India , the land of Gods and Goddesses and a thousand beliefs, has evolved over centuries as a mystic land of festivals . These colourful and happy festivals bind the people of the nation across various states and religions in a unique way and provide a spectacle that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world.

Bikano introduces a special section devoted to the various Festivals of India , and also the 'Panchang - The Hindu Calendar'.

Download "Panchang" in PDF version

Makar Sankranti    (14/1/2008)

The festival of Makar Sankranti traditionally coincides with the beginning of the Sun's northward journey. It falls on January 14 every year according to the Solar Calendar.

This festival is celebrated differently in different parts of the country yet the use of til (sesame) is found everywhere.

Huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Sankrant which is celebrated as "LOHRI" in north India . Sweets made of Til (Gajjak/Rewri), sugarcane and puffed corn are offered to the fire god.

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Vasant Panchami - The Festival of Saraswati Puja (11/2/2008)

Vasant Panchami heralds the advent of spring. As Saraswati Puja, it is observed religiously almost in all parts of India , especially in Bengal . Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is worshipped with sweets and flowers. It is considered auspicious to teach the children their first alphabet on this day with the blessings of the goddess.

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Holi    (22/3/2008)

Holi is the most colourful festival of the Hindus and falls in the month of March.
This spring festival of India is a festival of colours, gaiety, friendship. People sprinkle Gulal (coloured powder) on each other, exchanging good wishes and eating sweets

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Navratras/ Ram Navami    (07/4/2008-13/4/2008)

Ram Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, on the ninth day of the Hindu month Chaitra -- that is why this day is called Ram Navami. In some parts of India , it is a nine-day festival known as Vasanta Navratri. Ram Navami is celebrated with religious fervour with people observing fast on all these nine days.

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Baisakhi - The Harvest Festival    (13/4/2008)

Baisakhi is a harvesting festival of North India , more prominently in Punjab . The festival always falls on April 14 and marks the beginning of the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated with joyous music and dance.

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Haryali Teej (4/8/2008)

Teej (celebrated in July-August) heralds the arrival of the rains as a sign of happiness, prosperity and love. Married women idolise Parvati for her devotion to her husband Shiva and pray for a happy and long married life. The festivities, revolving around singing and dancing in praise of Parvati, allow the women to pamper and enjoy themselves, to feast, to dress in the best of clothes, finery and jewellery.

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Rakhi: The Thread of Love    (16/8/2008)

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi celebrates the chaste bond of love between brother and sister. It comes every year in August, the full moon day in the month of Shravan according to the Hindu calendar. Prayers and sweets are an essential part of all Hindu festivals .

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JANMASHTAMI    (24/8/2008)

Sri Krishna Janmashtami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna - the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu - who gave the message of the Bhagwat Gita. Janmashtami is celebrated with religious fervour all over the country. Devotees keep daylong fasts, and chanting bhajans offer prayers and flowers and sweets to Lord Krishna.

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Navratri    (30/09/2008-08/10/2008)

The festival of Navratri - beginning on the first day of Aswina's bright fortnight -- lasts for 9 days. During the nine days of Navratri, feasting and fasting take precedence over all normal daily activities amongst the Hindus. The festival of Navratri - mostly celebrated during October - culminates in Mahanavami when Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped.

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Dussehra    (09/10/2008)

The Navratri festival culminates in Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami -- one of the most fascinating festivals of India and celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. Dussehra celebrates the victory of lord Rama over Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka.

Dussehra is considered a most auspicious day. Elders bless their younger placing a red vermillion tika on their forehead. Sweets are an essential part of the festival.

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Karva Chauth    (17/10/2008)

Karva Chauth is a fast undertaken by married Hindu women who offer prayers seeking the welfare, prosperity, well-being, and longevity of their husbands. Karva Chauth falls about nine days before Diwali on the Kartik Chauth some time in October or November. It is the most important fast observed by the women of North India.

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Diwali    (28/10/2008)

On the 15 th day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin (October/ November) every year, the sound of firecrackers announces the celebration of Diwali, the favourite festival of all Indians. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. Of all the festivals celebrated in India , Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. Lakshmi Pooja, or the worship of the goddess of wealth, is the main event on Diwali in North and West India . The business community usually start their financial new year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day.

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Bhai Dooj    (30/10/2008)

Bhai Dooj, celebrated two days after Diwali in the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar, stresses upon the unmatched bond shared between a brother and his sister. Prayers and sweets are an essential part of all Hindu festivals.

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