There are times when you just feel that the four corners of your office or classroom or anywhere you do your thing just isnt that good enough to compensate for all the hard works youve produces thus you sort of seek to venture into other places that might cheer you up. You decide that its time to reward yourself with a little bit of fun and excitement. Its vacation time and what way to kick off your time off from the high stacks of papers to be completed or the requirements due than by spending time on an adventure via Indian festivities.
India is a place where merry-making is ever present throughout the year. This is because Hinduism, a major religion in the country, encourages time allotment not only for fasting and self-purification but also for enjoying and fun-filled feasts and fairs. These series of events are based in rituals that depict various rites of passage involving life, death, and revitalization. The country comes into life as its people share beyond the limits of social status and religious affiliations. Color and music is found scattered across the streets as people dance their way into love and happiness. Celebrations are usually brought about by the changing seasons, harvest time, and those occasions called for by religious reasons.
The Makar Sankranti is one of the celebrations held in the country particularly when it is time to reap the rewards of hard work in the fields. It is done during the period when the sun rises and greets everyone with a gay smile and summer is all upon the nation. The winter has gone away and now it is time to pay homage and gratitude to the good things each element of nature that has lend a gracious and helping hand to each of mans predicament. Different rituals are performed all across India. The regions seated by the coasts pay their respect to Indra via festivals in bountiful harvest.
People in the north engage in a bath ritual which is highly regarded and strictly followed. Charitable works and activities spread out through the nation. Khichri is distributed for free as well as rice and lentils so that the unfortunate and less privileged people also may feel the warmth and nourishment of the celebration. Foods are not the only highlights of the event as kite flying is also done in Gujrat. Festivities may occur in different parts of the nation but the celebration always make one point clear that there should always be unity and solidarity among the countrys population.
Now if you plan to spend your night in a mystical yet cleansing fashion the Maha Shivaratri is the way to go. The celebration is tagged as the Night of Shiva and usually takes flight during night time. This festival is inspired by the deeds of the Lord Shiva who was married to Parvati and on the night of their marriage it is stated that Shiva danced the Tandava which depicts preservation, creation, and destruction.
The event is actually highlighted by the chanting of the Panchakshara Mantra Om Namah Shivaya which involves the saying of Shivas names with utmost respect and focus. When this is done the person is assured to be cleansed and rid of the bad things that he has committed. He then is able to fine his way to the reins of Shiva where he will prosper and live joyfully.
Indian festivals can really fire up your vacation so when the time comes that you plan to navigate around the globe take a moment to think and consider on participating in this once in a lifetime experiences.