India's best cultural festivals

By Famous India

Pongal, Tamil Nadu

The harvest festival of Pongal is celebrated across Tamil Nadu over four days in mid-January.

Mahashivratri, north India

The Hindu festival of Mahashivratri celebrates Lord Shiva’s wedding to Parvati and is observed on the new moon night of Phalgun.

Holi, north and west India

Holi, takes place on the full moon day of Phalgun and is associated with the devotional love of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Eid-Ul-Fitr, across India

Eid-Ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Festivities begin with the sighting of the moon followed by a large meal.

Bihu, Assam

Rongali Bihu is Assam’s most important festival; it celebrates the beginning of the harvest season and marks the Assamese New Year.

Onam, Kerala

Kerala’s most popular festival, Onam, sweeps across the state without distinction of religion or caste.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. Since he is said to be born at midnight, devotees stay awake all night, offer prayers and sing bhajans.

Ganesh Chaturthi

The ten-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is devoted to the elephant-headed Lord Ganesha, one of the most beloved gods in the Hindu pantheon.

Navratri & Dussehra

The Indian festival of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is held over nine days with different rituals across India.

Durga Puja, West Bengal

While Durga Puja takes different forms across the country, the grandest festivities take place in West Bengal. 

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India's best cultural festivals