Top 60 famous festivals in India
Bharat is a country that’s divided among various provinces, cultures, and languages but united by its festivals. Each state of Bharat celebrates a minimum of one festival from where the rationale to celebrate may need to be originated historically. Festivals in Bharat bring you closer to know the rich tradition that Bharat has been following for many generations.
Bharat is that the only country that has numerous festivals supported based on its religion, Community, and state, and every one of the festivals in India is celebrated with such a lot of excitement and energy like a day may be a new celebration in India. you’ll enjoy every part of India during your festive excursion.
To give you a good idea about Bharat’s Festivals in 2021, we’ve provided you with an important piece of article that will provide you with a touch of brief information about the Festivals in Bharat.
Table of Contents
Festivals of Bharat
Before diving into the varied list of festivals of Bharat, let’s glance at the list of spiritual, Festivals of Bharat state-wise, and National festivals of Bharat that are celebrated with much excitement & happiness. Plan your trip around these festivals to experience the colorful culture of Bharat
15 Most Important Festivals of Bharat
Here are the most important and popular festivals of Bharat that you must celebrate:-
- Diwali
- Makar Sankranti
- Holi
- Ganeshotsav
- Navratri and Mahalaya
- Lohri
- Pongal
- Janmashtami
- Raksha Bandhan
- Dussehra
- Christmas
- Eid Ul Fitr
- Chhath Puja
- Republic Day
- Independence Day
Diwali
Diwali is among the foremost popular festivals of Bharat. Diwali is the festival of Prakash/lights which is widely known everywhere in Bharat and among Bhartiyan’s round the world. This festival celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana as Ram returns Ayodhya after 14 years of exile within the forest.
Diwali is additionally celebrated by worshipping Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of riches. everyone lights lamps and candles in their houses so as to illuminate their spirituality & fight against evil, the darkness from within. This festival lasts for 4 days, the third day is that the most vital one here people burn crackers, worship Goddess Laxmi, visit family, relatives & friends and draw beautiful rangoli with colors and flowers.
Makar Sankranti
This festival is widely known with different names across Bharat, for instance, Pongal in the South part of Bharat, Lohri in Punjab & Haryana, Bihu in Assam, and Khichdi Festival in Bihar. This festival signifies the top of darkness and therefore the beginning of the latest chapters in everyone’s life.
Makar Sankranti is predominantly celebrated in Gujrat which is additionally referred to as the famous kite festival of Bharat. People gather to fly kites that relate to the spirit of brotherhood & happiness. There are kite flying competitions conducted which usher in people together from different areas of life and culture. In households, women prepare sweets made out of Til ( Sesame Seeds ) with sweet sugar or Jaggery, Farsan & worship the Surya Dev/Sun God.
Holi
Holi festival in Bharat is that a celebration of affection, color, and a lot of fun. there’s a huge history behind the Holi festival of Bharat. This festival is widely known for burning Holika ( Bonfire ) the night before the Holi evening.
Holi in Bharat is widely known as a victory of Prahlad, son of Hiranyakashyap over Holika ( sister of Hiranyakashyap) who jumped with him within the holy fire on the demand of her brother Hiranyakashyap as she was blessed to enter blazing fire without damaging herself.
Hiranyakashyap was a cruel king & wanted to be worshiped by his kingdom as a god to which his son Prahlad revolted & worshiped Lord Narayan instead. Prahlad returned back from the hearth with no harm, whereas Holika was burnt to death. That’s where Holi gets its significance of celebrating good over evil. the opposite story that relates to Holi is Lord Krishna use to use colors to his beloved Radha while they played and reciprocally, Radha and her friends use to beat him and his friends with sticks which started because of the famous Lathmar Holi Tradition which is one among the varied sorts of Holi celebration in Bharat.
The best place to see in Bharat for Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan the origin of this festival is also referred to as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan is played within the most authentic style. People from everywhere the planet visit Vrindavan to be a neighborhood of this festival making it once during a lifetime experience, where one can experience the important aura of celebration where men and ladies dress as Lord Krishna and Radha and throw colors ( Gulaal ), flowers alongside performing the Lathmar ritual during which the girl beats guys with sticks. Holi parties in Goa, Mumbai, Udaipur, and Delhi also are very exciting and energetic.
Ganeshotsav
Ganeshotsav is one of the foremost important festivals of Bharat which is widely known for 10 days in Maharashtra to welcome the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha on the occasion of his birthday. Lord Ganesha is worshiped because of the lord of success and destroyer of evil & obstacles.
This festival is widely known with great pomp & show in Maharashtra. Devotees bring Ganesh idols in their house and worship the Idol with Diyas, and his favorite food called the Modak. he’s welcomed within the house with tons of affection and stays with the family for 10 days as a neighbor of the loved one. Houses at this point are decorated with lights and Mandals. Huge Ganesh Idols are often seen worshiped on the pavements and housing societies.
One can feel the vibes of the festivals when places are brightly lit, music and gatherings flood these Mandals with belief and love for the lord. Alibaug cha Raja in Mumbai is taken into account to be the foremost visited Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai. This Mandal is visited by tons of Bollywood celebrities, politicians, and businessmen making it the foremost famous Ganesh Mandal in Mumbai.
On the 10th day of the festival, the immersion of Lord Ganesh in water takes place with a belief of him returning back a subsequent year. Many documentaries about the preceding of those festivals are shot.
Navratri
Navratri which suggests 9 nights is a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga the goddess of power & victory. Navratri is one of the favored festivals of Bharat celebrated in Gujrat whereas it’s referred to as Mahalaya in Kolkatta.
The rich cultural essence of Gujrat is often felt in these nine days of Navratri. People fasts during these nine days & play Garba and Dandiya within the evenings on the tunes of Gujarati ethnic music and Bollywood songs after worshiping the Goddess.
Women look gorgeous within the traditional outfits called Chaniya Choli which has the mirror & bright colored thread work thereon. Whereas men are seeing wearing Chrono (Cotton Pants) and Kediyu ( shirt ). Gujrat is decorated everywhere, attracting tourists and visitors from everywhere.
Similarly, Mahalaya in Kolkatta which lasts for seven days holds another outlook of worshipping Goddess Durga. Mahalaya is widely known on the occasion of the victory of Goddess Durga over Buffalo king Mahishasura ( the demon ). Here the Pandals ( where the goddess is worshiped ) are decorated with lights and food. The landowner families are completing the pujas for hundreds of years and therefore the most famous ones are in Sovabazaar Raj Bhari and Rani Rashmoni Bari.
Lohri
Whereas Lohri in Punjab is widely known for making an enormous bonfire. People revolve around the bonfire & offer rice or wheat in it. Lohri is that the famous Punjab festival, which is primarily celebrated by Sikhs, Hindus, and therefore the northern part of India on 13 January of each year. it’s celebrated the night before Makar Sankranti, also referred to as Maghi. The Festival of Lohri is celebrated to mark the winter season and to welcome the longer days.
Pongal
Pongal has been a four Day festival in Bharat celebrated in the South part of Bharat. Rice is boiled till it overflows from the pot. On this famous Festival of Bharat, People celebrate it by drawing kolam, cooking Pongal dishes & wearing traditional attires.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami is another famous Hindu festival of Bharat. Celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami in Mathura & Vrindavan is very fashionable. Praying and Visiting temples, dancing, & singing bhajans in the dark have been a part of the celebrations of the birth of Lord Krishna. Also, the most liked thing about this festival is that young children dress up like Lord Krishna.
Raksha Bandhan
One of the foremost popular Hindu festivals of Bharat which signifies the bond of brother & sister. On this auspicious day, a sister ties the rakhi (a sacred thread) to her brother’s wrist and needs for his well-being, and reciprocally, the brother promises to guard the sister. Another festival that features a substantial similarity is Bhaidooj, which comes just after Diwali.
Dussehra
Dussehra is additionally referred to as Vijayadashami, popular among the Hindus. This religious festival of Bharat is performed in several forms within the Countr. Ramlila (Play on the lifetime of Lord Ram) is held everywhere for 10 Days.
In Kullu, it’s celebrated for ten days welcoming their mountain deities in their valley, in Mussorie a colorful procession is taken out, it lits sort of a bride & atmosphere crammed with Music & Drums.
Christmas
This Festival of Bharat is widely known across Bharat to mark the birth anniversary of Jesus. Everyone waits for Christmas, especially the youngsters for the special gift from Santa. All the churches & houses are lit up to celebrated this beautiful Festival in Bharat.
Eid Ul Fitr
Eid is one of the famous festivals of Bharat celebrated by the Muslim Community. today, people dress up in new clothes, attend the special community prayer in Majid, exchange sweets, visit friends and family relatives, and make some mouth-watering Delicacies. Elders give the Idi to children within the sort of money or gift.
Chhath Puja
It’s a 4-day-long festival dedicated to the Surya Dev and one of Bharat’s most famous festivals. many of us take a shower within the holy Ganga and do fast during the Pooja. The devotees thank god for all times and pray for the wellbeing of their families.
Republic Day
Republic day is the Festival of Bharat when patriotism in Citizen of Bharat at its peak. Republic Day was the day when the constitution of Bharat was introduced. Republic day first celebrated in 1950 when the Bhartiya Constitution was introduced after the 3 years of Independence for the primary time.
Independence Day
Independence Day is one of the crucial & national festivals of Bharat, which marks the liberty of Bharat attained from the Britishers on 15 August 1947. The Prime minister does the flag hosting in Red fort, and 21 Gunshots are fires to offer the salutation.
45 Other Popular Festivals in India
Kumbh Mela
One of the religiously famous festivals of Bharat is Kumbh Mela celebrated once in every three years, at the bank of 4 sacred rivers that are considered Pavitra(holy)- at Haridwar on the bank of Ganga, at Ujjain on Shipra river, at Nashik the Godavari and at Prayagraj where 3 river combines Ganga, Jamuna, & Sarasvati.
Mewar
Mewar is the Festival of Bharat celebrated in Udaipur, Rajasthan. If you would like to witness the Rajasthani Culture, you ought to not forget to attend this Festival Of Bharat. Mewar Festival is additionally referred to as the Gangur Festival. This Festival was celebrated for a really while when the Sisodia Dynasty was ruling Hindustan and had a huge history. There are many places to see in Udaipur which will mesmerize you with natural beauty.
Basant Panchami
Basant Panchami is one of the famous festivals of Bharat Celebrated always in January or February, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (also referred to as Goddess of Knowledge). This Festival is widely celebrated in Odisha, Bihar, Assam, Punjab, West Bengal, and Haryana.
Carnival of Goa
Carnival in Goa is celebrated nearly 3-4 Days & brings much entertainment to the peoples. During this Carnival, you’ll feel very much Joy with mad Music, food, drinks, colors, drums, and fun. Float parades happen within the areas of Margao, Panjim, Vasco da Gama, and Mapusa.
Vasant Chaitra Navaratri
According to the Hindu calendar, the Vasant Chaitra Navratri is that the 9 Days festival that marks the start of the New Year. On Navratri, the primary 3 days are dedicated to Maa Durga (known as Goddess of energy), the next 3 to Maa Lakshmi (known as Goddess of wealth), and therefore the last 3 to Maa Saraswati (known as Goddess of knowledge). This Nine days Navratri Festival ends with the Ram Navami.
Losar
Losar is one of the famous festivals of Bharat celebrated within the Ladakh region. it’s celebrated either at the ending of January or at the start of February. The Metho is that the main event that happened during this Festival of Losar administered by Ladakh people during which they carry flaming torches moves from one street to another street & Chants prayers to keep off the evil spirits.
Maha Shivratri
MahaShivratri the famous Hindu festival of Bharat, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Festival has enormous significance in Hindu mythology &, most significantly, for married & Unmarried women who fast to possess marital bliss. it’s said that whoever worships lord shiva today will get obviate all their sins.
Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti has been a famous festival of Bharat when the Jain religion celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir. The Maha Abhishek happened of the statue of Lord Mahavir when the deity of lord Mahavir bathed with milk and Flowers. Even a grand procession of Lord Mahavir was also administered within the streets on this day.
Easter
Just like other festivals of Bharat, Easter has been a grand religious celebration & celebrated with such a lot of zeal and heat in several parts of the Country. Celebrated during the spring season by various colorful decorations, plays, dances, plum cakes, & bright lanterns adorning the streets.
Bihu
Bihu is one of the famous festivals of Bharat celebrated by the Assamese because of the traditional New Year. During the festival, men and ladies of Assam wear their traditional dress and perform their folk dance & music within the village field or the courtyard.
Thrissur Pooram
Among all Festivals of Bharat, Thrissur Pooram is that the famous Kerala festival, one among the simplest events to attend. This Famous Festival doesn’t end before thirty-six hours. People from different parts of the country gathered to celebrate this Festival. Fireworks & Parasol display as an important a part of the town.
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is widely known to memorialize the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha; it’s also referred to as Buddha Purnima or Vasak. Gautam Buddha is that the one that introduced the philosophy of Buddhism within the world. To enjoys this Festival, people wear white clothes and attend Buddhist teaching to follow tradition.
Baisakhi
Baisakhi is one of the very famous festivals of Bharat celebrated in the month of April, It’s celebrated because of the Punjabi New Year, and to welcome the harvest of the Rabi crop. This Festival features a religious significance in Bharat because it marks the day when the 10th guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh back in 1699, laid out the inspiration stone for the Panth Khalsa.
Ratha Yatra Orissa
Ratha Yatra is one of the famous religious festivals of Bharat in June month celebrated to honor the Lord Jagganath. Idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and therefore the Goddess Subhadra are taken to the Streets on the Chariot for the procession.
Hemis
Hemis is one of the foremost famous two-day church festivals in Bharat, celebrated in Ladakh. During this Festival many visiting this place. It’s one among the unique times of Festival in Bharat where priests do Cham dance on the normal music of drums, cymbals, trumpets played by the monks, dressing up in elaborate brocade outfits and masks.
Durga Puja
One of India’s most vital Hindu festivals, Durga Puja, is widely known during the Navratri and each day after Navratri. Bengalis celebrate this festival in Bharat with such a lot of energy by performing, fast, worshiping goddess Durga and performing cultural dances, songs, and dramas.
Onam
Onam is another one of the foremost famous festivals of Bharat. During today, people wear new traditional clothes, decorate houses with floral design ( Locally referred to as Pookalam ), and cook onasadya, an elaborate meal of 13 Dishes. many events happened during this festival like Vallamkali (snake boat race), Pulikali procession (artists dresses and painted like tigers and hunters), Kaikottikali (clap dance), and Kathakali Dance are held.
Gurpurab
Gurpurab is among the crucial Sikh Festivals of Bharat. Assemblies on the teaching & lives of gurus are conducted, the Gurudwaras organize langars (Community meals). People decorate their homes with beautiful lightning lamps and candles and burst crackers to celebrate the Gurpurab.
Hornbill Festival
Hornbill Festival is widely known within the Nagaland state of Bharat every annum from 1 to 10 December. it’s also referred to as Festivals of festivals. During this festival, various activities are done like painting, horse riding, Craft space, flower show, chili eating challenge, herbal medicine sales, sports, games, performances, and far more.
Ugadi
Ugadi is that the famous festival of Bharat celebrated within Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and therefore the Telangana States. It celebrates by making rangolis on the ground and cooking the delicacies, decorating on the doors with flowers and leafs named Torana, exchanging gifts, and sharing the food.
Govardhan Puja
Goverdhan Puja is that the Popular Hindu festival Of Bharat also referred to as Annakut Puja. Govardhan Puja celebrated to acknowledge the Day when Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra, the god of thunder and rain. today is widely known in several parts of India with various forms, like in Maharashtra. it’s celebrated as Bali Pratipada, while within the Gujarat state, it’s celebrated as Gujrati New Year’s day.
Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa has been a grand harvest festival of India celebrated in Maharashtra, making the opening of an auspicious New Year. People make rangoli designs on the gate and decorate it with flowers, peoples visit family and friends, and ladies make sweets like Sunth Paak, Shrikhand, and Puran Poli.
Camel Festival
Camel Festival is one of the foremost exciting festivals in India celebrated per annum in Pushkar, Rajasthan. Camel Festival is that the Festival when one should witness when someone is trying to find traditional style Indian celebrations.
Teej Festival
Teej Festival has been a very famous festival of Bharat celebrated in July month, especially within the Northern Part. During this Festival, Goddess Parvati has been worshipped, women wear new dresses, & cook special delicacies. A grand Procession has been taken out of Goddess Parvati on the streets. Jaipur is that the best place to witness the Teej festival.
Hampi Festival
Hampi Festival is among the famous festivals of Bharat, also referred to as the Festival of Victory. Also referred to as the Vijaya festival, this is often one of the most important celebrations for Hampi historic town in the south part of Bharat since the time of the ruler of Vijayanagara.
Karva Chauth
Karwa Chauth has been a festival celebrated by Hindu women from the Bharat on the fourth day after Purnima (a full moon) within the month of Kartika. On This day married women, especially in North India, observe fast from sunrise to moonrise for the security and longevity of their husbands.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama, a Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Rama, the 17th avatar of Lord Vishnu on the 9th day of Chaitra Navratri.
Dhanteras
Dhanteras is widely known to worship Lord Dhanvantri during Samudra Manthan. it’s believed that Lord Dhanvantri came out of the churned sea during the Krishna Paksha tryodashi of the Kartik Mass with an Amrit pot
Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti is widely known to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman who is additionally considered to be one among the incarnations of Lord Shiva. it’s celebrated on Purnima (full moon day) during the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar.
Akshaya Tritiya
Hindus celebrate Akshaya Tritiya because, Akshaya Tritiya is that the day when the good God of Wisdom, God Ganesha, started writing the epic work called “Mahabharata”.Akshaya Tritiya is taken into account because the most golden day of the year because the word Akshaya means the foremost “Eternal” that never diminishes.
Varalakshmi Vratam
Varalakshmi Vratam has been a festival to propitiate the Goddess Lakshmi. it’s believed that worshipping the Goddess Varalakshmi on the day is like worshipping Ashtalakshmi – the 8th goddesses of Wealth, Earth, Wisdom, Love, Fame, Peace, Contentment, and Strength.
Ambedkar Jayanti
Bhim Jayanti Or Ambedkar Jayanti is an annual festival observed on 14th April to commemorate the memory of Dr Bheem Rao Ambedkar, Indian polymath, chairman of constituent draft assembly & civil rights activist. It marks Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti is widely known not just in Bharat but all around the world.
Vishwakarma Puja
Vishwakarma Jayanti has been a day of celebration for Vishwakarma, a Hindu god, the divine architect. he’s considered as swayambhu & creator of the planet. He constructed the Celestial City of Dwarka where Krishna ruled, the Maya Sabha of the Pandavas, and was the creator of the many fabulous weapons for the gods.
Ashura
It is believed that in 680 AD Husayn ibn Ali protested against Caliph Yazid and led a revolution against him. This led to the Battle of Karbala where he was beheaded & his family was imprisoned. Therefore, Shia Muslims observe the Day of Ashura because of the day that Husayn ibn Ali was martyred.
Puthandu
The first day of the Chittirai month of the Tamil Calendar is widely known because of the Tamil New Year, also referred to as Puthandu or Varsha Pirappu. This year, Bharat marks the festival on Pan American Day. The Tamils celebrate the day with much fan-fare and prepare some delicious south Bhartiyan dishes
Vishu
The Vishu marks the primary day of the solar year and hence Lord Vishnu and his incarnation Lord Krishna are worshipped on the day of Vishu, as Lord Vishnu is taken into account because of the God of your time. The Vishu has been celebrated in Kerala from the reign of Sthanu Ravi since 844 AD.
Mawlid
Mawlid refers to the observance of the birthday of Muhammad. Alongside being mentioned because of the celebration of the birth of Muhammad, the term Mawlid refers to the ‘text especially composed for and recited at Muhammad’s nativity celebration’ or “a text recited or sung thereon day”.
Karthikai Deepam
Karthigai is actually a festival of lamps. The lighted lamp is taken into account as an auspicious symbol. it’s believed to keep off evil forces and inaugurate prosperity and joy. This festival is additionally celebrated to commemorate the bonding between brothers and sisters in south India (analogous to Bhaiya-Dhuj and Raakhi).
Sharad Purnima
Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity and abundance. It also marks because the harvest festival, signifying the top of the season. consistent with the Drik Panchang, Sharad Purnima is widely known as Raas Purnima within the Brij region and it’s believed that Lord Krishna performed Maha-Raas together with his Gopis on this day
Muharram
Muharram is widely known because of the advent of the Islamic New Year by participating Muslims round the globe. it’s considered a pious and important festival by the community. Muharram also marks the anniversary of the battle of Karbala, where the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Hussain Ibn Ali was killed
Guru Purnima
According to the Hindu calendar of Bharat, the festival is widely known on the complete moon day (Purnima) within the Hindu month of Ashadha. The festival was revived by Gandhi to pay tribute to his spiritual guru Shrimad Rajchandra. On today devotees worship their spiritual gurus & visit temples to hunt blessings
Vat Purnima
Tying threads around a banyan (wata) tree. On this Purnima (full moon) during the 3 days of the month of Jyeshtha within the Hindu calendar (which falls in May–June within the Gregorian calendar) a wife marks her love for her husband by tying a ceremonial thread around a banyan tree.
Ayudha Puja
Ayudha Puja has been a part of the Navratri festival (festival of triumph), a Hindu festival which is traditionally celebrated in Bharat, On the 10th day of the Dasara festival, weapons and tools are worshipped. In Karnataka, the celebration is for killing of the demon king Mahishasura by goddess Durga.
Bhai Dooj
Bhaiya Dooj Or Bhai Dooj has been a Hindu festival celebrating the unconditional love bond between brother & sister. Bhai Dooj defines the eternal love between siblings, dedicated to strengthening the bond between them, it is celebrated twice a year, once after Holi and another time is after Dewali.
Santan Saptami
Santan Saptami is observed on the seventh day (Saptami Tithi), Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) in Bhadrapada month. On this auspicious day, devotees worship Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati & seek blessings children, and hence the name Santan (meaning offspring)
List of festivals with month of celebration
Month | Festival |
January | Hampi Festival |
January | Lohri |
January | Makar Sakranti |
January | Pongal |
January | Kumbh Mela |
January | Republic Day |
January | Basant Panchami |
February | Maha Shivratri |
February | Carnival in Goa |
February | Losar |
March | Holi |
March | Vasant Chaitra Navaratri |
March | Ugadi |
March | Gudi Padwa |
March | Mewar |
April | Mahavir Jayanti |
April | Easter |
April | Baisakhi |
April | Bihu |
May | Thrissur Pooram |
May | Buddha Jayanti |
May | Eid Ul Fitr |
June | Ratha Yatra Orissa |
June | Hemis |
July | Teej Festival |
August | Rakshabandhan |
August | Janmashtmi |
August | Independence Day |
August | Onam |
August | Ganesh Chaturthi |
October | Navratri |
October | Durga Puja |
October | Dussehra |
November | Govardhan Puja |
November | Camel Festival |
November | Chhath Puja |
November | Diwali |
November | Gurupurab |
December | Hornbill Festival |
December | Christmas |
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