Views

 Best 10 Indian Festivals to Celebrate in Winter

The tradition of celebrating festivals has existed in India since the Vedic times. The country experiences celebrations throughout the year, which is due to its diverse nature. During the winter season, there are a variety of festivals to be celebrated all across the nation.

 Do you want to be a witness to the rich and amazing celebrations of culture and tradition? Then you are in the right place. Here are some of the top 10 Indian festivals to celebrate in Winter. So pack your bags and enrich yourself in the Kaleidoscope of festivals this season.

Top Indian Festivals to Celebrate in Winter

1. Christmas 

We're starting off with the most popular festival of all time: Christmas. It is not just celebrated in India but all across the globe. The festival marks the birth of Jesus Christ on 25 December. Indians hail this day as "Bada Din" in Hindi, meaning "Big Day." People all over India celebrate this day in their best clothes. 

They sing Christmas carols, attend midnight church masses, visit friends and families etc. Not just Christians, but people of other religions in India have been seen celebrating this festival. They decorate their houses with bells, flowers, and Christmas trees too. Besides that processions are also conducted depicting the life story and teachings of Jesus Christ. 

2. Lohri 

If you want to be a part of some noisy and energetic fun. Then Lohri is a must-attend winter festival in India. It is also called Sanmukhi and Gurmukhi. Lohri is celebrated in Punjab on the shortest day of the year. It marks the beginning of the new financial year.

On this day people do dance performances around a bonfire, play with colors and worship too. The fire is offered beaten rice and Dry fruits as well. With each passing time, Lohri has no longer been just a part of India. But it has spread abroad in many countries.

3. Makara Sankranti 

Just when the sun transits towards the Makar ( Capricorn) this festival is celebrated. Another name for this festival is Uttarayan Sankranti. It is celebrated by the Hindu farmers in India mostly, to welcome the new harvest. Usually, the festival falls on the 14th of January every year. Makara Sankranti is also celebrated by flying big, bright and colourful kites in some regions. 

This marks the arrival of the spring season. Besides that, a Daan ceremony is also conducted in the Eastern part of India. People give away edibles, warm clothes, quilts, Khichari (uncooked lentils and rice) blankets and more to the infants. Lastly, the festival is referred to bring an auspicious time in the lives of the people. This is why most of the ceremonies and marriages take place during this time.

4. Maha Shivratri 

Maha Shivratri is celebrated in India when the month of Phalgun arrives. It is celebrated marking the marriage anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva is known for his immense power and ability to create, protect and transform the universe. 

He is also known as the Destroyer God. Unmarried people pray and worship Lord Shiva and Parvati to gain similar marital bliss as their God. The true devotees pray throughout the night, chanting and singing hymns. Offerings are made as well. It is celebrated all across India and is a must-visit festival too.

5. Diwali 

Next comes the festival of Lights, Diwali. It is the most popularly celebrated festival not just in India but everywhere in the world. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshman from 14 years of Exile.

 Besides that, people also pray to Goddess Lakshmi hoping to receive financial prosperity. People prepare for this day by cleaning their houses and replacing old stuff like clothes, shoes and others with new ones. They light diyas and candles to decorate their houses. People start their day in the best clothes, visiting each other, exchanging gifts and more.

6. Karwa Chauth

Karwa Chauth is another India's popularly celebrated festival during the winter season. It arrives between October and November. Karwa Chauth is observed by Married ladies. They keep fasts to ensure the long healthy life and prosperity of their husbands.

This festival prohibits the participation of widows and unmarried females. People worship Lord Shiva, Parvati, their son Karthikeya and ten Karwas on this day. The women break their fast when the moon appears. Besides that, the male figures also give gifts to the ladies of their house.

 

7. Camel Festival 

Ever heard about the Camel Festival? Well, this is unique and something most people have never seen before. This two-day festival is celebrated in Bikaner in January. It is dedicated to cherishing the pride of the desert that is Camels. During this time, people can get a chance to experience difficult activities. 

These activities include camel races, camel rides, and even camel dances. Bikaner being the semi-arid region remains cold during this time. Events like several competitions for decorating camels are held. Besides that, many staff are installed too. One can get a chance to try tea and some delicious sweets made out of camel milk.

8. Sunburn Festival

Ever wanted to visit Goa? Then make sure you visit it during December. This is because the most well-known festival Sunburn is celebrated during this time. It highlights the celebration by conducting the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) in Asia. 

The mist of gleaming lights and energetic loud music makes people go crazy. It would not be incorrect to say that the three-day festival is a musical gathering. Being the largest EDM gathering in Asia, Goa attracts people from everywhere in the world. 

9. Guru Parab 

Here comes the sacred festival of Sikhs called Guru Parab. It is celebrated marking the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. This festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Karthik. It means the festival falls between October and November. 

On this day, lamps are lighted, and holy books and scriptures are read. People even conduct grand fair that congregates Sikhs from every corner. Besides that, processions are carried out by Sikhs who distribute prasads and free meals to the people. 

10. Thai Pongal

Lastly, introduce you to another winter festival called Thai Pongal. It is celebrated in Tamil Nadu. According to Tamilians, Pongal means overflowing with joy, fun and prosperity. It is basically a harvest festival. This revered festival is celebrated four days long dedicating to the lord of Fire, son of God, cattle and birds. 

It is highlighted by making delicious and traditional sweet dishes, rangolis, boat races etc. So if you are planning to visit South India and experience their culture. Then make sure you do not miss out on being a part of Thai Pongal.

In the End 

Winters in India come with a lot of fun and enthusiasm. All these festivals bring their own cultural value and unique traditions.  People of all religions and castes can be a part of these festivals. 

So if you are planning to visit India. Then try to be a part of any of these festivals. Undoubtedly you will return back to your homes with a baggage of memories, knowledge and experience.