India is a nation with many various religious traditions in terms of cultures, languages, and festivals. Celebrations of Indian festivals are marked by intense emotion, which varies from one religion or region to another but always serves to bring the country closer together. Not only do these celebrations bring people together as a community, but they also symbolize love for humanity and peace.
Although celebrating a festival in India is a great opportunity for spiritual reflection, it is also a time for lavish feasting, vibrant décor, music, dancing, and art. Festivals represent the fundamental principles of the nation. Which include the victory of good over evil, the significance of the natural world, and the utmost respect for religious figures and historical personalities.
In addition, the many religious festivals celebrated throughout India, such as Diwali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Durga Puja, and Eid, highlight the country’s rich religious diversity. Life is a festival for Indians, a reflection of their solemn and traditional celebrations that offer a glimpse into their cultural psychology
Top 10 Most Famous Festivals in India
Here is the list of the most famous festivals celebrated in India:
1. Diwali
2. Holi
3. Navrati
4. Dussehra
5. Durga Puja
6. Mahashivratri
7. Onam
8. Eid ul Fitr
9. Ganesh Chaturthi
10. Pushkar Camel Fair
1. Diwali
Diwali, a significant religious celebration in India, is the day of the dark half of Ashvina to the second day of Karttika. The Gregorian calendar often has the equivalent dates in late October or November. “Dapavali” means “row of lights” in Sanskrit, which is where the name Diwali comes from. The celebration represents light triumphing over darkness.
As part of the celebration, people light diyas, arrange them in rows around the edges of buildings and temples and then let them float downstream on rivers. Entrances and floors of homes are decorated with rangolis, which are intricate patterns crafted from colored rice, sand, or petals of flowers. Residents keep their doors and windows open in hopes that Lakshmi may enter and bring them money and prosperity.
Each day of Diwali has a different name and set of festivities: On the first day, called Dhanteras, people clean their homes and buy gold ornaments. That is the day when Lakshmi is worshipped.
On the second day, Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali, devotees pray for their ancestors’ spirits and remember Krishna’s vanquishment of Narakasura. On the third day, Lakshmi Puja, families burn diyas, candles, and fireworks, visit temples, and pray for prosperity. It’s the most important day of Diwali.
On the fourth day, Govardhan Puja, also known as Balipratipada, or Annakut, celebrates Krishna’s raising Govardhan Hill to shelter the local cowherds from Indra. Additionally, according to the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar, the New Year begins on this day, which is also known as Karttika. Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij is the name of the fifth day that honors the relationship between siblings.
Diwali is a time for visiting, giving presents, wearing new clothing, dining, helping the needy, and putting off fireworks.
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2. Holi
Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is a joyous yearly event that marks the arrival of spring and has great religious and cultural importance. People throw colored water and powders on each other to celebrate Holi in India and across the world. In the spirit of making joyful, caste, gender, age, and status are ignored on the full-moon day of Phalguna, and everyone is welcome to be showered in color. The Hindu myth of Holika, a female demon, who plots to murder her nephew Prahlad for his devotion to Vishnu is the inspiration for the festival of Holi.
The night before Holi, it is customary to light bonfires as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. The vibrant colors observed during Holi represent several concepts. Green stands for new life and spring, whereas blue is the hue of Lord Krishna’s complexion. Both the color red and the color yellow, which are often employed in ceremonial contexts, represent good fortune, with the former signifying marriage and the latter fertility.
The most famous Holi dish is “Gujia,” a flaky, deep-fried sweet pastry filled with milk curd, almonds, and dried fruits. “Thandai” drink is also consumed as a celebration symbol. The drink is a mixture of fennel seeds, poppy seeds, almonds, rose petals, and other ingredients. Hindu community centers and temples often host cultural events, friendly cricket matches, and other celebrations in the lead-up to the festival.
3. Navrati
In Hinduism, Navratri is a famous festival dedicated to honoring the divine feminine. During the month of Ashvin (or Ashvina) (often September or October in the Gregorian calendar), Navratri takes place over nine days. The 10th day marks the conclusion of the festival, which is often celebrated with the Dussehra (or Vijayadashami) festival. In remembrance of Mother Divine, these nine days are filled with various pujas, yagnas, homas, meditations, fasting, silence, music, and dance.
Around India, people celebrate Navratri in their unique ways. While some celebrate with food and dancing, others use the opportunity to reflect on their faith and fast. Dandiya-Raas and Garba are two of the most well-known dances performed during Navratri. The first three days of the festival usually focus on Durga, the second third on Lakshmi, and the last third on Sarasvati, though the pattern varies by region.
While fasting, it is common practice to avoid consuming meat, dairy, eggs, and some spices. Kanya Puja is a well-attended ceremony that usually occurs on the eighth or ninth day. Nine young girls costumed as the nine Navratri goddesses are honored with foot washing and food and clothing donations. Gift-giving on Navratri is common. These could be sweets, Indian clothes for men and women, or kitchenware.
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4. Dussehra
Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrating the victory of Vishnu’s avatar Rama over Ravana, the king of demons with ten heads. Ravana had kidnapped Sita, Rama’s wife. Dasha, meaning “ten,” and Hara, meaning “defeat,” are the Sanskrit roots of the festival’s name. Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of Ashvina (September–October), the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, with the full moon, the “bright fortnight” (shukla paksha), symbolizing good against evil.
Dussehra falls on the same day as both the tenth day of Durga Puja and the nine-day Navratri festival. During the ten-day festival, participants recreate scenes from the Ramayana and enjoy Melas. The tenth day marks the performance of the Ravana Dahan scene. Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna’s statues are then set on fire.
The melas, which take place at different Ramlila grounds around the nation, feature food stands, game booths, Ferris wheels, and other amusements. Many famous people make appearances at the most famous Ramlila spots, and the celebration areas are illuminated with bright lights.
5. Durga Puja
One of the holiest Hindu festivals, Durga Puja, is celebrated across eastern India, especially in the states of Bengal and Assam. It is celebrated for ten days during the month of Ashvina (September–October), the seventh month of the Hindu calendar. The goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura, and the Durga Puja commemorates this triumph. Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrated over a wider range of themes honoring the divine feminine (shakti), also starts on the same day.
On the first day of Durga Puja, known as Mahalaya, the goddess is welcomed. On the sixth day, Sasthi, the festivities and worship commence. The goddess is worshipped in her three forms—Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and Durga—for the next three days. At the end of the festivities, on Vijayadashami, also known as the “Tenth Day of Victory,” sacred images are paraded in large processions to nearby rivers and immersed amidst loud chants and drumbeats. The goddess and her husband Shiva will be returning to their home in the Himalayas, and this ceremony will mark their return.
Various aspects of the festival include readings from scripture, performances by artists, parties, exchange of gifts, gatherings with family, and public processions known as melā. Communities set up pandals, priests recite hymns and chants over loudspeakers, and streets are illuminated with festive lights. On days of puja, the roads get jammed with worshippers, revelers, and people who want to see the pandals.
6. Mahashivratri
Maha Shivaratri, which means “The Great Night of Shiva,” is a Hindu famous festival honoring the Hindu god Shiva. The main pujas take place either once in the evening or four times throughout the night, but worship services are held throughout the day as well. Many significant events to believers are marked by the festival.
The Hindu festival of Shivaratri is a celebration of the night that Lord Shiva and Parvati were married. Married couples tend to be the most visible attendees at this festival. Maha Shivratri is celebrated nationwide, and Om Namah Shivay’s chants fill the night with devotion, spirituality, and divine energy. From Tamil Nadu to Kashmir, Hindus celebrate the festival with their special traditions and passion.
There are many different ways that devotees seek to connect with Lord Shiva, including melas, Jagratas, and day-long fasts. Devotees often pray continuously throughout the night and take part in Jagrans in the belief that this will help them triumph over ignorance and darkness. As the devotees fast from sunrise to sunset, they offer Lord Shiva Belpatra, dhatura, milk, fruits, and sweets, among other things.
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7. Onam
In the Indian state of Kerala, Onam is the most famous festival. In the Malayali month of Chingam (August to September), the legendary King Mahabali returns home, and this is celebrated during the Onam Festival. For ten days, the people of Kerala celebrate Onam, a festival that highlights their rich cultural heritage.
The Indians traditionally decorate their homes with flowers and cow dung during the eight days of Onam. Another reason to celebrate Onam is that wealth and joy are the results of a good harvest in Kerala at this time of year. Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival, is known for its intricate Pookalam, delicious Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race, and exotic Kaikottikali dance.
The main component of these nine-course strictly vegetarian meals is rice. Eleven main courses must be made in preparation for Onasadya. Even though it is eaten all at once, Onasadya is still considered a meal due to its elaborate preparation. No cutlery or spoons are used when eating Onasadya; the meal is eaten with the hands only. It is also a popular time for Kathakali performances, in which dancers portray figures from many Ancient Indian myths and stories.
8. Eid ul Fitr
The Muslim community around the world celebrates Eid-Ul-Fitr with great respect and devotion. Muslims fast for the month of Ramadan in observance of their faith, and it ends with Eid-Ul-Fitr. On the Islamic calendar, the first three days of Shawwal (the tenth month) begin with the sighting of the new moon, marking the beginning of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Delhi, Hyderabad, Srinagar, and Lucknow are the prominent cities where Eid-ul-Fitr is widely celebrated in India. Srinagar’s Hazratbal Mosque holds special significance to Muslims. Srinagar is decorated like a bride on Eid, and the streets are full of delighted people. Lucknow, home of nawabs and kebabs, is the greatest Eid destination. The ancient Lucknow areas, like Bada Imambara, are full of celebrants and worshipers. People visit Lucknow during Eid to eat a variety of Lucknowi kebabs. India’s capital, Delhi, hosts Eid festivities. The Jama Masjid and Old Delhi are filled with worshipers. Thousands of Muslim men performing ‘namaz’ early on Eid is impressive. The Charminar monument in Hyderabad is the center of Eid celebrations.
Muslim places of worship and open spaces host special prayers to begin the festivities. Members of the community come together to pray and say “Eid Mubarak.” Celebrations include communal charity offerings (Zakat al-Fitr), special prayers for the holiday, and communal feasts. On this special occasion, people wear the best clothes, spend time with loved ones, and cook delicious meals like Sheer Khurma. The intention is to foster unity and goodwill. Indians take the day off work to celebrate Eid.
9. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is an Indian festival that celebrates the birth of Ganesh, also known as Ganesha. Ganesh is an elephant-headed god in Hindu mythology who is revered as the maker of new beginnings and the destroyer of obstacles.
The festival is widely celebrated in Nepal and India and is also called Vinayaka Chaturthi. The festival lasts for ten days and is celebrated in August or September. It can be celebrated at any time of year according to the lunar calendar. In homes or beautifully decorated outdoor tents, Ganesha idols are set up on elevated platforms at the beginning of the festival.
Prana pratishtha, a ritual to give idols life, is followed by shhodashopachara, sixteen ways to pay tribute. The idols are decorated with yellow and red flowers and red sandalwood paste while prayers from the Ganesh Upanishad and other Vedic texts are chanted. It is believed that coconut, jaggery, and 21 Modaks, which are sweet dumplings, are Ganesha’s favorite foods. The idols are paraded on the streets with music and dancing and immersed in water after the festival ends.
10. Pushkar Camel Fair
In November, around the time of Kartik Purnima, the town of Pushkar hosts the Pushkar Fair, sometimes called the Pushkar Camel Fair. Camels, cattle, and horses gather for this annual carnival. Visitors from all over the globe flock to this unique exhibition, which runs for seven days and is full of vibrant colors.
Camel and horse races, cultural performances, the longest mustache competition, magic shows, bridal competition, and others are the fiesta’s main attractions besides livestock trading. Safaris on camels and horses are two of the incredible activities offered at this festival. Travelers from all over the world flock to Pushkar Lake to worship Lord Brahma by immersing themselves in the sacred waters.
The festival is also celebrated in Winter when the weather is cooler than in summer. Anybody is welcomed by the undulating dunes, the lively atmosphere, and the colorful festivities. The camels are dressed in vibrant costumes and decorated with jewelry, bangles, silver bells, and other exquisite clothing. As they are paraded around, they are adorned in their finest attire. At the festival, they even have a camel beauty contest. In addition to lodging, these tents offer luxurious dining. The best Indian chefs offer a wide variety of delicious dishes.
Conclusion
In summary, the India festival brings together people of different regions and religions, showcasing cultural diversity. The people of India celebrate many festivals, each with its special meaning: the spiritual devotion of Eid, the vibrant colors of Holi, and the radiant beauty of Diwali. Traditions, beliefs, and values passed down through the generations are on full display during these festivities, which create an atmosphere of brotherhood and mutual appreciation.
Indian festivals are about much more than religion; they bring people together as families and communities to rejoice in life’s little pleasures. India is one of the most culturally active nations, and these festivals are a major cultural phenomenon due to their beauty, vitality, and spirituality.
FAQs
Which Indian Festival Lasts the Longest?
Bastar Dussehra is one of India’s longest festivals spanning 75 days. The Festival begins on the new moon in the Hindu month ‘Ashwin’ and ends on ‘Vijayadashami’.
Which Festival Is the Biggest in India?
Diwali is the biggest festival celebrated in India.
What Makes India So Famous?
Indian cuisine, historical sites, festivals, and spiritual destinations are some of the country’s most famous attractions.
Which Is the Festival City of India?
A city in Tamil Nadu, Madurai is known as the “City of Festivals.”
