Of Festivities and Indias Multicultural Identity

It is a genral opinion that India is a truly diverse and multiethnic society -people from different creeds , race and religion have formed the multicultural fabric of this truly diverse country -its strength lies in its diversity. India is known as the land of festivals and festivities across the globe-and why not. Practically all major festivals are celebrated here with equal pomp and entusiasm. Its a long list since its such a diverse country-we almost celebrate a festival a day kind of scene.
Navratri and Dusshera just got over and is an important festival in Gujrat especially and yes i did enjoy thegarba a great deal altough am more at home with my bhangra beats.
Diwali is probably the most important festival for a majority of the Indians but is still celebrated by everybody with enthusiasm .
Holi especially in north indian state of punjab is celebrated with such joy and is where both Hindus and Sikhs play and do the puja together -an excellent example of the strength of indias multicultural harmony..the year 2007 saw Krishna Janmashtami and Kheer Bhawani (two major Hindu festivals)being celebrated in Kashmir..
Christmas is also celebrated by people of all faiths in their own unique way.
Id is also one of the major festivals and yes i quite do enjoy the yummy biryani and sheeri korma.
Each region in India has its own unique traditions-bihu -the harvest feastival of Assam is celebrated quite differently from Lohri-the harvest festival of Punjab which is again differs from the traditions of the harvest festivals of those of South India.
Couple of weeks ago i saw a picture of the golden temple , the shrad had just got over-the picture depicted a girl praying in front of the temple-the caption read-a Hindu girl pays obeisance to her sikh ancestors-this happens only in india which is truly multicultural,multiethnic and the worlds most secular and democratic country-a country where everyday is a celebration ,a festival , of life, of joy ,of ones very existence.....everyday is a celebration and a festival nevermind the problems of the country .. indias multiculturalism is truly her strength..