INDIAN FESTIVALS IN: Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Colorful and lively, THE FAIRS AND FESTIVALS OF INDIA are major attractions of the country. Indian festivals speak of India's rich cultural and traditional background.

1. Janmashtami - Birthday of Lord Krishna, North India: Eight days after the full moon of Shravan, falls the festival of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna. Krishna Janmashtami is an important festival in the Hindu calendar. The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmashtami. It is celebrated with great devotion throughout the country. Vrindhavan, Mathura, Dwaraka are the most popular Krishna temples as it is believed that Lord Krishna lived here. In all these locations, janmashtami is celebrated with lot of splendor. The image of the infant Bala Krishna is bathed and is cradled in the midnight time. The conch shell is blown and the devotees celebrate the birth of the Protector of the world by singing devotional songs and by dancing with great joy.



2. Ganesh Chaturthi - Birthday of Lord Ganesha: Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad. This festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesha or Ganpati is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu religion. It is worshipped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Even Buddhists and Jains have faith for Ganpati. He is considered to be an avatar of both Shiva and Vishnu.







3. Brahmotsavam - Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh State: Tirumala Brahmotsavam is a Hindu festival celebrated annually at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. The festival continues for 9 days in the months of September and October.

It is believed that Lord Brahma was the first to start this festival. He worshiped Sri Balaji on the banks of the Pushkarini in Tirupati to thank him for the protection of mankind. Hence the festival bears his name ‘Brahmotsavam’ which means Brahma’s Utsav.

In the Brahmotsav celebrations, the powerful snake transforms itself as the vehicle for god. The moral behind the prayers that are offered during Garodtsav, is to pray to God for a living with high values and morals.  

 

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