Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Indian festivals reflect its deep cultural and religious traditions, bringing people together in celebration. From the bright lights of Diwali to the colours of Holi, these events mark seasons, honour deities, and celebrate history. The top festivals in India are observed with enthusiasm across different regions, each with its own customs and significance. In this blog, we highlight ten well-known festivals, exploring their traditions, best times to experience them, and key locations where they are celebrated, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s rich festive spirit.
10 Most Spectacular Festivals In India
Here are some of the top festivals celebrated across India, showcasing the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions:
1. Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and beyond. It symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Streets are illuminated with oil lamps, vibrant rangolis decorate doorsteps, and dazzling fireworks light up the night sky. Families gather for Lakshmi Puja to seek blessings for prosperity, exchange sweets, and enjoy festive feasts.
Timing Of Festival: October or November, depending on the lunar calendar
Must Have Experience: Witness the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi during Diwali, where the ghats come alive with thousands of lamps floating on the river
2. Holi
Holi, the Festival of Colours, is a joyous occasion that marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. The festival is associated with the legend of Prahlada, who survived the fiery wrath of Holika, and is one of the top festivals in India. On the day of Holi, people take to the streets, smearing each other with different colours, and enjoying sweets like gujiya. The night before, Holika Dahan takes place, where bonfires are lit to symbolise the burning away of evil.
Timing Of Festival: March, on the full moon day of the Phalguna month
Must Have Experience: Participate in the Lathmar Holi of Barsana, where women playfully hit men with sticks, adding a unique twist to the celebrations
3. Dussehra
Photo: Snehrashmi / Wikimedia Commons
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a festival that signifies the triumph of good over evil. It marks the day when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana. Grand processions, known as Ram Leela, are performed across India, reenacting the story of Rama’s victory. The highlight of the festival is the burning of massive effigies of Ravana, symbolising the destruction of evil. In Mysore, Dussehra is celebrated with an elaborate royal procession, while in Kullu, the festival is marked by cultural performances.
Timing Of Festival: September or October, following the nine days of Navratri
Must Have Experience: Attend the Mysore Dasara festival, renowned for its royal procession and illuminated Mysore Palace
4. Onam
Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons
Onam is Kerala’s most significant festival, honoring the return of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a time of prosperity and joy. Spanning ten days, the festival features grand feasts called Onam Sadhya, intricate Pookalam, traditional dances like Kathakali and Pulikali, and exhilarating Vallam Kali. People wear traditional attire, and temples hold special prayers. The entire state bursts into celebration with cultural performances, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for both residents and visitors.
Timing Of Festival: August or September, during the Malayalam month of Chingam
Must Have Experience: Witness the Snake Boat Races on the Pampa River, a thrilling spectacle of synchronised rowing
5. Pongal
Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons
Pongal is a four day harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to the Sun God for a bountiful harvest. The festival begins with Bhogi Pongal, where old belongings are burnt to symbolise a new beginning. The second day, Thai Pongal, is the main celebration, where rice is boiled with jaggery and milk in an earthen pot until it overflows, signifying abundance. The third day, Mattu Pongal, honors cattle, while the final day, Kaanum Pongal, is spent visiting family and friends.
Timing Of Festival: January 14 – 17, marking the beginning of the Tamil month Thai
Must Have Experience: Attend the Jallikattu event in Madurai, showcasing traditional valor and sportsmanship
6. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a grand Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity. Idols of Ganesha are installed in homes and public pandals, and devotees perform prayers and aarti for ten days. On the final day, the idols are carried in massive processions and immersed in water bodies, symbolising Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash. The festival fosters a sense of community and devotion, with Mumbai being the epicenter of extravagant celebrations featuring enormous idols, cultural performances, and processions.
Timing Of Festival: August or September, depending on the lunar calendar
Must Have Experience: Join the massive procession in Mumbai on the final immersion day, witnessing the city’s infectious energy and devotion
7. Eid-ul-Fitr
Photo: Chattrapal (Shitij) Singh / Pexels
Eid-ul-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Muslims begin the day with communal prayers at mosques, followed by festive feasts, the giving of alms, and exchanging greetings. Families prepare delicious dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and sheer khurma. Amongst the top festivals in India, it is a time for gratitude, charity, and togetherness, where people visit relatives and share joy.
Timing Of Festival: Varies based on the lunar calendar, typically in May or June
Must Have Experience: Savour traditional dishes like biryani and sheer khurma during the festive meals
8. Christmas
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. Christmas is one of the top festivals in India and is marked by beautifully decorated churches, Christmas markets, carol singing, and grand feasts.. Many people, regardless of faith, partake in the spirit of joy by exchanging gifts and sharing festive meals. The holiday season also brings elaborate Christmas markets and fairs, offering delicious treats, ornaments, and festive entertainment.
Timing Of Festival: December 25
Must Have Experience: Experience the Midnight Mass at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa, followed by lively street celebrations
9. Durga Ashtami
Photo: Kolkatar Chobiwala / Wikimedia Commons
Durga Ashtami, an important day in the Navratri festival, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and signifies the victory of divine power over evil forces. The day is marked by special pujas, fasting, and the worship of young girls as embodiments of the Goddess. In West Bengal, it is a major highlight of Durga Puja, with grand idol processions, cultural performances, and elaborate decorations. In other parts of India, devotees perform special prayers at temples and offer bhog to the goddess.
Timing Of Festival: September or October, on the eighth day of Navratri
Must Have Experience: Witness the Sandhi Puja, a powerful ritual held at the precise transition between Ashtami and Navami, accompanied by the sound of dhak
10. Chhath Puja
Photo: Ramesh Lalwani / Wikimedia Commons
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Devotees observe a rigorous fast, offer prayers at rivers or water bodies, and perform elaborate rituals, including offering water to the rising and setting sun. Families gather along riverbanks to sing traditional folk songs, creating an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion. The rituals performed during Chhath Puja are deeply symbolic, representing gratitude for the sun’s life-giving energy.
Timing Of Festival: October or November, six days after Diwali
Must Have Experience: Participate in the evening ceremonies at the Ganges River in Patna, where thousands of devotees offer prayers in a mesmerising spectacle
The top festivals in India are not just festivals but an essential part of the country’s cultural and spiritual identity. They bring people together, creating a strong sense of unity and joy. From grand processions to traditional feasts and rituals, these celebrations highlight India’s rich diversity. Plan your journey with TripXL and witness these incredible festivals firsthand, exploring the traditions, flavours, and festivities that make India’s cultural celebrations so special.
Cover Photo: Suvan Chowdhury / Pexels
