI
Shivrathri is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.It is observed by fasting through out the day, worshipping Lord Shiva and Parvathi through out the night, performing pujas especially with Bel leaves and Bhajans.It is also the night that Lord Shiva performed the Tandav Dance, Dance of Creation Preservation and Destruction.
RAM NAVAMI
RamNavami is the birthday of Sri Rama. It is celebrated by performing pujas and Bhajans.
VISHU
Vishu is celebrated as NEW YEAR in Kerala. Seeing Vishu Kani early in the morning is the most important ritual associated with Vishu. It is sighting of all good and whole things, fruits vegetables, flowers, Gold, Silver, rice. All items are placed decoratively in front of the prayer alter and viewed by family early in the morning.
GANESH CHATHURTHI
Ganesha Chaturthi, 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayaka Chavithi' is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh. The festival is celebrated by worshipping hand made idols of the Lord.. All kinds of flowers, leaves and fruits and special items are offered. After the prayers the idol is immersed in water.
ONAM
Onam is Harvest festival in Kerala.It also marks the homecoming of King Mahabali.Onam is connected to story of king Mahabali .The story is that Kerala was ruled by an Asura Mahabali. The King was well repected throughout his Kingdom as a wise and generous King. He was also egoistic.To test the King, Lord Maha Vishnu came to him disguised as a small built poor Brahmin boy and asked for land. King offered to give him as much land as he wants. The Lord said all he wanted was three steps of land. The King , not recognising the Lord, with great pride granted the wish. Lord Maha Vishnu took first giant step and covered the whole of the earth. The second step covered the Skies,for the third step the King offered his head, realising that this was the LORD himself.Maha Vishnu granted the request of the King to be able to come to his beloved kingdom every year. People welcome their King with festivities.
DUSSEHRA
Dussehra is a festival symbolising victory of Good over Evil.The festival is celebrated differently in different parts of India.It is a celebration for 10 days, first three dedicated to Maa Durga, next three to Maa Lakshmi and the next three to Maa Saraswathi and the last day as Vijay Dashmi,Victory of Good over Evil.In the South there is a practice of organising “Kolu” that is displaying of dolls in a tier format. Dashami symbolises the victory of Maa Parvathi over Demons.In the North ten days symbolises the fight between Sri Ram and Ravana. Dashami day brings victory to Sri Rama.
DEEPAVALI
Deepavali is a Festival of Lights symbolising victory of Good over Evil. There are as many different ways it is celebrated as there are stories and legends associated with the festival.The day is also for Laxmi Puja.
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