Festivals of IndiaIntroduction

India is a land where the life of its people is beautified with festivals. Festival is a

celebration of the changing seasons, harvest, reconciliation and the birth anniversaries of

saints, gurus and prophets and honours the gods and goddesses.

History of Festivals

Epigraphical evidences prove that festivals have been celebrated in India since Vedic

times. The Aryans conquered India around 1500 B.C. and cultural integration with the

local population took place.

Religious Festivals

A large number of festivals being celebrated in India have a religious outlook. These

festivals are being celebrated in commemoration of some saints, gurus and prophets, the

gods and goddesses or events celebrating their victories.

Temple Festivals

No festival in India is complete without a feast, and the Hindu temple provides feasts

during the temple festivals. The attendees spend all day at the temple, enjoying

themselves.

Fairs or Melas

Melas or Fairs are extremely popular not just in India but all over the world. Mela serves

a very important role as most of the festivals are celebrated in individual homes. Melas

that are normally celebrated for a week to over a month help to bring the community

together and share greetings.

National Festivals

Independence Day, August 15, commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved

freedom from British rule. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world`s

biggest democracy as a national festival.

Regional Festivals

India presents a cultural potpourri of number of religions with their festivals and

celebrations but the four major religions followed in India are Hinduism, Islam,

Christianity and Sikhism in the descending order. There are a number of regional

festivals that are celebrated in particular areas only.

New Year Festivals

Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is the first day of the month of Vaisakha, the beginning of the

Hindu year in some parts of the country. For the Sikhs in Punjab and other parts of the

country, this day has a particular significance, as it was on this day in 1699 that Guru

Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa.

Different festivals celebrated by the various states

Festivals in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is noted for its cosmopolitan nature and varied customs and culture

prevalent in the state. Many festivals of various communities are celebrated here. Most of

these festivals are organized by the government of Andhra Pradesh state. Pongal, the

harvest festival is celebrated with gaiety and pomp. One of the most ancient festivals

celebrated in Andhra Pradesh is Shivratri. Other popular festivals are Ugadi, Ganesh

Chaturthi, Diwali, Decaan Festivals, Lumbini festival and Rayalaseema Food and Dance

Pongal

Festivals:

Pongal

Shivratri

Ugadi

Ganesh Chaturthi

Diwali

Deccan Festival

Lumbini Festival

Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival

Utsav

Brahmotsavam

Pongal:In South Sankranti becomes Pongal. It is a celebration of the harvest, which is

observed for three days in January. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal, are

the three days of Pongal festivities on successive days. In certain parts cattle races still

enliven the village festivities. Pongal is a colourful and traditional festival with many a

ceremony devoted to various deities.

The sun is very powerful and helps in the growth of the paddy and other plantations. So

this festival is very important for farmers and so it is celebrated in a grand manner in

villages. The house is cleaned, and all maintenance jobs are done before this festival.

During the four-day festival, different varieties of Rangoli are drawn in front of the

houses early in the morning.

Shivaratri, or Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival, celebrated all over

the country with great enthusiasm.

The festival usually falls every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of

the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu

calendar.The festival is exclusively dedicated to Lord Shiva who is known by hundreds

of names. Maha Shivratri is the day to rejoice…to pray to the almighty for wellness.

Almost all Hindus throughout the world offer prayers in the morning/evening and some

observe fasting ( vrata) throughout the day. Most people visit the nearby temples of Shiva

and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship continue throughout the night

and the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits and specially prepared sacred food to

Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. As this is a dark fortnight, devotees light candles

and diyas (a lamp made usually of clay, with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee)

throughout the night – this is a symbol of spiritual manifestation.

Deccan Festival : Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan

Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas,

typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-

hued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed

cuisine to visitors. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan

Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad every year in February/March. This five-day festival

reflects the culture of the Deccan and highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and the

famous Nawabi cuisine. During the festival, many cultural programmes are organised;

these include ghazal, qawwali and mushaira, (poetry sessions), which are typical of the

city. Renowned singers and dancers are invited for performances, making the Deccan

Festival a must-see for every visitor. This festival also includes Pearls and Bangles fair,

displaying creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties,

and a Food Fair, with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine. This festival

comes alive with food stalls and arts and craft shops.

Festivals in Bihar

Bihar is steeped in history and has a rich tradition of festivals from time immemorial.

Bihar as an ancient land has a long list of festivals and fairs which the people of Bihar

actively take part in. The most famous festival of Bihar is Chatth Puja which is celebrated

twice in a year, once in March and the other in November. Sama-Chakeva is another

festival celebrated in Bihar especially in Mithila. Ramnavami, Makar Sankranti,

Nagpanchami, Bihula are some of the other festivals celebrated in Bihar.

List of Festivals in Bihar

Chatth Puja

Sama-Chakeva

Ramnavami

Makar Sankranti

Nagpanchami

Bihula

Basant Panchami

Shivratri

Raksha Bandhan

Holi

Buddha Jayanti

Mahavir Jayanti

Durga Puja

Deepawali

Sonepur Cattle Fair

Bakrid

Christmas

Rajgir

Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known

as Surya Shashti. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life

on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of

energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote well-

being, prosperity and progress. In Hindu mythology, Sun worship is believed to help cure

a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of

family members, friends, and elders.

The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They

include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in

water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and aragh to the

setting and rising sun.

Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai regions of

Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas

have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India.

Sonepur Mela

The famed cattle fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the banks of the River

Ganga. It is one Of the Asia's largest cattle fair. The full moon day of the month of Kartik

(November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus.

Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the

reverence of a blessed ground and lasts for a fortnight.

In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has

unique and historical importance.

A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for

thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.

The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the widest possible range

of cattle and commodities. The array of shops sells all sorts of merchandise. Sonepur Fair

is the only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold.

These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging

operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to

the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.

Rajgir Dance Festival

Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both

Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of

Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance

Festival every year in Rajgir. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk

dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own

realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere. This festival held

during last week of October attracts tourists in large numbers.

Festivals of Maharashtra

The Maharashtrians are vibrant people for whom celebrations is a part of their lives.

Festivals form an integral part of the people of Maharashtra. All he festivals display their

culture and tradition. They celebrate their festivals with all traditional rituals. Festivals in

Maharastra also include dance and music which attract world-renowned artistes -

musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who come together to pay tribute to

Maharashtra's rich culture and legacy. The most important festival is Ganesh Chaturthi,

the patron deity of Maharashtra.

List of Festivals in Maharashtra:

Ganesh Chaturthi

Nag Panchami

Gudi Padwa

Gokul Ashtami

Narali Purnima

Pola

Dusshrea

Diwali

Makar Sankranti

Holi

Pune Festival

Banganga Festival

The Elephanta Festival

Ellora Festival

The Kalidas Festival at Nagpur

Thimithi

Kalidas Festival

Indian Derby Weekend 2010

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Shivaji Jayanti

Gudi Padwa

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad. This

festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesha or Ganpati is one of the most

popular deities in the Hindu religion. It is worshiped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites.

Even Buddhists and Jains have faith for Ganpati. He is considered to be an avatar of both

Shiva and Vishnu.

On the occasion of the Ganapati festival, a large number of idols are made of clay or

metal in all possible sizes; sometimes even up to twenty feet.

People buy idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol

for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets

of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and immersed into the river, sea or well.

A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at

Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and

film festival are the main features of this festival.

Narali paurnima: The full moon day (purnima or pournima) of the Hindu lunar calendar

month of Shravan is celebrated as Narali paurnima, Rakshabandhan and at certain times,

as Shravani.

Significance

A confluence of rivers is purer (sattvik) than a river. But the sea is the purest among all

bodies of water. As a Sanskrut quote goes, “The sea symbolizes all the places of

pilgrimage.”

Worship of the sea on this day signifies worship of Lord Varun (Deity of rain). Sea

transportation of cargo occurs smoothly only if Lord Varun is pleased. Hence Lord Varun

is worshiped on this day.

Celebration

On this day, people residing in coastal regions worship the sea as a form of the divine

principle, Varun and offer coconuts (naral). Offering coconuts on this day is both

auspicious and symbolic of the energy of Creation.

Sweet rice made with coconuts is also partaken as Holy sacrament (prasad).

Shravani

If on the full moon day of this month, the lunar asterism ‘Shravan’ is present, then the

Vedic ritual called ‘Shravani’ is performed on this day. Shravani is a ritual in which one

resumes leaning and teaching after a long vacation. It is also called ‘Upakarma’,

‘Upakaran’, etc. It should be performed on different days, depending on the followers of

the various Vedas. For any Holy or religious occasion to bring maximum spiritual

benefit, in terms of increased motivation and energy for spiritual practice, Bliss, peace,

etc., and reduction in obstacles to it, the occasion has to be observed as per the science of

Spirituality and with spiritual emotion (bhav). Hence, even if one does not have access to

the sea, Rakhis or other components/materials for celebrating the festival as per the

science of Spirituality, one can at least celebrate it with due reverence and spiritual

emotion. One can do so by remaining in sattvik activities like attending satsang,

participating in satseva, as well as chanting* as much as possible through out the day.

Shivaji Jayanti

On February 19th, the birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a grand

scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born in 1630 at the Shivneri fort. He was a great leader

and the creator of the Maratha nation. He founded the Hindu kingdom in the Deccan

against all odds, fighting against the mighty Mughals. He inspired and united the

common man to fight against the tyranny of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, by inculcating a

sense of pride and nationality in them. The tiny kingdom established by Chhatrapati

Shivaji known as "Hindavi Swaraj" (Sovereign Hindu state) grew and spread beyond

Attock in Northwest India (now in Pakistan)and beyond Cuttack in East India in course

of time, to become the strongest power in India. He united the Maratha chiefs from

Maval, Konkan and Desh regions the promotion of Maharashtra Dharma. He carved out a

small kingdom by defeating the alien powers. He stabilised the state with effective

civil and military administration. He was tolerant to all religions and sects in his state. He

introduced systems in revenue collection and warned the officials against harassment of

subjects. He thought ahead of times and was a true visionary. Shivaji was not only the

maker of the Maratha nation, but also the greatest constructive genius of medieval India.

States fall, empires break up, dynasties become extinct, but the memory of a true King

like Shivaji remains an imperishable historical legacy for an entire human race. His

dazzling victories and ever-ready smile made him the idol of his soldiers. A royal gift of

judging character was one of the main causes of his success. The history of India is

incomplete without the history of Marathas and Shivaji is the nucleus of Maratha history.

Shivaji has been a source of inspiration and pride to the past generations and will

continue to inspire generations in future. On this day processions are taken out. People

dress up like Shivaji and his associates to take part in the procession where they put up

small skit, which they keep on performing all the way in the procession. A colourful

procession with lezims (a traditional musical instrument) and floats is taken around the

city. It terminates at Kranti Chowk where there is an impressive bronze statue of Shivaji

Maharaj. Various programs are arranged on this day.

Festivals of Punjab

The land of five rivers, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, Punjab has a rich cultural

history of celebrating various festivals and fairs with grandeur and enthusiasm. Festivals

in Punjab are famous for its vivacity and colour. Social interaction and rejoicement forms

part of the festivals in Punjab.

Festivals are usually held in April and May when the harvest is ripe and ready. People

come out to celebrate Baisakhi with zeal and religious fervour. Gurupurab, Lohri, Holi,

Diwali, Bahidooj, Mehendi festival are some of the popular ones celebrated in Punjab.

List of Festivals in Punjab:

Baisakhi

Lohri

Holi

Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Jayanti

Gurudwara Fatehgarh SahibJor Mela

Martyr Festival

Diwali

Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan at Devi Talab in Jalandhar

Mukatsar Maghi Festival in Punjab

Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon

Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib

Birthday Guru Ramdassji

Installation of Guru Granth Sahibji

Chappar Mela

Sodal mela

Guru Nanak

Chandigarh Garden Festival

Holla Mohalla

Baisakhi

Baisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on

the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in

the fulfillment of his year's hard work.

He joins the merry-making with full gusto and does not mind walking for miles to be

able to do so. Since this fair is also an expression of prosperity, singing and dancing

constitute its most enchanting features. The Punjab's famous Bhangra and Giddha are

inextricably linked with this festival.

Many fairs in the Punjab are held near the tombs and shrines of pirs. These fairs must

have originated in a spirit of devotion to those saints and sages. The most famous among

such fairs are the Chhapar fair, the Jarag fair, and the Roshni fair of Jagranyan.

Baisakhi marks the beginning of New Year, particularly in the northern part of India. It is

among the few Indian festivals that have a fixed date. Baisakhi is always on April 13th.

In Kerala, Baisakhi is called as "Vishu" and in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as

"Puthandu".

Considered a holy day, the devout celebrate the Baisakhi with a dip in the holy rivers just

around the break of dawn. It is on this day that Sun enters Aries, the first sign of Zodiac.

This signifies ushering of the New Year.

In Punjab (the land of Green Revolution) particularly and in the northern belt of India in

general, farmers perform their own prayers and rejoice. For on this day, they commence

cutting their harvest.

The fields can be seen full of nature's bounty. Dressed in their typical folk attire, both

men and women, celebrate the day with Bhangra and Gidda. Sweets are distributed, old

enmities are forgiven and life is full of joy, merriment and everyone seems to belong.

The above two are the main reasons for celebrating Baisakhi.

Holla Mohalla - a Sikh festival is celebrated every year in the month of March, a day

after Holi. Hola "Mohalla" derives its name from Punjabi word “Mohalla” implies an

organized Procession in the form of an army column accompanied by war drums and

standard-bearers, and proceeding to a given location or moving in state from one

Gurdwara to another.

The festival was started by the tenth Sikh Guru – Guru Govind Singh who had tried to

gather Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles after Holi. This has now become a

traditional annual festival of Sikhs held at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab.

The festival also marks the New Year as per lunar Nanakshahi calendar of Sikhs. It is

celebrated over three days and it retains the character of fun and joy of Holi which

concludes a day before.

Even today, Sikhs celebrate this festival joyfully by watching and performing in martial

arts parades, led by the Nishan Sahibs of the Gurdwaras. Which is then, followed by

poetry readings and music competitions. But viewing it closely might be risky for

spectators as the participants who perform Holla Mohalla fight hard with one another

even though they do not fight in reality. The celebration has been recognized as a

National Festival by the Govt. of India and it is being celebrated in the state of Punjab

since 1701.

Impact of Festivals on Environment

Festivals are becoming significant contributors to air pollution in India. We have so many

festivals and increasing commercialization – a growing economy is turning every

celebration into grand occasions to splurge. Are we aware of what this is doing to our

environment? Here’s a look at how all those festivities affect the air quality.

Air pollution levels in big cities are appalling at the best of times and are a growing

cause for concern. The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) – dust, fumes,

smoke, and gases – is way above permissible limits in many of our big cities. This level

sees a quantum jump during festivals, the main culprits being crackers, inflammable

substances, and artificial colors.

Pollution due to festivals

Air Pollution due to smoke of crackers.

Water Pollution due to immerging statues of God and Goddess made of artificial

or synthetic harmful chemicals into rivers,ponds and dams.

Noise Pollution due to loudness of music system.

Water Pollution: The practice of immersion of Ganesh idols after the Ganesh festival in

various cities is causing severe water pollution which leads to the death of tonnes of fish

and many aquatic creatures. Gone are the days when the idols are made with clay,

nowadays idols are made with Plaster Of Paris and chemical dyes.

The repeated cautions and warnings of ecologists and environmental scientists towards

the possible hazards inflicted by the Plaster Of Paris are falling into the deaf ears of the

idol makers and buyers. According to scientists, Plaster Of Paris does not get dissolved or

disintegrated fast. Moreover, the chemical dyes and colours being used to colour the idols

contain poisonous elements. Particularly, Red, Blue, Orange and Green colours contain

Mercury, Zinc oxide, Chromium and Lead, the potential causes of developing cancer.

According to one estimate, 7500 idols of Ganesh are weighing about 20,000 kg or in

other words, 20 tons. The sea-shore of Mumbai absorbs the immersion of about 1.5 lakh

idols every year. The very calculation of the accumulation of clay, Plaster Of Paris,

dangerous Chemicals from the paints and colours will shatter the thinking faculty of any

brain.

The immersion of Durga Statutes during the Durga pooja is also a cause of concern for

environmentalists. In Orissa alone 5,000 Durga pooja idols are made, most of them using

harmful paints.

Heavy metals like lead and chrome are not easily assimilated in an aquatic environment

and can lead to the massive hurt of flora and fauna of the river, pond, lake and coastal

areas. As the same river, pond and lake water is used for bathing and drinking purpose

high levels of lead can damage the heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system and central

nervous system, the environmentalist warned.

As Ganesh festival and Durga pooja is troubling the aquatic creatures largely, Holi, a

festival of vibrant hues that brings with it a variety of colours is harmful to human beings.

The seemingly harmless, “pleasing to eye” colours are synthetic and toxic because of the

presence of cheap materials like mica, acids, alkalis, pieces of glass, which not only

induce skin disorders like abrasion, irritation, itching but can impair vision, cause

respiratory problems and also cancer.

Diwali, one of the important festivals in India has the distinction of polluting the

environment to the core. Newborns and aged people have a nightmarish experience

because of the high levels of sound caused by crackers during Diwali. Noise pollution on

Diwali is between 69.7 db and 88.3 db which are higher than the prescribed limit of 50

db. The decibel levels alarmingly high in metros and it may reach up to 100 db.

Crackers are sometimes manufactured using barium sulphate, sodium nitrate, sulphur and

potassium chlorate and when burnt, emit gases such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of

nitrogen, oxides of heavy metals and particulate matter that pollute the air and cause eye

irritation, respiratory disorders and allergies.

The government, police, pollution control boards are suggesting many alternative ways to

celebrate festivals which does not pollute the environment. Even strict and stringent

warnings are also given to public to refrain from bursting crackers such as atom bombs,

hydrogen bombs, bullet bombs, thousand and ten thousand wallas. But it is all solely

depend on the “change of mind”.

Air pollution during Diwali

Clearly environmental groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle. They come up

with awareness campaigns and slogans like “Diwali is a festival of lights, not crackers”,

“celebrate an eco-sensitive Diwali this year”, but nobody seems to take notice. Apart

from the noise, crackers release a lot of toxic gases like Sulfur dioxide and Nitrogen

dioxide which can lead to many health problems.

Impact of air pollution on health

Air pollution can lead to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory

diseases, and allergies in adults. It can also cause acute respiratory infections in children.

Suspended particulate matter can cause asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disease

Sulfur dioxide can damage lungs and lead to lung disorders like wheezing and shortness

of breath.

Oxides of Nitrogen can cause skin problems, eye irritation, and cause respiratory

problems in children.

Chemicals used in crackers like lead, magnesium, cadmium, nitrate, sodium, and others

can have various harmful effects.

Tribal Festivals in India

India is home to around 573 tribal groups and communities, each of which follow their

own culture and tradition. Festivals are an important part of the life of these tribal groups.

There are a number of tribal festivals which are celebrated by various tribes in India.

During these festivals, the tribal groups wear their own traditional costumes and jewellry

and follow their long-established dance forms. Whether it is the state of Jammu &

Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Manipur,or Orissa, tribal festivals are celebrated in

almost every corner of Indian states. These tribal festivals are celebrated with a view to

appeasing the presiding deities of the tribes.

In the state of Madhya Pradesh, tribal groups celebrate festivals like Madai Festival,

Bhagoriya Festival, Nagaji Festival, Karma Festival etc. During these tribal festivals,

various dance forms are performed to the music of drums, tablas and flutes among other

instruments. The Gonds and the Bhil tribes mainly celebrate these festivals.

Tribal groups in Orissa celebrate festivals including Bali Jatra (Koraput tribe), Karma

Festival (Ho, Kisan, Kol, Bhumij, Oraon, Bhuiyan and Bhinjal tribes), Bija Pandu

Festival (Koya tribe), Kedu Festival (Kondhs of Phulbani), Chaita Parva Festival

(Koraput, Bhuiyan tribes) and Maghe Parab Festival (Ho, Oraon, Kisan and Kol tribes)

among others.

Nagaland is also much popular for its tribal groups and the festivals they celebrate. Major

tribal festivals celebrated in the state of Nagaland are Mimkut Festival (Kuki tribe),

Sekrenyi Festival (Angami tribe), Tshukhenyi Festival (Chakasang tribe), Aoling Festival

(Konayak tribe), Monyu Festival (Phom tribe), Moatsu Festival (Ao tribe), Ngada

Festival (Rengma tribe) etc.

Rajasthan also features a number of famous tribal festivals. The Bhil tribes in Rajasthan

celebrates the Baneshwar Fair. The Bohaggiyo Bishu tribal festival in Assam is observed

by the Deori tribes. The states of Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra

also are home to many tribal groups, known for various Indian tribal festivals.

Indian Tribal Art

Indian tribal art is always delineated upon positive themes and ideas like birth, life,

harvest, journey, jubilation or marriage. The Indian tribes pay due veneration and

reverence to Mother Earth and its crucial elements. It is a tribal art form where life and

ingenuity are fused. Indian tribal paintings and sculptures are of exceedingly high quality

and are documents of their cultural heritage. Tribes have made their own place in the

contemporary world of art. The art gives the tribes a power and responsibility to control

and guide them through it. The symbols portray the imaginations of men and these

imaginations are the representative emotions of the people of a particular period and

society. Indian tribal art is an art where life and creativity are inseparable. Indian tribal

arts have a unique sensitivity. Their art is a manifestation of their life and holds their

passion and mystery. The tribal art is one of the most fascinating parts of the tribal

culture in India. The treasure of tribal arts is immense and has an astounding range,

diversity and beauty. Traditional Indian tribal art tries to wholly recreate the immortal

charisma of Indian tribal life. One can easily come across exquisite pieces of Indian tribal

art in different parts of India. The Indian tribal art is rich in expression and is a living

form very much with the times. It has become an intrinsic part of the country`s cultural

identity.

Through solemn efforts, the Indian tribes try to keep alive a culture that is thousands

years old, comprising music, traditions, rituals and art. They live in complete harmony

with nature by preserving their resources and blending with the environment. The Indian

tribal art is the influence of the contemporary art and its narrative approach is deeply

indebted to the contribution of the history of tribal art that cannot be obliterated.

Tribal art is a term covering the art products and performances of tribes. Indian tribes

have definite artistic express. Geographical, sociological, historical and traditional factors

determine the degree of primitiveness among tribes.

Indian Tribal Art takes on different manifestations through varied medium such as

pottery, painting, metalwork, dhokra art, paper-art, weaving and designing of objects

such as jewellery and toys.

Indian tribal Painting

It has not been more than half a century since the discovery of tribal paintings has

revolutionized the discipline of the fine arts. Paintings were done on the walls, palm

leaves, wood blocks and cloths. Tribal paintings usually belong from the remote tribal

regions, in forests or high up in the mountains. Indian tribal paintings bearing illustrious

backgrounds include Saura paintings, Gond paintings, Bondi paintings, Pithora paintings,

Warli paintings, Thanka, Patta Chitra, Kurumba paintings, Khovar paintings, Pichhvai

painting and, Miniature painting etc. Paintings in the cave shelters of Bhimbetka and

Panchamrhi shows simple designs of scenes including singing, farming and dancing. The

paintings were done earlier black colour. Gradually it expanded to different colours like

red, yellow, blue and green.

My Opinion about festivals of India

Our country India is a very big country and every day of a year is a festival and it can be

celebrated here with great joy and happiness.

“India a country Where Everyday Is A Celebration.”

Every festival takes an important part in the life of different peoples from different

communities of India. There are many festivals can be celebrated on different religious

occasions. Indian Festivals are celebrated across the world because the Indian people are

everywhere in the world. some of them are doing jobs abroad or some of them are good

big businessmen.

But no one can left Indian culture and festival celebrating. festivals colours our life in a

new way. Every festival In India have different colors, prayers, sweets and old unique

rituals.

Many types of festivals are celebrated here in India like national, regional, local, religious

or seasonal festivals. In every months many festival comes and fill colors in our lives.

Indian festivals and environmentPresentation Transcript

1. PRESENTED BY: 1.Kashmira V. Ghanekar 2.Ketaki G. Shinde 3.Pinkee B. Varma 4.Sharvi K. Wagh

2.  Serves as a meeting ground for people.Lokmanya Tilak – The Founder Of Ganesh Festival.Rebirth of Lord Ganesh.GANESH CHATURTHI

3.  Soil pollution due to dumping of ‘Nirmalya’.Noise pollution - An unfortunate outcome of this joyous festival.Contamination Of Water bodies.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

4.  Celebrate the Ganesh Procession in traditional way.Deposit all the floral offerings into Nirmalaya pots.Immersion of idols in a bucket or artificial tank of water.Use of natural clay idols .HAVE A ‘GREEN CHATURTHI’

To celebrate return of Ram5. DIWALI & Signifies the end of darkness .Sita.

High Energy Consumption.Excessive Consumerism.Air Pollution through Firecrackers6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF DIWALI

Light Diyas instead of electrical light."Say No to Fire crackers and Yes to life!“Lighting lamps the green way.7. ECO SENSITIVE DIWALI

Reflection of the various colorsof spring season.To celebrate the arrival of Spring.The symbol of victory overevilness.8. HOLI

The wasteful use of water during Holi.The use of wood for burning Holi fires.The use of toxic chemical colours.9. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS ABOUT HOLI

A Dry Holi.Celebrating bonfire in unity.Usage of eco-friendly colors.10. PLAY SAFE, PLAY NATURAL

To express Gratitude towards snakes.Worship of Snakes.Celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the mythical Kaliya.11. NAG PANCHAMI

Unnecessary feeding of milk.Torture to snakes.Hunting of snakes.12. IMPACTS

Use of frames13. IDEAL CELEBRATION OF NAG PANCHAMI & Avoidance of use of milk.Careful handling of snakes.idols.

Lets make festivals more joyfulWe should contribute equally towards society for controlling pollution.14. CONCLUSION & meaningful in eco- friendl