Adventure lovers and those who had a possibility to visit India or those who would like to do it one day must experience a famous festival in India. Just imagine yourself on a street where you can see lots of people in traditional costumes, the smell of traditional cuisines, sounds of laughter and music filling your ears. Thatâs what Indian festivals are all about. They are meant to be a way to enjoy the essence of life and culture. These festivals in India are unlike other events that happen around the world; these are a part of the lifestyle of the country.
The beauty of Indian Festivals are in their diversity, spreading from the peaks of the north to the shores of the south, every region has their own style of celebrations. Indian festivals are unique because they serve the religious, emotional, and social aspects of the Indian population. The famous festival in India helps unite the people from different backgrounds in a particular community in joy. You need to know that the colors, music, dance, rituals, and cuisine that people share during such events are like a celebration to oneâs senses, leaving beautiful memories in your mind. In this part guide, we will explore some of the best festivals in India and what makes them unique.
10 Best Festivals In India: Embracing Festivity
1. The Festival of lights- Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a very famous festival in India which highlights light over the darkness and good over evil. Observed all over India, Diwali symbolizes the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after victory over the demon, Ravana. Even the thought of being surrounded by Lamps (diyas) and rangolis makes one excited. People burst fire crackers, distribute sweets among family and friends and visit Temples making the environment very wholesome. Diwali is a time for reunions and happiness and every part of the country is lit and one has to really see the beauty of it.
2. Holi the Festival of Colors
Holi is a Famous Festival in India among the major population. It is a vibrant festival of colors, usually observed in March that marks the arrival of spring. It is rightfully referred to as the festival of love as people color each other forgetting all the past grudges. One can feel energized at the thought of running, playing and splashing at friends and family with different colors and dancing to the beat of dhol while eating the mouth watering delicacies.
3. Durga Pooja- Celebrating the Goddess
Another Famous Festival in India, Durga Puja is mainly observed in West Bengal and it is the festival to celebrate the win of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This festival presents the art and the culture of Bengal. The beautifully designed pandals are visited by people, and participate in various cultural performances and also get to taste the delicious Bengali food. Durga Puja is all about beauty, starting with beautiful decoration and the idols and is a good time to bond with the community.
4. Eid ul-Fitr â A Heartfelt Celebration
Eid ul-Fitr is the most Famous Festival in India. It is celebrated on completing the journey of the one month fasting period of Ramadan for Muslims. It marks a time of happiness, thankfulness, and perhaps, togetherness. Just imagine yourself sitting around the mouth watering delicious specially prepared food on this day and feel this charismatic, loving and peaceful environment all around. Feels amazing, right? Eid is also about embracing togetherness, and unity in spite of their differences.
5. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is the Hindu festival that marks the birth celebration of Lord Ganesha who is referred to as the god of wisdom and the god of removal of obstacles. It is considered as a Famous Festival in India among the Hindu population of the country. Idols of Lord Ganesha are kept at homes or communities for worship and prayers and people even get involved in other cultural celebrations. The celebration of welcoming Lord Ganesha to one's home is a treat to the eyes and people dance out of happiness and joy with their loved ones. The last day of the festival includes the ceremonial immersion of idols in water; which is a symbol reflecting the journey of Lord Ganesha back to his divine realm.
6. Navratri â Celebrating the Nine Nights
Navratri is a nine nightsâ festival celebrated in the worship of Hindu Goddess Durga. It is widely celebrated nation-wide and every state has its own style of celebration. Individuals engage in dancing such as Garba, and Dandiya, put on beautiful sarees, turbans or colorful dresses, and pray to the goddess. You definitely cannot miss wearing these beautiful traditional outfits, doing Garba and playing Dandiya with your friends and relatives to the beats of the music at this famous festival in India. This festival also marks the win of the feminine strength and beauty.
7. Pongal- The Harvest Festival
Pongal falls in the Tamil calendar and is a harvest festival with the concept originating in a part of South India. It is a time that people show their thankfulness to nature for the yield that it has provided. Tamil people celebrate Pongal by cooking delicious food such as Pongal â a traditional rice dish and drawing kolams at home in celebration of the festival. Pongal is a famous festival in India of thanks giving which emphasizes that man is part of this nature.
8. Raksha Bandhan- Celebrating the relationship between Siblings
Raksha Bandhan is a famous festival in India which is popular for honoring the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters put on a sacred protection thread known as Rakhi around the wrists of their brothers in showing their affection and also as a symbol of protection. If you are a sister to someone, I bet you probably like this festival a lot right? Rituals are carried out by families with relatives and friends, brothers give gifts to their sisters and families eat exclusive meals together.
9. Baisakhi- The Harvest Festival of Punjab
Baisakhi is related to the harvest festival in Punjab and marks the origination of Khalsa in Sikhism in 1699. If you live in India or are here at the time when it is celebrated, do experience this famous festival in India based on the culture of Punjab and engage in lively Bhangra and Gidda dance, go to Gurudwaras, and eat festive foods. Baisakhi is a festival of sweat and toil, farm spirit with a mutual feeling of unity and brotherhood.
10. Christmas- A Generous Celebration
The festival of Christmas is one of the most important festivals of Christians which is celebrated all over the world with joy and love. People exchange Christmas gifts in the happiness of the birth of Jesus Christ. At this famous festival in India, houses are brightly lit, Christmas trees are put up, gifts are being given out and people go to church. Watching the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and churches is a must and treat to the eyes. People of many religions around the world celebrate it and thus it fosters the spirit of togetherness.
Conclusion
Festivals are the best ways by which one can understand the culture of India and peep into the hearts of the Indian people. Right from the colors of Holi to the lights of Diwali every festival has its own perks in its own way. These famous festivals in India are not only a celebration, but they are the way of life, joys, communication, warm relations and unforgettable experience.
Whether you are a local or a tourist it is extremely interesting to enjoy these festivals where they are being held. Capture a Trip, a travel company is focused on helping you have better trip planning; it will assist you organize a trip to these wonderful festivals. Therefore, put on your traveling shoes with Capture a Trip and be ready to dip your fingers into the emotions of colors, tones, and tastes of the Indian festivals. This is an experience you cannot afford to miss out for anything in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which festivals are celebrated in India and are the most famous?
There are many festivals celebrated in India; however, some of the most important festivals are Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Eid al-Fitr, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
2. Why are Indian festivals important?
Indian festivals are significant since they celebrate the culture of the country, foster social relations, as well as unity among different groups of people.
3. How do people celebrate the Indian festivals?
There are several Indian festivities, in which devotees perform Pooja, rituals, songs, dances, feasting and gathering people with lots of pleasure.
4. Which festival is the richest experience to have in India?
Every festival celebrated in India is indeed different but the three festivals that are thought to be the best are Holi, Diwali, and Durga Puja due to their bright and joyous nature.
5. To what extent does Indiaâs Diversity reflect in its Festivals?
Various festivals across India depict its multicultural aspects as the festivals of different regions as well as that of different communities retain their distinct characteristics and yet, there is unity in this diversity.
