Indian Festival Vocabulary

Independence Day- Date: August 15

Significance: Marks India’s independence from British rule in 1947.
Celebrations: Flag hoisting, cultural programs, parades, and patriotic speeches.

Republic Day- Date: January 26

Significance: Commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
Celebrations: Grand parade in New Delhi showcasing India’s military strength and cultural heritage.

Diwali – [diːˈvɑːli] – Festival of Lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness.

Holi – [ˈhoʊli] – Festival of Colors, celebrating the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Ramadan – [ˈræmədæn] – Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, considered the holiest month for Muslims.

Eid – [iːd] – A significant Muslim festival, marking the end of Ramadan with celebrations and feasts.

Dussehra – [duːˈseːrə] – Festival commemorating the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.

Navratri – [nʌvˈrɑːtri] – Nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga.

Durga Puja – [ˈdʊrɡə ˈpuːdʒə] – A major festival celebrating the goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Indian Festival Vocabulary

Ganesh Chaturthi – [ɡəˈnɛʃ ˈʧətʊrθi] – Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha

Christmas – [ˈkrɪs·məs] – Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, often associated with family gatherings and giving.

Makar Sankranti – [ˈmʌkər ˈsʌŋkrɑːnti] – Celebrating the transition of the Sun into Capricorn; known for kite flying.

Onam – [ˈoʊnʌm] – Harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, marked by grand feasts, boat races, and floral designs.

Raksha Bandhan – [ˈrʌkʃɑː ˈbændʌn] – A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) around their brother’s wrist.

Baisakhi – [baɪˈsɑːki] – Harvest festival, especially celebrated in Punjab, marking the beginning of the harvest season.

Indian Festival Vocabulary

Janmashtami – [dʒʌnˈmɑːʃtʌmi] – Celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, marked by fasting, dancing, and reenactments of his life.

Ganesha Chaturthi – [ɡʌˈneːʃə tʃəˈtʊrθi] – Celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha with grand processions and prayers.

Lohri – [ˈloʊri] – A popular Punjabi festival marking the harvest of the Rabi crops, celebrated with bonfires and folk songs.

Pongal – [ˈpɔːŋɡəl] – A harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, marked by cooking a special dish called “Pongal.”

Maha Shivaratri – [ˈmɑːhɑː ˈʃɪvɑːˌrɑːtri] – A night-long worship of Lord Shiva, marked by fasting and prayers.

Sankranti – [ˈsʌŋkrɑːnti] – A harvest festival, celebrated in various forms across India.

Mahavir Jayanti – [ˈmɑːhɑːvɪr dʒəˈjɑːnti] – Celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara in Jainism.

Buddha Jayanti – [ˈbʊddʰə dʒəˈjɑːnti] – Celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and death anniversary of Buddha.

General Festival- Vocabulary

Devotees – [dɪˈvəʊtiːz] – People who are dedicated to a particular religion or belief and actively participate in religious activities.

Prayers – [prɛərz] – Spiritual or religious expressions of devotion, often spoken or thought during a festival.

Pilgrimage – [ˈpɪlɡrɪmɪdʒ] – A journey to a sacred place, often taken by devotees during festivals.

Lighting – [ˈlaɪtɪŋ] – The act of illuminating a space, often with candles or lamps, to mark a festival, symbolizing light over darkness.

Procession – [prəˈsɛʃən] – A ceremonial march or parade, typically involving a group of people moving together, often during religious festivals.

Feast – [fiːst] – A large, elaborate meal, typically shared during a celebration or festival.

Decorations – [ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃənz] – Items used to embellish or adorn an area, such as flowers, lights, or garlands, during festivals.

Indian Festival Vocabulary

Rituals – [ˈrɪtʃʊəlz] – Ceremonial acts or actions performed in a prescribed order during religious or cultural events.

Fireworks – [ˈfaɪərwɜːrks] – Explosive displays of light and sound, often used during festivals like Diwali.

Worship – [ˈwɜːʃɪp] – The act of showing reverence and devotion to a deity, often involving prayers and rituals during a festival.

Examples

The Christmas season continued for over a week. At Christmas, I always go see my folks.

During Ramadan, I fasted.

The fireworks lit up the sky, marking the end of Diwali.

During Holi, I wear old clothes so I can enjoy without worrying about getting them stained.

My family and I go to the Gurudwara during Baisakhi.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated by tying rakhis and exchanging gifts with my brother.