National Festivals

India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and religions, which gives rise to many festivals. National festivals in India, however, are celebrated by people across the country, cutting across religious and cultural boundaries. These festivals hold significance for the entire nation and are often marked by public holidays and widespread celebrations. Every year national festivals are celebrated in the college campus with a spirit of unity, patriotism, and respect for the country’s history and its diverse heritage. The two main national festivals in India which are celebrated by the college are:

1. Independence Day (15th August)

Significance: Independence Day marks India’s freedom from British colonial rule on August 15, 1947.
Celebrations: The day is celebrated with flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic songs, speeches, and cultural performances. The main event is held at the Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers a speech. Across the country, people celebrate by decorating their homes, offices, and schools with tricolors, organizing parades, and remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

2. Republic Day (26th January)

Significance: Republic Day celebrates the day India adopted its Constitution and became a republic on January 26, 1950.
Celebrations: A grand parade is held at Rajpath, Delhi, showcasing India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and achievements in various fields. The President of India presides over the event, and it includes a display of military prowess, tableaus representing different states, and performances by schoolchildren. Across the country, flag-hoisting ceremonies and patriotic events are organized.

India is home to a vast array of festivals celebrated by its population, reflecting the diversity of the country’s culture, mythology, and traditions. They vary by region, but many are observed nationwide with great enthusiasm. These festivals, deeply rooted in people’s mythology and tradition, showcase India’s rich cultural heritage. Each festival involves rituals, prayers, feasting, and the joy of community participation, making them a significant part of Indian life. Here are some of the most prominent festivals celebrated in the college:

1. Diwali (Deepavali)

Significance: Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, marking the victory of good over evil. It also symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness.
Celebrations: Homes are decorated with oil lamps (diyas), colorful rangoli designs, and electric lights. People clean and renovate their homes, wear new clothes, exchange sweets, and burst firecrackers. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) is a central part of the celebration.

2. Holi

Significance: Holi is the “Festival of Colors,” symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It commemorates the story of Prahlad and Holika, and also celebrates the playful pranks of Lord Krishna.
Celebrations: People throw colored powders (gulal) at each other, dance, sing, and enjoy festive foods like gujiya and thandai. In some regions, large bonfires are lit on the eve of Holi (Holika Dahan) to symbolize the burning away of negativity.

3. Raksha Bandhan

Significance: Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The sister ties a protective thread (rakhi) around her brother’s wrist, praying for his well-being, and the brother promises to protect her.
Celebrations: The festival is marked by family gatherings, rituals, and the exchange of sweets and gifts between siblings. It is a day to strengthen family bonds.

4. Janmashtami

Significance: Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Celebrations: Devotees observe fasting, sing devotional songs, and enact scenes from Krishna’s childhood (Raslila). In some regions, particularly Maharashtra, the festival includes the Dahi Handi ritual, where groups form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd, symbolizing Krishna’s playful nature.

5. Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Significance: Vijayadashami marks the end of Navratri and celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Celebrations: Effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran, and son Meghnath are burnt in large public gatherings, accompanied by fireworks. Plays depicting episodes from the Ramayana (Ramlila) are performed in many parts of the country.

6. Mahashivratri

Significance: Mahashivratri is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva, commemorating the night when he performed the Tandava dance and the union of Shiva and Parvati.
Celebrations: Devotees fast, stay awake all night, chant mantras, and offer prayers to Lord Shiva at temples. It is a time for meditation and self-reflection.

7. Karva Chauth

Significance: Karva Chauth is a festival observed by married women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the long life and prosperity of their husbands.
Celebrations: Women dress up in traditional attire, perform rituals, and break their fast after sighting the moon, usually with their husband offering them the first sip of water.

8. Eid-ul-Fitr

Significance: Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a time for thanksgiving, charity, and communal prayers.
Celebrations: Muslims offer special prayers (Eid namaz) in mosques, give zakat (charity), and share meals with family and friends. People wear new clothes, and sweet dishes, particularly sevaiyan (sweet vermicelli), are prepared.

India observes a variety of remarkable days that commemorate significant historical events, figures, or causes. These days are celebrated across the nation with various ceremonies, cultural events, and awareness programs. Here’s a list of some of the most notable ones celebrated in the college:

Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Jayanti
Basant Panchmi
Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti
Ram Navmi
Parshuram Jayanti
Sant Kabir Jayanti
Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrodm Day
Shaheedi Divas/ Haryana War Heroes’ Martyrdom Day
Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti
Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti/ Maharaja Ajmidh Jayanti
Haryana Day
Vishvakarma Day
Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti
Christmas

A convocation is a formal ceremony in educational institutions where degrees or diplomas are officially awarded to graduating students. It marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and academic achievement. Convocation ceremonies are typically filled with speeches by distinguished guests, faculty members, and student representatives, reflecting on the journey of learning and the responsibilities that come with new qualifications. Students, dressed in traditional academic gowns, are recognized individually as they receive their degrees. It is a moment of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for the future as graduates embark on their professional journeys.

An alumni meet is a special event where former students of an institution come together to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate their journey. It provides an opportunity for alumni to meet old friends, network with fellow graduates, and reflect on their time at the institution. Alumni meets often include speeches, cultural performances, and interactive sessions, fostering a strong bond between the alumni and their alma mater. The event also allows the institution to showcase its progress, highlight the achievements of its graduates, and create opportunities for future collaborations and mentorship.

These two main events are celebrated in the college on regular basis.

Prize distribution is an important event of the college that recognizes and rewards individuals for their achievements, hard work, and excellence in various fields such as academics, sports, arts, or community service. It serves as a moment of celebration, where winners are honored in front of their peers, inspiring others to strive for success. The event not only acknowledges talent and effort but also promotes healthy competition and encourages participants to continue pursuing excellence. Prize distribution ceremonies often foster a spirit of motivation and set a positive example for all attendees. The prize distribution event is celebrated every year to rewards the students for their achievement.