Festivals of India
Festivals of India have a very Huge list. The culturally rich land of India has various festivals on its soil. Because their essences are so unique, experiencing each of them is like living a hundred lifetimes in one. Nonetheless, these celebrations highlight India’s beauty.
India is a country that is divided by religions but united by festivals. Every festival is celebrated by people belonging to different religions. Diwali is such a festival that is celebrated in the whole country, even some Muslims celebrate Diwali. In this article, we will discuss the different festivals of India. Stay tuned and read the entire article to know the Festivals of India and their importance.
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Festivals of India Name 2023
- Holi — Festival of Colors (March 24th, 2024)
- Navaratri — the 9-Nights Festival for Goddesses (October 15th to October 24th, 2023)
- Dushera — Victory of Rama on the tenth day (October 24th, 2023)
- Durga Puja — Victory of Durga (October 20th to 24th, 2023)
- Onam — New Year in Kerala (August 29th, 2023)
- Dewali — Festival of Lamps (November 12th, 2024)
- Makar Sankranti — the Kite Festival (January 14th, 2024)
- Eid-ul-Fitr — Marks the end of Ramadan (April 21st, 2023)
- Ganesh Chaturthi — Birthday of the Elephant-Headed God (September 19th, 2023)
Important Indian Festivals Name List 2023
Below we have given the list of festivals of India celebrated across the country in a year. Check out the list of festivals with their dates given below in the table:
| Festivals of India | Date | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Bikaner Camel Festival: Dedicated to Camels and Rajasthan culture | January 13th –15th, 2024 | Optional holiday |
| Lohri: Winter harvest festival | January 13th, 2024 | Optional holiday |
| Makar Sankranti: Harvest festival in north India | January 14th, 2024 | Optional holiday |
| Pongal: Harvest festival in south India | January 15th, 2024 | Optional holiday |
| Republic Day: Anniversary of the Constitution of India | January 26th, 2024 | √ |
| Basant_Panchami: Festival for Goddess Saraswati (goddess of knowledge, music, learning, and arts) | February 14th, 2024 | Optional holiday |
| Mahashivratri: Worship of Lord Shiva | March 8th, 2024 | √ |
| Losar: Tibetan New Year | February 10th, 2024 | Optional holiday |
| Holi: Festival of Colors | March 24th, 2024 | √ |
| Ugadi: Hindu New Year | April 9th, 2024 | √ |
| Bihu: Assamese New Year | April 14th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Mewar Festival: Spring’s arrival | March 24th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Baisakhi: Spring harvest festival in Punjab | April 14th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Mahavir Jayanti: Birth Of Lord Mahavir (founder of Jainism) | April 21st, 2024 | √ |
| Good Friday: The atoning death of Jesus Christ | March 29th, 2024 | √ |
| Hanuman Jayanti: Birth of Hanuman Ji | April 23rd, 2024 | Optional holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr: Festival of Breaking of the Fast | April 22th, 2023 | √ |
| Buddha Jayanti: Gautama Buddha’s birthday | May 26th, 2023 | √ |
| Ratha Yatra: Lord Jagannath (avatar of Lord Vishnu) | June 20th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Eid al-Adha: Feast of Sacrifice | June 29th, 2023 | √ |
| Hemis: Birth of Lord Padmasambhava, founder of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism | June 28th–29th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Raksha Bandhan: The bond between siblings | August 30th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Independence Day: Freedom from British rule | August 15th, 2023 | √ |
| Janmashtami: Birth of Krishna (8th avatar of God Vishnu) | September 6th, 2023 | √ |
| Ganesh Chaturthi: Birthday of Ganesha (the elephant-headed God) | September 19th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Onam: New Year for the Malayali People in Kerala | August 29th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Navaratri: 9-nights worshipping three goddesses | October 15th to 24th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Durga Puja: Victory of the goddess Durga over a demon | October 20th to 24th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Gandhi Jayanti: The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of The Nation) | October 2nd, 2023 | √ |
| Dussehra: Victory of Rama on the tenth day | October 24th, 2023 | √ |
| Eid Milad Un Nabi: Birthday of Muhammad (founder of Islam) | September 28th, 2028 | √ |
| Karwa Chauth: Hindu Women’s Festival | November 1st, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Diwali: Festival of Lights | November 12th, 2023 | √ |
| Chhath Puja: Thanking the sun god Surya | November 19th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti: Birth of Guru Nanak (founder of Sikhism) | November 27th, 2023 | √ |
| Pushkar Camel Fair: A decorated camel carnival, plus Rajasthan culture activities | November 20th to 27th, 2023 | Optional holiday |
| Christmas: Jesus Christ’s birth | December 25th, 2023 | √ |
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Festivals of India Chart
Festivals of India State wise 2023- Religious & Harvest
| State | List of Indian Festivals |
| Andhra Pradesh | Dasara, Ugadi, Deccan Festival, Brahmotsavam |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Reh, Boori Boot, Myoko, Dree, Pongtu, Losar, Murung, Solang, Mopin, Monpa festival |
| Assam | Ambubachi, Bhogali Bihu, Baishagu, Dehing Patkai |
| Bihar | Chhath Puja, Bihula |
| Chhattisgarh | Maghi Purnima, Bastar Dussehra |
| Goa | Sunburn festival, Ladain, Mando |
| Gujarat | Navratri, Janmashtami, Kutch Utsav, Uttarayana |
| Himachal Pradesh | Rakhadumni, Gochi Festival |
| Haryana | Baisakhi |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Har Navami, Chhari, Bahu Mela, Dosmoche, |
| Jharkhand | Karam Utsav, Holi, Rohini, Tusu |
| Karnataka | Mysore Dasara, Ugadi |
| Kerala | Onam, Vishu |
| Madhya Pradesh | Lok-rang Utsav, Tejaji, Khujaraho festival |
| Meghalaya | Nongkrem festival, Khasis festival, Wangla, Sajibu Cheiraoba |
| Maharashtra | Ganesh Utsav, Gudi Padva |
| Manipur | Yaoshang, Porag, Chavang Kut |
| Mizoram | Chapcharkut Festival |
| Nagaland | Hornbill festival, Moatsu Festival |
| Odisha | Rath Yatra, Raja Parba, Nukahai |
| Punjab | Lohri, Baisakhi |
| Rajasthan | Gangaur, Teej, Bundi |
| Sikkim | Losar, Saga Dawa |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal, Thaipusam, Natyanjali Festival |
| Telangana | Bonalu, Bathukamma |
| Tripura | Kharchi Puja |
| West Bengal | Durga Puja |
| Uttaranchal | Ganga Dussehra |
| Uttar Pradesh | Ram Navmi, Ganga Mahotsav, Navaratri, Khichdi |
Festivals of India-Diwali
This Diwali will fall on the 12th of November, in 2022. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is widely celebrated throughout India. Traditionally, it would last for five days. The darkest night is Diwali night, also known as the new moon night, which occurs at the last of the month of Ashvin and the beginning of the month of Kartika. The Diwali festival commemorates Lord Ram’s return to Ayodha after 14 years in exile. People clean their homes and elegantly decorate them with lights and diyas. They put on new clothes, prepare sweets, and hope for better days.
There are 5 auspicious days we celebrate during Diwali. Below we have given the names of these 5 days with their sequence of occurrence.
- Day 1 – Dhanteras
- Day 2 – Naraka Chaturdashi, Chhoti Diwali
- Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja/Kali Puja
- Day 4 – Govardhan Puja
- Day 5 – Bhai Dooj/Vishwakarma Puja
Festivals of India- Holi
Holi is one of India’s most celebrated festivals. This year Holi will be celebrated on 8th March 2023. The “Festival of Colors,” Holi, revolves around the burning and destruction of the demonic Holika. Holi is a prominent Indian festival that commemorates excellent harvests and land fertility. The most enjoyable aspect of this festival is when people play with color powder and use water pistols. This event also commemorates Radha and Krishna’s, eternal love. Holi, India’s colorful festival, is celebrated in a magnificent manner in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Festivals of India-Raksha Bandhan
This year Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on 31 August 2023, Thursday. Rakhsha Bandhan is one of India’s most auspicious celebrations. Raksha means ‘safety’ while Bandhan means ‘connection.’ Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of the adoring and bonding relationship that exists between siblings. Raksha Bandhan has its origins in mythology. It is stated that when Lord Krishna accidentally nicked his finger with his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ during the Mahabharat, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree and tied it to his finger to stem the bleeding. Lord Krishna was so moved by her generosity and gesture that he pledged to always protect her. Around this day, sisters tie Rakhi, a protection band, on their brother’s hand to assure his safety. In exchange, her brother promises to do the same.
Festivals of India- Christmas
Every year on 25th December, people celebrate Christmas. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God. It’s a time when loved ones get together to celebrate the positive things in their lives. People, particularly children, enjoy Christmas since it is the occasion for giving and receiving gifts. The term “Christmas” is derived from the Mass of Christ. Mass assistance is a site where Christians remember that Jesus died for them and then rose again. The ‘Christ-Mass’ service was the only one that could take place after sunset, thus it took place at Midnight.
Festivals of India-Lohri
Lohri is one of India’s most celebrated festivals. This year Lohri was celebrated on 13th January 2023, Thursday. Lohri is celebrated on the last day of the month of Paush, which is also known as Makar Sankranti in most parts of the world. Lohri signifies the beginning of the harvest season in Punjab as well as the conclusion of the winter season. Lohri, one of India’s most prominent Punjabi festivals, is celebrated by setting a massive bonfire in the yard after the rabi crops have been chopped. Small idols of the Lohri goddess are fashioned and set beneath the blazing fire. People dress in traditional attire and toss sesame seeds, jaggery into the fire.
Festivals of India Essay
There are three major sorts of festivals in India. The national festivals commemorate those moments in time when something extraordinary occurred and altered the path of history for our nation. For instance, Republic Day is observed on January 26. Gandhi Jayanti, or Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, is observed on October 2.
On August 15, 1947, we celebrate our independence. On this day, the British Empire’s colonial reign over us was officially ended. We honour and commemorate the revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives so that we could be free from the yoke of British rule. The capital of our country, New Delhi, honours Republic Day with valour.
Together, our armed forces put on a show for the public and demonstrate their strength. Everywhere in the nation celebrates these festivals.
The most celebrated religious holidays in our country are Guru Nanak Jayanti, Holi, Diwali, Eid-Ul-Fitr, and Dussehra. Diwali and Dussehra are regarded as India’s two most important religious holidays. The states that participate in these festivals are decked out like newlyweds. The main draws for kids are brand-new, vibrant outfits and delectable foods. People of various ages and socioeconomic levels congregate in one location at this time of year to worship the gods and goddesses.
Seasonal festivals frequently highlight agriculture or other seasonal occurrences. The seasonal examples include Onam in Kerala, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, etc. India is a predominantly agricultural nation, therefore these Festivals have a significant historical significance. These Festivals typically mark the beginning of fresh crops. In order to ensure a healthy crop the following year, farmers worship the Gods and Goddesses of agriculture and harvest. The wonderful thing is that harvest-related seasonal festivals are observed at the same time of year despite cultural diversity.
This nation of India is united through these festivals. No other nation can rival its ability to exhibit the beauty of diverse togetherness. Despite their societal inequalities, different communities are kept together by festivals, which strengthen India. We have been passing along this legacy of our nation from one generation to the next for a very long time.
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