Essay on “Indian Festivals” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Indian Festivals

There is a rich cultural diversity in India. There are all types of religions. races and ethnic groups in our subcontinent The history of India dates back to more than 5,000 years. And over the centuries, we have amassed a cultural heritage which is unparalleled in the entire world.

Various cultural and religious beliefs are also reflected by our festivals. The change of seasons also makes a deep and positive impact on the people of India and this manifests itself through various festivals.

Some of the season-related festivals are Pongal, Baisakhi, Onam, Basant Panchami, etc. and they are the symbols of ripening of the crops or the harvesting season. They could also symbolize the beginning of a season or the end of another (e.g. Basant marks the end of winter). People celebrate these festivals depending upon their location in the country and the ceremonies prevalent in that part of the country.

Seasonal changes lead to a new fervour and enthusiasm and the rural people are able to mingle with one another on such occasions. Onam is celebrated in Kerala and the famous J.L. Nehru Cup for boat races is organised during the festival. Snake Boat race is witnessed by thousands of spectators from India and abroad. Similarly, Pongal is celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Children fly kites during Basant Panchami in Northern India.

Some festivals are based on religion. Hindus celebrate Dussehra and Deepawali or Diwali for commemorating the victory of Lord Rama over devil Ravana and for his coming back to Ayodhya after this victory respectively. The Sikhs celebrate Diwali because on that day Guru Hargobind freed 52 rajas from Gwalior fort.

This festival is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show since being the major North-Indian festival. Children eat sweets, fire crackers, decorate their homes and wear new clothes. Businessmen pray before the goddess Laxmi—the goddess of wealth—and start their new accounts on this day. Houses are painted and new household goods such as crockery, sofa sets, chairs, tables, refrigerators, cooking ranges, clothes, cars and electronic gadgets, etc. are purchased.

Deepawali is also ‘known as the festival of lights. Some people indulge in the display of wealth and try to outshine others. This is not a good habit because the real enjoyment of celebrating the festival comes only when we see everybody in a hippy mood. Letting off fireworks not only causes accidents but also environmental pollution.

Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Zuha and Eid-ul-Fitr. The latter is celebrated to mark the end of the holy month of Ramzan. During the month of Ramzan, the holy Quran was revealed to prophet Muhammed. Muslims fast during the month of Ramzan. At the end of Ramzan, Eid is celebrated with feasts. The Muslims go to the Eidgah and offer prayers there.

Similarly, Durga Puja is celebrated in Eastern India with traditional gaiety and show. It is celebrated during the same time when Dussehra is celebrated. The Jews celebrate their religious festivals in the Synagogue and ask for the blessings of the Almighty. Barn Navami and Sri Krishana Janamashtmi are the other popular festivals of the Hindu community.

Tile Guruparav is celebrated by the Sikhs. They also celebrate the birthday of Shri Gobind Singhji and the martyrdom day of Shri Guru Arjan Devji, who was martyred in Lahore, they also celebrate the martyrdom day of Guru Teg Bahadur who sacrificed his life to save Kashmiri Pandits from cruel Moghul ruler Aurangzeb.

The Naoroz is celebrated during August-September every year by the Parsees. It marks the beginning of the New Year for them. The Jainis and the Buddhists also celebrate the birthday of Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha which are known as Mahavir Jayanti and Buddha Jayanti, respectively. Prayers are organised in temples and religious ceremonies are arranged. Similarly, Christmas in the month of December) and Good Friday (in the month of April) are celebrated by the Christians with great religious fervour.

Festivals provide a great change from the monotony of life as they bring a new lease of life to the monotonous schedules of all the people. They generate thrill and excitement, especially among the rural people. They also consolidate our faith and commitment towards the Almighty through our religions.

Unfortunately, some religious festivals are marked by communal riots, arson, looting and killing of innocent people. Some people misuse and exploit the religious sentiments of the people which lead to the suffering of the masses as they are unable to understand the criminal and wicked tendencies of some wicked people. Although the authorities try to bring the situation under control, yet sometimes, it goes out of control of the law-enforcing authority. It is the duty of the public, social organisations, religious sects and government to help the masses celebrate the festivals in complete peace.

The festivals of India should depict a good and healthy image before the world as they are the cultural heritage of our country. They must unite Indians of all castes, creeds and religions and should not pose challenge to our diverse socio-cultural fabric.