When August rolls by, it’s the start of the festival season in the Hindu calendar. Hardly a couple of weeks go by without another festival.

Festival Season

When the month of August comes around
That’s the time when festivals start to abound

It starts with the beautiful bonding between a brother and sister
That’s the festival of Raksha Bandhan, the bond strong and secure each year

The same day is the one day exclusively for the menfolk
Avani Avittam is what’s its called, not for the womenfolk

Then we celebrate the birth of the baby Krishna
Keep awake the whole night, just to welcome him, the one who is still an enigma

Then in a few weeks time it’s time to burst out the dhol and rain a cracker blaze
Because it’s time to welcome Lord Ganesh in our homes for the next eleven days

After that, its nine days of fun and frolic, getting together with your clique
When we pray to the various Goddesses in what’s called Navratri

The tenth day is when good triumphs over evil
That’s why it’s called Vijaya Dashami, the day where a fresh start is given a stamp of approval

Then starts the countdown to the biggest festival of the year
The festival of lights, the one that’s very dear

It’s the festival of lights aka Diwali which you await the whole year
New clothes checked, sweets and savouries start to appear

India is a land of festivals, the more the merrier
Because these festivals bring the family together,

It’s also a chance to get closer to your roots,
Because to know what you are helps to get to the future.