India popularly referred to as “the land of festivals,” is a country rich in religion, history, traditions, cultures, and customs. From vibrant and cheerful celebrations to religious and cultural events, India has a diverse spectrum of festivals that highlight the country’s unique heritage and customs. Each festival is deeply rooted in traditions and beautifully celebrated with a combination of colors, decorations, dancing, music, lights and delectable food. These festivals not only add color to the lives of the people but also unite them in joy and celebration. From the stunning view of thousands of lit lamps during Diwali to the colorful celebrations of Holi, India’s festivals are sensory delights.
In this post, we’ll look at some of India’s top 10 biggest festivals, exploring their significance, distinctive rituals, and the spirit of celebration that unites the country.
Top 10 famous festivals in India:
- Diwali
- Holi
- Krishna Janmashtami
- Pongal
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Eid al-fitr
- Durga puja, Dussehra, Navratri
- Onam
- Makar Sankranti
- Christmas
- Bonus-Gurpurab
1. Diwali:
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is unquestionably one of India’s biggest and most famous festival celebrations of the year. It is a five-day festival commemorating many Hindu mythologies, such as Lord Rama’s homecoming from exile, goddess Laxmi’s birthday, Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, and goddess Kali’s, the destroyer of bad forces. These legends reflect the strength of deity, prosperity, and victory against evil. The celebrations involve people lighting diyas and candles in their homes, attending family pujas, dressing up their traditional attire, sharing greetings and gifts with friends and family, indulging in popular festive sweets, and enjoying fireworks, which are a highlight of the day, particularly for children. This is a must-see Indian festival!
2. Holi:
Holi is one of India’s biggest and most vibrant festivals, which is also celebrated in many other countries. At this delightful celebration, people join together mostly in white clothes to sing, enjoy playing with colored powders on each other, have water fights, eat festive treats, and dance to traditional music. The city’s vibrant colors create a joyful atmosphere. Gujiya and thandai are traditional delicacies enjoyed during Holi. According to mythology, Holi commemorates the triumph of good over evil, such as Lord Vishnu as Narasimha Narayana defeating Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad defeating his evil aunt Holika, and other legends celebrate Lord Radha Krishna’s enduring and divine love. Holi is a wonderful reflection of togetherness, love, and happiness, making it a popular festival across the country.
3. Krishna Janmashtami:
Krishna Janmashtami is a highly celebrated Indian festival commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved Hindu deities. Mathura is Lord Krishna’s birthplace, so they celebrate Janmashtami with great reverence and enthusiasm. Vrindavan is another wonderful destination with a deep connection to Lord Krishna. He spent his childhood here. These two are the ideal places in India for witnessing Janmashtami celebrations, and it is quite popular in these places. The celebration begins at midnight, with devotees fasting for the entire day, praying specific prayers, then breaking their fast at midnight since it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at that time. Dahi Handi, which occurs the day after Janmashtami. This occurrence recreates Krishna’s childhood habit of stealing butter. An earthen pot loaded with curd, ghee, and milk hangs high above, and teams of young men form human pyramids to reach and break pots.
4. Pongal:
Pongal is one of the popular festivals celebrated in India, notably in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, over four days at the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. During this festival, people thank Surya(the sun god) for a bountiful harvest and pray for plenty of crops in the future year. It lasts four days, which are: Bhogi Pongal, Thai (surya) Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal—each day of this festival has a unique significance. Families come together to prepare Pongal, a traditional delicacy made from freshly harvested rice along with milk and jaggery in clay pots. The overflowing of milk represents the prosperity and abundance of the upcoming year. The celebration also includes decoration of homes with colorful kolams (patterns drawn using rice powder), traditional clothing, cattle races, and participation in traditional games and dances.
5. Ganesh Chaturthi:
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is India’s most famous and biggest Hindu religious festival. This is a ten-day festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated with tremendous grandeur in Maharashtra and other places of Western India. It begins with the huge crafted Ganesh idols built, displayed, and worshipped in both home and public pandals. On the last day of the festival, the idols of Lord Ganesha are paraded around the streets, followed by banging drums, people singing and dancing in the streets, and finally the idol is immersed in water. Modak is a traditional sweet dish is particularly popular during Ganesh Chaturthi because it is believed to be Lord Ganesha’s favourite and it is made in each home and served to friends and family.
6. Eid al-fitr:
Eid al-Fitr, without a doubt, is one of the most famous festivals in India and widely celebrated festival for the Muslim community worldwide. Every year, Muslims fast for 30 days during the month of Ramadan. This day is so auspicious because it celebrates the end of Ramadan. The full month of this festival is regarded as the most holy month in the Islamic calendar. During the festival, mosques throughout the country are gorgeously decorated, providing a wonderful display for all. People attend a special prayer on the first morning of Eid, visit relatives and friends’ houses to greet each other with ‘Eid Mubarak!’, dress up in beautiful festive outfits, and prepare delicious foods such as jalar roti, seviyan, and briyani.
7. Durga puja, Dussehra, Navratri:
Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Navratri are the biggest and most popular Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India, each symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and celebrating divine femininity. Durga Puja, which is notably popular in West Bengal, is a festival honoring the divine power of goddess Durga. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, who defeated the Demon Mahihasur. Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. Navratri, which means “nine nights,” is a celebration worshipped the goddess Durga in her different forms.
8. Onam:
Onam is a most famous ten-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala. People celebrate the occasion with zeal to honor the arrival of mythical King Mahabali, who visits his homeland during this time of onam. This ten-day event is filled with culturals, traditional rituals, and celebrations. During the festival, people wear traditional attire, adorn their homes with Pookalam (floral decorations), and prepare Onam Sadhya (a huge feast including an array of exquisite vegetarian meals). The events include Vallamkali (snake boat race), traditional dance performances, and cultural exhibitions that represent Kerala’s rich legacy. Visiting Kerala during Onam will leave you with unforgettable memories.
9. Makar Sankranti:
Makar Sankranti is a most popular and biggest festival observed throughout India to honor the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (makara), indicating the end of winter and the start of warmer days. Sankranti is celebrated in nearly every region of India under different names. It’s known as Makar Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh, Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. This event is celebrated in many states by flying kites, sharing sweets and greetings with friends and family, preparing scrumptious traditional sweets like til chikki and ladoo, particularly those made with sesame seeds and jaggery, and watching traditional dance and music performances.
10. Christmas:
Christmas is one of the most famous and well-known festivals not only in India but all throughout the world, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. During this festival, wonderfully adorned Christmas trees with shimmering lights and colorful decorations can be found in houses, churches, and public places.
Also, individuals typically engage in various festive traditions to commemorate the occasion. These traditions often include exchanging gifts, adorning homes with themed decorations, and inviting their friends and family; partaking in parades or parties; attending special church services; and baking a variety of treats like cakes, pastries, cookies, and traditional delicacies such as plum cake. Additionally, cocktails and other festive beverages are often enjoyed to enhance the holiday spirit. For those seeking an added level of holiday delight, embarking on a visit to a Christmas villages can provide an extra layer of excitement and enjoyment. This tradition brings people together in the spirit of joy and giving, creating memorable moments during the holiday season. Everyone enjoys this event, especially children, and waits on this day for the surprise gifts from Santa.
11. Bonus – Gurpurab:
Gurpurab, also known as Guru Nanak Jayanti, is India’s famous and revered festival, particularly for the Sikh community. This auspicious festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru. The celebration includes beautifully decorated Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) across the country, beautiful floral arrangements, harmonious recitation of holy scriptures, the rhythmic beat of dhol drums, the joyful singing of devotional hymns, as well as the sacred practice of the Langar (where free meals are offered to everyone).
CONCLUSION:
The top 10 famous and biggest festivals in India, are listed above. Each festival has its own set of rituals, traditions, and community bonds. These festivals not only commemorate the country’s rich cultural legacy and diversity, but also promote unity and happiness among its citizens. Since every event has a distinct meaning, picking a favorite is challenging. Tell us which festival is your favorite and why in the comments section below.
