Fairs & Festivals of India

The fairs and festivals of India are as unique as the country itself. On one day the country is drenched in vibrant colours, on other days it is illuminating with a thousand lamps. Every festival here has a story and celebrates a mythology, tradition and custom. Every festival of India reflects the colourful life of its people, whilst emphasising the prevailing folklore and history of the region. Where some festivals are celebrated to welcome specific seasons such as monsoon and harvest, others are celebrated to offer prayers to the deities. Here are some of the major fairs and festivals of India which display pomp and magnificence on a grand scale.

Diwali

Diwali is the biggest and most important festival of India. This festival of lights symbolizes the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. The preparation for the festival starts 5 days in advance, and every nook and corner is decorated with clay diyas, candles and lights. The festival creates an ambience of happiness, delight and prosperity. It tenders ultimate bliss and pleasure to the lives of the people.

Holi

Holi is the festival of colours, and marks the commencement of spring in India. . Similar to many other festivals in India, this festival also symbolizes the victory of good over evil in India. People with all age group can be seen with their faces and clothes smeared in different colours of ‘Gulal’. The festival is generally celebrated on Phalgun Purnima (February – March) and people greet each other by applying colors on each other's face.

Dussehra

The festival of Dussehra also signifies the triumph of good over evil, and is observed on the tenth day of Navratri. This festival commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon King Ravan. Lord Rama is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Dussehra strengthens the vows of devotees to follow the path of Lord Rama.

Navratri

Another important festival of India is Navratri, which is celebrated to worship Goddess Durga. Essentially a nine day festival, different nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. The festival is generally celebrated two times in a year (April and October). Many people observe a fast on this auspicious festival and visit temples to seek the divine blessings.

Baisakhi

An important festival of Punjab, Baisakhi is celebrated on April 14th, and marks the commencement of the Sikh New Year. On this day, the farmers thank God for the good crops and pray for abundant harvest in the next season. The main celebrations of the festival are organized at the Anandpur Sahib and Muktsar. The festival is celebrated with immense joy and performing bhangra and gidda dance.

Eid

Celebrating the Quintessence of Harmony and Brotherhood, Eid is an important festival for the Muslim community. The Islam community from all across the globe shows their gratefulness to Allah for everything they own. The festival of Eid is celebrated twice a year. The first one is Eid-ul-fitr and other being Eid-ul-Azha. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan (Ramjan) when the Muslims break the fast, whereas Eid-ul-Azha honors the end of the Haji Pilgrimage. Both are celebrated all over the world by Muslims.

Maha Shivratri

Literally meaning the ‘Night of Lord Shiva’, Maha Shivratri is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm. The festival is generally celebrated on the month of Phalguna or Maagh (February or March) according to the Hindu Lunar Calendar. Devotees in large numbers throng to temples and offer prayers to please the Lord. According to Mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati married on this day.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Another important festival here is the Ganesh Chaturthi, which is majorly celebrated in Maharashtra. The festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Also popular by the name Vinayak Chaturthi, the festival generally takes place between August and September. The celebration lasts for ten days during which people bring the beautiful idols of the Lord into their homes to worship.

In addition to these, other popular festivals that reflect the diverse history and multiculturalism in India include Durga Puja, Krishna Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Kumbh Mela etc. These festivals echo the beliefs of locals in spirituality and thus, act as great beguilers for travellers.