India’s festival highlights

If you find yourself near one of India’s many festivals, make plans to attend. With vibrant colors, rich culture, and delicious food, Indian celebrations are unmissable and are likely to become one of the most memorable moments of your trip. Some festivals are national events with a global crowd, while others are more local, involving just a village or two. These celebrations are diverse, honoring religious occasions, seasons, crops, livestock, historical events, or commemorating the lives of the gods. Time your trip to coincide with one or more of India’s festival highlights and experience a colorful slice of Indian life.

India’s top festival highlights

1. Diwali

Diwali, the largest and most well-known Hindu festival in India, is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. Spanning five days, this vibrant celebration marks the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is considered an auspicious time for prosperity, family bonding, and making new investments, particularly in gold. Homes and streets are adorned with countless candles, lanterns, and intricate rangoli (decorative patterns made from colored powders). The air is filled with the sound of fireworks, the aroma of delicious sweets, and the sight of people dressed in their finest, often new, clothes to symbolize fresh beginnings. Traditional foods like mithai (sweets) and samosas are enjoyed by all.

Some of the most spectacular Diwali celebrations can be found in cities like Jaipur, Varanasi, and Amritsar, where the streets come alive with light and energy. In Varanasi, the ghats along the Ganges River are beautifully illuminated, while in Amritsar, the Golden Temple glows with thousands of oil lamps, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of devotion and festivity. Whether in bustling cities or small villages, Diwali is an experience that fills the heart with joy and a sense of spiritual renewal.

2. Holi (the festival of color)

Rooted in an ancient Hindu legend, Holi celebrates the victory of a prince over a demon with the help of Vishnu, who saves him from a fire he was tricked into. Holi is a festival of fire and color, full of joy and exuberance. The festival lasts for two days and falls on the second full moon of Phalguna, a Hindu lunar month. This typically occurs between mid-February and mid-March and marks the arrival of spring.

The first day of Holi, known as Holika Dahan, is the more religious aspect of the festival. It involves lighting bonfires to symbolize the story of Prahlad (the prince) and Holika (the demon) and the triumph of good over evil. On this day, locals gather around the fires, repeating prayers and asking for any evil to be banished. The second day, Rangwali Holi, is the most famous part of the celebration. During this day, crowds of celebrants throw colorful powder, known as gulal, covering everyone nearby in a vibrant, chaotic rainbow. It’s important to note that you’re unlikely to simply stand by and watch, everyone participates in the fun, so be sure to wear clothes you don’t mind getting stained!

3. Pongal

Named after a sweet rice and lentil porridge, this four-day festival takes place in Tamil Nadu, southern India, in mid-January. Primarily a thanksgiving celebration for the harvest, each of the four days of Pongal is marked in a unique way. The first day, Bhogi, is dedicated to Lord Indra, the God of the Clouds, who brings the rain essential for the crops. On this day, it’s traditional to have a bonfire to burn old, unused household items.

Next comes Thai Pongal, a day for ritual cooking of the Pongal porridge, which is offered to the gods. Homes are decorated with colorful kolam patterns on the ground. Day three, Mattu Pongal, celebrates richly adorned cattle, garlanded and draped in flowers. These cattle are fed Pongal porridge before participating in races. The final day, Kaanum Pongal, is when women pray for the prosperity of their brothers and place offerings of leftover Pongal on turmeric leaves outside their homes.

4. Majuli Raas Mahotsav

Majuli is a large river island in the Brahmaputra River. It has been the cradle of Assamese civilization for the past 500 years, and today, a number of tribes with diverse customs and traditions call this island home. Every November, the Raas Mahotsav Festival of Majuli celebrates the divinity of Lord Krishna through displays of the rich art and culture of Assam, along with festivities that traditionally culminate in an all-night-long extravaganza. Local communities take part in cultural events, interpreting Lord Krishna’s life through plays, folk dances, and music. The festival also features exhibitions showcasing Assamese arts and crafts, as well as a food festival where traditional tribal dishes are served. This is undoubtedly one of India’s festival highlights, offering a unique and vibrant experience for visitors.

5. Karauli Cattle Fair

Coinciding with the Hindu religious festival of Shivratri, this grand event is one of the oldest cattle fairs in Rajasthan. Every year, thousands of animals, including camels, buffalo, and donkeys, are brought to the market to be traded and entered into competitions that recognize the finest livestock. Tradespeople set up camp with their animals, and a lively sideshow of other merchants appears, offering spices, crafts, jewelry, and household items. These goods are carefully inspected by women, dressed in their colorful best, who barter for the best deals.

6. World Sacred Spirit Festival

The World Sacred Spirit Festival, held annually at two of Rajasthan’s most prestigious sites, the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the Ahhichatragarh Fort in Nagaur, offers an extraordinary musical experience that blends sacred traditions with historical grandeur. This unique festival is dedicated to showcasing the spiritual and devotional music of talented performers from around the world, bringing together a diverse range of cultures and traditions. Attendees are treated to mesmerizing performances that include Sufi, gospel, and classical music, among others, all set against the backdrop of these awe-inspiring, centuries-old forts. With the sound of sacred music echoing through the fort’s ancient walls, the festival creates an unforgettable atmosphere that transcends boundaries, making it a truly magical experience for all who attend. Whether you’re a music lover, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking spiritual enrichment, the World Sacred Spirit Festival offers a journey that stirs the soul and captivates the senses.

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