Festivals in India

Festival is the tune that man sings when he is off his routine duty. Indeed, sweet is the pleasure after pain, that is hard work that man is obliged to do for his living. Even God Almighty, according to the Bible, took rest on the Sabbath after finishing creation. And the best way to take rest for recuperation is to fill the hours with recreation or collective entertainment. In this way festivals came to stay in human society.

Every race or class of people has its peculiar festival to represent its genius or characteristic likes and inclinations. More than a century back Bengali poet—Iswar Gupta said thus—'Bengal is so much fragmented, still it is full of humor i.e. festivals'. On a festive day our mind takes a holiday. Friends and relatives meet in a gay or jolly mood to beguile the time merrily. It is also on such an occasion that we receive the blessings of the elders and intimates.

Festivals may be religious or social. Most Indian festivals are the legacy of our feudal past.They are harvest-centered. When the reaping is over, after generally a bumper crop, the peasants make merry in a leisurely mood. Durga Puja in Bengal is by far the greatest festival. It takes place when the rains are over and the seasonal crops have been harvested. Likewise the Pongal of Tamilnad and Onam of Kerala are hervest-based festivals. In such days Nature also smiles and assumes a festive look. Men and women put on new Clothes and arrange special dishes. In Kerala Onam festival is marked by specially decorated boat races. In Orissa it is the Char-Khai festival.

In upper India the Dipavali or festival of lights has a great attraction. In Maharashtra Ganapati festival and Sibaji Utsab are the twin festivals of mass participation. In Assam there are `Bihu' festivals, peculiar to each season. Of these the ' Rangila Bihu', marking the advent,of colorful spring, is the most joyful, or hilarious occasion. Each guest is offered a Gamocha or Towel 

as a mark of endearment and love that are expressed in colourful and mixed dances and music. In Panjub 'Baisakhi' or New Year festival is very popular. 

On the occasion of a festival the participants are in an expansive or communicative mood. The conventional barriers of castes, creed, and age vanish. Gossips follow regularly, punctuated with snacks and songs, loud laughter and exchange of pleasantries. An atmosphere of cordiality prevails in such family re-unions or assembly of friends and intimates. All these are impressed in the memory abidingly. Festivals also bring different sections of the community together, strengthen the social bond and these are impressed in the memory of sensitive souls. Festivals also bring different sections of the community together, strengthen the social bond, thereby promoting national integration. Festivals also have a socio-economic side. They make or create work for the artists and artisans. There are producers who make their articles having an eye to festivals. When they are in demand, they sell easily. Thus there arc exchanges of hearts as also of money. Time fleets joyfully until one is aware that (such) a fine day has glided by so imperceptibly. 

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