Independence Day:
Independence Day - a public holiday on the 15th August commemorates India's Independence from the British rule.It is celebrated across the country with meetings and flag hoisting ceremonies.The Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort.
Janmashtami:
Janmashtami is the anniversay of Lord Krishna's birth which is celebrated with great gaiety and fun.In keeping with the Lord's own mischievous moods his childhood pranks are re-enacted in some parts of the country.Devotees fast all the day until midnight and in Mathura (Krishna's birthplace),the festivites last for an entire month.The forming human pyramids to reach prizes tied to a pot of buttermilk is quite popular!
Ganesh Chaturthi:
Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day affair,celebrated in the honour of Lord Ganesha - the elephant headed god.He is worshipped as remover of all the obstacles.More popular in Maharashtra,clay idols of the Lord are brought into the house.Prayers are offered daily for a specific period,before immersing the idol in a pond,lake or sea.Fire crackers explode at all the hours and families buy clay idols of Lord Ganesha - the god of good fortune.On the last day of the festival,the huge idols - some measuring upto a height of 10 meters or more are a regular sight as they wind up thier way to the sea,followed by thousands of devotees singing and dancing to the beats of tasha and dhols.
Drupka Teshi:
Drupka Teshi festival celebrates the first teaching given by the Buddha.
Sravan Purnima:
On this day of fasting,high caste hindus replace the scared thread which they always wear looped over thier left shoulder.
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