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The international festivals in India are crucial for promoting tourism through the diverse culture and traditions of the people in the country. These festivals are platforms for performers and artists to connect with wide audiences, hence strengthening community bonds in India. The popular festivals of India also boost the country’s economy by attracting large numbers of tourists from all over the world, generating income from accommodation, shopping, food, and travel services.
The 9 Best International Festivals In India
There are several international festivals in India that are major tourist attractions. Here is a list of 9 famous festivals of India:
1. Uttarayan / International Kite Festival
Photo: Sagarp7 / Wikimedia Commons
Uttarayan is one of the famous international festivals of India which marks the beginning of spring and lasts for two days. It is a celebration of Surya, the sun god, which indicates to the local farmers that the harvest season is approaching. Uttarayan allows locals and tourists to fly kites and compete with each other. Tourists can experience the country’s culture by trying out some of the local cuisines that are offered during the celebrations, including chikki, laddu, surti jamun, jalebi, and undhiyu.
Things To Do: Visiting the handicraft market, witness the kite parade
2. Holi
Photo: Skrrrrrtq / Wikimedia Commons
Holi is one of the important international festivals of India, also referred to as the festival of colours, marking the beginning of the spring season. It is also a major symbol to the people in India, as it indicates the triumph of good over evil, making it a festival of great spiritual significance. Tourists visiting India can fully immerse themselves in the local culture through the colours, music, and dance offered during the Holi festival. Additionally, tourists can get to capture photos of the colourful scenes to have a unique and memorable experience.
Things To Do: Throwing coloured powder, attending the Holika Dahan bonfire, enjoying the local cuisines
3. Diwali
Photo: Илья Бунин / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Diwali is one of the cultural international festivals of India, also known as the festival of lights, and offers unique experiences to tourists visiting the country. During Diwali festivals, the homes, streets, and major landmarks are lit up with diyas, creating an amazing visual sight and making it a significant tourist attraction. Tourists can experience the local culture by participating in activities such as witnessing the exchange of gifts and sweets and joining the traditional pujas, which are dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi.
Things To Do: Visiting the lit-up landmarks, exploring the local markets, boat riding on Lake Pichola in Udaipur or the Ganges River in Varanasi
4. Hornbill Festival
Photo: Kaushik Mishra / Wikimedia Commons
Hornbill Festival is one of the most popular festivals in India, and it allows different local tribes to showcase their attire, traditions, and customs. It mainly features music, dance performances, and storytelling, bringing local communities together and attracting tourists from all over the globe. Tourists visiting can get opportunities to witness traditional sports, including tug of war and wrestling, enhancing their cultural experience. Additionally, tourists can enjoy local cuisines at food festivals such as the Naga King Chilli eating competition.
Things To Do: Visiting Morungs, exploring the arts and crafts exhibition, witnessing the local fashion shows
5. Durga Puja
Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikimedia Commons
Durga Puja is one of the important festivals of India, where locals celebrate Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. During the Durga Puja festival, there are amazing decorations of pandals where the Durga Idol is placed, making it an ideal destination for tourists to learn about the historical heritage of India. Tourists visiting can witness the stages of the festival from Mahalaya, which is the first day, Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, the worship days, to Bijoya Dashami, the final day, where the idols are immersed in water bodies.
Things To Do: Pandal hopping, Worshipping and rituals, watching the cultural performances
6. Hemis Tshechu
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Hemis Tshechu is one of the important international festivals in India, and it is celebrated to honour the birth of Guru Padmasambhava. Hemis Tshechu is also a major centre of the Drukpa Lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Tourists visiting during this festival can experience the local culture through the mask dances and performances that depict gods and goddesses. Additionally, tourists can witness the 22-foot thangka of the Guru Padmasambhava, which is made of silk.
Things To Do: Participate in meditation workshops, exploring the local stalls, participating in prayer sessions
7. International Film Festival Of India / IFFI
Photo: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting / Wikimedia Commons
The International Film Festival of India is crucial as it showcases films from all over the world, hence promoting a better understanding of different cultures. It is one of the famous international festivals of India that allows filmmakers to showcase their work. This festival also conducts a red carpet event which celebrates the film industry with various actors, directors, and filmmakers. Tourists attending the International Film Festival can enjoy screenings of films, learn from filmmakers, and explore the workshops to have hands-on learning experiences.
Things To Do: Shop for films, explore the food courts
8. Khajuraho Dance Festival
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Khajuraho Dance Festival is one of the cultural festivals of India that celebrates the country’s classical dance and art. The dances showcased at this festival include Kathak, Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, and Manipuri. Tourists attending the Khajuraho Dance Festival can sample the local cuisines and explore the Hunar Mela to see the local arts and crafts. Additionally, tourists can enjoy e-bike tours to explore the surrounding areas and the nearby villages to experience the rural lifestyle.
Things To Do: Camping in the villages near Panna National Park, visiting waterfalls, visiting rock painting sites
9. Rann Utsav
Photo: Mekshaa / Wikimedia Commons
Rann Utsav is one of the popular international festivals of India with a major focus on culture, showcasing traditional dances like Dandiya and Garba. During the festival, a temporary tent is built to offer the locals and tourists attending comfortable accommodation. Tourists attending Rann Utsav can participate in various activities, exploring craft markets, interacting with local communities, and participating in other adventurous sports. Additionally, tourists can experience the local culture through live performances and traditional attire.
Things To Do: Desert safaris, visiting the Kalo Dungar viewpoint, exploring Dholavira
The international festivals in India offer the perfect opportunity for tourists to experience local cultures and get unique, memorable experiences while attending. Tourists attending the festivals of India can engage in various adventurous activities to make their trip more extensive and enjoyable. Plan your trip today with TripXL and immerse yourself in the diverse local cultures and important festivals of India.
Cover Photo: Steven Gerner / Wikimedia Commons
