25 Most Vibrant Festivals In India - Relish The Joy
25 Most Vibrant Festivals In India - Relish The Joy
Being a land of diversities, India resembles a collection of beautiful traditions, culture, languages, festivals, religion, history, and exceptional heritage. The relishing festivals in India give true meaning to its tradition and culture and have 22 spoken languages officially. This mesmerizing land can show something different at every step. Right from beautiful nature, incredible flora and fauna, snow-capped mountains, rich heritage to simplicity in lifestyle, India is heaven for all.
To explore the real charm of this country, festivals in India offer the best way. The celebration is a part of the life of Indians, and it never ends throughout the year. To enjoy the best festivals in India, October to January is the right time.
India is a country where you can see variety in festivals, and different states celebrate them differently. Apart from this, some gazetted holidays offer you a chance to meet your loved ones and plan a relishing holiday.
Now you must be thinking about the right time to visit India. So, Here is a complete guide to help you decide. Also, they let you know the significance of various festivals in India.
Most Significant Festivals In India
There are 28 states in India, and each has its list of popular festivals. People celebrate State-level festivals with a lot more energy and joy. Although the list of festivals in India is neverending, some Of them are famous all over India. People have such a powerful bond with their culture that they celebrate festivals abroad as well. Here is the list:
Diwali(Majestic Festival Of Light)
Diwali is one of the grand festivals in India. In the Hindu religion, people celebrate this occasion by decorating their houses with lights, worshipping goddess Laxmi, distributing sweets to loved ones, and firing crackers. It always takes first place in the list of major festivals in India. In India, Diwali brings a glow to every face by offering a chance to wear new dresses, taste delicious sweets, and spend a happy time with family and friends.
Why People Celebrate Diwali: It is a belief that on this day, Lord Rama got back to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of banishment.
Day of Celebration: According to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, it is celebrated on the night of Kartik that falls in October and November.
Who Celebrates it: Countrywide people celebrate it.
Holi(Festival Of Colours, Water And Energy)
With the aroma of happiness and colorful vibes in the air, Holi is one of the incredible festivals in India. One can see the enthusiasm of the Hindu people throughout the country. It seems like the entire India is one single family where members play with colors and throw water on each other. The day before colorful Holi, people perform “Holika Dehen " which is considered as purification of the soul. People sing traditional songs and dance around the fire with lots of joy. The next day people put color on each other's faces, throw water balloons and water on each other. The relaxing sleep you get after playing Holi is unforgettable.
Why People Celebrate Holi: They play Holi to celebrate the triumph of Prahalad over Holika. In other words, goodness won over evil.
Day of celebration: According to the Lunisolar calendar, it is celebrated on Purnima day(Full moon) that falls in March.
Place of celebration: Entire country celebrates it but North India Shows the real charm.
Dussehra (Victory of Good Over Wicked)
One of the popular festivals in India, Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami. Hindu people celebrate it for 10 days by playing Ramleela acts everywhere. On the last day, people make big models of Ravana, Megnath(son), and Kumbhkaran(brother) filled with firecrackers. One who plays the role of ram burns these huge structures. This gives the message that goodness defeated wickedness. The market becomes a place of joy for people of all age groups as they get many things to purchase. Every state has a way of celebration. Mysore Palace, one of the magnificent palaces, seems like magic these days. On the other hand, In the mountains, people celebrate it with dance and music. So never miss a chance to become a part of this festival.
Why people celebrate Dussehra: It is a belief that Lord Rama finishes Ravana on this day.
Day of Celebration: Indian people celebrate Dussehra on Ashwin month 10thday(Hindu lunisolar calendar) that falls in September or October every year.
Place of Celebration: Entire India celebrates it.
Navratri(Nine Days Worship Of Various Incarnation Of Goddess Durga)
One of the well-recognized festivals in India, Navratri, shows the perfect picture of dedication and faith of people in maa Durga. Different states commemorate it in their own way.
Gujarat is the state that performs this on a grand level such as Joyful Garba nights for 9 days, Dandiya In Gujarat, it is a nine-day celebration of rejuvenating Garba nights and Dandiya raas. Everyone becomes young these days and wears traditional vibrant clothes. In Hinduism, most of the people remain on fast for 9 days. On the last day, they offer food to 9 little girls by considering them goddess form.
Why Indians celebrate it: Hindu religion people celebrate it to worship 9 strongest forms of Goddess Durga.
Day of celebration: As per the Hindu lunisolar calendar, the first 9 days of Ashwin month that falls in September or October every year become the day of celebration.
Place of celebration: People all over India celebrate it but, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi are the hub.
Durga Puja (Homage To Maa Durga)
One of the religious festivals in India, Durga Puja, is a way to show devotion to Maa Durga in the Hindu religion. Bengal offers high significance to this festival, and people do fasting for 10 days. Apart from this, Goddess Durga worship, traditional music, dance, and acts complete the celebration. People dressed in traditional attire move with the canopies carrying the model of Maa Durga and do prayer.
Why people celebrate it: it is a belief that Lord Rama prayed to Goddess Durga before going to finish Ravana.
Day of celebration: As per the Hindu Lunisolar calendar, Ashwina Shukla Paksha's 10th day that falls in September or October becomes the day of worship.
Place of celebration: All the metro cities celebrate it but Kolkata makes this an incredible one.
Krishna Janmashtami (Lord Krishna Arrival To World)
One of the beautiful and simple festivals in India, Janmashtami is the birthday of the lord of love( Shri Krishna). At Vrindavan(Birthplace), it becomes the holiest day for all. For the entire day, the devotees remain on fast and complete it with an auspicious meal in the night.
Lord Krishna songs, dance performances, and prayers continue till midnight. Also, small kids dress up in Krishna attire and girls in Radha attire. Through a Krishna Tableau, different phases of Lord Krishna are shown by the main temple. Listed in most glorious festivals in India, Krishna Janmashtami also brings the Dahi Handi competition with it. This further doubles the energy level of youngsters.
Why people celebrate Krishna Janmashtami: Hindu People celebrate it honors the birth of Lord Krishna.
Day of celebration: Krishna Paksha 8th day (according to Hindu Lunisolar calendar) that falls in August or September every year.
Place of celebration: Mostly Hindu celebrate it throughout the world but Vrindavan is the prime location.
Ganesh Chaturthi( Lord Ganesha Arrival On Earth)
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the significant festivals in India that fills the air with lots of cheer. Devotees celebrate it for 10 days in which they bring a Ganesha sculpture to their home and worship it for 10 days. The final day known as Ganpati Visarjan day is the time to say goodbye to Lord Ganesha. On this day, Devotees ready the Lord Ganesha to immerse in the water and organize a procession in front of which everybody dances, colors each other, and says goodbye to Lord Ganesha joyfully.
Why devotees celebrate it: Lord Ganesha's arrival on Earth makes it a day to celebrate.
Day of celebration: Shukla Chaturthi 4th day(Hindu Lunisolar calendar) that falls in August or September.
Place of celebration: It is one of the major festivals in India that the state of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh celebrates.
Gurpurab (First Sikh Guru Guru Nanak Dev Ji Birthday)
Gurupurab is one of the prestigious festivals in India that the Sikh community celebrates throughout the country. On this occasion, Gurudwaras throughout the country conduct preachings of all Sikh gurus and distribute food known as Langar. They make no restriction on the entry of people based on their religion. They work on the belief that every being is the same and an incarnation of Waheguru Ji. Prayer(Gurbani) goes on throughout the day. People decorate their houses with light, candles, and firecrackers.
Why the Sikh community celebrates it: Spreading knowledge of all 10 gurus is the reason behind this celebration.
Day of celebration: Kartik month full moon day( as per Hindu lunisolar calendar) that falls in November every year.
Place of celebration: Although the entire world celebrates it, and has real significance in Punjab.
Raksha Bandhan( Festival of Siblings Love)
One of the mesmerizing festivals in India, Raksha Bandhan, reflects a true relationship filled with love, care, fights, and friendship between brother and sister. This is the festival of Hindu religion in which the sister does the aarti of brother, puts a tilak on his head, gives him sweets to eat, and ties a holy thread on his hand. This signifies that the sister prays for the well-being of the brother and, in return, the brother promises to save his sister from every evil. Bhaiya Dooj is another significant festival that brothers and sisters celebrate in Hinduism. It comes just after Diwali.
Why Hindu celebrates it: Hindu celebrate it to let the world know how powerful is the bond of brother and sister.
Day of celebration: They celebrate it on the full moon day of Shravan that falls in August.
Place of celebration: It is the main celebration in West, North, and Central India.
Eid-Ul-Fitr( Marked As End Of Ramadan)
One of the highly celebrated festivals in India, Eid-ul-Fitr, is the big day for the Muslim community. People wear new clothes, complete prayer in the morning, and offer hugs and sweets to their loved ones such as family, friends, and relatives. The youngsters or kids get adorable gifts from their siblings and parents.
Why the Muslim community celebrates it: After one month of fasting, the Eid-Ul-Fitr Muslim community celebrates this festival to declare the end of Ramadan.
Day of celebration: They celebrate it on the first day of Shawwal month(As per Islamic Calendar), which falls in July every year.
Place of celebration: It is one of the grand festivals in India that the Muslim community celebrates throughout the country.
Bihu(A Harvest Festival In Assam)
Listed in top festivals in India, Bihu is a harvest festival that has high significance in the North Indian state of Assam. It shows the sign of changes in the solstice of the Sun that people take as an important factor for the growth of crops. This one-month celebration fills the youngster with energy and passion. They dress up in traditional attire and Do Bihu dance in the crop fields. Apart from this, a large meal with a peal of the trumpet completes the celebration.
Why North India Celebrates it: People see harvest time as joyful because it marks the end of the harvesting season.
Day of celebration: North Indian People celebrate it in January, April, and October.
Place of celebration: Although the Assamese all over the country celebrates it, Assam reflects the entire picture.
Onam ( Tribute To Benevolent King Mahabali, Kerala)
Being one of the significant festivals in India, Onam brings lots of joy or thrill with it. On the occasion of Onam, people dress up in regional dresses, decorate their house with flower rangoli(Pookalam), and prepare around 13 delicious foods(Onasadya). Interesting activities like Vallamkali(boat rivalry), Kaikottikali( traditional dance), Classic dance and Puli kali dance, etc. complete the celebration.
Why people celebrate it: It is a belief that the benevolent demon king Mahabali returned to his home in Kerala after defeating gods and took control of three worlds.
Day of celebration: People in Kerala celebrate it in the month of Chingam(according to the Malayalam calendar) that falls in August or September every year.
Place of celebration: Kerala is the place where people celebrate Onam.
Pongal( Tamil Harvest Festival In South India)
One of the popular harvest festivals in India, Pongal, is the celebration of four days. Through this festival, people in Tamilnadu thank God Sun and Lord Indra for helping them in a better harvest. Farmers cook different types of dishes such as Pongal(rice dish), Sakkarai Pongal, and so on. Wearing traditional attire, people perform traditional folk dance, enjoy cattle races, and cook a lot of sweet dishes. Apart from this, farmers decorate their houses from rice-made rangolis.
Why Tamilnadu Celebrate it: This celebration is a way to thank God Sun, who helps farmers to yield good crops.
Day of celebration: This celebration takes place in January every year.
Place of celebration: Tamilians celebrate it throughout India but, it is the main festival in Tamilnadu.
Christmas( Birthday Of Jesus Christ)
Being popular amongst all age groups and people belonging to different religions, Christmas day is the festival of the Christian community. This is one of those festivals in India that the entire population waits for. It is a time when elders strengthen their bonds with kids by giving them surprises in the form of Santa. Children eagerly wait for Santa throughout the ear. All the churches reflect their beauty to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. You will see lighting and decorated Christmas trees everywhere.
Why the Christian community celebrates it: This is a big day for Christians as Jesus Christ took birth on this day.
Day of celebration: They celebrate it on the 25th of December every year.
Place of celebration: Although it is celebrated throughout India, Goa, Kerala, and Pondicherry are the main places.
Baisakhi(Rabi Crops Harvest Season And Formation Of Khalsa Panth)
One of the best festivals in India, Baisakhi, is the special day for the Sikh community of Punjab. This day marks the beginning of Rabi crops harvest season. You can see great fervor in the Sikh community that they show in the form of traditional dance forms like Giddha and Bhangra. Also, on this day, Guru Gobind Singh Ji set down the base for Khalsa Panth in 1699.
Why the Sikh Community celebrates it: This becomes the day of celebration to relish the joy of harvesting Rabi crops.
Day of celebration: The Sikh community celebrates it on 13th April or 14th April every year.
Place of celebration: Sikh community celebrates this across India but, the best place to celebrate is Punjab.
Makar Sankranti(Real New Year For Hindu)
One of the highly celebrated festivals in India, Makar Sankranti, is also known as the Hindu new year especially for North Indian and the Sikh community. It comes just after Lohri. People worship the God Sun for the fresh year. It marks the winter solstice and spring arrival for farmers.
Makar Sankranti date depends on solar cycles. People usually reflect their joy by flying kites. Also, they prepare auspicious dishes such as "Bajre ki khichdi", and "Til Ladoo”. In the state of Gujarat, it is known as Uttarayan.
Why people celebrate it: They celebrate it to welcome the agricultural cycle.
Day of celebration: Indians celebrate it on 14th January or 15th January every year.
Place of celebration: Although entire India celebrates it, North India is the real place of celebration.
Maha Shivratri(Devotion To Lord Shiva)
Recognized as one of the religious festivals in India, Maha Shivratri holds great importance to Lord Shiva devotee. It is a belief that a person who worships Lord Shiva on Maha Shivratri achieves fortune. Also, unmarried women do fasting to get a husband like Lord Shiva.
Why devotees celebrate it: It is a belief that Lord Shiva danced on this day, and devotees took blessings from him.
Day of celebration: Devotees celebrate it in February or March every year.
Place of celebration: North India and Nepal is the place of celebration.
Basant Panchami(Worship Of Goddess Saraswati)
Dedicated to the goddess of knowledge(Maa Saraswati), Basant Panchami is one of the best festivals in India. This day belongs to students or who indulge in academics that further pay their homage to Goddess Saraswati. It has a high significance in most of the states of India Example. Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Punjab, Odisha, and Haryana. Some people offer Jasmine to Maa Saraswati while others organize Langars. People usually carry yellow dresses on this day and have food that has a yellow color.
Why students celebrate it: Basant Panchami is a way to welcome the spring season.
Day of celebration: Students celebrate it on the 5th day of Magh(Hindu Calendar), which falls in January or February every year.
Place of celebration: Bihar West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana are the prime location for the celebration.
Chhath Puja(Worship Of God Sun)
Being celebrated on a national level, Chhath is one of the flourishing festivals in India. It takes 4 days in which people worship God Sun by a bath in the river Ganga. The followers pray to God sun for good fortune in every aspect of life. Apart from this, People do fasting throughout the worship and read the story of Rama and Sita to pay respect to God Sun.
Why people celebrate it: Through this celebration, devotees pay respect to God Sun.
Day of celebration: Sixth day of Kartika month(Hindu calendar), which falls in October or November, becomes a day of celebration.
Place of celebration: Bihar is the place where people celebrate Chhath.
Govardhan Puja( Lord Krishna Got Victory Over Lord Indra)
One of the greatest festivals in India that pay homage to Lord Krishna is Govardhan Pooja. On this day, followers praise the victory of Lord Krishna over Lord Indra. This festival has a different name in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Also, people prepare 56 dishes and offer it to Lord Krishna.
Why Krishna followers celebrate it: It is a belief that Lord Krishna got victory over God Indra on this day.
Day of celebration: Devotees celebrate it the next day after Diwali every year.
Place of celebration: People all over India celebrate it.
Gudi Padwa( Traditional New Year of Marathi)
Being celebrated on a broad level, Gudi Padwa is one of the significant festivals in India. In Maharashtra, it is the start of a new year. On this occasion, every house seems lost in flowers and beautiful rangolis. It is a day when one can have a good time with their family, friends, prepare remarkable sweet dishes, and so on. Also, they prepare an adorable bamboo doll and showcase them on the entry of houses.
Why Marathi people celebrate it: In Maharashtra, people celebrate it to worship Lord Vishnu.
Day of celebration: Devotees celebrate it in March every year.
Place of celebration: The state of Maharashtra celebrates it on a broad level.
Republic Day(Indian Constitution Came In Existence)
One of the exhilarating festivals in India, Republic Day, displays a high level of patriotism. It is named as Republic day because, On this day, the Indian Constitution came into existence in 1950. Every Indian considers it a day of pride. The country organizes a parade on the India gate every year, and it seems like every Indian is present at the India Gate.
Why Indians celebrate it: To show their respect for the constitution, people celebrate it.
Day of celebration: 26th January every year.
Place of celebration: All Indians celebrate it.
Independence Day(Joy Of Freedom)
Independence is loved by every being on this planet. India got it in 1947. This made it one of the important festivals in India. One who wants to see the soul of India recommended visiting here on Independence day. On this day, true Patriotism emerges on the roads, and Flags are hoisted everywhere. Prime minister hoists the flag at Red Fort, and the entire public sings the National Anthem. It seems like all the musical rhymes floating in the air. 21 gunshots fire to honor this day.
Why Indians celebrate it: They celebrate it to memorize the day when India got independence.
Day of celebration: 15th August every year.
Place of celebration: To see the colors of Independence Delhi(Capital of India) is the place.
Camel Festival(Vibrant Cattle Festival)
One of the biggest Cattle festivals in India, the Camel Festival, brings all the life forms to one place. It is one of the most vibrant festivals held in Pushkar every year. Owners with beautiful Camels from different regions deal with the buyer in one place. It seems like the air is full of hue. It proves a charm for different Camel traders and is also known as the Kartik Purnima festival.
Why people celebrate it: This is a means to generate opportunities for people whose life completely depends on Camel trade.
Day of celebration: People celebrate it in November for 9 days every year.
Place of celebration: Pushkar city of Rajasthan.
Kumbh Mela(Biggest Pilgrimage Festival In Hinduism)
Getting first place in religious festivals in India, Kumbh Mela resembles the extreme level of devotion in the Hindu religion. Unlike other festivals, it does not happen every year. It takes 12 years to see the next Kumbh Mela. They celebrate it on the 4 holy river banks named Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain, and Prayag. So much wait for this festival attracts a large number of crowds. People bathe in the river Ganga and purify their souls from evil. Also, they organize a fair, distribute food to the poor peoples, and saints offer preachings to people. It seems like nature is losing in the devotion of God. No one can stop themselves from watching this adorable moment of spirituality.
Why devotees celebrate it: It is a belief that god takes 12 years to defeat evil, and its victory is celebrated as Kumbh Mela.
Day of celebration: In every 12 years, river banks celebrate it on a broad level.
Place of celebration: Devotees keep the energy level high At Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
Ratha Yatra( Lord Jagannath Chariots Festival)
A huge event devoted to Lord Jagannath, it is one of the relishing festivals in India. It is also known as the festival of chariots. A large number of people visit the renowned Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha. A procession carries out with the statue of Lord Jagganath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra.
Why devotees celebrate it: This is to offer homage to Lord Jagganath.
Day of celebration: They celebrate it in June and July every year.
Place of celebration: People celebrate it with a lot of joy At Puri, Odisha.
This list of festivals in India is neverending, but these festivals are the soul of India. The multitude of significant festivals of India brags off the Indian culture and heritage. This list of festivals in India creates an eagerness for people to visit the country. Apart from these, some more festivals form part of this list: Hemis(Ladakh), Easter, Mahavir Jayanti(Gujarat and Rajasthan), Ugadi(Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka), Hornbill festival(Nagaland), Mewar festivals(Udaipur), Buddha Jayanti and much more.
Before paying a visit to explore adorable festivals in India must check the date in an Indian calendar. Every festival on this land offers a different experience. Becoming a part of this joy by celebrating festivals in India is the best way to traverse the completeness of Indian tradition, culture, and heritage.
No matter what kind of festival you like most, India always has something to offer you. Enthusiasm for celebration never ends throughout the year. In other words, the natural beauty of India is enough to give you a feel of celebration all the time.
So, what are you thinking about? Let’s head on for this journey to see different colors of festivals in India! India always welcomes you wholeheartedly.
