When thinking of India, many people probably imagine a land filled with snake charmers, beggars, and rickety carts pulled by donkeys. Maybe they think of delicious naan bread, or Hindu deities, or the social caste system. And then there are some people who might imagine it to look just like it did in Slumdog Millionaire. But India today is much more than cows roaming the streets and barefoot children, or any other stereotypes we may have of it; India today is a modern, democratic place where education is important, architecture is beautiful, the economy is thriving, and many people speak English. Their country may be changing rapidly, but Indians have still managed to hold on to traditions that have been around for centuries, and their festivals are known world-wide for their uniqueness and the number of people that participate. Here are five awesome festivals that take place in India every year:
1. Diwali
Diwali, or the Festival of Lights as it is often called, is celebrated by the Hindus, who carry out the traditional activities with their families at home. Small clay lamps filled with oil are lit, and left burning all night long while the house is cleaned to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. If all goes well, she will grant all the celebrants wishes. Firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits, and new clothes and candy are given to everyone.
2. Holi
Holi is one of the happiest festivals in all of India. It is a time to celebrate the incoming of spring, and it is done so by literally covering everything and everyone in color. Holi is a time to celebrate new life, and a new season and is a very fun, energetic celebration. The caste rules are relaxed and people from all walks of life celebrate together. There is dancing, singing, food, paint-throwing, and lots of flirting—who wouldn’t want to participate in Holi?
3. Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Located in the sandstone city of Jaisalmer, this festival is certainly one of India’s wackiest. Lasting three days, the celebration features a camel parade (as well as camel polo matches, camel decorating, gymnastics on camel back, and camel races, of course), turban-tying tournaments, and a competition for the best facial hair.
4. Pushkar Camel Fair
If it wasn’t evident already that camels are well-liked in India, here is another festival that centers around camels. For five days, the small town of Pushkar hosts around 50,000 camels. The animals are traded, raced, shaved, dressed up, entered into beauty pageants, and much more. And as if that isn’t enough entertainment, a huge carnival takes place as well, with magicians, dances, acrobats, and music.
5. Maha Kumbh Mela
Not quite a typical festival, this unique event is a holy celebration that takes place every twelve years. Millions of people come to the town of Allahabad in India to bathe in sacred waters of the Ganges river to wash away their sins. This centuries-old celebration brought in an estimated 60 million people the last time it was celebrated!