10 Festivals You Must Enjoy In India

There are various religions in India. Each of them has its festivals. Being a highly spiritual nation, festivals lies at the heart of the lives of Indian people. The varied and numerous festivals that are celebrated throughout the year, provide a distinctive way of witnessing Indian culture. All the regional festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show. So, don’t miss out on any opportunity to celebrate these popular festivals to get an unforgettable experience.

# Diwali

Diwali is one of the most spectacular festivals in India. It is celebrated by people of varied cultures of the nation with enthusiasm and vigor. Diwali tributes to the triumph of good over evil. On this day, Lord Rama returns to his kingdom Ayodhya, along with his wife Sita post the defeat of Ravan. This festival is recognized as the “Festival of Lights”. It is celebrated in October or November. People decorate their houses, lit candles, clay lamps, worship Goddess Laxmi, indulge in fireworks, and exchange gifts. For most Indian families, Diwali is considered the most awaited festival of the whole year.

# Holi

Holi is another significant festival in India. It is celebrated in the spring season in March. On this day, merrymakers greet each other by applying a colored powder called ‘Gulal’ on the cheeks of each other. This is followed by music, dance, and food that form the other highlight of the festival.

# Dussehra

Dussehra festival is celebrated on the last day of the nine days of Navratri. This day signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. People celebrate this festival by burning the symbolic figure of Ravana along with his two brothers Kumbhkaran and Meghnath. These structures are made and placed at different places and burnt.

# Eid–Ul–Fitr

Eid also celebrated as Ramadan is celebrated primarily by the people of the Muslim religion. The entire month of this festival is considered to be the most pious month of the Islamic calendar.

This is the best time considered for prayers, fasts, introspection, spiritual awakening, contemplation, and charity. The last day of the holy Ramadan is celebrated as Eid-Ul-Fitr. It is a 3-day festival, where Muslims discontinue their fasts and gather at one place for celebration and prayers.

# Christmas

Christians are an important sect of our Indian demography. Christmas is the most important festival for this sect. This festival comes on the 25th of December every year. Christmas is celebrated to honor the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. Several cultural and religious celebrations are held on this day. The day is celebrated by wishing Merry Christmas, adorning the beautiful Christmas tree, and exchanging sweets and gifts.

# Ganesh Chaturthi

Hindus all over the world celebrate this day with great zeal and enthusiasm. The festival symbolizes the arrival of Lord Ganesh. It is a ten-day-long festival that begins with Ganesh Chaturthi and ends with Anant Chaturdashi. Ganesh Chaturthi is indeed one of the most exciting, devotional, and colorful festivals of India. Besides temples, many devotees also bring and keep idols of Lord Ganesh at home to bless their house with prosperity and happiness. This festival observes the exchange of pleasantries, prayers, distribution of sweets and finally immersing the idol in water with pomp and show.

# Durga Puja

This festival is a long festival of five days celebrated in West Bengal with sacred associations. On this day, people worship Goddess Durga. The preparation for this auspicious occasion begins a month in advance. Setting beautiful pandals and making preparation for several cultural activities forms the part of this fest.

# Baisakhi

This day is one of the prime commemorations of the Sikh community. Baisakhi is celebrated throughout the nation on the 13th of April. The festival has great religious significance. It symbolizes the yield of Rabi crops, and that is the reason it is celebrated heartily among the entire farming community. Baisakhi is celebrated by greeting each other, followed by engaging in regional folk dances.

# Easter

This festival is celebrated by Christians as the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter has a great significance among Christians. It is celebrated on the 1st Sunday that falls after 17th Apr’2022. Easter revels with incomprehensible enthusiasm. The preparation for this festival begins several weeks earlier than the day of the festival. Easter eggs, baskets, candy, and bunnies form a typical part of the event.

# Onam

Onam is celebrated as the major festival of Keralites. This is a harvest festival that people of varied communities of Kerala celebrate with enthusiasm. It is considered the commencement of the Malayalam calendar. Onam is celebrated between August and September. The duration of this festival ranges between 4 to 10 days. The celebration comprises folk songs, feasts, energetic games, elegant dances, boats, flowers, and elephants. All of them form a major attraction of this festival.