Science of celebrations

How Indian festivals keep us healthy, happy and together

- Dr Amit Karkare

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. Aarav and Meera sat on the swing in their courtyard, sipping nimbu-paani. Their grandfather, whom they lovingly called Dadu, came out with his big diary.

“Dadu,” Aarav asked, “why do we have so many festivals in India? Sometimes it feels like every other week there is something to celebrate!”

Dadu smiled. “Ah, my curious ones! Do you know, festivals are like little lamps placed across the year. They guide us through the seasons, remind us about family bonds, and even help the poorest people earn their livelihood. Shall I take you on a journey through the year of Indian festivals from various regions?”

Both children clapped. “Yes, Dadu, tell us a story through the whole year!”

Summer - Rath Yatra

“As spring turns into summer, the days become hot. This is when we see festivals like Rath Yatra in Odisha,” Dadu explained. “The big chariot festival of Lord Jagannath?” Aarav asked.

“Yes! Thousands of people pull giant chariots through the streets. The food offered is simple and cooling — rice, dal, vegetables. Street vendors sell coconuts and sugarcane juice to the crowds. Again, thousands of small jobs are created.” Meera whispered, “So even in the heat, festivals bring people together.”

“Exactly,” Dadu smiled.

Monsoon - Raksha Bandhan & Janmashtami

“Now comes the monsoon,” Dadu said. “Clouds burst with rain, the air is damp, and digestion becomes weak. Do you know which festivals fall here?”

“Raksha Bandhan!” Meera shouted.