Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a festival of brothers and sisters in Hindu religion.
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival. It specifies the love between brothers and sisters. It is also popularly used to celebrate any brother-sister like relationship between men and women. It is also known as Rakhi Purnima or Rakhi. Rakhi is just a thread but it is considered a sacred thread of protection that defines the love and affection of a sister for her brother.

It is celebrated in the month of Shravana according to Hindu calendar.
History
There are many myths and historical events which are associated with this festival. According to Indian history, Maratha and Rajput queens sent Rakhi even to Mughal kings so that they can get the help and protection at critical moments.
Rakhi myths and Legends
According to ancient Puranik scriptures, it is said that king Bali's stronghold had been the Rakhi. A couplet is usually sung at the time of tying the Rakhi.
"I am tying a Rakhi on you, like the one on mighty demon king Bali. Be firm, O Rakhi, do not falter."
Rakhi also symbolizes all aspects of protection of the good from evil forces. It is also a legend that Krishna advice Arjuna to tie a rakhi on his wrist to guard himself from impending evils in Mahabharata.

Traditions and Customs
This festival is totally dedicated to love and affection between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters paray for their brother's long life and ask God to help them in critical time. In return, brothers give them inticing gifts and promise to care lifelong. People in different area follow certain custom and tradition to celebrate Raksha Bandhan.
Significance
The festival of Rakhi has a very impressive significance worldwide. It is a festival of love and affection. It spreads love and harmony and binds the family members in a knot of love. Rakhi is bond of love between brothers and sisters that they have share since their childhood. It is an ancient festival but people even celebrate it with great enthusiasm to strengthen the bond of love between brothers and sisters.

Holi

Holi
Holi is a festival of colors, one of the popular festival of Hindu religion. It is warmly celebrated in India.
Holi is a very popular festival of India and sub-continents. It is mainly celebrated in Indian and Nepal. Holi is also known as festival of color or festival of love. It is celebrated in spring. It has a very interesting history and has spiritual importance for Hindus. It is originally a Hindu festival but very popular in non-Hindu community also. It is a popular festival in India, Nepal, USA, Russia, Mauritius, Britain and other countries where people of Indians origin live. Holi is celebrated in Falgun Purnima according to Hindu calendar which comes in February end or early March.

History
Holi is a very ancient Hindu festival with its cultural rituals. It is described in Puranas, and other historical and mythical books. Holi celebration starts with Holika bonfire, one night before Holi when people gather, sing and dance. The next morning is celebrated as Holi. People participate in group activities; play with each other with colors, dry powders, colored water filled balloons etc.

Significance
There is a very interesting history behind why Holi is celebrated as a festival of colors. The word  is defined from the word Holika, the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu. The king Hiranyakashipu was very arrogant and demanded that everyone only worship him. Prahlad, the king own son opposed him. So the king ordered her evil sister Holika to light him fire. Holika was also a special power that she can’t be injured by fire. Holika tricked Prahlad into sitting on fire with her. As the fire spread, Holika burned and Prahlad survived. To celebrate this happiness people apply ashes to their forehead and play with colored powder.

Public Life
It is a gazette holiday in India. All the shops, businesses and organizations are closed on this day. Schools, Colleges and Banks are also closed.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a very important and joyful festival which is famous for its sesame sweets and kite flying. On the day of Makar Sankranti, Sun starts its northward movement in the Makar Rashi (Capricorn). It is the day which marks the arrival of spring in India.

History

Makar Sankranti is celebrated on the 1st day of Magh according to Hindu calendar. It is the festival of happiness of getting new crops for formers. It also signifies the end of winter solstice. It makes days last longer than nights.

Significance of Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti has an astrological significance. On this day the sun enters to the Capricorn zodiac. Due to the precision of the  causes Makar Sankranti to move over ages. Almost thousand years ago, Makar Sankranti was on 31 December and is now on 14 January. It is mainly a harvest festival in India. But, apart from harvest festival it is also regarded as the beginning of an auspicious phase in Indian culture. It is a holy phase of transition.

Traditions and Rituals

Makar Sankranti is a very traditional festival in India. On this day, women offer shreemangalchandika prapatti. People appreciate and wish each other as it is a festival of thanksgiving. Kids and younger ones wear new clothes, eat til-gud laddus and fly kites to celebrate this fest. People also take bath in holy rivers and start a new beginning, a new resolution and commitment.

Some interesting facts about Makar Sankranti:

It is one of the few Indian festivals that falls on the same day every year according to Gregorian calendar.

It is known as Makar Snakranti because is a Rashi (sun-sign) in Hindi (Capricorn in English) and  means movement.

Makar Sankranti festival falls on equinox when day and night are equally long.

It is a very popular festival and is celebrated throughout India from north to south and east to west. As it is most popular as Makar Sankranti in west India, in south India it is known as Pongal. It is known as Lohri in north India. Actually, this festival has many different names.