Festivals Through My Eyes: A Journey of Noida's Cultural Calendar
I moved to Noida in August 1986, when it was still a small town. At that time, Noida was mostly confined to Sector 1 to Sector 37 and Original Villages. The population was predominantly from North India, especially Western UP, and included migrant factory workers from rural and interior areas.
The festivals I remember celebrating in those early days were primarily North Indian ones. Lohri, a harvest festival, brought people together around bonfires, while Holi was a lively celebration of colors and joy. Raksha Bandhan honored sibling bonds with the exchange of rakhis and sweets. Janmashtami, celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, involved prayers and temple visits. Navratri was a time for fasting and religious devotion. Dussehra symbolized the victory of good over evil, with large effigies being burned at the Noida Stadium in Sector 21. Diwali, the festival of lights, illuminated the streets with diyas and fireworks. During the 1980s, Noida did not have a significant Muslim or Christian population, and Eid and Christmas were celebrated by a smaller community.
A New Noida: The Rise of a Cosmopolitan Community
Over time, Noida saw an influx of new residents from Delhi and neighboring areas, which greatly contributed to the city’s growing diversity. People from various parts of India, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bengal, Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the South Indian states, began to settle here. Many of these newcomers had originally worked in Delhi’s government offices and, seeking better living conditions and more affordable housing, gradually moved to Noida. This migration not only brought a wide range of cultural influences but also led to a transformation in the city’s demographic makeup.
The Army Sectors (21, 25, 28, 29, and 37) played a key role in this demographic shift, attracting army families from all over India. Later, as Noida developed into a hub for the growing IT industry, professionals from all over the country, including those from cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai, also began to settle in the city. This steady influx of diverse people, each with their traditions, food, language, and customs, further enriched the cultural fabric of Noida, making it a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
The Festival Explosion: Noida’s Growing Cultural Tapestry
With the arrival of these new residents, Noida’s festival scene began to diversify and expand. What once were limited celebrations now turned into vibrant community events. Durga Puja, traditionally celebrated in Bengal, found its place at Kali Bari in Sector 26, drawing large crowds and creating a festive atmosphere. Dandiya nights, a popular tradition during Navratri, became a regular feature in many of the housing societies, where people gathered for lively dance and celebration. The spiritual significance of Guru Purab was honored at the Gurudwaras in the city, with processions and prayers marking the occasion. At the same time, South Indian festivals like Pongal and Onam gained recognition, with families organizing community feasts and cultural programs. The Christmas spirit was also embraced in Noida, with newly established churches in various sectors hosting joyous services and celebrations. Additionally, Ganesh Pooja, a key festival for families from Maharashtra, became an important part of the city’s traditions, with colorful processions and offerings filling the streets during Ganesh Chaturthi. As Noida grew into a melting pot of cultures, the diversity of festivals reflected the city’s ever-changing and evolving cultural landscape.
Some festivals became noticeable just by traveling around the city. I would see idols being taken to the Yamuna Ghat for Saraswati Puja, Kanwariyas carrying holy Ganga water during Shravan, and crowds gathered for Chhath Puja on the banks of the Yamuna, along with the sound of fireworks.
Noida’s Transformation: From Small Town Charm to Urban Festivities
With the development of New Residential Sectors. Housing Societies and Highrise Apartments Over the past 15 years, I saw even more festivals being celebrated here, including Tulsi Vivah, Haryali Teej, Ahoi Ashtami, and Cheti Chand. This has been Noida’s journey, transforming from a small town into a bustling cosmopolitan city, and mine along with it. Festivals and celebrations continue to grow and change here, reminding me that the spirit of festivity truly never ends.
It’s heartening to see how Noida has embraced this diversity, with each new festival adding a layer to the city’s rich cultural fabric. In many ways, the variety of traditions and celebrations reflects the city’s transformation—growing more vibrant, inclusive, and united despite its fast-paced development. Noida, with its blend of old and new, is a perfect example of how different cultures can coexist, creating a community that celebrates together, no matter where we come from.