India Travel Guide - Festivals & Events
January Festivals
Pongal: this is the first significant festival each year, to give thanks for the harvest. The Pongal festival spans 4 days, with each day having a different focus. In cities, people tend to celebrate mainly on the second day, while in rural areas there is more likely to be four days of celebration and activities.
Pongal: this is the first significant festival each year, to give thanks for the harvest. The Pongal festival spans 4 days, with each day having a different focus. In cities, people tend to celebrate mainly on the second day, while in rural areas there is more likely to be four days of celebration and activities.
Republic Day: January 26th 1950 is one of the most significant days in Indian history, although independence was secured in 1947, it was this day that the Indian constitution came into effect and Rajendra Prasad became the first president of India. This day is celebrated all over the country, especially in New Delhi where they hold an impressive parade.
March Festivals
Holi: this is a popular festival, celebrated throughout the country, taking place over two days on the Phalgun Purnima (full moon). The first day of this ancient festival is celebrated with a bonfire and on the second day, people throw water and coloured powder on each other.
Holi: this is a popular festival, celebrated throughout the country, taking place over two days on the Phalgun Purnima (full moon). The first day of this ancient festival is celebrated with a bonfire and on the second day, people throw water and coloured powder on each other.
Elephant Festival: if you’re in Jaipur in March, then this festival is quite a spectacle, with a procession and events such as elephant polo and elephant races.
July Festivals
Guru Purnima: is held on the day of the full moon in the month of Ashadh in the Hindu calendar. Hindus offer puja (worship) to their guru in celebration of the day when Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata, was born. In Hindu tradition, the Guru is looked open as the embodiment of God himself.
Guru Purnima: is held on the day of the full moon in the month of Ashadh in the Hindu calendar. Hindus offer puja (worship) to their guru in celebration of the day when Krishna-dwaipayana Vyasa, author of the Mahabharata, was born. In Hindu tradition, the Guru is looked open as the embodiment of God himself.
August Festivals
Independence Day (Swatantrata Divas): this is a national holiday and all over India people celebrate independence from Britain in 1947. There are flag raising ceremonies and people distributing sweets. In New Delhi, there is a speech from the Prime Minister at the Red Fort.
Independence Day (Swatantrata Divas): this is a national holiday and all over India people celebrate independence from Britain in 1947. There are flag raising ceremonies and people distributing sweets. In New Delhi, there is a speech from the Prime Minister at the Red Fort.
October Festivals
Diwali: one of the most significant festivals, the ‘Festival of Lights’ is important in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Lamps are lit to celebrate the victory of good over evil and in some parts of India there are fireworks displays. Celebrations take place over five days and it is one of the most popular festivals in the country.
Diwali: one of the most significant festivals, the ‘Festival of Lights’ is important in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Lamps are lit to celebrate the victory of good over evil and in some parts of India there are fireworks displays. Celebrations take place over five days and it is one of the most popular festivals in the country.