India is a diverse country with many religions and cultures, so there are numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular festivals celebrated in India:
- Diwali: This is one of the most important festivals in India, and it is celebrated in October or November each year. Also known as the “Festival of Lights,” it involves lighting lamps and candles, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special foods and sweets.
- Holi: This is a colorful festival celebrated in March to welcome the spring season. People throw colored powder and water at each other, sing and dance, and enjoy festive foods and drinks.
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: These are important festivals celebrated by the Muslim community in India. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting, while Eid al-Adha celebrates the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Christmas: Although it is a Christian holiday, Christmas is celebrated by people of all religions in India. It involves decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and attending special church services.
- Ganesh Chaturthi: This is a Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom and prosperity.
- Navratri and Dussehra: These are Hindu festivals celebrated in September or October each year. Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, while Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Both festivals involve colorful processions, traditional dances, and special foods.
- Janmashtami: This is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most respected gods in the Hindu. It is celebrated in August or September each year and involves fasting, prayers and traditional celebrations.
- Onam: This is a major festival in the southern state of Kerala, and celebrates the homecoming of the mythical king Mahabali. It is celebrated in August or September each year and involves traditional dances and the creation of intricate floral designs called pooka lams.
- Baisakhi: This is a harvest festival celebrated in the northern state of Punjab, and marks the start of the Sikh New Year. It is celebrated in April each year and involves traditional dances, the singing of hymns, and the sharing of special foods.
- Buddha Purnima: This is a Buddhist festival celebrated in May to mark the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. It involves prayers, meditation, and the offering of flowers and candles at Buddhist temples.