INDIA

Holidays The International New Year (January 1) is recognized in India, although the Hindu New Year is celebrated in March or April. The Republic Day (26 January) commemorates the founding of India as an independent republic and many parades are held. Independence Day celebrates independence from India in the UK. Labor Day is celebrated on May 1, as in Europe. Another official holiday is on October 2 to celebrate the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Gandhi Jayanti). That day people go on pilgrimage to the place where he was cremated the leader of Indian independence. Are important Muslim holidays of Id ul-Fitr, Id-uz Zuha, and Muharram. The Id-ul-Fitr celebrates the end of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. The Id-uz Zuha, the Feast of Sacrifice, recalls Abraham's decision to obey the order of Allah and sacrifice his son. Muharram commemorates the martyrdom of the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. Both the Muslim and Hindu festivals are based on the lunar calendar. Despite the small percentage of Christians in India, Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) and Christmas Day (December 25) are legal holidays. In addition to these legal holidays, there are many other holidays throughout the year that celebrate certain deities, the arrival of spring and other events. Among the most important are the Vasant Panchami, in late January or early February. It is a Hindu festival of spring, during which people wear yellow clothes to symbolize the mustard flower, which announces the arrival of spring. Holi, in late February or March, is another joyous holiday of spring celebrated by the Hindus. During Holi, people throw red powder, green and yellow and sprinkled with colored water. The previous night huge bonfires are lit to symbolize the destruction of evil. In theory, during the feast castes are forgotten and all citizens are equal. Baisakhi in April or May, is the Hindu solar new year. It is held in the temple worship, ritual baths and parties with music, dancing and fireworks. The Naag Panchami in July or August, is a Hindu festival in honor of the snakes, which they make offerings of milk and flowers. The Janmashtami, in August or September, is one of the major Hindu festivals and celebrates the birthday of Krishna, who was a hero for both rich and poor. On Dussehra, a Hindu festival that is observed throughout India in October or November, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Is immediately followed by Diwali, Festival of Lights. It is a period of joy in India. The celebrations focus on the light with lamps and fireworks lighting the sky. At that time, exchange gifts and sweets and people prepare feasts.