Diwali

The word (Dipavali) literally translates as a row of lamps in Sanskrit

[1]
. It is traditional for
adherents of Diwali-celebrating faiths to light small clay lamps (or Deep in Sanskrit: )
filled with oil to signify good over evil within an individual. During Diwali, many wear new
clothes and share sweets/snacks with each other. Some Indian business communities start
their financial year by opening new account books on the first day of Diwali for good luck
the following year.{next para!}In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Lord Raama to his
kingdom Ayodhya after defeating Ravana (the Demon Kin, and also the demons KING) -
the ruler of Lanka in the epic story of Ramayana. It also celebrates the slaying of the
demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Both signifying the victory of good over evil. In
Jainism, Diwali marks the attainment of moksa by Mahavira in 527 BC.
[2][3]
. In Sikhism,
Diwali commemorates the return of Guru Har Gobind Ji to Amritsar after freeing 52 other
Hindu kings imprisoned in Fort Gwalior by Emperor Jahangir. He was welcomed by the
people who lit candles and divas to celebrate his return. Which is why Sikhs also refer to
Diwali also as Bandi Chhorh Divas meaning "the day of release of
detainees".{nextpara}Diwali is considered to be a national festival in India and Nepal. The
aesthetic aspect of the festival is enjoyed around the world regardless of faith.
Onam
Onam is the biggest festival in the South Indian state of Kerala. It falls during the Malayali
month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of the legendary King
Mahabali. Carnival of Onam lasts for ten days and is linked to many elements of Kerala's
culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, Snake Boat
Race and the Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam - the
harvest festival in Kerala.
[nextpara]
Onam is an ancient Dravidian festival which still survives
in the Modern times. The original Harvest festival which fell on the Tamil month of Avani
(chingam) celebrated the annual visit from pathalam of King Maveli. Avanam or Thiru
Avanam (Thiruvonam) used be the day on which the yearly accounts were verified and a
New year started. Though Aryanised in the last 700 years Onam still retains many of its
ancient Dravidian traits. Onam is unique since Dravidian king Maveli is reverred by
people of Kerala from prehistory.[nextpara]According to the legend, Kerala witnessed its
golden era during the reign of king Mahabali. Everybody in the state was happy and
prosperous and king was highly regarded by his subjects. Apart from all his virtues,
Mahabali had one shortcoming. He was egoistic. This weakness in Mahabali's character
was utilized by Gods to bring an end to his reign as they felt challenged by Mahabali's
growing popularity. However, for all the good deeds done by Mahabali, God granted him a
boon that he could annually visit his people with whom he was so attached.[nextpara]It is
this visit of Mahabali that is celebrated as Onam every year. People make all efforts to
celebrate the festival in a grand way and impress upon their dear King that they are happy
and wish him well.
Pongal
Thai Pongal is a harvest festival equivalent to a thanksgiving event celebrated by Tamils
across the world. Pongal coincides with the festival Makara Sankranthi celebrated in
various parts of India. Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over or spill over." The act of
boiling over of milk in the clay pot is considered to denote future wishes for the
family.[nextpara]Makara Sankranti/Thai Pongal celebrates the resumption of the sun's
'journey northwards' where the days get longer. Tamil Hindus dedicate the first grain
harvested to the sun on this 'Surya Mangalya'. The celebration of Makara
Sankranti/Pongal is not confined to the Tamils. It is a pan-Indic event described in the
Mahabharata. Bhishma chose to leave his mortal coils when the sun turned direction
northwards - also known as the Uttarayana. Makara Sankranti is referred to in the Surya
Siddhanta. The Dharma Shastras mention Makara Sankranti. January 14 represents the
climax of the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Mela. It is a traditional holiday/harvest in Andhra
Pradesh, Assam, Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa,
Maharashtra, Nepal, the Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Vishu
Vishu (Malayalam:) is a festival celebrated in the state of Kerala in South India. It is
also celebrated in adjoining areas of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The festival marks the
first day of Malayalam Year and falls in the month of Medam (April May). Vishu follows
the sidereal vernal equinox and generally falls on April 14 of the Gregorian year. This
occasion signifies the Sun's transit to the zodiac - Mesha Raasi (first zodiac sign) as per
Indian astrological calculations. The word "Vishu" in Sanskrit means "equal". Therefore
Vishu is more probably denoting one of the equinox days. Vishu is also considered as the
harvest festival of Kerala and thus the importance of this day to all
Malayalees.[nextpara]Although Vishu (first of Medam) is the astrological new year day of
Kerala, the official Malayalam new year falls on the first month of Chingam (August -
September).[nextpara]The festival is marked with offerings to the divine called Vishukkani.
The offerings consist of a ritual arrangement in the puja room of auspicious articles like
raw rice, fresh linen, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the yellow
flowers konna (Cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called uruli.
A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. This arrangement is
completed the previous night. On the day of Vishu, the custom is to wake up at dawn and
go to the puja room with the eyes closed so that the Vishukkani is the first sight of the new
season. Since the occasion marks the beginning of Malayalam New Year, it is also
considered auspicious to read verses from Hindu Holy book Ramayanam after seeing the
"Vishukkani". It is also believed by some that the page of the Ramayanam to which you
open up will have a bearing on your life in the coming year. Devotees also throng the well-
known temples like Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple to
have a "Vishukkani Kazhcha" on the early hours of "Vishu" day.
Christmas
Christmas (pronounced /krsms/), also referred to as Christmas Day, is an annual
holiday celebrated on December 25 that commemorates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
[3][4]

It is unknown whether this day is Jesus' actual date of birth, and the date of celebration
may have been chosen to correspond with either a Roman festival,
[5]
or the winter
solstice.
[6]
The day marks the beginning of the larger season of Christmastide, which lasts
twelve days.
[7]
The nativity of Jesus, which is the basis for the anno Domini system of
dating, is thought to have occurred between 7 and 2 BC.
[nextpara]
Modern customs of the
holiday include gift-giving, Church celebrations, exchange of Christmas cards, and the
display of various decorationsincluding the Christmas tree, lights, mistletoe, nativity
scenes, and holly. Santa Claus (also referred to as Father Christmas, although the two
figures have different origins) is a popular mythological figure often associated with
bringing gifts at Christmas for children. Santa is generally believed to be the result of a
syncretization between Saint Nicholas and elements from pagan Nordic and Christian
mythology, and his modern appearance is believed to have originated in 19th century
media.[nextpara]Christmas is celebrated throughout the Christian population, but is also
celebrated by many non-Christians as a secular, cultural festival. Because gift-giving and
several other aspects of the holiday involve heightened economic activity among both
Christians and non-Christians, Christmas has become a major event for many retailers.
Ramzan
Ramadan (Arabic: Raman, Arabic pronunciation: [rmdn]) (also written
Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan, Ramdan, Ramadaan) is the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from
eating, drinking, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; from
dawn until sunset.
[1]
Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and
spirituality. Raman is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God (Arabic: , Allah),
and to offer more prayer than usual. During Raman, Muslims ask forgiveness for past
sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify
themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. As compared to the solar calendar, the
dates of Ramadan vary, moving forward about ten days each year as it is a moving holiday
depending on the moon. Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an
were revealed to the Islamic Prophet Muhammad
Holi
Holi, also called the Festival of Colors, is a popular Hindu spring festival observed in India,
Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Srilanka, and countries with large Hindu diaspora
populations, such as Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, the UK, USA, Mauritius,
and Fiji. In West Bengal of India and Bangladesh it is known as Dolyatra (Doul Jatra) or
Basanta-Utsab ("spring festival"). The most celebrated Holi is that of the Braj region, in
locations connected to the god Krishna: Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandagaon, and Barsana.
These places have become tourist destinations during the festive season of Holi, which lasts
here to up to sixteen days
[1]
.