The two festivals mentioned above are regularly celebrated by ISA. More information on the various festivals celebrated in India can be obtained from
Bawarchi.com
Festivals of India
Traveller's guide to festivals in India
Diwali (The festival of lights):
The word "Diwali" comes from the sanskrit word "Deepavali", meaning a row of light. Every home is indeed lit with the glow of twinkling diyas (small earthen lamps) to welcome Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Multi-coloured Rangoli designs, floral decorations, sumptuous food and fireworks add to the grandeur of the festival. Diwali can be regarded as the most important holiday in India (very similar to the importance of Christmas in the west). It is a time to buy new clothes and articles, clean your homes, get together with your family and relatives, exchange gifts and enjoy delicious meals and fireworks.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Religious significance
Diwali is surrounded by a large number of legends. The most common
legend comes from the epic of Ramayana, wherein Diwali celebrates the
return of Lord Rama after vanquishing Ravana. As such, the celebrations
of Diwali comprise of five occasions (which may fall on five separate
days or some may overlap, depending upon the hindu calendar). Each
occasion has its significance with a number of myths, legends and
beliefs. The first day is called Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi.
This day has great importance for the rich merchantile community.
Houses and business premises are renovated and decorated to welcome
Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The second day is called
Narka-Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. This day celebrates the slaying the demon king Narakasur by Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama. The third day is Lakshmi Puja or Chopada Puja, and is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi. The fourth day is Padwa or Varshapratipada
which marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya. The Vikram-Samvat
calendar was apparently started on this day and this day is celebrated
as new year's day in some places (which is confusing because the
Vikram-Samvat is synchronised with the Shaka-Samvat calendar, which
starts around April, in some parts of India). The final day is known as
Bhayya-Duj or Bhai-Tika. This day is observed as a symbol
of love between sisters and brothers. It is important for a brother to
visit his sister and celebrate this occasion.
To learn more about some of the legends about Diwali, you can refer to the Diwali
special site on Vandemataram.com OR read the following articles by Malini
Bisen or Anita Ramchandani.
 |
 |
 |
Celebrations
Diwali is all about fun, frolic and festivities. Candles (shaped like diyas), lanterns and fancy electrical lighting are also seen along with the traditional earthen oil lamps. Fancy fireworks, as well as the loud and thundering ones, light up the sky for an hour or two every night of Diwali. Rangoli designs are made at entrances to welcome guests. The religious roots are taking somewhat of a backseat these days, though a number of customs and traditions are still practised. An example of these is the tradition of taking a bath with oil and sandalwood paste before sunrise, that is practised in South India and Maharashtra. Equally common is the North Indian tradition of nominal gambling with cards on Diwali night, which is supposed to ensure prosperity throughout the forthcoming year.
 |
 |
 |
Holi (The festival of colours)
Most cultures celebrate the advent of spring by some custom or festival. In the Indian subcontinent, Holi brings all the joy, mirth and frivolousness that heralds the beginning of spring and the harvest season. Holi is one of the most ancient festivals of the Aryans, finding mention in old texts like Dashakumar Charit and Garud Puran. It is the most colourful hindu festival and falls on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun according to the hindu calendar (usually sometime in March).
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Religious Significance
Holi has different mythological origins in different parts of India. The legend of King Hiranyakashyapu is very popular. The mighty king in his stupendous ego ordered his people to worship him as God. But his own son, Prahlad, defying his father's orders continued to worship Lord Vishnu. The king sent his sister Holika, who possessed the boon of never being burnt by fire, to kill Prahlad. Holika cajoled young Prahlad to sit in her lap and she took seat in a blazing fire fully assured that the fire couldn't harm her. However, by Lord Vishnu's grace Prahlad walked out of the fire unscathed while Holika was completely devoured by the flames.
The tradition of playing with colour is often associated with Lord
Krishna's legend of courting Radha and playing pranks on the Gopis. In
Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna in his youth has been idealised as a
lover, and it is the spirit of his lighthearted, mischievous passion of
courtship that enters the Spring festival of Holi.
To learn more about the various legends about Holi, refer to the article by
Malini
Bisen.
 |
 |
 |
Celebrations
Probably originating from the legend of Holika, huge bonfires are lit on the eve of the full moon night to signify the incineration of all that is bad and evil. On the next day, people traditionally dress in white clothes and smear Gulal (special pink colour powder) and colour on each other. Streets, parks, etc. are crowded with people, daubed in diverse colours, looking funny and ridiculous. One especially visits friends and relatives, to smear each other with colour and exchange sweets. Children enjoy spurting coloured water out of 'Pichkaris' (water guns). Water balloons are thrown at friends and neighbours in the spirit of fun. Sometimes, mud baths are prepared and people are 'dunked' into this amidst much laughter and teasing.
A more detailed description of Holi celebrations is available at HoliHangama.com.
 |
 |
 |