20 Important and Popular Festivals of India

A land of vibrant traditions and rich cultural heritage, India is known for its festivals and celebrations. These important festivals of India form a colorful fabric that binds the country together, it is a unique manifestation of the unity of the nation in every variety From the grandeur of national festivals to the beauty of local celebrations, The major festivals of India reflect the heart and soul of this wonderful nation. Let’s go on a journey to 20 of India’s most important and popular festivals, each with its unique flavor and significance, and give us a glimpse into the cultural mosaic that is India.

Upcoming Festivals & Events in India Dates – December 2024

List of India’s Top Important Festivals of India

1. Diwali – Festivals of Light in India

One of the most important and important festivals celebrated in India, Diwali is a religious festival that shines with glory. It marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. During this festival of lights, people decorate their homes with ceramic lamps and candles, light up the night sky with fireworks, and exchange gifts and sweets with loved ones. Commemorating Lord Rama’s triumphant return after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, Diwali incorporates its deep-rooted significance, and enduring religious and festive values ​​and makes it the canvas of Indian festivals an integral part of packaging

• Things to do on Diwali: Lakshmi Puja, Decorate, Light lamps, Burst Crackers, Exchange gifts and sweets
• When: Mid-October to Mid-November on the darkest new moon night of Karthik month according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
• Diwali 2023: 12th November
• Diwali 2024: 1st November
• Diwali 2025: 20th October

2. Holi – Festival of Colors

Holi, one of the main festivals of India, is a celebration of pure joy and exuberance. It’s more than just a festival of colors, it’s a vibrant expression of love and the triumph of good over evil. As part of the many different festivals in India, Holi marks the arrival of spring, and its festivities are observed with great enthusiasm nationwide. The revelries commence on the eve of Holi, with people lighting bonfires and dancing around them.

On the day of the festival, the air is filled with laughter and cheer as friends and family come together to play with vibrant dry, and wet colors. Water guns and balloons brimming with colored water add to the fun, and no Holi celebration is complete without sipping on the traditional bang thandai, a spicy Indian cocktail. Holi, celebrated in March, is a testament to the spirit of unity and festivity that defines the festivals of India.

• Things to do: Holika, Play with water balloons, and colors, exchange sweets. 
• When: During the Spring season that is in the month of March.
• Holi 2023: 8th March
• Holi 2024: 25th March
• Holi 2025: 14th March

3. Navratri

Navratri, one of the major festivals of India, is a vibrant celebration that spans nine nights, as its name suggests. During this festival, devotees across the country worship Goddess Shakti in her various forms. In North India, the festivities are marked by lively Dandiya Raas and Garba dances, where people of all ages, adorned in colorful traditional attire, participate with zeal. Navratri, representing the nine forms of Goddess Amba (Power), unites people across India in diverse yet harmonious celebrations, making it a true embodiment of the nation’s rich cultural tapestry.

• Things to do: Dhandiya nights, Fasting, Doing Puja, and offering prayers to the goddess.
• When: During the months of September, October, and November
• Navratri 2023 Date: 15th October to 24th October
• Navratri 2024 Date: 3rd October to 12th October
• Navratri 2025 Date: 22nd September to 2nd October

4. Dussehra

Dussehra, a prominent festival in the lineup of Indian festivals, also goes by Vijayadashami. It holds a special place in the pantheon of major festivals of India, celebrated with diverse customs across the nation. While some regions commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, others honor Goddess Durga’s conquest of Mahishasura. Vibrant Ramlila enactments and the grand burning of colossal effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad symbolize Dussehra. For an unforgettable Dussehra experience, Mysore in Karnataka takes the lead. The city’s illuminated Mysore Palace, adorned with a hundred thousand bulbs, offers a breathtaking spectacle, while the grand procession featuring decorated elephants further adds to the festival’s grandeur. It’s a testament to the cultural richness and diversity of Indian festivals, making Dussehra one of the main festivals of India.

• Things to do: Attend Ravana Dhavan and visit temples and fairs.
• When: During the months of September, October, and November after Navratri
• Dussehra 2023 Date: 24th October
• Dussehra 2024 Date: 12th October
• Dussehra 2025 Date: 2nd October

5. Durga Puja – The Grand Festival of India

Durga Puja, one of the major festivals of India, holds a special place in the hearts of the people of West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Bihar. This wonderful festival celebrates the worship of the ten-armed goddess and her four children enshrined in an elaborate tent The festival is a rich blend of traditions, where people dress up in new clothes and go with their loved ones to the pandal-hopping trips and indulge in lavish parties.

As one of the major festivals of India, Durga Puja marks the culmination of ten days filled with fasting, festive feasts, and profound devotion. The grand immersion of the goddess’s idol in water signifies the end of the festivities. This vibrant festival is not only about religious fervor but also embraces cultural performances, including songs, dances, and dramas. Rooted in history, Durga Puja commemorates Lord Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before his battle with the demon king Ravana, making it an integral part of India’s rich tapestry of festivals.

• Things to do: Worship of Lord Goddess Durga and Pandal Hopping.
• When: 10th day of Ashwina Shukla paksha according to the Hindu Calendar that is during the months of October and November
• Durga Pooja 2023: 20th of October to 24th of October
• Durga Pooja 2024: 09th of October to 13th of October
• Durga Pooja 2025: 28th of September to 02nd of October

6. Ganesh Chaturthi – Important Festival of India

One of India’s biggest festivals, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion. This special festival in India commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god beloved by millions. The festival, which begins with the installation of artfully carved idols of Ganesha in homes and public pavilions to symbolize the god’s arrival among us, is a vibrant, cross-cultural celebration of Indian culture in the 19th century, especially Maharashtra and Karnataka together. Ganesh Chaturthi, which spans ten days, ends with Anantha Chaturdashi, bringing the grand festival to a spectacular conclusion. Here is an example of the grandeur and gaiety of Indian festivals.

• Things to do: Worshipping and offering prayers to Ganesha, Taking part in Visarjan, and visiting pandals.
• When: In the month of Bhadrapada that is during August or September. 
• Ganesh Chathurthi 2023: 9th September
• Ganesh Chathurthi 2024: 7th September
• Ganesh Chathurthi 2025: 27th August

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7. Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, one of the most important festivals in India, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, who is worshiped as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This grand Indian festival is celebrated across the country, with devotees offering prayers and sweets to the deity. Mathura and Vrindavan, the historical sites associated with Krishna’s life and musical dance form the vibrant center of the festival. Children often dress up as Lord Kṛṣṇa, adding to the spirit of the festival. The day is filled with temple visits, prayers, midnight bhajans, and lively music, making it one of India’s major festivals that beautifully captures the essence of devotion and joy.

• Things to do: Worship and visit Krishna temples, dress up small children as Lord Krishna, and prepare sweets
• When: The 8th day of Ashtami of Krishna Paksha is during the month of August or September. 
• Krishna Janmashtami 2023: 6th September
• Krishna Janmashtami 2024: 26th August
• Krishna Janmashtami 2025: 16th August

8. Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the major religious festivals of India, holds great significance for the Muslim community. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting similar to the Christian Lent, when devotees pray, introspect, and give alms. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm, beginning with the sighting of the crescent moon at night. The holiday is celebrated with great gusto, beginning with the full moon and the crescent moon visible at night. During this time, Muslims pray in mosques, visit friends and relatives, and participate in festive feasts, sweet cevian is a popular symbol of this season Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of spiritual awakening, reflection, and unity feeling a time when Muslims come together for prayer and celebration, the holy month of Ramadan ends with 3 days of joyful and joyful celebration.

• Things to do: Offer prayers at the Mosque, Exchange sweets, Visit friends’ and relatives’ houses.
• When: On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar 
• Eid-ul-Fitr 2023: 22nd April
• Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: 10th April
• Eid-ul-Fitr 2025: 30th March

9. Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a major religious festival celebrated in various forms across India, marking the transition of the sun into the Capricorn constellation. This unique festival is known by different names in different regions, such as Maghi, Magh Bihu, Pedda Panduga, Thai Pongal, and Sukarat, showcasing the diverse tapestry of festivals celebrated in India. It holds great agricultural significance, symbolizing the shift from winter to spring and marking a crucial phase in the farming calendar. People joyfully fly kites and savor traditional dishes like ‘Bajre ki khichdi’ and ’til ladoo,’ making Makar Sankranti a cherished celebration that unites the nation in the embrace of the changing seasons and the promise of a bountiful year ahead.

• Things to do: Pray to the Sun, Fly kites, and Visit temples
• When: Usually celebrated during the month of January.
• Makar Sankranti 2023: 15th January
• Makar Sankranti 2024: 15th January
• Makar Sankranti 2025: 14th January

10. Christmas

Christmas, one of the religious festivals of India, is a beloved part of the Indian festivals list. It is celebrated with great joy, marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and is of special importance to Christians. During this time, churches are decorated with festive lights, and decorated Christmas trees are a common sight, decorating homes and supermarkets across the country for families to attend prayer masses, exchange gifts, share a joyous feast, and be together. This joyful season transcends religious boundaries and is eagerly awaited by people from all walks of life, especially young children who are waiting for surprise gifts from Santa Claus Christmas is a wonderful addition to Indian festivals and celebrations a covered with various fabrics.

• Things to do: Prayers at Church, Decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and attending carnivals. 
• When: 25th December
• Christmas 2023: 25th December
• Christmas 2024: 25th December
• Christmas 2025: 25th December

11. Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri, one of the main festivals of India, is a significant celebration in the realm of Indian festivals and celebrations. This annual event, held in reverence of Lord Shiva, signifies the triumph over ignorance and darkness in one’s life. Maha Shivratri, aptly named the “Great Night of Shiva,” is observed throughout the country, with devotees engaging in fasting, meditation, prayer recitals, and worshipping the sacred Shiva Linga. As the night unfolds, ardent worshippers stay awake, participating in age-old rituals. The sanctity of the occasion draws devotees to Shiva temples across the nation, seeking spiritual enlightenment and redemption from their sins. Maha Shivratri, celebrated on the 13th night of the Phalguna month, is believed to grant salvation to those who devoutly honor Lord Shiva on this auspicious day, making it a cherished and profound festival among Indian festivals.

• Things to do: Fasting, Visiting Shiva temple, Meditating, and Chanting shlokas/prayers.
• When: The 14th day of the lunar month of Phalguna which is during February or March.  
• Maha Shivratri 2023: 18th February
• Maha Shivratri 2024: 8th March
• Maha Shivratri 2025: 26th February.

12. Onam

Onam, one of the major festivals of India, has a central place in Kerala. This important Indian festival marks the beginning of the harvest season and is a joyous celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the country. Based on tradition, Onam also carries a religious significance, as it commemorates the annual return of the beloved King Mahabali to his people. The throne of Kerala is a testament to the status of naukadoda, the hustle elephant carnival, the elaborate Kaikottikali dance, etc. are splendid activities, such as traditional decorations, spectacular pond-flowers, and grand- Onasa and other Indian festivals and celebrations are really acceptable. – Participate in the process.

• Things to do: Attend the Boat race, worship, Flower Rangoli, and celebrate
• When: In the month of Chingam according to the Kerala calendar which is during the month of August or September
• Onam 2023: 20th August to 31st August
• Onam 2024:  05th of September to 17th of September
• Onam 2025: 26th of August to 07th of September

13. Rakshabandhan

Rakshabandhan, a cherished entry on the list of Indian festivals, beautifully celebrates the unique bond between siblings, especially brothers and sisters. This heartfelt Hindu festival sees sisters tying a sacred thread or rakhi on their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection. In return, brothers offer gifts and a promise to safeguard their sisters in times of need. Rakhi holds deep significance as sisters perform Aarti, apply tilak, and tie the rakhi, bestowing their blessings upon their brothers. It’s a touching celebration of the enduring bond and mutual care between siblings that warms hearts across India during this festival of love and protection.

• Things to do: Tie rakhis, prepare and enjoy sweets, and exchange gifts.
• When: During the full moon day of Shravan month according to the Hindu calendar which is during the month of August. 
• Rakshabandhan 2023: 30th August
• Rakshabandhan 2024: 19th August
• Rakshabandhan 2025: 9th August 

14. Gurpurab

Gurpurab, a significant festival in the diverse tapestry of Indian festivals, is a joyous celebration that marks the birth of Guru Nanak, the revered first Sikh Guru. Also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti, it carries deep spiritual and communal significance. The festivities include a two-day reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, special assemblies that focus on the guru’s teachings, and the heartwarming tradition of serving community meals in gurudwaras. Processions fill the streets, and the spirit of unity shines as Karah Prasad is shared with all, regardless of caste or religion. Homes sparkle with lamps, candles, and fireworks crackling, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere to celebrate this sacred Gurpurab.

• Things to do: Visit Gurudwars and attend Satsang
• When: During the full moon day of Karthik month according to the Hindu calendar which is during the month of November.
• Gurpurab 2023: 27th November
• Gurpurab 2024: 15th November
• Gurpurab 2025: 5th November

15. Baisakhi

Baisakhi, a significant festival in the array of Indian festivals and celebrations, holds a special place in the hearts of the Sikh community. The rabi harvest season begins in earnest, painting the fields and the heart of Punjab with joy. Celebrated with gaiety, the festival has people dancing to the beat of bhangra and dogs, decorating their homes and gurdwaras, and eating sumptuous food Besides joy, Baisakhi carries a deep religious significance, as it marks the day Guru Gobind Singh founded the order of the Khalsa in 1699, 1999 respectively. as one of the festivals in India It reinforced its importance.

• Things to do: Visit Gurudwars, Dancing, and Enjoy the feasts. 
• When: 14th April
• Baisakhi 2023: 14th April
• Baisakhi 2024: 14th April
• Baisakhi 2025: 14th April

16. Ugadi

One of the many religious festivals celebrated in India, is a vibrant and significant occasion, particularly in the southern states. This auspicious day begins with people rising early, taking a ritualistic oil bath, and donning new attire. The centerpiece of the celebration is the special ‘Ugadi Pachadi,’ a symbolic dish composed of various ingredients like jaggery, neem flowers, tamarind, and raw mango. Each component represents a different facet of life, symbolizing the myriad flavors of joy, sorrow, anger, bitterness, and surprise. Ugadi, a harvest festival, marks the start of new endeavors and is cherished for its rich cultural and traditional significance among all the festivals of India.

• Things to do: Take an Oil bath, Wear New dresses, Visit Temples, and Enjoy the special foods. 
• When: On the first day of the Chaitra month according to the Hindu calendar which is during the month of March or April
• Ugadi 2023: 22nd March
• Ugadi 2024: 9th April
• Ugadi 2025: 30th March

17. Easter

Easter, the religious festival of India, is celebrated in spring with great joy and enthusiasm. This important festival is distinguished by its colorful decorations, lively dance dramas, traditional simnel plum cake, and spectacular bright lights that mark the streets. Easter has great significance for the Christian community in India when it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ Festivities include customs including home and park decorations, warm Easter egg making, delicious gift giving, live music, sumptuous food, and spirited entertainment.

• Things to do: Decorate homes with easter eggs, Exchange gifts, and Dance. 
• When: The First Sunday after the full moon day during the Spring season which is during the month of March or April
• Easter 2023: 9th Aril
• Easter 2024: 30th March
• Easter 2025: 20th April

18. Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja, a revered religious festival of India, stands as a testament to ancient traditions and unwavering devotion. his unique four-day Indian festival pays homage to the sun god and his consort and seeks their blessings for happiness and prosperity. Fasting, abstinence from water, river bathing, and sunrise-sun worship are an integral part of the festival. What makes Chhath Puja special is the unbroken generational tradition, where families maintain this sacred ritual without interruption, except in case of a family bereavement. Dedicated to the worship of the sun god, the festival beautifully illustrates the enduring trajectory of Indian festivals steeped in spirituality and cultural significance.

• Things to do: Take Bath in Rivers, Offer prayers, and enjoy the delicacies. 
• When: The sixth day of Karthika month according to the Hindu Calendar which is during October and November.
• Chhath Puja 2023: 17th to 20th November
• Chhath Puja 2024: 7th to 10th November
• Chhath Puja 2025: 29th to 31st October

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19. Bakrid/ Eid-ul-Zuha

Eid ul Zuha, also known as Bakrid or Eid al-Adha, holds a significant place among Indian festivals. It is an important Islamic holiday that affects millions of Muslims in the country and around the world. This festival, the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, carries a profound message of obedience and sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his son as a pious As part of the rich tapestry of Indian festivals, Eid ul Juha promotes unity, gratitude, and community bonds This is a cherished practice and a symbol of religious harmony in India.

• Things to do: Wear new clothes and Pray at Mosques
• Bakrid 2023: 29th June
• Bakrid 2024: 16th June
• Bakrid 2025: 6th June

20. Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami, a beloved religious festival of India, ushers in the joyous season of spring with vibrant celebrations. This festival, typically falling in late January or early February, is a part of the colorful tapestry of festivals in India. It’s a day filled with bright yellow attire, symbolizing the mustard flowers that paint the fields, and is dedicated to the worship of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, and music. 

• Things to do: Dress in yellow color, Worship the Lord Saraswathi and Fly Kites
• Basant Panchami 2023: 26th January
• Basant Panchami 2024: 14th February
• Basant Panchami 2025: 2nd February

Conclusion

India’s rich cultural tapestry comes alive through its vibrant festivals, each weaving a unique story of tradition and celebration. From the national festival of India to the major festivals like Diwali, Eid, Holi, and Navratri, these Indian festivals create a colorful mosaic of traditions and togetherness. The festivals and celebrations in India reflect the unity in diversity that defines this incredible nation, and they offer a profound glimpse into its soul and spirit.