RELIGIONS IN INDIA
India is a land of diversities. This diversity is also visible in the spheres of religion. The major religions of India are Hinduism (majority religion), Islam (largest minority religion), Sikhism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and the Bahá'í Faith. India is a land where people of different religions and cultures live in harmony. This harmony is seen in the celebration of festivals. The message of love and brotherhood is expressed by all the religions and cultures of India.
BUDDHISM
At present Buddhism is one of the major world religions. The philosophy of Buddhism is based on the teachings of Lord Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (563 and 483 BC), a royal prince of Kapilvastu, India. After originating in India, Buddhism spread throughout the Central Asia, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Southeast Asia, as well as the East Asian countries of China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
CHRISTIANS
Christianity is one of the prominent religions in India. At present there are about 25 million Christians in India. It is interesting to note that the Christian population in India is more than the entire population of Australia and New Zealand or total population of a number of countries in Europe.
HINDUISM
Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. Hinduism is world's third largest religion after Christianity and Islam. Hinduism is the dominant religion in India, where Hindus form about 84 per cent of the total population. Hinduism is also known as "Sanatan Dharma" or the everlasting religion.
ISLAM
One of the prominent religions of India, Islam forms about 12 per cent of India's population. Though India's contact with Islam had begun much earlier, the real push came in the 8th century when the province of Sindh was conquered. Though the Muslims form only 12 per cent of the total population of India but the influence of Islam on Indian society is much stronger.
JAINISM
Jains form less than one percent of the Indian population. For centuries, Jains are famous as community of traders and merchants. The states of Gujarat and Rajasthan have the highest concentration of Jain population in India. The Jain religion is traced to Vardhamana Mahavira (The Great Hero 599-527 B.C.).
SIKHISM
Sikhs form about 2 per cent of Indian population. In comparison to other religions, Sikhism is a younger religion. The word 'Sikh' means a disciple and thus Sikhism is essentially the path of discipleship. The true Sikh remains unattached to worldly things.
FESTIVALS OF INDIA
LOHRI FESTIVAL
Lohri, is a festival known for its feisty celebrations among the Punjabi community. It is, in essence, a deep veneration of nature gods for a bountiful harvest.
MAKAR SANKRANTI
As per Vedic Hindu philosophy, Sun is considered to be the king of all the planets. And Makar Sankranti commemorates the expedition of sun to the Northern Hemisphere.
PONGAL
Pongal is an important festival native to South India, particularly Tamil Nadu that marks the commencement of the harvest season or the sun's northward movement.
VALENTINE'S DAY
February, the love season, is dedicated to all those who are head-over-heels in love. This romantic month of the year marks the celebration of Valentine's Day, when love is in the air and kindling everybody's heart for their true love.
MAHA SHIVARATRI
Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology stands for the source of immense power and is worshipped all across the country with fervent devotion. According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva got married a second time to Maa Parvati in Phalgun month of the Hindu calendar.
Holi, amongst the most distinct culturally-rooted festivals of India, evokes the buoyant spirit of the spring season. The way Holi in India stirs up excitement among people, no other festival can.
BAISAKHI FESTIVAL
The harvest festival of Baisakhi, celebrated on April 13/14 every year, is a time for renewed faith and energy. People of north India, especially in the villages of Punjab, swing to the beats of drums and celebrate the day with religious fervor.
GOOD FRIDAY
Christians across the world observe this day as a remembrance of the pain and suffering Jesus Christ went through for the sake of mankind. There are several explanations as to why such a day
HANUMAN JAYANTI
To mark the birth of Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated all over India in the month of Chaitra in Hindu calendar. The great Hanuman is known for its great strength, power and his immortal devotion towards Lord Rama.
FRIENDSHIIP DAY
Among all the eventful days that come once in a year, no one gets more attention, support and acknowledgement than Friendship Day. Friendship Day is a day dedicated to honoring and strengthening the universal values of friendship, camaraderie, trust and fellowship all over the world.
EID
Eid is a three-day long celebration that reaffirms the ideals of piety, empathy, charity and solidarity among Muslims all over the world. It is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and affection.
RAKSHA BANDHAN
Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is a festival most recognized and celebrated amongst the Hindus for its symbolic significance. Rakhi is a sacred thread that binds the love of a sister for her brother in a unique indelible bond of affection for a lifetime.
JANMASHTAMI
Janmashtami, or 'Krishna Janmashtami', celebrates the birth of Sri Krishna, regarded as the most venerated in the Hindu pantheon of deities. According to Hindu belief, baby Krishna was born at midnight in Bhado month.
TEACHERS DAY
Teacher's day is not just a day for fun and change of roles. It is also a day to remember how much of hard work and time goes in, before a teacher walks into that classroom and teaches you that chapter.
GANESH CHATURTHI
Ganesh Chaturthi', is a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the most revered Gods in the Hindu pantheon. Widely celebrated in India, especially in Maharashtra, on account of Lord Ganesha's divine visit to the earthly realm in the month of Bhadra...
NAVRATRI
Navratri, literally interpreted as 'nine nights' is the most celebrated Hindu festival devoted to Goddess Durga symbolizing purity and power or 'shakti'. Navratri festival combines ritualistic puja and fasting and is accompanied by resplendent celebrations for nine consecutive days and nights.
RAM NAVAMI
Ram Navami is the day etched out in the Hindu calendar as the auspicious occasion that consecrates the birth of Lord Ram, Lord Vishnu's seventh human incarnation on earth.
DUSSEHRA
Dussehra or 'Vijayadashami' is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and also the triumph of Goddess Durga over a demon called 'Mahishasura'. Dussehra Festival is celebrated every year usually in September/October.
DURGA PUJA
Durga Puja is a festival dedicated to the worship of the most revered Hindu goddess - Durga. MaaDurga or 'Shakti' is worshipped rigorously over the last five days of Navratri, in the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar.
DIWALI
Diwali signifies the true essence of life where good overcomes evil. Celebrated with much gaiety, grandeur and festivity, the festival of Diwali transcends caste, creed and community to become all-inclusive and encompassing.
CHHATH PUJA
Chhath Puja is a festival uniquely associated with the worship of the powerful Sun God. As the only festival that has been carried on from the Vedic period, Chhath puja is indelibly associated with nature-worship for the well-being of humanity.
GURU NANAK JAYANTI
Guru Nanak Jayanti is associated with birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikh Religion or Khalsa in India.
