When is Holi Celebrated?

The festival marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. The day after the full moon in March each year. In West Bengal and Odisha, the festival falls on a day before. In some of the northern regions such as Mathura and Vrindavan, the festival is celebrated for a week long.

How is it celebrated?

At most of the places, people spend the day spreading colored powder and colored water on each other’s faces, having parties, having to get together, and dancing under water sprinklers. Many people consume drinks made from Bhang (AKA cannabis). In places, Mathura, Vrindavan, and surrounding areas, people celebrate the festival for over five days, during which along with throwing colors, ladies beat men with a stick. This is the festival full of fun, energy, and enthusiasm.

 Rituals of Holi

There is a story behind Holi. The word “Holi” has come from from “Holika”, the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakaship. Hiranyakaship was virtually immortal. Due to this power, he becomes arrogant and began to consider himself as god and asked everyone to worship him. However, Prahlada – Son of Hiranyakaship disagreed. He was the devotee to Lord Vishnu and continued to worship him only. So, in order to kill Prahlada, Holika – Prahlada’s evil aunt – tricked him into sitting on fire with her. As the fire roared, the cloak worn by Holika flew away from her and encased Prahlada. Eventually, Holika was burned, Prahlada survived. Therefore, the bonfire is the symbolic victory of good over evil. Holi is celebrated by burning of demoness Holika. On the eve of Holi day, a ritual named Holika Dahan, in which bon fire is created to burn away Holika and this process is believed to burn away all the negativity around. Along with this, a special puja is performed, people sing and dance around the fire, and walk around it three times.

In different parts of the country, this beautiful festival of colors is celebrated in different manners, however, the spirit remains the same. Holi is a very light-hearted festival that’s great fun to join. You’ll end up soaked in water, with colour all over your skin and clothes. Now-a-days, people use organic colours to play around during the festival. The whole idea is to have fun and saturate people with colours and love.

It’s a unique festival, which burns away the negativity and brings people closer. During this vibrant festival of colours, people forget about their grudges and pour their love in the form of colours. There is much more to the festival when is experienced.

Come, celebrate this vibrant festival of India. If you want to explore the amazing places where Holi is celebrated in a unique manner Destino’s India with being your partner to help you discover the Liveliness of this festival.

This festival is usually celebrated in the months of September or October. The festivity goes on for ten days. At the end of these ten days, the idols of Goddess Durga along with the idols of some other Gods is immersed in water, marking the end of the festival.

Since it’s one of the most celebrated festivals, we present you with a list where you could find the most enthusiastic Durga Puja celebrations in our country.

 1. Kolkata

This city celebrates Durga Puja like no other city in India or in fact, the world. It is not only a mere religious celebration but also a fanfare which includes each household. It is the artistically decorated pandals, vast idols of Maa Durga, mouth-watering street food, and mesmerizing illuminations, all this adds up and turns Kolkata into a cheerful fantasy for those five days. One of the other traditional practices which happen in Kolkata is that of Bonedi Bari Puja at least one of the locations.

 2.Mumbai

If you’re feeling homesick and are missing out on the grand festivities of Bengal, you don’t worry. Mumbai dazzles during the five days of Durga Puja. The celebrations are not only for Bengalis who are missing out but also for Mumbaikars who love to see the Goddess in all her splendor. Thus, making Durga Puja extremely special in the city.

The decorated pandals in Mumbai will leave you astonished with their majesty and illuminations.

You’ll almost feel at home. 

 3. Delhi

The enchanting decorations, enthusiastic crowds, and hypnotizing music wait for a long time for MaaDurga at various pandals across Delhi. To experience the age-old Durga Puja rituals, you should go to Kashmere Gate Durga Puja Pandal or Timarpur and Civil Lines Pandal. And, make sure to carry your cameras around because you definitely don’t want to miss these spellbinding moments.

 4. Guwahati

People at Guwahati welcome MaaDurga with much enthusiasm and exhilaration. Once you’re at Guwahati during this time of the year, you will witness alluring pandals adorn the city, and the aroma of authentic Bengali delicacies fill the air. If not Bengal, then Guwahati is one of the best places to spend your night at pandal hopping during Durga Puja.

 5. Varanasi

Banaras or Varanasi, the holy city on the banks of Ganga, is another place which will leave you mesmerized during this time of the year. Since Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India, it welcomes Maa Durga with an unmatched fervor. The organizers of the pandals ensure that they have a surprise theme to please the Goddess as well as her devotees.

So if you’re unable to be with your family on this auspicious festival, make a note to visit one of these places and enjoy these festivals with your friends.

Wherever you go, give your festival an emotional end by bidding goodbye to the Goddess and wait for her to come back the next year!

Onam: Welcoming The Mighty Mahabali

Onam is one of the important festivals of India. The day is celebrated in the end of August or 1^st week of September and continues for 10 days, to welcome the legendary king Mahabali. During this festival people wear traditional wear, decorate houses with Pookalam (floral designs), and prepare Onasadya (ostentatious meal of about 13 dishes). There are certain events are scheduled such as Vallamkali (snake boat race), Kaikottikali (clap dance), Kathakali dance, and Pulikali procession (artists dressed and painted like tigers and hunters) to celebrate the festival.

Key attractions: The spectacular Snake Boat Race, the enigmatic Kaikottikali dance, and the Elephant procession.

Where: this festival is celebrated in south of India, primarily Kerala.

Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganpati Bappa Mourya! Eleven Days Of Pampering Lord Ganesha!

A 10 day affair, Ganesh Chaturthi is another Hindu religious festivals of India. Lots of people place huge handcrafted Ganesh idols in their homes or in public pandals. For all 10 days, puja is performed in the morning and the evening. The day marks the Birthday of Lord Ganesha. On the 10^th dayVisarjan (immersion of an idol in a water body) is done with great enthusiasm. Lots of cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and theatre, and free medical and blood donation camps are held.

When is it celebrated? The 4th day of the first fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi) in the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar.

Where: Earlier the festival was celebrated mostly in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, but in the recent years it is celebrated all across the country.

Navratri: The Nine Days Of Fasting, Faith, & Devotion

Navratri is celebrated by all people all over India in different ways. In Gujarat, it is a nine-day celebration of renewingGarba nights and highly energetic DandiyaRaas dances. People are dressed in beautiful, colourful traditional clothes and participate in Garba and Dandiya nights. In other states of India, people pray to Goddess Amba in in nine different forms, fast and at the end of 9^th day, they feed and pray to girls andgreet them with lovely gifts.

Where – all across the country

Durga Puja: Celebrating the Vicrory of Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Durga Puja is celebrated with magnificence by Bengalis, throughout the country. The 4 days of fast, feast, and worship of Goddess Durgafollowed by the grand immersion of Durga idols on 5^th day, are accompanied by cultural songs, dances, and dramas. Huge and beautiful Durga idols are made and placed in specially made artistic Pandals(canopies). People dress in traditional wear and go around the pandal – hopping, praying, and feasting.

When: 10th day of Ashwina Shukla paksha according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar

Where: mostly in Kolkata and the metros cities in India.

Dussehra: Witness The Triumph Of Good Over Evil

Dussehra (AKA Vijayadashami) is the celebration of victory of good over evil. On this auspicious day Lord Ram killed demon king Ravana. This is also one amongst the most famous festivals of India. It is celebrated in different forms of countrywide. At lots of places, Ramlila (enactment of scenes from Ramayana) is held for 10 days, which isconcluded with “RavanDahan” – the burning of huge figurines of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran which is a real sight to see.

When: On 10th day of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar. In general, it is celebrated on the day next to the finishing of Navratra

Diwali: The Grand Festival Of Lights

Diwali is one of the most prominent festivals of India. During this festival of lights, houses are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family puja, burst crackers, and share sweets with friends, families, and neighbours. The day is marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a long exile of 14 years.

When: The darkest new moon night of Kartik month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to October-November

Gurupurab: Religious Processions & Peaceful Hymns

The day is celebrates the birth of the first Sikh Guru and Sindhi Community in Guru Guru Nanak. This is one of the most holy festivals in Sikhism and Sindhis. Special assemblies on the lives and teachings of the gurus, and langars (community meals) are organized in the Gurudwaras. Karah Prasad is distributed among all, and hymn chanting processions are held in the city. People light up their homes with lamps and candles and burst crackers to celebrate Gurupurab.

When: The full moon day in the month of Kartik of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to November of the Gregorian calendar

Where: Celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world, especially in Punjab

Christmas: Celebrating The Birth Of Jesus Christ

One of the most awaited festival in the world. Everyone regardless of their religion enjoy this day equally; especially children. Theydesperately wait for the surprise gifts from Santa. All the churches are lit up and decorated to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus. The best places to enjoy the celebration of Christmas are Goa, Pondicherry, and Kerala.

Where: The festival is celebrated across India.

This list of Most Celebrated Festivals of India comes to an end but the celebration continues. The cycle of celebration begins again with the commemoration of New Year. Discover the India and its various facets during these festivals, you are sure to feel enchanted with the vibrancy of these festivals.

Baisakhi:

Celebrated on 14^th of April, Baisakhi is primarily celebrated by the Sikh community in Punjab and those around the world. Baisakhi indicates the beginning of the harvest season for the Rabi crops. Local folk dances such as Giddha and Bhangra are the expressions of happiness of this prosperous and auspicious day. This festival is of great religious significance in India as it also marks the day when the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, laid the foundation stone for the Panth Khalsa-the Order in the year 1699.

Key attractions: Folk dances, Punjabi feasts and decorations

When: 14th April

Where: all across the country mainly by Sikhs

Bihu: Dance, Music, And Laughter (celebrated in second week of April)

Bihu is one of the most popular among the festivals of India celebrated in the North East, Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam. Mostly the festival falls in second week of April. During this week-long celebrations, people wear their traditional clothes and perform the Bihu dance in the village fields and courtyards. It is also celebrated as New year in Assam.

Key attractions: The Bihu dance, ocal cuisine – coconut ladoo, tilpitha, ghilapitha, and fish pitika

When: 2^nd week of April

Where: Mainly in North East India

Eid-Ul-Fitr: (June)

Eid-Ul-Fitr (aka EID) is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Muslim community. People dress up in nice traditional attires, attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends, and relatives and exchange sweets. Children are given Edi (in the form of Gifts or money) by elders. The day is celebratedat the conclusion of the holy month of fasting called Ramadan.

Key attractions: Morning Eid namaz at the mosques, and the sweet dishes specially “siwainya”- (Sweet noodles cooked in Milk).

When: On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar, (usually falls in June or beginning of July)

Where: All over the country

RakshaBandhan: Strengthening The Bond Of siblings (Brothers and sisters) – (August)

Rakhsha Bandan (aka Rakhi) is celebrated almost all across the country. The festival signifies the bond between brother and sister.The sister performs Aarti (prayer), applies tilak, and ties rakhi (a sacred thread) on the brother’s wrist wishing his well-being. In return, brother promises her to protect the sister throughout her life. Brothers also please their sisters by giving them nice gifts

Key attractions: Markets showcasing a colorful variety of rakhis and sweets

When: The full moon day of Shravana month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar,

Where: All over India, Particularly in North, Central and West India

Janmashtami (Birthday of Lord Krishna)

Also popular as Gokulashtami or Sreekrishna  Jayanthi, Janmashtami is another vibrant festival widely celebrated all over India.  ​According to the Hindu calendar, Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Shravana or Bhadra (in the Hindu calendar).

In Tamil Nadu the festival is known as Sri Krishna Jayanti. Although the festival is celebrated all around India, but to enjoy the real celebration – Mathura and Vrindavan are the best places. These are the places where Lord Krishna was Born (Mathura) and bought up (Vrindavan).

Across India there are lots of ceremonies and prayers at temples dedicated to Krishna. Many people consider fasting, a day before and prayer up to midnight, the time at which it was said that Krishna was born.

Key attractions: Lord Krishna’s birthday celebrations in Temples, schools and public places where Kids are dressed up as Krishna and Radha

When: The full moon day of Shravana month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar,

Where: All over India, Particularly in North, Central and West India

Stay tuned for more fun and celebration in India, during rest of the year.

India celebrates many festivals all through the years. Here is the list of most exciting and vibrant festivals of India

1. Makar Sankranti: Hindu’s New Year

Celebrated on 14^th of January, Makar Sankranti is the new year of North Indians and Sikhs which is celebrated just one day after Lohri. In India, 14^th January is also considered as end of winter and beginning of spring. In many of the states like Rajasthan, people celebrate this day by flying kites and having savoury ‘Bajreki khichdi’ and sweet ’til ladoo’. In Western part of India including Gujarat, the same festival is named as Uttarayan.
Significance: Beginning of farming cycle.
Key attractions: Kite flying
When: 14th January
Where: Makar Sankranti is most celebrated in North region of India.

Book your trip to North India

2. Pongal: (14^th January to 17^th January)

Celebrated in South of India, Pongal corresponds to Makar Sakranti. It is a four-day long harvest festival of South India. People prepare special Pongal dish and wear their traditional dresses. Bonfires, dance, cattle races, sweets, and savouries are the key attractions of this delightful festival.
Significance: Thanksgiving to mother earth and nature for the first harvest of the year.
When: 14th January to 17^th January
Where: Celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu

3. Basant Panchami (February)

Celebrated, either in the end of January or February, Basant Panchmi is devoted to Goddess Saraswati – Goddess of Knowledge. This festival is celebrated all over India, differently in different states. In the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Punjab, and Haryana different sweets are offered to Goddess during the “Saraswati Puja”. People in Rajasthan offer jasmine garlands to the goddess and langars (food offering to poor people) are held in the state of Punjab. It is also the beginning of the spring season. People welcome the season by wearing Yellow color and preparing yellow dishes such as Ladoo and Saffron Rice.
Significance: It marks the beginning of spring
Key attractions: Yellow coloured clothes, yellow dishes and sweets, prayers and Yagans all across the countries.
When: Fifth day of Magha month of Hindu calendar (Mostly falls in the beginning of February)
Where: Mostly in States of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Punjab, and Haryana

 4. Maha Shivratri: Devotion To Lord Shiva (February- March)

The day holds huge significance in Hindu mythology. Celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun, the day is marked as marriage day of Lord Shiva. It is believed that whoever worships Lord Shiva on this day realises salvation from their sins. Unmarried as well as married women fast on this day to attain marital bliss. In many North Indian states, there is a special procedure of worship, followed in Lord Shiva’s Temples, which generally accompanies the Prasad of “Bhang” (it is an intoxicating drink made from the leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant), of course in a limited quantity, to the devotees

Significance: Wedding day of Lord Shiva
Key attractions: Fasting and worshipping for Lord Shiva
When: February or beginning of March
Where: North India and Nepal

Book you Trip to Nepal

5. Holi: The Festival Of Colours (March)

AKA the festival of colors, Holi is one of the famous festivals of India, celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm across the country. On the eve of Holi, people make huge Holika bonfires and sing & dance around it. On the day of Holi, people gather in open areas and apply dry and wet colors to each other, with some carrying water guns and coloured water-filled balloons. People of all age groups enjoy this festival a lot. This is one amongst the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India.
Significance: Signifies the victory of good (Prince Prahlad) over evil (Holika).
Key attractions: Holika bonfire and playing with colors.
When: Full moon (Purnima) of the Phalgun(Falls in the month of March)
Where: Almost all over the country. North India is the best place to see the vibrancy of this festival.

This is not all, the list of the festivals is huge. Watch out the space for more festivals of India.

Travel options:

The best thing about Diwali is that on the 1^st day itself, most of the modes of transportation are sparsely filled. This ensures that if you want to travel to India, the 1^st day is one of the best options for you. Moreover, you will be able to easily get affordable tickets during this period of time as well. From the 2^nd and 3^rd day, however, the tourist the season begins. That is why, if you’re looking to travel during Diwali, the 1^st day is the one which you should be targeting.

What can you expect during the Diwali festival?

The festival of the Diwali however is a noisy period wherever you go. There is a ritual of bursting firecrackers during all the 3 days of Diwali. That is why you have to be ready for fireworks and firecrackers and a noisy atmosphere all around. Moreover, these are the 3 days when the pollution can increase significantly as well.

Safety measures to follow:

While generally, the atmosphere is pretty safe during Diwali but you need to keep in mind that in order to protect yourself from the high noise levels, ear plugs are always a better option. Also, it is a good idea to be aware of your surroundings all around; firecrackers are burst in the urban cities. That is why you have to move around pretty carefully. One thing however which you need to keep in mind is that the firecrackers are often burst during the evening and the night. Therefore, during the day you will be able to move around quite easily.

Things to keep in mind during Diwali:

Oftentimes, the local businesses are closed during Diwali. That is why it is a good idea to stock up the essentials ahead of Diwali.

In general, as long as you’re following basic normal commonsense while moving around in Diwali, there will be no problem at all.

This is one festivals which is celebrated all over the country in different ways.So if you are planning a trip to India during this time, keep a few days extra in your itinerary, so as to enjoy different faces of this beautiful, colorful and fun filled festival.  If you the safety measures in mind, you will surely be able to make your travel during Diwali memorable.

The festivities involve burning the effigies of demon Ravana. These effigies can vary from just 5 feet all the way up to 30 feet as well. These are burnt all over the country to mark the win of good over evil.

It is a festival which is widely celebrated all over the country. If you’re looking to travel on that particular day, you can expect the roads full of crowd all around. People often like to travel locally on this day as it is a national holiday as well. It is celebrated all over the country including the southern part of India. Thus, wherever you go you will be able to witness festivities.

Things for a tourist to take into account on the festival of Dussehra:

If you want to take part in the festivities, all you need to do is to just head over to any urban center. It is celebrated in almost all of the cities. There are however a few things which you have to keep in mind in the festival of Dussehra. These include:

• Be careful in crowded places:

The crowds can get enormous during this festival. That is why it is a good idea to stay on the fringes in order to ensure that there are no problems at all.

• Safety of your valuables:

In such crowded places, there are often various thefts which take place. That is why you have to always keep a watch on your valuables. This will ensure that you are able to keep them safe at all point in time.

• Experience the local delicacies:

As the crowds throng the various urban cities on this day, you are free to explore the local delicacies as well as there are plenty of kiosks which are set up by the locals in order to sell the local delicacies.

• Make travel arrangements in advance:

As it is a national holiday, there are a lot of tourists that will look to explore the country. That is why, if you’re traveling on the day of Dussehra, it is a good idea always to make the travel arrangements in advance. This will help you in getting confirmed tickets and ensuring that you are able to reach your destination on time.

Thus, if you want to participate in one of the most popular festivals of India, you should definitely experience it on the Dussehra day. You just need to keep in mind the above you tips which we have highlighted. With the help of these tips, it will become very easy for you to explore the Indian culture on this festival day which celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

Book your travel package to India during Dussehra

Nowadays, this traditional festival has taken a form of fun-filled celebration, when sisters get dressed well, apply mehndi on their hands and buy colorful Rakhis (the sacred threads) for their brothers. On the other hand, brothers get them nice rakhi gifts to pamper them. The Rakhi symbolizes the love between the siblings.

The rituals start by performing traditional aarti and concludes with prayers for the wellbeing, prosperity and happiness). After the prayer, the sister applies a tilaka colorful mark on the forehead of the brother. After that, the brother pledges to guide and protect her throughout the life under all circumstances.

Both the siblings treat each other with sweets, then they hug and the larger family ritually toast the joyful celebration of brother-sister love and protection.

Background of the festival

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated since ages and has many myths and historic legends linked to it. The popular practice of Raksha Bandhan has its historical associations as well.

According to the mythology Raja Bali, who was such a great devotee of Lord Vishnu that Lord Indra felt insecure. Indra Dev worshipped Vishnu and asked the Lord to save his sovereignty.

Lord Vishnu accepted his prayer and defeated Bali. After a while, Bali worshiped Lord Vishnu and got the blessing of immortality. To keep his promise Lord Vishnu went to ‘Vaikunthdham’ to safeguard Bali’s kingdom. Later, Goddess Lakshmi (wife of Lord Vishnu), went to Raja Bali as a poor lady and asked him for shelter. She regarded Bali as her brother and tied a thread on to his wrist symbolizing the knot of protection on this auspicious day.

When Bali desired to give her some present, she told him, her true identity and the reason for her arrival. So, in place of the materialistic gift, she asked Bali to send Lord Vishnu back to Vaikunthdham.

Another story associated with Raksha Bandhan is from Rajputs. The rituals started from the ancient time by Rajput families, the Rajput queens practiced the custom of sending Rakhi threads to neighboring rulers as token of brotherhood.

Other than that, it is said that Rabindranath Tagore also organized a ceremony to rejoice Raksha Bandhan, so as to reinforce the bond of love and friendship between Hindus and Muslims of Bengal and encourage them to protest from the British Empire, together. He used the idea of Raksha Bandhan to spread the feeling of association.

Raksha Bandhan is widely celebrated by the Hindus, Jains, and most Sikhs. Though the festival is originated in India but is also celebrated in places like Nepal and Mauritius.

Discover More of India and its festivals by visiting the places.