The list of Most Celebrated Festivals of India hasn’t ended yet, rather the real season of fests begin now in September. September to December is the time, when there are several festivals back to back. Here is the list of festivals that makes the last quarter of the year so vibrant.
Onam: Welcoming The Mighty Mahabali
Onam is one of the important festivals of India. The day is celebrated in the end of August or 1st 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 10th 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 9th 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 5th 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.