The Top 10 Indian Festivals
Have you always wanted to visit India? Well, who would not? India is such a beautiful place with so much to offer. Its beauty is incomparable. It is also known for its diversity because of its rich culture and traditions. No wonder all famous festivals are celebrated here.
From ringing in Christmas to lighting on Diwali, every festival is embraced and celebrated openly. Indian festivals have managed to draw the attention of travellers from all across the world. If you are looking forward to being a part of these festivals. Then there are the top ten Indian festivals that you should see. But before that check out this brief introduction to the history of Indian Festivals.
The History of Indian Festivals
The historical tradition of celebrating festivals goes back to the Vedic times of Aryans. If you read the Vedic books, scriptures and literature, there is so much to know. You would find out how festivals were celebrated that carried honour to Gods, trees, thunder, rivers, rain and mountains. From fasting to including prayers and making sacrifices, everything was included.
Even dance performances, dramas, wrestling, and animal racing were a way of celebrating. One of the oldest festivals in India is the Bamboo festival of Chedi. Thus, the importance of Indian festivals has not dropped at all. Besides, it is celebrated not just in India but also in other parts of the world. People celebrate it either individually or together. So scroll away to learn some top festivals of India.
Top Indian Festivals - That You Can Be A Part Of !!
Here Is the list of top 10 Indian festivals that you should know about. Read below to get the detailed information about them.
1. Onam
Onam is celebrated in God's own place, Kerela. It is a week-long festival that brings everyone close to Kerela. The festival is celebrated by the Malayalis. They believe in commemorating the rule and homecoming of King Mahabali.
It is also known as the Harvest Festival of Kerela. The festival falls during the time of Chingam ( between August to September). People of Kerela enjoy this festival by performing on the streets, elaborating feasts and conducting boat races.
2. Holi
Next, comes Holi. One of the most joyous festivals celebrated in India. It is referred to as the festival of colours, worldwide. You would find the streets crowded with people applying dry and wet colours on each other.
Holi is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. From having glasses of lassi, and bhang, to throwing water balloons, dancing, singing, parades and whatnot. Holi is a complete package that invites fun.
3. Eid-Ul-Fitr
You must know that India was once ruled by the Mughals? The northern part of India has a long history of having Islamic rules. It also means the country has a large Muslim community too.
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. On this day, people elaborate feasting, exchange gifts and visit friends and family members too.
4. Diwali
Have you ever noticed an Indian posing with a diya on Instagram? That's a mandatory pose and trend which comes from celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali.
It marks the return of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman and his wife Sita from 14 years-long exile. Besides that, it is also celebrated because Lord Krishna defeated and killed Narkasur. People spend their time with family, arranging large meals and giving gifts to each other.
5. Janmashtami
Looking to see some craze in India people? Then wait for the Janmashtami festival. It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. He was the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is celebrated mostly in Mathura and Vrindavan. Janmashtami's main highlight includes the Dahi Handi.
During this time people created a human pyramid to reach the clay pots filled with yoghurt. The yoghurt pots are hung at great heights mostly strung up from tall buildings. From prayers, dance performances, and singing bhajans and hymes throughout the night. This festival will leave one energetic and amazed.
6. Durga Puja
Next comes Durga Puja, which is celebrated in the eastern and northern parts of India. If you want to see people celebrating this festival most lavishly. Then visit West Bengal, Kolkata.
It is celebrated remembering the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahisashura. People offer prayers, keep fast, and arrange large feasts during this time. Besides that, pandal hopping is a must-thing to do. One can spot thousands of statues of Goddess Durga in uniquely themed pandals. Also, one can get a chance to taste the best street foods at cheap prices during this time.
7. Christmas
Christmas is also one of the top festivals celebrated not just in India but worldwide. It is a fun festival that people of all castes and religions celebrate. Christmas is celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ every year on 25th December.
People decorate the Christmas trees, halls, houses and revels in celebrating this festival. They also bake cookies, exchange gifts, and visit churches and relatives' houses. Lastly, people even built the nativity scene in their homes.
8. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh is the elephant-headed God of Hindus. He is worshipped and believed for his ability to eliminate evil and obstacles from one's life. The Festival Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated marking the birth of this God. It is celebrated joyfully for 10 days.
Cities and towns compete with each other to make the best Ganesh Statue. During these 10 days, people give offerings, pray, dance and arrange feasts. On the last day, the statue of Lord Ganesh is submerged in the sea. This symbolizes that Lord Ganesh has left the earth and gone back to the heavens.
9. Pongal
This is a festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu which continues for four days in a row. During this time, the farmers harvest the crops that they have grown. Besides that, people clean their homes and make offerings to the Sun God.
The reason behind this is the belief that the sun God would bring luck and prosperity. It is even celebrated dedicating to cows and birds. Events like cattle races, people performing traditional dances, and preparing special dishes like Venpongal are done.
10. Mahashivratri
Lastly comes the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva also known as the Destroyer God. It is believed that Lord Shiva has the power to create, protect and even transform the whole universe.
Mainly this festival is celebrated marking the wedding anniversary of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People make offerings, keep fasts, meditate, chant, sing bhajans and hymns. Besides that, visiting the temples of Lord Shiva is a must thing to do. For the newbies to India, this festival provides a perfect understanding of the Hindu religion.
Final Words
These were some top festivals that one can be a part of in India. Each festival has its own significance and value. They offer a lot of knowledge and one can even witness things that they never thought existed.
So if you are planning to visit India. Then make sure to visit during the times when these festivals are celebrated. Give yourself a chance to make meaningful memories and gain valuable experiences.
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