Indian Holidays
India is a country with diverse cultures and religions, and as a result, there are many holidays celebrated throughout the year. Some of the holidays are celebrated nationwide, such as Independence Day and Republic Day, while others are regional or religious celebrations, such as Diwali, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Christmas. The majority of the holidays are religious in nature, such as Hindu festivals, Muslim festivals, and Christian holidays, but there are also secular holidays, such as Labor Day and Children’s Day. The holiday season in India starts in the autumn and continues until the end of the winter. People take time off from work to spend time with family and friends and participate in religious and cultural celebrations. Holidays in India provide a break from the monotony of daily life and are an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their heritage and traditions.
Here top 20 Holidays in India
1. Diwali
Diwali is a Hindu festival celebrated in India in October or November. It marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. People decorate their homes with lights, candles, and rangolis, exchange sweets and gifts, and perform puja to celebrate this festival.
2. Christmas
Christmas is a Christian festival celebrated on December 25th in India. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with great joy and fervor by the Christian community. People decorate trees, sing carols, exchange gifts and have a big feast to celebrate this festival.
3. Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in February or March and is also known as the “Festival of Colors”. It is a celebration of spring and the victory of good over evil. People play with colored powders, sing, dance, and enjoy delicacies.
4. Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a time of rejoicing and feasting with family and friends. People offer prayers in mosques, exchange sweets, and have feasts to celebrate this festival.
5. Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival celebrated in August. It is a day to celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread called rakhi around the wrist of their brothers, symbolizing their love and protection.
6. Janmashtami
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated in August or September and is a day of devotion, fasting, and feasting. People sing devotional songs, perform dances, and participate in processions to celebrate this festival.
7. Dussehra
Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated in October or September. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. People burn effigies of Ravana and celebrate with feasting, singing, and dancing.
8. Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is a Hindu festival celebrated in July. It is a day to honor teachers and gurus who have taught and guided us. People offer puja to their gurus, perform rituals, and meditate to celebrate this festival.
9. Onam
Onam is a Hindu festival celebrated in August or September. It is the harvest festival of Kerala and is celebrated with great joy and fervor. People prepare elaborate meals, decorate their homes, and participate in sports and dances to celebrate this festival.
10. Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in February or March. It is a day to honor Lord Shiva and is celebrated with fasting, puja, and meditation. People perform night-long vigils and offer fruits and flowers to Lord Shiva to celebrate this festival.
11. Independence Day
Independence Day is a national holiday in India celebrated on August 15th. It marks the day India gained independence from British rule in 1947. People hoist the national flag, sing patriotic songs, and attend parades and cultural events to celebrate this day.
12. Republic Day
Republic Day is a national holiday in India celebrated on January 26th. It marks the day when India became a republic in 1950. People attend parades, and cultural events, and watch patriotic performances to celebrate this day.
13. Lohri
Lohri is a Punjabi festival celebrated in January. It is a harvest festival that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. People light bonfires, sing, dance, and enjoy traditional food to celebrate this festival.
14. Baisakhi
Baisakhi is a Punjabi festival celebrated in April. It marks the beginning of the Punjabi New Year and is also celebrated as a harvest festival. People participate in processions, sing and dance, and enjoy delicious food to celebrate this festival.
15. Pongal
Pongal is a Tamil festival celebrated in January. It is a harvest festival and a time to thank the Sun God for providing warmth and light for the crops. People prepare sweet rice dishes, decorate their homes, and participate in processions to celebrate this festival.
Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in September or October. It is a celebration of the divine feminine and the victory of good over evil. People perform puja, sing devotional songs, and participate in traditional dances to celebrate this festival.
17. Id-ul-Zuha
Id-ul-Zuha is a Muslim festival celebrated in August or September. It marks the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim and is a time of sacrifice, fasting, and feasting. People offer prayers in mosques, exchange sweets, and have feasts to celebrate this festival.
18. Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated in September or October. It is a celebration of the goddess Durga and her victory over the demon king Mahishasura. People perform puja, sing devotional songs, and participate in cultural events to celebrate this festival.
19. Ganesha Chaturthi
Ganesha Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrated in August or September. It is a celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha and is a time of devotion, fasting, and feasting. People install clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes, perform puja, and participate in processions to celebrate this festival.
20. Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is a Jain festival celebrated in March or April. It marks the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism. People perform puja, sing devotional songs, and participate in cultural events to celebrate this festival.
