20 Most Famous Indian Festivals Celebrated From October to March
A country defined by mixed ethnicities and cultures, India is a colorful land famous for its glittering festivals which add a whimsical charm to its diverse cultural set up. Read here: http://ercotravels.com/blog/20-most-famous-indian-festivals-celebrated-from-october-to-march
A country defined by mixed ethnicities and cultures, India is a colorful land famous for its glittering festivals which add a whimsical charm to its diverse cultural set up.
Read here: http://ercotravels.com/blog/20-most-famous-indian-festivals-celebrated-from-october-to-march
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<strong>20</strong> <strong>Most</strong> <strong>Famous</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Festivals</strong><br />
<strong>Celebrated</strong> <strong>From</strong> <strong>Oc<strong>to</strong>ber</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>March</strong><br />
A country defined by mixed ethnicities and cultures, India is a colorful land<br />
famous for its glittering festivals which add a whimsical charm <strong>to</strong> its diverse<br />
cultural set up. If you wish <strong>to</strong> grasp the essence of <strong>Indian</strong> culture, planning your<br />
trip around the prominent festivals is the best way <strong>to</strong> experience the richness of<br />
festivities this country has <strong>to</strong> offer. <strong>Indian</strong> festival <strong>to</strong>ur packages are a perfect<br />
way <strong>to</strong> immerse you in the vibrant traditions of India. With so many religions and<br />
ethnic groups thriving in India, there are infinite numbers of festivals happening<br />
all year round, but the most celebrated festivals take place in the month of<br />
<strong>Oc<strong>to</strong>ber</strong> and last till the month of <strong>March</strong>. As we embark on the season of<br />
festivities, here is a quick look at the famous <strong>Indian</strong> festivals celebrated during<br />
<strong>Oc<strong>to</strong>ber</strong>- <strong>March</strong>.<br />
Durga Puja<br />
Durga Puja is a renowned Hindu festival that celebrates the divine female form.<br />
The festival holds great significance in Hindu religion as the vic<strong>to</strong>ry of Goddess
Durga over demon Mahishasura. Durga puja starts on the fifth day of the nine day<br />
long Navratri festival with special decorations of the temples and prayers. Of all<br />
the important ceremonies conducted during Durga Puja, Sindoor Khela is most<br />
joyously celebrated by the women who smear each others foreheads with<br />
sindoor, a red coloured powder. Durga puja ends on the tenth day, the day of<br />
Vijayadashami with people immersing the idols of goddess Durga in the holy<br />
rivers. Kolkata is the best place <strong>to</strong> see this festival in its full glory.<br />
Dussehra<br />
Dussehra is celebrated all over India in the month of <strong>Oc<strong>to</strong>ber</strong> with great fervour<br />
<strong>to</strong> commemorate killing of Ravana by Lord Rama. Vijayadashami is preceded by a<br />
ten day Ram leela, in which scenes from Ramayana are enacted. The festival ends<br />
with the burning of effigies of Ravana and his two brothers which attracts many<br />
visi<strong>to</strong>rs. Processions are carried out during the day. In some parts of India, the day<br />
is welcomed by week long fairs in which people participate with great zeal. In<br />
India, the most elaborate and grand celebrations of Dussehra take place in Kullu<br />
Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh which draws millions of <strong>to</strong>urists every year.
Deepawali
The festival of lights, Deepawali is the most awaited festivals of<br />
Hindus. Deepawali is a five day festival that celebrates the return of Lord Rama<br />
with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, <strong>to</strong> Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile<br />
in the forests. The celebrations begin on Dhanteras, which is celebrated by buying<br />
and gifting metal wares <strong>to</strong> friends and family. The main festival takes place on the<br />
third day, the darkest day of the year. Houses are decorated with diyas and<br />
rangolis on Diwali. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day is believed <strong>to</strong> bring<br />
prosperity in<strong>to</strong> the house. The evenings are spent exchanging gifts and sweets<br />
with relatives and friends. Burning of firecrackers on Diwali night is considered<br />
auspicious and fills the atmosphere with pomp and excitement. Traveling <strong>to</strong><br />
India during the five important days before Diwali is considered the best way <strong>to</strong><br />
view the grandness of <strong>Indian</strong> culture.<br />
Rajasthani International Folk Festival<br />
The annual International Folk Festival of Rajasthan held in the month of <strong>Oc<strong>to</strong>ber</strong><br />
is a celebration of folk music and art belonging <strong>to</strong> different regions in Rajasthan.<br />
The five day festival begins on the night of Sharad Poornima which is considered<br />
an auspicious time in the lunar calendar. Since, the festival is organized within the<br />
premises or Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur, attending the festival also lets you<br />
explore the his<strong>to</strong>ric monument. This event is organized solely for the purpose of<br />
promoting artists and musicians. The festival is a great opportunity for <strong>to</strong>urists <strong>to</strong>
come close <strong>to</strong> Rajasthani culture in the way of its folk dances, music and art<br />
forms.<br />
Read Also: Things <strong>to</strong> Do in Sun City Jodhpur – The Gateway of Thar Desert<br />
Gurpurab<br />
The most sacred festival of Sikhs, Gurpurab marks the birth anniversary of Guru<br />
Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. A special ceremony called Akhand Path is<br />
observed two days before Gurpurab in which the holy scripture of Sikhs, Guru<br />
Granth Sahib is read without break. A large procession is carried out with<br />
palanquins holding the scripture, on the morning before Gurpurab. The day starts<br />
with recitation of hymns and chants. Readings are done from the scripture in a<br />
kirtan after which devotees are served prasad made from wheat flour and ghee.<br />
Community lunch is prepared for a large number of people especially the poor<br />
irrespective of caste or creed. Gurpurab is also known as Kartik Poornima,<br />
according <strong>to</strong> the lunar calendar which celebrates the vic<strong>to</strong>ry of Lord Shiva over<br />
demon Tripurasura. People of both religions take holy dips in river Ganga on<br />
Kartik Poornima.<br />
Pushkar Camel Festival
Pushkar fair in Rajasthan is the most famous festival in Rajasthan that draws<br />
millions of <strong>to</strong>urists from across the globe. The festival is revered as the largest<br />
lives<strong>to</strong>ck fair in Indiashowcasing camels, horses, elephants and goats. Pushkar fair<br />
begins a week before Kartik Poornima in the month of November. Hindu devotees<br />
take holy dips in the sacred Pushkar River at sunrise on the morning of Kartik<br />
poornima which is the last day of the fair. The most interesting part of the festival<br />
that attracts the visi<strong>to</strong>rs are the cultural shows, craft exhibitions and competitions<br />
like matka phod race, moustache competition and bridal contests which add a<br />
colorful vibe <strong>to</strong> the festival. Many world renowned pho<strong>to</strong>graphers come<br />
especially <strong>to</strong> capture the varied hues of Rajasthani culture displayed in Pushkar<br />
fair.<br />
Read Also: Explore the Major Attractions of Rajasthan Pushkar Fair Tours<br />
Losar Festival, Ladakh
Losar festival is a cultural treat for those traveling <strong>to</strong> Ladakh in the month of<br />
December. The festival marks the beginning of Tibetan New Year and is hailed as<br />
the most popular festival of Tibetan Buddhists in Ladakh. The two day festival<br />
held in February displays a fine cultural extravaganza in the form of folk music<br />
and dance performed by local artists which lends a beguiling appeal <strong>to</strong> the event.<br />
Attending the festival amidst the serenity of mountains with recitation of chants<br />
and prayers conducted in the monasteries is an experience of a lifetime.<br />
Read Also: Search Surprises with Cultural Tour of Ladakh<br />
Konark Dance and Music Festival
This five day long dance and music festival organized in the month of February<br />
against the backdrop of Konark Sun temple in Odisha is a feast for the lovers of<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> classical dances including kuchipudi, bharatnatyam, Odissi and Kathak.<br />
Besides this, Konark Dance and Music festival also lets you explore the crafts and<br />
cuisine Odisha in its food and craft fairs which are sure <strong>to</strong> win the heart of every<br />
foodie and art lover. This event also gives you a chance <strong>to</strong> interact with many<br />
famous classical dancers and musicians who come <strong>to</strong> participate in this festival.<br />
To make the best of this event, special Konark Dance festival <strong>to</strong>ur packages are<br />
offered by many <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>to</strong>ur opera<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> let the <strong>to</strong>urists enjoy the event without<br />
any hassles.<br />
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khajuraho Dance festival held in the month of February around the famous<br />
Khajuraho temples is a celebration of various <strong>Indian</strong> classical dance forms. The<br />
event showcases the rich his<strong>to</strong>ry of <strong>Indian</strong> classical dance through stage<br />
performances of Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri and Bharatnatyam given by trained<br />
dancers on the tunes of tanpura, tabla, flute and mridangam. The festival also<br />
pays tribute <strong>to</strong> the artisans who carved beautiful images of dancers on the walls<br />
of Khajuraho temples. The dance festival is one event that will bring out the true<br />
charm of Khajuraho temples in your trip <strong>to</strong> this famous <strong>to</strong>urist <strong>to</strong>wn.<br />
Read Also: Khajuraho Temples – A Catalogue of Desire, Sex & Spirituality<br />
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
For an unspoilt vacation in the sand dunes of Thar Desert, Jaisalmer Desert<br />
festivalorganized in February is an event one cannot afford <strong>to</strong> miss on your <strong>to</strong>ur<br />
<strong>to</strong> Rajasthan. The deserts of Jaisalmer transform in<strong>to</strong> a vibrant city that emits<br />
energy and enthusiasm from every corner during the three day event. Various<br />
gymnasts belonging <strong>to</strong> tribal regions in Rajasthan display their skills in the festival.<br />
Fire dance performed by the local dancers is another interesting activity that will<br />
keep you entertained and enthralled. The festival is particularly famous for camel<br />
polo and other similar competitions which attract a large number of people <strong>to</strong><br />
witness the event.<br />
Kartik Cultural Festival, Haryana
Kartik Cultural Festival held every year in November in Ballabhgarh in Haryana, is<br />
the most fascinating way <strong>to</strong> spend your time adoring the nearly extinct cultural<br />
practices in India. The event starts two days before Kartik Poornima and gives an<br />
insight in<strong>to</strong> the ancient performing arts of India which can hardly be seen<br />
anywhere else in the country in the current age. The venue of the festival is<br />
another reason <strong>to</strong> enjoy this festival as one gets <strong>to</strong> witness the spellbinding<br />
architecture of Nahar Singh Mahal. The art and craft stalls exhibited in the festival<br />
gives a glimpse of many ancient art forms of India.<br />
Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
Nagaland, the richest state in terms of its tribal population, takes pride in its<br />
annual Hornbill festival organized on Nagaland’s statehood day in the month of<br />
December. Named after a bird Hornbill in Nagaland, the festival brings out the<br />
essence of the rich tribal life of the Nagas. The medley of cultural performances<br />
accompanied with the tribal food fair is a delightful experience for the travelers.<br />
One can also view the preparation of tribal dishes being cooked by the tribesmen<br />
in separate huts. Watching the tribal folk perform their daily tasks will be a<br />
memory <strong>to</strong> cherish all your life.<br />
Christmas
The most celebrated occasions in the world, Christmas is celebrated on 25th<br />
December in India by the Christian community with great gus<strong>to</strong>. The day marks<br />
the birth of Lord Jesus. Being the only great festival of Christians, preparations<br />
begin months before the actual day. Churches are decorated and plays are<br />
organized <strong>to</strong> celebrate the occasion. People decorate their houses with ornate<br />
Christmas trees and exchange gifts with their family and friends. Some people<br />
dress up like Santa Claus and offer gifts and sweets <strong>to</strong> children. The eve of<br />
Christmas is celebrated by holding candle light service in churches followed by<br />
refreshments of coffee and Christmas cake.<br />
Makar Sakranti
Also known as the Kite flying festival, Makar Sakranti is a Hindu festival<br />
celebrated in January all over India <strong>to</strong> mark the entry of Sun in Capricorn. The<br />
festival holds different connotations in different places. In the northern part of<br />
India, the day is celebrated as Til Sakranti, in which people make and distribute Til<br />
laddoos <strong>to</strong> celebrate the end of winter months. In Punjab, Makar Sakranti is<br />
preceded by Lohri festival in which a huge bonfire is lit up <strong>to</strong> celebrate winter
solstice. In some parts, Makar Sakranti is known as khichdi which is celebrated by<br />
cooking a special dish made from rice and lentils. Fairs and kite flying events are<br />
held during the day which lends a youthful spirit <strong>to</strong> the festival. The day is<br />
celebrated most joyously in Gujarat and Jaipur by organizing International Kite<br />
Flying festival which pulls a variety of <strong>to</strong>urists from all parts of the world.The day<br />
is also considered the most auspicious time <strong>to</strong> take the holy bath in sacred rivers<br />
which is believed <strong>to</strong> rid a person from all the sins committed in past lives.<br />
Bihu Festival<br />
Bihu is a famous festival of Assam, the tea capital of India, which is celebrated in<br />
all over the state <strong>to</strong> seek the blessings of Gods <strong>to</strong> get a bountiful harvest from the<br />
crops. The festival is solemnized in three stages, first in April when the crop seeds<br />
are sown, the second in the month of <strong>Oc<strong>to</strong>ber</strong>, when the saplings are<br />
transplanted and the last one in the month of January which us the harvesting<br />
season of the crops This tri-annual festival is a feast for the travelers amid the<br />
lush greenery of Assam. Being the national festival of the state, many<br />
competitions like buffalo fights and rooster fights are organized on the occasion.<br />
Members of the farmer community dress up in traditional assamese costumes<br />
and perform Bihu dance.
Kumbh Festival<br />
The most famous spiritual festival of Hindus, Kumbh Mela is a world renowned<br />
event that takes place on the banks of Godavari, Ganga, Shipra and Triveni<br />
Sangam once in every twelve years. The festival is regarded as Intangible Cultural<br />
Heritage by UNESCO and is the most peaceful ghuman gatherings in the world.<br />
Kumbh Mela is the most awaited religious gatherings of Hindu saints and sages<br />
who attend the fair <strong>to</strong> take holy dips in the sacred rivers which is said <strong>to</strong> cleanse<br />
alo the sins in the past lives. The Maha Kumbh Mela held after every 144 years is<br />
hailed as the biggest kumbh festival, but very few people get <strong>to</strong> witness the<br />
Maha kumbh during their lifetime. If you want <strong>to</strong> attend the Kumbh festival, Ardh<br />
Kumbh mela <strong>20</strong>19 <strong>to</strong>ur package is the perfect opportunity <strong>to</strong> witness this grand<br />
celebration of Hindu religion.<br />
Read Also: Kumbh Mela Ujjain
Basant Panchami<br />
Basant panchmi is a harvest festival that celebrates the arrival of spring season.<br />
The festival is also said <strong>to</strong> be the celebration of birth of Goddess Saraswati, the<br />
goddess of knowledge. Many other folk tales are associated with this festival<br />
which is observed in all parts of India in the month of January or February. In<br />
Punjab, people wear yellow colored clothes and make a dish of yellow colored<br />
rice <strong>to</strong> celebrate the vibrancy of spring season. Kite flying competitions are<br />
observed during the day in many parts of the country. Offering prayers <strong>to</strong><br />
Goddess Saraswati on this day brings abundance and good fortune in one’s life.<br />
Goa Carnival
Goa hosts the famous Goa carnival in the month of February or <strong>March</strong>. Being<br />
largely dominated by Christian population, the festival is essentially celebrated by<br />
the Catholics and begins a few days before the Lent, the fasting period observed<br />
by the Christians. The carnival is the most exciting celebration of dance, music and<br />
food in which people of all religions and faith take part with the same enthusiasm.<br />
The Goa food and cultural festivalorganized during the carnival is a delight for the<br />
foodies. The lively atmosphere this festival brings in Goa attracts hoards of<br />
<strong>to</strong>urists from different regions <strong>to</strong> the coastal city.<br />
Read Also: Take A Delightful Trip of India During the Goa Carnival<br />
Holi
The most colourful festival of Himdus is Holi festival celebrated with great<br />
fervour and enthusiasm in all parts of India. The festival celebrates the triumph of<br />
good over evil as the day marks the destruction of Holika, who had evil intentions<br />
and wanted <strong>to</strong> kill Prahalad, son of Hirinyakashyap. The day is celebrated by<br />
throwing colors on each other which symbolizes the arrival of spring season. The<br />
day bears special relevance in strengthening relations, as the day celebrates unity<br />
and <strong>to</strong>getherness forgetting about any personal differences between family<br />
members.<br />
Read Also: Holi – Enjoy the Festival of Colors<br />
Easter<br />
Easter is the second most important festival of Christians, after Christmas. The<br />
day celebrates resurrection of Lord Jesus a day after his crucifixion. Easter is<br />
celebrated throughout India by holding special prayers in churches. Easter trees
are placed inside homes and churches. The whole celebration carries a vibe of<br />
purity and simplicity, the two elements that embody Christian faith. The members<br />
of the Christian community actively participate in decoration of churches. Easter<br />
eggs, bunnies and other decorative items add an interesting appeal <strong>to</strong> the<br />
festivities.<br />
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