Tag Archives: India Culture & Traditions Q&A

There are many different reasons why candles are associated with Christmas, although no one knows when they first became connected!They were used during ancient winter solstice celebrations a way of remembering that spring would soon come.One of the earliest records of candles being used at Christmas is from the middle ages where a large candle was used to represent the …

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964), was the father of the Republic of India. He came from an upper class family and studied in England before returning to India in 1912. He became a close associate of Gandhi in the National Congress party which was devoted to gaining independence from Britain. Pandit (a title meaning ‘learned man’) Nehru, however, believed that socialism and …

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is an important celebration in Singapore. It serves to bring together all of the citizens, regardless of their religion. Originally a Hindu religious observance, Diwali is an important part of the culture in Singapore, celebrated by Muslims and Christians, as well. Celebrate Diwali in Singapore: Step 1: Determine the actual dates of this year’s Diwali …

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is a major Indian festival that is very significant in Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” it symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and lamps are lit as a sign of celebration and hope for humankind. Celebrations focus on lights and lamps, particularly traditional dīpa or deeya (earthen lamp, as illustrated). …

The main religious significance of Diwali is to forgive and forget, to clear the mind of evil and reflect over the past year’s events. In preparation for Diwali, house and shops are scrubbed clean and doorsteps are decorated with multi-colored designs called ‘Rangoli‘. Houses are painted inside and outside. New pots and pans are bought. Even the animals are washed, …

Diwali, ‘Festival of Lights’, is celebrated with great fervor and gaiety. Diwali is celebrated by young and old, rich and poor, throughout the country to dispel darkness and light up their lives. The festival symbolizes unity in diversity as every state celebrates it in its own special way. The celebration of the four-day festival commences on Aswayuja Bahula Chaturdasi and …

Diwali is the one Hindu festival that unites the whole of India. It is traditionally known as the “festival of lights”, for the common practice is to light small oil lamps (called diyas) and place them around the home, in courtyards, gardens, verandahs, on the walls built around the home and also on the roof tops. In cities, especially, candles …

While a furious battle between Rama and Ravana was under way, the great rishi Agastya came close to Rama and told him about the secret as to how Ravana would be killed and told Rama to pray the Sun in order to kill the demon king of Lanka. Then Rama prayed the Sun, and purified himself with water-sipping, and was …

On Ashura, the Muslims take out processions carrying colorfully decorated taziyas (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyr’s tomb) embellished with gilt and mica. Colorful replicas of Hazrat Imam Hussain’s tomb at Karbala are also carried in procession and buried at an imitation Karbala. The mourners walk barefoot to the beat of drums. In a frenzy of grief, they beat …

It is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram but not the Islamic month. It is also called Yaumu-l ‘Ashurah, or simply Ashura meaning, ‘the tenth day’. It is well-known because of historical significance and mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic …