Cultural Events and Festivals of India

Cultural Events and Festivals of India

India is a land which is as diverse as its people. Call it a mosaic of cultures, faiths, customs, music, architecture, languages and food. It has a wealthy cultural background which continues to be preserved beautifully over the years. India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world and this has led to the rise of many different cultures and is one of the world’s oldest living civilizations. The magnificent cultural history of India has carved its own niche and has been an inspiration for other cultures of the world.

The variety of different states and regions of India has made it possible for different religions, ethnicity and culture exist. Each state in India has its own culture and they all stand unified forming one single culture of India. The various arts forms were developed right from the Stone Age and has developed to a much more refined formed of painting as time went by. The custom of painting the exterior walls of houses can still be seen in modern India in many parts of India. Music and dance have developed to a beautiful refined form and took the form of present Indian classical music and dance forms. Different Indian cultures have their own style and tastes in their respected cuisines. Every part and region of India has its own kind of food specialty and famous dishes.

With this rich and varied cultural heritage many Indian Festivals are celebrated by varied cultures and through special rituals. Some local festivities have today gained so much importance that people from all over the world flock to see them. 

Some of the festivals welcome the seasons of the year to celebrate the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions like the birthdays of divine beings and saints ), or the advent of the New Year. Many of these festivals are common to many parts of India and are called by different names in different parts or in a different fashion.

Every celebration or event invariably has their rituals of prayer, seeking blessings, wearing new clothes, decorating the houses, exchanging goodwill accompanied by music, dance and feasting. India is a country where every region and every religion has something or the other to celebrate. The festivals and the cultural events reflect the life-style of its people. Vibrant colors, music and festivity make the country come alive throughout the year.