India is a land of diversity with vibrant culture, tradition and colourful festivals. The real colour of these differences can be seen in the festivals celebrated throughout the nation. Let’s see what August has for us:
Teej
Date: August 3, 2019
A much-anticipated and important festival for women in Rajasthan during Monsoon season. It honours the reunion of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvathi. Here, the native woman dress-up in traditional green outfits, put mehndi and carry Goddess Teej in golden palanquin across the city. The rally is accompanied by artists such as folk dancers and singers along with decorated elephants, camels, and horses.
Nag Panchami
Date: August 5, 2019
An age-old tradition of worshipping snakes or serpents observed by Hindus throughout India and Nepal. In Indian, it is seen especially in the rural areas of Maharashtra, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. According to the Hindu Mythology snakes are believed to be dear to Lord Shiva. Hence during Nag Panchami, people carry snakes in procession and devotees dance to the music of snake charmer and seek blessings.
Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
Date: August 10, 2019
A popular and classic festival celebrated in God’s Own Country, Kerala. The thrilling boat race, organised at Punnamda Lake in Alleppey, were bonding, coordination and team spirit are showcased. This eventually marks the commencement of 10 days long Onam festival in Kerala. Aranmula Snake Boat Race is another race which takes place on Pampa River in Alleppey and marks the end of the Onam.
Eid al-Adha
Date: August 11 – 12, 2019
One of the most important festivals for the Muslim community around the world. Popularly known as Bakri Id or the “Festival of the Sacrifice”. This festival acknowledges the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. But, before he could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. This festival is celebrated by sacrificing sheep and goat and cooking the meat and sharing with friends and relatives. Here, the elders give money or gifts to younger ones.
Independence Day
Date: August 15, 2019
Since 1947, India celebrates its independence from Britain on August 15. India will celebrate its 73rd Independence Day this year. Flag hoisting ceremony takes place in Red Fort were our first Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru unfolded the Indian flag. There will be a speech from the current Prime Minister and the march of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary forces, Kite flying and various other programs.
Raksha Bandhan
Date: August 15, 2019
The glorious festival of Raksha Bandhan is celebrated to honour the love and bonding between a brother and a sister throughout India. The sister ties the rakhi- a sacred thread around the brother’s wrist and prays for his long life and well-being, while the brother takes an oath to protect her lifelong.
Krishna Janmashtami
Date: August 24, 2019
A festival to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Mathura displaces this festival in its right colour and ritual as it is the birthplace of the Krishna. This festival is also known as Gokulashtami or Govinda in Maharashtra. On the second day a unique ceremony of “Dahi Handi” takes place in Mumbai. A clay pot containing curd, butter and money is tied up at a height and group of people form human pyramids to compete with each other to break Handi.
There are many more such festivals celebrated in India during August. All these festivals and events eventually bring unity among the citizens and by keeping all the differences aside; we celebrate the diversity of happiness.
