St. Francis Day
St Francis Xavier was a Spanish Catholic missionary who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Asia . His body lies in a silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa . Ceremonies to honor his death are performed on December 3, the day of his burial. Earlier, every ten years, his body used to be kept in a glass case, with the feet exposed, for all to see and worship. In 1994, since the condition of the body had deteriorated visibly, the Church decided to stop the exposition.
Teej
Teej celebrates the onset of the monsoon. Held every year during the Hindu month of Shravan (August), it is popular among women in North India , especially Rajasthan. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Women swing on them, dressed in festive finery, singing songs in praise of Goddess Parvati, whose divine union with Lord Shiva is considered exemplary. Sweets like ghevar and laddoo are prepared. Young girls pray for good husbands and new brides for conjugal bliss.
Thai Pusam
This festival takes place in the state of Tamil Nadu, in January, in the temples dedicated to Kartikeya or Mariamman. Trenches of burning coal are laid out for devotees to walk over. It has been seen that those who undertake this with faith, come away unscathed. The festival is followed by singing and feasting which continues late into the night.
Ugadi
This festival, held in April, marks the beginning of the New Year in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator in the Hindu pantheon, started his work of creation on this day. The calculations of the great Indian mathematician, Bhaskaracharya, proclaim Ugadi as the beginning of the New Year.
Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar. On this day, people wake up and take a head bath, after which they Preparations for Ugadi start a week in advance, with the purchase of new clothes and a thorough cleaning of homes. On the day itself, people rise early (before the break of dawn). After a head bath, they decorate the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves, pray for health, wealth, and success in business in the New Year. Ugadi is considered the most auspicious time to start new ventures.
Ugadi is strongly associated with the jasmine flower. Its scent perfumes the air, it is woven into garlands and offered to the gods, and braided into the long tresses of young girls. The Flame of the Forest (a tree with scarlet flowers) is in full bloom during the season, signifying a time of affluence and beauty.
In Maharashtra , Ugadi is celebrated as Gudi Padva .
Urs - Ajmer , Rajasthan
The Urs are held at Ajmer , Rajasthan every year, in May at the tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims of all faiths gather here to pay homage. Qawalis (poems) are presented in the saint's honour and mehfils (religious assemblies) and fatihas (mass prayers) are held. Consecrated food is served to all from the large, steaming cauldrons that were a gift from the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. Festivities continue well into the night. At the huge fair - the largest Muslim fair in India - religious objects, books, rosaries, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments are on sale.
Vishu
Celebrated in April, usually on the 14 th , Vishau is the New Year as per the traditional Malayalam calendar. It is one of the most important festivals in the state of Kerala. Traditional rituals usher in what is hoped will be another year of prosperity.
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