The Festivities in India from A to Z

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world when it comes to culture and religions. India celebrates its diversity through its festivals. Throughout the year, there is sprit of celebration in some or the other part of our country. And so much so, that we can list the festivals from A to Z. Presenting some (only SOME) of the Indian Festivals....

Akshaya Tritiya	Also known as Akha Teej. The word "Akshaya" means the never diminishing in Sanskrit and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. It is believed that if you do a charity on this day you will be blessed and will receive blessings many fold.
Bihu	Bihu is the biggest festival of the people of the Assam region. This is truly a regional festival, which brings a sense of solidarity and unity among the people. It comes thrice a year and marks the changes in the seasons.
Chhatt Puja	The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. It is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai region.
Dhanteras	It is the first day of the five-day Diwali Festival. The word Dhanteras, Dhan stands for wealth. On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of the Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being.
Easter	According to Christian scripture, Jesus was resurrected from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion on this day...the Easter Sunday.
Feast of Purim	The Jews celebrate Purim or the Feast of Lots to mark the defeat of God’s enemies and a deliverance of God’s people.
Ganesh Chaturthi	The birthday of Lord Ganesha who is widely worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune.
Holi	The colorful festival bridges the social gap and renews sweet relationships.
Id	Id means recurring happiness or festivity. It’s a day of joy and thanksgiving.
Janmashtmi	It’s a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, an avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
Karwa Chauth	Karwa Chauth is a festival celebrated by all married Hindu women. They observe a fast for the long life of their husbands.
Lohri	It is a festival to worship fire in North India.
Mahashivratri	Mahashivaratri marks the night when Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava'. It is also believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvati.
Navratri	The word Navratri literally means nine nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped.
Onam	Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala. Onam marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali.
Pongal	Pongal is one of the most popular harvest festival of South India, mainly Tamil Nadu. It marks the auspicious beginning of Uttarayan - sun's journey northwards.
Qutub Festival	Qutub Festival is a three day cultural Festival held at Qutub Minar in Delhi the ancient architectural wonder that till date remains one of the most popular, widely appreciated tourist spot of India.
Ram Navami	Ram Navami is celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, the 7th incarnation of the Dashavatara of Vishnu.
Sheetala Ashtami	This Pooja is held in the honour of Sheetala Mata, known to be a form of Goddess Parvarti. There is belief that Goddess Sheetala should be worshiped for protection from epidemic diseases. Sheetala Mata is popular as goddess of chicken pox and small pox.
Tulsi Vivah	Tulsi Vivah is celebrated on the day of Karthik Ekadashi. On this day Tulsi is married to Saaligram.  The Tulsi plant is considered as a most sacred plant by the Hindus as it is regarded to be an incarnation of Mahalaxmi who was born as Vrinda.
Ugadi	Ugadi  is the New Year's Day for the people of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The people of Maharashtra term the same festival, observed on the same day, Gudi Padwa. Sindhis, celebrate the same day as their New Year day Cheti Chand. Manipuris also celebrate their New Year (Sajibu Cheiraoba) on the same day. While it is observed as Baisakhi in Punjab and Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.
Vishu	Vishu is one of the most popular festivals of Kerala. Since it is considered propitious to view good things on this day for year round good fortune, Vishu morning is an important time. The heart of this festival of Kerala is the preparation of the kani (the lucky sight or gift).
Wangala Festival	Wangala Festival is the annual harvest festival held in the state of Meghalaya. The festival is celebrated in honor of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility
X-mas	Christmas is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity
Yellamma Devi Fair	The Yellamma Devi fair is one of the important fairs of Karnataka.  The Yellamma fair is organized in the honor of Yellamma Devi or Renuka, at the Yellamma temple located at Saundatti in Belgaum district.
Zarthost No Deeso	This is the day on which the death anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster symbolically falls. Special prayers are recited and Zoroastrians go to the Fire Temple to pray.

Celebrate Festivals of India... Celebrate India!!

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An Article by Shilpa Garg who blogs at A Rose Is A Rose Is A Rose!