Top festivals of India

India is one of the most culturally exciting and diverse country on earth, offering hundreds of festivals throughout the year that attract everyone across the globe. Festivals are not only a great way to gather people, but also are often done in India for religious purposes and educational purposes. Either way, they’re exciting for everyone to see and take part in. Learn about the top festivals of India:

#1 Diwali

Diwali is considered to be one of the most celebrated and popular festivals among India and even other parts of the world. The festival is basically a festival of lights – gathering together the people from the Hindu world. From fireworks to music, dancing, parades and of course, lights, this festival is so exciting and important that is lasts up to five days. Why is it a festival of lights? It’s to embrace lightness on this earth and to keep away from all dark in life. Although this is the main purpose of the holiday, different regions of India celebrate different symbols, people and ideas throughout this festival. This festival is a great one for kids of all ages, too! If you are visiting Bangalore during Diwali, make sure to book your stay well in advance as most of the boutique hotels in Bangalorethat celebrate Diwali to get booked early.

#2 Dussehra or Vijayadashmi

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is a huge festival in India that celebrates the Goddess Durga, an important figure in Hinduism and the Indian culture. The whole celebration is also rejoicing in all of the victories over symbols and important figures in India. Basically, it’s a festival to celebrate symbols from the past and the victory of good over evil.

#3 Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is another exciting festival that is highly recognized in India. The celebration is for the birth of Lord Ganesh, who is an elephant headed son. This festival is often celebrated for up to ten days and people make unbaked clay to worship and keep in the house. As for food, a great sweet is made called Modak. At the end of this festival, the clay idols they built are to be put in water.

#4 Holi

Holi is a festival that everyone will truly love. It is the festival of colors, where people make bonfires, smear colors on each other, and have fun all together. It signifies the new harvest and the return of color in nature. Just like many festivals, this one’s meaning differs throughout different regions of India. However, they all have something to do with Lords and god figures such as Shiva. The celebration calls for a gathering of all friends and family, with tons of food involved. Bright colors fill the air and the children especially love this fun celebration and festival.

The top festivals are exciting for all and bring light and joy into the people of India all throughout the year.

Natasha Dogre has been living in India for the last 23 years. She is currently planning on a backpacking holiday across Europe. Apart from working as a travel consultant for Kumarakom Lake Resort, she also teaches yoga to school children in India. You can contact her on natasha.dogre(at)gmail.com to know more.