A country defined by mixed ethnicities and cultures, India is a colorful land famous for its glittering festivals which add a whimsical charm to its diverse cultural set up. If you wish to grasp the essence of Indian culture, planning your trip around the prominent festivals is the best way to experience the richness of festivities this country has to offer. Indian festival tour packages are a perfect way to immerse you in the vibrant traditions of India. With so many religions and ethnic groups thriving in India, there are infinite numbers of festivals happening all year round, but the most celebrated festivals take place in the month of October and last till the month of March. As we embark on the season of festivities, here is a quick look at the famous Indian festivals celebrated during October- March.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is a renowned Hindu festival that celebrates the divine female form. The festival holds great significance in Hindu religion as the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura. Durga Puja starts on the fifth day of the nine day long Navratri festival with special decorations of the temples and prayers. Of all the important ceremonies conducted during Durga Puja, Sindoor Khela is most joyously celebrated by the women who smear each others foreheads with sindoor, a red coloured powder. Durga puja ends on the tenth day, the day of Vijayadashami with people immersing the idols of goddess Durga in the holy rivers. Kolkata is the best place to see this festival in its full glory.
Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated all over India in the month of October with great fervour to commemorate killing of Ravana by Lord Rama. Vijayadashami is preceded by a ten day Ram leela, in which scenes from Ramayana are enacted. The festival ends with the burning of effigies of Ravana and his two brothers which attracts many visitors. Processions are carried out during the day. In some parts of India, the day is welcomed by week long fairs in which people participate with great zeal. In India, the most elaborate and grand celebrations of Dussehra take place in Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh which draws millions of tourists every year.
Deepawali
The festival of lights, Deepawali is the most awaited festivals of Hindus. Deepawali is a five day festival that celebrates the return of Lord Rama with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile in the forests. The celebrations begin on Dhanteras, which is celebrated by buying and gifting metal wares to friends and family. The main festival takes place on the third day, the darkest day of the year. Houses are decorated with diyas and rangolis on Diwali. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on this day is believed to bring prosperity into the house. The evenings are spent exchanging gifts and sweets with relatives and friends. Burning of firecrackers on Diwali night is considered auspicious and fills the atmosphere with pomp and excitement. Traveling to India during the five important days before Diwali is considered the best way to view the grandness of Indian culture.
Rajasthani International Folk Festival
The annual International Folk Festival of Rajasthan held in the month of October is a celebration of folk music and art belonging to different regions in Rajasthan. The five day festival begins on the night of Sharad Poornima which is considered an auspicious time in the lunar calendar. Since, the festival is organized within the premises or Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur, attending the festival also lets you explore the historic monument. This event is organized solely for the purpose of promoting artists and musicians. The festival is a great opportunity for tourists to come close to Rajasthani culture in the way of its folk dances, music and art forms.
Guruparv
The most sacred festival of Sikhs, Guruparv marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru. A special ceremony called Akhand Path is observed two days before Guruparv in which the holy scripture of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib is read without break. A large procession is carried out with palanquins holding the scripture, on the morning before Guruparv. The day starts with recitation of hymns and chants. Readings are done from the scripture in a kirtan after which devotees are served prasad made from wheat flour and ghee. Community lunch is prepared for a large number of people especially the poor irrespective of caste or creed. Guruparv is also known as Kartik Poornima, according to the lunar calender which celebrates the victory of Lord Shiva over demon Tripurasura. People of both religions take holy dips in river Ganga on Kartik Poornima.
Pushkar Camel Festival
Pushkar fair in Rajasthan is the most famous festival in Rajasthan that draws millions of tourists from across the globe. The festival is revered as the largest livestock fair in India showcasing camels, horses, elephants and goats. Pushkar fair begins a week before Kartik Poornima in the month of November. Hindu devotees take holy dips in the sacred Pushkar River at sunrise on the morning of Kartik poornima which is the last day of the fair. The most interesting part of the festival that attracts the visitors are the cultural shows, craft exhibitions and competitions like matka phod race, moustache competition and bridal contests which add a colorful vibe to the festival. Many world renowned photographers come especially to capture the varied hues of Rajasthani culture displayed in Pushkar fair.
