October is a very effervescent time in India. As every Indian’s celebrate very passionately, the numerous festivals wholeheartedly and consistently. Each celebration is one of a kind and evokes different feelings in the heart and mind of people. The nation’s legacy and culture reflections can be seen through these brilliant celebrations and famous festivals in India.
The monsoon rain has lessened in most of the places, and the festival spring is in its complete rhythm! Let’s now see how Indians celebrate the month of October.
Navaratri
Date: 29th September 2019 – 7th October 2019
Navaratri is a nine-night festival that marks the Mother Goddess or Shakti in all her manifestations, including Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. In the name of Hindu’s guarding Goddess who battles facing the evil of the world to conquest the good and harmony Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga has various forms, and all of these forms are worshipped during these nine days in different locations.
The festival completes with Dussehra, the victory of good over evil, on the tenth day. Worship and fasting take place during the daytime, while nights are reserved for feasting and dancing.
Indian Music Summit
Date: 4th October 2019 – 6th October 2019
The three-day India Music Summit returns for its third version this year. This event was started by a group of India’s top music professionals, has provided a notable break for music lovers and musicians to engage with music from various genres. A stunningly immersive event with morning baithaks (informal performances/gatherings), masterclasses, concerts, conversations and night sessions.
Durga Pooja
Date: 4th October 2019 – 8th October 2019
Durga pooja is to honour Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, the demon king. On the very same day of Navratri, nine-day lasts festival celebrating for her divine excellency. Natives of Bengal and Odisha are the most dedicated devotees of Durga pooja with immense celebrations and demonstration.
Goddess Durga’s beautifully handcrafted statues are placed in podiums nearly every alley of the city. Durga pooja is more just the universal victory; it speaks about the heritage, vibrant culture and the state’s liveliness. On the closing day of the festival, the statues are carried around the city before submerging in the river.
Dussehra
Date: 8th October 2019
Conveying the message of victory of the good over the evil is the essence of Dussehra. It is celebrated the very next day after the Navaratri festival. This celebration memorialises the defeat of the demon king Ravan by Lord Ram. Giant models of Ravan go up in flame all over India. Though different regions celebrate this festival diverse manner.
Some start at the start of Navaratri, like the Mysore Dasara, while others kick-off on the main day of Dussehra and continue for weeks. Not all are linked with Lord Ram and Ravan, as some are tribal, others are majestic. Goddess Shakti is worshipped in various forms during the same time.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival
Date: 10th October 2019 – 14th October 2019
A non-profit partnership in 2007 between Jaipur Virasat Foundation Mehrangarh Museum Trust paved the way to Rajasthan International Folk Festival or RIFF. The Maharaja Gaj Sing is the chief contributor to the festival and organises in and around the fort Mehrangarh. It intends to parade a common way of life in India and beyond.
The festival lasts for five days has been viewed by UNESCO as a platform for people to showcase their creativity and sustainable development. More than 250 experts from diverse areas around the globe perform in this celebration.
Marwa Festival
Date: 12th October 2019 – 13th October 2019
This festival acknowledges the culture of Rajasthan’s Marwar region. The native folk dancers and singers decorate themselves in gleaming customary attire types of Rajasthan and offer live diversion in the festivity. It’s held for two days over the full moon, in remembrance of the state’s medieval heroes. The festival also includes horse riding, horse polo and bizarrely camel tattooing.
Diwali
Date: 27th October 2019
A family-oriented festival celebrated with great joy and warmth and yes, don’t forget the loud sound of fireworks. One of the biggest festivals in India, it honouring the return of Lord Ram and his wife Sita to their kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating Ravan and rescued Sita from the evil. Lots of small clay lamps (called diyas) and candles are lit and placed in houses. Diwali, as its name conveys, is the “Festival of Lights”.
Let’s celebrate each of these festivals and events in its full glory.
