Indian Festivities

Festivities are the celebration and India is a land of celebration. India is still traditional because of its festivals. India is a secular country with a large number of cultures and dialects. Each culture celebrates the festival in its way. Even Indians who are staying abroad took all the traditions, cultures and festivity celebration with them. This has also increased the soft power status of the country.

The food in these festivities is also unique, it is aligned to the seasons. 

Let me tell you the story of my town. 

In March we celebrate holy, the festival of colors. Bashir Pasha sells colors in his shop at a very low cost. He says this is the only item he does not make a profit. School children, adults, and senior citizens, all become kids during this time. I don't understand why Tulsiram wears white colored dhoti during this time. People find it extra fun to put colors on him. Dr. Hegde gives colors to the kids, he takes fun when they throw it on Tulsiram and in return he gives recorded scoldings, for discoloring his flawless cloth.  Years have passed, neither Tulsiram stays in his house, nor the children leave the opportunity to throw color on him.

Then in June comes "Id-Ul-Fitr". During this, we get a special "Sheer Kurma" from Hussain's home. Over the years they have become our family friend.

In September comes the Ganesh Chaturthi. We bring Ganesha idol at home, we make him a God. Ours is the only home in the town where we have two Ganesha idols kept in one place. My grandmother was the only child and when she married she brought the Ganesha idol with her. So we have two idols one from Grandfathers and other from grandmothers home. After many rituals, we submerge the idol into the well.

October is the month of festivals. Dussehra celebration, always tells the new generation the tales of victory, of the good over the evil. Earlier we would go to Mysore to see the procession. But, since now it is crowded, we enjoy live telecast on television.

Then comes the festival of lights Diwali, where the whole country is lit with the light. Father brings a huge box of crackers. Only 50% of those crackers are good ones, rest all-new varieties only to quench the enthusiasm. Each house has a contest with crackers. We distribute sweets to the neighborhood and in turn, they give us some of theirs back.

We end our year by celebrating Christmas in December. The plum cakes are very delicious during this time. The Martin bakery in the town gives free plum cake along with any item you purchase. The local school to has the Christmas tree lit up with all the glory.

If you ever visit my town, make sure you come during these seasons. It's just amazing.