18 Most Popular Festivals in India



India is a place of celebration. It is a country where people of different castes and races live together and celebrate their every festival with great enthusiasm. For example, Diwali for Hindus as well as Eid for Muslims, and Buddha Jayanti as well as Guru Nanak Jayanti together, they celebrate India's festivals with the same fervor. The list of Indian festivals is so extensive that it is difficult to find a month without any kind of celebration. These festivals in India checklist includes 20 most popular Indian festivals. See here.



List of most important festivals in India:








1. Diwali:

Diwali is one of the biggest celebrations in India. It is a day celebrated with great pomp. Diwali is also known as the festival of lights and people all over the world use candles and lamps to decorate their homes with rangoli and toran. People also perform pujas wearing new clothes and greet their neighbors and friends with sweets. Diwali is also the beginning of the new year for Hindus.

Meaning: According to Hindu mythology, Rama was able to return to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana after his 14-year absence in the forest.

Main attractions:

They clean their houses and decorate their houses with candles, lamps, rangolis, dias toran etc.
There is a buzz in the market

People explode fireworks

They exchanged sweets and wished their family members and friends.

Date: Diwali falls on the Amavasya night in the month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar, which usually runs between mid-October and mid-November.

Where: All over the country and also in Indian inhabited countries.

Festival Day:

2021 - November 4



2. Holi:

Also known as the festival of colors, Holi is a very vibrant festival in India. People all over the world celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm and joy. Also, they light huge bonfires (called Holika) and worship around the fire by dancing and singing. The next day, people come together to paint each other dry and wet colors. Children are having fun playing with water guns and balloons. Holi is one of the biggest celebrations in India.


Significance of the event: Holi is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Prahlad, one of the children from Hirnyakashyap, and his sister were made to sit in the fire to burn Holika, to bring out the demon, but to everyone's delight, Holika was not burnt. Nothing happened to Ash and Prahlad. Since then Holi festival is being celebrated. It also marks the beginning of spring.

Main attractions:

Known as Holika, people make bonfires, then perform pujas and sing and dance around it.

Children play with wet and dry colors as well as water guns and balloons.

Thandai drink is also popular on the same day.

When: Hindu calendar month, on the full moon day of Fagan.

Where: Almost everywhere in the country

Festival Day:

2021 -28 March



3. Dussehra (including Navratri and Durga Puja):

Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated in different ways across the country.


Dussehra (including Navratri) in Western India

In North India, Ramlila is a play that tells the story of Lord Rama and is performed for 10 days. After that in Gujarat Navratri is celebrated for nine days with Garba or Dandiya. People dress up in traditional colorful garba and participate in the Dandiya race till dawn. The whole atmosphere is full of energy and inspiration. On 10th July, huge effigies of demons like Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnath are burnt and it is a most spectacular sight to behold.



Dussehra (including Durga Puja) in Eastern India

Navratri is observed in the western part of India, while Durga Puja is observed in the eastern part of India. It is a festival that includes fasting, feasting and dancing of Goddess Durga, drama, dance along with cultural songs and more. Large artfully decorated images of Goddess Durga are built and decorated before being placed inside the pandals. People wear traditional clothes and attend pandals to sing, dance and pray.

Meaning: According to Hindu mythology, Rama defeated his demon Ravana on this festival day. Calling Goddess Durga, Rama goes to war.

Main attractions:

Ram plays as Leela

There is a buzz in the market

During the nine-day dance festival in Gujarat, girls wear the traditional Chaniya traditional choli and boys wear the Kadu.

Farali heroes like Sabudana Khichdi Singoda Mandvi Pak and Ni Kheer.

Burning enormous effigies of Ravana

Large Durga idols are revered with great pomp throughout Eastern India

When: 1st day of Bhadrapada, Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

Where: Nationwide

Festival Days:

2021 - October 6 to October 15 (on 15th Dasara)



4. Janmashtami:

Janmashtami is a grand Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast throughout the day and take a break at midnight after Krishna's birth. Krishna. Going to temples, praying to God and singing bhajans and kirtans are the elements of this celebration. Children often dress up as Krishna and offer thanks and garlands at temples depicting the story of Krishna's birth. Krishna.

Significance: The significance of this program is to commemorate the birth of Lord. Krishna.

Main attractions:

Thanks to Lord Krishna, a documentary on the life and birth story of Krishna

Dahi Handi competitions at various places across the country.

When: 8th day of Hindu month Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha.

Where: All over the country but more famous in Mathura and Vrindavan, birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Festival Day:

2021 -30 August



5. Ganesh Chaturthi:

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the biggest Hindu festivals celebrated across the country. It is a 10-day festival celebrated with hand-crafted Ganesha idols installed in people's homes and in public festivals. Puja rituals are performed both morning and night every day and there are many competitions along with the ceremony. On the 10th day of the festival, the god departed as the idol was immersed in water.

Significance of Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha of the Universe. Ganesha

Main attractions:

Beautifully decorated and handcrafted Ganesha idols as well as pandals.

Various competitions are held across the country on a small or large scale.

Immersion of idols in water

Glory to whom God can say goodbye

When: This date is the 4th day of Shukla Paksha of Hindu month Bhadrapada

Where is it celebrated? Maharashtra and Telangana, Andhra Pradesh with excitement and joy.

Festival Day:

2021 -10 September


6. Rakshabandhan:

One of the most important festivals celebrated across the country. It symbolizes the bond of siblings. The sister places an ink mark on the brother's forehead, then ties a rakhi to his wrist, performing an aarti seeking his well-being. On the other hand, the brother vows to protect his sister.

Meaning: This festival symbolizes the strong bond between siblings. sister

Main attractions:

The market is crowded with a vast array of delicacies and vibrant rakhis.

When: Usually in August or September, this celebration takes place on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan.

Where: All around India, but primarily in the regions of North, Central, and West India.

Celebration Day:

2021 August 22


Seventh, Maha Shivaratri

In India, they celebrate Lord Shiva's birthday with great regard and respect for the populace. It is a very significant day because people think that anyone who prays to Lord Shiva on this day would be saved and delivered from all evils. For single women as well as married women, this is crucial. Many people fast on this day.

Speciality: Devotion to Lord Shiva.

Main attractions:

Many people perform Shiva Abhisheka in various temples.

People fast.

When: The day falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of Fagun.

Where: Nationwide

Festival Day

2021 -11 March


8. Makar Sankranti:

It is the true New Year for Sikhs and North Indians and is celebrated a day after Lohri. On this day, the Lord is worshiped for the blessings of the new year. It marks the end of winter as well as the beginning of spring, signaling the beginning of the season for farmers. Unlike other festivals, where festival dates are determined by the lunar cycle, festival dates are determined by the solar cycle. In parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the holiday is celebrated by making kites and eating bajrikakhichda, til laddus and baj.

Specificity: This is a symbol of the Sun moving northward later today. It also marks the beginning of a new farming season.

Main attractions:

Kite flying festival

The sky is full of colorful kites and people listen to music on the patio. The whole atmosphere is lively and energetic.

In Maharashtra, it is celebrated with Haldi-Kumkum festival.

People bite til sugar candies. They also say "Tilgulghya God Bola" means take sweets and speak sweetly

When: When is January 14 or 15 every year?

Where: West and North India.

Festival Day:

2021 -14 January


9. Basant Panchami:

Basant Panchami is a festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of love and devotion. The name itself reveals that it occurs on the fifth day of the month of Magha, which marks the beginning of the spring season. The day holds special significance for students and scholars as the Goddess of Knowledge is honoured. It is one of the most revered festivals in India.

Significance: It marks the beginning of spring season.

Main attractions:

Wearing yellow clothes, people cook yellow dishes.

  In the state of Rajasthan, deities can be garlanded with jasmine flowers and in Punjab, langars are celebrated, where free food is served to all.

Date: 5th day of Magha month according to Hindu calendar.

Location: This festival is widely celebrated in all states including Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Haryana.

Festival Day:

2021 -16 February



10. Baisakhi:

Baisakhi is an important celebration for Sikhs. This festival is celebrated to mark the Rabi harvest season. Sikhs celebrate the festival with much ceremony and pomp. They dance in their traditional styles like Siddha and Bhangra. It also marks the date in 1699 when the 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh Pant laid the first stone for the Khalsa.

Specialty: Rabi is a harvest season celebration.

Main attractions:

Sikhs decorate their houses and Gurdwaras

Along with Punjabi celebrations Punjabi folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda are danced to show happiness and joy.

Date: When set by the solar calendar.

Location: Punjab is home to a sizable Sikh population worldwide.

Celebration Day:

2021 April 14


Eid Ul Fitr (11th):

One of the largest holidays observed by Muslims is Eid. Individuals put in their finest attire and give sweets to loved ones in exchange for their namaz. During the whole month of Ramadan, Muslims fast—that is, they only eat in the evening and refrain from eating during the day. When the moon is seen, the fast comes to an end, and Eid-ul-Fitr is observed.

Significance: It signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month.

Primary draws:

exquisitely adorned marketplaces and mosques

Delicious sweets

Sunrise in mosques is a wonderful moment to watch Eid Namaz

When: First day of the month of Shawwal according to lunar calendar (usually occurs in July)

Location: Muslims across the country celebrate this holiday

Festival Day:

2021 -12 May


12. Eid Ul Adha:


It will be the third Islamic festival to be celebrated worldwide. Eid-ul-Adha is also known as the celebration of sacrifice. It is considered more sacred than Eid-ul-Adha. It is also known as "Festival of Qurbani".

Significance: It honors Abraham's willingness to lose his son to fulfill God's calling.

Main attractions:

Muslims traditionally take a holiday to celebrate Eid-l-Adha

When: When the date is determined by Moon sighting.

Where : In all Muslim families of the country

Festival Day:

2021 -20 July


13. Islamic New Year:

It may also refer to Islamic New Year as Hijri New Year or Islamic New Year. It is the day that marks the beginning of the Hajiri calendar, and it is also the day that increases the count of the year. Also, it is also known as the 1st day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Significance: Represents the New Year

Main attractions:

Muslims all over the world welcome the New Year with joy

Wear new clothes and meet in a friendly manner.

When: 1st day of Muharram

Where: Worldwide

Festival Day:

2021 -17 August


14. Christmas:

It is one of the most famous and anticipated events in the world. The significance of Christmas for both children and adults is immense. It was the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. Everyone, regardless of religion, hopes to wrap up this holiday season and receive gifts from Santa for their children. Lamps are lit in all churches to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus

  Significance : It is the birthday celebration of Jesus Christ

Main attractions:

Beautifully decorated Christmas trees can be seen throughout.

Santa gives gifts to children

The church offers prayers.

Date: 25th December, every year

Where you are: Worldwide

Festival Day:

2021 -25 Dec



15. Easter:

Like Christmas, it is celebrated by Christians with great enthusiasm and celebration. Easter is the day that marks the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus Christ It is celebrated in different parts of the world.

Significance: It is the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ

Main attractions:

Colorful decorations

Dance and plays

Lanterns decorate the streets

Delicious Easter eggs.

When: The Sunday following a full moon after the vernal equinox.

Where: Worldwide

Festival Day:

2021 -4 April (Sunday)



16. Mahavir Jayanti:

Mahavir Jayanti is the most important day of the year for the Jain community. It marks the birth place of their guru Mahavir. To mark the occasion, the idol of Lord Mahavir is blessed with Maha Abhishekam, in which he is offered a bath of flowers and milk. After that, the idol of Mahavira was taken in a large procession through the streets of Thiruveedhu.

Significance: Birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir.

Main attractions:

Fasting period is observed and prayers are offered

A grand procession of Mahavir is held. Conducted by Mahavir

When: When is the 13th day of Chaitra month in Hindu calendar?

Place: Widely celebrated in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Gujarat and Rajasthan

Festival Day:

2021 -25 April


17. Guru Nanak Jayanti:

Guru Purab or Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It is one of the holiest festivals of Sikhism.

Significance: Birthday celebration commemorating the birth of the 1st Sikh Guru. Guru Nanak

Main attractions:

A langar is an institution in a gurdwara

When is it: Purnima Full Moon in the Hindu calendar month

Where: All Gurdwaras in the country, especially Punjab

Festival Day:

2021 -6 Nov


18. Vesak:


Vesak is also often called Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima. It is a day that Buddhists celebrate to mark the birth of the god they worship as God. A belief that Buddha's birth, Buddha's enlightenment, birth and death occurred on the same day.

Meaning: Birth, Enlightenment and Death of Gautama Buddha. The belief is that for eight minutes every year, Lord Buddha descends to earth for the welfare of humanity and pays a heavy price for it.

Main attractions:

meditation

Bath of Lord Buddha.

When: Full moon in Vaisakha month

Where: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and many other countries around the world.

Festival Day:

2021 - 8 April


India is a nation of unity in diversity. There are many people of different religions, castes and cultures living together harmoniously in one country. They can easily celebrate their faith celebrations without worry. Religious festivals in India provide an opportunity for people to celebrate and come together. Indians celebrate not only their holidays but also the occasions of their family and neighbors with the same passion and enthusiasm.


Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:


1. How significant are festivals in India?

In India, individuals from many religious backgrounds, social classes, and geographical locations coexist. Festivals are important because they let people celebrate without being concerned with one other's differences. It promotes the growth of cordial ties, which are advantageous for any nation.

2. Enumerate India's religious holidays.

The list of Indian religious holidays is as follows:

Thanksgiving

Holly

Ganesh Chaturthi

Dussehra

Onam

Janmashtami

Maha Shivratri

Baisakhi


3. What is the national festival of India?

Ans: These are the three national celebrations of India:

Independence Day

Republic Day

Gandhi Jayanti


4. List some important South Indian festivals.

Answer: Here is a list of some South Indian festivals:

Onam

Pongal

Thrissur Pooram

Mysore Dussehra

Vishu, Kerala

Ugadi, Andhra Pradesh


5. List some winter festivals in India:

Ans: This is the calendar of winter festivals in India:

Uttarayanam

Lohri

Magh Bihu

Diwali

Christmas