What holidays are there in India. India: public holidays, bank holidays, school holidays. Elephant Festival in India - the most spectacular festival
Photo - Valery Garkaln
Major holidays in India in 2018 and 2019
1st of January. New YearCurrently, the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar, i.e. January 1 is celebrated mainly by Christians in India. On this day, bells ring in churches, and in large port cities at midnight, steamboat whistles announce the New Year. New Year cards are sent to relatives and friends, people exchange congratulations when they meet.
January 5, 2018, January 13, 2019. Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh
The birthday of the tenth and last Guru Gobind Singh is celebrated by the Sikhs. On this day, large processions are organized and special prayers are said in all Sikh temples - gurudwaras.
January 17, 2019. Putrada Ekadashi
The Hindus themselves never call themselves Hindus, just as the Chinese never called themselves Chinese and the Arabs never called themselves Arabs. Just as the British saw in the Chinese porcelain merchants (china is translated from English as porcelain), and the Mesopotamians in the representatives of the tribes that invaded Mesopotamia from the south, the desert dwellers, vagrants and nomads (this is how the word al-arab can be translated), the Hindus called the Persians (hindu comes from the name of the river Sindhu - modern Indus).
The Hindus themselves call their country Bharata-varsha, and themselves Bharatas or Aryans. “Aria” originally carries “one who knows the true meaning of life”, and “bharat” means “descendant of Bharata”, the great emperor of the whole Earth in ancient times. The tradition of celebrating Putrada Ekadashi (Putrada Ekadashi) is as ancient as the history of the emperor Bharata himself, described in the Vedas and Puranas (it is believed that the Puranas contain a description of historical chronicles for the last 60 kalpas, the duration of one kalpa is 4,320,000,000 years).
January 13 (does not change). Lori
Lori (Lori or Lohri) is celebrated annually on January 13th in North India. During this holiday, bonfires are lit as a symbol of the end of the harsh winter. The fire is associated with Lord Agni (Agni - fire).
January 14, 2018, January 15, 2019. Pongal is a harvest festival in India
The Pongal Harvest Festival is celebrated in January after the winter solstice. The date of Pongala is determined on the basis of the solar calendar, so it does not change from year to year. Pongal days are extremely auspicious for Hindus.
January 26 (does not change). Republic Day in India
Republic Day was introduced in 1950 and is celebrated annually on January 26th. The day is celebrated by the widest sections of the country's population. A characteristic feature of this holiday is the organization of festive processions in Delhi.
January 28, 2018, February 16, 2019. Jaya Ekadashi
Jaya Ekadashi (Jaya Ekadashi) carries the idea of loving service (bhakti), completely opposite to the idea of sexual satisfaction (kama). Very often, Krishna, whose name is translated as the Source of Eternal Pleasure, which is the personification of Pure Love, is confused with the deity of lust and passion, which, according to the Amara-kosha dictionary, has five names: Kandarpa - “the deity of love”, Darpaka - “preventing events”, Ananga - "having no physical body", Kama - "passion personified", Pancha-saraikh - "holding five arrows (taste, touch, sound, smell and image)".
The rules and regulations of Jaya Ekadasi are there to engage one in pure activities that can please Krishna. In addition to the fact that Jaya Ekadashi destroys all the effects of sins and relieves the heavy burden of material existence, this ancient festival is the "mother of loving devotion."
January 12, 2018, January 31, 2019. Shat-tila Ekadashi
The ancient Vedas indicate several ways of obtaining knowledge: pratyaksha, anumana, shabda. Pratyaksha (from Sanskrit "aksha" - eye) is the path of empirical knowledge, the path of experience
February 11, 2018, March 2, 2019. Vijaya Ekadashi
Vijaya Ekadashi bestows the result that its name suggests (“vijaya” means “victory”). In India, every person from childhood knows the story of the Ramayana, which tells about the divine love of Rama and Sita. And it is connected with the Indian epic "Ramayana", which tells about the victory of Rama over the demon Ravana. Anyone who observes the fast of Vijaya Ekadashi will also always be a winner in this mortal world, and then return to the kingdom of God. It is believed that the power of this fast can destroy all sinful reactions of even the most disgusting person. Sri Krishna also concluded that everyone who reads and listens to this story will receive the same benefit as the one who performs sacrifices.
February 13, 2018, March 4, 2019. Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is also called the "Great Night of Lord Shiva", celebrated in honor of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. It falls on the month of Magha (February-March)
February 26, 2018, March 17, 2019. Amalaki Ekadashi
The celebration of Amalaki Ekadashi is a very ancient tradition that dates back to time immemorial. It is described in the Brahmanda Purana (the Puranas are called the Fifth Veda).
March 2, 2018, March 21, 2019. Holi - a festival of colors
Holi is the most colorful and vibrant festival in India.
March 30, 2018, April 19, 2019. Catholic Good Friday (Good Friday)
Christians devote Friday of Holy Week - the last week of Great Lent - to the memory of the suffering of the Savior. Christians of India celebrate this day throughout the country, but especially in Mumbai, Goa and the North Eastern states of India.
April 1, 2018, April 21, 2019. Catholic Easter
Although the number of Christians in India is approximately 2.5% of the total population of the country, the Easter holiday is celebrated with pomp and religious obsession.
March 13, 2018, April 1, 2019. Papamochani Ekadashi
The ancient Vedas convey that Papamochani Ekadashi prevents the influence of spirits and demons on a sincere person full of faith. The purpose of celebrating Papamochani Ekadashi is to establish a person in virtue, which equally benefits the person and society, and also pleases God. The history of this holiday is connected with the concept of karma (“activity”). The law of karma is simple and inexorable: the present is a consequence of the past and the cause of the future. If a person is dissatisfied with his present, he must understand that such a situation is the result of his activities in the past, which, however, can be overcome by virtuous deeds.
March 18, 2018, April 6, 2019. Chaitra Navratri, Vasanta Navratri
Vasanta Navaratri - the nine nights of the Mother Goddess in spring.
On amavasya (new moon) at the beginning of the month of Chaitra (March-April), the celebration of Vasanta Navaratri begins (Vasanta Navaratri) - nine spring nights dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The autumn nine nights are celebrated at the beginning of the month of Ashwin (September-October).
According to the mythological narrative in the Puranas, the Great Goddess Durga, the personification of Shakti of all gods, fought demons for nine days and nights, finally defeating the most powerful of them, Mahishasura. This is described in Markandeya Purana, Devibhagavata Purana, Chandi Purana and other scriptures. The most important part of the Markandeya Purana is the famous Devi Mahatmya (Glorification of the Goddess), read daily on the night of the Navaratri holiday. Both holidays - both spring and autumn - are celebrated as the victory of the forces of light, personified by the Mother Goddess. In some areas of India, during the spring festival, more attention is paid to the figure of Rama and the playing of the mystery of the Ramayana, with special reverence for the ninth day - Rama Navami.
Ram Navami
On the last day of Vananta Navaratri, Ram Navami is celebrated. The birthday of the seventh incarnation of the mighty Vishnu - the legendary King Rama - is celebrated in the month of Chaitra. The hero of the Ramayana is an ideal and at the same time a very real person - a king, and a faithful son and brother.
April 13 and 14 (does not change). Waisaki (Baisaki) - Sikh New Year
In the Indian state of Punjab, one of the most beloved Sikh holidays, Vaisakhi, is celebrated on April 14. For the Sikhs who inhabit Punjab, this is both a religious holiday, a harvest festival, and New Year's Day.
March 27, 2018, April 15, 2019. Kamada Ekadashi
Purity and perfection are the distinguishing characteristics of the original poetry of the ancient Vedas. The first verses-hymns, embodied in song and dance, were performed in Sanskrit (literally, this is “purified to perfection”). To say that the first verses were “written” in this language would be a mistake, since in ancient times writing was not required: the hymns were so perfect that it was impossible not to remember them because of the vivid impression (samskara) that they once left in the soul who heard them. This is how the Vedic tradition arose - the tradition of oral transmission of poetic hymns, which are not only a model of aesthetic, but also ethical perfection. This is a celebration of the ancient tradition of oral transmission of Vedic hymns. The wishes of every fasting person on this day are fulfilled.
March 29, 2018, April 17, 2019. Mahavir Jayanti
The birthday of the founder of the religion of Jainism Mahavira (Mahavir Jayanti), 24 and the last tirthankara (Sansk. "leading across the ocean", that is, a prophet who leads through life) is the main holiday of the Jains.
April 12, 2018, April 30, 2019. Varuthini Ekadashi
According to ancient tradition, the celebration of Varuthini Ekadashi is described as follows. Firstly, celebration can alleviate or completely relieve a person of suffering, and secondly, celebration can become the foundation for achieving the constancy of a successful and happy life. The ancient Vedas say: "All the benefits of observing austerities and penances for a thousand years are achieved by those who celebrate Varuthini Ekadashi."
April 26, 2018, May 15, 2019. Mohini Ekadashi
Mohini Ekadashi, like the rest of the "eleventh day", is an ancient spiritual tradition. The essence of this holiday, around which there is a whole philosophy, comes down to somehow raising a person above his everyday life, everyday life. A person tends to dissipate, forget and completely forget - such is the nature of man, but the nature of the soul is completely different! The celebration of Mohini Ekadashi is aimed at making a person remember himself as a soul by performing natural activities for the soul.
May 22, 2018, May 12, 2019. Buddha Purnima
Today marks the most sacred holiday of the Buddhist calendar - the Birthday of Buddha (Buddha Purnima), the founder of Buddhism. According to legend, Buddha was born on this day in 623 BC, on the same day he attained enlightenment and in 543 BC. On the same day he died, having reached full nirvana. Thus, all three major events in the life of the Buddha are celebrated simultaneously.
May 11, 2018, May 30, 2019. Apara Ekadashi
Apara Ekadashi is an ax used to cut down a mature tree of sinful deeds. Apara Ekadashi is the sun flashing before someone's black atrocity. Apara Ekadashi is the ego-lion stalking the doe of godlessness. In order to free himself from the worldly and sinful, from the corporeal and sensual, from the selfish and demonic, a reasonable person seeks to use the favorable opportunity to use the priceless life to satisfy God. Studying the scriptures, serving saints and teachers, and helping the needy are those deeds that attract the attention of God, who is able to purify the soul surrendered to him with one glance.
July 9, 2018, June 29, 2019. Yogini Ekadashi
Yogini Ekadashi is a holiday celebrated every eleventh lunar day of the lunar cycle by all those who know the traditions and culture of the Ancient East. Life is given in order to rise up through service to the Highest. The celebration of Yogini Ekadashi is a direct path to the perfection that we once lost.
July 14, 2018, July 4, 2019. Rath Yatra in India
Rath Yatra (literally "parade of chariots"), the annual religious festival of the removal of Lord Jagannath (one of the forms of Krishna-Vishnu) from the temple on a giant chariot. Celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June-July).
July 27, 2018, July 16, 2019. Guru Purnima
Hindus attach the greatest importance to spiritual Masters (Gurus). They are often equated with God and are considered mediators between man and the Almighty.
August 15 (does not change). Indian Independence Day
Every year on August 15, India celebrates the biggest holiday - Independence Day (Independence Day in India) - the anniversary of India's independence from Great Britain. Independence Day has been celebrated since 1947.
August 26, 2018, August 15, 2019. Raksha bandhan in India
Raksha Bandhan, or Rakhi as it is more commonly known, falls on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (July-August). On this day, ritual ablutions are performed on the banks of rivers, lakes and ponds, coconuts are thrown into the sea as a reproach to the God of waters Varuna. Raksha bandhan is of great importance for brothers and sisters. The main ritual of the holiday consists of tying a consecrated string "rakhi" around the brother's wrist. With this, the sister wishes well-being and prosperity to her brother, while the brother swears to protect her from all troubles and help in all problems.
September 2, 2018, August 23, 2019. Krishna Janmashtami - Appearance Day of Krishna
The holiday is celebrated in honor of the birthday of Krishna (Krishna Janmashthami) - the eighth incarnation of the god Vishnu. According to legend, he was born at midnight on the eighth day of the month of Shravan (July-August).
September 13, 2018, September 2, 2019. Celebration of the birth of Ganesh Chaturthi
The birthday of the God of wisdom and abundance Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi) with the body of a man and the head of an elephant - the remover of obstacles, the son of Shiva and his wife Parvati - is celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August-September).
August 25, 2018, September 11, 2019. Onam festival
Onam Festival is a colorful harvest festival celebrated in the state of Kerala. According to legend, the mythical king of ancient Kerala - Mahabali, or Maveli, comes to her lands on the day of Thiruvonam, and his devotees celebrate the Golden Era, which lasted at that time. Patterned flower carpets called Pookalam are laid out in front of the houses. The tradition of laying flowers at doorsteps is very popular in Kerala, and these beautiful, short-lived works of art are maintained throughout the ten-day festival by the daily addition of many fresh flowers of various colors, which girls sing folk songs while laying out.
The rich folklore of the people of Kerala is fully reflected in the Onam festival. Here you can see the national costume, try folk cuisine, watch traditional games and dances, see the elephant parade and boat races, and, of course, hear folk songs.
September 17th (no change) Puja Vizhvakarma - the day of all craftsmen and architects
Vizhvakarma - This god is revered by manual laborers who work with tools. Vishvakarma is the main deity of all craftsmen and architects. The son of Brahma, he is the divine draftsman of the universe and the builder of the palaces of all the gods. He is also the designer of all the gods' flying chariots and weapons.
October 2 (does not change). Gandhi Jayanti - Mahatma Gandhi's birthday
Gandhi Jayanti is a national holiday in India in honor of the birthday of an outstanding leader of the national liberation movement of the Indian people.
October 19, 2018, October 8, 2019. Dussera (Dashera, Dussera)
Dashahra (Dussehra) - one of the most popular and colorful Hindu holidays is celebrated in the month of Ashvin (September-October) for 10 days, of which 9 nights are devoted to worship (hence another name for the holiday - Navaratri.
August 21, 2018, August 11, 2019. Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayram)
One of the most popular Muslim holidays, dedicated to the sacrifice of Ibrahim his son Ismail. It falls on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim calendar Dhul-Hijjah and lasts three to four days.
November 7, 2018, October 27, 2019. Diwali - festival of lights
Diwali or Deepavali (Diwali or Deepavali), which in Sanskrit means "flame cluster" - the festival of lights, celebrated everywhere in India and symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It falls at the beginning of the month of Kartik (October-November).
November 14 (does not change). Bal Diwas - Children's Day in India
The birthday of an outstanding statesman, the first prime minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru, November 14, 1889 - 1964) is celebrated throughout the country as Children's Day.
December 3, 2018, November 22, 2019. Utpanna Ekadashi
Ekadashi (from Sanskrit "eka" - one, "dasha" - ten) occurs three lunar days before the new moon and full moon. The oldest Vedic tradition says: "Ekadashi is the mother of devotion", because on this day everyone gets the opportunity to focus on their relationship with God.
December 4 (does not change). Indian Navy Day
On December 4, India celebrates Navy Day in India. The day when the navy played a significant role in the bombing of the port territory in Karachi during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, having carried out Operation Trident.
November 20, 2018, November 9, 2019. Mawlid al-Nabi (Nativity of the Prophet Muhammad)
The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated across India with traditional celebration and religious fervor.
Muhammad was born in 570 AD. and he is revered as the last Prophet of Islam.
The Muslim era began with his immigration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, where he proclaimed himself a messenger of God and received the Qur'an, the holy text of the Islamic faith, from the Almighty at the age of forty. A few years later, he returned to Mecca, where the Kaaba was erected as a pilgrimage destination for Muslims. The prophet died in 632 CE.
December 25th. Catholic Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th. It is one of the most significant holidays of Indian Christians.
About time in India
The text was written in 2011 according to the Christian calendarIf a traveler is going to India, then it will be interesting for him to know that most of the inhabitants of Hindustan have long been living in the twenty-first century. Here, "in the Indian court" - 2068 according to the Vikram calendar, which is noted in all official calendars. If this fact upsets you, and you do not want to rush time, then in this territory there is a chance to plunge into the past, not only coming into contact with unique traditions that have come down from antiquity, but also in real time space. According to the Shaka (Saka) calendar in India, it is now 1926, which is also officially recognized. Of course, the Christian year 2004 is also accepted by all Hindus - somehow you have to survive in a single information space, but if you decide to visit the Muslim regions, you can mark the year 1426, and in the Buddhist territories - 2132. If you travel around India for a long time and forgot, in what year did you enter this sacred land, then do not despair - buy a newspaper. It always indicates all the years that are now valid on the territory of Hindustan. Your business is only to choose depending on the state of mind and body.
Only for doing business and public affairs, Hindus use the generally accepted names of the months. For a traveler and discoverer, you need to stop thinking about what month you arrived in India and when this or that holiday will take place. In mid-April, for example, there is a chance to celebrate the New Year, i. new reckoning. Reference literature often lists the names of the months in Hindi. If you wish, you can learn the language, but this will not give you an exhaustive opportunity to understand the time. Some states have their own names of months, which do not always coincide with the generally accepted ones. If you saw information that some sacred holiday is held on the 20th of the Indian month of Bhadon, then this means that it will be celebrated somewhere in early September. It is necessary to look in the official calendar when Bhadon begins this year and determine the exact date.
Photo by Valery Garkal
local holidays
Makar Sankranti (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh) A holiday in honor of the arrival of spring and the rising of the sun in the North. In Maharashtra, Karnataka and parts of Andhra, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship. Sesame and sugar sweets on this day are symbols of generosity and generosity to everyone. Women put on new clothes, treat each other with sweets and give gifts.Thai Pusam (Tamil Nadu)
This festival is usually celebrated in the temples of Kartikey or Mariamman. Near the temples, ditches were dug filled with burning coals for the faithful to walk through. People who voluntarily decide to walk with faith in God do themselves no harm. The chief priest of the temple and the 12 "young heroes" who are to perform this feat are the first to leave the temple in procession to take a bath, sprinkle themselves with colored powder and start dancing. Then they walk over hot coals and come out without a single wound. All this is accompanied by singing and fun, which continues until late.
Float Festival (Tamil Nadu)
This magical festival is celebrated in Madurai on the night of the full moon. Drawn images of two gods, Sundares (the hypostasis of Shiva) and Meenakshi (the hypostasis of Parvati), with pearl crowns on their heads and riding a golden bull, are taken out of the Meenakshi temple. God Alagar (the incarnation of Vishnu) gives his sister Meenakshi to wife Sundarese with great joy. Believers dressed in yellow and red dance in the crowd and douse each other with colored water. Images of the gods are sent on a raft through the water among flowers and burning lamps.
National Kite Festival (Gujarat)
In Gujarat and other western states, the change in wind direction on Makar Sankranti is celebrated by flying thousands of colorful kites of all shapes and sizes. Young people compete with each other in kite flying. The snakes are handmade and the threads are coated with glass powder mixed with resin or refined wheat flour. This day ends with a kite-flying tournament in which the money, the cups, are the prizes for the winners. Special kites with paper lamps fill the night sky with myriads of twinkling lights.
Kerala Village Fair (Kerala)
Mid-January is the time for cultural celebrations in the villages around Kovalam every year. Traditional thatched huts are decorated during this ten-day festival and become the venue for celebrations with dancing, music.
Bikaner Festival (Rajasthan)
The celebration begins with a beautiful procession of decorated camels. This colorful spectacle of beautifully decorated camels captivates viewers with its charm and brilliance. Various competitions are held, with splendor and fun typical of Rajasthan, rhythmic music.
Pattadakal Dance Festival (Karnataka)
Dance festival in Pattadakal (Karnataka), the ancient capital of the Chalukya dynasty.
Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)
The Desert Festival is held in the golden city of Jaisalmer and lasts for three days with music, fun, dancing. Dancers swaying to the traditional tune, a turban-tying competition and the selection of the Lord of the Desert are all part of this folk festival. The grand end of the holiday is a trip to the sand dunes in Sam, where you can have fun with a camel ride, performance of folk dances and music on the sand.
Goa Carnival (Goa)
In February, a carnival is held in Goa. For three days, the legendary King Momo arranges a carnival and the streets come alive with fun. Evenings during the week are the time for celebrations.
Nagaur Fair (Nagaur)
Nagaur comes alive during the annual community festival, which is one of the largest in the country. Nagaur bulls are known for their swiftness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with trading between buyers and sellers. Once prices for horses, bulls, camels are set, the day continues with games, competitions, camel runs and ballads that create a fun atmosphere.
International Yoga Week (Rishikesh)
A week of yoga is held on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh. Organized by Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department. Lectures and demonstrations are held by renowned yoga representatives throughout the week.
Elephanta Festival (Elephanta Island)
The festival is held on Elephanta Island, near Bombay, near the Elephanta Caves. This festival of music and dance is celebrated under the stars and turns the entire island into a huge hall.
Deccan Festival (Hyderabad)
Every year, tranquil Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Feast. Cultural programs are held with reading gazelles at night, riddles, and jokes. Performances with sparklers are arranged. The food festival offers visitors the best of Hyderabadi cuisine.
Taj Mahotsav (Agra)
The ten-day Taj Mahotsav in Agra is a cultural platform that presents unique Indian handicrafts and cultural nuances. This is a festive performance of India and the state of Uttar Pradesh. Folk music, poetry and classical dances, as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food feast are all included in the program of the holiday.
Surajkund Crafts Mela (New Delhi)
To get acquainted with traditional Indian crafts, a crafts festival is held annually in Surajkund. Experienced craftsmen and artisans display their creations and handicrafts in a rustic setting. A cultural program and rustic cuisine are also part of this colorful celebration.
Chapchar Kut (Mizoram)
A cute holiday in Mizoram to celebrate the arrival of spring. This is the time for dancing, music and fun.
Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
A ten-day celebration of dance, drama and music. The exhibitions present art and folk crafts, representatives of local flora and fauna and the underwater world. Additional entertainment: water sports, games and parachuting.
Gangaur(Rajasthan)
The holiday is dedicated to Gauri, the incarnation of the goddess Parvati, and lasts 18 days. Celebrated by girls and married women in Rajasthan. The image of Gauri is decorated with ornaments, offerings are made to her. This is also the time for young people to choose their life partner. A bright procession accompanied by musicians, horses and palanquins turns the holiday into a fantastic performance.
Jamshed-E-Navroz (Jamshed Navaroz - New Year's Day)
Celebrated by the Parsi community. It goes back to the legendary Persian king Jamshed, the compiler of the solar calendar. The Parsees put on new clothes and decorate their houses with patterns of metal and flowers, and exchange sweets. They then visit the Fire Temple, where they express their thanks.
Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)
A festival of classical Indian dance, which is held during the week of the temples of Khajuraho, built by the rulers of Chandella.
Elaphant Festival (Jaipur, Rajasthan)
A holiday where elephants are the central figures of the performance. They walk at a slow pace, displaying their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses accompanied by folk dancers. The highlight of the holiday: elephant running competitions and polo matches. The pinnacle of the holiday is a tug-of-war competition between humans and an elephant.
Hoysala Mahotsava (Karnataka)
A dance festival held in Belur and Halebid, in the Hoysala temple.
Ellora Festival (Ellora Caves, Maharashtra)
A festival of dance and music organized in the amazing surroundings of the Ellora Caves.
Banking day April 1
All banks and financial institutions, most offices and government agencies are closed.
Gudi Padva or Ugadi (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)
It marks the beginning of the new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. Gudi Padva is considered to be one of the four most auspicious days of the year when people start new ventures. According to legend, Brahma created the world on this day, so at this time he is especially worshiped. It is also believed that the god Vishnu appeared on this day in the avatar of Matsya, the fish. A gudi (banner) made of silk and with a swastika sign is raised in honor of victory and joy and marks the return of the valiant Marathas home after successful wars of conquest.
Pooram (Trichur, Kerala)
In early April, the people of Kerala start looking for the best elephants in the state. Every temple in Kerala sends a procession of decorated elephants to Trichur to participate in the Puram festival. Groups of decorated elephants stand opposite each other while drums and nadaswarams play music. The holiday ends with fireworks.
Muharram (All India, Muslim holiday)
Muharram is a day of mourning for the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad Hussein. Processions and processions where you can see masked dancers and self-torturing religious fanatics. This procession is especially impressive in Lucknow. In the southern part of India, tiger dancers can be seen - these are men, completely painted with stripes and dressed in tiger masks, they lead the procession. Day off for the Muslim community.
Mewar (Rajasthan)
Celebrated in Udaipur to celebrate the arrival of spring. The peak of the festival is the procession of women who carry images of Gaurir to Lake Pichola. The celebration includes cheerful singing, dancing, religious music concerts and fireworks.
Urs (Ajmer, Rajasthan)
Urs is celebrated annually in memory of the Holy Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the day he was reunited with God. Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay their respects to the saint. In honor of the saint, kavalis poems are sung.
Ganga Dussera (Uttar Pradesh)
Ten days of this holiday are devoted to the worship of the river Ganges. According to legend, the Gangavataran, or descents to the Ganges, were created during this time. Believers touch the water, dip into it and take the clay to take home. In Haridwar, they perform the rite of arati, a large number of believers pray on the banks of the river.
Hemis Festival (Jammu and Kashmir)
Celebrated in Hemis, one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh, in honor of the birthday of Guru Padmasambhava. Bright dance numbers are performed in masks to the sounds of cymbals, drums and bugles. The exhibition of beautiful handicrafts is the difference of this holiday.
Rathyatra (Orissa)
The festival is held at the famous Jaganath Temple in Puri. The image of the god Jaganath, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out of the temple in palanquins to their summer temple for a week. The main palanquin is 14 meters long and 10 meters wide with 16 wheels. Millions of believers pull huge palanquins on ropes, and believe that this will bring them salvation.
Nag Panchami (West Bengal, Maharashtra, South India, Himachal Pradesh)
Naga Panchami (Snake Worship Day) dates back to the pre-Aryan period. On this day, especially in the villages, they worship the cobra or its image, a symbol of energy and prosperity. In Maharashtra, the serpent-bearing magician walks with a cobra from house to house, begging for alms and clothes. The women offer milk and cooked rice to the snakes and gather around to watch the snakes move to the tune of the punga. During the day, clay images of snakes are worshiped in the houses, and in the evening they are immersed in the sea. In south India, especially in Kerala, serpent temples are filled all day long with people who worship stone or metal images of the cosmic serpent Ananta or Shesha. Day off in some parts of India. The date is wandering.
Janmashtami (Birthday of Krishna, one of the incarnations of Vishnu)
Janamastami is celebrated throughout India, especially solemnly celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), where Krishna spent his childhood. All night long, believers bring donations, religious hymns are sung in temples. Colorful dance festivals are held with performances telling about the childhood of Krishna. In Maharashtra, oriental pots of cottage cheese and butter are hung high up in all the streets. Young people play the role of Krishna the child, climb the pyramids and try to break these pots. Day off everywhere. The date is wandering.
Tarnetar Mela (Tarnetar, Saurashtra, Gujarat)
This magnificent and unique festival is held annually at Tarnetara in Saurashtra. The holiday coincides with the celebration at the Trineteshwar temple of the wedding of the legendary heroes of the Mahabharata, Arjuna and Draupadi. The holiday is a wedding market for local tribes - Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. It sells traditional costumes, jewelry and beautiful Tarnetar umbrellas with embroidery and mirror inserts. Additional performances are folk dances such as garba, ras and haro.
Durga Puja (Bengal)
Performed within 9 days of Navratri. Common prayers in Bengal are organized daily in every place. Families visit each other. On the day of Vijoya, the idols are taken out in procession to be immersed in a river or sea.
Banking day 30 September
All banks, financial institutions, most offices and government agencies are closed.
Valmikhi Jayanti
Valmihi Janti October 5th. Birthday of Valmikha, creator of the Ramayana.
Karva Chauth (Northern India)
Celebrated in October. A traditional festival of married women, held in North India, revered by Hindus in India and beyond, and of great social and cultural significance.
India: upcoming tours
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Holidays in India
The Indian calendar is a continuous series of various holidays and festivals: public holidays celebrated throughout the country, regional and religious. Indian holidays have an ancient history and are part of the rich Indian culture. Most of them are calculated according to the lunar calendar and have a moving date. The year begins at the end of March (the month of Chaitra).
Indian holidays are a good example of hospitality, attracting people from all over the world. The same Indian holidays, reflecting countless legends, are celebrated in different regions under different names. The holidays of India are a colorful kaleidoscope called India.
Cuisine, music, theatrical performances, dances, traditional festive clothes, a colorful range of colors, bright illumination - all these are the holidays of India.
Chaitra (March-April)
Chaitra Shukladi is the New Year in North India, celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra. According to the Brahma Purana, on this day the creator Brahma created our world.
Gudi Padva - New Year in Maharashtra. It is celebrated on the same day as Chaitra Shukladi.
Ugadi (lit. "beginning of an era") - New Year in the states of South India, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated on the same day as Chaitra Shukladi.
Vasanta Navratri- a spring holiday dedicated to the worship and glorification of the Divine Mother. It begins on Amavasya (new moon) at the beginning of the month of Chaitra. The first three days worship the Goddess Durga in Her angry forms. She is asked to destroy the inner demons, to destroy imperfection and ignorance. The next three days are worshiped by Lakshmi, who gives good luck and prosperity. The last three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It is she who bestows knowledge and wisdom.
- the day of the appearance of Rama, the hero of the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana", who is worshiped as the seventh avatar of Vishnu. The festival is celebrated on the 9th day of the waxing moon of the month of Chaitra and marks the end of the nine days of Vasanta Navaratri. Celebrations are held throughout India, including in Ayodhya, the city where Lord Rama was born. The service begins in the morning with the chanting of Vedic mantras and the offering of flowers and fruits to the Deity. In some states of India, especially in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Satsangs are held at public meetings (reading of scriptures, in particular the Ramayana - stories glorifying Lord Ramachandra). People of all castes and creeds participate in these meetings. Believers fast all day long, breaking the fast only at midnight with fruit. Rama Navami reaches its climax at midnight to the sound of bells and conch shells.
Hanuman Jayanti is the appearance day of Hanuman, the monkey god, the great devotee of Rama. The festival is celebrated on the full moon (purnima) of the month of Chaitra.
Vaishak, Vaisakha (April-May)
Vaishak (Baisakhi, Baisakhi) is the day that marks the beginning of a new solar year. It falls on April 13th. One of the few holidays in the Indian calendar that has a static date. Vaishak is also an ancient harvest festival in North India, especially in the Punjab region. 
Buddha Jayanti (Buddha Purnima, Vesak) is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vaishak. Buddha Purnima is important for Buddhists because three events are celebrated on this day at once: the appearance of the Buddha, the enlightenment of the Buddha and his departure (death). The holiday is especially solemnly celebrated in Lumbini (modern Nepal) - the place of his birth and in Bodhgaya - the place where Prince Gautama attained enlightenment, sitting under the sacred Ashwatta tree (Bodhi tree), and became known as Lord Buddha.
Jeshta (May-June)
Ganga Dashahara (Ganga Puja, Ganga Dussera) - a holiday dedicated to the worship of the sacred river 
Ganges. This is the day of the appearance of mother Ganga, the day when the sacred river descended from heaven to Earth. There is an ancient legend that tells how the Ganges descended from heaven.
Once the great king Bhagirathi came to Mount Himavan to indulge in severe asceticism there. Driven by a desire to save his ancestors who had not reached heaven, he spent a thousand years in repentance. And after a thousand celestial years, having taken on a bodily form, the great river itself, the Goddess Ganges, appeared to him. She asked the king what he wanted. And the king replied that his ancestors would not be given a place in heaven until she washed their bodies with her waters. Hearing these words of the king, Ganges, honored by the whole world, told Bhagiratha that she would fulfill his desire. But only its pressure, when it begins to fall from heaven, it will be difficult to restrain. Only Lord Shiva can hold back her waters. Hearing these words, King Bhagirithi went to Mount Kailash and began to please Shiva. Pleased with the asceticism of the king, Bhagavan promised to hold back the Ganges as it fell from heaven. Thus Ganga, the daughter of Himavan, descended into this world.
Ganga Dashahara begins with Amavasya (new moon) of the month of Jeshta and lasts 10 days. Worship is accompanied by the chanting of mantras and the offering of fire lamps. In the evenings, thousands of leaves-boats with lit lights, flowers and sweets are offered to the Ganges to the sound of bells. Thousands of believers gather in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayag to take a bath and offer their prayers to mother Ganga.
Wat Savitri Purnima(Switri Purnima, Wat Savitri Vrat, Wat Savitri Puja) is a very popular festival in India, celebrated all over the country and especially in the states of Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. 
It is celebrated by women on the full moon of the month of Jeshta. On this day, women pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. The meaning of Wat-Savitri Purnima is connected with the story from the Mahabharata about Savitri and Satyavan, which tells how Savitri, endowed with all virtues and devoted to her husband, returned her dead husband from the abode of Yama (God of death). And now the strength of Savitri and her devotion remain an example for Indian women. On the eve of Wat Savitri Purnima, the women fast, and in the morning, having bathed and put on new clothes, they come to the sacred banyan tree. After watering the tree and making a puja - an offering of flowers and fruits, they sprinkle the sacred banyan tree with red kumkum powder. The women tie a red cotton thread around the trunk of the tree and, circumambulating it seven times, perform parikrama.
Ashadha (June-July)
Or the Chariot Festival takes place annually in Puri (Orissa). He's bound 
with Lord Jagannatha (one of the forms of Krishna). The festival is held on the second day of the month of Ashadha and symbolizes the journey of Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. Jagannath (Krishna), his brother Balabhadra (Balarama) and sister Subhadra are seated on their huge chariots (rathas). Jagannath's main chariot is being built fourteen meters high. She stands on sixteen wheels. Four thousand men, servants of the temple, pull the chariots by thick ropes, making great efforts. Crowds of pilgrims come to this holiday. The deities are taken in chariots to Gundicha Mandir, where they stay for a whole week before their return to the Jagannath Temple.
Guru Purnima - the day of honoring the spiritual teacher, is celebrated on the full moon day (purnima) of the month of Ashadha. It is also the birthday of Vyasa, the legendary sage who is considered the compiler (editor) of the Vedas, Puranas and the famous epic Mahabharata.
Shravana (July-August) 
- a festival of worship of snakes. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Shravan. On this day, people offer milk and silver jewelry to the cobras to protect themselves from all harm. Multi-colored images of snakes are hung over the entrance to the house, and this is done not only as a sign of respect for snakes, but also to preserve the well-being of the hearth.
mahalakshmi gate- worship performed by married women for the sake of gaining the blessings of Mahalakshmi - the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. This festival 
held on the Friday before the full moon of the month of Shravan. On this day, women clean their houses and decorate their patios with colorful drawings. rangoli. Then, putting on beautiful clothes and ornaments, they begin to perform the vrata.
(kalasha) - a ritual pot decorated with a swastika, made of gold, silver, bronze or copper, among the common people from clay, sometimes wrapped in a colorful cloth, filled with rice and water. Place mango and betel leaves on top. Put on the leaves, smeared with turmeric and cleaned with a cloth coconut.
Puja begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha - the elephant-headed God of good luck and wisdom. Later, the Goddess Mahalakshmi is called to the Kalash. She is offered nine varieties of gourmet dishes, including sweets and spicy foods. Women sing hymns in honor of the goddess Mahalakshmi and offer her their prayers.
Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi Purnima) is a heartfelt, joyful festival celebrated in North India. Day 
The celebration of the bond of love between brother and sister falls on the full moon of the month of Shravan. The main ritual of the holiday consists in tying the consecrated cord "rakhi" on the brother's wrist by the sister. By this, the sister wishes well-being and prosperity to her brother. The older brother, in turn, offers a gift for his sister and vows to protect her from all troubles and help in everything. According to custom, brother and sister feed each other with sweets on this day.
In western India, namely Maharashtra and Gujarat, this day is celebrated as Nariyal Purnima. The inhabitants of these states, throwing coconuts into the sea, make an offering to the God of the waters of Varuna.
In southern and central India, including the states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa, Brahmins perform the ritual upakarman- replacement of the old sacred thread with a new one.
Krishna Janmashtami- the day of the appearance of Krishna - the avatars of Lord Vishnu, which is celebrated on the eighth day (ashtami) of the outgoing moon in the month of Shravan. Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp in places where Krishna is worshiped, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Bhadrapad (August-September) 
Ganesh Chaturthi is a holiday in honor of the appearance of the elephant-headed god of luck and wisdom, Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. The celebrations begin on the fourth day of the waxing moon of the month of Bhadrapada and last for 10 days. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India, but it is especially celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Fruits, milk, flowers, coconuts and sweets are offered to Lord Ganesha. In Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, on this day many images of Ganesha are made from clay, which are decorated with flower garlands, kumkum powder and sandalwood paste. After 10 days of worship, the Deity is immersed in the ocean.
Onam is the largest rice harvest festival celebrated in the south Indian state of Kerala. Onam celebration starts on Atham day and lasts 10 days. Women decorate the front yard with a carpet of flowers called pukkalam. The last day of the holiday - Thiruvonam is the most important, because. it symbolizes the return to Kerala of the powerful asura king Bali (Mahabali), the grandson of Prahlada and the great-grandson of Hiranyakasipu, during whose reign, according to the Puranas, this area reached its highest prosperity.
Ashvin, Ashwayuja (September-October)
Pitr Paksha (Pitri Paksha, Pitru Paksha, Sola Shraddha, Kanagat, Jitya, Mahalaya Paksha and Apara Paksha).
Pitri Paksha lit. "half-month dedicated to the ancestors" is a period of regular ceremonies called shradha, lasting 16 lunar days, during which honors are paid to the deceased ancestors - Pitras, Pitas.
During this period, the ancestors ( pitari, pitas) food is brought, a ritual of sacred libation of water, called tarpan, and also performed agnihotra, or homa- Sacrifice to fire. Food offered to ancestors should include khir(sweet milk rice porridge), lapsy(sweet porridge made from wheat grains (kolivo or kutya) boiled in water), boiled rice, and gave a yellow pumpkin. An integral part of shradha is the ceremony pinda daan or pind dan - letters. "pinda offering". Pinda is a mixture of boiled rice, barley flour, ghee and black sesame rolled into balls. These days, strict abstinence is observed from taking animal food, garlic and onions, sexual relations, alcohol, cigarettes, intoxicants. A favorable action is considered to be the distribution of offered food. 
In Northern India, as well as Nepal, this period falls on the bright half of the month. ashvin(September-October) and starts from amavasya(new moon).
In South and West India, this period falls on the dark half of the month. bhadrapad(August-September), starting from the full moon ( purnima) and ending on the day of the new moon, known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya or simply Mahalaya.
Maha Navratri (Navratri, Sharad Navaratri) is one of the largest and most colorful holidays in India, the most important of all five Navaratri: 1) Vasanta Navaratri, 
celebrated in the month of Chaitra; 2) Gupta Navaratri - the month of Ashadha; 3) Maha Navaratri - the month of Ashvin; 4) Paushya Navaratri - the month of paush; 5) Magha Navaratri is the month of Magh.
The word "Navratri" literally means "nine nights" in Sanskrit. The festival begins on Amavasya (new moon). For 9 days and nights of the bright half of the month, Ashvin is revered by the Mother Goddess in her various manifestations. The festival includes the worship of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, each of whom is worshiped for three days. Navratri culminates with Dushahra, celebrated on the tenth day of the festival. In different parts of India, worship of the three aspects of the Mother Goddess may take place at different times. Maha Navaratri includes Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja.
It is an important part of the Navratri festival. It is held on the last three days of Maha Navaratri. At the beginning of the festival, the Saraswati Avahan ritual, lit. "Summoning Goddess Saraswati". Then Saraswati Pradhan Puja, during which the goddess Saraswati, the patroness of arts and knowledge, is presented with fruits, rice, palm sugar and sweets. Beautifully wrapped books are placed on the altar. On this day, preschoolers are first introduced to the letters of the alphabet.
Dushahra (Dassera, Dasara, Vijaya Dashami, Durga Puja) - the tenth day of Navaratri is the climax of worship 
Devi, who is personified as Shakti, Durga, Kali, Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
In different regions of India, this holiday is celebrated in different ways. However, everyone is celebrating the victory of good over evil.
In Northern India (especially in Uttar Pradesh), Dussehra is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, over the demon Ravana. These days, theatrical performances are arranged, the Ramayana is read. And at the end of the holiday, a huge image of the ten-headed demon Ravana is burned, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. In Bengal, the festival is held as a worship of the goddess Durga.
Sharad Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Ashvin. The rainy season is over, and the brightness of the full moon brings a special joy. This traditional celebration is also called Kaumudi, which means "moonlight". Everywhere they perform a ceremony of worship (puja) to the goddess Lakshmi. There is a belief that on this night Lakshmi goes from house to house, bestowing blessings on those who are awake. Therefore, people sit all night in the moonlight, glorifying the Goddess with chants.
Kartik (October-November)
Or Deepavali (lit. "a row of lights") - a festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. It falls on the new moon of the month of Kartik and 
celebrated for five days. According to legend, the beginning of the celebration of Diwali is associated with the return of Prince Rama to his homeland after a 14-year exile in the forest, and his victory over the demon Ravana. The inhabitants of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) greeted Rama with the fire of lamps.
The streets of both large cities and towns during Diwali are illuminated with thousands of lights at nightfall: many oil lamps are lit in front of houses and temples; lanterns burn brightly on terraces, rooftops, balconies and trees; earthenware cups with lit lights are lowered into the water; around numerous fireworks and sparklers.
Diwali marks the end of the harvest season, so it is also dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi, the wife of God Vishnu. Houses are carefully cleaned, fires are lit, prayers are addressed to the Goddess and milk is offered to her.
In the East of India (especially in Bengal), Diwali is dedicated to the worship of the black Goddess Kali.
Bhai Duj (Bhai Bij) is a festival of brothers and sisters, which is very similar to Raksha Bandhan. It falls on the second day of the waxing moon of the month of Kartik. On this day, the sisters put sacred tika (a red dot made from kumkum powder) on their elder brothers' foreheads, pray for their long life and offer them their favorite dishes. The brothers bless their sisters and promise to protect them from all hardships. As a sign of love and gratitude, brothers and sisters exchange gifts. 
- An ancient Indian holiday dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Chhath, celebrated on the sixth lunar day of the month of Kartik, is especially popular in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Surya Puja starts before sunrise. Believers, having performed a ritual bath in the sacred rivers, greet the Sun with the singing of mantras and hymns, with their hands folded in prayer. Hindus offer an offering to Surya that includes sandalwood, cinnabar, rice and fruits. Chhath lasts four days.
Kartik Purnima (Tripuri, Tripurari Purnima) is a holiday celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik. It is believed that on this day Shiva (Tripurantaka) defeated the demon Tripurasura. Tripurari is one of the names of the god Shiva, meaning "he who crushed the demon Tripurasur". According to legend, Tripurasura conquered the whole world and defeated the gods. Then the gods turned to Shiva with a request for help. Shiva defeated the demon in battle, cutting off his head with his trident.
Kartik Purnima also celebrates the appearance day of Matsya, the incarnation of the god Vishnu in the form of a fish.
This day is auspicious for shraddha, a rite of commemoration of the departed ancestors. It is considered auspicious to take bath in sacred rivers and lakes, the waters of which on this day have a special cleansing power.
Karva Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival of married women, celebrated on the fourth day after the full moon in the month of Kartik. On this day, women fast and pray in temples for the well-being and long life of their husbands. In the evening they put on their wedding clothes and ornaments and break their fast at the rising of the moon.
Agrahayana, Margashirsha (November-December)
Gita Jayanti is celebrated on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha. It was on this day that the Bhagavad Gita ("song of God") was told - a great revelation, which is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, which took place before the start of the great battle on Kurukshetra, described in the "Mahabharata", in one of the most ancient scriptures of India . Many believers come to Kurukshetra and read the Bhagavad Gita. In all Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, festive pujas are held.
Paush, Pushya (December-January)
Makar Sankranti - the day when the sun enters the sign of Capricorn ( Makara) and begins its journey to the north, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in the length of the day. The holiday falls on January 14th. During this festival, it is customary to take a bath in the Ganges or other sacred rivers, and offer water to the Sun God - Surya.
The First Rice Harvest Festival is usually held on January 12 - 15 (UTC). 
Gregorian calendar). It falls in the period after the winter solstice and marks the entry of the sun into a favorable phase. According to mythology, on this day the gods come to earth after six months of long night. "Pongal" means "overboiling", i.e. boiling sweet rice, which is prepared in honor of the holiday. The festival is celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Pongal lasts three days. The first day, called Bhogi Pongal, people spend at home. On this day, all old things are thrown away or burned. The second day - Surya Pongal is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. On this day, it is customary to make an offering of rice to the Sun and other revered deities. Rice is boiled in milk, adding palm sugar, cashew nuts and raisins. New pots are used for cooking. Women decorate the patios of their houses with beautiful designs made from rice flour. The third day is Mattu Pongal, cow worship day.
Pancha Ganapati is a five-day Hindu festival in honor of God Ganesha (Ganapati) celebrated from December 21 to 25. During all 5 days, certain rituals are observed in families. In the living room decorated on the occasion of the holiday, a large image (statue) of God Ganesha is installed. Every morning, children dress Ganesha in robes of different colors, symbolizing the manifestations of his shakti (energy): the first day - in gold, the second - in blue, the third - in red, the fourth - in emerald and the fifth day - in orange. The Deity is offered all kinds of sweets (in the preparation of which children participate), fruits and incense. Chants and bhajans are heard from everywhere, glorifying the deeds of Ganapati. After the puja, prasadam (food offered to the Deity) is distributed. Every day, children are given gifts that will be opened only on the fifth day of the holiday.
Lori marks the end of winter and falls on the last day of the month of Pushya. This holiday is popular in Northern India, especially in Punjab. The arrival of Lori is celebrated in the family circle. In the evening, large bonfires are lit, around which parikrama is performed - a clockwise bypass, as well as an offering to the fire (God Agni) of rice and sesame seeds. After that, prasadam (food offered to God) and gifts are distributed.
On this holiday, you can see the traditional Punjabi dance Bhangra, in which only men take part.
Magh (January-February) 
Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami, Sri Panchami, Saraswati Puja) is a holiday in honor of Goddess Saraswati. It falls on the fifth day of the waxing moon of the month of Magh. Saraswati is the patroness of knowledge, wisdom, art and music. In temples dedicated to the Goddess, a festive offering is made on this day. The color yellow is given special importance in Vasant Panchami. Goddess Saraswati is dressed in yellow robes and prayers are offered to her. People on this holiday also prefer to wear yellow clothes. Friends and relatives are treated to yellow sweets.
Vasant Panchami is an auspicious time to start teaching children. Traditionally, on this day, children are taught to write their first words, and schools and universities organize a festive worship of the Goddess Saraswati. 
Maha Shivaratri or "The Great Night of Lord Shiva" is a holiday celebrated annually on the night of the 13th to 14th day of the waning moon of the month of Magh. People spend the whole night in prayer, reciting mantras, singing hymns and worshiping Shiva. It is believed that the sincere observance of the rituals of Shivaratri Puja all night frees a person from all sins and frees him from the cycle of birth and death.
Unmarried women stay awake that night, fast and pray to Shiva for a good marriage and family well-being.
Phalguna (February-March) 
Spring Festival is one of the most colorful festivals in India. The celebration begins the day before the full moon of the month of Phalguna and lasts 2 days. On the first day of the festival (Holika Dahan), closer to the night, a fire is made, symbolizing the burning of Holika (the sister of the demon Hiranyakasipu). On the full moon day, also known as Dhulendi (Dhulandi), people sprinkle each other with colored powder and water.
January February
Sankranti/Pongal, celebrated mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Lasts 3 days and is very colorful. Tamil harvest festival. Republic Day, a national holiday commemorating the establishment of the Republic on January 26, 1950. Includes a large military parade, a procession of dancers, etc. Goes to Delhi. Vasant Panchami, a national holiday celebrated more in the eastern regions. Dedicated to Saraswati, the beautiful Hindu goddess of knowledge. Women wear yellow saris. Baroque festival in Madurai, the birthday of the 17th ruler there. A barque with exquisite illumination carries decorated temple statues of deities along the reservoir Mariman Teppakulam to the sounds of singing joyful hymns.February March
Shivarati (Shivratri) is a national holiday that celebrates the main Hindu god Shiva with dances and chants. Especially celebrated in Chidambaram, Kalahasti, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Bombay. Holi, mostly celebrated in the north, is popularly known as the festival of colors. Spring greeting. Animation reigns, everyone pours streams of colored water and throws multi-colored powder. National holiday. The Mardigra Carnival takes place in Goa for three days, often during Christian Lent. Extraordinarily colorful. Ramnavami, a national holiday in honor of the birth of Rama, the incarnation of Vishnu. There are no processions, but special performances take place in the streets and in folklore theaters. Mahavir Jainanti, Jain national festival celebrating the birth of Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirtankar. Easter: Good Friday to Holy Sunday are national holidays.February/April
Kumbh Mela, the oldest and most important Hindu holiday. It is celebrated every three years in one of the four great holy cities: Nashik in Maharashtra, Oudjain in Madhya Pradesh, Prayag (Allahabad) and Hardwar in Uttar Pradesh. Millions of pilgrims flock to the celebration to bathe in the sacred river Ganges.April May
Baysaki, a holiday in North India, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The Hindu New Year of the Sun, celebrated with the Bangra dance. Women wear yellow saris. Puram, the New Moon festival in Trichura. A picturesque sight of many elephants carrying ceremonial umbrellas around the temple. Fireworks are arranged at night. Id-Ul-Zuha (Bakri-id), the national Muslim holiday, the main one in India. Arranged in memory of Ibrahim's sacrifice. Eid-Ul-Fitr (Ramadan Eid), the national Muslim holiday in honor of the end of the month of Ramadan. Meenak-shi Kalyanam, celebrated in Madurai. The wedding of Meenaksha and Lord Shiva. Colorful temple festival; the statues of the gods are transported on a colossal wagon. The celebrations last 10 days. Fair in Rajasthan, Urs Ajmer Sharif, 6 days in Ajmer. Religious, cultural and commercial festival dedicated to the Sufi. There are no processions, but there is a lot of music.June July
Rath Yatra, celebrated mainly in Orissa. A big temple festival in honor of the god Jagannah (the god of the universe). Thousands of pilgrims pull three colossal chariots from the temple of Puri. Similar smaller festivals are held at Ramnagar near Varanasi, Serampore near Kolkata and Jagannathpur near Ranchi.July August
Tej is celebrated in Rajasthan, especially in Jaipur. A colorful procession led by the goddess Parvati, including elephants, camels, dancers, welcomes the monsoon season. Women wear green saris. Raksha Bandam is celebrated in Northern and Western India. Theatricalization of the legend. Girls tie rakhi (talismans) around the wrists of men. Naag Panchami is celebrated in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Dedicated to the thousand-headed serpent named Sesha. This day is celebrated in many other parts of Western and Eastern India. Amar Nai Yatra, a Hindu festival in the Lidder Valley, Kashmir, on a full moon. Pilgrims visit the place where the god Shiva revealed the secret of salvation to his disciple Parvati.Aug. Sept
Independence day 15 august, national holiday. The Prime Minister addresses a message from the Red Fort in Delhi. Janmastami, national holiday, birthday of Lord Krishna. Especially celebrated in Agra, Bombay and Mathura. Onam, the harvest festival in Kerala. Colorful kite boat races take place in many parts of Kerala. Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated in Pune, Orissa, Bombay, Madras and dedicated to the elephant-headed god Ganesha. Giant statues of the deity are carried and immersed in water. The colorful festival is best visited on Dive Day in Bombay.September October
Dussera, a national holiday especially popular in rural areas, is celebrated differently in different parts of the country. In the north, especially in Delhi, where he is known as Ram Leela, the life of Rama is remembered in performances and music. It is also celebrated brightly in Kullu. In Bengal and many parts of East India it is known as Durga Puja and in the south as Navarati. Fair in Himachal Pradesh, takes place in the Kullu Valley for 10 days and coincides with Dussera. Gandhi Jainti, national holiday, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Processions are not arranged.Diwali, a national holiday, is one of the most wondrous and colorful in India. In some parts, it celebrates the Hindu New Year. In Eastern India, the goddess of prosperity and prosperity Lakshmi is especially revered on this day. Great illuminations and fireworks are everywhere.
Gurpu-slave, celebrated mainly in Northern India. The festival of ten gurus, spiritual guides and forerunners of Sikhism. Processions are not arranged.
November
Muharram, a Muslim holiday commemorating the martyrdom of Immam Hussein. Dancers dressed as tigers lead a procession carrying decorated images of the Immam's mausoleum. Especially colorful in Lucknow. Bihar, the largest livestock fair in the world. Passes for a month in Sonapur, Patna, on the banks of the Ganges. The Pushkar Mela takes place in Pushkar, near Ajmer, in Rajasthan. An important and colorful holiday. A cattle and camel fair frequented by Rajputs from miles away. You can see camel races, acrobat performances, etc.December
Christmas is a national holiday celebrated especially solemnly in Goa, Bombay and Tamil Nadu.In addition to the above celebrations, there are hundreds of others, of local importance, but celebrated no less colorfully and pompously. The most traditional of these are: (1) temple festivals in South India, a list of which is available from the State Tourist Office of India; (2) numerous holidays in Ladakh, in Kashmir; (3) many holidays in Rajasthan, where one of them is either already underway or about to start.
Music festivals
Music (Hindustani in the north and Carnatic in the south) has developed as part of the national culture over many centuries. The constituent parts of music - tonal intervals, harmonies and rhythmic patterns - are derivatives of the richness of musical traditions and trends. They also differ from those familiar in the West. Basically, the music reflects Indian tales and legends, and also the rhythms of nature, depending on the time of year. Indian dances are as unique as they are ancient. Their performers can be found throughout the country during major holidays and ceremonies, or at folklore performances in concert halls and hotels.The following is a list of major music festivals in India:
Sangeet Natak Academy in New Delhi. January: Thyaga-raja - in Tiruvayaru, in the vicinity of Thanjavur.March: Shankar Lal - to New Delhi. August: Vishnu Digambar - in New Delhi. September: Bhathande - to Lucknow. October: Sadarang - in Kolkata. November: Sur Singar - in Bombay.
December: Tansen - in Gwalyar. Academy of Music - in Madras. Shanmukhananda is a music, dance and drama festival in Bombay. If the tourists are lucky, they can witness a village festival or a wedding, where there is always a lot of dancing. - this is the land of the most unusual holidays in the world, customs and rich traditions. Festivals are held here, during which the sky is colored with bright colors. Hindu festivals are very numerous and occur throughout the year. In India, what is not a day is a holiday. There are 360 holidays in this country. They are organized in honor of certain deities, mythological episodes and the change of seasons, they are an occasion for great celebrations. Often, holidays are dedicated to gods and goddesses, lakes and rivers, oceans and animals, flowers and trees, the sun and the moon. The processions always take place in the center of the city and are accompanied by fanfare, decorated with chariots and traditional dances.
On special days, tens of millions of people gather at special places to swim in its waters.
Holi or the Festival of Colors, is an annual public holiday in India that marks the arrival of spring. Men and women gather in the streets and shower each other with brightly colored herbal powders.
In South India, during Pongal festival (harvest festival) Bulls are released into the streets. And the young men, attracted by large prizes, are trying to catch them.
Diwali holiday- a festival of light. At night, fireworks and firecrackers soar into the sky, announcing the beginning of the festival of light. This is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and in many places in India, Diwali is considered a New Year's holiday.
Dasara Festival (Durga Puja) one of the most important holidays in Hinduism - in honor of the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. These days folk festivities take place, trucks, buses, cars and more are decorated with flower garlands for the holiday.
India is a country of contrasts. Its culture has ancient roots and many Indian holidays are unique. Some of these celebrations are secular and are celebrated everywhere, while others are purely religious in nature, but this does not make them less interesting.
Indian New Year (1st day)
The secular New Year in India according to the Gregorian calendar is celebrated exclusively by Christians. On New Year's Eve, their parishes and churches are solemnly shrouded in bell ringing, and steamboats in the port echo them, welcoming the beginning of the New Year.
Christians in India give each other small gifts on this holiday. Send greeting cards to relatives. Young people go to parties. The older generation stays at home at the festive table.
Lori (13th)
The holiday is associated with Northern India. There, on this day, the locals try to drive away the winter in every possible way. Bonfires are lit on festive nights. Parikrama is performed around them. During the ritual, the fire is walked around in a clockwise direction and they ask for well-being for the whole year.
This celebration also implies a festive feast at which it is permissible to eat meat products. Relatives give gifts to each other, not forgetting to make offerings to the Gods.
In the morning, after a night of bonfires, small children go to neighbors to sing songs to them and receive sweets in return. Sometimes they demand a symbolic ransom, and the owners of the house must be generous with a good treat.
Republic Day (26th)
Since 1950, India has solemnly celebrated the date of the onset of the republican regime. The government is organizing a large-scale procession in Delhi with the participation of military equipment and fighter jets in the sky. After the official part of the holiday, competitions of the best dance groups begin in the capital of India. Actors and musicians perform on the streets. Colorful platforms pass through the city. Indian guardsmen deserve special attention on Republic Day. They are dressed in such a uniform that it seems that it is not a holiday that is taking place, but a reconstruction of the time of Napoleon.
Holi (2nd number)
The festival of colors is a breathtaking sight, and also a very "dirty" holiday. The fact is that on a festive night, young people kindle bonfires, dance around them in national costumes. People who came to the festival sprinkle each other with coloring powder and pour tinted water on passers-by.
Holi is so bright and crazy that young people from all over the world fell in love with it. It is celebrated in Russia, Europe and America, timed to coincide with Indian festivals..
The origins of Holi can be found in the legend of the love of Lord Krishna and Radha. The young God once told his mother that his beloved is so bright that it upsets him. The wise Goddess advised her son to paint Radha's face with colored powder. The fun turned out to be fun. Since then, painting others on Holi is a good sign.
Indian Easter (date floating)
Christians in India occupy only 2-3% of the total population. When the time comes for Easter, they paint eggs together with the whole world, go to temples and offer prayers. Christianity in Indian territories is widespread in Goa, Mumbai and the Northern states. The holiday came to these lands along with the English and French colonizers. Today Easter in India is the prerogative of believing Christians.
Sunny New Year (14th)
Hindus are sure that at the beginning of the month of Chitiray, the Goddess Ganga descended to earth. Therefore, on this day, many of them gather near the banks of the Ganges for ritual bathing.
Fireworks, flowers, performances and good wishes are the attributes of the Indian version of the New Year. Cities for this holiday are decorated with embroidery and flags with a religious theme. Garlands are hung everywhere, and lights are lit.
Ratha Yatra (15th day)
Ratha Yatra is also known as the festival of chariots. The main place of the celebration is the Jagannath temple in Pura. The celebration symbolizes the journey of God Krishna from Gokul to the place of Mathura.
On the day of the celebration, believers gather at the temple, to which they bring three chariots to load the statue of God on them. Then everyone prays and goes to the procession.
Independence Day (15th)
Independence Day without false modesty can be called the largest and most significant holiday in India. In the cities and villages of the Indian state, on this date, the raising of the flag is solemnly held.
The governor of each state hosts a reception at his residence, and social organizations hold celebratory meetings. Throughout the country, this day is an official holiday. Therefore, the whole population is connected to the celebration. On Independence Day, neither religious affiliation nor skin color matters, the main thing is that the holiday is held for all citizens of India.
September
Teacher's Day (5th day)
Teacher's Day in India is closely associated with the name of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The educator and politician did so much for his people that his birthday became a holiday for all Indian educators.
Pupils of educational institutions on this date congratulate their mentors. They arrange concerts, performances and give gifts to teachers.
Diwali (7th)
The festival of lights, as a holiday, plays an important role. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, is held for 5 days, and is a beautiful sight.
The beginning of the holiday is cleaning the house. Then the account books and other documents are put in order. After that, lights are lit in houses and on the street, prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi. Hindus make offerings to the Goddess using coins with milk.
Indian Christmas (25th)
Instead of spruce, Christians in India decorate mango and banana trees. All churches are decorated with red decorations and candles.