Roses, jewelry, homemade cookies, cards, books and even modern art pieces and photo albums priceless gifts for your near and dear one may mean these and much more. To come up with something unique and yet beautiful is not an easy task and therefore we have compiled for you a whole range of priceless gifts so that you may pick your choose from what is the very best. Browse through the below mentioned to learn about the most special gifts that you could present to your beloved.

- Friendship and compassion: The best way to have a friend is to be alone and the best gift one can give to a fellow human being is being a friend to listen to all problems and suggesting the right solution. Even if one may not be an expert at offering solutions, a patient hearing to the sorrows can definitely help ease out lots of worries and positively bring up the spirits.

- A Smile: There goes a very common saying, ‘Smile and the world smiles with you’ and it is indeed so true! There is hardly anytime for anybody else in the world, including ourselves, and therefore it is all the more important that we wear a smile on our faces all the time so as to make the others comfortable and happy. What else can be a special gift than a smile?

- Hope and understanding: Offering hope to the weak and striving can be the best priceless gifts for your near and dear one as hope makes the world look beautiful. If we could encourage someone with our words or deeds, it will be an act highly appreciated. Understanding others is as significant for you, as much as you would like to be understood. By not asserting your decisions and judgment on others all the time and at the same time trying to understand the situations of others, you could actually achieve peace of mind as well as happiness for your own self as well as for others.

- Love and affection: The most genuine and priceless gifts for your near and dear one would definitely be love and affection. BY offering unconditional love and affection to even the weakest, you could slowly develop them into being the strongest. Also more often than not, even the most perilous issues could be overcome and solved with love and affection.

With these priceless gifts for your near and dear ones, let this festival time be the beginning of spreading something unique. Popularize these special gifts in your own way and let the world follow you soon…

“We may not always realize
That every thing we do,
Affects not only our lives
But touches others, too!
For a little bit of thoughtfulness
That shows someone you care,
Creates a ray of sunshine
For both of you to share.

Yes, every time you offer
Someone a helping hand …
Every time you show a friend
You care and understand …
Every time you have
A kind and gentle word to give …
You help someone find beauty
In this precious life we live.

For happiness brings happiness
And loving ways bring love;
And Giving is the treasure
That contentment is made of.”

Reference
Singapore Travel Guide

Some of the most significant leading hotels of the world have been mentioned below for your perusal. They have been identified and categorized according to the destinations as well as the genre they belong to.

The mention of the luxury hotels of the world is incomplete without mentioning the Golf resorts. The most renowned Golf Resorts of the world are

- Kiawah Island Golf Resorts, SC, USA
- Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, USA
- Four Seasons Punta Mita, Punta Mita, Mexico
- Old Course Hotel, St. Andrews, Scotland
- Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic
- Marbella Club Hotel Golf Resort And Spa, Marbella, Spain

Would you want to holiday in the most exotic beaches? Explore the top 5 Beach resorts of the world for a never before experience:

- Elounda Beach Hotel, Crete, Greece
- Banyan Tree, Maldives
- The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
- Hotel Martinez, Cannes, France
- Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica, USA

Enjoy some of the most thrilling ski expeditions by being a guest in any of the below mentioned world famous Ski Resorts, housed in the most awesome locales:

- Badrutts Palace Hotel, St. Moritz, Switzerland
- Little Nell, Aspen, United States
- The Kristiania Lech, Lech, Austria
- Riffelalp Resort, Zermatt, Switzerland
- Topnotch Resort and Spa, Stowe, VT, United States

For a relaxing holiday, opt to stay in the Spa resorts of the world. These are equipped to not only relax your body, but also to rejuvenate your mind and soul.

- Canyon Ranch Lenox, Lenox, United States
- Parrot Cay Resort and Shambhala Retreat Hotel, Providenciales, Turks And Caicos
- The Grove, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
- The Setai, Miami Beach, United States
- Lausanne Palace And Spa, Lausanne, Switzerland

The Leading hotels of the world are fitted with numerous amenities to offer a fantastic holiday experience. Choose your pick of hotel according to your preference and have a unforgettable vacation.

Reference
Top Hotels of the world
Leading hotels of the world
Best Hotels of Europe

To begin with the list of top 10 places you must see before you die, it is very important to understand that the list has been compiled keeping in mind the varied tastes and preferences of the travelers. These places are endowed with distinct qualities that make them so very special. While some are architectural ruins, others are relatively modern wonders… so browse through the destinations and the attractions and enjoy…

- The Pyramids of Egypt

Millions of visitors every year throng to see the Pyramids of Egypt that have been built as tombs for the various kings. The ones worth mentioning are the pyramids of Giza with a special mention reserved for the pyramid of Khufu. It is an essential part of the list of ancient wonders and continues to mesmerize the spectators even today.

- Great Wall of China

The Great wall of China is a man made wonder dating back to the 3rd century BC. It expands over an area of 6700 km covering the various characteristics of the geographical diversities of the country. The original wall was built to safeguard the border from the external intrusions and is today one of the top 10 places you must see before you die. This UNESCO World Heritage Site reflects the construction expertise of various people and materials involved in the project.

- Taj Mahal

This is the most classic example of love of an Emperor for his wife! Built in the Indian city of Agra, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This man made wonder displays immaculate Mughal, Persian, Turkish as well as Indian art and architecture. The mesmerizing beauty of the Taj has no wonder inspired many poets and philosophers to admit that the world actually belongs to two kinds of people, one who have seen the Taj Mahal and the others who haven’t. Therefore this place ranks high on the list of top 10 places you must see before you die.

- The Great Barrier Reef

If you are a water baby and would love to feast on some under water adventure and thrill, then head straight to the Great Barrier Reef that houses the world’s largest Coral Reef system. Located in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef welcomes you to understand and appreciate the splendid beauty of the underwater elements and the 3,44,400 sq km area of the Reef is simply breathtaking.

- The Aurora Borealis

If you are interested in nature and its wonders, then a visit to the Polar Regions to watch the northern lights becomes imperative. The scientific explanation of the Aurora Borealis is very interesting and hints towards the fact that nature reigns supreme! While on your visit to Canada, Alaska, northern coast of Siberia and the Scandinavian islands, do make it a point to watch the natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis as one of the top 10 places you must see before you die.

- Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning tower of Pisa is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. This 183.27 ft tower continues to mesmerize the onlookers with its unconventional construction. The tower is an extra ordinary piece of art and architecture with 294 steps till the 7th floor and leaning at an angle of 3.97 degrees.

- Stonehenge

Interested in visiting age-old wonders dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age? Then Stonehenge in Salisbury Plain in England is the place to be for you with its majestic stone monuments and extensive vast grasslands. Research reveals that roman settlers inhabited the area since 8000 BC! Truly one of the top 10 places you must see before you die…

- The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Another historical place that depicts the undying love and concern of a husband for his wife are the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The Emperor Nebuchadnezzar II built them for his wife Amytis who missed the lush greenery of her home, here in Babylon. This particular place reflects high architectural talents of the ruler and the advanced mechanisms used in constructing the gardens.

- Porcelain tower of Nanjing

Built as a Buddhist pagoda, the Porcelain tower of Nanjing is a must visit place for all who wish to witness an ancient wonder. It was built in the 15th century and has gone through reconstruction later. The Chinese Emperor Yongle designed it with 260 ft height across 9 stories and a golden sphere marks its roof. The fine construction of the Porcelain Tower mirrors the rays of the sun during the day and the beautiful Buddhist images carved on the walls lend it a distinct charisma.

- Machu Picchu

The majestic Andes Mountain in Peru is synonymous to magic. One of the classic examples of the fact being Machu Pichu that is an ancient city lost to the times. Built and occupied by the Incas, Machu Pichu is considered a part of the 8 wonders of the world. The various features of the place like the residences, temples and fountains that are still standing testimony to this ancient city invite you all to come and feast on its magnificence.

Thus, these are the top 10 places you must see before you die… So whether you are a die-hard traveler, a professional or a retired citizen, a visit to the above listed places is a must that is sure to enthrall you with its magic… Come and surrender to their spell!

References…

World Travel Destinations
Popular Holiday Destinations
Travel Guides

What’s the best thing about India? This question may come to the mind of several visitors; travelers and guests in the country who may be on their first visit here or may have even visited the place many times earlier. This question is significant from the perspective that all the features that India displays are equally impressive and it is indeed a very difficult task to fathom what could possibly be the best thing about India! To ease out one in a situation like this, we have gathered for you the most spectacular facets of the country and compiled for you characteristics that would help you to realize exactly what’s the best thing about India.

History of India
The history of India is replete with tales of brave warriors, chivalrous kings and daring women leaders who have set examples for all Indians to follow, on a number of occasions. The History of India mentions the sagas of how valiantly the Indians fought against the external invasions and managed to retain the Indian-ness despite all odds. Therefore read about the history of India to comprehend the features that will explain that it is definitely one of the best things about India.

Culture and religion of India
The cultural repertoire of India is comprised of uncountable hues. Hues, that have been a contribution of the different religions, distinct beliefs and traditions and customs as per the different geographical regions of the country. In spite of being home to many faiths and religions, India still manages to offer a happy coexistence for all. This is no wonder one of the best things about India that despite being such a huge country with more than 1500 dialects and numerous religions, every culture and every community has its own place and is greatly revered by all.

Sightseeing in India
With 28 states and 7 Union territories spread across a wide geographical area, what else could one expect other than a roller coaster ride of sightseeing in India? Spectacular wildlife areas, mesmerizing beaches, rugged desert lands, majestic mountains and hill stations and lovely plains, ancient architectural wonders like palaces and grand forts… India is blessed with all. If one were to ask what’s the best thing about India to the global traveler, he/ she would unmistakably say it is the sightseeing opportunities in India.

Hospitality in India
India is a land where the guest is regarded as the God. Hospitality in India is displayed through warmth and affection towards all. Be it in the luxury hotels or the small motels and inns, the amiability of the Indians attracts one and all. A traveler coming to India, because of this warmth and hospitality, desires to come back to the country, times and again.

People of India
People of India belong to the 5 major racial types – Australoid, Mongoloid, Europoid, Caucasian and Negroid. Therefore people across the various geographical regions, display different physical appearances, different costumes, different language/ dialect and follow different traditions and customs. However, despite the physical dissimilarities, it is interesting to know that the people of India together showcase a common bond and that rules the roost while talking of the best thing about India!

Cuisine of India
For all coming to India, it is strongly recommended that he/she explore the various nuances of the cuisine of the country. Relish on the mouth-watering delicacies that are peculiar to the various regions and learn about the traditional way of cooking and serving meals in India. From the tangy tastes to the spicy flavors, cuisine of India definitely offers a wide spread and is one of the very best things about India!

Hindu festivals

Majority of the Indian population are Hindus. Therefore Hindu festivals play a significant part in the repertoire of the festivals in India. Each of these festivals have some or the other religious significance and are celebrated with great pomp and joy. In this article we shall bring forth some of the major Hindu festivals and highlight their significance for you to feast on them. Read More

Baisakhi: Baisakhi is one of the most important festivals especially in the North of India. It marks the beginning of a new solar year and generally falls on the 13th or 14th of April. Religious processions and traditional performances mark the festivities of the event that is also viewed as the harvest festival here. This festival is also celebrated in various other parts of the country and while it is Bihu in Assam, it is Vishu in Kerala. Along with the dissimilarity in the names, the customs and rituals associated with it also differ.

Diwali: Diwali is the Indian festival of lights also popularly called as Deepavali. Every home on this day is decorated as a bride with millions of clay lamps lit in every corner of the country. There are several legends associated with the festival like being associated as the day of returning of Lord Rama from his exile, the day of killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna and also as the day when king Bali went to rule the nether world. Diwali is also celebrated as the new accounting year for businessmen and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshipped on this day. Firecrackers are burnt and several delicacies prepared in every home to celebrate Diwali. Read More

Durga Puja: Durga Puja is the most important festival for the Hindus in Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Jharkhand. Goddess Durga is worshipped during this 10-day festival that also signifies her yearly homecoming. The various days, specifically the Sasthi, Saptami, Asthami, Navami and Dashami are more sacred and each day has different rituals associated with it. New clothes are worn to the traditional ‘Puja Mandap’, prayers offered to the deity and sweets and gifts exchanged between friends and family. Read More

Dussehra: Coinciding with the Durga Puja festivities is the Dusshera that is specifically observed all throughout the country. In the western parts of India the religious nine nights of ‘Navratri’ culminate together on the Dusshera day with all festivities reaching the highest magnitude. Dussehra celebrations are spectacularly observed especially in Mysore in Southern India and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. In the north, effigies of Ravana are burnt marking it the victory of good over evil. Read More

Onam: The Hindu Festival of Onam is celebrated mainly in the South Indian state of Kerala. It is the harvest festival of the state and also marks the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali. This 10-day festival is celebrated in the first month of the Malayalam calendar. The two quintessential elements of Onam are Onakoddi and Onam Sadya. New clothes are worn, traditional feasts held and even the traditional dance performance of ‘Thiruvathira kali’ is seen in nearly every household. The making of the ‘onapookkalam’ or flower arrangement is also very widespread.Read More

Holi: Celebrated as the festival of colors, Holi is a major Festival in India. It is observed across 2 days with the first day being celebrated as the day when effigies of ‘Holika’ are burnt and the next day as Dhulendi when people play with colors. Holi, like other Festivals in India also has religious significance attached to it and people worship Lord Krishna on this day who is believed to have celebrated this occasion with his ‘Gopis’. Be it the legends of Prahlad and Hiranyakashyap or the fables of Krishna and his Gopis, Holi is a festival for all.

Janmashtami: Janmasthami or Kristhnasthami is celebrated as the birthday of lord Krishna. It is observed on the 8th day of the Hindu month of Shravana during the half dark period. Temples are decorated in numerous ways with flowers and lights and tales depicting the childhood pranks of Krishna as well as ‘Raas Lila’ or his legends with the milkmaids are performed in every neighborhood. The customary breaking of a ‘handi’ or a clay pot containing milk, curd or butter is also a classis depiction of the pranks of Krishna. Know More

Karwa Chauth: Celebrated in certain parts of the country but with great reverence, ‘Karva Chauth’ is a fast strictly observed by the married Hindu women for the long life and prosperity of her husband. The quintessential characteristics of the day lie in the fact that for the entire day the wife fasts without food and water, for the well being of her husband and breaks the fast only at moonrise. Traditional Puja, exchanging gifts, applying of Mehendi/ Henna and traditional feasts are the significant elements of the day. Know More

Mahashivaratri: The Mahashivaratri festival is the Hindu Festival dedicated to lord Shiva. It is generally observed around February/ March and marks a night full of traditional and religious festivities. Bathing the Shiva Lingam in milk, water and ‘bael’ leaves is the most essential part of the Mahashivaratri puja. Fasting on the day and prasad of the traditional ‘Bhang’ are the other essential aspects of this Hindu festival. Read More

Makar Sankranti: Celebrated in the month of January, Makar Sankranti is observed in every Hindu household and is a festival of great reverence. It has both religious as well as astrological significance attached to it. Makar Sankranti is marked as the day when the Sun starts ascending into the northern hemisphere, thus signifying a new beginning of a new life, new perspective, better wisdom and better devotion too. Every member of the household wakes up early to take bath and worship the sun god and be blessed with a prosperous year and righteous life. People also offer tributes to the ancestors to be blessed by them on this day and several fairs like the Ganga Sagar Mela also attract huge number of devotees and tourists too.

Naag Panchami: On the Naag Panchami day, devotees worship snakes or Naag. Women fast on this day and offerings like milk, sweets and ghee are done for the snakes. It is also commonly widespread that tilling of the land is strictly prohibited on this day, origins of which can be traced to a legend that mentions that a framer while tilling his land by chance killed several serpents. The parent in order to take revenge bit the members of the farmer’s family and the only one saved from the wrought was the farmer’s daughter who was a devout worshipper of snake. She worshipped the snakes and sought forgiveness and thus managed to revive the family. Thus began the tradition of snake worshipping.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Also popular as the Vinayaka Chaturthi, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that on this day the lord, who is the patron deity of prosperity, good fortune and wisdom, confers his presence on the earth for his devotees. Temples of Maharasthra, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are especially decorated on this day and devotees make beeline queues to offer tributes and prayers to the lord and seek his blessings. ‘Modak’ is particularly distributed in the ‘Puja Pandals’ as prasad.

Navratri: The nine forms of Goddess Durga are particularly worshipped on the occasion of ‘Navratri’, which literally translates to nine nights of festivity. The Navratri is celebrated twice in the year coinciding with the onset of summer and winter that are significant points in the year. The blessing of the Divine Mother is sought and each day of the 9-day festival is celebrated in a characteristic way. Navratri also coincides with the Durga Puja and the diverse traditions and customs associated with the occasion make it all the more special.

Pongal: Pongal is a very significant Hindu festival, especially in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated as a harvest festival and is observed in the month of January, generally coinciding with Makar Sankranti as is celebrated in the other parts of the country. This 4-day celebration has a day dedicated to the different aspects and importance. On the first day, old clothes etc are burnt to signify the end of the old and mark the beginning of everything new. On the second day rice, milk and jaggery is boiled over in new pots signifying prosperity in the coming year. It is an auspicious sign to watch the milk boil over the pot. The third day signifies honoring the cattle. And on the 4th day people visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts too.

Rakhi: The celebration of Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi glorifies the bond between a brother and sister. Owing its significance that can be traced to antiquity, this festival is celebrated in many parts of the country in traditional zeal. On the Raksha Bandhan day, sisters tie a Rakhi on the wrists of her brothers seeking their promise to protect her in terms of crisis. In return, the brothers shower her with presents and ensure her with love and defense. In every home, people sit for the customary Puja before the Rakhi ceremony begins. It is a day of feasting and festivity for all. Read More

Ramnavami :This is the day dedicated to the Hindu lord Rama, and is celebrated as his birthday. Devotees on this day observe strict fast and visit temples and shrines to offer prayers to the lord. Tales of the birth of Lord Rama, his childhood, his marriage, his exile and his victory over Ravana, all these significant events related to the life of Rama are especially narrated on this day by the elders in the family. On this day processions are led following the idols of Lord Rama and Sita and it also marks the end of the Navratri, the festival of nine nights.

Christian Festivals

Owing to its secular nature, Christian festivals in India are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor all throughout the country and even in the non- Christian households. Festivals like Good Friday and Easter and Christmas are celebrated across the country in the highest magnitude and people visit churches and cathedrals and attend the mass to honor Lord Jesus, especially on each of these occasions.

Christmas: Celebrated on 25th December, Christmas is the birthday of lord Jesus. Several days prior to the actual event, preparations begin in the churches and homes and people are seen shopping, preparing delicacies and singing Christmas carols. On Christmas Eve visiting the church for the midnight mass becomes mandatory and getting together for the grand Christmas Dinner is also not unknown. On Christmas Day, people visit the church and also distribute alms to the needy making it a very much essential part of the festivals in India. Read More

Easter: One of the most prominent Christian festivals, Easter marks the day when Christ rose after his crucifixion. It is also celebrated to end the month long fasting and several delicacies are prepared for the day especially the Easter eggs.

Good Friday: The Good Friday marks the day of crucifixion of Christ in Golgotha. It is celebrated in India in every Christian household and the day marks fasting, and prayer services are held to mourn the death of Christ. In India, it is observed as a public holiday and people remember the sacrifices of Christ for the betterment of Humanity and humans. Easter mirrors the teachings of Jesus that finally good will prevail over the evil and hatred can be overcome with love.

Sikh Festivals

The Indian treasure trove of festivals is incomplete without the mention of Sikh festivals. Adding its own flavor and hue are these Sikh festivals that besides reflecting the lifestyle of Punjab, also mirrors the joyful nature of the people. With an inherent religious essence in all of them, these festivals are celebrated in the highest magnitude all over the state of Punjab as well as in other states like Delhi, Haryana etc. Some of the important Sikh Festivals have been mentioned below for you:

Guru Nanak Jayanti: The birthday of the first guru of the Sikh religion, Guru Nanak Dev, is celebrated as the Guru Nanak Jayanti that is generally observed around October/ November. On this day Sikh’s as well as several non Sikh’s also make it a point to visit the Gurudwara to pay tributes to the great Guru. Processions called ‘Prabhat Pheri’ are taken out and the non-stop reading of the Guru Granth Sahib also called the ‘Akhand Path’ takes place in all Gurudwaras. Devotees also take part in the community services and the distribution of ‘Langar’ or free food is also widespread.

Guru Purab: Guru Nanak Jayanti or the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev is celebrated with great fanfare and reverence everywhere in the state of Punjab. This Sikh festival is also called as Guru Purab. On the occasion of this festival, every Gurudwara is decorated with lights, flowers and also earthen lamps. People also decorate their homes to mark the festivities. ‘Akhand Path’ or the non- stop reading of the holy Guru Granth Sahib, distribution of ‘Langar’ and taking part in the religious processions mark the other celebrations of this day. The ambiance everywhere is religious and the Sikhs celebrated Guru Purab also by visiting the holy Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Holla Mohalla: Celebrated a day after the festival of Holi, Anandpur Sahib in Punjab is the place to be on Holla Mohalla. The traditional practices of mock battles and martial art display are still held here on Holla Mohalla. The grand display of the martial traditions of the Nihang Sikh’s attracts millions of onlookers and devotees every year. Kirtans, reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and also religious processions are taken out during this Sikh festival.

Lohri: This Sikh festival is celebrated in the month of January as the harvest festival of Punjab. It is an outdoor festival and friends and family get together to celebrate in the evening in front of a bonfire. It is an age-old tradition for young boys to sing ‘Lohri’ songs and go from door to door during the day and to collect peanuts, ‘gacchak’ and popcorns etc called as Lohri. In the evening when the entire family gets together to celebrate the occasion, the Lohri as well as other food items are thrown into the fire as an offering. Especially in the families where there has been a wedding or the birth of a male child, Lohri is celebrated in the highest magnitude.

Muslim Festivals

The Islam religion is the second most popular religion of the world and the Muslims of India celebrate all the Muslim festivals with great reverence and elaboration. Lending traditional sentiments to each of these Muslim festivals, the various occasions are religious in nature and are celebrated in every Muslim household. The most popular Muslim Festivals are Bakra Eid, Eid-ul-Fitr and Muhorram. To know about the significance of these festivals, read on…

Bakra Eid: Popularly referred to as the Bakrid or Eid-Ul-Zuha, Bakra Eid is celebrated on the 10th day in the Zil Hijja month according to the Muslim calendar. The highlight of this festival lies in going on pilgrimage to Mecca called the Haj. Millions of devotees every year throng to Mecca to offer prayers and take part in the religious ceremonies. As per a legend, Hazrat Ibrahim had dreamt that Allah asked him to sacrifice his most beloved thing. As it was his son who he loved more than anything, he sacrificed him on this day only to find that it was a ram that he had sacrificed and not his son. Thus it became a tradition to sacrifice a ram/ goat or a camel on Bakra Eid and distribute it among friends and family.

Eid-ul-Fitr: Eid-ul-Fitr is the most significant Muslim festival as it marks the end of the month long fasting and is traditional in nature. In every Muslim household, new clothes are presented to the children and money called ‘Eidee’ is also given to the younger members of the family. Special prayers are offered to the lord and a wide selection of delicacies is prepared in every family. On seeing the new moon, the fast is broken and festivities begin. The entire ambience resonates with Eid Mubarak! – The traditional way of greeting each other on this day.

Muhorram: Muhorram is celebrated on the first month of the Hijri year and is a festival to mourn the death of the great warriors who laid down their lives for preserving the religion. On this day, Muslims especially belonging to the Shia community offer prayers, observe fasts, give alms to the poor and the needy and also take out grand processions. Reading of the ‘Quran’ and singing elegies in honor of the dead martyrs are also very popular elements of Muhorram.

General Festivals

Besides all the religious festivals belonging to the various faiths and religions, there are numerous general festivals celebrated in India that do not necessarily belong to any religion but are observed by every community, caste and class of people. These general festivals are celebrated to honor the various relationships and that make our life so very special and the observance of these festivals also enable people from the various walks and communities of life to come together on one pedestal. Some of the popular general festivals as celebrated in India are mentioned below for you:

Father’s Day: Festivals in India belongs to various genres, religious, regional as well as general. Out of the general festivals, Father’s Day is one of the most special occasions. Dedicated to the father, children on this day specially make it a point to pamper their dad with gifts and presents and also wish them and express their gratitude. One can make the day a very extraordinary one for the father and also do stuff to make them feel they are special.

Halloween: All, irrespective of the faith they belong to, celebrate Halloween. Although the concept is not so popular in India, it is slowly gaining momentum especially in the urban areas. Halloween is celebrated especially in several countries in Europe and the US. It is observed as a day when the distinction between the live and the dead dissolved and Halloween parties are thrown in several urban Indian cities to mark the occasion. People dress themselves as ghosts and witches, and wearing of scary masks and mimicking is the order of the day!

Mother’s Day: Mother’s Day is celebrated in India with great fanfare. Every store, every gift shop and every mall is especially full with children belonging to the various age groups, buying gifts and presents for their mother. In India goddess Durga and Kali and their various forms are also worshipped as Mother and this tradition has been followed since ages. However, the modern Mother’s Day is celebrated on a more personal level and each year on the second Sunday in May, Mothers are gifted with flowers, gifts and mothers day cards stating I love you!

New Year: New Year in India is celebrated on different days and according to different rituals, across the different regions. While in the east it is celebrated in April and called as Bihu in Assam and Nabo Barsho in Bengal, down south it is referred to as Vishu in Kerala and as Gudi Padva in Maharashtra. While in Kashmir, New Year is celebrated as Nau Roz, in Punjab it is celebrated as Baisakhi. However, arrangements to welcome the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar are also very commonly widespread. 31st December and 1st January marks the occasions of New Year Eve and New Year respectively and people burst crackers, enjoy light works and attend New Year parties to celebrate the event.

Thanks Giving: The festival of Thanks Giving is one of the prime festivals in India especially celebrated in the state of Goa. The Christian households start preparing for this day, several days in advance and a platform depicting the altar is constructed that is decorated with flowers, candles and other articles. It is a ceremony to express gratitude to God over good harvest, special blessings for the family and other such significant happenings in the family. Thanks giving festival in India is also related to the harvest festivals that are celebrated in the country like Baisakhi, Bihu, Pongal, Onam and Lohri.

Valentine’s Day: Celebrated on the 14th February every year, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular festivals in the country, especially among the youngsters. Gifting of red roses to express love is highly practiced on this day. Couples celebrate this day of togetherness by gifting each other chocolates and flowers, Valentine’s Day cards and other items as well. Everywhere in India, one can see couples frequenting restaurants, movie halls, discos and pubs to celebrate the day.

National Festivals

Along with the religious and community festivals, there are various festivals in India that are celebrated on a national level. Several days from the National festivals list are observed as national holidays, and majority of the government offices and other organizations remain closed on this day. These days are celebrated to commemorate events of national importance. To name a few National festivals will be to talk on the below mentioned occasions:

Children’s Day: Owing to the fact that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was very fond of children and dreamt big for the future generation of India, every year since his death in 1963, his birth anniversary is celebrated as Children’s Day in India. It is a big event especially in the schools as cultural programmes and competitions etc are held for the children and even gifts and sweets are distributed in every school. As it is the day for the children, parents and teachers leave no scope of pampering them and making them feel really special.

Gandhi Jayanti: Celebrated on 2nd October, on the occasion of the Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi Jayanti is one of the major National Festivals of India. It is observed as a national holiday and people especially visit ‘Raj Ghat’ the place where he was cremated to pay tributes to the departed soul. Prayer services are also held in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and several competitions and contests belonging to the socio-political genre are held in educational institutions.

Independence Day: The Independence day is the most important day for every Indian. It is celebrated as the day of liberation of India from Great Britain. Celebrated on the 15th of August, the day is observed as a national holiday. The tri-color national flag is hoisted in every government office and significant centers, sweets are distributed in schools and in Red Fort in Delhi, elaborate ceremonies of flag hoisting takes place. Besides hoisting the flag, the Prime Minister of India also gives his speech to the nation and also pays tributes to the warriors and leaders of freedom struggle. Kite flying on the Independence Day is also a major part of the festivities held.

Republic Day: To mark the beginning of a sovereign nation, India, the Republic Day was celebrated on the 26th January 1950. To commemorate the adoption of the Indian constitution on this day, every year on this day the elaborate ceremonies of the Republic Day take place in New Delhi. The annual military and cultural parades along the ‘Rajpath’ as well as the flag hoisting by the President are the highlights of the day. This national festival is a national holiday in India, as well.

Teacher’s Day: To commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, 5th September is celebrated as the Teacher’s Day. Dr. Radhakrishnan was the 2nd President of India and a great scholar who made the country proud on several occasions. Owing to the desire of many of his students and close friends, his birthday came to be celebrated as the Teacher’s Day that also depicts a part of his career as a teacher. The entire country pays homage to the great teacher on his birthday and the students hold special programmes in the schools and educational organizations to commemorate the event as well as honor the teachers.

Buddhist Festivals

Festivals in India are not restricted to only a few festivals particularly followed by a handful of people. It also includes the festivals belonging to the various faiths and religion and the beauty of it all lies in celebrating them in perfect harmony and its specific place in the repertoire of festivals of India. There are several Buddhist festivals that are celebrated across the country with the same keenness and passion. These Buddhist festivals revolve around the life and teachings of the great Buddha and are observed by the non- Buddhist communities as well.

Buddha Purnima: One of the major days for Buddhists, Buddha Purnima is celebrated as the birthday of lord Buddha that is generally observed around April/ May on the full moon night. The Buddha Purnima is celebrated by various names in the countries that have a substantial population practicing this faith. This Buddhist festival is called as Wesak in Sri Lanka and Vaisakha Purnima in several parts of India. Prayer services and group meditations mark the celebrations of this day. Simplicity and peace for all, the elements that Buddha preached about through his teachings are greatly practiced on this day as well and hence the revelry is kept simple and subtle. However the decoration in the homes and Buddhist shrines, with flowers, colorful lights and lanterns are also not uncommon.

Hemis Gompa: This is a significant Buddhist festival that attracts numerous travelers and devotees to take part in the Hemis Gompa festival and fair in Leh. To commemorate the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava, the 2-day ‘Hemis Gompa’ festival is organized every year. The focal point of the celebrations lies in the cultural programmes performed by the local dancers as well as the traditional music played here. Guru padmasambhava and his teachings are reminisced on this day and people offer their prayers and tributes in front of his statue during the Hemis Gompa festival.

Losar: Losar is the New Year day in Tibetan according to the Tibetan calendar and is a 15-day event. The first 3 days are most important with significant rituals and ceremonies being observed on these days. As the Tibetan calendar is based upon lunar calculations, the first month according to the lunar calendar is the month of Losar. It was earlier celebrated as a framer’s festival and today the entire family takes part in the grand community festival. People start preparing for this Buddhist festival, days in advance and monasteries and Buddhist shrines are especially decorated to mark the event. Other than the religious aspects there are also several light hearted elements associated with Losar like what you find inside your dough ball will reflect your character and how the New Year will be for you.

Ullambana: Ullambana is a grand Buddhist festival celebrated in the highest magnitude in countries like China, Japan and Cambodia etc. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month according to lunar calendar. The Ullambana is associated with several legends and beliefs and it is believed that on this day the gates of hell are opened for the dead to come and visit their relatives. Therefore it has become a tradition to present various offerings to the dead to please them and to bring in good luck.

It can be very vividly seen on the surface that Festivals in India complete the cultural mosaic of the country. At the same time it is also wonderful to witness the cultural harmony and the happy coexisting of all these festivals and the spectator can really feast on this aspect and comprehend the Indian essence in a better way.

• Andaman and Nicobar Island

In 1789 East India Company established and was soon abandoned following the first war Indian independence in 1857. The British imperialist made a penal settlement for freedom fighters in these islands in 1858., known as Kalapani. Japanese forces occupied in 1942 occupied Andaman and Nicobar island, after their surrender in second world war, British Indian Government ruled on these islands till 1947 and after independence its an Indian territory.

• Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is home to the Pre-Dravidian inhabitants and has witnessed the resurgence of downfall of many kingdoms. From Askoka, Chandragupta Maurya, Satavahanas, Ikshvakus, Pallavas, Anandas, Chalukyas to the Qutub Shahi rule, Mughals and Nizams till the 18^th century. It was then taken over by East India Company, and whole of the state except Hyderabad was under British rule till 1947. In 1957, Andhra Pradesh came into being.

• Bihar

Bihar has got its name from Vihars, a Buddhist monastery. The great rulers of the state were were Bimbisara, Udayin who founded the city of Patliputra. The Mauryan emperors, Guptas under Mughals has their capital at Patliputra, modern-day Patna. The medieval times witnessed Muslims invasion and the rule of local Rajput clans. Bihar saw the prosperity under th rule of Mughals, the rule of Nawabs from Bengal and battle of Buxar in 1764. In 1911 Bihar and Orissa separated from Bengal and in 1936, became separate provinces.

• Daman and Diu

From 8th to 13^th century, Daman and Diu, part of Goa was a stronghold of the Chowda Rajputs. The Portuguese dethroned Muslims and ruled for 451 years from (1510 -1961).

T hey constructed Fortress of Diu, on the island and it was reconstructed after the siege by Dom Joao de Castroin, 1525. This fortress was plundered by armed band of the Arabs of Muscat. ‘Operation Vijay’ ended the colonial rule of Portuguese. In 1987 Daman and Diu separated from Goa and became separate Union Territory.

• Goa

In ancient times Goa was called Gomant, Goapuri, Gowapur and Gopakapattana. Goans are the descendants from native Dravidians. Goa, was a part of Konkan was import port for medieval traders. It was part of the territories of Ashoka, the great Buddhist emperor of Mauryan Emperor. In 1510, Alfonso de Albequerque captured Goa from Yusuf Ali Adil Shah and they influenced Goan life and Christianity was absorbed by the inhabitants. They made the city Panaji , which i the capital city. On 30^th May 1987 Goa became an independent state.

• Jammu Kashmir

A panoramic paradise of snow clad mountains, Jammu Kashmir formed a major caravan route in the ancient times, which led to the trade relations between China and Central Asia and various coalesce of social and cultural groups. It’s believed Kashyapa led the foundation of Kashmir. Maharaj Gulab Singh, in 1820, got the Jagir of Jammu from Maharaj Ranjit Sigh and in 1846 Kashmir was sold to him, which led to the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into a single political unit. Gulab Singh led to the foundation of Dogra dynasty.

• Gujarat

It’s an important territory housing Indus Valley civilization and Harappan sites, and reveals history of India. The Dravidians were the original habitants of this region. The Mughals ruled for almost 2 centuries till the mid of eighties, then Marathas rose to power.

• Maharashtra

Vidharba, the region from the epic Mahabharatha, comprises of Maharashtra. It was a part of the Mauryan Empire, and after its fall many diverse dynasties Satavahanas, Vakatas, the Rashtrakutas, Kalachuris, Chalukyas and the Yadhavas ruled bringing their own cultural flavors. In 17^th century Maratha-Marathi warriors rose to power. Peshwas succeeding Shivaji built Maratha Empire. It extended from Gwalior in the North to Tanjore in the South. In 1818, it became a part of Bombay Presidency and in 1960 it attained statehood.

• Kerala

‘God’s Own Country’ Kerala is believed to be the gift of the Arabian Sea. Malayalam era ‘Kollavarsha’ is believed to have started in the 9th century A.D. Malayalam era ‘Kollavarsha’ is believed to have started in the 9th century A.D. In 1502 Portuguese came to Kochi; Kerala was then divided into the Kingdoms of Malabar, Kochi and Travancore. Malabar witnessed the rule of Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and direct rule of the British; Kochi and Travancore were princely states owing allegiance to the British. In 1949 these states were integrated and Kerala was formed in 1956.

references….

History of Indian States

History of India

Legends behind the Indian States

If I think for a while to understand the

connection between human soul and a

civilisation, I find a link between them. Eevery

human in his childhood age struggles to learn,

then he discovers new things and face the hard

facts of life after that he enjoys the fruits of

his struggles and ultimately all these leads to

death. The same thing is applicable to

civilization. Since the dawn of human history in

the same manner different civilizations have

risen then it reached the top and ultimately it

bends towards extiction. All these seems to me a

natural process. A human being has to die

several times throughout his life to live in

this world. In the same way any civilization

must die several times throughout it’s lifetime
to realises the fullness of it’s soul and for

achieving perfection. Thus human being and

civilization struggles throughout their life.

Sometimes they rise and sometimes fall. There

are many civilizations which have experienced

these such as India, Mesopotamia, china, Greece,

Egypt.
I am not taking you out of the topic but it is

necessary to look at western civilization to

understand the vision that we have today of

India.
So I will be out of the track for a while.

Earlier Europe was disunited. Barbarian used to

fight with each other.
Europian civilization reached it’s maturity at

the begining of 19th century onwards and then it

started expaning. Their main aim was to imposed

their civilization on other cultures.
Western civilization was associated with

christanity. Christanity had a very soft

influence on the western world because the

Hindus believed that Jesus Christ was an

emanation from God and they considered Jesus

Christ as a great avatar of Love. Christanity

was considered to be the only island of sanity

at that point of time. And the christiand did

the same thing, as in India the Brahmins

preserved the ordal and written word for

posterity. At that time there were some great

saints in christanity such as Saint Francois,

saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Gregory. After that

christanity got polticised and corrupted.

ARYANS VS DRAVIDIANS
When the Christian missionaries arrived India

their main focus is to convert the Hindus but

they found it very difficult as Hinduism had a

very well structured base. Then the missionaries

found another ground (the Tribals and the

Dalits).

Then the missionaries came up with a new

historical theory. According to this theory

there was a great civilization named Bharat.

Good natured, peaceful, dark skinned Dravidians

lived there.
…..to be continued