Festivals of India – Class 3

Festivals of India – Class 3

India is a land of festivals. Every month has one or more festivals. We Indians celebrate festivals round the year. Some festivals are celebrated across India while some are celebrated only in some states. In India we celebrate national festivals, religious festivals and harvest festivals.

National Festivals of India

National festivals are important to all Indians. It is celebrated throughout India. The national festivals we celebrate are Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.

Republic Day

Constitution of India came into force on 26th January 1950. To mark this day we celebrate Republic Day on 26th January every year. On this occasion a grand parade is held at India Gate in New Delhi. The event is presided by the President of India. The parade begins from Rajghat. Forces of Army, Navy and Air Force march their way saluting the eminent personalities on the dias. The parade is followed with regional dances, patriotic songs and cultural folk music and prominent symbols of each state. The event is also celebrated in various cities of India by the government offices, schools, colleges and other institutions. Bravery awards to military persons, and children for showing courage in the face of adversity are also part of the parade.

Independence Day

On 15th August 1947 India got freedom from British rule. To mark this day we celebrate Independence Day on 15th August every year. On this day Prime Minister of India hoists the National Flag at Red Fort in New Delhi and gives a speech. On this day we remember the freedom fighters who gave their lives for the freedom of our country. As we celebrate independence, we also celebrate the rich Indian culture and tradition.

Gandhi Jayanti

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was one of the biggest contributors to India’s freedom movement. He was also known as Mahatma Gandhi and Father of the Nation. Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869. 2nd October is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti every year. A function is held at his samadhi at Raj Ghat in New Delhi and also across India. The President, Prime Minister and other ministers and political leaders offer prayers at the samadhi.

Religious Festivals of India

We Indians celebrate religious festivals throughout the country. People of India belonging to different religions celebrate their own special festivals. Some very popular religious festivals of India are given below:-

Holi

Holi is one of the most popular festivals of India. It is mostly celebrated by Hindus in Northern part of India such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Rajasthan, etc. Holi is also called the festival of colour. In this festival people pour each other coloured powder called gulal. Holi is celebrated in the spring season because it is welcoming spring and saying farewell to winter.

Dussehra

Dussehra is a popular festival among Hindus. It celebrates the Hindu god Rama’s victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana and the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami. Ramleela, a drance-drama depicting the story of Lord Rama’s life is staged during Dessehra.

Id-ul-Fitr

Id-ul-Fitr is a popular festival among Muslims. It is celebrated to mark the end of a month long period of fasting called Ramzan. In this festival, Muslims offer prayers or namaz at mosques. Muslims wear new clothes and wish each other Id Mubarak.

Gurpurab

Gurpurab is a popular festival among Sikhs. Gurpurab means the festival of the guru. The Sikhs go to gurudwaras to offer prayers. The holy book of the Sikhs called Guru Granth Sahib is read on this day. Huge processions are taken out in towns and cities. It is also celebrated in the Golden Temple at Amritsar.

Diwali

Diwali is a popular festival of Hindus. It is also called Festival of Lights. On this day people decorate their houses with diyas, candles and lights. Rangolies are also made on floors. On this day, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshipped. People wear new clothes and eat sweets. Children celebrate Diwali by bursting firecrackers.

Christmas

Christmas is a festival of Christians. Every year Christmas is celebrated on 25th December to mark the birthday of Jesus Christ. On this day Christmas tree is decorated with sweets and gifts. Children love to receive gifts from Santa Claus.

Navroz

Navroz is a festival of Parsians. On this day Parsi New Year is celebrated. It is celebrated on 21st March. Navroz mark the end of winter and beginning of spring.