Top 10 Festivals of India State Wise– India is a land of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions, making it a hub for some of the most important celebrations in the world. Indian festivals are known for their vibrancy, bringing communities together through rituals, music, dance, and food. Each Indian festival reflects the country’s rich heritage, whether it’s a national celebration or a regional one. From the colorful Holi to the serene Buddha Purnima, Indian festivals offer a glimpse into the nation’s unity in diversity. This article explores the top 10 important festivals in India and a state-wise overview of regional celebrations.
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Top 10 Festivals in India
The following list highlights the top 10 important Indian festivals, showcasing their cultural significance and widespread appeal.
1. Diwali – Festival of Lights (October/November)
Diwali, one of the most important Indian festivals, is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs in October or November, based on the lunar calendar.
- It marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
- Homes are lit with oil lamps (diyas), and families share sweets like ladoos and burst fireworks.
Fact: In 2024, Diwali was celebrated on October 31; for 2025, it is expected around October 20, subject to lunar calendar confirmation.
2. Holi – Festival of Colors (February/March)
Holi, a joyous Indian festival, occurs in February or March, celebrating spring and the triumph of good over evil through the legend of Holika and Prahlad.
- People throw colored powders (gulal), dance, and enjoy sweets like gujiya.
Fact: Holi is one of the oldest Indian festivals, with references in ancient texts like the Puranas, dating back over 2,000 years.
3. Eid-ul-Fitr – Festival of Breaking the Fast (Date Varies)
Eid-ul-Fitr, an important festival for Muslims, marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
- Celebrated based on the Islamic lunar calendar (expected around March 30, 2025), families gather for prayers, wear new clothes, and feast on biryani and sheer khurma.
Fact: India has the third-largest Muslim population globally, making Eid-ul-Fitr a significant Indian festival.
4. Christmas – Celebration of Jesus Christ’s Birth (December 25)
Christmas, celebrated on December 25 by Christians, is an important Indian festival that commemorates Jesus Christ’s birth.
- Churches hold midnight mass, homes are decorated with stars and trees, and families enjoy plum cakes.
Fact: In India, Christmas blends with local traditions, especially in states like Goa and Kerala, where it’s a major celebration.
5. Navratri and Durga Puja – Worship of Goddess Durga (September/October)
Navratri, a nine-night Indian festival, honors Goddess Durga in September or October.
- It features fasting and dances like Garba in Gujarat.
- In West Bengal, it culminates in Durga Puja, marking Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, with idol immersions on Vijayadashami.
Fact: Durga Puja in Kolkata is a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage event since 2021.
6. Ganesh Chaturthi – Celebration of Lord Ganesha (August/September)
Ganesh Chaturthi, an important Indian festival, celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth in August or September.
- Devotees install Ganesha idols, offer prayers, and perform Visarjan (idol immersion).
Fact: This Indian festival was popularized by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 to unite Indians during British rule, especially in Maharashtra.
7. Raksha Bandhan – Festival of Sibling Bond (July/August)
Raksha Bandhan, a significant Indian festival, is celebrated in July or August on the full moon day of Shravan.
- Sisters tie a rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing protection and love, while brothers give gifts.
Fact: Historically, this Indian festival gained prominence when Rani Karnavati sent a rakhi to Emperor Humayun in the 16th century, seeking his help.
8. Onam – Harvest Festival of Kerala (August/September)
Onam, a 10-day Indian festival in Kerala, celebrates the harvest and the return of King Mahabali in August or September.
- Keralites create flower rangolis (pookalam) and prepare Onasadya, a feast with dishes like avial.
Fact: Onam’s Vallamkali (snake boat race) is a 400-year-old tradition, featuring boats with over 100 rowers.
9. Buddha Purnima – Buddhist Festival of Enlightenment (April/May)
Buddha Purnima, an important Indian festival for Buddhists, occurs around April or May, marking Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing in 483 BCE.
- Devotees meditate and visit stupas like those in Sarnath.
Fact: Buddha Purnima is also celebrated as Vesak globally, recognized by the United Nations.
10. Bihu – Assamese Harvest Festival (April and Other Seasons)
Bihu, an important Indian festival in Assam, is celebrated in three forms: Rongali Bihu (April), Kongali Bihu (October), and Bhogali Bihu (January).
- Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year with Bihu dance and feasts featuring pitha.
Fact: The Bihu dance, a cultural symbol of Assam, is recognized by UNESCO as part of India’s intangible heritage.
Festivals of India State Wise
India’s diversity is reflected in its state-specific Indian festivals, each showcasing unique traditions. The table below highlights some important regional celebrations.
| State | Festival | Date/Season | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala | Onam | August/September | Celebrates harvest and King Mahabali’s return with Onasadya and Vallamkali. |
| Assam | Bihu | April, October, January | Marks agricultural cycles with Bihu dance and traditional Assamese cuisine. |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal | January 14-17 | A harvest festival thanking the Sun God, featuring the dish Pongal and kolam. |
| Punjab | Baisakhi | April 13 or 14 | Celebrates the Sikh New Year, harvest, and the formation of the Khalsa in 1699. |
| West Bengal | Durga Puja | September/October | Honors Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura with pandals and idol immersion. |
| Maharashtra | Ganesh Chaturthi | August/September | Celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth with idol installations and Visarjan. |
| Gujarat | Navratri | September/October | Features nine nights of worship and Garba/Dandiya dances honoring Goddess Durga. |
| Rajasthan | Teej | July/August | Celebrates the monsoon and marital bond, with women dressing up and swinging. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Kumbh Mela | Every 12 years (next in 2025) | A major Hindu pilgrimage involving a ritual bath in sacred rivers like the Ganga. |
| Goa | Christmas | December 25 | Commemorates Jesus Christ’s birth with midnight mass and local sweets like bebinca. |
Note: The Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh is scheduled for 2025 in Prayagraj (January 13 to February 26), making it an important Indian festival to witness this year, as of the current date, May 18, 2025.
Sources:
- Ministry of Culture (GoI)
- Data from cultural studies and UNESCO records
Disclaimer: Information is based on historical data up to 2023 and general knowledge. Festival dates for 2025 may vary based on lunar or regional calendars.
