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INDIA - CULTURE - HOLIDAYS
November 1, 2005 - Diwali
This is perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India. It is known as the "festival of lights", for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, verandahs, and gardens, as well as on roof-tops and outer walls. In urban areas especially, candles are substituted for diyas; and among the nouveau riche, neon lights are made to substitute for candles. The celebration of the festival is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. As with other Indian festivals, Diwali signifies many different things to people across the country. In north India, Diwali celebrates Rama's homecoming, that is his return to Ayodhya after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king; in Gujarat, the festival honors Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth; and in Bengal, it is associated with the goddess Kali. Everywhere, it signifies the renewal of life, and accordingly it is common to wear new clothes on the day of the festival; similarly, it heralds the approach of winter and the beginning of the sowing season.January 11, 2006 - Makra Sankrant or Makar Sankrant
A festival in India that celebrates of the coming of longer days. Special sweets and cakes are made and they all contain sesame seeds and brown sugar, making this festival particular popular with children! Small silk bags containing sesame seeds mixed with brown sugar are offered to friends with this greeting: "Eat this sweet sesame and speak sweetly to me", with the intention that there will be no quarreling throughout the year. In Gujarat kites are flown by everyone.In Punjab, this festival is called as Lohri. Families gather around a bonfire and feast and dance. Sugarcane, rice, and sweets are tossed into the fire for the Sun God. In southern India the festival is know as Pongal and last for three days. Day one boiled rice is offered to the Rain God, day two the same is offered to the Sun God and on day three the family cattle are bathed and dressed with flowers and bells.
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