India is a place of festivals, where people of many religious backgrounds dwell together. The many festivals observed in India are a real reflection of the country’s rich culture and customs. There are several festivals and festivities in India, some of the most thrilling of which are included here. While festivities take place throughout the year, October through January is when the nation is at its most colourful.
India is a nation in which every faith and group is encouraged to celebrate their own culture. India has festivals organised by state, religion, and community. Thus, each day is a fresh occasion for celebration in our nation. Additionally, you get access to several Gazetted holidays, which allows you to organise a cross-country journey.
Before you start, the following information will assist you in comprehending all of India’s festivals in 2022, as well as their dates. Additionally, it will educate you on the significance of India’s important festivals!
35 India’s Most Popular Festivals in 2022
The festivals of India highlight the country’s magnificence. India’s vibrant and lively festivals highlight the magnificence of our Indian culture. Indians observe festivals with unbridled zeal and devotion. India is a nation that is admired and understood, since it hosts a myriad of festivities.
1. Diwali: The Grand Festival Of Lights
Diwali, one of India’s most recognised Hindu holidays, is marked by a great deal of pomp and circumstance. Houses are adorned with clay lamps, candles throughout this festival of lights. Individuals don new clothing, attend family pujas, burst crackers, and exchange sweets with friends, relatives, and neighbours. It is India’s most popular event.
Significance: The event commemorates the homecoming of Lord Rama, together with his wife Sita as well as brother Lakshmana, after a 14-year exile.
Major attractions: Homes festooned with glistening lights, candles, and clay lamps, lively stores and marketplaces, as well as pyrotechnics and crackers
When: On the darkest new moon night of the Hindu lunisolar calendar’s Kartik month, which correlates to mid-October to mid-November on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Throughout the nation
Date: Monday, 24 October
How to celebrate: Light diyas, adorn your house, and exchange sweets and presents with family and friends.
2. Holi: The Colorful Festival
Also refered to as the festival of colours, Holi is among India’s most popular holidays, celebrated with great zeal across the nation. On the eve of Holi, people construct massive Holika bonfires and gather around them to sing and dance. On the day of Holi, India’s most renowned holiday, people congregate in open spaces to paint each other with dry and wet colours of varying colours, with some armed with water cannons and colourful water-filled balloons. It leads the list of India’s ten most recognised holidays, since it is joyfully celebrated around the globe.
Significance: It symbolises the triumph of good (Prince Prahlad) against evil (Holika) and the onset of spring.
Major attractions: Holika campfire, colour play, and bhang thandai.
When: On the full moon (Purnima) of the Hindu lunisolar calendar’s Phalgun month, which corresponds to March on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Almost everywhere in India; the most vivid festivities take place in the North Indian states.
Date: Friday, 18 March
How to celebrate: Building Holika bonfires and singing and dancing around them, playing with colours, and indulging in sweets, particularly Gujiya.
3. Dussehra: Witness of the Good Conquer Evil
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is another of India’s most celebrated Hindu religious holidays. It is observed in a variety of ways around the nation. For ten days, Ramlila (reenactment of episodes from the Ramayana) is celebrated worldwide. It culminates in “Ravan Dahan” — the spectacular burning of enormous statues of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran. While a beautiful parade is held in Mysore, a ten-day festival is held in Kullu to welcome their mountain deities to the valley. The Mysore Palace is illuminated in the manner of a bride, and the air is filled with the sound of drums. It is a sight not to be skipped on your visit to the city of royalty. It is one of India’s most holy events.
Significance: It commemorates the demon king Ravana’s demise at the hands of Lord Rama.
Major attractions: The hustle and bustle of the adorned marketplaces, Ram-Leela performances, and the grand finale of the burning of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran effigies.
When: On the tenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Ashwin, which coincides to September or October on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Throughout India
Date: Wednesday, 5 October
How to celebrate: Attend Dussehra celebrations, participate in ravan dahan, and pay a visit to important temples to see the festivities.
4. Navratri: The Nine-Day Fast of Faith, Devotion, & Fasting
Navratri has been one of India’s most significant festivals. This event is observed in a variety of ways by people across India. It is a nine-day festival in Gujarat that features revitalising Garba evenings and very exciting Dandiya Raas dances. The people dress in stunning, vibrant traditional garb, and the atmosphere is incredibly young and energising. Fasting is a well-known Hindu ritual that is linked to a scientific truth. Whenever the seasons change, one should fast to relax their digestive system and strengthen their resistance for the next season.
Significance: It is significant because it depicts the Goddess Amba (Power) in nine distinct incarnations.
Major attractions: Gujarat’s nine-day dance festival, the magnificent Chaniya Choli (traditional skirt and blouse), and Gujarati food, which includes Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda ki Kheer, with Potato Wafers.
When: During the first nine days of the Hindu lunisolar month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Almost everywhere in the nation; the most dynamic areas are in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the metropolises.
Date: Navaratri will begin on Monday, 26 September and will end on Tuesday, 4 October
How to celebrate: Fast for nine days, visit temples and holy sites, conduct Kanya Pujan on the eighth and ninth days of Navratri, attend dandiya evenings
5. Krishna Janmashtami: The Mighty & Mischievous’s Birth
Janmashtami is another of India’s most beautiful holy celebrations. Janmashtami festivities are very popular in Mathura and Vrindavan. People fast during the day and then break their fast with a sumptuous feast at twilight, making this one of the most significant holidays in India. Visits to temples, prayer, dancing, even chanting bhajans (religious songs) at midnight are all included in the festivities of Lord Krishna’s birth. On this day, tiny children often dress up as Lord Krishna. In temples, “jhankis” show images and depictions of Krishna’s life. It is one among India’s most celebrated festivities.
Significance: It is the yearly celebration of Lord Krishna’s birthday.
Major attractions: Janmashtami pooja and festivals in temples, as well as Lord Krishna’s jhaankis.
When: As per the Hindu lunisolar calendar, Ashtami is the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Bhadrapada month, which coincides to August or September on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: The Hindu community celebrates this festival around the world, but the celebrations in Mathura & Vrindavan are particularly prominent.
Date: Krishna Janmashtami will begin on Thursday, 18 August and end on Friday, 19 August
How to celebrate: Attend Krishna temples and participate in special pujas with bhajans and jhankis.
6. Ganesh Chaturthi: 11 Days Of Lord Ganesha’s Pampering!
Ganesh Chaturthi, another of India’s major Hindu holy holidays, is a ten-day extravaganza of vibrant activities. Massive handmade Ganesh idols are erected in households and public pandals. Morning and evening pujas are held. The last day is Visarjan — the immersing of an idol in a body of water. There are cultural events such as singing, dance, and theatre as well as free health care and blood donation camps.
Significance: It is Lord Ganesha’s birthday, the elephant-headed God.
Major attractions: The exquisitely made life-size Ganesha sculptures and the immersion ritual.
When: On the fourth day of the first fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi) of the Hindu lunisolar month of Bhadrapada (August or September on the Gregorian calendar),
Where: With enthusiasm and gaiety throughout the Maharashtra as well as Andhra Pradesh states
Date: Wednesday, 31 August
How to celebrate: Participate in cultural events and see the visarjan ritual.
7. Gurpurab: Religious Processions and Calming Hymns
One of the most significant Sikh festival in India, special gatherings on the lives and principles of the gurus are held at the gurudwaras, along with langars (community feasts). Karah Prasad is provided to everybody, and the city hosts hymn-chanting processions. To commemorate Gurpurab, residents burn lights and candles as well as burst crackers.
Significance: It is observed throughout the nation to commemorate Guru Nanak Dev’s birth anniversary as the founder of Sikhism.
Major attractions: The lyrical Bhajan-Kirtan (hymns), Gurbani at Gurdwaras, the Langar, and the Karah Prasad are also key features.
When: The full moon night of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik, which coincides to November on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: The Sikh community celebrates this day around the globe, most notably in Punjab.
Date: Tuesday, 8 November
How to celebrate: Visit gurudwaras, engage in sewa & langar, assist the poor, and donate to charity.
8. Raksha Bandhan: Enhancing Kinship Bonds
Rakhi is one of the most popular holidays in India. It is observed by Hindus. To symbolise the brother-sister connection, the sister prays, applies tilak, and binds rakhi (a holy thread) on the brother’s wrist, wishing him well. In exchange, the brother swears to safeguard the sister. Another event that has a significant resemblance to Rakhi is Bhai Dooj, which occurs immediately after Diwali.
Significance: It is symbolic of a brother and sister’s strong bond.
Major attractions: Rakhi ceremony and brilliantly decorated stalls brimming with a vibrant array of rakhis and sweets.
When: The full moon night of the Hindu lunisolar month of Shravana, which coincides to August on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Throughout North, Central, and Western India.
Date: Thursday, 11 August
How to celebrate: Come together to celebrate the occasion with your siblings.
9. Eid-Ul-Fitr: Delectable Buffets and Sweet Festivities
Eid is one of India’s most important Muslim celebrations. Individuals dress in finery, attend a morning communal prayer, visit friends and family, and share sweets. Elders bestow idi (money or a gift) to children.
Significance: It commemorates the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Major attractions: The gorgeously decorated marketplaces and mosques, the early Eid namaz at the mosques, and the sweet delicacies are all major attractions.
When: On the very first day of the lunar Hijri calendar month of Shawwal, which corresponds to July in the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Observed by Muslims across the nation
Date: Tuesday, 3 May
How to celebrate: Attend a special morning communal prayer, visit friends and family, and share sweets.
10. Onam: The Mighty Mahabali’s Inauguration
During Onam, which is one of India’s most major national festivals, people wear traditional garb, adorn their houses with Pookalam (floral garlands), and prepare Onosadya (elaborate meal of about 13 dishes). During the festival, there are a various activities, such as the snake boat race (Vallamkali), clap dance (Kaikotikali), Kathakali dance, and the Pulikali parade (including performers dressed as tigers and hunters).
Significance: It commemorates the mythical monarch Mahabali’s return to his homeland.
Major attractions: The stunning Snake Boat Race, the mystical Kaikottikali dance, as well as the Elephant procession are among the highlights.
When: During the Malayalam month of Chingam, which coincides to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.
Where: In the state of Kerala, it is observed by people of various communities.
Date: Onam will begin on Tuesday, 30 August and end on Thursday, 8 September
How to celebrate: Attend boat races and other celebrations.
11. Pongal: Festival of Delectable Rangolis And Sweet Savouries
South India’s harvest festival, which lasts four days, is one of the most prominent events in the country. Individuals cook Pongal dishes and dress in traditional garb. Celebrities at this well-known South Indian celebration include bonfires, dancing, cow races, sweets, and savouries. The Kolam patterns adorn the dwellings (traditional floral designs made with rice, coloured powders, and flower petals)
Significance: It is a festival of thankfulness to nature, commemorating the year’s first harvest.
Major attractions: The diversity of Kolam patterns and cattle races are major attractions.
When: January 15th
Where: Tamils across India, mainly in Tamil Nadu, celebrate this day.
Date: Pongal began on Friday, 14 January and ended on Monday, 17 January
How to celebrate: Bonfires, dances, cattle races, and sweets and savoury treats.
12. Christmas: A Time To Remember Jesus Christ’s Birth
Christmas is among the most prominent and anticipated events in India and around the globe, and it has immense importance for both elders and children. Everyone, despite of faith, anticipates this day, particularly youngsters, who anticipate the surprise presents from Santa. To mark the birth of the Lord Jesus, all churches are illuminated and adorned.
Significance: The importance of this day is that it is the birthday of the Lord Jesus.
Major attractions: Attractions include the Christmas tree, prayers, the birth of the Lord Jesus, and Santa Claus.
Where: Throughout India, the event is observed. Goa, Pondicherry, and Kerala are the greatest destinations in India to celebrate Christmas.
Date: Sunday, 25 December
How to celebrate: Visit a church and participate in prayers; attend carnivals and festivities.
13. Easter: Commemorating Jesus Christ’s Resurrection
Easter, like other holidays in India and around the globe, is observed with tremendous zeal and religious solemnity in various sections of the nation. Easter in India is marked with a variety of vibrant decorations, dance and performances, simmel and plum desserts, and beautiful lanterns gracing the streets.
Significance: The Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus
Major attractions:Attractions include folk music and dancing, Easter eggs, pastries, and chocolates, as well as street decorations.
Where: Throughout India, the event is observed. Goa, Pondicherry, and Kerala are the greatest destinations in India to celebrate Easter.
Date: Sunday, 17 April
How to celebrate: Attend prayers and make easter egg chocolates and decorate them.
14. Baisakhi: A Festival Of Rich Traditions As well as Cultural Abundance
Baisakhi, one of India’s most prominent festivals, is observed by the Sikh population in Punjab and around the globe. It commemorates the start of the rabi agricultural harvest season. Sikhs commemorate this event with zeal and zeal, performing traditional folk dances including Giddha and Bhangra. The event is significant religiously in India because it commemorates the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, laid the basic foundation for the Panth Khalsa-the Order.
Significance: The significance of this is to usher in the harvest season.
Major attractions: Attractions include folk dances such as Bhangra as well as Giddha, Punjabi feasts, and ornamentation of homes and Gurudwaras.
Where: The event is observed across India’s Sikh community. Punjab is the greatest location in India to celebrate Baisakhi.
Date: Thursday, 14 April
How to celebrate: Visit gurudwaras, savour delectable cuisine given during festivals, and participate in local festivities.
15. Makar Sankranti: The Hindu New Year
Makar Sankranti is the true new year celebrated by North Indians and Sikhs. It occurs one day after Lohri. On this day, worship is offered to God in order to obtain his blessings for the next year. It is, in a sense, the end of winter and the start of spring, which for farmers signifies the conclusion of the agricultural cycle. The dates are determined by solar cycles, in contrast to other Hindu festivals, which are determined by lunar cycles. This day is marked with kite flying and the consumption of spicy ‘Bajre ki khichdi’ and sweet ’til ladoo’. Gujaratis refer to this event as Uttarayan.
Significance: The importance of this day is that it marks the start of the agricultural cycle.
Major attractions: Kite flying is a major attraction.
Where: The event is observed across India’s North Indian and Sikh populations. The northern reegion of India is the greatest spot to celebrate Makar Sankranti.
Date: Friday, 14 January
How to celebrate: Attend festivals and pay a visit to temples and sacred locations.
16. Maha Shivratri: Worship of Lord Shiva
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this Indian event is held in high regard by Shiva followers. It is a significant festival in Hindu mythology, occurring on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun. On this day, it is acknowledged that everyone who worships Lord Shiva obtains forgiveness and redemption from their sins. Additionally, it is one of the most significant holidays in India for single and married ladies seeking marital happiness.
Significance: Worship to Lord Shiva is significant.
Major attractions: Attractions include fasting and adoration to Lord Shiva.
Where: India’s north-eastern states and Nepal
Date: Tuesday, 1 March
How to celebrate: Visit temples and take part in ceremonies and revelry.
17. Basant Panchami: Festival Dedicated To Goddess Saraswati
Basant Panchmi, which is celebrated in January or February, is a festival devoted to Goddess Saraswati and is among the India’s most prominent festivals. For researchers and students, it is a significant day when they honour the Goddess of Wisdom. The festival is mainly observed in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Punjab, and Haryana. In Rajasthan, residents present jasmine flowers to the goddess, while the region of Punjab hosts langars.
Significance: It is significant because it heralds the arrival of spring.
Major attractions: On this day, individuals dress in yellow and prepare yellow foods such as delicious saffron rice and kadhi.
When: It is observed on the 5th day of the Hindu month of Magha.
Where: Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab and Haryana.
Date: Saturday, 5 February
How to celebrate: Attending Saraswati Puja and related activities.
18. Mahavir Jayanti: Lord Mahavir’s Birth
Mahavir Janma Kalyanak is a significant day for followers of the Jain faith since it commemorates Lord Mahavir’s birth. As you may have seen, Lord Mahavir’s statue is given a Mahabhishek, during which it is washed in milk and flowers. Even in the streets, a spectacular procession of Lord Mahavira’s idol is held.
Significance: It marks the anniversary of Lord Mahavir’s birth.
Major attractions: Attractions include prayer and fasting. Rath Yatra is also held.
When: It is observed on the 13th day of the Hindu month of Chaitra.
Where: It is regularly seen in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Date: Friday, 15 April
How to celebrate: Attend big processions and visit Jain monasteries.
19. Ugadi: A Festival of Gratitude
Ugadi is a regional new year’s festival observed by the peoples of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. This fortunate harvest festival is marked by decorating the floor with rangolis, purchasing and giving presents, and enjoying special meals. It is one among India’s most renowned celebrations.
Significance: It is a harvest holiday that is considered favourable for beginning fresh activities.
Major attractions: Attractions include renowned Ugadi cuisines such as Pulihora, Ugadi Pachadi, and Bobbatlu, all of which are cooked with raw mango, neem, jaggery, and tamarind.
When: On the first day of Chaitra in the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Where: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Date: Saturday, 2 April
How to celebrate: Attend local festivities.
20. Chhath Puja: A Festival Worshiping The Sun God
The Chhath Puja is a four-day celebration devoted to the sun deity. Devotees pray to them, expressing gratitude for their own life, fortune, and health, as well as the health of their family. Numerous pilgrims also take a dip in the sacred Ganges river. Numerous worshippers likewise fast throughout the puja, in accordance with the narrative of Rama and Sita’s fast to worship the sun deity.
Significance: The event is significant since it is devoted to the adoration of the sun deity.
Major attractions: As part of the puja process, some worshippers abstain from food and drink.
When: On the 6th day of Kartika, the Hindu month that corresponds to October or November in the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Bihar
Date: Sunday, 30 October
How to celebrate: Attend festivals, bathe in sacred waters, and participate in festivities.
21. Govardhan Puja: The Feast Commemorating the Day Lord Krishna Conquered Indra Dev
Govardhan Puja, also termed as Annakut Puja, commemorates the day when Lord Krishna conquered the deity of thunder and rain, Indra. In Maharashtra, this day is known as Bali Pratipada, whilst in Gujarat, it is known as Gujarati New Year’s Day.
Significance: The day is commemorated as the day Lord Krishna conquered God Indra.
Major attractions: On this day, cereal-based foods like as wheat, rice, and lush green vegetables are prepared and presented to Lord Krishna.
When: Generally, it occurs the day following Diwali.
Where: Throughout India
Date: Wednesday, 26 October
How to celebrate: Perform Govardhan parikrama, visit temples, and participate in religious events.
22. Gudi Padwa: Maharashtra’s Grand Harvest Festival
Gudi Padwa is a major harvest festival that is mostly observed in the state of Maharashtra to commemorate the start of an auspicious new year. At the entrance to their houses, residents create rangoli patterns and embellish them with flowers. Individuals socialise with friends and family, while women prepare sweets such as Shrikhand, Puran Poli, and Sunth Paak.
Significance: The festival’s significance is that it is a time for people to worship to Lord Vishnu.
Major attractions: Locals craft Gudi (bamboo dolls) from mango as well as neem leaves and place them at the entryway.
Where: Maharashtra
Date: Saturday, 2 April
How to celebrate: Attend festivities.
23. Republic Day: India’s Constitution Day
Republic Day has become one of those events in India that elicits the highest levels of patriotism among the populace. For it was the day when India’s constitution was adopted and the nation was transformed from a British Colonialism to a republic. This occurred in 1950, 3 years after India attained independence. This day is observed with tremendous pride and enthusiasm each year.
Significance: This day is commemorated as the birth of India’s Constitution.
Major attractions: Each year on this day, a huge procession begins at Rashtrapati Bhavan and proceeds to Rajpath, India Gate, then lastly the Red Fort.
Where: Throughout India
Date: Wednesday, 26 January
How to celebrate: Attend the Republic Day parade and partake in the festivities.
24. Kumbh Mela: Hinduism’s Most Important Pilgrimage Festival
Kumbh Mela, one of India’s greatest sacred events, is held usually every 12 years on the banks of four holy rivers – Prayag, Haridwar, Nashik, as well as Ujjain. The pilgrims participating in this celebration take a bath in the holy waters in order to cleanse themselves of all their life’s sins. Additionally, the festivities feature an extravagant bazaar, religious talks by gurus and saints, and mass feedings of the needy.
Significance: Celebrated according to the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter’s astrological placements.
Major attractions: The Kumbh Mela attracts millions of pilgrims who take a bath in the sacred waters.
Where: Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain, as well as Nasik are the locations (On rotation)
Date: 14th January to 27th April 2021: Kumbh Mela
How to celebrate: Take a dip in the sacred river, participate in rites and pujas, and attend spiritual guru talks.
25. Mewar Festival: A Spectacular Look at Rajasthani Culture
This event takes place in the city of Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan. The celebration commemorates the coming of spring. If you want to see the traditional and cultural side of Rajasthan in general, you should not miss this event. This celebration has a long history, dating all the way back to the Sisodia Dynasty’s reign in India.
Significance: Celebrated to usher in the spring season
Major attractions: The whole event is highly colourful, and ladies in Udaipur may be seen participating enthusiastically in the numerous festivities.
Where: Udaipur
Date: It is often held in March or April and corresponds with the Gangaur holiday.
How to celebrate: Attend festivities.
26. Buddha Jayanti: The Feast of the Birth of a Spiritual Being
This is one of the most sacred holidays in the nation of India, and it is observed annually. It is also referred to as Buddha Purnima on occasion. The event commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha, who is credited with introducing the concept of Buddhism to the rest of the world. In addition to making the most of this day, individuals participate in Buddhist teachings and dress in white attire in accordance with tradition in order to maximise their enjoyment.
Significance: The significance of this event is that it commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha on this day in history.
Major attractions: On this day, individuals transmit Buddhist teachings, and everyone dresses in white clothing.
Where: Sikkim, Bodh Gaya, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, Kurseong, and Maharashtra are among the places where you may go.
Date: Monday, 16 May
How to celebrate: Visit Buddhist temples as well as monasteries, listening to talks, and participating in prayers.
27. Ratha Yatra – A Festival Dedicated To Lord Jagannath That Takes Place Every Year
Lord Jagannath is the focus of this festival of chariots, which is held as a celebration of the Lord’s birthday. The famed Puri Jagannath Temple in the State of Odisha attracts a large number of visitors. It is necessary to set the statues of Goddess Subhadra, Lord Jagannath, plus Lord Balabhadra on a chariot before they may be carried out in a procession.
Significance: Its significance is that it is observed to pay homage to the Hindu deity Lord Jagannath.
Major attractions: The main attractions are the chariots containing the statues of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, as well as Lord Balabhadra, which are pulled through the streets.
Where: Puri is the location.
Date: Friday, 1 July
How to celebrate: Participate in the Rath Yatra.
28. Durga Puja: A Celebration Of Prosperity, Virtue, And Devotion
Durga Puja, one of the most significant Hindu holidays in India, is celebrated with magnificence by Bengalis around the nation and is listed among the top religious festivals in the country. Throughout the ten days of fasting, feasting, and devotion of Goddess Durga, cultural music, dances, and plays are performed. Massive and exquisite Durga idols are crafted and installed in specially crafted artistic Pandals (canopies). Individuals dress in traditional garb and make their way around the pandal, praying and dining.
Significance: It recalls Lord Rama’s prayer to Goddess Durga before to his conflict with Ravana.
Major attractions: Attractions include plush pandals, exquisite ten-armed Durga statues, and the puja.
When: On the tenth day of Ashwina Shukla paksha, which correlates to September or October on the Gregorian calendar, based on the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Where: Kolkata and India’s metropolises are the ideal locations to go during Durga Puja festivities.
Date: Durga Puja will begin on Saturday, 1 October and end on Wednesday, 5 October
How to celebrate: Join Durga Puja pandals to experience the genuine spirit of this festival.
29. Bihu: A Celebration Of Dance, Music, & Laughter
Among the Indian holidays observed in the North East, Bihu is Assam’s harvest festival. Throughout the month-long festivities, young men and women dress in traditional attire and dance the Bihu in village farms and courtyards. In India, during Bihu festivities, a communal feast is conducted with much pomp.
Significance: It is Assamese people’s traditional new year celebration.
Major attractions: The Bihu dance and the indigenous food — coconut ladoo, til pitha, ghila pitha, with fish pitika – are key features.
Where: The Assamese community around the globe, particularly in Assam, celebrates
Date: Friday, 14 January
How to celebrate: Dress in traditional attire and attend ceremonies; participate in indigenous rites.
30. Hemis: Calming Chants And Vibrant Costumes
Hemis, a two-day religious celebration in Ladakh, is one of India’s most significant festivals. Each year, it draws a large number of residents and international visitors. The celebrations feature the Cham dance performed by priests to the accompaniment of traditional music played by monks on cymbals, drums, and trumpets. It is one of the most unusual sorts of event, since the dancing priests wear ornate brocade robes and masks.
Significance: It marks the birth anniversary of religious master Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism.
Major attractions: Attractions include the picturesque Hemis monastery as well as the Cham dance.
When: The tenth day (in Tibetan, called Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar cycle, which coincides to June or July in the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir
Date: Hemis Festival is going to commence on 8th July and will end on 9th July
How to celebrate: Attend the priests’ rituals and processions.
31. Camel Festival: Cattle Trading Festival
This annual event in Pushkar is one of the most fascinating in India. When the sand floors of Pushkar are completely covered with camels, it is simply breathtaking. This is the one event that one must attend if they want to experience some historical and traditional Indian festivities. Originally, the celebration was held to encourage local camel and cow dealers to do business during the auspicious Kartik Purnima holiday.
Significance: The importance of this day is that it is a holy day for cattle & camel dealers to do business.
Major attractions: On this day, camel and animal dealers congregate to do business during the sacred Kartik Purnima festival.
Where: Rajasthan’s Pushkar
Date: 7th- 9th of January
How to celebrate: Pay a visit to Pushkar and partake in the festivities.
32. Independence Day: A Time To Celebrate Freedom
Independence Day is among the most significant and widely celebrated national holidays. It is observed to honour the spirit of India’s independence. The Prime Minister of India performs the flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort. This is followed by the firing of 21 bullets in salutation.
Significance: Observed to celebrate the attainment of independence on 15 August 1947.
Major attractions: Attractions include the salute delivered by 21 gunshots and the raising of the Indian flag by the Prime Minister of India.
Where: All over the country
Date: Monday, 15 August
How to celebrate: Celebrate your independence with friends and family, fly kites, participate in ceremonies, and feel patriotic.
33. Dree Festival: Arunachal Pradesh’s Harvest Festival
This celebration, held in the scenic Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, is the state’s largest harvest festival. This holiday is observed to unite people and pray for a prosperous harvest. Additionally, attendees are fed cucumbers to symbolise the abundance of the crop.
Significance: This is regarded to be one of the most important harvest festivities in India.
Major attractions: People congregate and pray in unison for a successful crop
Where: Ziro Valley
Date: Monday, January 17
How to celebrate: Attend ceremonies.
34. Thrissur Pooram: When The Moon And The Pooram Star Converge
Considered to be one of the most renowned of all the festivals held in Kerala, Thrissur Pooram will be an unforgettable experience. This event attracts visitors from all across the nation. The Thrissur Pooram festivities continue for 36 hours. This celebration is not complete without fireworks and parasol displays.
Significance: The event is held to commemorate the founding of ten temples in the vicinity of Vadakkunnathan Temple.
Major attractions: Attractions include parasol displays and pyrotechnics.
Where: Thrissur
Date: Tuesday, 10 May
How to celebrate: Attend the processions.
35. The Hornbill Festival: A Festival Within A Festival
The Hornbill Festival is one of the grandest Indian celebrations observed in Nagaland. This week-long celebration honours their culture and traditions. Hornbill, dubbed the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ is dedicated to the celebration of traditional tribal customs, lifestyles, and history.
Significance: The day is observed to foster intercultural peace among diverse tribes.
Major attractions: This day has a variety of events throughout the week, including horseback riding, a craft area, painting, a flower exhibit, herbal medicine sales, a chilli eating competition, performances, sports, and games.
Where Nagaland
Date: The Hornbill Festival is an annual event that takes place from 1 to 10 December.
How to celebrate: Attend activities that include horseback riding, a craft area, painting, a flower exhibit, the selling of natural medicines, a chilli eating competition, and performances.
FAQs About Popular Indian Festivals In 2022
India is a huge and varied nation. Each village has its own festivals and holidays. If you include just the big festivals, there should be approximately 30 in a calendar year.
The following are the top 11 religious and cultural festivals in India that we feel everyone should experience and celebrate while in the country:
1. Makar Sankranti
2. Pongal
3. Holi
4. Easter
5. Maha Shivratri
6. Eid-al-Fitr (Ramadan)
7. Janmasthami
8. Durga Puja/Dussehra
9. Diwali
10. Buddha Purnima
11. Christmas
Diwali is without a doubt one of the most celebrated celebrations in India. The festival of lights, which is observed across India, has a number of symbolic meanings for the country’s different cultures. However, everyone gathers in synchronisation to light diyas and enjoy the festival of lights.
India, being such a culturally varied population, has several celebrations and festivals, but just three are national:
1. Republic Day (26 January)
2. Independence Day (15 August)
3. Gandhi Jayanti (2 October).
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the various festivals of India, it’s time to get ready to celebrate them all with a lot of pomp and love! For more blogs about popular festivals, keep reading Seema!
