Top Festivals in india
Festivals in India hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, making them an integral part of the country’s traditions. Every celebration carries certain customs and cultural value. From colorful Holi to brilliant Diwali lights, the festivities captivate. Festivals in india unite people and spread happiness. Many celebrations have religious beginnings and unique histories. They are reflections of India’s vast history, not only happenings. People from all around the world are attracted to see these festivities. Let’s explore some of the most famous festival of India and their incredible appeal.
An updated list of India’s 36 Hindu festivals with dates until 2025
Here is a list of religious and national festivals in India that is celebrated with much gusto and fervour. Plan your holidays around these festivals if you wish to explore the vibrant culture of India.
| Month | Festival | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Makarsankranti or Pongal | 14 January 2025 | Wednesday |
| July | Guru Purnima | 10 July 2025 | Thursday |
| October | Diwali | 20 October 2025 | Monday |
| March | Ugadi or Gudi Padwa or Telugu New Year | 30 March 2025 | Sunday |
| February | Thaipusam | 11 February 2025 | Tuesday |
| April | Ramanavami | 06 April 2025 | Sunday |
| October | Chhath Puja | 27 October 2025 | Monday |
| May | Akshaya Tritiya | 30 May 2025 | Friday |
| August | Ganesh Chaturthi | 26 August 2025 | Tuesday |
| September | Durga Ashtami | 30 September 2025 | Tuesday |
| December | Christmas | 25 December 2025 | Thursday |
| March | Holika Dahan | 13 March 2025 | Thursday |
| October | Dussehra | 2 October 2025 | Thursday |
| February | Vasant Panchami | 02 February 2025 | Sunday |
| April | Tamil New Year | 14 April 2025 | Monday |
| September | Onam | 5 September 2025 | Friday |
| June | Jagannath Rathyatra | 27 June 2025 | Friday |
| October | Govardhan Puja | 22 October 2025 | Wednesday |
| April | Hanuman Jayanti | 12 April 2025 | Saturday |
| November | Gurpurab | 5 November 2025 | Wednesday |
| March | Hindi New Year | 29 March 2025 | Saturday |
| August | Janmashtami | 16 August 2025 | Saturday |
| April | Bengali New Year or Bihu | 14 April 2025 | Monday |
| March | Holi | 14 March 2025 | Friday |
| April | Vaisakhi or Baisakhi or Vishu | 14 April 2025 | Monday |
| February | Maha Shivaratri | 26 February 2025 | Wednesday |
| May | Buddha Purnima | 11 May 2025 | Sunday |
| August | Raksha Bandhan | 9 August 2025 | Saturday |
1. Diwali The Festival of Lights (celebrated?—1st November 2025)
The Hindu New Year begins with the five-day festival of lights, Diwali. Following the Hindu calendar, the precise date varies from year to year, but Diwali is often celebrated in the months of October and November. The Hindu Festival of Lights is so called because, according to popular belief, the goddess of wealth may not help but visit houses decorated with lights and ‘diyas,’ or oil lamps. As a way to welcome the gods into their houses, people often make “rangoli” designs on the floor using coloured powders and flowers.
People of Hindu faith traditionally clean and decorate their homes in the days leading up to Diwali. Beautiful Diyas and candles adorn people’s homes on Diwali. In addition, the front gate is beautifully decorated with fascinating multi-colored Rangolis to welcome Goddess Laxmi. Guests exchange gifts and don brand-new, ostentatious garments.
Diwali is not just about the lovely decorations; it’s also about gathering with loved ones. Going anywhere in India around this period is sure to be a feast, gift exchange, and firecracker extravaganza.
Fireworks are another common way that people celebrate Diwali. During this event, some of the most exquisite sweet and savoury Indian foods are made. Another common practice is paying a visit to loved ones to send well-wishes and share treats.
Everywhere across India is a celebration of Diwali, the most important festival in India.
Key Highlights:
- When: It is the most important festival in India, Diwali? – From October until November
- Activities: Lighting lamps, decorating, exchanging gifts and candies, popping crackers,
- What this means: After an exhausting 14-year exile, Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return to their home and celebrate this feast.
- Main points: Houses covered with glitzy lights, candles, and clay lamps; crowded marketplaces and businesses; and bombs and fireworks.
- When on 2025: Thursday, November 1st
- Activities: Set up diyas, adorn your house, and exchange sweets and presents with those you care about.
2. Holi – The Famous Festival of Colors in India ( Celebrated? – February – March)
Splashing Colors of Joy! 🌈 Celebrate Holi 2025 with laughter, music, and vibrant hues.
Most individuals in the West think of Holi when they think of an Indian holiday. People from all over the country come to party, and the brightly coloured powders that are thrown through the streets are well known. For example, red stands for love and fertility, blue for Krishna, a Hindu god, green for new starts, and yellow for turmeric, an Indian spice.
Holi is a festival that marks the victory of good over evil. It is also known as the Festival of Colour and the Festival of Love. For one night and one day, people sing, play, and throw water bombs at each other. The parties start on the first evening with a bonfire to burn Holika, a Hindu goddess.
There is a historical link to this well-known Indian holiday. The story of Hiranyakshyap and his son Prahlad is told here. Hiranyakshyap was a bad king who wanted the gods to honour him. However, his son Prahlad turned to Lord Vishnu and became a devotee of him.
Hiranyakshyap tried to kill his son with the help of Holika, his sister. Holika had a good chance of making it through the fire, so Hiranyakshyap told her to go in with Prahlad on her lap. This plan did not work, though, because Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad. Holika was killed by fire, and Hiranyakshyap was killed by the Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Holi is the second most important festival in India.
- Where is it celebrated? Everywhere in India, but especially in the northern states, especially in Vrindavan and Mathura, the holiday is more lively.
- When is the second most important Indian festival, Holi? January–February–March
- Things to do: Use paint, bubbles, and water to play, Give and receive sweets.
3. Dussehra (celebrated? Oct–Nov)
The festival of Dussehra is one of the most famous festivals of India..The Hindu community in India celebrates this holiday all over the country. Celebrations of Dussehra honour Lord Rama’s win over Ravana, king of the demons. People also see it as a victory of good over evil. Every part of the country celebrates Dussehra in their own unique way, just like every other holiday.
In some states, it’s a holiday to remember how Lord Rama beat Ravana, while in others, it’s a celebration of how Goddess Druga beat Mahishasura. People celebrate Dussehra by acting out the story of Ramlila and setting fire to huge statues of Ravana, along with Kumbhkaran and Meghnad. If you want to enjoy Dussehra in India, the best place to go is Mysore in Kirnataka. People all over India enjoy Dussehra, making it one of the top ten festivals in the country. Around one lakh bulbs light up Mysore Palace during the event, making for a stunning sight. It’s also worth seeing the big procession that is being led by decorated elephants at this time.
In India, Dussehra is the most well-known and highly celebrated festival in india holiday. During the festival of Dussehra in some parts of South India, huge parades are held with decorated elephants and guards riding horses to carry the idol of Goddess Durga around the city.
Himachal Pradesh is one of the states that celebrates Dussehra in a unique way. People all over the country know Kullu for its Dussehra celebration.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Dussehra (National Festival of India No. 5) celebrated? – All over India, but the celebrations in Mysore, Kullu and Delhi are worth attending
- When is Dussehra (National Festival of India No. 5) celebrated? October–November
- Things to do: Watching the effigies of Ravana, Visiting different fairs, Food stalls.
4. Ganesh Chaturthi ( celebrated? – Aug-Sep)
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most vibrant ten-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi,who has a head of elephants and is one of the most popular Hindu gods. In Maharashtra and other parts of Western India, it is marked with a lot of fanfare. During the holiday, Ganesha idols are put up, followed by long processions, singing of devotion, and the idols being submerged in water.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Ganesh Chaturthi (National Festival of India No. 7) celebrated? – All over India, but it is best celebrated in Maharashtra
- When is Ganesh Chaturthi (National Festival of India No. 7) celebrated? – August – September
- Things to do: – Worshipping Ganesha, Visiting Pandals, Preparation of sweets.
8. Eid-ul-Fitr–An Important Religious Festival in India: ( Celebrated? March – April 2025)
Eid-ul-Fitr, or simply Eid is among the major religious festivals of all Muslim community.This is the last day of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Eid-ul-Fitr is a holiday that Muslims in India happily enjoy. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast for 30 days every year. People enjoy Eid-Ul-Fitr after they have broken their fast during Ramadan.Contributing to those who are poor, or Zakat Al Fitr, is another important part of the holiday.
Eid is enjoyed for three days in a row after the fasting is over. People pray together and wear new clothes on Eid. Friends and family visit each other and give each other gifts during these three days. A special sweet dish called “Sewaiyyan” is made and given to everyone.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Eid-ul-Fitr (National Festival of India No. 8) celebrated? All over India, but the festivities in Old Delhi, Lucknow, Srinagar, and Hyderabad are worth attending
- When is Eid-ul-Fitr (National Festival of India No. 8) celebrated? Depends on islamic calendar – March – April 2025
- Things to do: Offer prayers at Mosques, Prepare Seviyan, Shop.
5. Krishna Janmashtami (Sat, Aug 16, 2025)
This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is revered for his positive attitude towards life and his ability to smile through life and death, and victory and defeat.
The holy books say that Lord Krishna grew up in Mathura and Vrindavan, which are two of the most important culture sites in India. At the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, the birth of Lord Krishna is marked with a big celebration. They don’t eat or drink anything until midnight because they think that’s when Lord Krishna was born.
A special meal is eaten at dusk to break the fast that people keep all day. This makes it one of the most important Indian holidays.
On Lord Krishna’s birthday, it is customary to give him 56 meals. This is also called “Chappan Bhog,” which means “56 offerings.” People who worship Lord Krishna make 56 different kinds of sweet and savoury meals to offer him.
Key Highlights:
- 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 to celeberate: Sat, Aug 16, 2025. 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 to celeberate: Celebrated by the Hindu community all over, but the festivities at Mathura and Vrindavan are very popular Janmashtami 2025: 16th August,
- Things To Do: Visit Krishna temples and attend special puja that includes bhajans and jhankis.
7. Navratri and Durga Puja (Sep 21 – Oct 2, 2025)
Navratri and Durga Puja both are the most important Hindu holidays, and people all over the country enjoy them with a lot of devotion, joy, and fervour. As the word “nav” means nine and “ratri” means night, Navratri is celebrated for nine days. People pray to the nine types of Goddess Durga for nine days during Navratri. Durga Puja, on the other hand, honours Maa Durga’s win over Mahishasura, a powerful demon who could change his appearance.
Key Highlights:
- When to celeberate:Mar Sep 21 – Oct 2, 2025
- Where to Celeberate: Western states, Gujarat and Maharashtra and Durga Puja is celebrated in the eastern states, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Assam.
8. Onam – A Traditional Harvest Festival in India (celebrated? – August – September).
The biggest festival of Kerala, Onam marks the onset of the harvest season. In the honour of King Mahabali, who is said to visit his people during this time, people celebrate Onam with carnivals in the streets, traditional dances like “Tiger dance” and “Phulikali,” folk music, and amazing fireworks. People decorate their homes with flowers and make “Phokalam,” a flower-filled Rangoli, and serve a traditional nine-course meal to family and friends. If you are in Kerala during this festival, don’t miss seeing the amazing snake boat race, the elephant procession, and the mesmerising Kaikottikali dance.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Onam (National Festival of India No. 12) celebrated? – Kerala
- When is Onam (National Festival of India No. 12) celebrated? – August – September
- Things to do – Boat Races, Floral Arrangements, Worshiping, Dancing.
9. Christmas– Most celebrated festivals in India (25th December, Wednesday).
Christmas needs no introduction. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and so, holds special significance for Christians. As we know only christ celeberate it But people of other religions also enjoy the holiday, just like many others in the country. And because Christmas originates right after the New Year, there is a festive mood in the air. Churches are lit up and decorated in a beautiful way, and you can see decorated Christmas trees everywhere, from people’s homes to the biggest malls in India. People celebrate the day by going to prayer mass at churches, exchanging gifts, and eating with friends and family.
Key Highlights:
- Significance: Birthday of Lord Jesus
- Key attractions: Christmas tree decoration, prayers, birth of Lord Jesus and Santa Claus.
- Where to celeberat: The festival is celebrated across India. The best places to celebrate Christmas in India are Goa, Pondicherry and Kerala.
- Things To Do: Visit church and attend prayers, attend carnivals and celebrations
10. Maha Shivratri (Feb,26- Feb,27, 2025)
As the festival name indicates, Maha ShivratriWhat is Maha Shivratri 2025? is celebrated in honor of the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva.This event happens every year that symbolises getting past ignorance and sadness in life. Maha Shivratri, which means “the Great Night of Shiva,” is honoured all over the country. Maha Shivratri is different from most other Hindu holidays because it doesn’t include cultural celebrations. Fasting, meditating, saying prayers, and worshipping the Shiva Linga are what it’s really about. Sincere followers stay up all night to do pujas the way the custom says they should. In the country’s Shiva temples, you can see celebrations and events, though.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Maha Shivratri (National Festival of India No. 10) celebrated? – All over India, but the celebrations at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain are especially noteworthy
- When is Maha Shivratri (National Festival of India No. 10) celebrated? – Feb,26- Feb,27, 2025
- Things to do – Fasting, Meditating, Chanting prayers, and Worshipping the Shiva Linga.
11. Raksha Bandhan: Strengthening The Bond Of Kinship (19 August, Monday)
One of the famous festivals in the list of festivals of India, Rakhi is an annual celebration for Hindus. When a sister celebrates Rakhi, the woman prays, puts on tilak, and ties a holy thread called rakhi around her brother’s wrist, wishing him health and happiness. In exchange, the brother swears to look out for the sister. Another holiday that is a lot like Rakhi is Bhai Dooj, which happens right after Diwali.
It’s a sign of how close a brother and sister are to each other.Rakhi is a religious ceremony, and the shops are decked out in bright colours to show off a wide range 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
Key Highlights:
- Where: Particularly in North, Central and West India.
- Raksha Bandhan 2025: 19th August, Monday.
- Things To Do: Celebrate the day with your siblings.
12. Gurpurab: (Mon, April,2025)
Gurpurab is a significant festival for the Sikh community in India.This is an event to honour Guru Nanak Dev, the first Guru of Sikhism. All of the Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) in the country are decked beautifully for this event. Gurudwara is where everyone in the Sikh society goes to pray. After this is the Langer, which is a meal that everyone in the community makes and eats together at Gurudwara.
For two days before the festival, people read the Guru Granth Sahib and hold special meetings to talk about the teachings of the guru. They also have community meals in the gurudwaras to celebrate. There are processions, and Karah Prasad is given to everyone, no matter their faith or caste. Many people go all the way to Gurudwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, which is where the god was born, to enjoy the event.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Gurpurab (National Festival of India No. 14) celebrated? – Punjab
- When is Gurpurab (National Festival of India No. 14) celebrated? –Mon, April,2025)
- Things to do – Visiting Gurudwara, Attending Satsang, Community meals.
13. Baisakhi– A Sikh Festival in India Marking the New Year: ( April 14,2025)
Gurpurab is a significant festival for the Sikh community in India.This is an event to honour Guru Nanak Dev, the first Guru of Sikhism. All of the Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) in the country are decked beautifully for this event. Gurudwara is where everyone in the Sikh society goes to pray. After this is the Langer, which is a meal that everyone in the community makes and eats together at Gurudwara.
For two days before the festival, people read the Guru Granth Sahib and hold special meetings to talk about the teachings of the guru. They also have community meals in the gurudwaras to celebrate. There are processions, and Karah Prasad is given to everyone, no matter their faith or caste. Many people go all the way to Gurudwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, which is where the god was born, to enjoy the event.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Gurpurab (National Festival of India No. 14) celebrated? – Punjab
- When is Gurpurab (National Festival of India No. 14) celebrated? –Mon, April,2025)
- Things to do – Visiting Gurudwara, Attending Satsang, Community meals.
14. Makar Sankranti– A Festival of Flying Kites ( celebrated? – 14th January)
One of the few Indian holidays that is based on the solar cycle is Makar Sankranti. With the sun moving into the sign Capricorn, it’s the winter solstice and the start of longer days. There are different names for the event in different parts of India. It’s called Maghi in North India, Magh Bihu in Assam, Pedda Panduga in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Sukarat in Central India, along with other names. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh are some of the other states that celebrate Makar Sankranti. On this day, people do many things to honour the Sun God, such as swimming in the Ganges, giving him water, and flying kites.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Makar Sankranti (National Festival of India No. 15) celebrated? – All over India
- When is Makar Sankranti (National Festival of India No. 15) celebrated? – 14th January
- Things to do: Taking a dip in the Ganges, Pray to the Sun, Fly Kites, Prepare delicacies
15. Republic Day ( celebrated? – 26 January)
Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution and the country’s transition to a republic on January 26, 1950. Large military parades are held in New Delhi and the state capitals. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and traditional dance troupes take part in the parades. A grand parade is held in New Delhi and the event starts with India’s prime minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, to remember soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. A foreign head of state is the president’s chief guest on Republic Day.
Awards and medals of bravery are given to people from the armed forces and also to civilians. School children also participate in the parade by dancing and singing patriotic songs. There are many national and local cultural programs focusing on the history and culture of India.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Republic Day celebrated? – All over India
- When is Republic Day celebrated? – 26 January
- Things to do: Flag Hoisting, Cultural Programs, Watch the Parade.
16. Independence Day (15 August)
India Independence Day, which is held every year on August 15, marks the end of 190 years of British rule in India. India became a free country on this day in 1947. The Indian national flag is flown in many public places today. To mark this important historical event, the Prime Minister raises the flag at Red Fort in Delhi. A parade and folk dance acts happen at the same time as the ceremony to raise the flag. Academic organisations, like schools and colleges, hold a special event to teach students about the historical importance of this day. People often fly kites on Independence Day as a ritual. For freedom and the hopes of the country, people of all ages meet on rooftops and open spaces to fly colourful kites..
Key Highlights:
- Where is Independence Day celebrated? – All over India
- Things to do: Flag Hoisting, Cultural Programs, Kite Flying
- When is Independence Day celebrated? – 15 August.
17. Gandhi Jayanti: (celebrated? – 2nd October )
The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi is marked every year on October 2 as Gandhi Jayanti. He has been given the term “Father of the Nation” in honour of his important service to the country. He was very important in getting freedom from the British. All over the country, people pray and pay their respects on this day. Celebrations at the high school and college levels are beautiful to see. In honour of Gandhi, different kinds of competitions are held for kids.
Key Highlights:
- Where is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated? – All over India
- When is Gandhi Jayanti celebrated? – 2nd October
- Things to do: Read about Gandhi, Watch Cultural Programs.
Conclusion:
India’s festivals showcase its vibrant culture and unity. Each celebration, from Diwali’s sparkling lights to Holi’s vibrant colors, reflects deep traditions and history. These festivals bring people together, spreading joy and harmony. Whether it’s the grandeur of Durga Puja or the simplicity of Raksha Bandhan, India’s celebrations captivate all. Exploring these festivities promises an unforgettable cultural experience.
FAQs:
What is the famous festival of India?
Diwali is arguably the biggest festival in India and is known as the homecoming of Lord Rama after a 14-year exile. The five days of the festival mark different legends such as Lord Krishna killing the demon Narakasur and the Goddess Lakshmi’s birthday.
What is a cultural festival in India?
In India, a cultural festival, cultfest, culfest or college fest is an annual cultural event at a college or university organised by the student community, involving participants from other colleges as well. Professional performing artists are also typically invited, and a number of competitions are held for students.
What is the Second biggest festival in India?
The second biggest festival in India is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights.
How many festivals are there in India?
There are 51 official festivals in India, of which 17 are nationally celebrated and 34 are regional (Government of India list of festivals – Rajya Sabha, 2013)