subject: The Holidays Celebrated By Indians [print this page] India, owing to its diverse culture and varied religions, often celebrate many holidays and festivals. There are three major national holidays celebrated not only in India but also in the many other Indian communities in the many countries throughout the world. Despite the differing religions and cultural ties, the following are the holidays that all Indians celebrate wherever they may be.
The Republic Day of India. This public holiday commemorates the day when the Constitution of India came into force throughout the country. The date is January 26 of every year, after the cancellation of the Government of India Act of 1935 in 1950. The celebrations start with the Republic Day Parade at the Raipath in New Delhi. Here the President views the parade of honors to commemorate the declaration of Indian independence from British rule. The actual date of independence was August 15, 1947 but the transition into an independent state with a constitution was undertaken through the Government of India Act of 1935.
The Independence Day of India. This is another public celebration commemorated every August 15th. After the exhaustion of the British Empire with the Second World War, the government relented in the local Indian population's efforts in granting independence to the former British colony. In the agreement of Independence, to forestall any further violence, the country known as India was demarcated into two major countries along religious lines, with India having the Hindi and Sikh areas while the Moslem dominated region would be known as Pakistan. India formally declared independence with Jawaharlal Nehru's Tryst with Destiny Speech. Nehru became the country's first Prime Minister. In commemoration of such event, the Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian flag in the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi. This flag hoisting commemorates India's formal independence from British Rule.
The Diwali Festival. This is a religious festival celebrated by Hindis, Jains and Sikhs throughout India. The celebration is often held between mid-October and mid-November. For traditional Hindus, this is one of the most important festivals of the year where families celebrate in their homes. For Jains, the celebration commemorates the attainment of nirvana by Mahavira. For Sikhs, this is a celebration of freedom of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind who in turn rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive by the Mughals in the Gwalior Fort back in 1619. Common to this celebration is the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. All the celebrants of the festival wear new clothes, share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. This is considered as the Indian Christmas or the equivalent Easter.
These celebrations signify the commonality of Indians throughout the world. With each celebration, the unity amidst the diversity of Indians, be they be in country or as NRIs or PIOs, is showcased for all to see and marvel.
by: Bobby Castro
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