Famous Festivals In India: Cultural And Religious Festivals

Spanning 28 states and 8 union territories, India is a vast and diverse country with over 1.4 billion people speaking more than 1,600 languages and dialects. This diversity is reflected in famous festivals in India each showcasing the history, beliefs, and customs of different regions. These religious, seasonal, or cultural celebrations bring communities together and keep traditions alive across generations. This article explores famous festivals in India highlighting their significance and the traditions that make them an integral part of India’s cultural identity.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Famous Festivals In India

Here’s a list of India’s famous festivals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of each state across the country:

1. Chhath Puja, Bihar

An image of a group of people in a river, dressed in traditional attire, praying, during the Chhath Puja festival of Bihar.

Photo: RedSaurb / Wikimedia Commons

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and his consort, Usha. It is primarily observed in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Devotees fast for four days, take holy dips in rivers, and offer prayers at sunrise and sunset. The rituals symbolise gratitude for life’s blessings and are performed with deep reverence. Families gather by riverbanks, singing traditional folk songs while offering fruits and sweets to the Sun God.

Timings: October-November

2. Durga Puja, West Bengal

An image of a detailed Durga idol with intricate white decorations, during Durga puja in West Bengal.

Photo: Milandeep Sarkar / Wikimedia Commons

Durga Puja is the most anticipated festival in West Bengal, celebrated with elaborate rituals and grand festivities. The festival honours Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. Artists create beautifully crafted idols of the goddess, which are displayed in decorated pandals across the state. The celebration includes cultural performances, traditional Bengali feasts, and vibrant street processions. The final day, Vijayadashami, marks the immersion of Durga idols in the river, symbolising her return to Mount Kailash.

Timings: September – October

3. Kumbh Mela, Uttar Pradesh

An image of a large procession crossing a bridge with flags, people in robes, and a decorated chariot.

Photo: Lokankara / Wikimedia Commons

Kumbh Mela is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage and one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Held every 12 years at four locations, including Prayagraj, the festival draws millions of devotees who bathe in the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The ritual cleansing is believed to wash away sins and pave the way for spiritual liberation. The mela also features religious discourses, cultural performances, and grand processions of ascetics and saints.

Timings: Every 12 years

4. Pongal, Tamil Nadu

An image of a street performance at the Pongal festival of Tamil Nadu, with a performer holding a flaming hoop.

Photo: Rajarajan Panneersel / Wikimedia Commons

Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, marking the sun’s movement into the northern hemisphere. It is a time of gratitude, where farmers and families give thanks for a bountiful harvest. The festival involves cooking a special dish called Pongal, made from freshly harvested rice and jaggery, symbolising prosperity. Homes are decorated with colourful kolam designs, and prayers are offered to the Sun God. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to honouring cattle.

Timings: Mid – January

5. Onam, Kerala

An image of a traditional Onam Pookalam, a floral design on the ground, admired by observers, during the Onam festival of Kerala.

Photo: Anirudhanmuthuvara / Wikimedia Commons

Onam is Kerala’s most prominent festival and therefore amongst the most famous festivals in India. It celebrates the return of the mythical King Mahabali. The ten-day festival features traditional dance performances, elaborate feasts, and flower decorations. One of the highlights is Vallam Kali, the famous snake boat race, where teams row traditional longboats in synchronisation. Families prepare Onasadya, a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. The festival brings communities together through storytelling, music, and folk art.

Timings: August – September

6. Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan

An image of a camel adorned with colorful decorations in a sandy area, with people in the background.

Photo: mantra_man / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Pushkar Camel Fair is one of India’s most prominent livestock fairs, attracting traders, farmers, and tourists. Beyond the camel trading, the fair hosts cultural events, including folk music, dance performances, and competitions such as turban-tying and longest moustache contests. Pilgrims also visit the holy Pushkar Lake for ritualistic dips and prayers. The fair creates an atmosphere of festivity, where visitors can explore local crafts, textiles, and Rajasthani cuisine, making it one of the most famous festivals in India.

Timings: October – November

7. Kang Festival, Manipur

An Image of the Pung Cholom dance being performed during the Kang Festival celebration.

Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons

Kang Festival, also known as Rath Yatra, is a significant festival in Manipur dedicated to Lord Jagannath. During this festival, devotees pull an elaborately decorated chariot carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the streets of Imphal. The procession is accompanied by devotional music, chanting, and traditional dance performances. Families prepare special offerings and participate in community prayers, reinforcing spiritual beliefs and cultural ties.

Timings: June – July

8. Rath Yatra, Odisha

An image of a decorated chariot in front of a temple, surrounded by a crowd during Ratha Yatra.

Photo: Prashant Kharote / Wikimedia Commons

Rath Yatra is a major Hindu festival held in Puri, Odisha, where three massive chariots carry the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra through the city streets. Devotees pull the chariots, believing it to be an act of devotion and spiritual fulfilment. The festival signifies Lord Jagannath’s journey from his temple to his garden retreat. Pilgrims from across the country travel to witness the event, which is deeply rooted in Odisha’s religious traditions.

Timings: June – July

9. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

An image of individuals in traditional attire performing a cultural dance, captured in a dynamic jump, during the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.

Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

The Hornbill Festival is among the most famous festivals in India. It is a cultural event that brings together Nagaland’s diverse tribal communities. Each tribe showcases its traditional attire, music, and dance, preserving indigenous customs. The festival features storytelling sessions, archery contests, and displays of local crafts and cuisine. It provides an opportunity to engage with the customs and traditions of Nagaland’s indigenous communities while celebrating their rich history.

Timings: December 1st-10th

10. Wangala Festival, Meghalaya

An image of a traditional cultural dance with participants in colorful attire and headdresses, holding musical instruments, during the Wangala festival of Meghalaya.

Photo: Visma kumar / Wikimedia Commons

Wangala Festival, also called the 100 Drums Festival, is amongst the most famous festivals in India. It is celebrated by the Garo tribe to honour the Sun God, Misi Saljong. It marks the end of the harvest season and features traditional drumming, dance performances, and storytelling. Dressed in colourful attire, participants perform synchronised movements to the beat of long drums. The festival fosters a sense of unity among the community while paying tribute to ancestral traditions.

Timings: November

India’s festivals reflect the country’s deep-rooted traditions, diverse cultures, and communal spirit. From grand religious gatherings to harvest celebrations, each festival showcases regional customs and history. Famous festivals in India offer a unique way to experience the country’s cultural richness while bringing people together in shared traditions. Plan your journey with TripXL for a seamless travel experience and witness India’s famous festival celebrations.

Cover Photo: PANKAJ CHAUHAN / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Celebrate The Famous Festivals In India: A Land Of Vibrant Traditions