10 Indian festivals not to be missed

festival in India – The life in India is punctuated by many festivals that allow to decide with the daily grind. Joining a festival in India will give you the opportunity to experience the best of this country so happy, colorful, warm. Here is a selection of the most beautiful festivals not to be missed during your upcoming visit to India.

1. Holi

festival in India-Holi where the festival of colors is the festival not to be missed during your visit to India. Holi is a Hindu festival that is celebrated throughout the country, the day of the spring equinox. This festival is dedicated to the love of the god Krishna and the young Radha. One day Krishna complains to his mother of his dark complexion. She suggested that she apply some color to her skin. On the occasion of this festival, we therefore apply color. Each color has a meaning in India: Green represents harmony, orange is optimism, blue is vitality, and red is joy and love. Holi is a popular party where everyone gathers on the streets greeting each other and exchanging color. This is the occasion of a very festive and colorful alliance. If you want to meet the Indians and test the festive atmosphere in India, this is the right time. Holi observes a particular fervor in the state of Orissa and in the birthplace of Krishna, Mathura. Be careful though because too much fervor can give way to some overflows.

When is it ?  Spring equinox.

2. Diwalee

festival in India: with Holi, this is the largest festival in India held throughout the country. Diwalee is also called “the festival of lights” because of all the candles, lamps and fireworks that are lit for the occasion. The party lasts 5 days, but the big celebrations take place on the third day during which the families organize pûjâs (prayers) in honor of the goddess Laksmi and the god Ganesh. We can compare Diwalee with the Christmas atmosphere in Europe; We put on your best clothes, offer you gifts and have a good time with the family. This holiday also marks the end of the year of the Hindu calendar Vikram, which is mainly followed in northern India. It is a real pleasure to walk in the Indian streets around Holi because everything is illuminated and people are happy. On the other hand, be careful on D-Day because many homemade fireworks are launched and can be risky.

When is it ?  End of October / Beginning of November. According to the Vikram calendar.

3. Durga Puja & Dusshera

Durga puja, signifie litteralement « celebrations en l’honneur de la déesse Durga »

festival in India: the festival is celebrated in the east of the country and reaches its peak in the city of Kolkata, where the sanctuaries with the effigy of the goddess are installed in every corner of the city. In the Hindu tradition, Durga appears in the holy book of Ramayana as the hero Rama engages in the battle against the demon Ravana. Imploring the goddess to grant her blessing, the latter, touched, appeared and assured her of victory. Durga represents strength and symbolizes the Mother Goddess in her warrior aspect. Participating in Durga Purja is an opportunity to see the great religious fervor that reigns in India. On the last day of the festival, we celebrate Dusshera’s celebration of Durga statues. If you are in Kolkata, we recommend that you go to the Kumartuli district to observe the artists who make the statues of the Hindu deities.

When is it?  End of October.

4. Ganesha Chaturthi

festival in India – Ganesh Chaturthi’s holiday is very similar to Durga’s, but instead of venerating the goddess, one celebrates the most popular god of the elephant-headed country, Ganesh. Ephemeral temples are installed in the streets and Hindu bring offerings and pray for several days (11 days maximum) the god. At the end of the celebrations, the statues with the image of Ganesh will be launched. This festival observes a particular fervor in the Mumbai region.

When is it? End of August / beginning of September.

5. Eid ul fitr

festival in India- You know this festival in Europe since it corresponds to the end of the young Ramadan. It should be known that India has between 20 and 30% of Muslims or more than 215 million individuals, impossible to miss this major holiday in the Muslim calendar. The festival of Eid ul fitr gives rise to a huge festival of food where you eat a lot. There are some pretty impressive cooking demonstrations. We enjoy and lick their chops.

When is it?   The last day of Ramadan

6. Onam

festival in India – While Holi and Diwalee are the most celebrated festivals in the whole country, the small state of Kerala resists and decides to highlight the festival of Oman. This festival is held at the end of the summer harvest and celebrates the visit of the demon king Maveli who made the people of Kerala happy in prehistory. During 10 days, many festivities such as Kallam Vali boat races, Kathakali dance performances and banquets are organized, all in a very festive atmosphere for the happiness of all.

When is it?  August / September

7. Thissur pooram

festival in India – this is probably one of the most impressive festivals in India. The poorams are celebrated in several cities of Kerala, but that of Thissur is considered as “the pooram of the poorams”. During pooram festivities one or more decorated elephants parade through the streets carrying the most revered deity in the village in question. Thissur Pooram is the largest elephant gathering in the world. More than 50 elephants leave the temple of Vadakkunathan dedicated to Shiva. They are accompanied by drum beats and music. The festival lasts 36 hours.

When is it? April

8. Pushkar fair

The holy city of Pushkar hosts the largest camel fair in the world. Each year in November, between 4000 and 6000 camel drivers meet to sell or buy new specimens. This fair is not just about the sale but leaves room for many other events: races, beauty contests, sale of other livestock …. It is a festive and impressive event that brings together many tourists from around the world.

When is it? November

9. Makar sankranti

festival in India – The Makar Sankranti Festival is held every year around the 14th of January. It corresponds to the moment when the sun enters capricorn in the constellation of the zodiac. It is also called the harvest festival because this period also corresponds to the change of direction of the wind, in other words it is the beginning of the hot days. The harvest season begins! This festival is celebrated all over the country but there is more fervor in the north. On this occasion, everyone goes up on the roofs and kites his kite. Thousands of kites of all colors twirl in the sky giving a delicious springtime atmosphere in the air!

When is it?   January

10. Pongal

festival in India – In Tamil Nadu, the monsoon festival is celebrated under the name of Pongal. This festival is celebrated during 4 days and corresponds to a feat of the god Krishna. The blue-faced god would have protected the villagers of Brindavan against the wrath of Indra, the god of the storm. Each day of the festival has a different name.

Day 1: Bhogi: It’s the day of the old fabrics. Old clothes are burned and thrown to mark the beginning of a new life.

Day 2: Pongal: During this day, there is a ritual ceremony of sun offerings to thank crops. During this day, we eat Pongal, a ploy made from milk and rice.

Day 3: This is the Mattu Pongal. This is the day when cows and buffaloes are honored by putting on a garland, a kumkum (a mark on the forehead) and bringing them better food than usual.

Day 4: Kanum Pongal. On this last day, the inhabitants eat sugar cane and decorate their houses by doing Kolams (geometric drawings on the ground).

When is it?   January

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