Orissa Festival

There are a number of Orissa festivals, which are celebrated with pomp and grandeur throughout the state. These festivals of Orissa are a very significant part of the socio-cultural life of the state.One of the specialties of the festivals at Orissa is their variety. The people of the state take part in many festivals, which are organized on different occasions. Orissa has a high influx of tourist for its marvelous and popular temple complexes, wonderful beaches, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. Festivals in Orissa are mesmerizing and celebrated with colour, enthusiasm and religious vigor. Suurounded by a vast number of temples, Orissa hosts several temple festivals.The Orissa festivals can be broadly classified into different categories; these are commonly termed temple festivals, special festivals, tribal festivals and religious festivals.A major temple festival in Orissa is the Ratha Yatra. This festival is organized to pay homage to the popular Hindu god Jagannath.The state of Orissa houses a huge number of ethnic people. These people take part in their traditional festivals, which are called the tribal festivals. These festivals offer a lot of entertainment. Two popular tribal festivals in Orissa are Bali Yatra and Chaita Parva.The special festivals refer to the festivals that are associated closely with the socio-cultural heritage of the state. These festivals are unique to Orissa. By participating in such celebrations one can get a feel of the cultural traditions of the state. Some special festivals of the place are Puri Beach Festival, Kalinga Festival and Konark Festival. List of Festivals in Orissa : Rath yatra , Holi , Savitri brata , Konark Dance & Music Festival , Saraswati Puja , Raja Sankranti , Gamha Purnima (Rakhi) , Janmastamee , Ganesha Chaturthee , Dussehra , Diwali , Gajalaxmi Puja , Christmas.

Rath yatra :

Ratha Yatra is a huge Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath is celebrated every year at Puri, . Rath yatra with the other name car festival has derived its name from the words Rath, meaning Chariot, and Yatra, meaning Procession. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, enshrined in Jagannath temple , Puri also known as Srimandira is the holy place for celebrating Rath yatra.The festival is also known as Gundicha Jatra, Ghosa Jatra, Navadina Jatra, Dasavatara Jatra and by a variety of other names.This annual festival is celebrated on Ashad Shukla Dwitiya As per the oriya calender in Ashadha month (June - July).'Snana Pumima' marks the beginning of this festival. On this day the three deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra take prolonged bath on an open platform known as 'Snana Bedi', Then they retire for 15 days popularly called the period of 'Anabasara' and remain in isolation. During this period, no public worship is performed. After 15 days of isolation, the Gods come out of the temple in a colourful procession to board their respective Chariots and thereafter begins the journey known as "Ratha Jatra'. The respective name of three chariot(Raths) of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra are Nandighose, Taldwaja, and Devadalan. The three chariots consists of 18,16 and 14 wheels respectively. The temple priests (pandas) carry out the deities from the temple on to the chariot. The holy procession only starts after sweeping the chariots by Gajapati (the ceremonial King of Puri). The ropes of the huge chariots are pulled by millions of devotees. In the ancient times, devotees would occasionally throw themselves in front of the chariot of Sri Jagananath, with believing that to be crushed to death under its sixteen wheels was to go straight to heaven. The most prominent observation in this festival is the quality construction and cloth design of chariots.The process of renewal of the body known as Nava Kalebara , is one of the great secrets of the world performed by distinguished temple priests.The chariot of Lord Jagannath, known as 'Nandighose', is 23 cubits high and has 18 wheels. The chariot of Balabhadra, which is 22 cubits in height and has 16 wheels, is named 'Taladwaja'. 'Devadalan' the chariot of Subhadra, is 21 cubits in height and has 14 wheels.Rath Yatra is a 3 km journey to the Gundicha Temple where Lord Jagannath's aunt resides (Mausi Maa Temple which is near Balagandi Chaka in Puri).The most exciting part of the Rath yatra is the pulling of chariots by thousands of people who lay their hands on the sturdy ropes and drag the massive structures along the Bada-Danda, the grand road..

Holi :

Holi is the celebration of the color of spring in India,It comes during the month of Phagun (February-March).People are in their gayest of spirits and celebrate Holi all day by throwing colored water and colored powders at each other. While gulal is the main color of the festival, which is available in vibrant pink shades, red, green and yellow, other colors, which are a bit hard, have also occupied the market shelves.Sweets are distributed to children and relatives visit during Holi with exchange of sweets.In the previous night, before the day of Holi, people in the neighborhood light bon fires, called Holikas, on the cross roads. It is often a community celebration and people do pujan (worship) of goddess Holika prior to lighting the bon fire. In several part of North India and lighting of fire is devoted to homicide of evil spirit of Putana by Lord Krishna. And the most regions bonfires are lit to rejoice the death of Demon Holika, the holi festival is a type of yearly festival and in this day generally celebrate Indian citizens. Holi is a Lord Krishna playing field of Brindavan and Mathura begin with Vasant Panchami and include many celebrations just like Laddoo Holi, Lathmar Holi etc and the holi festival there is recognized Dol Jatra and Dola Purnima, generally this holi festival is celebrated of victory of superior more evil and a kind of thanks to personality. The holi festival here recreates the magical in which Lord Krishna play Holi with Radha and splash color every one over..

Savitri brata :

Savitri Amabasya Festival is celebrated in the day of Hindu month of Jyestha(June) when moon is not seen. It is the festival for all married oriya women for the well-being of their husband. The Brata has been named after Savitri who was the beautiful daughter of king Aswapati of Madra Desa Satyavan was her life's partner, a prince in exile who living in the forest with his blind father Dyumatsen. Savitri had brought back her husband Satyavan by doggedly pleading with the God of Death, Yama. A book of their story is read by the oriya married women in first day of this festival. Various types of cakes are made in this festival. Women fast on this day for the long life of their husbands. In the early morning the women take purificatory bath and wear new clothes, new bangles and apply vermilion on the forehead and the hair-parting line. In the afternoon when all formalities of worship are over they bow low to their respective husbands and elderly people. In deep regards to Savitri all Hindu women observe this festival worshiping and propitiating her as a 'Devi'. This festival shows a holy dedication of all oriya women to their husbands..

Konark Dance & Music Festival :

Konark is best known for the majestic Sun temple which dominates the town. Situated 35 km away from Puri in the state of Orissa.The sun temple in Konark is famed as a world heritage site. The exquisite "Natyamandir" or the "dancing hall" of this 700-year old shrine is an architectural wonder with well-adorned sculptures in Odissi dance poses.Konark Dance Festival is held in December in the beautiful backdrop of the Sun temples in Konark.Konark Festival is jointly organized by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre. The festival is being organized with great fame and success for last 19 years. Konark festival provides the common platform for the stars and the budding talents from the field of classical dance across the nation.The Konark Dance & Music Festival is organised by eminent Odissi guru Gangadhar Pradhan's Orissa Dance Academy in association with the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata at Konark Natya Mandap in Konark every year. A brain-child of the Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Odissi exponent, the festival is the oldest of its kind in the state to have recognition at the national level.The official Konark Festival, organized by Orissa Tourism, features a range of classical Odissi, Bharathnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chau dance performances. Added attractions are an exhibition of Orissan temple sculptures, sand art exhibition, and crafts fair. The festival has been taking place since 1989..

Saraswati Puja :

Saraswati is the Goddess of leaming, knowledge, and wisdom. The Sanskrit word sara means "essence" and swa means "self." Thus Saraswati means "the essence of the self." The Saraswati Puja is a festival devoted to Saraswati, the goddess of music, art and knowledge. In this festival children are taught to write their first words as per tradition, people usually wear yellow garments as yellow has a special meaning during this festival and yellow sweets are consumed among the friends and families.This festival is celebrated in the month of January-February in India , the first day of spring; every year on the fifth day (Panchami) of the Indian month in Gregorian calendar. Vasant Panchami is birthday of Goddess Saraswati.Vasant Panchami is a festival that worships Goddess Saraswati as well as it signifies the beginning of Vasant Ritu (spring season).Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma. his puja is held in almost all the educational institutions.Goddess Saraswati is depicted with four arms and seated on a Hans. She holds a book and a rosary in Her rear two hands, while the front two hands are engaged in the playing of a lute (veena). Her right leg is shown slightly pushing against her left leg. She uses a swan as Her vehicle. Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus the symbol of true knowledge in the second. With her other two hands she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the veena. She is dressed in white the symbol of purity and rides on a white swan symbolizing Sattwa Guna or purity and discrimination. Saraswati is also a prominent figure in Buddhist iconography - the consort of Manjushri.four hands each representing four aspects of human personality namely mind, intellect, ego and alertness.Saraswati's birthday - Vasant Panchami - is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha. Hindus celebrate this festival with great fervor in temples, homes and educational institutes alike.Saraswati Puja is the ritual worship of the goddess Saraswati. The festival is celebrated in the month of January-February in India. Saraswati is considered the goddess of knowledge and learning. Saraswati literally means 'the flowing one'.On this day Goddess Saraswati is worshipped in various names and fames - the Goddess of Learning, the deity of Gayatri, the fountain of fine arts and science, and the symbol of supreme vedantic knowledge.Vasant Panchami or Sree Panchami is the best day for writing the Saraswati Beej Mantra on the tongue of your child and making him or her wear a Saraswati Yantra in a silk thread. Early in the morning get up and have a bath. Wear yellow or saffron robes. Then in a clean room sit with your family members..

Raja Sankranti :

Raja is the most popular festival of Eastern Odisha. Raja Parba falls on the first day of the month of Asadha (June-July) from which the rainy season starts. It is also known as Mithuna Sankranti.It is dedicated to Mother Earth and women. The three day celebration of Raja Mahotsava is to welcome the monsoon.The first day of the Hindu month 'Asada'is known as Raja Sankranti. It is also called 'Swing festival' as man-made swing is the most important feature of Raja Celebration. The swings are of different varieties, such as 'Ram Doli', 'Charki Doli', 'Pata Doli', 'Dandi Doli', Baunsa doli, jhula doli, Agi doli etc. The first day of Raja is known as "Pahili Raja" which is quite colourful in nature. It is all about wearing new clothes and new ornaments along with visiting friends, relatives and neighbors. This festival is all about redefining relationships as that of others as every one visits every other house in the locality, colony or region. It is otherwise known as "Raja saja baja" The newly married couples are blessed with the blessings of elders. The bride's family sends fruits and sweet items to their daughter's house which is known as "Bhara". Even the concept is still prevalent and it is not just for the newly wedded ones instead it is true for every other Odia family. This festival is celebrated with lots of cakes. The traditional cakes are Poda pitha, kakara, manda, chakuli and many other. Among the lot "Poda pitha" is the most vital one. It is recognised as the important aspect of the tree day celebration. It is baked in the earthen utensil (mati handi) on the earthen chula. Girls are served with this particular dish along with other eatables. Girls are equally dressed well with all new accessories. Again there is custom of decorating each girl with alta and kumkum . These are believed to be done to get a good husband. They do pray to get a handsome husband. Even it s believed that girls must play swings with Raja song to be blessed with a good life partner. They sing songs while playing swings. It is very popular and goes like, "Banaste dakila gaja barsake thare ashichhi raja Ashichhi raja go gheni nua sajabaj". The second day of Raja is marked as Raja Sankaranti. On this day special pujas are offered with fruits and flowers. The last day of Raja is known as "Sesa Raja" .fourth day of Raja festival is also celebrated in the name of "Basumata Puja" ..

Gamha Purnima (Rakhi) :

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is of great significance in Indian cultural ethos. This festival comes every year in the month of Shravan (July-August) as per Hindu calendar.Gamha Purnima is also known as Shravan Poornima or Raksha Bandhan . Gamha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon day (Poornima) in Sravana month . Gamha Purnima, the birthday of Lord Balabhadra is celebrated in the Temple.It is a festival signifying the essence of the relationship between a brother and a sister. Like any other Indian festival, Rakhi is the celebration of togetherness and love. Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection . It is the affection, admiration, love, fondness, respect and emotional bonding between siblings that is the meaning of rakhi festival.Hindus all over celebrate Raksha Bandhan. "Raksha" means protection, "Bandhan" means bound making the Rakhi the “Bond of Protection. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas. Colorful rakhis are available in the market some 20 days before the festival. People get into a shopping mood with new clothes. Even the sweet shops start their preparations well in advance to meet the rakhi demand. There are many gift shops offering special rakhi discounts and packages. For those brothers and sisters who for distances are not able to meet, it is a day for remembering the bygone time. Sisters unable to meet their brothers send Rakhi by post or through e-mails, e-cards, rakhi greeting cards, and rakhis through internet or mail. Nothing on this day can stop the overflowing emotions. It is also customary on the part of the brother to buy gifts for his sister.Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love, emotion and care. It is a mark of pure and true love between brother and sister and what is more beautiful than a sister is making rakhi for his brother. Rakhi is meant to sweeten the ties of brother and sister. Rakhi is celebrated with great joy and excitement all around India. Known as Raksha Bandhan in other parts of the country, Rakhi festival showcases the love, affection and feeling of brotherhood.From early morning everybody starts getting ready for the occasion. On the day of Rakshabandhan, people generally prefer to wear traditional attires. Men mostly wear kurta pyjama on this occasion whereas women prefer to wear sari or salwar suits, which are mainly Indian traditional clothes. On the occasion of Rakhi, special dishes are prepared, which includes sweets and namkeens. On this day, the sisters tie a 'rakhi' or a 'thread' on their brother's wrist and pray for their well being and brothers in return promise to protect their sister from all kinds of problems and difficulties. There is also the custom of giving a gift by the brother to the sister after tying the rakhi..

Janmastamee :

anmashtami also known as Krishnashtami, Saatam Aatham, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanti or sometimes merely as Janmashtami, is an annual commemoration of the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, believed to have been born about five thousand years ago in Mathura in 'Dwapar Yuga'. It is celebrated in the August/September months, on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon and is celebrated over two days. The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalastami or more popularly Janmashtami. He was born to Vasudev and Devki, who were imprisoned by Devki's evil brother Kansa and was brought up by Nand and Yashoda. Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva, and murdered their first six offspring. The seventh, Balarama, was miraculously saved, and the eighth was Krishna, who was rescued and delivered into the hands of Vasudeva's friends, the cow herders Nanda and Yashoda.Lord Sri Krishna was born on the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) on Ashtami day. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Janmashtami. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. Therefore Gokuashtami means Gokul - Krishna and Ashtami - eight.The devotees of Lord Krishna observe fast for the whole day and night, worshipping him and keeping vigil through the night while listening to his tales and exploits, recite hymns from the Gita, sing devotional songs, and chant the mantra Om namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.Krishna's birthplace Mathura and Vrindavan celebrate this occasion with great pomp and show. Raslilas or religious plays are performed to recreate incidents from the life of Krishna and to commemorate his love for Radha. Song and dance mark the celebration of this festive occasion all over northern India..

Ganesha Chaturthee :

anesha Chaturthi, the great Ganesha festival, also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayaka Chavithi' is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha, one of the most important Gods of the Hindu Mythology. The festival is usually celebrated on the 4th day of Bhadarva Shukla-paksh of Hindu calendar in (August and September). According to the Hindu belief Ganeshji is worshipped first on all auspicious occasions, whether it is a marriage or a religious function.Ganeshji is the foremost god of the Hindu Pantheon. He is regarded as the destroyer of all problems and obstacles. That's the reason in Hindu family whenever they start a new venture they perform his puja he is regarded as an extremely benevolent god, fulfilling the wishes of those who pray to him sincerely. Ganesh is remembered on chauth or chaturthi, the 4th day of every month of the Hindu calendered, but most of all on Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated as his birthday.On the day of the festival Hindus performs pujas at temples and even in homes. Fasting, feasting and distribution of sweets mainly ladoos are offered to him. These are some of the important aspects of Ganesh Chaturthi rituals in India. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most favorite festivals of Maharashtrians. They chant ‘Ganapati Bappa Morya, Morya Re for 10 days and celebrate this festival with full zeal God Ganesha is believed to be the god of prosperity, wisdom and good fortune. People buy idols of Lord Ganesha and install them in their houses and worship the idol for one to ten days, On the first day the pooja begins at the designated muharat and the idol is placed over a pedestal symbolic of a throne. The priest performs the ritual to imbue life in the idol. The worshipper sips holy water and performs pranayama followed by the Ganapati Aarti and the Atharvashirdha to the accompaniment of conch, cymbals, bells and clapping. Modak, a sweet made of rice flour and sweetened coconut, are offered to the deity along with flowers and incense. For the rest of the days, the idol is worshipped with simple incantation of the Ganesha Stuti, devotional songs in the morning and evening , after which the idols are taken out ceremoniously, through the streets of the town and immersed into the river, sea or well..

Dussehra :

Dussehra is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus all over India.It is also known as Vijaya Dasami ('Vijay' meaning 'victory' and ‘Dashmi meaning ‘tenth day), which is celebrated on the 10th day of the holy Navratri.It is celebrated by Indians every year in the Hindu Calender month of Ashwin (September / October).This is one of the most important festivals of India, and also called as Dusserha is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Dasara festival has an important place in the culture of India. It is a festival of pooja, joy, lights, music, songs, Ramlila and happiness.Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over the demon Ravana, the victory of good over evil. Navratri is celebrated for nine days preceding Dussehra.During this time, Goddess Durga, the powerful female deity is worshipped all over India.Celebrations Dussehra Mela : On the 10th day of Ashwin, when people celebrate Dussehra, colossal effigies of Ravana are burned in several places to mark the victory of Ram.Along with Ravana, effigies of his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnad are also burned marking an end of all evils.People dress up as Ram and Lakshman and shoot arrows of fire at these effigies which are loaded with explosives symbolizing the victory of good over evil.In north India,the festival commemorates the victory of Rama, prince of Ayodhya and avatara of Vishnu, over Ravana, the lord of Lanka who had abducted Rama’s wife, Sita Devi. The festival is celebrated with much gusto. Crackers are burnt, and huge melas or fetes are organised. The Ramlila – an abriged dramatization of the Ramayana – is enacted with much public fervour all over northern India during the period of the festivities. The burning of the effigies of Ravana on Vijayadashami,signifying the victory of good over evil, brings the festivities to a colourful close. Dasara festival is celebrated for 10 days. The first nine days are called Navratri ('Nav' meaning 9 and 'rathri' meaning night), and the 10th day is Vijayadasami, the grand celebration day. Each day of Navratri is celebrated with different rituals in different parts of the country. Vijayadasami is the celebration of the destruction of demon Mahishasura by Goddess Chamundeswari. The first nine days of the Dasara Festival is called Navaratri.Indians have been celebrating the Navarathri festival from ancient times as a mode of worship of Devi, the Divine as mother. They worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati during those nine days.The inauguration of the Goddess idol starts on Mahashasthi. The main puja is for three days – Mahasaptami, Mahaastami, Mahanavami.The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion. Her various incarnations – Kumari, Parvati and Kali – are worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that include the child, the young girl and the mature woman. Next three days are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity), dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess Of Knowledge), dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan. Sweetmeats are prepared for the celebrations. Children and adults dress up in new bright-colored dresses for the night performances.In some communities, people undergo rigorous fasts during this season that lasts for the nine days of Navratri. The festival culminates on Mahanavami. On this day, Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess and then they are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country. With commercialization, the festival has moved on to be a social festival rather than merely a religious one. However, nothing dampens the spirit of the devout followers of Goddess Durga, as they sing devotional songs and indulge in the celebrations of Navratri, year by year...

Diwali :

Diwali also popularly known as Festival of Lights is celebrated with great gusto and is observed as an official holiday across in India.it is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra, on the 13th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin (October / November). Diwali or Deepawali is one the most important, hugely waited and immensely cherished festival celebrated across India and in parts of Nepal. Originally, the name was Deepawali, which has its origin from Sanskrit, meaning rows of Deep or Array of Lamps i.e .Rows of diyas (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array) Of all the festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is by far the most glamorous and important. Enthusiastically enjoyed by people of every religion, its magical and radiant touch creates an atmosphere of joy and festivity.Diwali is a festival, which brings a series of festivals with it. One after another we get a chance to celebrate five festivals together. Narak Chaturdashi is one of these festivals and it is celebrated on the second day of Diwali celebrations, just one day before the actual Diwali celebrations. The Narak Chaturdashi, falls on the fourteenth day of the Hindi month, Kartik is more popular by the name of Chhoti Diwali. It is celebrated with same zeal and enthusiasm as the main Diwali but it is on comparatively lower scale. Just like Diwali people light diyas on Chhoti Diwali to fill their homes with light and worship Goddess Laxmi.It is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. It celebrates the victory of good over evil - and the glory of light. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit to create a world of fantasy. Diwali is a time for fun and revelry. Diwali is also a time for pooja and tradition.The festival of Diwali is not only significant to Hindus, but, has importance in Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism..

Gajalaxmi Puja :

Gajalaxmi Puja is celebrated every year in the month of September October, corresponding to the Hindu Month of Ashwin or Ashwin Purnima or Kumar Purnima . However at a few places it is also observed on Shukla Paksha Dasami in Bhadra. The celebrations start from the full moon day (Purnima) and continues till 11 days. Gaja Lakshmi, is a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi – as Gaja Lakshmi she is the Goddess of Elephants – symbol of represents Power, Strength, Grace and Fertility.The festival is especially known for its significance to unmarried girls and boys. Gajalaxmi Puja also known as Kumar Puja is specifically popular in the state of Orissa.The main Deities worshipped on this day are the Sun and the Moon. Unmarried girls take an early morning bath, followed by draping new clothes, ornaments and accessories. In the day time they offer prayers and offerings to the Sun. After following these rituals, they prepare some delicious food-dishes. On an all, this day is extremely important for them and they enjoy in full swing.Girls can be singing, dancing with traditional songs and colorful clothes. Finally in evening when girls worship the Lunar deity, they break their fast and consume food. Gajalaxmi Puja is the festival of Goddess Laxmi, the provider of wealth along with "Gaja" means elephant. Gajalaxmi is considered as the mostly worshipped manifestation of the eight Laxmi or Asta Laxmi. Ashtalakshmi (eight aspects of Goddess Lakshmi) is being Adi Lakshmi, Dhana Lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Santana Lakshmi, Veera or Dhairya Lakshmi, Vijaya Lakshmi and Vidya Lakshmi. She is the most powerful Goddess among the eight aspects. She is the one who brought back all the wealth lost by Indra. She is also the Goddess of cattle. The festival is also associated with the birth of Goddess Lakshmi. There is a popular belief that whoever keeps awake during night would be blessed with wealth and prosperity. Card games are particularly popular method of staying awake. She is four-armed, clad in red garments, she carries two lotuses, other two arms in abhaya mudra and varada mudra and she is flanked by two elephants bathing her with water pots. In Orissa this day coincided with Kumar Purnima..

Christmas :

Christmas is the most important festival of the Christians. Christmas is same for them what Diwali for the Hindus Idd for Muslims. It is celebrated on the 25th December every year with great pomp and show.This festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and conveys his message of love, tolerance and brotherhood. It’s a celebration of humanity and mankind. Though Christmas is a primary festival of the Christian calendar but still it has a special significance in everyone’s life. It is celebrated as a universal festival through out the nation.It is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar and the most auspicious and holistic Christian festival observed across the globe on December 25th with much fanfare.December 25th is celebrated as birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ, who is believed to be born on the same date at Bethlehem, the land of Jews. The festival is celebrated as a mark of respect to Lord Jesus, who is considered as the son of God and founder of the Christian religion.Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.Christmas is a yearly festival that makes merry the Jesus birth.Christmas celebrations usually come together the memorial of ’birth of Jesus with different traditions, many of which have been affected by previous winter celebrations. Customs contain the show of Holly, Christmas trees and Nativity scenes, the exchange of cards and gifts and the coming of Santa Claus (Father Christmas) on Christmas morning or Christmas Eve. Famous Christmas themes contain the promotion of peace, goodwill and compassion..