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The
celebration of all the festivals of India by the residents of Delhi
makes the capital full of colour and joy through out the year. But the
celebration of Holi and Dewali in Delhi carries a totally different mood
here. These two festivals paint a very different picture of Delhi. The
pomp and gaiety of the Id and Guru Purab celebrations takes into its
fold the people from all walks of life. Being the Capital City, the
National Festivals are celebrated with much fan fare which lacks any
where else in the nation. The decorations done on the various places of
worship during these festivals are a feast to the eyes. JANUARY
With the new year the seasons of festivals starts. It all begins with
the
festival of Spring, Vasant Panchami. Twenty sixth day of January is
celebrated as the anniversary of the India's establishment as a
republic. The 30th day is remembered as the Martyrs' day.
FEBRUARY TO MARCH
Shivratri is dedicated to lord Shiva and a fast is held on this day.
The festival of colours is also celebrated during these months. In
ancient times this festival was celebrated with perfumed coloured water
and petals powder.
MARCH TO APRIL
These months celebrate the birth of Lord Rama as Ramanvami. On the
thirteenth day of April comes the harvest festival of Baisakhi. The
birth of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism also comes during these
months.
MAY
Buddha Purnima comes in May which commorates the birth of Lord Buddha.
JULY TO AUGUST
Fifteenth day of August is the Independence day of India. The Naag
Panchami is dedicated to the serpant lord, Naag devta. This month also
brings the festival of threads Rakhi. In this sisters tie sacred thread
on the wrist of brothers and pray for their long life. Rakhi is
celebrated on the full moon day.
AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER
The Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with pomp and gaiety throughout the
country and is dedicated to the Elephant God, Ganesha. Pateli is the
Parsi new year. The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated as
Janamashtmi.
SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER
Ramlila and Durga Puja or Dussehra is celebrated during these months.
2nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of Mahatma
Gandhi.
OCTOBER TO NOVEMBER
Dewali, the festivals of light falls during these months. This also
marks the Hindu New Year. It is celebrated by lighting countless oil
lamps, candles and bursting crackers. On the fifth day sisters put tilak
on their brother's forehead. The festival of Govardhan is dedicated to
the cows. The Birth day of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism is also
celebrated in November.
DECEMBER
This month brings Christmas.
Apart from these festivals the Muslim
festivals are celebrated according to the Lunar months. Their dates are
not fixed and change according to the movement of the moon. The main
festivals of the Muslims are- Id-Ul-Fitr, Bakar Id, Id-Ul-Zuha,
Muharram, Milad-Un-Nabi etc.. |