Festival of India -4

                                              Krishna Janmashtami


Krishna Janmashtami is the day Lord Krishna was born. Generally, it falls in the month of August according to the Gregorian calendar. The Hindu festivals are celebrated according to the lunar calendar.


On this day, groups of men try to create a human pyramid and try to reach the clay pot hung high between two high rise buildings and break them. The pots are filled with sweetmeats and yogurt as Krishna was fond of eating it.The pot is decorated with flowers and the atmosphere is tense as the pyramid is under way. It is interesting to watch the pyramid being made slowly only to fall again and again. Finally when the men reach the pot and break it, the crowd roars with approval. Then the goodies like cash and other things are shared by the group which accomplished the difficult task. 

A pyramid in action

                    
Celebrations of this sort not only give us much to cheer but it also teaches us a few lessons.This festival teaches us to be united in our efforts to reach our goals in life. We also learn to try till we succeed.  

The pot is reached and broken   

                                            

                                     






  

Festivalof India -3

                                             
                                                           Raksha Bandhan

                                           

        India is a land of many festivals. Festivals bring the family together to rejoice and be happy, to celebrate the spirit of togetherness. One such festival that calls for celebration is the relation between a brother and a sister.

Rakhis 

                             
      

                    Raksha Bandhan is a unique festival. It is between brothers and sisters. 
The words ' Raksha Bandhan '  means bond of protection. On this day, sisters tie a band of coloured threads called a ' Rakhi ' on the wrists of their brothers,give them sweetmeats to eat and wish them happiness. And the brothers give them gifts and vow to protect them. It is a bond of love and affection between the siblings where they pray for each other's well being and happiness. 

                                                         

It falls in the Hindu month of Shravan on a full Moon day according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
That is generally in the month of August.  

The spirit and the sentiments of this festival of affection and protection,of praying for one another's well being and happiness can be used by all mankind as it teaches us to be united and live in peace and harmony. It is necessary to have such good, pure and sincere thoughts that strive for the peaceful existence of all the countries in this world.    

A sister tying Rakhi on the wrist of her brother