2024 Telugu Calendar February Festivals
2024 Telugu Calendar February Festivals
As we enter the year 2024, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming festivals and events. The month of February in the Telugu calendar is particularly special, with a plethora of festivals and celebrations to look forward to. In this article, we will take a closer look at the 2024 Telugu Calendar February Festivals and the significance of each event.
List of Events and Festivals
Here is a list of the major events and festivals that will be celebrated in Telugu households in February 2024:
- Sankranti
- Ratha Saptami
- Bhishma Ekadashi
- Valentine’s Day
- Maha Shivaratri
- Holika Dahan
- Holi
Significance of the Festivals
Sankranti
Sankranti is a harvest festival that is celebrated across India. In the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is known as ‘Pedda Panduga’ or ‘Makara Sankranti’. The festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. People celebrate by flying kites, preparing traditional sweets like ’til laddus’ and ‘garelu’, and taking a dip in the holy rivers.
Ratha Saptami
Ratha Saptami is a festival that is dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya. It is celebrated on the seventh day after the full moon in the month of Magha. People wake up early in the morning and take a bath before sunrise. They then perform ‘Surya Namaskar’ and offer prayers to the sun god. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy rivers on this day will cleanse one of all sins.
Bhishma Ekadashi
Bhishma Ekadashi is a Hindu festival that is dedicated to the revered warrior Bhishma. It is celebrated on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Magha. People observe a fast on this day and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing this fast will help one attain salvation.
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is a popular Western festival that has gained popularity in India in recent years. It is celebrated on the 14th of February every year and is a day to express love and affection for one’s partner. People exchange gifts, chocolates, and cards on this day.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated on the fourteenth day of the new moon in the month of Magha. People observe a fast on this day and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing this fast will help one attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Holika Dahan
Holika Dahan is a festival that is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. People light a bonfire on this day and perform a puja to ward off evil spirits. It is also a day to forgive and forget past grievances and start afresh.
Holi
Holi is a festival of colours that is celebrated on the day after Holika Dahan. People smear each other with coloured powder and water, sing and dance to music, and enjoy traditional sweets like ‘gujiya’ and ‘thandai’. It is a day to let go of inhibitions and celebrate the joy of life.
Question and Answer
What is the significance of Sankranti?
Sankranti marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a day to celebrate the abundance of nature and express gratitude for the harvest.
Why is Ratha Saptami celebrated?
Ratha Saptami is celebrated to honour the Hindu sun god, Surya. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy rivers on this day will cleanse one of all sins.
What is the importance of Maha Shivaratri?
Maha Shivaratri is an important day for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that observing a fast on this day and offering prayers to Lord Shiva will help one attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
FAQs
When is Valentine’s Day celebrated in India?
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of February every year in India.
What is the traditional food prepared during Sankranti?
Traditional sweets like ’til laddus’ and ‘garelu’ are prepared during Sankranti.
What is the significance of Holika Dahan?
Holika Dahan marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is a day to forgive and forget past grievances and start afresh.
In conclusion, the 2024 Telugu Calendar February Festivals are a time to celebrate the richness of our culture and traditions. Each festival has its own significance and brings joy and happiness to our lives. Let us embrace these festivals with open arms and celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness.