We all wait for our holidays! Whatever the motive, recreation or tourism, we all  eagerly look forward to them. A holiday could be a result of national significance or in remembrance of a national identity. Holidays are also observed to celebrate our religion and rich heritage culture. In every country, there is this one holiday that the entire nation celebrates with great enthusiasm. For e.g. new years eve is one such celebration, which is celebrated across the globe. Let us look at 10 most celebrated holidays over the world.

10. Valentine’s Day

The celebration of love! People around the globe celebrate this day and gift their loved ones and spend time with them. But sadly not many know the origins of this day. This holiday on 14^th February, is celebrated in remembrance of St Valentine who was martyred as he declined giving up Christianity. In Rome the day acknowledges goddess Juno, the goddess of marriage. However the gestures expressed on this day should be observed throughout, for everyday is special with your loved ones. Although it’s not a holiday on this day, people all over the globe are seen celebrating this day.

9. Ramadan/Eid

The pious month for Muslims! It is the most important festival celebrated by the Muslim community. However, with the change in times you will see people from other religion also being a part of this celebration by relishing some delicious delicacies available during this time. The celebration lasts for a month. The entire Muslim community observes a strict fast for one whole month. They are allowed only to feast and drink water after the sunset and before sunrise. It is believed that the entire ritual purifies the mind and soul. According to a popular legend, Allah revealed the Qur’an to his prophet Mohammed. Hence, in the entire month people read this holy bible and perform good deeds.

8. Easter

Easter is popularly celebrated festival by the Christian community. It celebrated the passion of Christ. People observe fast, prayers and penance for forty long days. The last week of these holy days is called as Lent. This week also acknowledges the crucifixion and death of Jesus by observing a holiday on Good Friday in the same week. This holiday always falls on Sunday, and it’s the first Sunday of the full moon after the celebration of the spring equinox. It is the biggest day for Christians all over the globe. The celebration includes dying of eggs and judging which one is tougher among the lot. The first egg painted is red and is preserved till the next Easter. The key message behind this day is to forgive and ask for forgiveness.

7. Chinese New Year, China

It is a traditional celebration in China and is also known as the spring festival. It is considered as an important holiday in the Chinese culture and is popularly known as Lunar New Year. It starts from the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar to the 15^th day of the first month. The 15^th day is celebrated as the lantern festival. People celebrate this day in an elaborate manner with plays, dances and lit up the sky with fireworks. They are also seen adorning different costumes on this day.

6. Saint Patrick’s Day, Ireland.

This day embarks the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Irish communities spread across the USA and other European countries also celebrate this day. It is celebrated every year on 17^th march and has both cultural and religious importance. The celebration lasts for 5 days and includes various performances like theater, concerts and fireworks. Parades are also a tradition every year. The entire celebration is dominated by green color. Hence people adorn green attires or shamrocks.

5. Halloween, USA

A spooky celebration! It is celebrated around the globe, however is celebrated with lot of zeal in the USA. People are seen on street with colorful and scary costume resembling one of the spooky characters we see on the screen. It is observed on 31^st October. The festivities include carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, costume parties and sharing scary stories with your friends.

4. Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany

The day is celebrated since 1810 and is an important part of Bavarian culture. It is celebrated as the biggest beer festival in the world. Originally the day honored Prince Ludwig’s wedding. The celebration starts from late September to first week of October. Large quantity of Oktoberfest beer is consumed throughout the celebration. Besides beer the visitors enjoy games, amusement rides and traditional food offered in various stalls.

3. Diwali.

The festival of lights! A Hindu festival celebrated for 5 days. The 5^th day celebrated Bhau-Bheej, the special bond of brother sister relationship. The festival falls anywhere between mid October and mid November. The families celebrate by shopping new clothes, cleaning their homes and exchanging gifts and sweets with their loved ones. The entire country is decorated with colorful lanterns and Diyas. The sky is lit with fireworks everywhere.

2. New Years Eve

The celebration of this day began 4000 years ago by people of Babylon. They celebrated it during the time of New moon. It is the globally celebrated holiday. When the clock strikes 12 the fireworks lit up the whole sky. The day is celebrated with your family and friends.

1. Christmas

Well , this day is a hit among all the days. One reason being the desired gifts received from Santa. The holiday is celebrated on 25^th of December every year. The day marks the birth of Jesus Christ and he is considered to be a present from god for the well being of mankind. It is a national holiday in many parts of the world. People celebrate by gifting their loved ones and meeting their family and friends over the specially prepared Christmas feast. Decorated Christmas trees and human Santa’s are observed on the streets and shopping malls.