Incredible confusion of religions, historical traditions and circumstances of the life of the peoples of India has generated a huge number of colorful and mysterious holidays. Only New Year on different religious calendars is celebrated by the inhabitants of India at least two dozen times a year
Ganesha Chaturhi
One of the most beloved and respected Indian gods is Ganesha, "responsible" for wisdom, prosperity and abundance . U his four hands and the head of an elephant . To the birthday of Ganesha (Ganesha Chaturhi) in many Indian states clay figurines of elephants of different sizes are being sculpted . The largest of them, which sometimes takes several months to build, are mounted on platforms decorated with garlands flowers . Artificial incarnation Ganesha, coconuts, rice, palm sugar and flowers . After a ten-day ritual, the statues are brought to the banks of rivers and immersed in the water, helping the venerable saint to go back to heaven .
| Dances, |
| outfits ... |
| and the holiday is ready! |
Nag Panchami
Preparation for the Snake Festival (Nag Panchami) begins with the capture of cobras placed in large clay pots . On the day of the feast, the procession accompanying the snakes, with singing and dancing, goes to the temple, where, after necessary rituals, cobra are released to the temple yard . Thousands of spectators watching trance dances of cobras . After rest and refreshments snakes are transported to the surrounding villages, releasing along the way near dwellings . Unmarried girls are especially glad to meet reptiles - snakes not only bringing t help, but also help to get married quickly .
Holi
Symbol of the arrival of spring in India - Holi festival. In addition to traditional religious rituals, songs, dances, treats and offerings, Holi is famous for his colorful tradition: dressed up in white robes and armed with bowls of color paste and balloons with dye, people go out to decorate their neighbors' lives. Friends, neighbors and passers-by are involved in the process of painting each other. It is believed that the stronger the person is covered with layers of paint, the more good wishes he received.
Karva Chauth
In the north of India, a woman's day (Karva Chauth), touching and romantic is popular. Married Indian women, dressed up in new clothes of red color, during the day fast and do not drink water, in the process of praying for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Especially advanced life associates join with their faithful, making them a company during the post.