Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 349
Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk
Hint: Consider which festivals are officially recognized by the government.
Correct Answer: A) Holi
Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services
Difficulty: Easy
In India, national festivals are those that are officially recognized by the government and are celebrated across the country. These festivals often commemorate significant historical events or figures. The national festivals in India include Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. These days are marked by official ceremonies, flag hoisting, and other national events. Independence Day (August 15) celebrates India's independence from British rule in 1947. Republic Day (January 26) marks the day the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, making India a sovereign democratic republic. Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, and is a day to honor his contributions to India's freedom struggle and his philosophy of non-violence. Holi, on the other hand, is a major cultural festival celebrated across India and other parts of the world. It is known as the "festival of colors" and is celebrated in the spring season. While Holi is a significant cultural event, it is not officially recognized as a national festival by the Indian government. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, but it does not have the same official status as Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti. Therefore, the correct answer is Holi, as it is not a national festival in the context of official government recognition.
Mnemonic: Remember: "Holi is a colorful festival, not a national one."