Important Festivals in India??

IMPORTANT
FESTIVALS IN INDIA
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Major Festivals of
India (National,
Religious,
Harvest and
Seasonal)
Presented By UPSC_IASSQUAD
An Initiative of OUR STUDY CIRCLE
www.ourstudycircle.org
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Introduction: Festivals are occasions of celebrations focused on

some specific aspects. Festivals in India are celebrated with
great passion and joy. Even the foreigners who arrive in India get
overwhelmed after watching the Indian festivals. In India,
numerous numbers of festivals are celebrated.
Three types of festivals are mainly celebrated in India such as

National, Religious and Seasonal. Each festival has its own
significance and teachings.
1. National Festivals are celebrated with proud and have super-

patriotic fervor. Republic day, Independence day and Gandhi
Jayanti are the three national festivals of India.
2. Religious Festivals shows the religious association of people with

the festival. The major religious festivals includes Holi, Raksha
Bandhan, Diwali, Krishna Janamastami, Durga-Puja, Dussehra,
Maha Shivaratri, Eid, Christmas, Easter, Buddha Purnima, Mahavir
Jayanti, etc.
3. Seasonal and Harvesting festivals are celebrated to mark the

harvesting of crops and the change of seasons. The major
seasonal and harvesting festivals that are celebrated in India
includes Basant Panchami, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Onam,
Baisakhi, Bhogali bihu, etc.
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1. National Festivals in India
1.1 Republic Day:
Republic Day is celebrated all over the country on 26th January every year. On
this day, i.e., 26th January, 1950, India’s constitution came into force. This day is
important because on this day our country became a Democratic republic and
all citizens were given equal rights to vote and choose the government. A
special celebration (grand parade) is held at Rajpath in New Delhi every year.
On this day, the National song, “Jana Gana Mana” can be heard throughout the
country.
1.2 Independence Day:
Independence Day is celebrated all over the country on 15th August each year.
On this day, i.e., 15th August, 1947, India gained independence from British rule
and hence in other countries this day is also termed as “India Day”. We pay
tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their youth for our
independence. The Tri-color National flag is hoisted at Red Fort (New Delhi) by
the Prime Minister. Every Indians feel proud on this day.
1.3 Gandhi Jayanti:
Gandhi Jayanti occurs annually on 2nd October to celebrate the birthday of

Mahatma Gandhi, popularly known as ‘Father of the Nation’. The untiring
efforts of Mahatma Gandhi helped India to gain its freedom and independence.
‘Raghupati Raghav’, his favourite song, can be heard on this day.
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2. Religious Festivals in India

• There are many types of religious festivals celebrated in India.
Some important of them are discussed below:
2.1 Holi
Holi, also known as the ‘Festival of Colors’ and ‘Spring Festival’, marks the beginning of
spring season. Light, color, food music and gifts are used to celebrate the triumph of
good over evil.
It is the most colorful festival of the Hindus. It generally lasts for two days. The
ceremony of “Holika Dahan” is observed on the first day. On the following day, people
play holi by painting the face and clothes of each others. They also throw colors on to
friendly passers-by. Holi festival is generally celebrated in between the month of end of
February and beginning of March.
2.2 Raksha Bandhan:

The beautiful relation of a brother and a sister is celebrated in the festival of Raksha
Bandhan. Traditionally, girls tie a string of thread on the wrist of her brother. This thread
of love reminds the brother of his responsibility to always take care, support and
protect his sister under all circumstances. This is followed by exchange of sweets and
gifts.
2.3 Diwali:
The autumn festival of Diwali is celebrated in between the months of October and
December on the darkest new moon of the year. It is also termed as “Festival of Lights”,
as on this day every people, especially Hindus, lighten up their houses with lights
including candles and diyas. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama. He returned to his
kingdom, Ayodhya, after spending 14 years in forest. On this day, people dress
themselves in their best outfit and take part in their family function. Celebrating the
triumph of light over darkness, or victory of good over bad, this festival features
fireworks, lanterns and celebrations.
There is a tradition of worshiping Devi Lakshmi and Ganpati Deva on this day. It is done
for securing peace, prosperity, wealth and happiness.
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2.4 Saraswati Puja – Basant Panchami:
Basant Panchami is a spring festival. Hindus celebrate Saraswati Puja on this

day. It is the greatest day for the students. They worship Goddess Saraswati
to seek her blessing. Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom.
Many schools also celebrate this festival, all students take part in the puja
ceremony.
It is considered a pious day for the purpose marriage ceremony. Many people
belonging to Hindu faith choose this day to get married.
2.5 Krishna Janamastami:
Hindus celebrate this festival on the birth anniversary of Lord Sri Krishna.
Lord Sir Krishna is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. His birth is
symbolically associated to the end of ignorance and cruelty over mankind.
Thousands of devotees gather together in temples and cheerfully worship
the Lord. In many places, the popular event of “Dahi Handi”, takes place.
2.6 Durga Puja:
Durga Puja Hindu festival in September or October reverencing the goddess

Durga. People worship Devi Durga on this day. Durga Puja is the most popular
in West Bengal. The idol of Devi Durga, along with other Gods and
Goddesses, is placed in various pandals. Devi Durga is seen holding weapons
in her ten hands to kill Mahisasura (evil demon). The priest worships the idol
of Devi Durga and chant traditional mantras. People wear new clothes and
move out of their homes to see the beautiful Pandals decorated with lights,
flowers, and other aesthetically pleasant materials.
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2.7 Dussehra:
People celebrate Dussehra festival to mark the victory of Lord Rama

over Ravana. Rama is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ravana was an evil
demon. It signifies the victory of good over the evil. People go to see
the famous folk play of Ram Lila. The story of Lord Rama is shown in
the play. It is a great time to enjoy and take inspiration from virtuous
acts of Rama.
Also read: Paragraph on Dussehra
2.8 Maha Shivaratri:
Maha means “great”, Ratri means “night” and Shiva refers to “Lord
Shiva”. The marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on
this day. This is a great time to worship Lord Shiva and seek his
blessings. There is a tradition of offering a holy bath to the “Shiva
Lingam”. People celebrate this festival by fasting, offering sweets to
god, etc.
2.9 Eid:
It is a festival of Muslim culture; they celebrate mainly two festival, i.e.,

Eid-ul-Fitr (Feast of Breaking of Fast) and Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of
sacrifice). The Eid festivals are those festivals which unfold love and
happiness to near and dear ones.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with
food, gatherings and celebrations.
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2.10 Christmas:
Christmas is celebrated every year on 25th December on the eve of birth

anniversary of Jesus Christ. This is one of the most sacred festivals for
Christians as they believe Jesus Christ to be the son of God. It is believed
that on this day a man in red dress named Santa Clause comes to help the
needy one and brings gifts for the loved ones. People also decorate their
houses along with Christmas tree.
2.11 Easter:
Easter Sunday is a day which is celebrated in the eve of resurrection of Lord

Jesus Christ from the dead after 3 days from his crucifixion. Easter Sunday is
celebrated in between the month of March and April.
These are the most important religious festivals which are celebrated in
India with great pomp and show.
2.12 Buddha Purnima:
Buddha Purnima celebrated actually for the eve of birth, enlightenment

and passing into nirvana of Gautama Buddha. It is observed every year
generally in between the month of April and May.
2.13 Mahavir Jayanti:
The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira is celebrated by the people

belonging to Jain faith. The celebration involves ceremonial bath to Lord
Mahavira, processions, and lectures.
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3. Seasonal and Harvesting Festivals in India
There are many types of seasonal and harvesting
festivals celebrated in India. The most important
of them are discussed below:
3.1 Basant Panchami:
The day of Basant Panchami (also Vasant Panchami) is celebrated by the Hindus as
“Saraswati Puja”. It is usually celebrated every year in the month of February. This
festival marks the beginning of the Holi festival and also the spring season. On this
day, people worship the Goddess of knowledge, music, culture, i.e., Devi Saraswati.
3.2 Pongal / Makar Sankranti:
In Tamil Nadu, 14th of January is celebrated every year as the Pongal Day. In many
part of India, this day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. This festival is marked
with prosperity and abundance. On this day, freshly harvested cereals and foods
are cooked. On the day of Makar Sankaranti, people worship the Sun God.
3.3 Lohri:
Lohri is celebrated on a day proceeding to Makar Sankranti festival, i.e., on

13th January every year. This festival is most popular among Punjabi community.
Lohri Festival is also known as Maghi Festival as it marks the beginning of the
Hindu Month Magh and end of the Hindu month Paush. The legend of Dulla Batti is
quiet populare in the folklore of Punjab. On this day, people fly kites, sing
traditional songs, and dance around the bonfire.
3.4 Onam:
Onam is principally celebrated by the people of Kerala generally in between the

month of August and September. This festival is celebrates the generosity and
kindness of the Great King Mahabali. The festival lasts for 10 days. The first day
(Atham) and the last day (Thiruvonam) are the most important days. People use to
wear their best attire and celebrate the festival with great gusto. Snake boat races
are held in which different kinds and shaped of boat participate in the race.
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3.5 Baisakhi:
Baisakhi festival is celebrated every year in the month of April.

People use to take bath early in the morning for the Baisakhi
festival and enjoy the day with friends and families. This day also
coincides with the many other festivals celebrated within the
month of April like Makar Sankranti, etc.
3.6 Bhogali Bihu:
Bhogali Bihu is a traditional harvesting festival of the state of

Assam. People celebrate this day by sporting new clothes and
also by cleaning and washing their homes. On this very
auspicious day, people use to exchange gifts and eat several
mouth watering items.
3.7 Bihu Dance:
Bihu dance is celebrated by the people of the Assam during the

Bihu festival. Bihu dance is one of the most vibrant and colorful
folk dance festivals in India. This dance is participated by both
young men and women. This is a totally different kind of dance
form in which participants are seen doing rapid dance steps with
a series of quick hand movement.
THE END
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IMPORTANT

Study Simple Achieve Your Dream!

Follow OUR STUDY CIRCLE On Social Media

Introduction: Festivals are occasions of celebrations focused on

Three types of festivals are mainly celebrated in India such as

1. National Festivals are celebrated with proud and have super-

2. Religious Festivals shows the religious association of people with

3. Seasonal and Harvesting festivals are celebrated to mark the

1. National Festivals in India

1.1 Republic Day:

1.2 Independence Day:

1.3 Gandhi Jayanti:

Gandhi Jayanti occurs annually on 2nd October to celebrate the birthday of

2. Religious Festivals in India

2.2 Raksha Bandhan:

2.4 Saraswati Puja – Basant Panchami:

Basant Panchami is a spring festival. Hindus celebrate Saraswati Puja on this

2.5 Krishna Janamastami:

2.6 Durga Puja:

Durga Puja Hindu festival in September or October reverencing the goddess

People celebrate Dussehra festival to mark the victory of Lord Rama

2.8 Maha Shivaratri:

It is a festival of Muslim culture; they celebrate mainly two festival, i.e.,

Christmas is celebrated every year on 25th December on the eve of birth

Easter Sunday is a day which is celebrated in the eve of resurrection of Lord

2.12 Buddha Purnima:

Buddha Purnima celebrated actually for the eve of birth, enlightenment

2.13 Mahavir Jayanti:

The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira is celebrated by the people

3.2 Pongal / Makar Sankranti:

Lohri is celebrated on a day proceeding to Makar Sankranti festival, i.e., on

Onam is principally celebrated by the people of Kerala generally in between the

Baisakhi festival is celebrated every year in the month of April.

3.6 Bhogali Bihu:

Bhogali Bihu is a traditional harvesting festival of the state of

3.7 Bihu Dance:

Bihu dance is celebrated by the people of the Assam during the

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