FESTIVALS AND MYTHOLOGY

Introduction

In pageantry, spectacle and colour, the festivals of India remain unsurpassed and they are as varied as its people. Hindus alone observe about 70. Some of them mark the change of seasons, while many others derive from myth and legend, or commemorate the birthdays of national heroes. Also, there are a number of national festivals which have a special significance for every Indian.

Hindu festivals are occasions for family and social get-togethers when everyone is at his best. They satisfy the aesthetic urges of the people, particularly of women who create remarkable patterns with rice flour and coloured powders right in front of their doorsteps and on the floor within their homes. This design, popularly known as rangoli, is drawn in particular at the place where the family gathers to offer puja (worship) to the appropriate deities. Music, dance and drama figure prominently in most of these festivals.

The more important festivals are below in the order of their occurrence during the year. Pongal (January). This three-day festival is a major event of the year for the people of Madras State. The first day, Bhogi-Pongal, is observed as a family festival. The second day, Surya-Pongal, is dedicated to the sun god, and pongal (rice boiled in milk and jaggery) is offered by women to the deity. The third day, Mattu-Pongal, is dedicated to the worship of cattle. Cattle are offered pongal, their horns are polished and garlands placed round their necks. Community feasts, using freshly-gathered corn, are held at night. Republic Day (January 26). Nowhere is the memorable anniversary of the establishment of the Republic in 1950 celebrated with greater verve and enthusiasm than in Delhi. As soon as the President arrives in State at Raj Path to take the salute, the celebrations commence with a mammoth parade by the Armed Forces, followed by a procession of gaily-dressed school children and finally the colourful pageant comprising tableaux representing aspects of cultural life and constructive activities in various States. The pageant covers a five-mile route, which is thronged by tens of thousands of eager, cheering spectators, and terminates at the Red Fort.

In the evening, the President holds a reception in the Mughul Gardens and there are illuminations and firework displays at various centres in the capital. A feature of the celebrations is the festival of folk dances at which troupes from all parts of India provide glimpses of the people's art in colour and rhythm.

Holi (February-March). Everyone lets himself go on the occasion of this spring festival. Groups of people fill the streets squirting coloured water on passers-by and smearing them with coloured powder. In the afternoon, people exchange visits as a token of goodwill. The evening bonfires are lit. These symbolize the destruction of Holika, the personification of evil.

Buddha Jayanti (May). Meetings are held all over India to commemorate the nativity and Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha.

Car Festival at Puri (June-July). On this day, the image of Lord Jagannatha (incarnation of Vishnu, preserver of the universe), is taken out in a huge 47-foot high chariot supported on 16 wheels with prancing wooden horses in front. Two smaller chariots carrying the deity's brother and sister also form part of the procession. The three chariots, drawn by thousands of votaries, who gather at Puri from all parts of the country, are taken to his garden residence, two miles away. The return of the deities to the temple after eight days is equally spectacular.
Raksha Bandhan (July-August). In the days when gods warred with demons, Sachi, the consort of Indra (the king of the heavens), tied a rakhi (a silken amulet) round his wrist. The rakhi gave him the strength to win back his celestial abode from his enemies. On this day, a sister brings sweets for her brother and ties a rakhi round his wrist. The rakhi is supposed to protect the wearer from evil. The brother reciprocates by pledging protection to his sister and usually makes a cash present to her.