Nothing is as culturally significant as festivals in India. Make no mistake about it; festivals are the core of our culture. For centuries we have been celebrating festivals, and during these celebrations, we leave our daily lives behind to welcome positivity, giving us respite from our hectic routine. People in India love festivals. Everyone rejoices when the Indian festival calendar starts. The many festivals that India celebrates mark the diversity and uniqueness of this country. This is evident from the many forms and features of festivals celebrated by people in every part of the country. A celebration of life, a time to meet family and friends from all over the country, a chance to enjoy and relax. We are not as fond of festivals in this particular country. The reason is simple — families are busy with their daily lives throughout the year, and festivals add celebration and happiness to the busy schedules. With the country being governed by different cultures and religions, festivals are held religiously. Of course, India holds excellent commerce festivals. You can observe different cultures in countries through their festivals. On the other hand, you can also enjoy the way people celebrate these events. So, here are some of the most Popular Festivals That Indians Love the Most:
- Diwali- The Festival of Lights:
Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights and is celebrated as the victory of light over darkness, marks Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the demon-king Ravana.
- Holi- Festival of Colors:
Holi, also known as the festival of colours or simply Holi, is a Hindu spring festival. It marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter in India. Although the festival is known for throwing coloured powder (gulal) and coloured water at each other, Holi is also a time for family and friends to get together and have fun!
- Maha Shivratri- The Great Night of Shiva:
Maha Shivratri is celebrated in India on the night of the Amavasya (new moon day), the first lunar day after Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) fortnight, of the month of Phalguna or Chithra, which falls in January–February. Maha Shivratri is an important day in Hinduism. Hindus observe this day in memory of the victory of Lord Shiva over Adharma and his celestial army on Panchagavya Utsav. The latter was holding a mela to capture and devour Lord Shiva.
- Dussehra- Vijayadasami:
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami and Dasara, is a Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navratri every year. The popular Indian festival that celebrates the ultimate triumph of goodness of Lord Rama over Ravan. The word Dussehra translates to Vijayadashami, marking the end of the month-long Navratri festival.
- Durga Puja- Durgotsava or Navaratri:
Puja is a festival that is celebrated in most the states in India. A festival that is devoted to Maa Durga and her heroic acts. According to Bangla and Hindu calendars, the Durga Puja (Durgotsava) can be celebrated for four days, starting on Ashwin/Dashami.
- Janmashtmi- Birth of Lord Krishna:
Janmashtmi is a Hindu festival celebrated to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday. Janmashtmi holds a very special place in the hearts of all people. Janmashtmi is considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and hence it invites utmost respect, being one of the major festivals in India.
- Raksha Bandhan- Rakhi or “Bond of Protection”:
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is celebrated amongst siblings where they promise to protect each other and mark unconditional love. The sister ties a rakhi thread to her brother’s wrist, and gifts and sweets are exchanged. You can also go for online rakhi delivery to get it delivered directly to your sibling’s doorstep.
Indian festivals are important in the tourist industry. Many Indians travel their country annually to visit a few different festivals. The best thing about festivals is that they bring people from all walks of life. Festivals in India are unique, colourful, vibrant and exciting. Each state has a different celebration celebrated with much fervour and enthusiasm. Festivals have become an integral part of the Indian culture and are loved by people from all walks of life for their sheer beauty, warmth and expressive entertainment. So, these were some of the most Popular Festivals That Indians Love the Most. There is no dearth of festivals in India, from Dussehra to Diwali and Pongal to Onam.
