Indian Holidays and Festivals

Learning Objective To make children aware about some of the festivals and holidays in India

(Community- All India) Happy new year (1st January) (Community- All India)

(Community- All India) Republic day (26th January) (Community- All India) Marks the anniversary of the adoption of India's Constitution (Laws and Order) on January 26, 1950 Spectacular celebrations are held in New Delhi, with magnificent parade of the Armed Forces and civilians.

Holi (February-March) (Community- Hindus) Bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival, also known as Holika Dahan, in memory of Holika who was burnt* Rangapanchami the second day marks the end of festivities involving colours and commomerates Lord Krishna * The bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlad accomplished when Demoness Holika, sister of Hiranyakashipu, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of god Vishnu, escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion.

(Community- Christians) Easter (March or April) (Community- Christians) Good Friday is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified. Jesus rose from the death on the third day after his crucifixion (Sunday) and ascended into heaven. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are a major attraction during Easter

(Community- All India) Independence day (15th August) (Community- All India) The anniversary of the attainment of India's Independence (August 15, 1947) from the British rule

Ramzan Eid (August – September) (Community- Muslim) Celebrated to mark the end of Ramzan - the Muslim month It is believed to be an auspicious month since the first verses of the Quran (Holy bible) were revealed to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad during Ramazan The faithful gather in the mosques to say prayers. Friends and relatives meet to exchange greetings.

Ganesh Chaturthi (August - September) (Community- Hindu) This festival marks the birth of Lord Ganesh. People buy clay idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets of the town and immersed in water.

(Community- All India) Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) (Community- All India) Marks the occasion of the birthday of Mohandas Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation." He was born on October 2, 1869.

Navarati (September-October) (Community- Hindus) The word Navaratri literally means nine nights During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped.

Dusshera (September -October) (Community- Hindus) The 10th day is Navaratri is commonly referred to as Vijayadashmi or Dussehra Effigy of Ravana is burnt at many places to commemorates the killing of the evil ravana by Lord Rama

Diwali (October- November) (Community- Hindus) The return of Rama after 14 years of Vanavas (banishment). To welcome his return, diyas (ghee lamps) were lit in rows of 20 and hence it is popularly known as the "festival of lights

(Community- All India) Children's day (14th November) (Community- All India) The birthday of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru was fondly called Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru) by the kids

Bakri Eid (November) (Community- Muslim) Commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. Prayers are offered in mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers

Guru Nanak Jayanti (November) (Community-Sikhs) Guru Nank Jayanti marks the birthday of the founder of the Sikh religion - Guru Nanak Dev Guru Nanak was born in 1469, in the village of Rāi Bhōi dī Talwandī, now called Nankana Sahib, near Lahore, Pakistan. Today, his birthplace is marked by Gurdwara Janam Asthan.

Moharram (Community- Muslim) (December) Honor the sacrifice of prophet Mohammed's grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussein. The glittering replicas of his tomb (Tazia), are carried in procession through the streets

(Community- Christians) Christmas (25th December) (Community- Christians) Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ Santa Claus, gifts, cakes, cookies, and the beautifully decorated Christmas tree with a midnight mass depicts he beginning of Christmas.  

Activity Pick a calendar with holidays and ask your child to identify the holidays in the calendar