All Indian holidays. National holidays in india
Currently, the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar, i.e. January 1 is celebrated mainly by Christians in India. On this day, bells ring in churches, and in large port cities at midnight, steamboat whistles announce the New Year. New Year cards are sent to relatives and friends, people exchange congratulations when they meet.
The birthday of the tenth and last Guru Gobind Singh is celebrated by the Sikhs. On this day, large processions are organized and special prayers are said in all Sikh temples - gurudwaras.
The Hindus themselves never call themselves Hindus, just as the Chinese never called themselves Chinese and the Arabs never called themselves Arabs. Just as the British saw in the Chinese porcelain merchants (china is translated from English as porcelain), and the Mesopotamians in the representatives of the tribes that invaded Mesopotamia from the south, the desert dwellers, vagrants and nomads (this is how the word al-arab can be translated), the Hindus called the Persians (hindu comes from the name of the river Sindhu - modern Indus).
The Hindus themselves call their country Bharata-varsha, and themselves Bharatas or Aryans. “Aria” originally carries “one who knows the true meaning of life”, and “bharat” means “descendant of Bharata”, the great emperor of the whole Earth in ancient times. The tradition of celebrating Putrada Ekadashi (Putrada Ekadashi) is as ancient as the history of the emperor Bharata himself, described in the Vedas and Puranas (it is believed that the Puranas contain a description of historical chronicles for the last 60 kalpas, the duration of one kalpa is 4,320,000,000 years).
13th of January. Lori
Lori (Lori or Lohri) is celebrated annually on January 13th in North India. During this holiday, bonfires are lit as a symbol of the end of the harsh winter. The fire is associated with Lord Agni (Agni - fire).
The Pongal Harvest Festival is celebrated in January after the winter solstice. The date of Pongala is determined on the basis of the solar calendar, so it does not change from year to year. Pongal days are extremely auspicious for Hindus. More about Pongal
Republic Day was introduced in 1950 and is celebrated annually on January 26th. The day is celebrated by the widest sections of the country's population. A characteristic feature of this holiday is the organization of festive processions in Delhi.
The festival of Jaya Ekadashi (Jaya Ekadashi) carries the idea of loving service (bhakti), which is completely opposite to the idea of sexual satisfaction (kama). Very often, Krishna, whose name is translated as the Source of Eternal Pleasure, which is the personification of Pure Love, is confused with the deity of lust and passion, which, according to the Amara-kosha dictionary, has five names: Kandarpa - “the deity of love”, Darpaka - “preventing events”, Ananga - "having no physical body", Kama - "passion personified", Pancha-saraikh - "holding five arrows (taste, touch, sound, smell and image)". The rules and regulations of Jaya Ekadasi are there to engage one in pure activities that can please Krishna. In addition to the fact that Jaya Ekadashi destroys all the effects of sins and relieves the heavy burden of material existence, this ancient festival is the "mother of loving devotion."
The ancient Vedas indicate several ways of obtaining knowledge: pratyaksha, anumana, shabda. Pratyaksha (from Sanskrit "aksha" - eye) is the path of empirical knowledge, the path of experience
Vijaya Ekadashi bestows the result that its name suggests (“vijaya” means “victory”). In India, every person from childhood knows the story of the Ramayana, which tells about the divine love of Rama and Sita. And it is connected with the Indian epic "Ramayana", which tells about the victory of Rama over the demon Ravana. Anyone who observes the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi will also always be a winner in this mortal world, and then return to the kingdom of God. It is believed that the power of this fast can destroy all sinful reactions of even the most disgusting person. Sri Krishna also concluded that everyone who reads and listens to this story will receive the same benefit as the one who performs sacrifices.
Maha Shivaratri is also called the "Great Night of Lord Shiva", celebrated in honor of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It falls on the month of Magha (February-March)
The celebration of Amalaki Ekadashi is a very ancient tradition that dates back to time immemorial. It is described in the Brahmanda Purana (the Puranas are called the Fifth Veda).
March 23, 2016, March 13, 2017. Holi
The festival of colors Holi (Holi) is the most colorful and vibrant festival in India.
March 25, 2016, April 14, 2017.
Catholic Good Friday (Good Friday) Christians devote Friday of Holy Week - the last week of Great Lent - to remembrance of the suffering of the Savior. Christians of India celebrate this day throughout the country, but especially in Mumbai, Goa and the North Eastern states of India.
Although the number of Christians in India is approximately 2.5% of the total population of the country, the Easter holiday is celebrated with pomp and religious obsession.
The ancient Vedas convey that Papamochani Ekadashi prevents the influence of spirits and demons on a sincere person full of faith. The purpose of celebrating Papamochani Ekadashi is to establish a person in virtue, which equally benefits the person and society, and also pleases God. The history of this holiday is connected with the concept of karma (“activity”). The law of karma is simple and inexorable: the present is a consequence of the past and the cause of the future. If a person is dissatisfied with his present, he must understand that such a situation is the result of his activities in the past, which, however, can be overcome by virtuous deeds.
Vasanta Navaratri - the nine nights of the Mother Goddess in spring. On amavasya (new moon) at the beginning of the month of Chaitra (March-April), the celebration of Vasanta Navaratri begins (Vasanta Navaratri) - nine spring nights dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The autumn nine nights are celebrated at the beginning of the month of Ashwin (September-October). According to the mythological narrative in the Puranas, the Great Goddess Durga, the personification of the Shakti of all gods, fought demons for nine days and nights, finally defeating the most powerful of them, Mahishasura. This is described in Markandeya Purana, Devibhagavata Purana, Chandi Purana and other scriptures. The most important part of the Markandeya Purana is the famous Devi Mahatmya (Glorification of the Goddess), read daily on the night of the Navaratri holiday. Both holidays - both spring and autumn - are celebrated as the victory of the forces of light, personified by the Mother Goddess. In some areas of India, during the spring festival, more attention is paid to the figure of Rama and the playing of the mystery of the Ramayana, with special reverence for the ninth day - Rama Navami.
Ram Navami
On the last day of Vananta Navaratri, Ram Navami is celebrated. The birthday of the seventh incarnation of the mighty Vishnu - the legendary King Rama - is celebrated in the month of Chaitra. The hero of the Ramayana is an ideal and at the same time a very real person - a king, and a faithful son and brother.
In the Indian state of Punjab, one of the most beloved Sikh holidays, Vaisakhi, is celebrated on April 14. For the Sikhs who inhabit Punjab, this is both a religious holiday, a harvest festival, and New Year's Day.
Purity and perfection are the distinguishing characteristics of the original poetry of the ancient Vedas. The first verses-hymns, embodied in song and dance, were performed in Sanskrit (literally, this is “purified to perfection”). To say that the first verses were “written” in this language would be a mistake, since in ancient times writing was not required: the hymns were so perfect that it was impossible not to remember them because of the vivid impression (samskara) that they once left in the soul who heard them. This is how the Vedic tradition arose - the tradition of oral transmission of poetic hymns, which are not only a model of aesthetic, but also ethical perfection. This is a celebration of the ancient tradition of oral transmission of Vedic hymns. The wishes of every fasting person on this day are fulfilled.
The birthday of the founder of the religion of Jainism Mahavira (Mahavir Jayanti), 24 and the last tirthankara (Sansk. "leading across the ocean", that is, a prophet who leads through life) is the main holiday of the Jains.
According to ancient tradition, the celebration of Varuthini Ekadashi is described as follows. Firstly, celebration can alleviate or completely relieve a person of suffering, and secondly, celebration can become the foundation for achieving the constancy of a successful and happy life. The ancient Vedas say: "All the benefits of observing austerities and penances for a thousand years are achieved by those who celebrate Varuthini Ekadashi."
Mohini Ekadashi, like the rest of the "eleventh day", is an ancient spiritual tradition. The essence of this holiday, around which there is a whole philosophy, comes down to somehow elevating a person above his everyday life, everyday life. A person tends to dissipate, forget and completely forget - such is the nature of man, but the nature of the soul is completely different! The celebration of Mohini Ekadashi is aimed at making a person remember himself as a soul by performing natural activities for the soul.
This day marks the most sacred holiday of the Buddhist calendar - the Birthday of Buddha (Buddha Purnima), the founder of Buddhism. According to legend, Buddha was born on this day in 623 BC, on the same day he attained enlightenment and in 543 BC. On the same day he died, having reached full nirvana. Thus, all three major events in the life of the Buddha are celebrated simultaneously.
Apara Ekadashi is an ax used to cut down a mature tree of sinful deeds. Apara Ekadashi is the sun flashing before someone's black atrocity. Apara Ekadashi is the ego-lion stalking the doe of godlessness. In order to free himself from the worldly and sinful, from the corporeal and sensual, from the selfish and demonic, a reasonable person seeks to use the favorable opportunity to use the priceless life to satisfy God. Studying the scriptures, serving saints and teachers, and helping the needy are those deeds that attract the attention of God, who is able to purify the soul surrendered to him with one glance.
Yogini Ekadashi is a holiday celebrated every eleventh lunar day of the lunar cycle by all those who know the traditions and culture of the Ancient East. Life is given in order to rise up through service to the Highest. The celebration of Yogini Ekadashi is a direct path to the perfection that we once lost.
Rath Yatra (literally "chariot parade"), the annual religious festival of the removal of Lord Jagannath (one of the forms of Krishna-Vishnu) from the temple on a giant chariot. Celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June-July).
Hindus attach the greatest importance to spiritual Masters (Gurus). They are often equated with God and are considered mediators between man and the Almighty.
Every year on August 15, India celebrates the biggest holiday - Independence Day (Independence Day in India) - the anniversary of India's independence from Great Britain. Independence Day has been celebrated since 1947.
Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi as it is more commonly known, falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (July-August). On this day, ritual ablutions are performed on the banks of rivers, lakes and ponds, coconuts are thrown into the sea as a reproach to the God of waters Varuna. Raksha bandhan is of great importance for brothers and sisters. The main ritual of the holiday consists of tying a consecrated string "rakhi" around the brother's wrist. With this, the sister wishes well-being and prosperity to her brother, while the brother swears to protect her from all troubles and help in all problems.
The holiday is celebrated in honor of the birthday of Krishna (Krishna Janmashthami) - the eighth incarnation of the god Vishnu. According to legend, he was born at midnight on the eighth day of the month of Shravan (July-August).
The birthday of the God of wisdom and abundance Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi) with the body of a man and the head of an elephant - the remover of obstacles, the son of Shiva and his wife Parvati - is celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August-September).
Onam Festival is a colorful harvest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. According to legend, the mythical king of ancient Kerala - Mahabali, or Maveli, comes to her lands on the day of Thiruvonam, and his devotees celebrate the Golden Era, which lasted at that time. Patterned flower carpets called Pookalam are laid out in front of the houses. The tradition of laying flowers at doorsteps is very popular in Kerala, and these beautiful, short-lived works of art are maintained throughout the ten-day festival by the daily addition of many fresh flowers of various colors, which are laid out by girls singing folk songs. The rich folklore of the people of Kerala is fully reflected in the Onam festival. Here you can see the national costume, try folk cuisine, watch traditional games and dances, see the elephant parade and boat races, and, of course, hear folk songs.
Vizhvakarma - This god is revered by manual laborers who work with tools. Vishvakarma is the main deity of all craftsmen and architects. The son of Brahma, he is the divine draftsman of the universe and the builder of the palaces of all the gods. He is also the designer of all the gods' flying chariots and weapons.
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India in honor of the birthday of an outstanding leader of the national liberation movement of the Indian people.
Dashahra (Dussehra) - one of the most popular and colorful Hindu holidays is celebrated in the month of Ashvin (September-October) for 10 days, of which 9 nights are devoted to worship (hence another name for the holiday - Navaratri.
One of the most popular Muslim holidays, dedicated to the sacrifice of Ibrahim his son Ismail. It falls on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim calendar Dhul-Hijjah and lasts three to four days.
Diwali or Deepavali (Diwali or Deepavali), which in Sanskrit means "flame cluster" - the festival of lights, celebrated everywhere in India and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It falls at the beginning of the month of Kartik (October-November).
The birthday of an outstanding statesman, the first prime minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru, November 14, 1889 - 1964) is celebrated throughout the country as Children's Day.
Ekadashi (from Sanskrit "eka" - one, "dasha" - ten) occurs three lunar days before the new moon and full moon. The oldest Vedic tradition says: "Ekadashi is the mother of devotion", because on this day everyone gets the opportunity to focus on their relationship with God.
December 11-12, 2016, November 30 - December 1, 2017. Mawlid al-Nabi (Nativity of the Prophet Muhammad)
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated across India with traditional celebration and religious fervor. Muhammad was born in 570 AD. and he is revered as the last Prophet of Islam. The Muslim era began with his immigration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, where he proclaimed himself a messenger of God and received the Qur'an, the holy text of the Islamic faith, from the Almighty at the age of forty. A few years later, he returned to Mecca, where the Kaaba was erected as a pilgrimage destination for Muslims. The prophet died in 632 CE.
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th. It is one of the most significant holidays of Indian Christians.
The Indian calendar is an almost continuous series of state, religious, folk and other holidays and festivals. During one day, several different celebrations can take place at once. And since many of them are celebrated according to a special schedule (lunar or religious calendar), often in different years the same holiday can be celebrated in different months.
January 1 - New Year.
January 26 - Gantantra Divas, Republic Day, the main national holiday of India.
February 4th is Swami Vivekananda's birthday.
February 17 is a celebration in honor of Saraswati Vasant Pachami.
February 26 is Purim.
February 28 - National Science Day.
February-March - Holi, the holiday of the onset of spring.
March 8 is International Women's Day and Swami Dayanand Saraswati's birthday.
March 17 - St. Patrick's Day.
March 21 - Baha'i New Year.
March 21-22 - Navruz (Jamshed Navaroz), the New Year of the Zoroastrians.
March 24 - Palm Sunday.
March-April - Mahavira Jayanti, the birthday of the founder of Jainism.
March-April - Easter.
April 21 - Ramnavani festival in honor of Rama.
April-May - Buddha Jayanti, the birthday of the Buddha, the main holiday of Buddhists.
April-May - Baisaki, the first day of the Hindu new year and one of the main holidays of Sikhism.
April-May - Eid ul-Azha (Eid ul-Zuha, Bakr-Eid), the Feast of Sacrifice is one of the two main Muslim holidays.
May 1 - Labor Day.
May 9 - Birthday of Rabindranath Tagore.
May 11 is National Technology Day.
May - Trinity.
May-June - Eid e-Milad (Mawlid al-Nabi), the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.
May-June - Muharram (Tajiya), a day of mourning for Muslims.
July 24 - Guru Purnima, Guru Day.
August 15 - Independence Day, Swatantrata Divas is a national holiday.
August 20 - Birthday of Rajiv Gandhi.
August-September - Janmashtami, Krishna's birthday.
August-September - Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayaka), Ganesh's birthday.
August - Khordad-Sal, the birthday of Zarathushtra - the main holiday of the Parsi community.
the beginning of September is the Jewish New Year, or the holiday of Rosh Hashanah.
September 5-7 - Teacher's Day.
September 16 is Yom Kippur.
September-October - Dashahra (Dussera, Dussera, Durga Puja), Devi's day of worship, one of the most popular holidays.
October - 10-day celebrations of Navratri and Daser.
October 2 - Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
October - Eid in-Milad (Eid in-Milad, Barah-Vafat), days of memory of the Prophet Muhammad.
October-November - Diwali (Deepavali, Bandi-Khor-Divas), the Festival of Lights and the Goddess of Prosperity Diwali, one of the most popular folk holidays and the last day of the year according to the Hindu calendar.
October-November - Annakut or Bestu Varsh, Hindu New Year.
September-November - the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims.
November 2 - Dan-Teras, the day of worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth.
November 12 - Birthday of the founder of Baha'i Baha'u'llah.
November 14 - Children's Day (Bal Diwas) and Jawaharlal Nehru's birthday.
November 19 - Birthday of Indira Gandhi and Dev Diwali (Tripurari Purnima) a holiday in honor of Shiva, a day of inner purification.
December 17 - Ramadan-Eid (I'm going "letter-Fitr, Eid ul-Fitr), the holiday of the end of the month of Ramadan. December 25 - Christmas.
In 2008, Ramadan falls on the period from 1 to 29 September, in 2009 - from 21 August to 20 September. It should be taken into account that all dates of religious events in the Islamic calendar begin at sunset and last until the next sunset.
Photo - Valery Garkaln
Major holidays in India in 2018 and 2019
1st of January. New YearCurrently, the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar, i.e. January 1 is celebrated mainly by Christians in India. On this day, bells ring in churches, and in large port cities at midnight, steamboat whistles announce the New Year. New Year cards are sent to relatives and friends, people exchange congratulations when they meet.
January 5, 2018, January 13, 2019. Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh
The birthday of the tenth and last Guru Gobind Singh is celebrated by the Sikhs. On this day, large processions are organized and special prayers are said in all Sikh temples - gurudwaras.
January 17, 2019. Putrada Ekadashi
The Hindus themselves never call themselves Hindus, just as the Chinese never called themselves Chinese and the Arabs never called themselves Arabs. Just as the British saw in the Chinese porcelain merchants (china is translated from English as porcelain), and the Mesopotamians in the representatives of the tribes that invaded Mesopotamia from the south, the desert dwellers, vagrants and nomads (this is how the word al-arab can be translated), the Hindus called the Persians (hindu comes from the name of the river Sindhu - modern Indus).
The Hindus themselves call their country Bharata-varsha, and themselves Bharatas or Aryans. “Aria” originally carries “one who knows the true meaning of life”, and “bharat” means “descendant of Bharata”, the great emperor of the whole Earth in ancient times. The tradition of celebrating Putrada Ekadashi (Putrada Ekadashi) is as ancient as the history of the emperor Bharata himself, described in the Vedas and Puranas (it is believed that the Puranas contain a description of historical chronicles for the last 60 kalpas, the duration of one kalpa is 4,320,000,000 years).
January 13 (does not change). Lori
Lori (Lori or Lohri) is celebrated annually on January 13th in North India. During this holiday, bonfires are lit as a symbol of the end of the harsh winter. The fire is associated with Lord Agni (Agni - fire).
January 14, 2018, January 15, 2019. Pongal is a harvest festival in India
The Pongal Harvest Festival is celebrated in January after the winter solstice. The date of Pongala is determined on the basis of the solar calendar, so it does not change from year to year. Pongal days are extremely auspicious for Hindus.
January 26 (does not change). Republic Day in India
Republic Day was introduced in 1950 and is celebrated annually on January 26th. The day is celebrated by the widest sections of the country's population. A characteristic feature of this holiday is the organization of festive processions in Delhi.
January 28, 2018, February 16, 2019. Jaya Ekadashi
The festival of Jaya Ekadashi (Jaya Ekadashi) carries the idea of loving service (bhakti), which is completely opposite to the idea of sexual satisfaction (kama). Very often, Krishna, whose name is translated as the Source of Eternal Pleasure, which is the personification of Pure Love, is confused with the deity of lust and passion, which, according to the Amara-kosha dictionary, has five names: Kandarpa - “the deity of love”, Darpaka - “preventing events”, Ananga - "having no physical body", Kama - "passion personified", Pancha-saraikh - "holding five arrows (taste, touch, sound, smell and image)".
The rules and regulations of Jaya Ekadasi are there to engage one in pure activities that can please Krishna. In addition to the fact that Jaya Ekadashi destroys all the effects of sins and relieves the heavy burden of material existence, this ancient festival is the "mother of loving devotion."
January 12, 2018, January 31, 2019. Shat-tila Ekadashi
The ancient Vedas indicate several ways of obtaining knowledge: pratyaksha, anumana, shabda. Pratyaksha (from Sanskrit "aksha" - eye) is the path of empirical knowledge, the path of experience
February 11, 2018, March 2, 2019. Vijaya Ekadashi
Vijaya Ekadashi bestows the result that its name suggests (“vijaya” means “victory”). In India, every person from childhood knows the story of the Ramayana, which tells about the divine love of Rama and Sita. And it is connected with the Indian epic "Ramayana", which tells about the victory of Rama over the demon Ravana. Anyone who observes the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi will also always be a winner in this mortal world, and then return to the kingdom of God. It is believed that the power of this fast can destroy all sinful reactions of even the most disgusting person. Sri Krishna also concluded that everyone who reads and listens to this story will receive the same benefit as the one who performs sacrifices.
February 13, 2018, March 4, 2019. Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is also called the "Great Night of Lord Shiva", celebrated in honor of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It falls on the month of Magha (February-March)
February 26, 2018, March 17, 2019. Amalaki Ekadashi
The celebration of Amalaki Ekadashi is a very ancient tradition that dates back to time immemorial. It is described in the Brahmanda Purana (the Puranas are called the Fifth Veda).
March 2, 2018, March 21, 2019. Holi - a festival of colors
Holi is the most colorful and vibrant festival in India.
March 30, 2018, April 19, 2019. Catholic Good Friday (Good Friday)
Christians devote Friday of Holy Week - the last week of Great Lent - to the memory of the suffering of the Savior. Christians of India celebrate this day throughout the country, but especially in Mumbai, Goa and the North Eastern states of India.
April 1, 2018, April 21, 2019. Catholic Easter
Although the number of Christians in India is approximately 2.5% of the total population of the country, the Easter holiday is celebrated with pomp and religious obsession.
March 13, 2018, April 1, 2019. Papamochani Ekadashi
The ancient Vedas convey that Papamochani Ekadashi prevents the influence of spirits and demons on a sincere person full of faith. The purpose of celebrating Papamochani Ekadashi is to establish a person in virtue, which equally benefits the person and society, and also pleases God. The history of this holiday is connected with the concept of karma (“activity”). The law of karma is simple and inexorable: the present is a consequence of the past and the cause of the future. If a person is dissatisfied with his present, he must understand that such a situation is the result of his activities in the past, which, however, can be overcome by virtuous deeds.
March 18, 2018, April 6, 2019. Chaitra Navratri, Vasanta Navratri
Vasanta Navaratri - the nine nights of the Mother Goddess in spring.
On amavasya (new moon) at the beginning of the month of Chaitra (March-April), the celebration of Vasanta Navaratri begins (Vasanta Navaratri) - nine spring nights dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The autumn nine nights are celebrated at the beginning of the month of Ashwin (September-October).
According to the mythological narrative in the Puranas, the Great Goddess Durga, the personification of the Shakti of all gods, fought demons for nine days and nights, finally defeating the most powerful of them, Mahishasura. This is described in Markandeya Purana, Devibhagavata Purana, Chandi Purana and other scriptures. The most important part of the Markandeya Purana is the famous Devi Mahatmya (Glorification of the Goddess), read daily on the night of the Navaratri holiday. Both holidays - both spring and autumn - are celebrated as the victory of the forces of light, personified by the Mother Goddess. In some areas of India, during the spring festival, more attention is paid to the figure of Rama and the playing of the mystery of the Ramayana, with special reverence for the ninth day - Rama Navami.
Ram Navami
On the last day of Vananta Navaratri, Ram Navami is celebrated. The birthday of the seventh incarnation of the mighty Vishnu - the legendary King Rama - is celebrated in the month of Chaitra. The hero of the Ramayana is an ideal and at the same time a very real person - a king, and a faithful son and brother.
April 13 and 14 (does not change). Waisaki (Baisaki) - Sikh New Year
In the Indian state of Punjab, one of the most beloved Sikh holidays, Vaisakhi, is celebrated on April 14. For the Sikhs who inhabit Punjab, this is both a religious holiday, a harvest festival, and New Year's Day.
March 27, 2018, April 15, 2019. Kamada Ekadashi
Purity and perfection are the distinguishing characteristics of the original poetry of the ancient Vedas. The first verses-hymns, embodied in song and dance, were performed in Sanskrit (literally, this is “purified to perfection”). To say that the first verses were “written” in this language would be a mistake, since in ancient times writing was not required: the hymns were so perfect that it was impossible not to remember them because of the vivid impression (samskara) that they once left in the soul who heard them. This is how the Vedic tradition arose - the tradition of oral transmission of poetic hymns, which are not only a model of aesthetic, but also ethical perfection. This is a celebration of the ancient tradition of oral transmission of Vedic hymns. The wishes of every fasting person on this day are fulfilled.
March 29, 2018, April 17, 2019. Mahavir Jayanti
The birthday of the founder of the religion of Jainism Mahavira (Mahavir Jayanti), 24 and the last tirthankara (Sansk. "leading across the ocean", that is, a prophet who leads through life) is the main holiday of the Jains.
April 12, 2018, April 30, 2019. Varuthini Ekadashi
According to ancient tradition, the celebration of Varuthini Ekadashi is described as follows. Firstly, celebration can alleviate or completely relieve a person of suffering, and secondly, celebration can become the foundation for achieving the constancy of a successful and happy life. The ancient Vedas say: "All the benefits of observing austerities and penances for a thousand years are achieved by those who celebrate Varuthini Ekadashi."
April 26, 2018, May 15, 2019. Mohini Ekadashi
Mohini Ekadashi, like the rest of the "eleventh day", is an ancient spiritual tradition. The essence of this holiday, around which there is a whole philosophy, comes down to somehow elevating a person above his everyday life, everyday life. A person tends to dissipate, forget and completely forget - such is the nature of man, but the nature of the soul is completely different! The celebration of Mohini Ekadashi is aimed at making a person remember himself as a soul by performing natural activities for the soul.
May 22, 2018, May 12, 2019. Buddha Purnima
Today marks the most sacred holiday of the Buddhist calendar - the Birthday of Buddha (Buddha Purnima), the founder of Buddhism. According to legend, Buddha was born on this day in 623 BC, on the same day he attained enlightenment and in 543 BC. On the same day he died, having reached full nirvana. Thus, all three major events in the life of the Buddha are celebrated simultaneously.
May 11, 2018, May 30, 2019. Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is an ax used to cut down a mature tree of sinful deeds. Apara Ekadashi is the sun flashing before someone's black atrocity. Apara Ekadashi is the ego-lion stalking the doe of godlessness. In order to free himself from the worldly and sinful, from the corporeal and sensual, from the selfish and demonic, a reasonable person seeks to use the favorable opportunity to use the priceless life to satisfy God. Studying the scriptures, serving saints and teachers, and helping the needy are those deeds that attract the attention of God, who is able to purify the soul surrendered to him with one glance.
July 9, 2018, June 29, 2019. Yogini Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi is a holiday celebrated every eleventh lunar day of the lunar cycle by all those who know the traditions and culture of the Ancient East. Life is given in order to rise up through service to the Highest. The celebration of Yogini Ekadashi is a direct path to the perfection that we once lost.
July 14, 2018, July 4, 2019. Rath Yatra in India
Rath Yatra (literally "chariot parade"), the annual religious festival of the removal of Lord Jagannath (one of the forms of Krishna-Vishnu) from the temple on a giant chariot. Celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June-July).
July 27, 2018, July 16, 2019. Guru Purnima
Hindus attach the greatest importance to spiritual Masters (Gurus). They are often equated with God and are considered mediators between man and the Almighty.
August 15 (does not change). Indian Independence Day
Every year on August 15, India celebrates the biggest holiday - Independence Day (Independence Day in India) - the anniversary of India's independence from Great Britain. Independence Day has been celebrated since 1947.
August 26, 2018, August 15, 2019. Raksha bandhan in India
Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi as it is more commonly known, falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (July-August). On this day, ritual ablutions are performed on the banks of rivers, lakes and ponds, coconuts are thrown into the sea as a reproach to the God of waters Varuna. Raksha bandhan is of great importance for brothers and sisters. The main ritual of the holiday consists of tying a consecrated string "rakhi" around the brother's wrist. With this, the sister wishes well-being and prosperity to her brother, while the brother swears to protect her from all troubles and help in all problems.
September 2, 2018, August 23, 2019. Krishna Janmashtami - Appearance Day of Krishna
The holiday is celebrated in honor of the birthday of Krishna (Krishna Janmashthami) - the eighth incarnation of the god Vishnu. According to legend, he was born at midnight on the eighth day of the month of Shravan (July-August).
September 13, 2018, September 2, 2019. Celebration of the birth of Ganesh Chaturthi
The birthday of the God of wisdom and abundance Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi) with the body of a man and the head of an elephant - the remover of obstacles, the son of Shiva and his wife Parvati - is celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August-September).
August 25, 2018, September 11, 2019. Onam festival
Onam Festival is a colorful harvest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. According to legend, the mythical king of ancient Kerala - Mahabali, or Maveli, comes to her lands on the day of Thiruvonam, and his devotees celebrate the Golden Era, which lasted at that time. Patterned flower carpets called Pookalam are laid out in front of the houses. The tradition of laying flowers at doorsteps is very popular in Kerala, and these beautiful, short-lived works of art are maintained throughout the ten-day festival by the daily addition of many fresh flowers of various colors, which are laid out by girls singing folk songs.
The rich folklore of the people of Kerala is fully reflected in the Onam festival. Here you can see the national costume, try folk cuisine, watch traditional games and dances, see the elephant parade and boat races, and, of course, hear folk songs.
September 17th (no change) Puja Vizhvakarma - the day of all craftsmen and architects
Vizhvakarma - This god is revered by manual laborers who work with tools. Vishvakarma is the main deity of all craftsmen and architects. The son of Brahma, he is the divine draftsman of the universe and the builder of the palaces of all the gods. He is also the designer of all the gods' flying chariots and weapons.
October 2 (does not change). Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Gandhi's birthday
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India in honor of the birthday of an outstanding leader of the national liberation movement of the Indian people.
October 19, 2018, October 8, 2019. Dussera (Dashera, Dussera)
Dashahra (Dussehra) - one of the most popular and colorful Hindu holidays is celebrated in the month of Ashvin (September-October) for 10 days, of which 9 nights are devoted to worship (hence another name for the holiday - Navaratri.
August 21, 2018, August 11, 2019. Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayram)
One of the most popular Muslim holidays, dedicated to the sacrifice of Ibrahim his son Ismail. It falls on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim calendar Dhul-Hijjah and lasts three to four days.
November 7, 2018, October 27, 2019. Diwali - festival of lights
Diwali or Deepavali (Diwali or Deepavali), which in Sanskrit means "flame cluster" - the festival of lights, celebrated everywhere in India and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It falls at the beginning of the month of Kartik (October-November).
November 14 (does not change). Bal Diwas - Children's Day in India
The birthday of an outstanding statesman, the first prime minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru, November 14, 1889 - 1964) is celebrated throughout the country as Children's Day.
December 3, 2018, November 22, 2019. Utpanna Ekadashi
Ekadashi (from Sanskrit "eka" - one, "dasha" - ten) occurs three lunar days before the new moon and full moon. The oldest Vedic tradition says: "Ekadashi is the mother of devotion", because on this day everyone gets the opportunity to focus on their relationship with God.
December 4 (does not change). Indian Navy Day
On December 4, India celebrates Navy Day in India. The day when the navy, having carried out Operation Trident, played a significant role in the bombing of the port territory in Karachi during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.
November 20, 2018, November 9, 2019. Mawlid al-Nabi (Nativity of the Prophet Muhammad)
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated across India with traditional celebration and religious fervor.
Muhammad was born in 570 AD. and he is revered as the last Prophet of Islam.
The Muslim era began with his immigration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, where he proclaimed himself a messenger of God and received the Qur'an, the holy text of the Islamic faith, from the Almighty at the age of forty. A few years later, he returned to Mecca, where the Kaaba was erected as a pilgrimage destination for Muslims. The prophet died in 632 CE.
December 25th. Catholic Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th. It is one of the most significant holidays of Indian Christians.
About time in India
The text was written in 2011 according to the Christian calendarIf a traveler is going to India, then it will be interesting for him to know that most of the inhabitants of Hindustan have long been living in the twenty-first century. Here, "in the Indian court" - 2068 according to the Vikram calendar, which is noted in all official calendars. If this fact upsets you, and you do not want to rush time, then in this territory there is a chance to plunge into the past, not only coming into contact with unique traditions that have come down from antiquity, but also in real time space. According to the Shaka (Saka) calendar in India, it is now 1926, which is also officially recognized. Of course, the Christian year 2004 is also accepted by all Hindus - somehow you have to survive in a single information space, but if you decide to visit the Muslim regions, you can mark the year 1426, and in the Buddhist territories - 2132. If you travel around India for a long time and forgot, in what year did you enter this sacred land, then do not despair - buy a newspaper. It always indicates all the years that are now valid on the territory of Hindustan. Your business is only to choose depending on the state of mind and body.
Only for doing business and public affairs, Hindus use the generally accepted names of the months. For a traveler and discoverer, you need to stop thinking about what month you arrived in India and when this or that holiday will take place. In mid-April, for example, there is a chance to celebrate the New Year, i. new reckoning. Reference literature often lists the names of the months in Hindi. If you wish, you can learn the language, but this will not give you an exhaustive opportunity to understand the time. Some states have their own names of months, which do not always coincide with the generally accepted ones. If you saw information that some sacred holiday is held on the 20th of the Indian month of Bhadon, then this means that it will be celebrated somewhere in early September. It is necessary to look in the official calendar when Bhadon begins this year and determine the exact date.
Photo by Valery Garkal
local holidays
Makar Sankranti (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) A holiday in honor of the arrival of spring and the rising of the sun in the North. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and parts of Andhra, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship. Sesame and sugar sweets on this day are symbols of generosity and generosity to everyone. Women put on new clothes, treat each other with sweets and give gifts.Thai Pusam (Tamil Nadu)
This festival is usually celebrated in the temples of Kartikey or Mariamman. Near the temples, ditches were dug filled with burning coals for the faithful to walk through. People who voluntarily decide to walk with faith in God do themselves no harm. The head priest of the temple and the 12 "young heroes" who are to perform this feat are the first to leave the temple in procession to take a bath, sprinkle themselves with colored powder and start dancing. Then they walk over hot coals and come out without a single wound. All this is accompanied by singing and fun, which continues until late.
Float Festival (Tamil Nadu)
This magical festival is celebrated in Madurai on the night of the full moon. Drawn images of two gods, Sundares (the hypostasis of Shiva) and Meenakshi (the hypostasis of Parvati), with pearl crowns on their heads and riding a golden bull, are taken out of the Meenakshi temple. God Alagar (the incarnation of Vishnu) gives his sister Meenakshi to wife Sundarese with great joy. Believers dressed in yellow and red dance in the crowd and douse each other with colored water. Images of the gods are sent on a raft through the water among flowers and burning lamps.
National Kite Festival (Gujarat)
In Gujarat and other western states, the change in wind direction on Makar Sankranti is celebrated by flying thousands of colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. Young people compete with each other in kite flying. The snakes are handmade and the threads are coated with glass powder mixed with resin or refined wheat flour. This day ends with a kite-flying tournament in which the money, the cups, are the prizes for the winners. Special kites with paper lamps fill the night sky with myriads of twinkling lights.
Kerala Village Fair (Kerala)
Mid-January is the time for cultural celebrations in the villages around Kovalam every year. Traditional thatched huts are decorated during this ten-day festival and become the venue for celebrations with dancing, music.
Bikaner Festival (Rajasthan)
The celebration begins with a beautiful procession of decorated camels. This colorful spectacle of beautifully decorated camels captivates viewers with its charm and brilliance. Various competitions are held, with splendor and fun typical of Rajasthan, rhythmic music.
Pattadakal Dance Festival (Karnataka)
Dance festival in Pattadakal (Karnataka), the ancient capital of the Chalukya dynasty.
Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)
The Desert Festival is held in the golden city of Jaisalmer and lasts for three days with music, fun, dancing. Dancers swaying to the traditional tune, a turban-tying competition and the selection of the Lord of the Desert are all part of this folk festival. The grand end of the holiday is a trip to the sand dunes in Sam, where you can have fun with a camel ride, performance of folk dances and music on the sand.
Goa Carnival (Goa)
In February, a carnival is held in Goa. For three days, the legendary King Momo arranges a carnival and the streets come alive with fun. Evenings during the week are the time for celebrations.
Nagaur Fair (Nagaur)
Nagaur comes alive during the annual community festival, which is one of the largest in the country. Nagaur bulls are known for their swiftness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with trading between buyers and sellers. Once prices for horses, bulls, camels are set, the day continues with games, competitions, camel runs and ballads that create a fun atmosphere.
International Yoga Week (Rishikesh)
A week of yoga is held on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. Lectures and demonstrations are held by renowned yoga representatives throughout the week.
Elephanta Festival (Elephanta Island)
The festival is held on Elephanta Island, near Bombay, near the Elephanta Caves. This festival of music and dance is celebrated under the stars and turns the entire island into a huge hall.
Deccan Festival (Hyderabad)
Every year, tranquil Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Feast. Cultural programs are held with reading gazelles at night, riddles, and jokes. Performances with sparklers are arranged. The food festival offers visitors the best of Hyderabadi cuisine.
Taj Mahotsav (Agra)
The ten-day Taj Mahotsav in Agra is a cultural platform that presents unique Indian crafts and cultural nuances. This is a festive performance of India and the state of Uttar Pradesh. Folk music, poetry and classical dances, as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food feast are all included in the program of the holiday.
Surajkund Crafts Mela (New Delhi)
To get acquainted with traditional Indian crafts, a crafts festival is held annually in Surajkund. Experienced craftsmen and artisans display their creations and handicrafts in a rustic setting. A cultural program and rustic cuisine are also part of this colorful celebration.
Chapchar Kut (Mizoram)
A cute holiday in Mizoram to celebrate the arrival of spring. This is the time for dancing, music and fun.
Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
A ten-day celebration of dance, drama and music. The exhibitions present art and folk crafts, representatives of local flora and fauna and the underwater world. Additional entertainment: water sports, games and parachuting.
Gangaur(Rajasthan)
The holiday is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of the goddess Parvati, and lasts 18 days. Celebrated by girls and married women in Rajasthan. The image of Gauri is decorated with ornaments, offerings are made to her. This is also the time for young people to choose their life partner. A bright procession accompanied by musicians, horses and palanquins turns the holiday into a fantastic performance.
Jamshed-E-Navroz (Jamshed Navaroz - New Year's Day)
Celebrated by the Parsi community. It goes back to the legendary Persian king Jamshed, the compiler of the solar calendar. The Parsees put on new clothes and decorate their houses with patterns of metal and flowers, and exchange sweets. They then visit the Fire Temple, where they express their thanks.
Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)
A festival of classical Indian dance, which is held during the week of the temples of Khajuraho, built by the rulers of Chandella.
Elaphant Festival (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
A holiday where elephants are the central figures of the performance. They walk at a slow pace, displaying their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses accompanied by folk dancers. The highlight of the holiday: elephant running competitions and polo matches. The pinnacle of the holiday is a tug-of-war competition between humans and an elephant.
Hoysala Mahotsava (Karnataka)
A dance festival held in Belur and Halebid, in the Hoysala temple.
Ellora Festival (Ellora Caves, Maharashtra)
A festival of dance and music organized in the amazing surroundings of the Ellora Caves.
Banking day April 1
All banks and financial institutions, most offices and government agencies are closed.
Gudi Padva or Ugadi (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)
It marks the beginning of the new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. Gudi Padva is considered to be one of the four most auspicious days of the year when people start new ventures. According to legend, Brahma created the world on this day, so at this time he is especially worshiped. It is also believed that the god Vishnu appeared on this day in the avatar of Matsya, the fish. A gudi (banner) made of silk and with a swastika sign is raised in honor of victory and joy and marks the return of the valiant Marathas home after successful wars of conquest.
Pooram (Trichur, Kerala)
In early April, the people of Kerala start looking for the best elephants in the state. Every temple in Kerala sends a procession of decorated elephants to Trichur to participate in the Puram festival. Groups of decorated elephants stand opposite each other while drums and nadaswarams play music. The holiday ends with fireworks.
Muharram (All India, Muslim holiday)
Muharram is a day of mourning for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad Hussein. Processions and processions where you can see masked dancers and self-torturing religious fanatics. This procession is especially impressive in Lucknow. In the southern part of India, tiger dancers can be seen - these are men, completely painted with stripes and dressed in tiger masks, they lead the procession. Day off for the Muslim community.
Mewar (Rajasthan)
Celebrated in Udaipur to celebrate the arrival of spring. The peak of the festival is the procession of women who carry images of Gaurir to Lake Pichola. The celebration includes cheerful singing, dancing, religious music concerts and fireworks.
Urs (Ajmer, Rajasthan)
Urs is celebrated annually in memory of the Holy Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the day he was reunited with God. Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay their respects to the saint. In honor of the saint, kavalis poems are sung.
Ganga Dussera (Uttar Pradesh)
Ten days of this holiday are devoted to the worship of the river Ganges. According to legend, the Gangavataran, or descents to the Ganges, were created during this time. Believers touch the water, dip into it and take the clay to take home. In Haridwar, they perform the rite of arati, a large number of believers pray on the banks of the river.
Hemis Festival (Jammu and Kashmir)
Celebrated in Hemis, one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, in honor of the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava. Bright dance numbers are performed in masks to the sounds of cymbals, drums and horns. The exhibition of beautiful handicrafts is the difference of this holiday.
Rathyatra (Orissa)
The festival is held at the famous Jaganath Temple in Puri. The image of the god Jaganath, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out of the temple in palanquins to their summer temple for a week. The main palanquin is 14 meters long and 10 meters wide with 16 wheels. Millions of believers pull huge palanquins on ropes, and believe that this will bring them salvation.
Nag Panchami (West Bengal, Maharashtra, South India, Himachal Pradesh)
Naga Panchami (Snake Worship Day) dates back to the pre-Aryan period. On this day, especially in the villages, they worship the cobra or its image, a symbol of energy and prosperity. In Maharashtra, the serpent-bearing magician walks with a cobra from house to house, begging for alms and clothes. The women offer milk and cooked rice to the snakes and gather around to watch the snakes move to the tune of the punga. During the day, clay images of snakes are worshiped in the houses, and in the evening they are immersed in the sea. In south India, especially in Kerala, serpent temples are filled all day long with people who worship stone or metal images of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Shesha. Day off in some parts of India. The date is wandering.
Janmashtami (Birthday of Krishna, one of the incarnations of Vishnu)
Janamastami is celebrated throughout India, especially solemnly celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), where Krishna spent his childhood. All night long, believers bring donations, religious hymns are sung in temples. Colorful dance festivals are held with performances telling about the childhood of Krishna. In Maharashtra, oriental pots of cottage cheese and butter are hung high in all the streets. Young people play the role of Krishna the child, climb the pyramids and try to break these pots. Day off everywhere. The date is wandering.
Tarnetar Mela (Tarnetar, Saurashtra, Gujarat)
This magnificent and unique festival is held annually at Tarnetara in Saurashtra. The holiday coincides with the celebration at the Trineteshwar temple of the wedding of the legendary heroes of the Mahabharata, Arjuna and Draupadi. The holiday is a wedding market for local tribes - Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. It sells traditional costumes, jewelry and beautiful Tarnetar umbrellas with embroidery and mirror inserts. Additional performances are folk dances such as garba, ras and haro.
Durga Puja (Bengal)
Performed within 9 days of Navratri. Common prayers in Bengal are organized daily in every place. Families visit each other. On the day of Vijoya, the idols are taken out in procession to be immersed in a river or sea.
Banking day 30 September
All banks, financial institutions, most offices and government agencies are closed.
Valmikhi Jayanti
Valmihi Janti October 5th. Birthday of Valmikha, creator of the Ramayana.
Karva Chauth (Northern India)
Celebrated in October. A traditional festival of married women, held in North India, revered by Hindus in India and beyond, and of great social and cultural significance.
India: upcoming tours
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On special days, tens of millions of people gather at special places to swim in its waters.
Holi or the Festival of Colors, is an annual public holiday in India that marks the arrival of spring. Men and women gather in the streets and shower each other with brightly colored herbal powders.
In South India, during Pongal festival (harvest festival) Bulls are released into the streets. And the young men, attracted by large prizes, are trying to catch them.
Diwali holiday- a festival of light. At night, fireworks and firecrackers soar into the sky, announcing the beginning of the festival of light. This is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and in many places in India, Diwali is considered a New Year's holiday.
Dasara Festival (Durga Puja) one of the most important holidays in Hinduism - in honor of the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. These days folk festivities take place, trucks, buses, cars and more are decorated with flower garlands for the holiday.
