In India, more than hundred festivals are celebrated but out of them all, a few are celebrated pan India with much zeal and great fervour. India have one or other festival every fortnight that is either celebrated in homes in the form of festivals or Vratams for Gods, harvest festivals, seasonal festivals etc. All these festivals though not celebrated by all are celebrated in a specific area or region and binds the people of the society.
So, without any ado, we would discuss a few popular festivals in India that you ought to witness, at least once in your lifetime. Here we go!
1. Makar Sankranti
The first festival of the year, Makar Sankranti is another grand festival of India. Celebrated on 14 January, it is famous for kite flying, especially in Gujarat. A kite flying competition is held in Gujarat annually where colorful kites are flown in the sky. Some people take a dip in the holy waters of Ganga to celebrate the beginning of a new year.
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, located on an island in the Sunderbans, Gangasagar offers both the pilgrims and adventure lovers a much-awaited destination with the charm of a pristine beach at the mouth of the Ganges.
Gangasagar is an ideal destination for visitors planning a weekend getaway, amidst the vast expanses of silver sand and under the infinite blue sky and sea. The many stories of Hindu mythology and ancient Indian literature like Ramayana and works of Tagore and Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay mention Gangasagar.
One of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage centres in India, Gangasagar, also known as Sagardwip, is still an unexplored area. Every year in mid-January on Makar Sankranti, pilgrims from all over India gather at Gangasagar for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. After the refreshing and purifying dip in the river, the pilgrims offer ‘Puja’ or worship at the Kapil Muni Temple.
The Gangasagar Mela (fair) during Makar Sankranti is one of the biggest fairs in West Bengal.
Also arriving in the first month of the new year, Lohri is celebrated at the time of harvest. Mark your calendars for 13 January as it is the day of Lohri. It is celebrated in Punjab with grandeur. People gather around a bonfire in traditional attires. Offerings are made to the bonfire, and then people dance to folk music. It is an auspicious festival. Lohri is one of the best winter festivals in India.
A popular festival in South India, Pongal is celebrated between 14 January and 17 January. It is a four-day celebration where the first day is a dedication to the lord of Fire. The second is for the Sun God. The third and the fourth day are for cattle and birds respectively. It is also a harvest-related festival celebrated in cold winters.
During this time, whole Tamil Nadu gets into a festive mood. Many events, games, race and sports are conducted during this time like Panai Odaithal, Ilavattu Kal Thookudhal, Jallikattu, Manju Virattu, Kolam Potti, Pattu Potti, Kozhi Sandal, Adu Sandai takes place.
In an earthen pot almost overflowing with milk over the fire, rice and other grains are added to create Pongal, a thanksgiving festival. This is the offering to the Sun God, the life-giver of all that exists. Dressed in traditional attire, men and women and children sing and dance, expressing deep joy as they give thanks to the rain god Indra.
Colorfully beaded cattle, bells, grain trees and flower garlands are worshipped. Into the fire, unusable household items are thrown during Bhogi Mantalu so that the unwanted are put to use and warmth is generated in the last round of winter. For an agrarian society, nothing compares to the joy of a good harvest.
All over India, the harvest season is celebrated with enthusiasm in the various regional flavors. Pongal celebrates the rice harvest for four days in the state of Tamil Nadu in the Hindu calendar month of Thai, which falls in January and February.
Besides rice, grains, sugarcane and turmeric (an essential ingredient in Tamil cuisine) are also harvested. Each of these is an essential ingredient in the sweet and savoury ritual dishes prepared over the four days. Join us in celebrating the cycle of life, regeneration and nature's infinite abundance.
2. Vasant Panchami
On the fifth day of Spring, vasant panchami is celebrated in many parts of India by worshiping Saraswati. She symbolises the constant flow of knowledge and wisdom and also represent the flourishing, multi coloured nature, which brings along the light of hope, joy, inspiration and prosperity. The bhog prepared is made up of 5 seeds like nodes of bamboo shoot, misri, nuts cardamom, lotus stems, lotus seeds.
The yellow colour holds a special impact on vasant panchami as it signifies the arrival of spring after a long winter. It is the colour of the bee, the blooming flowers which gives us joy, the colour of the sun which provides us with energy and the blooming fields of mustard during that period.
3. Maha Shivratri
Mahashivratri is a festival in the month of February/March. There are many legends associated with the festival but one of the most popular legend tells about the holy union of Shiva and Parvati into marriage. Mahashivratri is celebrated with a lot of zeal by devotees of Shiva throughout the country.
The celebration is a must watch in the city of Varanasi where a large procession is carried out and people are ecstatically drained in devotion of Lord Shiva. Varanasi or Kashi is the city of Shiva and the exuberant celebrations here are a testimony to the fact that Shiva resides in the spirit of the city of Kashi.
Shivarathri is an important festivals of Tamils and as Shaivism is highly followed by Tamils. During Shivarathri, many temples conducts Bharatanatyams and many folk dances such that people will be awake whole night and on the next day, Mayana Kollai festival takes place in villages. Mayana Kollai festival depicts the slaying up of the Mahishasura by Angalamman or Kali and this is enacted by people who dress up like Kali and perform Mayana Kollai.
4. Holi
It is known as the festival of colors and you can see people celebrating it with aplomb by firing colors over each other. It is one of the biggest festivals of India and the celebrations are very colorful. Holi is a festival usually celebrated in the month of March. It is a festival of colours and the celebration of Spring. The folklore attached to it is of Prahlad and his relentless devotion for Vishnu. Holi is celebrated in all parts of India but it celebrated with much fanfare and gusto in Northern parts of Country. Holi of Vrindavan and Barsana is famous for its unconventional style of celebration.
Known as a festival that is all about colours, Holi is a very popular festival wherein people forget all their grudges and cover each other in different vibrant colours, making way for love and strong bonds. Before the day of the festival, on Holi eve, Holika Dahan takes place which is a bonfire around which people dance and have a whale of a time.
On the day of Holi, people play with dry colours, wet colours, pichkari (water guns), water/colour filled balloons and whatnot. They end their day with some lip-smacking food.
However, in India, it only begins with the burning of Holi fire a day before the water Holi, which symbolizes the killing of Holika. Mythological stories reveal that the sister of Hrinyakashyapu, Hollika, was burnt alive on this day, hence the name ‘Holika Dahan’. The festival also marks the beginning of the summer season and the end of winters. It also celebrates Radha’s eternal love for Lord Krishna.
The festival of Holi is known by different names in different parts of the country. In Bihar, it is called Phagwa, Dol Purnima in Bengal and Punjab recognizes it by the name Hola Mohalla. However, the most glorious of all is the Holi of Mathura, which lasts for 16 days and is predominantly played with flowers.
Holi is the time when sweets and delicacies are prepared, with Ghujiya being the most popular of all. Bhaang is also an important aspect of food preparation.
Come along and we will whisk you away from the noise and crowds of the streets outside… through the majestic wooden doors… and onto the sprawling, pretty lawns of the quietly elegant Diggi Palace. As the doors close behind you, the garden transforms into a riot of vibrant colors! Welcome to Diggi Palace!
A Jaipur landmark, Diggi Palace is known as the perfect backdrop for some of the city's finest cultural events. In fact, it is the ideal place to celebrate Holi and enjoy the bounties of spring.
With traditional drums and folk dancers, shimmering mounds of organic color, tubs of cold water and classic concoctions of sweets, ice creams and local brews, Holi at the magnificent Diggi Palace is a truly unforgettable affair! So, go ahead, wear your pristine whites and join us at Diggi Palace to celebrate Holi.
Join crowds of friendly and cheerful faces in a spontaneous dance to the beat of dhols (drums). Be seduced by the colourful new clothes for children, women and men. Be lured by loud speakers and fight for attention as they invite you to a langar (free community meal). Explore the Nihangs (Sikh warriors) in their oversized headgear and blue clothing, or simply turn your attention to the hyperbolic displays of masculinity in the sports arena - we are at Hola Mohalla.
The holy city of Anandpur Sahib hosts an unusual festival for seven days in March celebrating the martial arts of the Sikh community. In the midst of the struggle, the tenth Guru started the habit of staging morale-boosting demonstrations by his regiments. The recitation of beautiful folk poems from the region, dreaming of a new religious ethos, offset these militant notions to generate the edifice of the Sikh faith.
Today, the tradition continues as a living reminder of the ethos of a spiritual revolt of the common people. The teachings of the saints have always emphasised the spirit of giving back to the community. At the Hola, a unique competition between organisers of langar stalls encourages this spirit. No one will go hungry if people share – that is the message of the langar. Amidst the display of martial arts, this message will no doubt leave a lasting impression.
Braj Festival is celebrated every year before Holi. It is the time of the year when people from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan paint their houses in bright colours and the entire region is filled with dance and joy as it celebrates Lord Krishna who spent his childhood in Brij.
Also called as ‘Brij Mahotsava’, the festival is celebrated for three days in the first fortnight between the new moon nights and the full moon nights of Shukla Paksha as per the Hindu calendar. It is a visual treat to watch the villagers dancing in traditional attire with the tune of their folk music in the background. Do not miss the Raslila, a dance performed by Radha and Krishna in their moments of deep intimacy and affection.
5. Camel festival in Bikaner, Rajasthan
The sun's rays, cool sand and camel enliven the orange hues of the desert in January. For centuries, the camel has served as a traditional mode of transport in Rajasthan and a source of livelihood. But the bond of camels and their owners goes deeper - the Bikaner Camel Festival celebrates this magnificent animal and its relationship with the people of the desert.
Camels at the Bikaner Festival are a vision! The festivities begin with a camel procession in the red milieu of Junagarh Fort. In a unique festival show, camels draped in Rajasthan's vibrant fabrics live up to the beauty standards of long, slender necks, thick eyelashes and swaying bodies.
In this two-day delight, the camels literally dance to their masters, performing acrobatic stunts and graceful movements with their feet. While the spectacle itself is fascinating, you will be enticed to become part of the ongoing frenzy of camel races, camel safaris, competitions including tug of war and camel milking among other activities. Those who can't resist going on a big shopping spree can spend their money on exquisite handicrafts in Rajasthan.
Take a break from this extravaganza, with musical concerts, puppet shows and folk performances of rock dances, as well as the famous Bikaner fire dance, which can now only be seen during the festival. At the Bikaner Festival, you can venerate the decorated camel all day long, and watch the festive madness end with a colorful firework display that decorates the night sky.
6. Rath Yatra
Millions of people gather from all over the world everyday, especially in the month of July to see Rath Yatra. Enormous chariots of specification, brightly coloured and elaborately decorated, pulled by a frenzied crowd through the streets of Puri - the three sibling gods, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra visiting their aunt. The term 'Juggernaught' comes from 'Jagannath'.
This annual ritual journey, which takes place between the main temple of Puri, the Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple, attracts millions of devotees. For non-Hindus and all foreigners, including those entering the Hindu fold, this is a unique opportunity to get close to the temple gods, whose darshan (contemplation) itself provides moksha (freedom from the cycle of rebirth).
The Ratha Yatra takes place on the second day of the growing cycle of the third month in the lunar calendar, but preparations begin months in advance. Strict rules dictate every aspect of the yatra, from the approved moment of starting work on the chariots, to the number of workers and hours, to the smallest details regarding dimensions, wheels, color and decor.
The deity is also different, a half-body carved out of wood, which is changed periodically. Mythological stories explain the incomplete body as the will of Lord Jagannath himself. Join the numbers streaming Puri. Be amazed by the grandeur and energy of the procession.
7. Pushkar Fair in Pushkar, Rajasthan
After winding over hills under the blazing sun and onto the yellow sand beaches, merchants, herders and traders arrive on camels, horses and on foot at one of the largest camel fairs in the country. Pushkar is a small town believed to be one of India's oldest surviving towns and one of the five most sacred to the Hindu religion.
The beautiful lake appeared when the rose petals fell from Brahma's flower. Countless temples, including the only Brahma temple, are surrounded by huge pools of water. The clear sky in its varying shades of blue, white, yellow and gold giving way to darkness reflected in the calm waters lends a quiet, mesmerising serenity to this otherwise harsh desert land.
The Pushkar Fair is held every year on the full moon of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar. Although the fair is the largest camel market, horses, cows, goats and sheep are also sold here. Dressed in bright fabric, dyed, printed and embroidered, with oversized adornments of glittering bells, the animals manage to shine above their human competition.
Proud owners ride their elegant camels through the streets, displaying the beauty of their beloved that shines through painstaking effort. Others, however, are more interested in displaying the prowess of their favorite animal by carrying the maximum number on its back. When people gather in Rajasthan, the dancers and musicians, the folk singers and the artisans can be far behind! Be a part of this lavish, colorful and exuberant five-day fair.
8. Durga Puja in West Bengal
The ulu-dhwani (a sound made by rolling the tongue) and shankh-dhwani (sound of a conch) pierce the dark nights, stopping evil from reaching the place where the sound carries it. The streets are filled with men resplendent in their dhotis (unstitched garments for lower body) and women in their distinctive white and red saris.
The nights are a glittering affair with light shows of the elaborate arrangements and the crowds dotting the cityscape. The city of Kolkata sees a facelift for five days in October as the city celebrates Durga Puja, Bengal's biggest and most vibrant festival.
The lanes and parks of Kolkata are transformed into an open art exhibition as various committees compete to create elaborate and innovative pandals (makeshift prayer arrangements), each depicting an interpretation of Goddess Durga. The ten-armed goddess saved the world from evil when she killed the demon Mahishasur.
Durga is a deity who embodies the power of the feminine both destructive and nurturing. Today, Durga is a symbol of women power. In her modern incarnation, she brings with her the message of destroying evil in its many forms - hunger, poverty, gender discrimination, ecological change and even terrorism.
Join us as we do panda jumps and indulge in a sensual organza. Enjoy the beauty of a city turned into a gallery and be surrounded by silks and muslins, extravagant clothing, jewellery and makeup. Listen to the mesmerising sounds that fill the air. Treat your taste buds to the offerings of Bengal.
9. Janmashtami
Another important religious festival of India, Janmashtami is a beautiful festival to witness, especially when you are on a pilgrimage tour in India in Vrindavan or Mathura. This day marks the birthday of the eighth avatar of Vishnu, Krishna. People, on this day, observe fast and, in the evening, celebrate the birthday pf bal gopal with much pomp and show.
While some do just the evening puja, others cut the cake, dress Krishna up in new clothes as well as seat him in a palanquin, decorate their homes and prepare scrumptious dishes to treat the family.
10. Ganesh Chaturthi
Vinayagar or Ganesha as he is called is one of the most favourite gods for Indians and as such his festival is also celebrated with great joy. In both houses and streets, he is worshipped. Every street in cities/towns and every village keeps his vigraham for 3 to 7 days and worship him and on the 7th day, Visarjan is done.
11. Dussehra
Another festival that is celebrated with panache in India is Dussehra. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil (Rama over Ravana). Also known as Vijayadashami, Dussehra is celebrated a day after Navratri, a religious festival of 9 days. On this day and a few days ahead of this festival, Ramlila takes place which is enacting the popular scenes and stories of Ramayana. This enactment concludes with Ravana Dahan, a ritual wherein the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath are put on fire.
This festival celebrates the death of Ravana, who was killed by Rama. Dasara is one of the few festivals that all Indians celebrate and every state does the festival in their own way and similarly, Kulashekarapattinam- a sea shore town in Tamil Nadu is famous for it's Dasara.
In a land where myths, legends and age-old practices continue to influence the way people organize their lives, Dussehra in Kullu forms one such tradition. Dussehra is celebrated in a variety of ways across India and the hills of Himachal.
Its origin dates back to the 17th century when King Jagat Singh was under the curse of a Brahmin who was tortured for his precious pearls. A sage advised the king to bring the idol of Ram from Ayodhya to Kullu to lift the curse. Legends tell of various ways in which the idol was brought back and eventually the curse was lifted and the king declared Lord Raghunath as the ruling deity of the valley. Since then, Dussehra has been celebrated every year in October and offers visitors a glimpse into Kullu's unique history and culture.
The festival begins at Dhalpur Maidan with a spectacular procession known as the Rath Yatra of the Idol of Lord Raghunath. Known as the 'Valley of the Gods', more than 200 local deities pay homage to Lord Raghunath. The cool mountain air plays with the clinking of bangles, anklets and trinkets as villagers perform folk dances.
In the evening, enjoy the thrilling performances of the Kala Kender International Dance Festival along with an open theatre. On the final day, the chariot of Lord Ragunath is brought near the banks of the river Beas and a pile of thorns is set ablaze to symbolise the defeat of King Ravana as mentioned in Hindu mythology. Join these gods in Kullu in yet another celebration of the defeat of evil.
What better way can there be to witness the victory of good over evil and light over darkness than by celebrating the Dussehra festival in Kota? This festival of colours imbibes the spirit of goodness among people and celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the evil Raavan.
Celebrated with great gusto and energy, Dussehra takes place in the Hindu month of Ashvin, which usually falls in September or October. People enjoy the excellent theatrical performances and enactments of the Ramayana. Although celebrated across the country, the Kota Dussehra Mela is unique as it is much more than just the victory of good over evil. Neat shops, cultural performances and traditionally dressed locals are what you are looking for right from the moment you enter the fair.
It is the most important event in the city's cultural calendar as the history of this Dussehra fair dates back to 1723. More than 75-meter tall effigies of the demons Raavan, Kumbhakarana and Meghnad are burnt on a day in Dussehra to symbolize the victory of good over evil. Usually, these effigies are filled with firecrackers.
A small child dressed as Lord Ram is supposed to shoot a fiery arrow at Ravana and the huge figure is burnt. Rich in courtly splendor and archaic tradition, the Dussehra festival is marked by a glittering procession that draws thousands from the surrounding villages and brings together communities eager to celebrate grandeur.
The city of Mysore is intertwined with legends and mythologies and is a storehouse of history and cultural festivities. Local tales reveal that this place was once ruled by a buffalo-headed demon, Mahishasura. People prayed to the gods to free them from his rule when Goddess Parvathi came to their rescue by taking the form of Chamundeshwari in a battle that lasted nine days until he was defeated. The city takes its name from this demon and celebrates this legend with the Dasara festival, a tradition started by the Vijayanagar kings in the 19th century.
During the festivities, the Mysore Palace is decorated with lights and the streets come alive. Processions of decorated elephants carry the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the golden howdah to be worshipped by the royal family and the masses alike along with ecstatic dance troupes and musical groups, horses and camels.
Across the illuminated Mysore Palace is the local Dasara exhibition of clothing, kitchen utensils, cosmetic products, exquisite handicrafts and local eatables.
The nine nights are a celebration of Goddess Durga in all her incarnations with special pujas or prayers leading up to the tenth day, Vijayadashami, to celebrate the victory of good over evil, a day when Goddess Chamundeshwari killed Mahishasura. Let us see this city in full abundance and passion with decorated elephants, decorated idols, folk dance performances, puppet shows, food and film festivals, wrestling as well as other sports, fireworks and much more.
12. Diwali
This is undeniably one of the best events and festivals in India which is celebrated by one and all, no matter what religion, community or caste they belong to. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is one of the important festivals for Indians and is celebrated with grandeur in India. It is celebrated generally in the months of October or November. The deity worshipped in this festival is Goddess Lakshmi. Diwali is observed with much pomp and show wherein earthen lamps and candles are lit, the houses are decorated with lights and Rangoli. Apart from that, friends and families also exchange sweets, dry fruits, and other expensive gifts.
People get in the festive mood by getting all decked up in new ethnic outfits ahead of the evening puja of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha. Trikkarthika is one of the ancient Dravidian festivals and currently only Kerala and Tamil Nadu celebrates it primarily. Tamilians call it Karthika deepam. Again this is both a cultural and temple festival celebrated by all Tamils and in the temple town of Thiruvannamalai and Palani.
In Thiruvannamalai, its a 10 day festival and during these 10 days, Shiva is belived to bless the devotees in 10 different Vahanams and 10 Ther's are pulled which all are massive in structure. On the 10th day, the family members of Parvatha Kulam (a particular community) climb the holy hill of Annamalai and in the evening they light a huge lamp that will glow for 18 days and can be seen as far of 50 Km radius.
People light their houses and temples with lamps and exchange sweets.Like Diwali, the main tradition associated with Karthika is lighting as much as lamps on earthen diyas. Prior to lighting lamps, the elder lady of the house has to offer a platter with brown rice, Jaggery balls, rice batter, coconut, avil (flatten rice/Poha), Pori (puffed rice) along with Sandal paste, ashes, kumkum to the goddess.
This platter has to be placed in the Kanimoola side of the house or the main door facing eastern direction. After placing this platter, two torch fires are lighten and placed at the entrance. Then the lighting of lamps starts.
Once all the lamps are lighten, the elder male and female of the house has to take the two torch fires and walk around the house, showing the lamp to each tree in the compound and touching it (as a token of love to Mother nature) as well as calling the name of the tree.
After this, the elder lady of the house offer Poovarasan Ada (steamed rice-jaggery balls cooked in Poovarasan leaves) to the goddess in the pooja room. Its not consumed that day, rather on the next day as prasad. Ladies do recite Lalitha Sahasaranamam and other devi scriptures in the evenings. In night also, the same mélange of tuber vegetables is taken.
On the next day morning, a detailed bath is taken in oil and a temple visit happens in morning. That whole day will also be fasting, but it has to be broken by night by eating some rice along with curd. Those families who have agricultural lands, will light torch fires in their farms at 4 corners of the plot.
With that, the traditions associated with Karthika ends. Apart from Kumanellore temple, the Chakkulathukavu temple in Alleppey celebrates Karthika with Thirupongala ceremonies where devotees offer Pongala (rice and jaggery cooked together) to Mother goddess. In Thrissur’s iconic Vadakumnathan temple, Karthika is celebrated in a big way as the belief is that Shiva of this temple rushes out to the Southern Gopuram to catch a glimpse of Meenakshi’s arrival.
In honor of this myth, huge lamps and campfires are made to mark the divine occasion. In Trivandrum, Travancore Royal family offers special poojas to Padmavati (Goddess Lakshmi in form of consort of Lord Padmanabha) who has a shrine near the Crown Room. Its the only occasion special poojas done for Padmavati in that temple. So as traditionally, several special ceremonies are organized in Kanyakumari temple which was traditionally a Travancore temple.
Trikarthika is more heavily celebrated in Central and South Kerala, particularly the districts of Kottayam, Idukki and Alleppey which were traditionally associated with the myths of Madurai Meenakshi’s arrival. Infact the famous Meenachilar river that flows in Kottayam district is officially named after Madurai Meenakshi, that symbolizes the reverence to the goddess in these areas.
13. Onam in Kerala
The southern state of Kerala comes alive in the months of August-September when heavy rain clouds recede and give way to greenery. Receding waters leave behind abundant grains, the staple food of the region. Resplendent in its natural abundance, the predominantly agrarian culture celebrates Onam, the annual visit of the mythical King Mahabali.
Ten days of festivals and celebrations welcome the beloved king who is blessed with the boon of an annual visit to his people. This is a boon he was asked for by Lord Vishnu when he voluntarily gave up his entire kingdom. His visit brings prosperity and a memory of times when people lived in harmony and fulfillment under his rule.
The natural wonder is brought to life through festivals and colorful processions consisting of beautifully decorated floats and capillary elephants, magnificent floral displays and enchanting snake boats gliding through the river waters.
The exaggerated makeup of the folk dancers, the exquisite finesse in the tiger faces painted on the bellies of the tiger dancers, is balanced by men, women and children dressed in simple white and gold. Markets overflowing with new things create an exciting frenzy and in homes it is common to buy and use new clothes, utensils and food. Welcome to 10 days in 'God's Own Country', which offers a rich montage of all aspects of Malayali (Kerala residents) life.
14. Teej Fair in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Women wearing colorful lahariya sarees and bangles along with a bindi on the forehead, vermilion, dark henna on the hands and ghevar (sweet) together symbolize the festival of Teej.
One of the most celebrated festivals of Rajasthan, the Teej festival is full of swings, traditional songs and dance. This day marks the coming together of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. It is also believed that Goddess Parvati took 108 births on earth before she was accepted as his wife. Due to these reasons, the festival is considered auspicious for attaining marital bliss.
The most important aspect of this festival is that women observe fast during the day without drinking or eating anything. At night, they eat the food prepared by the men. Swings decorated with flowers play an important role during the festival. The women wear green clothes and swing while singing traditional Teej songs. The festival is also considered to be the beginning of the monsoon season and hence Teej is also called Saawan Festival and Hariyali Teej.
Due to various fairs, the festival of Teej also attracts many tourists. Although the exact date of the festival keeps changing, it is celebrated exactly on the third day of the bright half of the North Indian lunar month of Shraavana.
15. Thrissur Pooram in Kerala
Thrissur Pooram is considered to be the most colourful of all the temple festivals in Kerala. Thrissur/Thrissivaperoor Pooram is also frequently referred to as the 'poor of all the poor'. It is celebrated every year on Pooram - the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam calendar month of Medam.
Vadakkumnathan Temple, located on the famous kkinkadu maidhanam, a hillock in the centre of the town, serves as the venue of the festival. People believe that the gods and goddesses of the neighbouring temples descend from the heavens to take part in the festivities in this temple.
These gods and goddesses visit the temple premises sitting on huge and unusually decorated elephants, along with large ensembles of Chenda Melam and Pancha Vadyam. Around 50 elephants with Nettipattam (golden headdress), beautiful bells and ornaments and the impressive Kolam with parasols placed over them further enhance the festival.
The festival is a 36-hour continuous experience while also serving as the site of major tourist attractions. The Thiruvampadi and Paramekkavu temples or Dewasoms are the main attractions of the festival. These two temples compete with each other in spectacular fireworks displays.
The festival signifies the coming together of different communities to promote communal harmony. The Muslim community offers the handicrafts of the pandals while the material for the umbrellas called kudamatton is offered by the members of the church. Thrissur Pooram was founded in 1798 by Raja Rama Varma, the Maharaja of Cochin between 1790 and 1805.
16. Hornbill Festival in Kohima, Nagaland
A gentle breeze moving through the yellow-green treasures of the village delights an agrarian community. A good harvest ensures prosperity and wealth for the coming months, and a grateful community offers prayers to their gods. Every year in April, the vernal equinox is celebrated with enthusiasm across the country. However, it assumes special significance for the people of Punjab as it celebrates not only the Rabi harvest but also the institution of the Sikh Khalsa in 1699.
Prayers at the Gurudwara begin early in the morning after the ritual bath and are followed by langars (free community meals). Chants of the Gurbaani can be heard during joyous celebrations. Communities, localities, families and friends gather to sing and dance to the rhythm of dhols (drums). The langars remind people of the basic principles of faith, simplicity, importance of community and the ethic of sharing.
When the first Guru, Guru Nanak, preached a new faith, he attracted the masses by the simplicity of his message. Inspired by the traditions of Sufi and Bhakti, he spoke of direct communion with God, simple living and the spirit of community.
Experience the message of this simple faith at the celebration of Baisakhi. Giving thanks for the harvest amidst massive celebrations, crowds thronging the streets, a general festive atmosphere of singing and dancing, offers a vision of the hearty Punjabi spirit.
17. Hornbill Festival in Kohima, Nagaland
Bringing together earthy colours and a wealth of history and culture, the Hornbill Festival celebrates the diversity of customs of the warrior tribes of Nagaland. These traditionally organised tribes fought each other but came together in World War II to fight against the invading Japanese army. The week-long annual festival is named after the colourful hornbill bird, which is widely respected and depicted in Naga folklore.
With a yearning to revive the rich Naga heritage, all the tribes dress up in their traditional battle gear and bring the age-old traditions to life at the heritage village of Kisama. It showcases intricately carved huts, remarkable cultural dances, indigenous sports, paintings and sculptures expressing headhunting and ornate morungs or unmarried men's houses among other things of interest.
One can hear the melody of log drums, once used to announce the approach and retreat of an enemy. During lunar and solar eclipses, they are still beaten to mourn until the sun rises again.
We take you to these traditional memorabilia events that include events like an adventure rally, a World War rally, flower shows and fashion shows, and interesting competitions around eating king chilli and pork fat. Indulge your whimsical side with the storytellers at the Hornbill Literature Festival. As the sun sets each day, tap your feet and let your body swing at the country's biggest music fiesta as you listen to outstanding and upcoming rock music from bands from India.
Now, that you have all the details about these festivals, experience the same as well as the culture and heritage of India in all its essence during your stay in the country.
