Festivals in India are about connecting with the community. Today, Sri Ram Navami is being celebrated. People visit temples, attend bhajans, and eat the feast provided by the temple or samaj, which is conducting the feast and festivities.
Diwali, which was once held only in India, is now celebrated by many people all over the world. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali represents the victory of good over evil, which is basically darkness or a clouded mindset. Once the light is lit and the way is shown, the darkness evaporates and the mind becomes clear. So, each person celebrates Diwali when his or her bad thoughts are removed and light shines through.
Ganesh Utsav of Maharashtra was limited to the state, but nowadays people all over the country celebrate it. People worship the idol of Lord Ganesha and conduct puja. People are given food and sweets. The idea of bringing about a community together is behind this festival. People are not isolated. They do not feel left out in such circumstances, and they are given the chance to meet and greet.
Festivals also offer the youth to get to know each other well. Sometimes, the elderly might not have the energy to visit each relative or neighbour and introduce their children. Such festivals are a means to let others know that they have marriageable children in their house. Many marriages have been fixed after young people fall in love after meeting at such festivals.
The upcoming festivals in India are Vishu, Baisakhi, Bihu, and Ugadi. Vishu is considered the new year for the people of Kerala. The worship room in the house is decorated, and golden shower flowers are kept before the idol of Lord Krishna, along with fruits, gold, and new clothes, and people wake up on the morning of Vishu and have a darshan of the Lord before doing anything else. Elders give them coins and children burst crackers. A feast is prepared, and people enjoy eating ripe jackfruit and mango as it is the season.
So, next time you come upon a festival in India, try to participate and enjoy the experience.