India is a land of festivals, where people from different religions coexist harmoniously. The wide variety of festivals celebrated in India is a true manifestation of its rich culture and traditions. There are many Indian festivals and celebrations, the most exciting of which are mentioned below. While the celebrations happen all over the year, October till January is the time when the country can be seen at its vibrant best.
To give you a fair idea about all the festivals of India in 2018 and their dates, before you begin, here is a piece of information that would prove essential for you!
- Diwali – 7th November (Wednesday)
- Holi – 2nd March (Friday)
- Dussehra – 19th October (Friday)
- Navratri – Begins on 10th October (10th Oct Wednesday to 18th Oct Thursday)
- Durga Puja – 19th October (Friday)
- Janmashtmi – 3rd September (Sunday)
- Ganesh Chaturthi – 13th September (Thursday)
- Gurupurab – 5th January (Friday)
- Rakshabandhan – 26th August (Sunday)
- Eid Ul Fitr – 15th June (Friday)
- Bihu – Begins on 14th April (Saturday)
- Hemis – Begins on 23rd June (Saturday)
- Onam – Begins on 15th August (Wednesday)
- Pongal – Begins on 14th January (Sunday)
- Christmas – 25th December (Tuesday)
- Easter – 1st April (Saturday)
- Baisakhi – 14th April (Saturday)
List of Indian Festivals: The widely celebrated religious festivals in the country
Here is a quick list of the most famous festivals of India. Check out these types of festival before you visit the best places of Indian cultural heritage to attend the grand celebrations of these festivals.
1. Diwali: The Grand Festival Of Lights
Further Read: Diwali Celebration In India: A Pocket Guide To The Festival Of Lights
Diwali, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals of India, is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. During this festival of lights, houses are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family puja, burst crackers, and share sweets with friends, families, and neighbors.
Significance: The festival marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a long exile of 14 years.
Key attractions: Homes decorated with fancy lights, candles and clay lamps, bustling shops and markets, and fireworks and crackers
When: The darkest new moon night of Kartik month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to mid-October – mid-November as per the Gregorian Calendar
Where: All over the country
Diwali 2018: 7th November (Wednesday)
2. Holi: The Vibrant Festival Of Colours
Suggested Read: Best Holi Parties In Delhi To Celebrate The Vibrant Festival Of Colors!
Also known as the festival of colors, holi is one of the famous festivals of India, celebrated with a lot of fervor across the country. On the eve of Holi, people make huge Holika bonfires and sing and dance around it. On the day of Holi, people gather in open areas and apply dry and wet colors of multiple hues to each other, with some carrying water guns and colored water filled balloons.
Significance: It signifies the victory of good (Prince Prahlad) over evil (Holika) and the arrival of spring.
Key attractions: Holika bonfire, playing with colors, and bhang thandai
When: Full moon (Purnima) of the Phalgun month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to the month of March of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Almost all over the country; most vibrant celebrations can be seen in North Indian states
Holi 2018: 2nd March (Friday)
3. Dussehra: Witness The Triumph Of Good Over Evil
Suggested Read: Kullu Dussehra To Dussara In Mysore: The Best Dussehra Celebrations In India
Dussehra, also referred to as Vijayadashami, is also among the most famous festivals of India. It is celebrated in different forms countrywide. Ramlila (enactment of scenes from Ramayana) is held everywhere for 10 days. It’s culminated with “Ravan Dahan” – the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran which is a real spectacle to see.
Significance: It celebrates the death of the demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama.
Key attractions: Hustle bustle of the decorated markets, Ram-Leela acts, and the big event of the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran
When: 10th day of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Pan India
Dussehra 2018: 19th October (Friday)
4. Navratri: The Nine Days Of Fasting, Faith, And Devotion
Suggested Read: 10 Famous Festivals In Gujarat Celebrated With Joyous Fervor
Navratri festival is celebrated by all people throughout India in different ways. In Gujarat, it is a nine-day celebration of rejuvenating Garba nights and highly energetic Dandiya Raas dances. People are dressed in beautiful, colorful traditional clothes and the environment is very youthful and invigorating.
Significance: It represents the celebration of the Goddess Amba (Power) in nine different forms.
Key attractions: The 9 days of dance festivities in Gujarat, the exquisite Chaniya Choli’s (traditional skirt & blouse), and the Gujarati cuisine – Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda ki Kheer, and Potato Wafers
When: The first nine days of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Almost all over the country; most vibrant in Gujarat, Maharashtra and the metros
Navratri 2018: Begins on 9th October (10th Oct Wednesday to 18th Oct Thursday)
5. Durga Puja: Of Prosperity, Goodness, And Devotion
Suggested Read: Durga Puja 2015: 5 Best Traditional Family Celebrations In Kolkata
One of the important Hindu festivals of India, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur by Bengalis, throughout the country. The 10 days of fast, feast, and worship of Goddess Durga are accompanied by cultural songs, dances, and dramas. Huge and beautiful Durga idols are made and placed in specially made artistic Pandals(canopies). People dress in traditional wear and go around the pandal – hopping, praying, and feasting.
Significance: It commemorates Lord Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before going to war with the demon king Ravana.
Key attractions: Plush pandals, incredibly beautiful ten armed Durga idols, and the puja
When: 10th day of Ashwina Shukla paksha according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Kolkata and the metros are the best places to be in India during Durga Puja celebrations
Durga Puja 2018: Begins on 9th October (Friday)
6. Krishna Janmashtami: The Birth Of The Mighty & Mischievous
Suggested Read: Holi In Mumbai 2018: Witness How Mumbaikars Reveal Their Happy Colours This Festive Season
Janmashtami is again a beautiful one among the most important religious festivals of India. Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan are very popular. People fast throughout the day and break it with a special meal after dusk. Visiting temples, praying, dancing, and singing bhajans (hymns) at midnight is a part of the celebrations of the birth of Lord Krishna. Often, small children dress up like Lord Krishna on this day. Images and picturization of Krishna’s life story are depicted in the “jhankis” in temples.
Significance: It is the annual celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Key attractions: The Janmashtami puja and festivities in the temples and the jhaankis of Lord Krishna
When: The 8th day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by the Hindu community all over, but the festivities at Mathura and Vrindavan are very popular
Janmashtami 2018: 3rd September (Sunday)
7. Ganesh Chaturthi: Eleven Days Of Pampering Lord Ganesha!
Suggested Read: Rang Barse!- 6 Awesome Places to Celebrate Holi this Year
Ganesh Chaturthi, another one of important Hindu religious festivals of India, is a 10-day affair of colorful festivities. Huge handcrafted Ganesh idols are installed in homes or outdoors, in public pandals. Pujas are performed in the morning and the evening. The last day is the day of Visarjan – immersion of an idol in a water body. Cultural activities of singing, dancing, and theater, and free medical and blood donation camps are held.
Significance: It’s the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God.
Key attractions: The beautifully crafted life size idols of Ganesha, and the immersion ceremony
When: The 4th day of the first fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi) in the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated in the states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh with fervor and gaiety
Ganesh Chaturthi 2018: 13th September (Thursday)
8. Gurupurab: Religious Processions & Peaceful Hymns
Further Read: 15 Festivals In January In India That Put A Celebratory Start To The New Year
On the most important Sikh festival of India, special assemblies on the lives and teachings of the gurus, and langars (community meals) are organized in the gurudwaras. Karah Prasad is distributed among all, and hymn chanting processions are held in the city. People light up their homes with lamps and candles and burst crackers to celebrate Gurpurab.
Significance: It is the celebration of the anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus.
Key attractions: The soulful Bhajan-Kirtan (hymns), Gurbani in the Gurdwaras, the Langar and the Karah Prasad
When: The full moon day in the month of Kartik of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds
to November of the Gregorian calendar
to November of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by the Sikh community all over the world, especially in Punjab
Gurupurab 2018: 5th January (Friday)
9. Raksha Bandhan: Strengthening The Bond Of Kinship
Further Read: 10 Vibrant Festivals In August in India: Save The Dates To Rejoice With Full Vigour
One of the famous festivals of India, Rakhi is celebrated among Hindu. Signifying the brother-sister bonding, during Rakhi, the sister performs Aarti (prayer), applies tilak, and ties rakhi (a sacred thread) on the brother’s wrist wishing his well being. The brother, in return, vows to protect the sister. Another festival which has a strong similarity to Rakhi is Bhai Dooj which comes just after Diwali.
Significance: It symbolizes the strong bonding of a brother and sister.
Key attractions: The ritual of Rakhi and the brightly decked up markets showcasing a colourful variety of rakhis and sweets
When: The full moon day of Shravana month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Particularly in North, Central and West India
Rakshabandhan 2018: 26th August (Sunday)
10. Eid-Ul-Fitr: Sumptuous Buffets & Sweet Festivities
Suggested Read: 7 Awesome Places To Visit During Eid Holidays With Your Family This Year
Eid is one of the major festivals of India for the Muslim community. People dress up in fineries, attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends, and relatives and exchange sweets. Children are given idi(money or gift) by elders.
Significance: It celebrates the conclusion of the holy month of fasting called Ramadan.
Key attractions: The beautifully decked up markets and mosques, the morning Eid namaz at the mosques, and the sweet dishes.
When: On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar, which corresponds to July of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by Muslims all over the country
Eid Ul Fitr 2018: 15th June (Friday)
11. Bihu: Dance, Music, And Laughter
Further Read: 15 Popular Harvest Festivals Of India
Popular among the festivals of India celebrated in the North East, Bihu is the harvest festival of Assam. During the month-long celebrations, young men and women wear their traditional clothes and perform the Bihu dance in the village fields and courtyards. During Bihu celebrations in India, a community feast is held with a lot of fanfare.
Significance: It’s the traditional new year celebration of Assamese.
Key attractions: The Bihu dance and the local cuisine – coconut ladoo, til pitha, ghila pitha, and fish pitika
When: 14th or 15th April
Where: Celebrated by the Assamese diaspora around the world, especially in Assam
Bihu 2018: Begins on 14th April (Saturday)
12. Hemis: Soothing Chants And Colourful Costumes
Further Read: Top 10 Summer Festivals In India You Shouldn’t Miss In 2018
Hemis, the two-day religious festival from Ladakh, is one of the most important festivals of India. It attracts a lot of locals and foreign tourists each year. The festivities include the Cham dance done by the priests to the tune of the traditional music of cymbals, drums, trumpets played by the monks. It’s among the most unique types of festival where the dancing priests dress up in elaborate brocade outfits and masks.
Significance: It’s the celebration of the birth anniversary of spiritual leader Padmasambhava, founder of Tibet Tantric Buddhism.
Key attractions: The scenic Hemis monastery and the Cham dance
When: 10th day (called Tse-Chu in the local language) of the Tibetan lunar month, which corresponds to June or July of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Hemis 2018: Begins on 23rd June (Saturday)
13. Onam: Welcoming The Mighty Mahabali
Further Read: 10 Uncommon & Unusual Festivals In India
Onam is among the important festivals of India, wherein people wear traditional wear, adorn houses with Pookalam (floral designs), and prepare Onasadya (elaborate meal of about 13 dishes). Events such as Vallamkali (snake boat race), Kaikottikali (clap dance), Kathakali dance, and Pulikali procession (artists dressed and painted like tigers and hunters) are held.
Significance: It celebrates the homecoming of the legendary king Mahabali.
Key attractions: The spectacular Snake Boat Race, the enigmatic Kaikottikali dance, and the Elephant procession
When: In the month of Chingam of the Malayalam calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by people of all communities in the state of Kerala.
Onam 2018: Begins on 15th August (Wednesday)
14. Pongal: Rich Rangolis And Sweet Savories
Further Read: 13 Popular Food Festivals Around The World For Your Unconditional Love For Food
The four-day long harvest festival of South India is one of the most famous festivals of India. People prepare Pongal dish and wear their traditional attire. Celebrities include bonfires, dance, cattle races, sweets, and savories. The houses look resplendent with Kolam designs (traditional floral designs made with rice, colored powders, and flower petals)
Significance: It’s a festival of thanksgiving to nature representing the first harvest of the year.
Key attractions: The variety of Kolam designs and cattle races
When: 14th or 15th January
Where: Celebrated by Tamils all over India, primarily in Tamil Nadu
Pongal 2018: Begins on 14th January (Sunday)
15. Christmas: Celebrating The Birth Of Jesus Christ
Further Read: 13 Must-Attend Events And Festivals In December In India: Block Your Dates & Head Out
One of the most famous and awaited festival in the world, Christmas happens to be of sheer significance for elders and children alike. Everyone regardless of their religion wait for this day, children specifically for the surprise gifts from Santa. All the churches are lit up and decorated to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus.
Significance: Birthday of Lord Jesus
Key attractions: Christmas tree decoration, prayers, birth of Lord Jesus and Santa Claus
When: 25th December
Where: The festival is celebrated across India. The best places to celebrate Christmas in India are Goa, Pondicherry, and Kerala.
Christmas 2018: 25th December (Tuesday)
16. Easter: Celebrating The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ
Further Read: Celebrate These 10 Festivals In April In India & Rejoice In The Good Vibes
Just like other festivals, Easter is also celebrated with much fervour and great religious solemnization in different parts of the country. Celebrated during Spring, Easter celebrations in India are distinguished by various colourful decorations, dance and plays, simmel and plum cakes, and bright lanterns adorning the streets.
Significance:Resurrection of Lord Jesus
Key attractions: Folk songs and dance, Easter eggs, cakes, chocolates, street decorations
Easter 2018: 1st April (Saturday)
Where: The festival is celebrated across India. The best places to celebrate Easter in India are Goa, Pondicherry, and Kerala.
17. Baisakhi: The Rich Traditions And Cultural Prosperity
Further Read: Christmas Celebration In Delhi: 15 Best Places To Embrace The Festive Vibes In The Capital!
Baisakhi is primarily a festival celebrated by the Sikh community of Punjab and those around the world. It celebrates the welcoming of the harvest season for the rabi crops. The Sikhs celebrate this festival with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm by performing local folk dances such as Giddha and Bhangra. The festival is of great religious significance in India as it marks the day when the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh, laid out the foundation stone for the Panth Khalsa-the Order back in 1699.
Significance: Welcoming the harvest season
Key attractions: Folk dance like Bhangra and Giddha, Punjabi feasts, decorations in houses and Gurudwaras
When: 13th or 14th April (Saturday)
Where: The festival is celebrated across Sikh communities in India. The best place to celebrate Baisakhi in India is Punjab.
The myriad of important festivals of India boast of the nation’s rich and varied culture and the religious sentiments of the people. Hope this list of festivals in India sparked an urge to travel to different places and be a part of celebrations. If you want to know a little more about the Indian festive spirit, these commonly-asked questions will be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Famous Festivals In India
Which are the famous festivals of North India?
A: Lohri and Baisakhi in Punjab, Hemis Festival in Kashmir, and Bihu Festival in North East India are among the famous festivals of north India. They celebrate the harvest season with dance, music, and lip-smacking food.
Other famous festivals of North India, like Teej, Janmashtami, and Kumbha Mela are religious festivals and nation wide celebrations loaded with traditions and customs of Hindus.
Which are the famous festivals of South India?
A: Onam and Pongal are the main harvest festivals in South India celebrated in August-September and January respectively. Offering prayers to Hindu deities and family feasts are the highlights of these festivals. Besides, Nehru Trophy Race in Kerala is a popular festival that sees large audience flocking to see the competition. Another one of famous festivals of South India is the Hampi Festival. These celebrations in India are held in Karnataka and exhibits the essence of culture and history through music, dance, drama, and art.
Which are the different festivals related to farming celebrated in India?
A: Onam, Makar Sankranti, Baisakhi, Lohri, Wangala, Nuakhai, and Ugadi are some famous harvest festivals in India. The celebrations include a community gala featuring prayers to God, family gatherings, new clothes, music, dance, and feasts.
Which festival is celebrated in spring season?
A: Holi is the major festival celebrated in Spring Season in India. The festival is also given names like Festival of Colors and Festival of Love. It is celebrated with organic colors and water while a number of delicacies such as gujiya and dahi bhalle are prepared in different states of the country.