These Are The Great Indian Festivals That Mark The Year
India is one of the destinations in Asia preferred by travelers who want to get in touch with different ways of living, thinking and feeling. We show you a different way to get to know their culture: through traditional Indian festivals. In the country there are more than 50 holidays and these that we are going to see are the most famous.
But first, tell you that the best months to enjoy the Indian festivals are March and October, which is when the most important take place. And you must take into account the distances between the places and that in each region of India there is usually a different tradition.
1. Holi Party, one of the most famous Indian holidays
The Holi party is, without a doubt, the most famous party. It was born centuries ago to welcome spring every March. It also has other names, such as the festival of love or the festival of colors. It is celebrated throughout the country, but especially in the Delhi, Jaipur and Agra regions.
Legend has it that the mother of the god Krishna offered to paint his face in any color to prevent him from feeling sad about his appearance. To this day, this colorful symbolism represents the tolerance and harmony felt by the citizens of India.
The celebrations last two days. On the first day bonfires are lit and songs and dances are made to drive away evils. Then comes the day of Holi, when people throw colored powders mixed with water while they continue to sing and dance. The fun is on!
2. Diwali, celebrating the new year
Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is the famous celebration of the Hindu New Year. It takes place between October and November (depending on the lunar cycle). Why in these months? Because in Hindu culture it symbolizes the end of the Ashvin month and the beginning of the Kartika month .
Celebrations are held throughout the country. They last five days, although the most important is the last, when the arrival of the new year is celebrated. The days before, people begin to practice farewell rituals, houses are decorated, gifts are made and families meet.
In addition, they pray to the gods and on the last day firecrackers and fireworks are launched. It is also used to eat the most typical dishes of the Indian culture and paper boats and lamps are thrown into the rivers.
3. Indian religious festivals: Maha Kumbh Mela
The Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the most important Indian festivals for believers. It is considered the largest pilgrimage in the world. It is celebrated in cycles, every 3 years in a city, fulfilling the cycle every twelve years. Those cities are Praiag, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik
Its origin revolves around a legend. The gods pursued the demons for 12 days and 12 nights (equivalent to 12 years in humanity) to snatch the nectar of immortality. Legend has it that drops were spilled in these four cities. Therefore, they are the places to seek eternal life.
In each of these four cities the festival is celebrated in a season of the year and always depends on the lunar cycle. In Priag it is celebrated between January and February, in Haridwar between February and April, in Ujjain in May and in Nasik in July.
4. India’s Independence Day
The origin of this celebration is clearly historical and not as cultural as the others. Despite this, it is one of the most important Indian festivals. It is celebrated August 15, and remembers the independence of India as a colony belonging to Great Britain (which occurred in 1947).
Most of the celebrations take place in the capital of India, New Delhi. There, flags are raised, the prime minister makes a speech (as was done in 1947), there is a parade and all the streets are dressed in festivity.
In addition, of these, we must mention other Indian festivals such as the Elephant Festival, Republic Day, the Pushkar camel fair (the largest in the world), the summer festival or the Giri Pradakshina. As you can see, there are many celebrations that you can attend to enjoy the essence of India.
