India, an incredible country has different colors, cultures, religions and traditions. It is a secular country which is full of different diversity, languages, castes and creeds. People of India are involved in different fairs and festivals throughout the year. Whether it is Hindu or Muslim, Punjabi or Sikh, Jain or Christian each religion have their own cultures and traditions. People celebrate each festival uniquely in their own rituals and beliefs. Each fairs and festivals have their own history behind that to celebrate. Some festivals are celebrated at national levels while others are celebrated at religious levels.
It is the specialty of India that it is not confined to the single religion or beliefs. Each and every religious belief here is given equal respect. Experiencing these festivals and fairs of the country will make your Cultural Tour Packages in India a memorable one which will linger in your memories for life time.
To make your Indian Festivals Tourism more exciting we have brought to you the list of some of the most influential festivals of India that will give you the introduction to the spirit of the country. Where we Indians come, celebrate and share our happiness with each other spreading the message of Unity in diversity.
Here Is the List of Various Festivals of Various Religions Which Are Listed at Below:
- Makar Sankranti and Pongal
- Holi
- Easter
- Eid-al-Fitr (Ramadan)
- Janmasthami
- Durga Puja/ Dussehra
- Diwali
- Christmas
1. Makar Sankranti and Pongal
Makar Sankranti is a festival of Kites which is famous mostly in Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur and Gujarat. It is considered as the festivals for new beginnings. Farmers celebrate this festival joyfully as there is the end of the harvesting season. It is celebrated on 14 Jan of every year. Pongal is a four day festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Pongal is also a harvest festival which is celebrated from 14 Jan onwards. It is one of the important festivals of Hindus. People pray for wealth and abundance during this festival.
2. Holi
It is one of the most Colorful Festivals in India and the world. The festival which is celebrated with different colors and water in the month of March is celebrated for two days. One first day people gathered to burn a bonfire to recall and show respect for the sacrifice of Holika and next day people play with colors and waters to celebrate the joy and happiness. It is celebrated especially in Mathura, Dwarka, Vrindavan and some regions of Uttrakhand.
3. Easter
It is very auspicious festival for Christians. Also called as Resurrection day is celebrated in April in a celebration of Jesus Christ returning from dead. Some non-Christians celebrate it as the beginning of spring. People wear new clothes and prepare tasty and yummy dishes at this day. Easter are celebrated with great zeal at Goa and Kerala.
4. Eid-al-Fitr (Ramadan)
Eid-al-Fitr means ‘festival of breaking the fast’. It is one of the biggest and religious festivals of Muslims. It is celebrated to mark the end of Ramzan. Lucknow, Hyderabad and Delhi celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm and joyfully. It is also a festival of brotherhood and cultural uniqueness.
5. Janmasthami
It is one of the greatest festivals of Hindu peoples as the birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated on this day. The Krishna temples are decorated beautifully all across the India and thousands of people offers their prayers to the god. Mathura and Vrindavan are decorated very beautifully during this time. Some festivals like Bake Bihari and ISKON are decorated very beautifully and people come here to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna on this day from all over the India.
6. Durga Puja/ Dussehra
It is one of the happiest Cultural Festivals in India which brings loads of joy to the people. It is celebrated over nine days. During these 9 days The Goddess Kali is worshipped every day during the morning. Bhog being offered during the evening. In the evening one can also enjoy seeing various cultural events and dance programmes. Durga Puja is famous in Bengal all over the India and Kolkata is one of best place to celebrate this amazing festival in India. Dusserah is celebrated on the 10th day after Durga Puja. The effigy of Ravana is burnt on this day all over the India to celebrate the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana.
7. Diwali
It is an important festival of Hindu but this is the only festival which is celebrated by every religion, caste and communities happily. At this day Lord Ram came back to his kingdom after 14 years exile. The people decorate with beautiful diyas, electronic lights and rangolis. They even wear new clothes during this day. There is a grand puja of Goddess Laxmi in the evening and crackers burnt at night which marks the end of the festival. Northern parts of India like Rajasthan, UP, Punjab and Delhi celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm and joy.
8. Christmas
It is one of biggest and widely religious festivals around the India and the world not only for the Christians but among the other religions too. During this day Christians wear mew dresses and decorate the Christmas tree. People also wear Santa Claus dresses and distribute chocolates and gifts to the kids. Christmas is celebrated at Old Goa, Meghalaya and Cochin where churches are decorated so beautifully and one can witness the excitement on the streets.
