COLOURS, LIGHTS, AND LEGENDS

India's cultural calendar is filled with festivals that color every season with joy, rituals, and community spirit.

- Neha Kulkarni, Sambhasha Foundation

Festivals are like colorful threads that weave together the history and culture of India. They are not just about fun, food, or holidays from school, they are also about remembering old stories, thanking nature, and keeping communities close. Long ago, when people lived closer to farms and forests, festivals were born out of the seasons. A good harvest, the coming of spring, or the end of the rainy season was a reason to celebrate. Over time, these simple gatherings grew into the grand festivals we know today, filled with songs, dances, and traditions.

Take Holi for an example. Holi's origins are rooted in mythology, primarily through the legend of Prahlad and Holika, celebrating the victory of good over evil and devotion over tyranny, which is commemorated by the Holika Dahan. Another story involves Lord Krishna and Radha, which inspired the playful throwing of colors to express love and happiness. The festival also marks the beginning of spring and the triumph of good harvest.