It’s the brightest and most cheerful time of the year here in India with the festival season that has commenced. From now till January, India lights up across all states celebrating one festival after another. India sparkles in colour, light and tinsel as the year moves towards its end. It’s a great time to visit India and absorb a very special festive spirit. Here ‘s a look at some of the festivals that are up close on the calendar:
Navratri
26th September to 4th October, 2022
Navratri is celebrated over 9 days dedicated to the 9 different forms of the Mother Goddess.
Fasting, abstinence from certain diets, rituals, dances and prayers mark these 9 nights. Navratri marks the beginning of the festive season in India.
Durga Puja
2nd to 5th October, 2022
Durga Puja is most significant for the Bengali community of West Bengal in particular, who celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm. The multi-day festival is particularly fascinating in Kolkata where it is all about exquisite idols of Goddess Durga, extravagant thematic pandals (stages), rituals, dances, good food, huge crowds and chants of Bolo Ma Durga ki Joi (Hail Mother Durga). It is that time of the year when Bengalis plan each day meticulously what to dress, where to go, whom to meet, what to eat, what to cook et al. Nothing else matters. The women folk bring out all the traditional jewellery and the best traditional saris which otherwise lie wasted in some corner of the wardrobe during other times of the year.
Dussehra In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
5th to 11th October, 2022
The internationally famed Kullu Dussehra which is held in Kullu Valley dates back to the 17th century.The concept of local deities or devtas, is ancient and is prevalent across the Himalayan region of India. The belief that these local deities rule over the land as owners, and take care of the people and their possessions, has led to a unique cultural system in the region. Kullu Dussehra is a week-long congregation of many such local deities from the various villages of Kullu Valley. They arrive in colourful processions to pay respect to Raghunathji who is considered to be the head of all the local deities of Kullu Valley.
Dussehra, Delhi
5th October, 2022
Ramlila, a fascinating screenplay of the Indian epic Ramayana which includes songs, narrations, recitals and dialogues is performed. Effigies of Ravana; along with his son and brother, all antagonists of Ram, the central character of the Ramayana, are stuffed with fire crackers and set ablaze at night in an open field which is a spectacle to behold. Delhi is world famous for its Dussehra at the Ramlila ground and several other venues across the city.
Diwali (Festivals of Light)
24th October, 2022
Diwali is India’s festival of lights. It celebrated by decorating homes with lamps and candles, bursting firecrackers, eating good food, praying to Gods and Goddesses, wearing new dresses and ornaments, visiting friends and relatives whilst exchanging wishes and gifts.
Stay Tuned with us for our next blog on Sustainable Dipawali.
