20 Famous Festivals In India For A Cultural Extravaganza

Be it Holi, Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and several other festivals, all of India celebrates the festival together despite their differences, and the love and harmony among each other and respect for others’ religions and cultures is what defines the beauty of this country.

1. Holi

2. Diwali

Diwali is said to be the festival of light, and people light Diyas in their houses, lighting up the entire place. People visit their close friends and relatives and exchange sweets. During Diwali, you can buy special sweets made only during this festival to give it a unique touch. 

On the occasion of Diwali, people also burst crackers, which is the most exciting part of this festival, that the kids love the most.

This is one of those Indian festivals that brings a positive vibe and a lovely atmosphere. 

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3. Christmas

People decorate their homes with lights, bells, glittery balls, and a Christmas tree, celebrating the birth of their Lord Jesus Christ. People host Christmas parties at their place and invite their friends, family and all loved ones during the time of Christmas.

4. Eid

The famous sweet prepared at the houses of the Muslims is ‘Sewai’, made in abundance for the guests. 

Visiting the houses of relatives and friends and greeting them with ‘Eid Mubarak” and having Sewai is what Eid is all about. 

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5. Dussehra

6. Navratri

During Navratri, people keep fasts for 9 days, during which they are not allowed to eat onion and garlic or any non-vegetarian food. 

People dress up in traditional clothes and gather at one place to dance and celebrate this festival full of joy and laughter. 

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7. Durga Puja

As the name suggests, Durga Puja is the festival for worshipping Goddess Durga, feasting, and praying.

You can go Pandal hopping, which is decorated on various themes, showing the creativity and enthusiasm of the people for celebrating their Goddess and worshipping her. Durga Puja also includes fasting for five days.

8. Krishna Janmashtami

During the day of Janmashtami, people keep fasts and break after dusk with a tasty meal. Visiting temples, dancing, singing bhajans, and praying are a part of the Krishna Janmashtami celebration. Small kids are dressed up as Krishnas and often take part in plays in the celebration of the societies. 

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9. Ganesh Chaturthi

On the 11th day, the idol of Lord Ganesha is immersed in the water, which is called Ganesh Visarjan.

The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra is the most popular, making Ganesh Chaturthi one of the most famous festivals in India, especially in the state of Maharashtra.

10. Gurpurab

Langars are quite common among the Sikhs, and Karah Prasad is given. People light up their homes and burn crackers to celebrate Guru Purub. You can sit in the Gurudwara, enjoying Gurubani and hymns in the Gurudwara. 

The festival is celebrated in the Sikh community and is one of the most peaceful Indian festivals. 

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11. Raksha Bandhan

The concept of this festival is to celebrate the unbreakable bond between a brother and a sister.

After puja, the sisters tie Rakhi to their brother’s hand, and the brother vows to protect her sister at all costs and love her no matter what. In return for securing the rakhi, brothers are supposed to give gifts to their sisters or give them money.

This festival is one of the purest festivals there could be to celebrate and cherish one of the most beautiful relationships, that is of a brother and sister.

12. Bihu

The celebration lasts a month, and young men and women dress up in traditional costumes and dance in the village fields, putting up a great show for the audience.

The community feast takes place during the Bihu festival, and the entire place is filled with love, peace and laughter.

13. Hemis Festival

The festival includes the dancing of the priest to the tunes of traditional music, drums, and trumpets played by the monks of the region.

The priest dresses up in costumes and brocades, making it one of the unique festivals of India. This festival is celebrated on the birth anniversary of their spiritual leader Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibet Tantric Buddhism.

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14. Onam

Snake boat races, kathakali, and clap dance are pretty standard during the festival of Onam.

15. Pongal

This celebration includes a bonfire, dancing, and cattle races, and the houses look lovely with Kolam designs, made of rice and coloured powder and are a treat to the eyes.

This festival is celebrated as a way of being grateful to nature for all it provides us.

16. Easter

Bright lanterns adorning the streets, and not only lighting the roads but also your inner spirits.

17. Mahashivratri

A common belief is that whoever prays to Lord Shiva during this day can attain redemption or salvation. Unmarried folks in India can get marital bliss during this time, this is one of the best festivals of India. 

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18. Chatth Puja

People fast during the Puja; some also take baths in the holy Ganges to eliminate their sins.

19. Pushkar The Camel Festival

This festival started as an initiative to attract camel traders to do business, but now it is celebrated like a festival. 

20. Losar

This festival is a way to celebrate the harvest season by showing gratitude to God, thus making Losar one of the important festivals of India for the followers of Buddhism. 

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