Festivals of India

Introduction India is a land where the life of its people is beautified with festivals. Festival is a celebration of the changing seasons, harvest, reconciliation and the birth anniversaries of saints, gurus and prophets and honours the gods and goddesses. History of Festivals Epigraphical evidences prove that festivals have been celebrated in India since Vedic times. The Aryans conquered India around 1500 B.C. and cultural integration with the local population took place. Religious Festivals A large number of festivals being celebrated in India have a religious outlook. These festivals are being celebrated in commemoration of some saints, gurus and prophets, the gods and goddesses or events celebrating their victories. Temple Festivals No festival in India is complete without a feast, and the Hindu temple provides feasts during the temple festivals. The attendees spend all day at the temple, enjoying themselves. Fairs or Melas Melas or Fairs are extremely popular not just in India but all over the world. Mela serves a very important role as most of the festivals are celebrated in individual homes. Melas that are normally celebrated for a week to over a month help to bring the community together and share greetings. National Festivals Independence Day, August 15, commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved freedom from British rule. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world`s biggest democracy as a national festival. Regional Festivals India presents a cultural potpourri of number of religions with their festivals and celebrations but the four major religions followed in India are Hinduism, Islam,

Christianity and Sikhism in the descending order. There are a number of regional festivals that are celebrated in particular areas only. New Year Festivals Baisakhi or Vaisakhi is the first day of the month of Vaisakha, the beginning of the Hindu year in some parts of the country. For the Sikhs in Punjab and other parts of the country, this day has a particular significance, as it was on this day in 1699 that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa. Different festivals celebrated by the various states Festivals in Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh is noted for its cosmopolitan nature and varied customs and culture prevalent in the state. Many festivals of various communities are celebrated here. Most of these festivals are organized by the government of Andhra Pradesh state. Pongal, the harvest festival is celebrated with gaiety and pomp. One of the most ancient festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh is Shivratri. Other popular festivals are Ugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Decaan Festivals, Lumbini festival and Rayalaseema Food and Dance Pongal Festivals: Pongal Shivratri Ugadi Ganesh Chaturthi Diwali Deccan Festival Lumbini Festival Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival Utsav Brahmotsavam Pongal:In South Sankranti becomes Pongal. It is a celebration of the harvest, which is observed for three days in January. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal, are

the three days of Pongal festivities on successive days. In certain parts cattle races still enliven the village festivities. Pongal is a colourful and traditional festival with many a ceremony devoted to various deities. The sun is very powerful and helps in the growth of the paddy and other plantations. So this festival is very important for farmers and so it is celebrated in a grand manner in villages. The house is cleaned, and all maintenance jobs are done before this festival. During the four-day festival, different varieties of Rangoli are drawn in front of the houses early in the morning. Shivaratri, or Maha Shivaratri (Night of Shiva) is a Hindu festival, celebrated all over the country with great enthusiasm. The festival usually falls every year on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Maagha (as per Shalivahana) or Phalguna (as per Vikrama) in the Hindu calendar.The festival is exclusively dedicated to Lord Shiva who is known by hundreds of names. Maha Shivratri is the day to rejoiceto pray to the almighty for wellness. Almost all Hindus throughout the world offer prayers in the morning/evening and some observe fasting ( vrata) throughout the day. Most people visit the nearby temples of Shiva and offer prayers in large crowds. The prayers and worship continue throughout the night and the devotees offer coconut, Bilva leaves, fruits and specially prepared sacred food to Shiva and his divine consort Parvati. As this is a dark fortnight, devotees light candles and diyas (a lamp made usually of clay, with wick made of cotton and dipped in ghee) throughout the night this is a symbol of spiritual manifestation. Deccan Festival : Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multihued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to visitors. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan Festival is celebrated in Hyderabad every year in February/March. This five-day festival reflects the culture of the Deccan and highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and the

famous Nawabi cuisine. During the festival, many cultural programmes are organised; these include ghazal, qawwali and mushaira, (poetry sessions), which are typical of the city. Renowned singers and dancers are invited for performances, making the Deccan Festival a must-see for every visitor. This festival also includes Pearls and Bangles fair, displaying creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialties, and a Food Fair, with items covering both Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine. This festival comes alive with food stalls and arts and craft shops. Festivals in Bihar Bihar is steeped in history and has a rich tradition of festivals from time immemorial. Bihar as an ancient land has a long list of festivals and fairs which the people of Bihar actively take part in. The most famous festival of Bihar is Chatth Puja which is celebrated twice in a year, once in March and the other in November. Sama-Chakeva is another festival celebrated in Bihar especially in Mithila. Ramnavami, Makar Sankranti, Nagpanchami, Bihula are some of the other festivals celebrated in Bihar. List of Festivals in Bihar Chatth Puja Sama-Chakeva Ramnavami Makar Sankranti Nagpanchami Bihula Basant Panchami Shivratri Raksha Bandhan Holi Buddha Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti Durga Puja Deepawali

Sonepur Cattle Fair Bakrid Christmas Rajgir Chhath is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, also known as Surya Shashti. The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request the granting of certain wishes. The Sun, considered the god of energy and of the life-force, is worshiped during the Chhath fesival to promote wellbeing, prosperity and progress. In Hindu mythology, Sun worship is believed to help cure a variety of diseases, including leprosy, and helps ensure the longevity and prosperity of family members, friends, and elders. The rituals of the festival are rigorous and are observed over a period of four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (Vratta), standing in water for long periods of time, and offering prashad (prayer offerings) and aragh to the setting and rising sun. Although it is observed most elaborately in Bihar, Jharkhand and the Terai regions of Nepal in modern times, and is more prevalent in areas where migrants from those areas have a presence, it is celebrated in all regions and major urban centers in India. Sonepur Mela The famed cattle fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the banks of the River Ganga. It is one Of the Asia's largest cattle fair. The full moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus. Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the reverence of a blessed ground and lasts for a fortnight. In ancient times the Royal Rajahs and Nawabs used to camp here. The Sonepue Fair has unique and historical importance. A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.

The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the widest possible range of cattle and commodities. The array of shops sells all sorts of merchandise. Sonepur Fair is the only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold. These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair. Rajgir Dance Festival Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance Festival every year in Rajgir. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere. This festival held during last week of October attracts tourists in large numbers. Festivals of Maharashtra The Maharashtrians are vibrant people for whom celebrations is a part of their lives. Festivals form an integral part of the people of Maharashtra. All he festivals display their culture and tradition. They celebrate their festivals with all traditional rituals. Festivals in Maharastra also include dance and music which attract world-renowned artistes musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who come together to pay tribute to Maharashtra's rich culture and legacy. The most important festival is Ganesh Chaturthi, the patron deity of Maharashtra. List of Festivals in Maharashtra: Ganesh Chaturthi Nag Panchami Gudi Padwa Gokul Ashtami Narali Purnima Pola

Dusshrea Diwali Makar Sankranti Holi Pune Festival Banganga Festival The Elephanta Festival Ellora Festival The Kalidas Festival at Nagpur Thimithi Kalidas Festival Indian Derby Weekend 2010 Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Shivaji Jayanti Gudi Padwa Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the 4th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad. This festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesha or Ganpati is one of the most popular deities in the Hindu religion. It is worshiped by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites. Even Buddhists and Jains have faith for Ganpati. He is considered to be an avatar of both Shiva and Vishnu. On the occasion of the Ganapati festival, a large number of idols are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes; sometimes even up to twenty feet. People buy idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and immersed into the river, sea or well. A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and film festival are the main features of this festival.

Narali paurnima: The full moon day (purnima or pournima) of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Shravan is celebrated as Narali paurnima, Rakshabandhan and at certain times, as Shravani. Significance A confluence of rivers is purer (sattvik) than a river. But the sea is the purest among all bodies of water. As a Sanskrut quote goes, The sea symbolizes all the places of pilgrimage. Worship of the sea on this day signifies worship of Lord Varun (Deity of rain). Sea transportation of cargo occurs smoothly only if Lord Varun is pleased. Hence Lord Varun is worshiped on this day. Celebration On this day, people residing in coastal regions worship the sea as a form of the divine principle, Varun and offer coconuts (naral). Offering coconuts on this day is both auspicious and symbolic of the energy of Creation. Sweet rice made with coconuts is also partaken as Holy sacrament (prasad). Shravani If on the full moon day of this month, the lunar asterism Shravan is present, then the Vedic ritual called Shravani is performed on this day. Shravani is a ritual in which one resumes leaning and teaching after a long vacation. It is also called Upakarma, Upakaran, etc. It should be performed on different days, depending on the followers of the various Vedas. For any Holy or religious occasion to bring maximum spiritual benefit, in terms of increased motivation and energy for spiritual practice, Bliss, peace, etc., and reduction in obstacles to it, the occasion has to be observed as per the science of Spirituality and with spiritual emotion (bhav). Hence, even if one does not have access to the sea, Rakhis or other components/materials for celebrating the festival as per the science of Spirituality, one can at least celebrate it with due reverence and spiritual emotion. One can do so by remaining in sattvik activities like attending satsang, participating in satseva, as well as chanting* as much as possible through out the day. Shivaji Jayanti On February 19th, the birthday of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated on a grand scale in Maharashtra. Shivaji was born in 1630 at the Shivneri fort. He was a great leader

and the creator of the Maratha nation. He founded the Hindu kingdom in the Deccan against all odds, fighting against the mighty Mughals. He inspired and united the common man to fight against the tyranny of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, by inculcating a sense of pride and nationality in them. The tiny kingdom established by Chhatrapati Shivaji known as "Hindavi Swaraj" (Sovereign Hindu state) grew and spread beyond Attock in Northwest India (now in Pakistan)and beyond Cuttack in East India in course of time, to become the strongest power in India. He united the Maratha chiefs from Maval, Konkan and Desh regions the promotion of Maharashtra Dharma. He carved out a small kingdom by defeating the alien powers. He stabilised the state with effective civil and military administration. He was tolerant to all religions and sects in his state. He introduced systems in revenue collection and warned the officials against harassment of subjects. He thought ahead of times and was a true visionary. Shivaji was not only the maker of the Maratha nation, but also the greatest constructive genius of medieval India. States fall, empires break up, dynasties become extinct, but the memory of a true King like Shivaji remains an imperishable historical legacy for an entire human race. His dazzling victories and ever-ready smile made him the idol of his soldiers. A royal gift of judging character was one of the main causes of his success. The history of India is incomplete without the history of Marathas and Shivaji is the nucleus of Maratha history. Shivaji has been a source of inspiration and pride to the past generations and will continue to inspire generations in future. On this day processions are taken out. People dress up like Shivaji and his associates to take part in the procession where they put up small skit, which they keep on performing all the way in the procession. A colourful procession with lezims (a traditional musical instrument) and floats is taken around the city. It terminates at Kranti Chowk where there is an impressive bronze statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Various programs are arranged on this day. Festivals of Punjab The land of five rivers, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, Punjab has a rich cultural history of celebrating various festivals and fairs with grandeur and enthusiasm. Festivals in Punjab are famous for its vivacity and colour. Social interaction and rejoicement forms part of the festivals in Punjab.

Festivals are usually held in April and May when the harvest is ripe and ready. People come out to celebrate Baisakhi with zeal and religious fervour. Gurupurab, Lohri, Holi, Diwali, Bahidooj, Mehendi festival are some of the popular ones celebrated in Punjab. List of Festivals in Punjab: Baisakhi Lohri Holi Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Jayanti Gurudwara Fatehgarh SahibJor Mela Martyr Festival Diwali Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan at Devi Talab in Jalandhar Mukatsar Maghi Festival in Punjab Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib Birthday Guru Ramdassji Installation of Guru Granth Sahibji Chappar Mela Sodal mela Guru Nanak Chandigarh Garden Festival Holla Mohalla Baisakhi Baisakhi is a seasonal festival with a special accent. It is celebrated all over the State on the first of Baisakh. This is the time when harvest is gathered in and the farmer exults in the fulfillment of his year's hard work. He joins the merry-making with full gusto and does not mind walking for miles to be able to do so. Since this fair is also an expression of prosperity, singing and dancing

constitute its most enchanting features. The Punjab's famous Bhangra and Giddha are inextricably linked with this festival. Many fairs in the Punjab are held near the tombs and shrines of pirs. These fairs must have originated in a spirit of devotion to those saints and sages. The most famous among such fairs are the Chhapar fair, the Jarag fair, and the Roshni fair of Jagranyan. Baisakhi marks the beginning of New Year, particularly in the northern part of India. It is among the few Indian festivals that have a fixed date. Baisakhi is always on April 13th. In Kerala, Baisakhi is called as "Vishu" and in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as "Puthandu". Considered a holy day, the devout celebrate the Baisakhi with a dip in the holy rivers just around the break of dawn. It is on this day that Sun enters Aries, the first sign of Zodiac. This signifies ushering of the New Year. In Punjab (the land of Green Revolution) particularly and in the northern belt of India in general, farmers perform their own prayers and rejoice. For on this day, they commence cutting their harvest. The fields can be seen full of nature's bounty. Dressed in their typical folk attire, both men and women, celebrate the day with Bhangra and Gidda. Sweets are distributed, old enmities are forgiven and life is full of joy, merriment and everyone seems to belong. The above two are the main reasons for celebrating Baisakhi. Holla Mohalla - a Sikh festival is celebrated every year in the month of March, a day after Holi. Hola "Mohalla" derives its name from Punjabi word Mohalla implies an organized Procession in the form of an army column accompanied by war drums and standard-bearers, and proceeding to a given location or moving in state from one Gurdwara to another. The festival was started by the tenth Sikh Guru Guru Govind Singh who had tried to gather Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles after Holi. This has now become a traditional annual festival of Sikhs held at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. The festival also marks the New Year as per lunar Nanakshahi calendar of Sikhs. It is celebrated over three days and it retains the character of fun and joy of Holi which concludes a day before.

Even today, Sikhs celebrate this festival joyfully by watching and performing in martial arts parades, led by the Nishan Sahibs of the Gurdwaras. Which is then, followed by poetry readings and music competitions. But viewing it closely might be risky for spectators as the participants who perform Holla Mohalla fight hard with one another even though they do not fight in reality. The celebration has been recognized as a National Festival by the Govt. of India and it is being celebrated in the state of Punjab since 1701. Impact of Festivals on Environment Festivals are becoming significant contributors to air pollution in India. We have so many festivals and increasing commercialization a growing economy is turning every celebration into grand occasions to splurge. Are we aware of what this is doing to our environment? Heres a look at how all those festivities affect the air quality. Air pollution levels in big cities are appalling at the best of times and are a growing cause for concern. The Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) dust, fumes, smoke, and gases is way above permissible limits in many of our big cities. This level sees a quantum jump during festivals, the main culprits being crackers, inflammable substances, and artificial colors. Pollution due to festivals Air Pollution due to smoke of crackers. Water Pollution due to immerging statues of God and Goddess made of artificial or synthetic harmful chemicals into rivers,ponds and dams. Noise Pollution due to loudness of music system.

Water Pollution: The practice of immersion of Ganesh idols after the Ganesh festival in various cities is causing severe water pollution which leads to the death of tonnes of fish and many aquatic creatures. Gone are the days when the idols are made with clay, nowadays idols are made with Plaster Of Paris and chemical dyes.

The repeated cautions and warnings of ecologists and environmental scientists towards the possible hazards inflicted by the Plaster Of Paris are falling into the deaf ears of the idol makers and buyers. According to scientists, Plaster Of Paris does not get dissolved or disintegrated fast. Moreover, the chemical dyes and colours being used to colour the idols contain poisonous elements. Particularly, Red, Blue, Orange and Green colours contain Mercury, Zinc oxide, Chromium and Lead, the potential causes of developing cancer. According to one estimate, 7500 idols of Ganesh are weighing about 20,000 kg or in other words, 20 tons. The sea-shore of Mumbai absorbs the immersion of about 1.5 lakh idols every year. The very calculation of the accumulation of clay, Plaster Of Paris, dangerous Chemicals from the paints and colours will shatter the thinking faculty of any brain. The immersion of Durga Statutes during the Durga pooja is also a cause of concern for environmentalists. In Orissa alone 5,000 Durga pooja idols are made, most of them using harmful paints. Heavy metals like lead and chrome are not easily assimilated in an aquatic environment and can lead to the massive hurt of flora and fauna of the river, pond, lake and coastal areas. As the same river, pond and lake water is used for bathing and drinking purpose high levels of lead can damage the heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory system and central nervous system, the environmentalist warned. As Ganesh festival and Durga pooja is troubling the aquatic creatures largely, Holi, a festival of vibrant hues that brings with it a variety of colours is harmful to human beings. The seemingly harmless, pleasing to eye colours are synthetic and toxic because of the presence of cheap materials like mica, acids, alkalis, pieces of glass, which not only induce skin disorders like abrasion, irritation, itching but can impair vision, cause respiratory problems and also cancer. Diwali, one of the important festivals in India has the distinction of polluting the environment to the core. Newborns and aged people have a nightmarish experience because of the high levels of sound caused by crackers during Diwali. Noise pollution on Diwali is between 69.7 db and 88.3 db which are higher than the prescribed limit of 50 db. The decibel levels alarmingly high in metros and it may reach up to 100 db.

Crackers are sometimes manufactured using barium sulphate, sodium nitrate, sulphur and potassium chlorate and when burnt, emit gases such as sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of heavy metals and particulate matter that pollute the air and cause eye irritation, respiratory disorders and allergies. The government, police, pollution control boards are suggesting many alternative ways to celebrate festivals which does not pollute the environment. Even strict and stringent warnings are also given to public to refrain from bursting crackers such as atom bombs, hydrogen bombs, bullet bombs, thousand and ten thousand wallas. But it is all solely depend on the change of mind. Air pollution during Diwali Clearly environmental groups and eco-clubs are fighting a losing battle. They come up with awareness campaigns and slogans like Diwali is a festival of lights, not crackers, celebrate an eco-sensitive Diwali this year, but nobody seems to take notice. Apart from the noise, crackers release a lot of toxic gases like Sulfur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide which can lead to many health problems. Impact of air pollution on health Air pollution can lead to lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and allergies in adults. It can also cause acute respiratory infections in children. Suspended particulate matter can cause asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory disease Sulfur dioxide can damage lungs and lead to lung disorders like wheezing and shortness of breath. Oxides of Nitrogen can cause skin problems, eye irritation, and cause respiratory problems in children. Chemicals used in crackers like lead, magnesium, cadmium, nitrate, sodium, and others can have various harmful effects. Tribal Festivals in India India is home to around 573 tribal groups and communities, each of which follow their own culture and tradition. Festivals are an important part of the life of these tribal groups. There are a number of tribal festivals which are celebrated by various tribes in India. During these festivals, the tribal groups wear their own traditional costumes and jewellry

and follow their long-established dance forms. Whether it is the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Manipur,or Orissa, tribal festivals are celebrated in almost every corner of Indian states. These tribal festivals are celebrated with a view to appeasing the presiding deities of the tribes. In the state of Madhya Pradesh, tribal groups celebrate festivals like Madai Festival, Bhagoriya Festival, Nagaji Festival, Karma Festival etc. During these tribal festivals, various dance forms are performed to the music of drums, tablas and flutes among other instruments. The Gonds and the Bhil tribes mainly celebrate these festivals. Tribal groups in Orissa celebrate festivals including Bali Jatra (Koraput tribe), Karma Festival (Ho, Kisan, Kol, Bhumij, Oraon, Bhuiyan and Bhinjal tribes), Bija Pandu Festival (Koya tribe), Kedu Festival (Kondhs of Phulbani), Chaita Parva Festival (Koraput, Bhuiyan tribes) and Maghe Parab Festival (Ho, Oraon, Kisan and Kol tribes) among others. Nagaland is also much popular for its tribal groups and the festivals they celebrate. Major tribal festivals celebrated in the state of Nagaland are Mimkut Festival (Kuki tribe), Sekrenyi Festival (Angami tribe), Tshukhenyi Festival (Chakasang tribe), Aoling Festival (Konayak tribe), Monyu Festival (Phom tribe), Moatsu Festival (Ao tribe), Ngada Festival (Rengma tribe) etc. Rajasthan also features a number of famous tribal festivals. The Bhil tribes in Rajasthan celebrates the Baneshwar Fair. The Bohaggiyo Bishu tribal festival in Assam is observed by the Deori tribes. The states of Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra also are home to many tribal groups, known for various Indian tribal festivals. Indian Tribal Art Indian tribal art is always delineated upon positive themes and ideas like birth, life, harvest, journey, jubilation or marriage. The Indian tribes pay due veneration and reverence to Mother Earth and its crucial elements. It is a tribal art form where life and ingenuity are fused. Indian tribal paintings and sculptures are of exceedingly high quality and are documents of their cultural heritage. Tribes have made their own place in the contemporary world of art. The art gives the tribes a power and responsibility to control and guide them through it. The symbols portray the imaginations of men and these

imaginations are the representative emotions of the people of a particular period and society. Indian tribal art is an art where life and creativity are inseparable. Indian tribal arts have a unique sensitivity. Their art is a manifestation of their life and holds their passion and mystery. The tribal art is one of the most fascinating parts of the tribal culture in India. The treasure of tribal arts is immense and has an astounding range, diversity and beauty. Traditional Indian tribal art tries to wholly recreate the immortal charisma of Indian tribal life. One can easily come across exquisite pieces of Indian tribal art in different parts of India. The Indian tribal art is rich in expression and is a living form very much with the times. It has become an intrinsic part of the country`s cultural identity. Through solemn efforts, the Indian tribes try to keep alive a culture that is thousands years old, comprising music, traditions, rituals and art. They live in complete harmony with nature by preserving their resources and blending with the environment. The Indian tribal art is the influence of the contemporary art and its narrative approach is deeply indebted to the contribution of the history of tribal art that cannot be obliterated. Tribal art is a term covering the art products and performances of tribes. Indian tribes have definite artistic express. Geographical, sociological, historical and traditional factors determine the degree of primitiveness among tribes. Indian Tribal Art takes on different manifestations through varied medium such as pottery, painting, metalwork, dhokra art, paper-art, weaving and designing of objects such as jewellery and toys. Indian tribal Painting It has not been more than half a century since the discovery of tribal paintings has revolutionized the discipline of the fine arts. Paintings were done on the walls, palm leaves, wood blocks and cloths. Tribal paintings usually belong from the remote tribal regions, in forests or high up in the mountains. Indian tribal paintings bearing illustrious backgrounds include Saura paintings, Gond paintings, Bondi paintings, Pithora paintings, Warli paintings, Thanka, Patta Chitra, Kurumba paintings, Khovar paintings, Pichhvai painting and, Miniature painting etc. Paintings in the cave shelters of Bhimbetka and Panchamrhi shows simple designs of scenes including singing, farming and dancing. The

paintings were done earlier black colour. Gradually it expanded to different colours like red, yellow, blue and green.

My Opinion about festivals of India Our country India is a very big country and every day of a year is a festival and it can be celebrated here with great joy and happiness. India a country Where Everyday Is A Celebration. Every festival takes an important part in the life of different peoples from different communities of India. There are many festivals can be celebrated on different religious occasions. Indian Festivals are celebrated across the world because the Indian people are everywhere in the world. some of them are doing jobs abroad or some of them are good big businessmen. But no one can left Indian culture and festival celebrating. festivals colours our life in a new way. Every festival In India have different colors, prayers, sweets and old unique rituals. Many types of festivals are celebrated here in India like national, regional, local, religious or seasonal festivals. In every months many festival comes and fill colors in our lives.