India is the ‘land of festivals’ as celebrations happen across the country around the year. You may spend a year dancing, praying, and savoring delicacies in different states of India. All these Indian festivals have their own significance and traditional beliefs associated with them.
A Guide to the 10 Most Popular Indian Festivals
Taking part in the celebration of Indian festivals gives you an immersive experience in the spirit of this country. Here is my quick guide to help you with everything about the 10 major festivals of India:
1. Lohri (13th January), Makar Sankranti (14th January) & Pongal (Mid-January)
Lohri is a major harvest festival of the Sikhs. The celebrations include offering jaggery, corn, sesame seeds, and peanuts to a bonfire. Makar Sankranti is celebrated on 14th January each year in North India. It marks the beginning of the new year and a fresh crop cycle. In the state of Gujarat, it is celebrated as Uttarayan and as Pongal in Tamil Nadu.
Celebration: Singing & dancing, kite-flying, Rangoli making (floor decorations)
Food: Khichdi in North India, Lassi, Pinni, Chikki, Gajak in Punjab; Pongal in South India.
2. Maha Shivratri (February)
It is one of the most prominent and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer and his devotees offer reverence in the form of sweets, milk, flowers, and fruits. Thousands of Shiva devotees visit The Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Somnath Temple in Gujarat, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Varanasi on this day.
Celebration: Temple visits, worshipping Lord Shiva, fasting, meditation.
Food: Fruits, Non-cereal dishes
3. Holi (March)
Holi is the most popular Hindu festival celebrated across the country. It is known as the festival of colors and is celebrated with zeal by Indians around the world. It marks the victory of good over evil and promotes feelings of love and forgiveness. People smear their loved ones with Gulal (dry powdered colors) and Abeer (powder used to color water). Children play with water guns (pichkari) and balloons filled with colored water.
Celebrations: Bonfire, color play, singing & dancing.
Food: Ghujiya, Mathri, Thandai
4. Baisakhi, Bihu, Vishu, Puthandu, Poila Boishakh, Ugadi (April)
The spring harvest is celebrated as regional festivals across India. Marking the starting of the Hindu new year as per the Bikram Sambat Hindu calendar, the farmers from different states rejoice. It is celebrated as Baisakhi in Punjab & Haryana, Bihu in Assam, Vishu in Kerala, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Poila Boishakh in West Bengal, and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
Celebrations: Folk music & dance, fireworks, visiting temples, Rangoli making
Food: Kada Prashad, Pitha, Larus, Chuje, Kanji, Pacchadi, Vadai, Samabhar, Payasam, Appalam, Kosha Mangsho, Murgh Rezala, Bevu Bella.
5. Eid Ul Fitr (May)
Eid is celebrated by the Muslim community to conclude the month-long fasting of Ramadan. Celebrations comprise prayer meetings, charity, blessings, and family visits. Gifts and food are shared with everyone in the community. Jama Masjid in Delhi and Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai are the best places to enjoy the festivity.
Celebrations: Morning prayers at the mosque, visiting family and friends, shopping, applying henna, gifting.
Food: Sheer Khurma, Seviyan, Biryani
6. Onam (August/September)
Onam is a ten-day harvest festival of Kerala. The festival is celebrated by the Malayali community with much vigor as a commemoration of the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. You can witness the colorful culture of Kerala in the traditions and rituals of Onam.
Celebrations: Pookalam (flower decorations), Snake Boat Race & games, Kaikottikali dance, folk songs & dance.
Food: Onam Sadya.
7. Durga Puja/Navratri (September/October) & Dussehra (October)
People across the country to commemorate the victory of good over evil during the auspicious nine days of Navratri and Dussehra. These are the most popular festivals of India, celebrated across the country by following different rituals and with great enthusiasm. The festive spirit can be experienced at Durga Puja Pandals in Kolkata, Garba and Dandiya Raas nights in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana is celebrated on the tenth day of Navratri as Dussehra.
Celebrations: Folk dance and songs, prayers, fasting, fireworks, attending fairs, and cultural programs.
Food: Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda Kheer, Illish Shorshe, Ghugni, Sondesh, Rasgulla
8. Diwali (October/November)
Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrated with splendor to mark the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after an exile of 14 years. The day is considered very auspicious for new beginnings. Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped across the country. In West Bengal and Odisha, Kali Puja is performed at night. Sikhs celebrate it as Bandi Chor Diwas. The Golden Temple of Amritsar is illuminated using decorative lights and fireworks.
Celebrations: Lighting lamps and fireworks, shopping, prayers, rangoli making.
Food: Sweets and desserts (Mithai), Snacks, Teepi Gavvalu, Anarsa, Karanjis, Thenkuzhal, Singal, Pinni
9. Gurupurab (November)
Gurupurab is also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti and is the most revered day for Sikhs all over the world. It is celebrated as ‘Guru Nanak Prakash Utsav’ to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. The main rituals of this Indian festival are a procession led by Panj Pyare (five Beloveds), prayer sessions in Gurudwaras in the morning and night.
Celebrations: Prayers, processions, and the showcase of strength by traditional Gatka teams.
Food: Kada Prashad, Langar, Chana Dal Khichdi, Meethe Chawal, Rajma Chawal.
10. Christmas (25th December)
Christmas is celebrated with much fanfare in many Indian states with a large population of Christians. You can enjoy a traditional Christmas at places like Goa, Kolkata, Mumbai, Kerala, and Pondicherry. Most Indian Christians are Catholics, so the Midnight Mass is an important service for them. They also follow the other popular Christmas traditions of baking goodies, decorating Christmas trees, and singing carols too.
Celebrations: Prayers, gifting, baking, singing, and dancing.
Food: Christmas Cake, Roasted Turkey & Chicken, Chhena Poda, Bebinca, Vindaloo
So when you plan a trip to India, you can indulge in its culture and traditions through Indian festivals.
This sponsored content was provided by Akancha Tripathi. Akancha creates content on technology, health, lifestyle, environment and sustainability matters. Her contribution for the Tagline for the promotion of Geographical Indicators of India has been awarded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. A qualified HR & Marketing professional, she currently works independently, writing out her mind every day. Tweet to her @AkanchaTripathi.
