Festivals in India take a significant turn in the month of October. The festivals in October are among the popularly awaited ones in the country. The season October ushers in a season of festivities that is both religious and social in nature marked by fun enthusiasm and celebrations.
There are some of the most auspicious festivals that are observed in the month of October.
Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October, 2011)- This is a celebration of the birth anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi the Father of the Nation. There are several cultural programs that are held all over the country in remembrance of the great man who led India's struggle for freedom and popularized the concept of ahimsa or non violence.
Durga Puja Festival (2nd - 5th October, 2011) - One of the celebrated festivals of India this is especially popular in West Bengal. It is celebrated for four days when the Goddess Durga is worshipped. The celebration is done on a large scale in neighborhoods where huge pandals are erected for the occasion. People come out on the streets in huge numbers to see innovative lightings and idols of Goddess Durga.
Navratri Festival (28th September- 6th October, 2011) - This is a nine day festival that culminates in Dussehra. Over the period of nine days there are ritual performed accompanied by dance and music. This is especially popular in the Indian state of Gujarat where a form of dance called Dandia is very popular at this time of the year.
Dussehra (5th October, 2011) - This day is the ninth day of the navratri festival and signifies the day of the victory of truth and justice when Lord Rama was successful in killing the demon king Ravana in the famous Indian epic of Ramayana. On this day huge effigies of Ravan is burnt in select place of the country where people gather to participate in the festivities.
Karva Chauth (16th October, 2011) - This is a festival for all the married women in India especially in North India where this is fervently observed. It starts with a day long fast that is observed by women who apart from offering prayers also pamper themselves with mehndi patterns and music.
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja (11th October, 2011) - Kojagari Lakshmi Puja is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi and is celebrated in states of Bengal, Orissa, and the eastern India and in few areas of west India. It is observed on the full moon day that is Purnima, few days after the Durga Puja. For the Hindus, Goddess Lakshmi is the symbol of wealth and prosperity. People believe that during the Aashin month on the night of Kojagari Poornima night in Aashin month Goddess Lakshmi pays a visit to the places of her devotes to bless them. Hence the devotees organize Laksmi Puja in their homes, in the evening! Women can be seen decorating the houses with beautiful Alpana patterns. One of the preferred and common alpana that can be seen in every household is that of the feet of Goddess Lakshmi.
Dhan Teras (24th October, 2011) - Hindus observe Dhanteras, all across India. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali celebrations. Just 2 days before the festival of Diwali, Dhanteras is celebrated for honouring the incarnation of Vishnu or Dhanyantari. Following the Sagar Manthan that took place between the Asuras and the Devtaas, Vaid Dhanvantri was seen coming out of the sea with an Amruth Kalash. Hence Dhanteras is also called Dhanvantri Jayanti. People on this day, prays for wealth and health for the loved ones and family. Photos or clay idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha is bpought by people. Silver articles, utensils of copper, brass and iron are also bought on this day.
Diwali (26th October, 2011) Deepaawali or Diwali meaning and 'array of lights' is among the celebrated festivals in India. A major and glamorous festival, people from all releigion and background are seen participating in the festival of Diwali. Diwali is observed 20 days after the festival of Dussehra, on the thirteenth day of the fortnight in the Ashwin month. The festival symbolizes the vistory of good, righteousness and light over the bad, evil and the dark. This festival also commemorates the return of Lord Rama's to Ayodhya after 14-years of exile. On this day, homes are decorated with rangolis, lamps and diyas and candles are lit and sweets are also distributed.
Bhai Duj (28th October, 2011) - Bhai Dooj is one of important festivals celebrated in India with great fervor and excitement. It is the festival of the brothers and the sisters for strengthening the bond of love between them. On this propitious day, sisters are seen putting tilak on the forehead of the brothers and praying for their prosperity, well being and long life. In return, the brothers promise to support their sister in all the hardships of life. While 'Bhai' means brother, 'Dooj' means 2 days just after the new moon. The festival of Bhai Duj is celebrated 2 days after the Deepavali.
Halloween (31st October, 2011) - Halloween is observed on 31st of October, every year. It is the festival of fun, usually celebrated in the countries of the west such as Ireland, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. This day is celebrated as a holiday. It is generally the festival of the Christians. The ancestors of the Scottish people and the Irish welsh were cknown as the Celts and 31st of October, happens to be the eve of the Celtic New Year. There is a belief among the people that on this day, ghosts mingled with the living beings. So on this day, people dressed themselves as ghosts to look like the dead souls and also made food for the ghosts. Now Halloween is more of a celebration for the children, who dress up like ghosts on this day and engage in different sorts of fun activities.
Last Updated on 1/4/2011
