It’s said to rejoice in life, not just special occasions. In India, where there are more festivals than one can count throughout the year, festivals are a way of life. Every one of these celebrations reflects the varied and rich culture, customs, and traditions of India.
The majority of India’s festivals are religious in nature, and they either coincide with the Islamic or Hindu calendar. The festivals’ dates may vary from year to year, but the enthusiasm for the occasion never wanes. India’s busiest festival season typically lasts from September to January, during which time a variety of events take place across, often concurrently.
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You have to witness Indian festivities firsthand to truly understand their essence and taste, which are flecked with a variety of hues, dances, musical selections, and cuisines. We’ve compiled a list.
Top Seven Indian Holidays That Are The Biggest Festivals In India
Diwali
Without a doubt, one of the greatest and most well-known festivals in India is Diwali. Discovered as the ‘festival of lights,’ Diwali is observed throughout India. People light lamps, burst crackers, exchange gifts, and share special Diwali treats with friends and family to mark the occasion.
The celebration honours Lord Ram’s victory over the Demon King Ravana and his 14-year exile, during which he returned to Ayodhya with his brother, Lord Lakshman, and wife, Goddess Sita. It represents the triumph of virtue over evil.
Holi
Holi is the celebration of colours if Diwali is the festival of lights. Holi celebrations, one of India’s national festivals, mark the coming of spring and the triumph of good over evil. India celebrates this event with great fervour and excitement.
The Holika, a bonfire, is lit the night before the festival to begin the Holi celebrations. Around the blazing fire, people dance and chant, calling out to the gods and pleading for their protection from evil.
The biggest celebration occurs the following day, when participants paint each other with both wet and dry colours. Water balloons and water pistols are also used for play. And a Holi celebration wouldn’t be complete without consuming Thandai, a unique beverage mixed with milk and a variety of Indian spices.
Dussehra
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami in some regions, is one of the biggest celebrations in India and marks the triumph of Lord Ram over Ravana. In certain regions of the nation, particularly in West Bengal and other eastern provinces, people commemorate the victory of Goddess Durga over the demonic Mahishasura during Dussehra.
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Similar to other Indian festivals, Dussehra is celebrated differently around the country, but people of all castes and religions share the same spirit. In the northern states, people celebrate the event in style by performing Ramlila and setting fire to the effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran, and his adored son Meghnad.
You shouldn’t miss the Dussehra celebrations in Mysore, Karnataka, if you want to see the Indian Festivals 2024 celebrations. During the celebration, one lakh bulbs are used to illuminate the renowned Mysore Palace, providing spectators with an amazing picture. other great events take place, including the huge procession of Elephants adorned in extravagant clothes; it is a spectacle worth viewing.
Janmashtami
This event, which is observed with tremendous fanfare and splendour throughout India, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth manifestation of Lord Vishnu. It is among the most important Hindu holidays. at order to appease God and ask for his blessings, people worship the Lord on this day at temples and at home by bringing a variety of his favourite foods.
The two historical locations associated with the birth and early years of Lord Krishna, Mathura and Vrindavan, are the ideal spots to observe the Janmashtami celebrations in India. Children in the home are frequently dressed as Lord Krishna and his bride Radha during the day, and they are worshipped as deities.
The breaking of pots, a festival attraction that is primarily observed in Maharashtra, is another significant event. An earthen pot adorned with flowers and loaded with milk, ghee, and curd is left dangling above the ground. People try to smash the clay pot known as “Dahi Handi” by piling one person on top of another to create a massive pyramid.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India and is deeply felt by all Hindu communities. The celebration honours the birth of Lord Ganesha, the God of Wisdom, a beloved Hindu deity.
The exquisitely carved statues of Lord Ganesha are placed in both private and public pandals to begin the ten-day celebration. People joyfully adore the Lord and wait in queue for several hours at various pandals in order to get God’s blessings.
The festival comes to a conclusion on the tenth day when the statues of Lord Ganesha are submerged in water. All across the state, but especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, etc., people celebrate the holiday with great fervour and excitement.
Eid-ul-Fitr
When you consider all of the Indian holiday names, such as Ramzan or Eid-ul-Fitr, While Eid is a widely celebrated holiday in India, it is considered one of the most significant occasions for the Muslim population. The celebration signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims that is comparable to Lent for Christians.
Muslims fast for the full day on the first of the month, eating and drinking only after dusk. The month-long fast culminates with the nighttime viewing of the crescent moon, known as “Eid Ka Chaand,” when the fast is broken.
The next day, they cook delectable meals like kebabs, biryani, and seviyan and serve them to their loved ones at a large feast for friends and family. In addition, individuals wear festive attire and exchange “Eid Mubarak” greetings.
Mosques all around the nation are exquisitely decked for the celebration, making for an amazing show that is enjoyed by everybody.
Christmas
Christmas doesn’t require an explanation. Among the most well-known celebrations worldwide, it is observed with considerable fervour everywhere. Christmas is a time for feasting, gift-giving, and, of course, Santa Claus.
Christmas is celebrated in India with the same enthusiasm as other holidays. This event is beloved by all, but especially by kids who get excited about singing carols, receiving unexpected gifts from Santa, and indulging in delectable Christmas treats.
Christmas preparations and festivities begin well in advance of the festival day; individuals begin decking their homes with Christmas trees. Christians also have a special place in their hearts for Christmas Eve, or the night before Christmas, when they visit the church and attend the midnight mass to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.
You now have a comprehensive list of the largest and most well-known festivals in India. Every Indian has a particular place in their hearts for each of these holidays. Even though these holidays are celebrated in different ways, they all represent the rich culture and customs of India.
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