There was a time when people used to celebrate festivals that were related to their religion only. Later, people started establishing deeper bonds with their neighbors and began learning about different cultures, traditions, rituals, and many more. This led to the foundation of unity among citizens in the vast world of diversity.
In the present era, you will find that all festivals are celebrated across the globe with immense pleasure and respect for every culture. Now, you will find people of every religion, country, and caste living in different countries. Even when they live away from their motherland due to various reasons, they keep the spirit of festivals alive and join in the celebrations.
Let us learn about some popular festivals that belong to a particular country but are celebrated worldwide.
1] Christmas (Israel)
You know the story behind the celebration of this festival very well, right? But do you know the country that first celebrated Christmas? If your guess was Israel, then you are correct. According to the holy scripture of Christians, Christmas is the day when Jesus Christ was born. The first-ever celebration of this festival was held in Jerusalem, and it is now celebrated all over the world.
On this day, holy masses are held in the churches, and you can see them beautifully lit up during the night. Celebratory parties are held everywhere, and cakes are also cut to make the day memorable. Friends, family, and relatives visit each other’s homes to exchange wishes & gifts to spread the joy of the festival.
2] Diwali- The Festival of Lights (India)
India is the land of diverse cultures and vibrant festivals like Holi, Dusshera, Raskha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Guruparab, and many more. Among them, Diwali is one of the major festivals that is celebrated worldwide.
The essence of this festival lies in celebrating it with your family, but what to do if some of your close ones are in another nation?
Relax; you can still make their celebration happier because Diwali is immensely popular in foreign countries like the UK, USA, Australia, and others. Just like you can place an order for rakhi with sweets in USA, the UK, or other countries, you can order some Diwali special sweets, crackers, gifts, and other festival-related items for your overseas relatives to surprise and overwhelm.
So, what is the significance of this popular festival? The day is celebrated to mark the return of Lord Rama after defeating Ravana. It is one of the main festivals of Hindus, but now it is celebrated by every citizen of the country in India and abroad. On this day, you will see every home decorated with Diyas and lights as a symbol of victory.
3] Hanami – Cherry Blossom Festival (Japan)
Have you seen the beautiful cherry blossoms in real life or in videos? Do you know that there is a festival that is celebrated to appreciate its beauty? Yes, you heard it right, in Japan, the festival is known as Hanami. During the season of cherry blossoms, you will see that the whole country is covered in light pink and white colors.
These flowers fully bloom on the full moon day in May, and now you can find them in other parts of the world, too. On this day, people usually go on dates, picnics, and trips and enjoy the beautiful view of these gorgeous flowers. It is the best way to appreciate nature’s beauty as the world is losing it with development.
4] Raksha Bandhan- Day for Siblings (India)
Raksha Bandhan is one of the Indian festivals that are celebrated worldwide. It is the day that is mainly dedicated to brothers and sisters and the bond that they have with each other. Do you know the story behind this popular festival? Well, you will find several legends related to Raksha Bandhan, but the most popular one is of Draupadi & Krishna.
Draupadi cuts off a part from her saree to wrap the cut wound on Krishna’s finger. In return, he promises to protect her, and that’s how it becomes the duty of the brothers to help and keep their sisters safe. In another legend, Roxana sends rakhi to King Porus and asks him not to hurt her husband, and he, too, keeps his promise during the battle.
Now, let’s come back from the past and talk about the present ways of the Raksha Bandhan celebration. These days you can easily celebrate this festival even when you are miles apart from your siblings. You can send rakhi to USA, UK, or other countries 1-2 weeks prior to the festival so that your brother can receive it on time. Times may have changed, but the essence of this festival remains the same.
5] Day Of The Dead (Mexico)
Day of the Dead is a popular festival that originated in Mexico. It is the day when people remember their dead family members, relatives, and friends. On this day, people create altars at their homes or public places and decorate them with flowers. This is done with the intention of welcoming the spirits of the dead at home. They prepare the favorite dishes of the deceased and serve them in front of their portraits.
In some countries, it is celebrated by the name All Souls Day, and people visit graveyards with candles, flowers, and incense. It is not like those funerals as people sing, dance, and feast while remembering the loved ones they have lost.
Embracing The Essence Of The Festivals
To celebrate any festival with your heart and soul, you must first recognize the values, stories, and experiences that bind everyone together. You must sit and talk to your elders so that you can gain knowledge of different festivals and enjoy them with people all over the world. No matter what the festival is, you must respect every one of them and the traditions related to them.