India’s festive calendar is a vibrant tapestry, with celebrations that once belonged to particular regions now extending across state borders.
Many have become favourites nationwide, but some evoke mixed feelings. It’s intriguing how urban Indians embrace international events like Halloween while showing little enthusiasm for traditional festivals from neighbouring states. This reflects a blend of cultural pride and festive irony.
Regional festivals going national
Several festivals that were once local to particular regions are now celebrated across India. Ganesh Chaturthi, which originated in Maharashtra with grand processions honouring Lord Ganesha and was popularised by freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak as a tool for political activism, has spread to cities like Delhi and Kolkata. Similarly, Durga Puja, once Bengal’s pride, is celebrated in Hyderabad, Pune, Bengaluru, and beyond, with devotees eagerly participating in its grandeur.
Ayyappa pujas and the annual trek to Sabarimala are other examples. The journey to this revered Kerala pilgrimage site is now undertaken by devotees from all corners of the country. The rituals, once primarily observed in the south, now transcend regional boundaries, symbolising dedication and camaraderie.
In Telangana, unique traditions include Bommala Koluvu — a display of dolls set up during Diwali, similar to Tamil Nadu’s Golu but celebrated at a different time. Andhra Pradesh reserves this doll display for Dasara. Telangana’s monsoon festivals, Bonalu and Bathukamma, reflect a blend of tradition and regional pride, extending to Telugu communities overseas in the US and Gulf states. This expansion, however, sometimes stirs resentment among Andhras who feel these festivals don’t belong to their cultural mix.
Imported festivals vs local customs
The irony grows deeper when one considers urban India’s selective enthusiasm for festivals. Regional celebrations often draw indifference, while international ones, like Halloween, find enthusiastic acceptance. Halloween, with its costumes and pumpkins, has become a hit in Indian cities, schools, and colleges, even if its cultural origins are far removed from India. Christmas, too, is widely celebrated with lights and Santa hats, even by those who don’t observe it religiously.
In contrast, mention festivals like Karva Chauth or Teej in states where they aren’t traditionally observed, and reactions can be dismissive. For some, these rituals, involving fasting for marital harmony, feel ‘too cultural’ or irrelevant.
Tradition meets Indifference
In Hyderabad, a city known for its rich blend of cultures, Telangana’s festivals spark mixed reactions. Bonalu, which involves ritual dances and offerings to the goddess Mahakali, and Bathukamma, a celebration with vibrant floral arrangements, were once limited to rural areas but are now part of urban identity. Yet, some residents are quick to admit they don’t know what Bonalu or Bathukamma are, despite being surrounded by the festivities.
This indifference doesn’t stop some foreign residents from joining in. It’s not unusual to see Arab women in abayas or Western women in jeans in the UAE happily dancing along during Bathukamma, blending into the festivities. It’s a reminder that culture can cross unexpected barriers—even when those closest to it remain unconcerned.
Why do some festivals appeal more than others? Perhaps it’s the allure of the unfamiliar. International celebrations like Halloween and Valentine’s carry a sense of novelty, making them attractive even without deep-rooted connections. In contrast, regional festivals sometimes feel too familiar, lacking the exotic appeal of foreign traditions.
Yet, in a country as varied as India, the combination of regional pride and cross-cultural celebration adds to the festive charm. With each Diwali diya lit in a Kerala home or Bathukamma festival hosted by Telugus in America, Indian culture stretches and adapts, evolving as it borrows and shares. The result is a calendar of festivals as diverse as the nation itself, where Indians celebrate with pride — and occasionally, a hint of irony.