There are too many festivals to talk about, so we at Skyscanner thought of listing down the top festivals of India for you. You can always plan to travel to during these festivals.
Top 10 festivals of India
1.Diwali2.Holi3.Maha Shivratri4.Ramadan/ Eid-ul-Fitr5.Raksha Bandhan6.Navaratri/Durga Puja/Dussehra7.Krishna Janmashtami8.Ganesh Chaturthi9.Kite Flying/Pongal/Baisakhi10.Christmas
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Festivals of India
1. Diwali
This festival of lights is a favourite among Hindus. Diwali arrives with a lot of fanfare, where houses are decorated and lit-up, firecrackers are burst with friends and family. Of course, how can you forget the variety of sweets exchanged.
Why: The return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile is one reason. Goddess Laxmi was rescued from King Bali’s prison by Lord Vishnu. It is also when demon king Narakaasur was killed by Lord Vishnu while rescuing 16000 women from captivity a day before Laxmi Puja.
Where: Across IndiaWhen: October or November (15th-day of the Kartik month of Hindu calendar)
2. Holi
This festival of colours is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm across the country. You can expect a plethora of colours, being drenched in coloured water and dancing. Of course, how can you forget Thandai -a flavoured drink made with milk, dry fruits, and bhaang.
Why: Lord Vishnu saving his beloved follower Prahalad from his evil aunt Holika is the most popular story everyone knows of. Others say Lord Krishna was worried his beloved Radha would not accept him because of his colour. So, he played a trick and made Radha look dark.Where: Across India. But Holi celebrations at Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh is different and special.
Where: Throughout the countryWhen: March i.e Full moon day in the month of Phagun.
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3. Maha Shivratri
Devoted to Lord Shiva, this festival is popular among Hindus in the country. Also considered the night of Shiva, people offer water, milk, Datura or jimsonweed and bhaang – an edible preparation made from cannabis.Why: It is the day Lord Shiva marries Goddess Parvati. Others believe it is the day Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking the poison that emerged from the ocean during “Samudra Manthan”
Where: Across India, but especially in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.When: February i.e. the 13th of 14th night in the month of Phagun
4. Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr)
Another famous festival of India is Ramadan. This festival is the beginning of a month-long fast from dawn to dusk by Muslims in the country. The idea is to express gratitude, ask forgiveness and help those in need. The culmination of this month is Eid-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated with much fanfare and pomp. The month of Ramadan is also a month of gastronomical delicacies from meat to sweets available during the night.
Why: The belief is that the holy “Quaran” was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in the month of Ramadan by Allah. The festival is celebrated to honour the prophet.
Where: Celebrated throughout the country. However, offering prayers at Delhi’s Jama Masjid and Dargah Sharif in Ajmer Rajasthan is an experience of a lifetime.When: June or July i.e. 1st day of the 9th month of the Hijri calendar
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5. Christmas
One festival that is celebrated the world over, especially by Christians. This festival means decorating a Christmas tree, baking cakes, and cookies and waiting impatiently for gifts from Santa. Of course, today this festival is celebrated irrespective of their religion and who doesn’t love gifts. Most workplaces call it the secret Santa -where you gift someone anonymously.Why: Many believe Mary, the mother of Jesus was told she would have a child who would be very special on 25th March. 25th Dec is exactly 9 months later. Another story says the Winter Solstice and the old midwinter festival were held in December and since people were in a merry mood, Christmas was aligned with it.
Where: Across India, but especially celebrated in the South.When: 25th December
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6. Ganesh Chaturthi
Celebrated to honour Lord Ganesha, this 10-day long festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm. On the 1st day, Lord Ganesha idols are brought home and revered the next 10 days, with the idol immersed in the sea on the 10th-day. It also means good food, sweets especially Modak, which is Lord Ganesha’s favourite.Why: It is celebrated to honour Lord Ganesha’s birth.
Where: Across India, but mainly in MaharashtraWhen: August or September. Fourth day of the month of Bhadrapada
To Book your flight tickets & hotels
Plan your holiday to India in advance as airfares tend to rise. If you want to keep an eye for cheap airfare deals, then use the Skyscanner Price Alert tool to keep you informed. Buying at least six to seven months in advance will help you book more affordable flight tickets. With the Skyscanner App, you can save time and look for the best hotel deals, hire a car and the things to explore when you travel.
