Autumn festivals temporarily dissolve caste and class barriers in public spaces (e.g., pandal hopping during Durga Puja, community Garba ). They also reinforce kinship networks through mandatory family gatherings and gift exchanges.
The immersion of plaster-of-Paris idols and the burning of firecrackers lead to significant water and air pollution. Recent years have seen a grassroots shift towards eco-friendly clay idols, natural dyes, and community-based firecracker bans. autumn season festivals in india
[Your Name/Institution Name] Date: October 26, 2023 Recent years have seen a grassroots shift towards
This study employs a qualitative, interdisciplinary approach combining ethnographic observation, textual analysis of Hindu epics (Ramayana and Devi Mahatmya), and a review of secondary literature on Indian sociology. The festivals are analyzed through three lenses: mythological significance , regional performance , and socio-economic function . India’s festival calendar is intricately tied to its
India’s festival calendar is intricately tied to its ecological and astronomical rhythms. The autumn months (Ashwin and Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar) are widely considered the most auspicious time of the year. Following the rains, the earth is fertile, the skies are clear, and the harvest of kharif crops begins. This paper will dissect five key festivals: the nine nights of Navratri, the grand immersion of Durga Puja, the burning of Ravana on Dussehra, the luminous celebration of Diwali, and the fasting of Karva Chauth.
The autumn season (Sharad Ritu) in India, spanning approximately September to November, represents a period of climatic transition, agricultural harvest, and profound religious significance. Unlike the monsoonal deluge or winter’s chill, autumn offers clear skies, temperate weather, and the symbolic victory of light over darkness. This paper explores the major festivals of this season—Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, and Karva Chauth—analyzing their mythological roots, regional variations, socio-economic impact, and their role in reinforcing communal and familial bonds. The paper argues that autumn festivals serve as a critical mechanism for cultural transmission, economic redistribution, and the collective celebration of agrarian success.
These festivals act as an informal economic stimulus. Artisans (potter making Diwali lamps, idol makers for Durga Puja), weavers (festive clothing), and the confectionery industry see peak revenues. The Reserve Bank of India notes a 20-30% increase in currency circulation during Diwali.