Religious Festivals

Abstract

Man is said to be a ritual animal, one who can bring heaven down to earth and raise earth to heaven by way of rites, rituals and celebrations. Basically every man is a priest, a pontitex, one who builds a bridge between heaven and earth. Festivals are the auspi- cious moments of his life in which this union of heaven and earth is experienced and celebrated. Festivals are usually understood as time to rejoice and celebrate, as an occasion for much fun and frolic. But along with the external pomp, processions and celebrations, there is also. time for reflection, rethinking one's own religious tradition and giving concrete shape to its faith. Festival is thus a great gathering moment in one's life, a gathering of tradition, often from an immem- orial point of history and also a social gathering of all the members who participate in that tradition.