A History of Agriculture in India v2.c60.s4: Festivals and Pilgrimages
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c60.s4
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Festivals and Pilgrimages
v2.c60.s4.1
While the ruling classes amused themselves with dinner parties and *shikar*, the poor Hindu peasants found relief in observance of religious festivals and periodical pilgrimages to holy shrines. The most popular festivals were Basant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Dussehra and Shivaratri. The worship of Shiva figures prominently in the Basant Panchami festival. People put on yellow clothes to harmonize with the yellow blossoms of *sarson*. Holi, the spring festival, was celebrated by throwing coloured water and red powder. Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the return of Rama from exile. Lamps were lighted in homes as well as in temples and public buildings. Dussehra was celebrated with great enthusiasm for a number of days. The births of Rama, Krishna, Parasurama and Narasingha were also celebrated.
v2.c60.s4.2
Large parties of Hindu pilgrims travelled together for safety and mutual help to holy places on the Ganges. Such journeys provided relaxation from their monotonous existence.