Top 20 Festivals of India: A Celebration of Color and Culture
India is a land of vibrant colors, rich traditions, and diverse cultures. And what better way to experience this diversity than by attending one of the many festivals celebrated throughout the year? From the Holi festival of colors to the Diwali festival of lights, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In this blog post, we will explore the top 20 festivals of India. We will discuss the history, significance, and celebrations of each festival. We will also provide some tips on how to make the most of your festival experience.
1. Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is also known as the festival of colors, as people of all ages take to the streets to throw colored powder and water at each other. Holi is celebrated in March or April each year.
2. Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is also known as the festival of lights, as people light lamps and candles to illuminate their homes and businesses. Diwali is celebrated in October or November each year.
3. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity. 1 During this festival, people make clay idols of Ganesha and worship them in their homes. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in September or October each year.
4. Durga Puja & Navratri
Navratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the nine forms of the goddess Durga. It is also known as the festival of nine nights. During Navratri, people fast and pray to the goddess Durga. Navratri is celebrated in September or October each year.
During the same time Durga Puja is celebrated in West Bengal, which is considered to be the biggest carnival in the word by the UNESCO. It is mainly celebrated for 5 days where the state of West Bengal takes a new shape.
5. Dussehra
Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is also known as Vijayadashami. During Dussehra, people burn effigies of Ravana, the demon king. Dussehra is celebrated in October each year.
6. Lohri
Lohri is a Sikh festival that celebrates the harvest season. It is also known as the festival of bonfires. During Lohri, people gather around bonfires and sing and dance. Lohri is celebrated in January each year.
7. Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that celebrates the winter solstice. It is also known as the festival of kites. During Makar Sankranti, people fly kites and enjoy traditional food. Makar Sankranti is celebrated in January each year.
8. Pongal
Pongal is a Hindu festival that celebrates the harvest season. It is also known as the festival of thanks. During Pongal, people cook a special dish called pongal and offer it to the gods. Pongal is celebrated in January each year.
9. Bihu
Bihu is an Assamese festival that celebrates the harvest season. It is also known as the festival of joy. During Bihu, people sing, dance, and eat traditional food. Bihu is celebrated in April each year.
10. Onam
Onam is a Keralan festival that celebrates the harvest season. It is also known as the festival of flowers. During Onam, people decorate their homes with flowers and enjoy traditional food and dance. Onam is celebrated in August or September each year.
11. Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim festival that celebrates the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is also known as the festival of breaking the fast. During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims pray and enjoy a feast with their families and friends. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in May or June each year.
12. Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a Muslim festival that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is also known as the festival of sacrifice. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals and share the meat with their families and friends. Eid al-Adha is celebrated in July or August each year.
13. Christmas
Christmas is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also known as the festival of giving. During Christmas, Christians exchange gifts and attend church services. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th each year.
14. Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian festival that commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is also known as Holy Friday. Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter.
15. Easter
Easter is a Christian festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also known as the festival of new life. Easter is celebrated on the Sunday after Good Friday.
16. Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a Sikh festival that celebrates the harvest season. It is also known as the festival of joy. During Baisakhi, Sikhs gather at the Golden Temple in Amritsar to pray and celebrate. Baisakhi is celebrated in April each year.
17. Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is a Buddhist festival that celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is also known as Vesak. Buddha Purnima is celebrated in May each year.
18. Guru Nanak Jayanti
Guru Nanak Jayanti is a Sikh festival that celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. It is also known as Guru Nanak’s Birthday. Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated in November each year.
19. Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the night of Shiva. It is also known as the Great Night of Shiva. During Maha Shivaratri, Hindus worship Lord Shiva and fast. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated in February or March each year.
20. Guru Ravidas Jayanti
Guru Ravidas Jayanti is a Sikh festival that celebrates the birth of Guru Ravidas, a saint and social reformer. It is also known as Ravidas Jayanti. Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated in February each year.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Festival Experience
- Do your research. Learn about the history and significance of the festival you are interested in attending.
- Dress appropriately. Many festivals have specific dress codes.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
- Be prepared for crowds. Festivals can be very crowded, so it is important to be patient.
- Have fun! Festivals are a great opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of India.
I hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of the top 20 festivals of India. I encourage you to do your research and plan your trip accordingly.