Indian Festivals

Bataan Day commemorates those who lost their lives defending the peninsula of Bataan (in the Philippines) against the Japanese in 1941 – 42 and those who subsequently died on the “Bataan Death March”. Also called “Day of Valor”. Celebrated on April 9th, each year. Bataan Day or Day of Valor (called Araw ng Kagitingan in native Filipino) is celebrated in …

Carnevale di Venezia — The Carnival of Venice is a public masquerade party associated with the Catholic calendar, celebrated between 1 to 12th of February. It is not an official holiday. Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in New Orleans (State of Louisiana) is the equivalent of carnival in the United States. The Carnival of Venice is not an official holiday, but it …

Ridvan is a significant Baha’i observance that centers on the revelations of its founding prophet. Celebrated between April 21 and May 2 (The holiday always begins on the thirteenth day of the Baha’i month of Jalal.) it is considered to be the most important Baha’i festival. The first (April 21), ninth (April 29) and twelfth (May 2) days of Ridvan …

Sharad Purnima is observed on the night of full moon of Ashvina. The Moon-good is also the lord of herbs, seeds, the Brahmins, waters and Nakshatras or Constellations. It is believed that on Sharad Purnima, Amrit or elixir is being showered on the earth by the Moon through his beams. On this auspicious day Kshir or Khir (milk thickened with rice …

Anzac Day is a national holiday in Australia and New Zealand, commemorating all soldiers who have died in war. Celebrated on April 25th, each year. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, honoring all soldiers who have died in war. The original remembrance was linked to a battle fought during World War I at …

The Moon Festival – Mid-Autumn Festival (also called the Mooncake Festival) falls on September 19th in 2013. What is the Moon festival? Every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year, the Chinese celebrate “zhong qiu jie.” Children are told the story of the …

Pinjore Heritage Festival – One of the oldest yet well maintained Mughal Gardens of the world, Yadavindra Garden was the venue for the first ever Pinjore Heritage Festival. The festival was cerebrated with great enthusiasm and glory. The festival was organized to promote the rich cultural and historical tradition of the region. The Pinjore Heritage Festival in Pinjore, Haryana is …

O-Shogatsu – Japanese New Year, unfolds over 3 days starting on January 1st, and is an official national holiday. The Japanese New Year is a three-day series of community and family events revolving around themes of good fortune and “firsts.” Many O-Shogatsu rituals are celebrated in a community and family context and there is little emphasis on sharing them with …

The Boxing Day is celebrated as a public holiday or bank holiday in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Canada, United Kingdom and several countries in Commonwealth of Nations with Christian people. In South Africa this holiday is known as the Day of Goodwill. Boxing Day History The Boxing Day originated in England in the midst of 19th century under the …

Hampi Utsav, also known as the Vijaya Utsav, Festival of Hampi has been celebrated from the times of the Vijayanagar reign. This event has been reiterated as the “Nada Utsava” by the Government of Karnataka. Hampi being a World Heritage Site is a international tourist spot. This festival is attributes to the mega cultural extravaganza, held from 3rd November to 5th …