In India, May marks the beginning of summer, and there are several festivals celebrated across the country during this month. Some of the notable festivals in May include:
- Buddha Purnima: Also known as Vesak, Buddha Purnima commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It falls on the full moon day in the month of May and is celebrated with prayers, meditation, and various cultural activities in Buddhist communities across India.
- Ganga Dussehra: Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day (Dussehra) of the waxing moon of the Hindu calendar month Jyeshtha, which usually falls in May or June. It commemorates the descent of the Ganges River to Earth. Devotees take ritual baths in the Ganges and perform prayers along the riverbanks.
- Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti: Celebrated on May 7th, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti honors the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet, writer, and philosopher. Cultural programs, poetry recitations, and seminars are organized across India to commemorate his contributions to literature and music.
- Chithirai Festival (Madurai Chithirai Thiruvizha): This is an annual celebration held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). The festival celebrates the wedding of Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and includes processions, rituals, and cultural events.
- Vaisakhi (Baisakhi): Vaisakhi is celebrated predominantly in Punjab to mark the Sikh New Year and the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. It usually falls on April 13th or 14th but can extend into May depending on the lunar calendar. The festival is celebrated with great fervor and includes processions, traditional dances (Bhangra and Gidda), and the sharing of festive meals.
These are some of the prominent festivals celebrated in India during the month of May. Each festival holds cultural, religious, and regional significance, making it a vibrant and colorful time across the country.