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India is a land of vibrant festivals, where each celebration reflects the country’s rich culture, traditions, and diversity. Every festival in India has its unique charm from grand religious gatherings to colourful cultural events. Some festivals are celebrated nationwide, while others remain exclusive to specific regions, offering travellers a chance to witness something special. These best festivals in India bring joy, togetherness, and a festive spirit that feels so amazing. Let’s explore the biggest festivals in India and discover the magic behind these grand celebrations.
10 Biggest Festivals In India
Here are some of India’s biggest festivals and other major celebrations that showcase the country’s cultural richness.
1. Diwali, The Festival Of Lights
Photo: Udayaditya Barua / Wikimedia Commons
Diwali is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is known as the “Festival of Lights,” and it symbolises the victory of good over evil. Homes are decorated with diyas (oil lamps), rangoli, and colourful lights. Families gather to perform Lakshmi Puja, exchange sweets, and burst fireworks. Markets are filled with festive cheer, and delicious traditional sweets like laddoos and jalebis. Diwali is the perfect time to experience India’s joyful spirit and grand festivities.
Month: October – November
Things To Do: Witness the illuminated ghats of Varanasi and enjoy the grand firework display over the Golden Temple in Amritsar
2. Holi, The Festival Of Colors
Holi is one of India’s most lively festivals. People come together to throw coloured powders, dance, and celebrate with music. This festival marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The festivities begin with Holika Dahan, where bonfires are lit to symbolise the burning of negativity. On the main day, streets turn into a rainbow of colours as people greet each other with gulal (colored powder) and splash water. Traditional sweets like gujiya and refreshing drinks like thandai add to the festive spirit, which make Holi a joyful and delicious celebration.
Month: March
Things To Do: Celebrate Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, where it is observed with grand processions, folk songs, and temple rituals
3. Durga Puja, The Grand Celebration Of Goddess Durga
Photo: Soumyasch / Wikimedia Commons
Durga Puja is one of India’s biggest festivals, celebrated with grandeur, especially in Kolkata. This festival honours Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Huge artistic pandals (temporary temples) are set up, each with unique decorations and themes. People dress in traditional attire, visit these pandals, and participate in cultural performances, music, and dance. The festival ends with the immersion of Durga idols in rivers, accompanied by grand processions. The vibrant atmosphere, delicious Bengali sweets, and rhythmic beats of the traditional drum make Durga Puja an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Month: September–October
Things To Do: Explore the famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and witness the grand Sindoor Khela
4. Navratri, The Nine Nights Of Dance And Devotion
Photo: आर्या जोशी / Wikimedia Commons
Navratri is a festival of devotion, dance, and celebration. It lasts for nine nights and is dedicated to the different forms of Goddess Durga. In Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with the energetic dance forms of Garba and Dandiya Raas. In North India, people do fasting, visit temples, and participate in Ramlila performances that depict the story of Lord Rama. The festival ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which marks the victory of good over evil. People dress in traditional attire, decorate their homes with rangoli, and immerse themselves in the festive spirit with music and prayers.
Month: September–October
Things To Do: Join the Garba nights in Ahmedabad or experience the grand Dussehra celebration in Mysore.
5. Christmas, A Festival Of Joy And Giving
Christmas is one of the best festivals in India, celebrated with joy by the Christian community. Churches are beautifully decorated, midnight masses are held, and people exchange gifts. In Goa, the celebrations are grand, with lively street decorations, beach parties, and Christmas feasts. Kerala and Mumbai also host beautiful Christmas markets and events that attract visitors from all over. The festive spirit with carol singing, dazzling lights, and the aroma of delicious plum cakes, which make it a stunning celebration.
Month: December 25
Things To Do: Celebrate Christmas in Goa with beach parties, carol singing, and delicious plum cakes
6. Ganesh Chaturthi, The Birth Of Lord Ganesha
Photo: Thejas Panarkandy / Wikimedia Commons
Ganesh Chaturthi is a grand festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is renowned as the remover of obstacles. Huge idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals, and they are decorated with flowers and lights. Devotees perform aarti (prayer ceremonies), offer sweets like modaks, and chant bhajans(religious songs). The festival ends with the immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies, accompanied by processions filled with music and dance. The vibrant celebrations create a sense of unity and devotion, which bring communities together in joyful festivity.
Month: August–September
Things To Do: Witness the massive Ganesh Visarjan (immersion) processions in Mumbai at Girgaum Chowpatty
7. Pongal, The Harvest Festival Of Tamil Nadu
Photo: Hishampgm / Wikimedia Commons
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated enthusiastically in Tamil Nadu. It marks the gratitude of farmers to the Sun God for a good harvest. The festival includes traditional rituals, kolam (rangoli), and the preparation of a special dish called “Pongal,” made from freshly harvested rice and jaggery. The festivities also include bull-taming events like Jallikattu in some parts of Tamil Nadu. People dress in traditional attire, visit temples, and exchange sweets, which make it a joyful and culturally rich celebration.
Month: January
Things To Do: Experience traditional Pongal celebrations in a Tamil Nadu village, where locals come together for feasts and cultural performances
8. Bihu, The Festival Of Assam
Photo: Donvikro / Wikimedia Commons
Bihu is Assam’s biggest festival, celebrated three times a year. The most popular is Rongali Bihu, which marks the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. The festival includes traditional Bihu dance, feasting, and rituals that honor the farming community. The vibrant music and cultural performances make it one of India’s biggest festivals throughout the year. People wear traditional attire, sing folk songs, and exchange sweets, which create a joyful and festive atmosphere across Assam.
Month: January, April, October
Things To Do: Enjoy Bihu dance performances and taste Assamese delicacies like pitha and laru
9. Pushkar Camel Fair, A Unique Cultural Fair
Photo: Prashant Bamnawat / Unsplash
The Pushkar Camel Fair is a cultural event that attracts visitors from around the world. It is a blend of a religious festival and a cattle trading fair, where thousands of camels, horses, and cattle are brought for trade. The fair is filled with folk performances, camel races, and competitions like turban-tying and longest mustache contests. Pilgrims also take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake, which is believed to cleanse sins. Visitors can also explore the vibrant handicraft stalls, savor traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and witness the beautiful sunset over the golden sand dunes.
Month: December – January
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Things To Do: Attend live Carnatic music concerts by renowned artists.
10. Hornbill Festival, The Festival Of Tribes
Photo: DEBA PRASAD ROY / Wikimedia Commons
The Hornbill Festival is one of the best festivals in India, celebrating the diverse tribal culture of Nagaland. This festival brings together all the Naga tribes to showcase their traditions, music, dance, and crafts. The event includes traditional sports, warrior dances, and the famous Naga chili-eating competition. It is a great way to experience the heritage of Northeast India. Visitors can also explore vibrant night bazaars, taste authentic Naga cuisine, and enjoy folk performances under the stunning sky.
Month: December
Things To Do: Enjoy the night carnival and taste traditional Naga cuisine at the festival stalls
India’s festivals are not just a part of celebrations, they are experiences that bring people together in joy and tradition. Each festival tells a story of culture and togetherness from Diwali’s dazzling lights to Holi’s colourful hues. These are India’s biggest festivals and offer travellers a chance to witness India’s rich traditions and festive spirit throughout the year. Plan your festive getaway with TripXL and experience India’s vibrant traditions, music, and feasts.
