Fun-filled and 40 Most famous Festivals of India one must Experience

• 2021-05-25 05:47:47

1. Lohri- After the rabi crops are harvested, Lohri, one of India's most famous Punjabi festivals, is celebrated by lighting a large bonfire in the yard. In Punjab, Lohri marks the beginning of the harvest season and the end of the winter season. In most areas, Lohri falls on the last day of the month of Paush, also known as Makar Sankranti. People dress up in traditional attire and offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewaries to the fire. Folks also worship the god of Fire for prosperity and happiness in their world. They dance and sing around the fire until the fire goes out. They also welcome their friends and family members with greetings and presents. Lohri, one of India's most famous festivals, usually takes place on Wednesday, January 13th.
2. Makar Sankranti- With the sun's transit into the Capricorn constellation, Makar Sankranti signals the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days. Throughout India, the festival is recognised and celebrated under various names. For example, in North India, it is known as Maghi, in Assam as Magh Bihu, in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as Pedda Panduga, in Tamil Nadu as Thai Pongal, and in Central India as Sukarat. It's one of the few Indian festivals that follows the solar calendar. People observe various rituals and customs, such as taking a dip in the Ganges, offering water to the Sun God, and flying kites, to commemorate the day. Makar Sankranti is also observed in West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. It is usually celebrated on 14th or 15th of January as per the Hindu calendar.
3. Holi- Holi, also called the "Festival of Colors," is one of India's most well-known festivals. The festival revolves around the absolute dedication of Bhakt Prahlad to Lord Vishnu, allowing the demon Holika to be burned and destroyed. The most enjoyable aspect, though, is when people apply coloured powder ‘gulal’ at each other and spray each other with water pistols. During the festivities, bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants) is also commonly eaten. Holi is a carefree festival that can be a lot of fun if you don't mind getting soaked and dirty. Holi is a Hindu festival that takes place on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun. It is also known as the Spring Festival because it coincides with the start of spring.
4. Republic Day- On January 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution went into effect, officially establishing India as a republic. Since then, every year on January 26th, Indians have proudly celebrated the national festival. The festivities take the form of ceremonial parades in front of the President of India and other foreign dignitaries on Rajpath. Thousands of people flock to the site to witness the spectacle, which reflects the country's unity and cultural diversity.
5. Pongal- In India, this festival is known as Makar Sankranti. Pongal is observed every year at the same time, at the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai or Tai. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, and Mattu Pongal are the three days of the Pongal festival. Pongal is a famous Tamil Nadu harvest festival dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. It always starts on the 13th or 14th of January. Pongal, one of India's most famous festivals, takes place from January 13 to 16. The key events take place on January 14th.
6. Mahashivratri- Maha Shivratri, which translates to "Great Night of Shiva," is observed throughout the world. The Hindu god Lord Shiva is honoured during Maha Shivratri, as the festival's name suggests. This annual event represents the triumph of light over darkness in reality. Ardent devotees stay up all night performing pujas according to tradition. Maha Shivratri, unlike most other Hindu festivals, is devoid of cultural celebrations. Instead, it entails fasting, meditation, prayer singing, and worship of the Shiva Linga. According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), Maha Shivaratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha of the Phalgun month. Unmarried women also pray and fast on this day, in addition to celebrating Shiva and Shakti's union, in the hopes of finding a partner as loving as Lord Shiva.
7. Lui-Ngai-Li- Every year on the 14th or 15th of February, the Naga tribes of Manipur celebrate Lui-Ngai-Ni, a seed-sowing festival. During the festival, Manipur Nagas gather in one location to show their rich cultural heritage. The festivities also include Naga tribes from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, two neighbouring states. It respects and appeases the gods, who are thought to be the ones who decide the fate of the crops. The celebrations include a variety of cultural practises such as folk songs, dances, and drumming.
8. Ganesh Chaturthi- The 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu elephant-headed deity. The festival begins with the installation of large, intricately designed Ganesh statues in homes and public podiums, which have been beautifully decorated. Throughout the celebration, the statues are worshipped every day. They are paraded through the streets with much singing and dancing on the last day before being immersed in the ocean. Mumbai is the best city to visit to get a taste of it.
9. Eid ul Fitr- Following the Ramadan fast month, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month during which Muslims fast. Eid-ul-Fitr is an important festival for the Muslim community all over the world, and it is undoubtedly one of India's most important festivals. The festival commemorates the last day of a holy month of celebrations. There are group prayer sessions, a sacrificial ceremony, a magnificent feast, and other events where friends and family are invited. The day of celebration is decided with the sighting of the new moon towards the end of Ramdan.
10. Basant Panchami- Saraswati Puja is celebrated in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam on a grand scale. People eat food and wear clothes of yellow colour on this day and hence, it is also called Yellow Festival with Sabat translating to ‘yellow’ in hindi. People in Rajasthan wear jasmine garlands, while people in Uttarakhand worship Lord Shiva and Parvati as the mother of the earth. This Hindu Spring festival is held in January or February each year. Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess, is honoured during the festival. To commemorate the yellow festival, Sikhs hold a Langar. This day, people pray for wisdom and a sweet way of talking with a clean heart.
11. Gudi Padwa- According to the Hindu calendar, Gudi Padwa is observed on the first day of the Chaitra month. For the people of Maharashtra and the Konkan area, today is the first day of the year. Lord Brahma is said to have formed the universe on this day, as well as days, weeks, months, and years, according to Hindu mythology. On Gudi Padwa, people take a traditional oil bath, put on new clothes, and decorate their homes.
12. Navratri- Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals, with festivities lasting for days. Navratri is a Sanskrit word that means "nine nights." The festival lasts nine days and nights, as its name suggests. Goddess Shakti is worshipped in various ways during Navratri.Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals, with festivities lasting for days. Navratri is a Sanskrit word that means "nine nights." The festival lasts nine days and nights, as its name suggests. Goddess Shakti is worshipped in various ways during Navratri. It is generally celebrated twice a year, once in Chaitra month of Hindu Calendar ending with celebration of Ram Navmi on the ninth day, typically in the month of April and second time during Ashvina month (October/November) with celebration of Durga Puja.
13. Onam- In the South Indian state of Kerala, Onam is the most important festival of the year. This multi-day harvest festival commemorates the legendary King Mahabali's return to his homeland and celebrates the state's history and heritage. To welcome the king, people place flowers in beautiful patterns on the ground in front of their homes. Traditional clothing, feasts served on banana leaves, folk dancing, games, and snake boat races are all part of the festivities. These snake boat races are a major tourist attraction in themselves.
14. Raksha Bandhan- Raksha Bandhan is a popular Indian festival that honours and celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival symbolises a brother's duty to look after his sister in good times and bad. The rakhi is essentially a sign of a brother's vow to his sister. It's a charming festival that brings gifts with it!
15. Losar- Losar, the Tibetan New Year, is mostly observed in Ladakh at the end of January or the beginning of February. Ancient ceremonies, drama, and dances are all part of the festival. The "Metho" Ceremony is the main Ladakhi ritual, in which people hold burning torches and chant prayers while moving from street to street to ward off evil spirits.
16. Easter- Easter is a religious holiday observed by churches all over the world. The festival commemorates Jesus' resurrection and is regarded as a Christian rebirth. The festival is traditionally marked by special prayers sung in churches in honour of Jesus Christ, accompanied by an elaborate Sunday mass with joyful songs. An egg is another important aspect of Easter.For the Christian faith, the egg is a sign of rebirth. On this day, people decorate eggs and go egg hunting. It is celebrated on SUnday just after Good Friday.
17. Durga Puja- It is one of India's most common festivals, particularly in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Bihar. Large clay statues of the ten-armed Goddess Durga and her four children are worshipped in specially built mandaps during Durga Puja. People get dressed up and go pandal hopping with their family and friends. Durga Puja, a symbol of Bengali cultural identity, is celebrated for four days with much fanfare and merriment. The festival concludes with the goddess's idol being immersed in water. If you are in India, around this time, celebrations in West Bengal are worth a spectacle to witness.
18. Diwali- Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. It commemorates Lord Ram and his wife Sita's return to their kingdom of Ayodhya after Ravan's defeat and Sita's rescue on Dussehra. The fireworks, small clay torches, and candles that are lit to direct their way are known as the "Festival of Lights." Diwali is the most awaited festival for Hindu families in India.
19. Janmashtami- In the Mathura dungeon, Janmashtami is celebrated as Lord Krishna's birthday. As a result, it is welcomed with great enthusiasm! Janmashtami is one of India's most famous festivals, commemorating Lord Krishna's birth in the Mathura jail. There are numerous illustrious celebrations held throughout the country, particularly in Mathura and Vrindavan. As Lord Krishna's birth is portrayed, prayers, dances, bhajans, and other hymns are sung during the night and day. In some parts of India, like Maharashtra, Goa, etc. this is also celebrated with the game of ‘Dahi Handi’ where young folks form a human pyramid to break an earthen pot, filled with curd, which is hung at quite a height. This symbolises the love of Krishna for dairy products and cows.
20. Rath Yatra- Puri's grand festival is known as the Rath Yatra. The temple deities of Puri's main Jagannath temple, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, are lifted with the celestial wheel and transported to their respective chariots. The chariots are then brought to the Gundicha Temple's grand road. This Yatra attracts thousands of devotees. Live telecasts are also done on several media channels.
21. Id-Ul-Zuha- Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id) is a Muslim festival of great joy, marked by special prayers and the exchange of greetings and presents. In India and around the world, Id-ul-zuha, or the festival of sacrifice, is observed with traditional fervour and joy. Because of the practise of sacrificing a goat, or 'bakr' in Urdu, it is known as Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent and Eid-ul-Adha in Arabic. The word 'id' comes from the Arabic word 'iwd,' which means 'festival,' and zuha comes from the word 'uzhaiyya,' which means 'sacrifice.' Any Muslim who owns property worth at least 400 grams of gold is required to sacrifice a donkey, sheep, or other four-legged animal on one of the festival's three days. This represents Allah's wishes and loyalty to him. After the Id prayers, the sacrificial meat is distributed and eaten. The festival also commemorates the end of Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia).
22. Buddha Purnima- Buddha Purnima, also known as Buddha Jayanti or Vesak, is a Buddhist holiday. The festival commemorates Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, and is celebrated by Buddhists across the world, as well as in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The occasion is also significant among Indian festivals and is widely observed. Buddha statues are worshipped and prayer sessions are conducted on the festival day. Devotees visit Buddhist sites, read Buddhist scriptures, engage in religious discussions, and participate in group meditations. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the month Vaishakh or May.
23. Dussehra- Celebrated on 10th day of Kartik month of Hindu calendar, is also known as Vijayadashmi. This festival concludes the Navratri festival, which lasts nine days. The day is commemorated as the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana, and hence the festival represents the triumph of good over evil. In India, there are many different ways to celebrate Dussehra. As part of the festival, symbolic statues of Ravana and his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are raised and mounted along various avenues, where they will be burned by a fire arrow.
24. Hemis Festival- It is observed on the 10th day of the Tibetan lunar month, which corresponds to June or July in the Gregorian calendar, as the birth anniversary of spiritual leader Padmasambhava. Hemis is a two-day religious festival in Ladakh that is one of India's most well-known. During the Festival, a large number of people come to see this place. It's one of India's most interesting festivals, with priests performing Cham dances to the traditional music of drums, cymbals, and trumpets played by monks, while dressed in intricate brocade outfits and masks.
25. Dev Diwali- Dev Diwali, also known as Dev Prabodhini Ekadashi or Dev-Utthapan, is the time of celebration just after the new moon night of Diwali. In several parts of India, including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, it is considered a continuation of Diwali celebrations. Though in Gujarat, Dev Diwali entails re-celebrating Diwali and bursting crackers, in Varanasi, it is known as Kartik Poornima. Houses all over the place also are decorated, and the lights haven't been taken off since Diwali. On Dev Diwali, too, diyas are lit. Dev Diwali also represents the day when Lord Krishna married Devi Tulsi in Vaishnavite and Jain households. Tulsi vivah, or the marriage of Lord Krishna's form to a tulsi shrub, is a common way for temples and home temples to commemorate this day.
26. Nowruz- Fondly known as the Parsi New Year, Nowruz is a well known festival in Mumbai. Zoroastrians celebrate their father's escape from Persia by performing rituals at fire temples, which include traditional feasts and visits from relatives.
27. Guru Nank Jayanti- The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the father of the Sikh faith, who ushered in a new wave of religion, is Guru Nanak Jayanti, the most important of all the Gurupurabs or anniversaries of the 10 Sikh Gurus. Guru Nanak, the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, was born in Talwandi, near Lahore, in 1469. The disinclination of the much-traveled leader to embrace the practise of many religions in society, each professing a different deity, drove him to break free from the shackles of religious plurality and found a religion founded on a single God who is the everlasting reality. The three-day Akhand Path, during which the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikhism's holy book, is read, is part of the Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations. The Granth Sahib is decorated with flowers and carried on a float in a proper procession in a village or city on the day of the main event.
28. Ganga Dussehra- Ganga Dussehra is one of India's most popular festivals. It is held in honour of riverGanges, also known as Gangavataran, the Goddess of the Ganges. The day is commemorated to mark the arrival of Ganga on Bhumi (Earth). The holy Ganges was cleansed and raised to divine status as a result of its arrival on Earth. The ten-day festival of Ganga Dussehra starts the day before Nirjala Ekadashi.
29. Bohag Bihu- Bihu is one of Assam's most popular festivals. This seven-day festival begins on April 14th and lasts for seven days. Despite the fact that the festival lasts just a week, the festivities last for a month. This festival has many rituals, each of which is unique for each day of celebration. This festival's specialty is bihu dance, which is performed in various parts of the state.
30. Hornbill Festival- Nagaland celebrates this festival to promote intercultural harmony among the various tribes. Every year from December 1 to 10, the Hornbill Festival is held in Nagaland, India. Festivals of Festivals is another name for it. Painting, horseback riding, a craft room, a flower show, a chilli eating challenge, herbal medicine sales, sports, and gamification are among activities held during the festival.
31. Christmas- Christmas is a big deal in India, not just because of Western influence and cultural impact through shows and movies, but also because it was colonised by a monarchy that sent out a lot of missionaries. During the Christmas festival, cities such as Goa, Pondicherry, Kerala, Kolkata, and others light up like any other western city. The streets are lit up with fairy lights, Christmas trees stand on corners, children sing carols outside churches, and there is a festive atmosphere all over. Bandra becomes the epicentre of all Christmas activity, from shopping to night mass to revelry, as Mumbai joins in the festivities. Celebrated every year on 25th December, Christmas is one of the most popular festivals in India, thanks to the diversity of the country.
32. Muharram- The Islamic Calendar's first month is when this Muslim festival is celebrated. The festival's dates change every year according to the Georgian calendar. Hussein ibn Ali, a martyred Shia Muslim, is remembered by Shia Muslims. They regard it as a month of mourning, while Sunni Muslims regard it as a month of peace. The mourning period lasts from the first day of the month to two months and eight days after that. Shia Muslims hold processions with banners in the streets on the tenth day. For Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, it is a month of fasting and legendary feats. It is up to the person to decide whether or not to fast.
33. Independence Day- To honor the day, people raise the national flag, wear tricolour colours, and participate in a variety of cultural events and parades. On August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, raised the national flag at the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in New Delhi, and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the Father of the Country, fasted in Calcutta. Every year, respective Prime Ministers hoist the flag and address the country from the Red Fort, recognising the day as a source of national pride and honour for our country. Every year, subsequent Prime Ministers hoist the flag and address the country from the Red Fort, recognising the day as a source of national pride and honour for our country. The 15th of August in 2021 will be Independence Day.
34. Gangaur Festival- Gangaur is one of Rajasthan's most popular festivals, taking place every year in the lunar month of Chaitra (March-April). This festival commemorates Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s celestial union and is regarded as a celebration of marital bliss. Clay idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped and submerged in water on the last day of the festival, which is particularly celebrated by women. This festival, which is celebrated with great fervour, processions, and decorations, is one of India's most well-known festivals.
35. Mahavir Jayanti- According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Mahavir's birthday is celebrated on the 13th day of Chaitra month, which corresponds to April in the Gregorian calendar. Mahavir Jayanti is a well-known Indian festival in which the Jain faith celebrates Lord Mahavir's birth on this day. The Maha Abhishek was performed on Lord Mahavir's statue when the deity was bathed in milk and flowers. On this day, a grand procession of Lord Mahavir was also held in the streets.
36. Baisakhi- Baisakhi is a harvest festival that is celebrated across the northern Indian subcontinent, especially in Punjab. The Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth are also honoured on this day. Baisakhi celebrations can be traced all the way back to 1699. Guru Gobind Singh, the then-Sikh Guru, addressed the historic Baisakhi Day Sikh congregation at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur. Panj Piara or 'Beloved Five' by the Guru, the five men are also revered on this day.
37. Rann of Kutch Festival- The White Desert welcomes tourists with open arms. The festival lasts until February. The vibrant fairs along the riverbanks infuse the souls with a festive spirit. Horseback riding, camel riding, bird watching, traditional dances, various sports, giant chess, paramotoring, and, of course, net cricket are all available. The festival allows tourists to learn about the Kutchi people's rich customs and hospitality. The sight of white sand with colourful decorations is pleasing to the eye.
38. Saga Dawa- Saga Dawa, one of India's religious festivals, is a major Buddhist festival that takes place between May and June. This festival commemorates Lord Buddha's enlightenment and is observed in Sikkim by offering water, incense sticks, and dhog to Buddhist monasteries. The other traditions of this event include mantra chanting and prayer wheel spinning.
39. Chhath Puja- Chhath Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of Kartika, which corresponds to October or November on the Gregorian calendar, according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Dedicated to the god of the light. It's a four-day festival honouring the sun and one of India's most well-known festivals. During the Pooja, many people bathe in the holy Ganges and fast. The devotees express gratitude to God for their lives and hope for a better future.
40. Pushkar Camel Festival- Camel Festival is held to acknowledge the first day of business for camel and cattle traders. Every year in Rajasthan, the Pushkar Camel Festival is one of the most exciting festivals in India. When it comes to traditional Indian festivals, the Camel Festival is the one to see.