Onam

Onam is a Hindu festival, celebrated by the people of Kerala in India. Also known as Vamana Jayanti, it solemnizes the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the homecoming

of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. The festival falls in the month of Chingam and lasts for ten days. 

The festival is acknowledged for its colorful and vibrant celebrations like Onnapotan  (a Kerela art form), Puli Kali (Masked leopard dance), intricate flower carpets and the like. Besides these festivities, prayers are being offered in Hindu temples by Hindus and the non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the sacred temples. Onam is a venerated feast for Mahabali, a revered figure since the primordial times.

The celebrations of Onam begin on the Atham day, ten days before Thiruvonam.  The ten respective days of festivity start with 

Atham, followed by Chithira that makes way for Chodi, in succession comes Vishakam subsequently followed by Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and finally comes, Thiruvonam, also known as “Second Onam”. Colors, flowers, new clothes, performing various folk-dance and other cultural activities become the hallmark of Onam. It is the picturesque fervor that adds to the dramatic element in Onam.

It is amazing to see the legacy of Onam going in the modern times. It’s a ritual that marks the succession of the Keralite traditions and customs. People who cannot make it to the festival send their loved ones greeting cards, online and through mails. Greeting cards in Onam keeps the spirit of the festival alive in people near or far. The festival of color and flowers has gained immense popularity. Thus, the ongoing revelry and rejoice! 

Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim holy day that celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting in the Islamic belief. To understand it better, the Arabic words ‘Eid’ means ‘festivity’ and ‘Fitr’ implies ‘breaking the fast’. It falls on Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. The day was commenced by Prophet Mohammad. It brings an air of festivity in the Muslim communities, giving them a sense of brotherhood and unity. The day is observed with a salat i.e. Islamic prayer, usually performed in an open ground or a hall. The festival of Eid is an occasion to eulogize Allah and celebrate his ideals.

Eid also brings to light the humanitarian ideas delivered in the Quran. The festival allows the Muslim brothers perform acts of charity and make them empathize with the poor and the needy. The charity (also called Zakat) includes providing the poor with rice, barley, dates, rice etc, so that the poor can have their belly-fill on the holy day. Also, they need to go to Eid on foot and ask Allah for forgiveness; that gives them humility.

The festivity is furthered with sumptuous cuisines such as Murgh musallam, Mrouziya, Nawabi Biryani; and desserts such as Seviyan, Sheer Korma and the like. Eid-Ul-Fitr is called the ‘Sweet Eid’; for its famous for its sweet dishes. Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the climax of Ramadan, and hence fasting on this day is denied to Muslims. So, the Eid food is quite popular among the Muslim kinsmen. The Muslim brothers staying far greet each other with greeting cards and through the medium of social media. Eid can be understood as a thanksgiving to the mighty God. It is like celebrating Allah as a festival, singing His glory and His supremacy.

Independence Day

The date 15th August, 1947 has now become emblematic of freedom, independence and a shackle-free existence for every Indian. The day reminds the citizens of India of their liberty from an oppressive nation, turning into a self-ruling, peaceful democracy. Every year on the fifteenth day of August, the country flamboyantly monumentalizes the history. The president hoists the national flag jovially at the Red Fort in New Delhi, the capital of India. The Red Fort is further adorned with various cultural activities like folk dances, songs and folk-art. The tableau is indeed a reflection of the colors of India.

The pride in the Independence Day comes about with the commemoration of the struggles of the freedom fighters; they form the backbone of India. People all over the country celebrate the day with the national flag attires, sending each other greeting cards and gathering together; feeling the sense of community. Also, flying kites is yet another popular idea that runs across the nation. Flying kites together is a symbol of liberation and fraternity: the crux of an Independent nation.

Independence Day is a phenomenal experience for every Indian. It is a reminder for the citizens of India that we have to respect, protect and obey the constitution of our country. Moreover, in this age of globalization, the patriotic sentiments are expressed through patriotic poems, e-greeting cards, blogs, and especially through social media. Our nation is growing steadfastly, but we must not forget the hardships faced by our ancestors. We can widely spread our jingoistic spirits by proliferating it among our brothers and sisters across the world.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is celebrated all over India with full zest and vigour in the month of August or September on the ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day in the month of Bhadon according to the Hindu calendar with great devotion and zeal. Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, Srijayanti.

Lord Krishna is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Since Krishna’s childhood is spend in Mathura and Vrindavan,these places are particularly famous for its grand celebrations.

On this auspicious occasion, temples and homes are beautifully illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious hymns are sung in temples.

Devotional songs and Raslila (incidents from Sri Krishna's life are enacted in form of dance) is performed to mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over Northern India.

Janmashtami festivities continue for two days and reach its peak at midnight of the first day. This is the time when Lord Krishna is said to have been born. Devotees fast all day long and break it after the birth of Bhagwan Krishna at midnight.

In some parts of India, Janmashtami is celebrated with the event of dahi-handi. Also in some of the temples little kids are dressed up as Nand-Kishor.

The most enjoyed and the most watched event is that of Dahi-Handiwhich is carried out with much fanfare and joy in which people form human pyramids in order to break the handi (Earthen Pot) suspended from top with the help of a rope. The exciting process involves throwing water by the onlookers to prevent the boys from breaking the earthen pot. Dahi Handi ritual is most popularly celebrated in Mumbai.

People make beautiful Jhankis depicting the entire life of Lord Krishna right from the time of his birth. Various jhankis include bith of Lord Krishna in jail, Vasudev, father of Lord Krishna taking out of the jail to his friend Nand, River Yamuna in floods finally bowing to the feet of Lord and making way, exchange of Lord with the baby girl etc.

Celebrate this holy event by spreading warm wishes and love everywhere.

Friendship Day

Friendship Day is the perfect time to let your friends know how special they are and how cherished is your friendship. The first Sunday of August each year is marked by friendship day celebrations.

Friendship day, was first celebrated in the US in 1935. Since then, this event has been celebrated by people of all ages in several countries, in addition to the U.S. As more nations joined in the celebrations, Friendship Day came to be known as the International Friendship Day. It is celebrated with exchanges of gifts, flowers  and cards.

Friendship is a relationship between two people who hold mutual affection for each other and care for each other. Many qualities are necessary for a good friendship including honesty, trustworthiness, loyalty understanding and support.

A good  friend can provide an immense amount of support and comfort in good as well as bad times. They are the backbone of our childhood fun, college memories  and workplace bonding. Friends are worth one's love and care. 

Friendship day is not just another day to celebrate, party or have fun, it is also about respect that one should learn to give to the friends. So, no matter how busy you are, take out time from your schedule to spend time with your friends.

Cheers to the most loved relationship of Friendship!