Thread of trust
Few cultures beyond India have an assigned day to cherish the tender relationship between brothers and sisters. Celebrating their meaningful bond, Raksha Bandhan in August sees sisters lovingly tie rakhis on their brother’s wrist in exchange for renewed promises of “protection.”
Long Dance
Navratri, celebrated with gusto in Gujarat and Maharashtra, is remarkable for being the longest dance festival in the world! Nine nights of intense revelry involve two main dance styles- daandiya and garba. While the first uses sticks struck rhythmically to music, the garba involves finely timed handclaps.
Bonfire of the demons
On the tenth day of the half of the month of ashvin, the Dussera drama unfolds across India. Good triumphing over evil and the 10 day war against the demon Ravana, whose effigy is burnt. Places like Karnataka celebrate this in the royal style, with heavily caparisoned elephants parading the goddess Chamundeshwari.
Lamplight and Laughter
Diwali derives from Deepawali – Deepa or “light” and Wali or “row”. Literally meaning “row of lights”, it is the most auspicious time of the year. Diya lamps and glowing sparklers, new clothes, homemade sweets to eat and Rangoli designs outside front doors welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, highlighting this lovely festival.
Saints and Sacrifices
Some festivals are intended for quiet reflection. Muharram is the day to remember the martyrdom of Imam Husain, the grandson of the prophet Mohammed and tazis are taken out in procession. Muslim pilgrims set out in procession in May to the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Muinnidin Chisti.
Shared Cheer
Everyone knows the X’mas story of Christ’s birth, but what about the day after? Interestingly, December 26 came to be called Boxing Day after an old English practice of tradesman receiving ‘Christmas boxes” from kind customers. On the day following December 25 celebrations.
