Festivals of India

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Shruti Chakraborty
While menstruation has long been considered a taboo topic in India, ancient Hindu traditions recognise women as a representation of Mother Earth. In certain parts of the country, menses is equated with the ritual of regeneration and fertility, and is thus celebrated. We look at two such festivals—…
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Kartikay Khetarpal
The Pandharpur wari is a 21-day pilgrimage procession from various parts of Maharashtra to Pandharpur, the abode of Lord Vitthal. While the wari culminates on Ashadi Ekadashi, the revelry continues on till Guru Purnima. Attracting lakhs of devotees each year, we give an overview of this 800-year-…
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Sandipa Malakar
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Shruti Chakraborty
Most people know the legend of Holika and Prahlad as the reason for celebrating Holi, but how many also know of Bhrigu and Agni? We all play with colours, but there is a sect where ritual demands throwing mud and hurling abuses. We explore lesser-known traditions and practices of the festival. (…
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Shruti Chakraborty
The observance of the holy month of Ramzan is an important element of Islamic religious practice. However, not many know that the concept of fasting and Ramzan/Ramadan as ‘month of abstinence’ is actually pre-Islamic. Sahapedia traces the history and development of Ramzan as a religious practice. (…
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Manan Kapoor
Be it the festival of Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan or a celebration of Indian independence, both are synonymous with kite flying. Even though there is no historical evidence or written account of the kite’s association with the festival or the occasion, it is an age-old tradition. Here, we trace…
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Manan Kapoor
Maha Shivaratri is a festival celebrated all across India. While people in some parts of the nation pay their respects to Shiva by fasting, in other areas, devotees flock to temples dedicated to Shiva. We explore Mandi’s seven-day Shivaratri fair and why it is celebrated. (In pic: Devotees ready…
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Navina Lamba
Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp not only across India but around the world as well. While some rituals and practices are the same everywhere, there are a few places that give these festivities a unique, regional touch. Here, we list the principal cities in India that are associated with…
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Pinki Biswas Sanyal
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