The most popular festivals in India

The most popular festivals in India

Veronica Di Pilla

 
 
India, in addition to being known as the land of diversity, is also recognized as a country full of vibrant festivals and festivals. Indian festivals have always attracted travelers from all over the world, not only for their magnificent colors and bustling participants, but also because they are a great way to have deep experiences with local people and see Indian culture at its best.
 
The cultural and ethnic diversity of India, its artistic heritage, the different religions, are manifested in the harmonious and festive celebration of numerous festivals. In this way India celebrates the true spirit of life throughout the year.
 
Don't miss these popular festivals in India for an unforgettable experience!
 

Diwali

 

 

Diwali honors the victory of good over evil and brilliance over darkness. He celebrates the return of Lord Ram and his wife Sita to his Ayodhya kingdom, the defeat of Ravan and the rescue of Sita in Dussehra. This festival is known as the "Festival of Lights" for all the fireworks, small clay lamps, and lit candles. For most Indian families, Diwali is the most anticipated festival of the year.
 
Date: November 14, 2020
 

Holi

 

 

Holi, known as the "Festival of Colors", is one of the best known festivals outside of India. The festival focuses on the burning and destruction of the demon Holika, which was made possible through devotion to Lord Vishnu. However, the really fun part is that people throw colored powders at themselves and squirt with water pistols. This is associated with Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to prank the girls in the village by soaking them in water and colors. Bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants) is what is traditionally consumed during celebrations.
 
Date: March 9-10, 2020
 

Ganesh Chaturthi

 

 

The spectacular 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival pays tribute to the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha. The beginning of the festival sees huge and elaborate statues of Ganesh installed in homes and public podiums, which have been beautifully decorated. Statues are revered every day throughout the festival. On the last day, they parade through the streets with songs and dances and then plunge into the ocean. The best place to experience it is Mumbai.
 
Date: August 22 to September 1, 2020
 

Durga Puja, Navaratri, Dussehra

 

 

The nine days of the Navaratri festival honor the mother goddess Durga in all her incarnations. The tenth day, called Dussehra, celebrates the defeat of the demon king Ravan by Lord Ram and the monkey god Hanuman. It also coincides with Durga's victory over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. In eastern India, the festival is known as Durga Puja. It is the biggest festival of the year in Kolkata. Huge statues of the Goddess Durga are made and immersed in the river. In Delhi, there are nightly works in Ramlila, around the Red Fort.
 
Date: October 17-26, 2020
 

Eid al-Fitr

 

 

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated worldwide, but it is an important holiday in India due to the large Muslim community in the country. Islam has contributed a lot to Indian culture, especially in North India, which has had a long history of Islamic rulers, including the Mughals who built incredible structures like the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.
 
Eid is a day of celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Eid marks the break of the fast and that is why this holiday is celebrated with hearty meals and incredible street food.
 
As you walk through the Chandni Chowk Bazaar in Delhi during Eid, you will find families leaving Jama Masjid after their morning prayers and streets full of sparkling kebabs and desserts.
 
Date: May 24, 2020
 

Onam

 

 

Onam is the largest festival of the year in the state of Kerala in southern India. This festival marks the return of the mythical King Mahabali and shows the culture and heritage of the state. People decorate the ground in front of their houses with flowers arranged in beautiful designs to welcome the king. The festival is also celebrated with new clothes, parties served on banana leaves, dances, sports, games and snake races.
 
Date: August 22 to September 2, 2020. The main day is August 31, 2020
 

Pongal

 

 

Pongal is a festival in Tamil Nadu that takes place over 4 days and celebrates the end of the second harvest season with big parties and family gatherings. Pongal also marks the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere and the return of warmer weather.
 
During the festival, farmers harvest crops they have been growing all year, such as rice, sugar cane, and turmeric. They also clean their homes and make offerings to the Sun God for luck and prosperity. Some days of the festival are dedicated to the celebration of cows and birds.
 
Travelers visiting Tamil Nadu during Pongal can also enjoy cattle races, traditional dances and a special holiday dish called Venpongal.
 
Date: January 14-17, 2020
 

Pushkar Camel Fair

 

 

On the occasion of the Pushkar Camel Fair, a surprising number of camels converge in the small desert town of Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Camels get dressed, parade, shave, participate in beauty pageants, run, and, of course, exchange.
 
Date: November 22-30, 2020
 

Raksha Bandhan

 

 

Raksha Bandhan, also called Rakhi, is a traditional festival that celebrates the bond between brothers. Raksha Bandhan means 'tying a knot of protection' in Sanskrit and comes from the festival's main ceremony in which a sister ties a bracelet to her brother's wrist for her safety and prosperity. The bracelets are called rakhis and are made of colored woven threads and decorated with beads and stones.
 
Today, Raksha Bandhan is practiced not only between brothers and sisters, but also between friends, cousins and anyone else who has a relationship similar to that of a brother.
 
Date: August 3, 2020
 

Makar Sankranti

 

 

Makar Sankranti is a very sacred day in Hindusim and occurs when the sun returns to the northern hemisphere signaling the return of heat to the country. This festival is celebrated in many different ways throughout India. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as the Pongal.
 
In northern India, to celebrate the return of the sun, many Hindu devotees head outside to bathe in sacred rivers like the Ganges and offer prayers to the sun god.
 
The festival includes kite competitions where competitors attempt to cut the strings of their opponent's kites.
 
Date: January 15, 2020


Fairs & Festivals Thumb ›  Pushkar Fair Festival

South India Tours Thumb ›  South India Heritage Tour

East India Tours Thumb ›  Bhubaneshwar Puri Tour

Adventure Tours Thumb ›  Camel Safari Tour

Beach Tours Thumb ›  Beach Vacations

Weekend Getaways Thumb ›  Rafting Tour Package

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