Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s3.t3.4

c7.s3.t3.4

It is difficult to describe all the local and general festivals. A few of these sprang into special prominence which they maintain even to-day.¹ The most popular festivals were those of Basant Panchami, Holi, Dipavali (or popularly Divali), Sivaratri, and others connected with the various incidents of the life of Krishna. The Basant festival was the harbinger of spring and occurred in the month of Magha. It was conspicuous for the singing of songs, folk-dances and the scattering of red powder. In some ways Holi was a more important festival, at any rate for the Sudras or the lower classes of Hindus. It was celebrated by huge bon-fires, by popular songs and by the usual scattering of red powder (gulal). The Holi was observed in the month of Phalguna. The night of the 29th of Magha was the festival of Sivaratri, which was observed by the religious minded with night vigil and prayers. The 25th of the Karttika was the festival of Divali or Dipavali.²