India is an incredibly diverse country. The Indian Constitution gives freedom of religion. Since India is a secular country, religious festivals are an incredibly important part of Indian culture as people are welcome to celebrate their festivals with no qualms. In our notes on festivals of India, we will discuss the various religious festivals of India.

Religious Festivals

Hindu Festivals

• Diwali: Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals. Diwali is associated with the goddess Laxmi and lord Rama. Diwali, or the festival of light, usually falls in the month of Kartik. It is held on the day of the new moon.
• Holi: Holi, or the festival of colours, is a festival that celebrates the arrival of spring and is observed and celebrated by members of all faiths. According to the Gregorian calendar, it is usually celebrated in the month of Phalguna, which falls in March.
• Dussehra: Vijayadashami or Dussehra is a Hindu festival that marks the end of Durga Puja. This Hindu festival of India falls on the 10th day in the month of Ashvin (the 7th month of the Hindu calendar). It signifies the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
• Durga Puja: Durga Puja commemorates the victory of goddess Durga over Mahishasur. The festival is observed for ten days in the month of Ashvin. Durga Puja is traditionally performed at home or in public.
• Ganesh Chaturthi: Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the arrival of Lord Ganesh on Earth from Kailash Parvat with the goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated throughout India but especially in the state of Maharashtra.

Bhai Dooj, Rakshabandhan, Uttarayan, and many more festivals are celebrated by Hindus.

Muslim Festivals

• Eid-al-Fitr: This Muslim festival of India is celebrated on the night of the first sighting of the crescent moon, and if the moon cannot be seen, celebrations begin the following day.
• Eid-al-Adha or Bakr-Eid: Eid-al-Adha is an important Islamic festival that commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu-al-Hijjah and is commemorated with the sacrifice of a goat. It is customary to distribute at least a third of the meat to the poor and needy.
• Milad-un-Nabi: Milad-un-Nabi commemorates the birth of the Prophet. The festival is also known as the Barah-wafat. Prophet Muhammad was born on the 12th day of Rabi-al-Awwal. It is believed that this is also the day that the Prophet left the world; therefore, the festivities are fairly low key.
• Muharram: Muharram is considered the second holiest month after Ramadan. According to the Quran, Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar and is one of the four months of the year in which warfare is forbidden. Shi’a Muslims mourn the death of Husayn ibn Ali’s family on the tenth day of Muharram.

Christian Festivals

• Christmas: Christmas is observed every year on the 25th of December as the birth of Jesus Christ. In most Christian households, the day is celebrated with a feast, gift-giving, and family gatherings.
• Easter/Good Friday: Easter is a Christian festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus following his crucifixion. Easter is observed by all-night vigils, prayer services, family gatherings, and feasts.

Sikh Festivals

• Gurpurab: Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Jayanti is a Sikh festival that commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism. On this occasion, Gurdwaras celebrate the holiday by reciting a 48-hour-long verse from the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Lohri: Lohri is a cultural festival native to Punjab’s region and celebrates the end of the winter season. Lohri is celebrated on the 13th of January every year, and the festivities include singing and dancing around a bonfire.
• Vaisakhi: Vaisakhi is a spring harvest festival that commemorates the solar new year. The Sikh community celebrates Vaisakhi by holding Nagar Kirtans, community fairs, and visiting the Gurdwara.

Jain Festivals

• Mahavir Jayanti: Mahavir Jayanti is a Jain festival of India that commemorates Lord Mahavira’s birth anniversary. Lord Mahavira is the 24th Tirthankara and was one of the founders of Jainism. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated on the 13th day of Chaitra. On this day, devotees wash Mahavira’s idol with milk, after which a procession is held.
• Paryushana: Paryushana means “to abide and come together.” Paryushana is one of the most important Jain festivals and is celebrated for 8 to 10 days in the month of Bhadrapada.
• Mahamastakabhisheka: Mahamastakabhisheka is a Jain festival that is celebrated once every 12 years. The festival is celebrated in the town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka. The festivities include bathing the statue of Siddha Bahubali in milk and sugarcane juice.

Buddhist Festivals

• Buddha Purnima: Buddha Purnima celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. The festival is known as Saga Dawa in Sikkim and is celebrated worldwide by Buddhist communities.
• Songkran: Songkran is a Buddhist festival that is celebrated by a thorough spring cleaning. This festival is celebrated for several days in April.
• Ullambana: Ullambana is a festival celebrated for the first fifteen days in the eighth lunar month. On the first day of this month, the gates of hell are open for ghosts to enter the earth. People offer food and other offerings to the ghost to ease their pain and suffering.

Sindhi Festivals

• Chaliho Sahib: Sindhis observe a 40-day fast in July and August to show their devotion to Lord Jhulelal.

Parsi or Zoroastrian Festivals

• Jamshedi Navroz: Jamshedi Navroz is celebrated to commemorate the first day of the Parsi New Year.

Conclusion

Festivals are a significant part of Indian culture, acting as a vehicle for the presentation of our values and emotions. While each community has its own festivals and holidays, all religious groups are welcome to participate in these celebrations. India is a secular nation, and holidays are observed for a variety of religious and community celebrations.

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