Festivals symbolize people's cultural, social and religious aspirations. Festivals help Indians lead a fuller and better life and also remove its monotony by providing physical diversion and mental recreation. Indian festivals have a universal appeal, a common purpose and a special meaning.
To an Indian wherever he or she is, be it in the north, south, east or west, festivals are days of special significance, different from ordinary days, and designed to serve a special purpose.
While preserving certain aspects of Indian civilization and culture, festivals promote social unity, camraraderie, mutual help and cooperation, and provide a means of enjoyment and recreation. At the same time, they emphasize the moral and spiritual values of human existence with self-discipline and austerity.
Most of the festivals celebrated in India are common to all parts of the regions and people. Makara Sankranti, Holi or Spring festival, Navratri or Durga Puja, Diwali and New Year are celebrated in every home in the same spirit, in the same manner, on the same day and with a shared elation. Festivals are thus they are a symbol of a unity, inspired by the same ideals and objectives of life. Though living in different climates, different regions and speaking different languages, there is a fundamental unity of ideals, of communal aims and aspirations, which run through the life of the people of this land.