Fair Festivals October India

India is a land of many religions, thus almost every month some or the other festival is celebrated. However, some of the main and widely celebrated ones in the country start from October. As a matter of fact, October ushers in a season of festivities, that is both religious and social in nature marked by fun enthusiasm and celebrations.

1) Diwali Festival
Diwali, the "Festival of Lights", is one of the most biggest festivals celebrated in India. Every year on the nights of Diwali, countless candles and diya lamps are lit, firecrackers are set, homes are decorated, gifts are given, sweets are shared. Happiness is everywhere. If there is a time to experience India at its sweetest, it’s during Diwali. Whether you have heard of it or not, take a look at what the festival is, when it is celebrated, the best places to get involved in the celebrations. Plus, there are some tips to help you have a joyful and safe Diwali.

2) Kullu Dussehra Festival
Kullu Dussehra is none other than the Dussehra festival celebrated all over India. Celebrated in October/November at the Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu town, Kullu Dussehra is one of the major festivals of Himachal. The Kullu valley starts celebrating the Dussehra on the tenth day of the rising moon – 'Vijay Dashmi' – and continues it for seven days. Kullu Valley is also known as the Valley of the Living Gods in the North India. Like in whole India, the festival celebrates the victory of the God Ram over Ravana i.e. the victory of good over evil. The Kullu Raja and village deities lead the Rath Yatra of the idol of Lord Ragunath. The Rath Yatra is considered as the running of the Gods. The history of Kullu Dussehra dates back to the 17th century when an idol of God Raghunath was installed by local King Jagat Singh on his throne as a mark of reparation, and declared God Raghunath as the ruling deity of the Kullu Valley. Kullu Dussehra has been accorded as an international festival, attracting big number of tourists for the occasion. The week-long international fair witnesses the main deity Raghunath Ji accompanied by hundreds of local deities. Several other activities including cultural programs, sports competition, exhibitions and much more are also held in the big event. A bunch of religious ceremonies, cultural activities as well as socializing and shopping at the huge bazaar (market) are organized at the mela (fair) ground. Another major attraction of the huge ceremony is the International Folk Festival.

3) Durga Puja
Durga Puja is one of the important Hindu festivals in India. The festival celebrates life, culture, traditions and customs. The festival is celebrated all over India and has different rituals and festivities especially in the eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Tripura. It is also celebrated in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Kashmir, Karnataka and Kerala. The festival is commemorated by worshipping Goddess Durga. She is worshipped for killing Mahisasur, a powerful demon who was also known as the Buffalo Demon. It also marks her return every year in the Bengali month of Aswin, remembering Lord Ram as he summoned Goddess Durga for her blessings in order to save Sita from the clutches of Ravana.
Durga Puja is one of the biggest festivals in Bengal and it is the most important socio-cultural event in the Bengali society. The legend behind the Durga Puja festival is that Mahishasur, the Buffalo Demon, received blessings from Lord Brahma, through years of praying, which made him invincible. Once gaining this power he started destroying the world, killing people and tried to kill the Gods too. In dismay, the Gods combined their powers to create a maiden, and each placed each of their most powerful weapons in one of her ten hands. Riding a lion she killed the demon. Durga Puja celebrations are also called as Akalbodhon. It is called so because Lord Ram wanted the blessings of Goddess Durga to save his wife Sita from Ravana's clutches. Pleased with Ram's devotion, Goddess Durga appeared before Ram and gave her blessings. Since Ram summoned the Goddess during autumn it is thus known as 'Akalbodhon'. Other legends say that Lord Shiva allowed Goddess Durga to visit her mother only for nine days in a year. Therefore this festival marks her visit to her mother's place.

4) Marwar Festival
The Marwar Festival in Jodhpur actually acts as remembrance to the heroes of Rajasthan. This festival also attracts a large number of foreign tourists. By visiting Rajasthan during the festival, they also gain a lot of knowledge about the heroes of the bygone era of Rajasthan. The festival is also embedded with a number of cultural events. Music and dance makes the festival more attractive. These cultural events not only add entertainment options for the visitors. They also reflect the rich culture of the place. The eye catching characteristic of folk dancers carrying pots on their heads with unique dance postures fills the environment with the aroma of inquisitiveness and enthusiasm among the people.

5) Independence Day
The Independence Day in India is celebrated every year on the 15th of August in honor of the birthday of the nation. On 15th August 1947, India achieved her independence from British rule and became a sovereign nation. On the eve of 15th August 1947, India tricolor (saffron, green and white) flag was first hoisted by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, at the Red Fort of Delhi. "Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again." - Jawaharlal Nehru (Speech on Indian Independence Day, 15th August 1947)
The Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in all over the India. On this day tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to gain the freedom for India. The main event takes place in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort accompanied with the gun shots, parade, amazing live performances and music. On this day many political leaders appear at the public events and talk about the nation's heritage, laws, history, people, about recent events and future projects. The Independence Day is considered as a Public Day with outings, picnics and lots of outdoor events like parades, air shows, fireworks and musical concerts. Nowadays kite flying has become a tradition on this day and people fly numerous kites of all colors, sizes and shapes symbolizing the freedom. Indians proudly fly their tricolor Flag, sing patriotic songs like "Vande Mataram", "Jan Gan Man" etc. and enjoy the day with their friends and families.