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Our Guide to Festivals in India

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The vibrant festivals of India reflect the country’s culturally rich heritage. When you take a glance at the Indian calendar, you will find people celebrating different festivals throughout the year in diverse cities. However, if you want to get Luxury India Festival Tours, you must be aware of some of the most important festivals that the country celebrates with great pomp and show.

Diwali

Diwali in North India and Deepavali in South India are commonly known as the Festival of Lights. The festival finds its origin in the Ramayana as people of Ayodhya celebrated this festival of lights on the arrival of Lord Rama with Mata Sita and Lakshmana after a long exile of 14 years. Moreover, this festival symbolises good over evil and lasts for 5 days, with each day having an individual significance.

People clean their houses and apply rangoli at the entrance of their homes since the first day of the celebration. On the main day of Diwali, people decorate their homes with lights and flowers. Also, clay lamps are lit up after performing the Lakshmi Puja in the evening. Some people set off fireworks while others celebrate the festivals by sharing sweets and gifts with each other.

When is Diwali Celebrated in India?

Typically, the actual date of Diwali varies from year to year, as the Hindu lunar calendar determines it. However, it usually falls somewhere in between October and November. The weather is pleasant, and it is a perfect time to visit different parts of India.

Where Can You Celebrate Diwali in India?

Diwali is a Hindu festival, but if you want to see the best of it, you must visit North India. Places like Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan get overwhelmingly chaotic during this time, with the local markets flourishing with colourful rangoli, firecrackers, and pooja items required for Diwali rituals. Important places like the Golden Temple in Amritsar or the City Palace in Jaipur are decked with an enchanting glow.

Holi

Holi stands out as one of the most favourite festivals of India for its colours and joyful vibe. It is a 2-day festival, where the first day is Holika Dahan and is celebrated as a symbol of good over evil. People create a huge bonfire in which they offer different elements such as grains and bids goodbye to the winter season. The 2nd day is the main Holi, when you will notice people colouring each other with gulal (powder colour) and balloons filled with coloured water. Also, people dance and enjoy sweets as they welcome the spring season. Usually, it is a 2-day celebration, but in some places, like Vrindavan, it continues for almost a week.

When is Holi celebrated in India?

Usually, Holi is celebrated on a full moon day of March; however, it is essential to check the Lunar calendar of India for a confirmed date. Also, in certain places like West Bengal and Odisha, Holi is celebrated a day in advance of North India.

Where Should You Celebrate Holi in India?

If you want a full-fledged experience of Holi, plan for Luxury India Holi Festival Tours & Packages to head out for the 1-week celebration in Vrindavan and Mathura. Another place that welcomes tourists for an amazing Holi celebration is Rajasthan. Head out for Jaipur or Pushkar to see the cities royally celebrating the festival. People perform the rituals of Holika Dahan at night with drumming and folklore, while the next day is all about colours and fun across the city.

Onam

While Diwali and Holi are the two most important festivals of North India, Onam is the biggest festival in South India. Similar to Diwali, people in Kerala decorate their houses, especially with floral arrangements called pookalams. One of the worthwatching evenings is Vallamkali, a famous boat race on snake-shaped boats held on the Pampa River. The nine-course meal, or the Onam feast, served on a banana leaf, is another attraction of this festival. This meal of 13 traditional dishes is a true feast for your taste buds.

When is Onam Celebrated in India?

It is a 10-day celebration in the Malayalam month of Chingam, welcoming King Mahabali. If you check out a regular calendar, the festival falls somewhere in the month of August to September.

Where Should You Visit in India to Celebrate Onam?

Onam is a celebration in Kerala, India. Although the months after the monsoon are still hot and humid, you will enjoy the 10-day celebration with the captivating boat race on the 4th day and the lip-smacking vegetarian meal preparations. Pack light and breathable clothes to enjoy to your fullest. However, ensure to get clothes covering your shoulders and knees to respect the traditional culture of the region.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival

Rajasthan welcomes several tourists from across the world with its Jaisalmer Desert Festival to get a glimpse of its traditions and trade culture. This three-day festival brings together different traditional folk activities from across the state, such as jugglers, fire performers, and the traditional Gair dancers. Also, the festival hosts a friendly competition of camel racing, turban tying, and the Mr. Desert competition hosted by the Rajasthan Tourism Department.

When is the Jaisalmer Desert Festival Organised?

The Jaisalmer Desert Festival is organised in the month of February, when winters are fading out, and the weather is pleasant to arrange a trip to North India. Confirm the dates with the Rajasthan Tourism Department before booking your tickets, or get help from a tour guide.

Where Should You Visit to Celebrate the Jaisalmer Desert Festival?

The festival is organised every year on the iconic Sam Sand Dunes in the Golden City of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan in India. Make sure to make the arrangements in advance to avoid missing out on a spot at the accommodation here.

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Pushkar Camel Fair

A few years ago, camels were traded at this fair. Now, it has evolved into a massive festival with different events such as the ‘bridal competition’ and ‘moustache competition’. The Thar Desert turns alive with other events like an exhibition cricket match between foreign tourists and the local Pushkar team. For about 2 weeks, this fair is a celebration for animal lovers and for those who wish to gain insight into Rajasthani culture.

When is the Pushkar Camel Fair Celebrated?

This festival typically occurs in October and November, just before the onset of winter. You might feel a little warm during the day, be prepared for chilly nights, and pack accordingly.

Where to Visit to Celebrate Pushkar Camel Fair?

You have to visit Pushkar, a small town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, for this festival. Every year, a huge crowd arrives for this festival. So, you must make preparations in advance.

Kite Festival

The Kite Festival is an incredible sight of thousands of vividly coloured kites sailing through the clear blue sky. People celebrate this day with extreme enthusiasm to welcome spring after a long duration of winter. Along with the kite competition, you find people swaying with music and great food.

When is the Kite Festival Celebrated?

Indians celebrate Makar Sankranti on 14th January every year to celebrate changes in planetary position, which brings in a change in weather, from winter to spring. While winter is still there in January, the sun is gradually getting warmer with each passing day. So, while you may sweat at the kite festival, ensure you keep layers for the chilly nights.

Where to Celebrate the Kite Festival in India?

The Kite Festival is a major event in the cities of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Ahmedabad, Gujarat. However, events are also organised in other cities such as Delhi and Hyderabad these days.

India keeps on glowing with different festivals throughout the year. Whether it is Diwali, Holi, or any regional festival, talk to us for Luxury India Festival Holiday Packages to spend your days in the blissful environment of pure magic.

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