India is known worldwide for its diverse festivals and rich culture. Festivals here depict the emotions of unity. These vibrant festivals have their own importance and hold the secret to centuries-old knowledge and sciences. Every month in India, there is a festival that has a deep connection to its heritage.
Here is a complete list of the popular festivals and important days that are celebrated with joy.
January: New Start
This month is dedicated to health and fitness, as the beginning of the New Year starts with healthy habits and new resolutions. Also, January in India marks the harvest season, and people express gratitude to God for the good harvest.
New Year's Day (01-01-2024): This day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is a global celebration, often involving festivities, fireworks, and New Year resolutions.
Lohri (14-01-2024): Lohri is a Punjabi festival celebrated with bonfires, traditional dance, and the sharing of special foods. It marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days.
Makar Sankranti (15-01-2024): This Hindu festival is dedicated to the Sun God and is celebrated with fervor across India. People take holy dips in rivers, fly kites, and exchange sweets made from sesame and jaggery.
Indian Army Day (15-01-2024): A day to honor the soldiers of the Indian Army, showcasing their bravery and sacrifices for the nation.
National Cheese Lover’s Day (20-01-2024): A day for cheese enthusiasts to celebrate their love for various types of cheese.
Netaji Subhash Chandra Jayanti (23-01-2024): Commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement.
National Tourism Day (25-01-2024): This day promotes the importance of tourism and its cultural, social, and economic benefits.
Republic Day (26-01-2024): A significant national holiday in India, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution and the country's transition to a republic on January 26, 1950.
February: Love & Appreciation
February is the month of expressing love and affection to loved ones.
Valentine’s Day (14-02-2024): Celebrated worldwide as a day of love and affection, with people expressing their feelings to their loved ones through gifts and gestures.
Maha Shivaratri (18-02-2024): A Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with fasting, prayers, and night-long vigils.
March: Colors & Joy
March is a month of vibrant celebrations in India with the festival of colors, Holi. This joyful occasion signifies the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
International Women’s Day (8-03-2024): A global day celebrating the achievements of women and advocating for gender equality.
Holi (25-03-2024): Known as the festival of colors, Holi marks the arrival of spring in India. People celebrate by throwing colored powders and water at each other.
Easter (31-03-2024): A Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
April: Traditional New Year
April is a month of cultural diversity in India, with festivals like Baisakhi in the north, Puthandu in the south, and Vishu in Kerala, all marking the traditional New Year.
Gudi Padwa (09-04-2024): Maharashtrian New Year, celebrated with the hoisting of the Gudi flag and traditional rituals.
Ramadan (10-04-2024): A month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims worldwide.
Baisakhi (14-04-2024): A Sikh festival marking the harvest season, celebrated with religious processions, music, and dance.
Ram Navami (17-04-2024): Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
May: Devotion & Fasting
May is a month of spiritual devotion and discipline with the observance of Ramadan by the Muslim community. Devotees engage in fasting, prayer, and reflection during this holy month, fostering a sense of empathy and self-discipline.
Mother’s Day (12-04-2024): A day to honor and express gratitude to mothers and mother figures for their love and sacrifices.
International Tea Day (15-04-2024): A day to celebrate the cultural and economic significance of tea worldwide.
June: Environmental Awareness
World Environment Day is observed, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices to address the growing concerns about the planet.
World Environment Day (05-08-2024): A global day to raise awareness and take action on environmental issues.
July: Monsoon Season
July welcomes the monsoon season, celebrated with fervor in various regions.
Rath Yatra (07-07-2024): An annual chariot festival celebrated by Hindus, particularly in the city of Puri, Odisha. Marking the journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
August: Full Of Pride
August is a month of national pride with India's Independence Day celebrated on the 15th. Additionally, Raksha Bandhan is observed, symbolizing the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters, reinforcing familial ties.
Friendship Day (04-08-2024): A day to celebrate and cherish the bonds of friendship.
Janmashtami (06-08-2024): Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna.
Independence Day (15-08-2024): A significant day for India, commemorating its independence from British rule in 1947.
Onam (29-08-2024): A harvest festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala with cultural events and feasting.
Raksha Bandhan (30-08-2024): A Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
September: Arrival Of Ganpati Ji
September brings Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
World Coconut Day (02-09-2024): A day to promote the importance of coconut cultivation and its various uses.
Teacher’s Day (05-09-2024): A day to honor and appreciate teachers for their role in shaping young minds.
Onam (15-09-2024): The culmination of the Onam festival, marked by grand feasts and cultural events
Ganesh Chaturthi (19-09-2024): Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesha, marked by the installation of Ganesha idols.
World Heart Day (29-09-2024): A global campaign to raise awareness about heart health and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
October: The Biggest Festivals - Navratri and Diwali
October is marked by the vibrant festival of Navratri, celebrating the divine feminine energy. The month concludes with Diwali, the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festive spirit illuminates homes and communities across the nation.
Gandhi Jayanti (02-10-2024): Commemorating the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a key figure in India's struggle for independence.
Navratri (15-10-2024): A Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, celebrated with dance and music.
Dussehra (24-10-2024): Marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Dhanteras (29-10-2024): The first day of the Diwali festival, dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity.
November: Celebrating Childhood
Bhai Dooj (03-11-2024): A Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Diwali (12-11-2024): Also known as Deepavali, this festival of lights symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Children’s Day (14-11-2024): A day to honor and celebrate children, often marked by special events and activities.
Chhath Puja (19-11-2024): A Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the Sun God, celebrated with rituals and prayers.
Gurupurab (27-11-2024): Sikh festival celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
December: Gifts & Cakes
December is a month of festive joy, with Christmas celebrated the country. The month also marks the end of the year, prompting reflection and gratitude for the experiences and lessons of the past twelve months.
Christmas (25-11-2024): Celebrated worldwide to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, often marked by festive decorations, feasts, and gift-giving.
