Indian festivals

Top 8 Indian festivals to be a part of!

India is affectionately known as the land of festivals. From the dawn of January to the dusk of December,there are a number of festivals going on in every part of the country. Needless to mention, all Indian festivals are beautiful in their own way narrating their own story. Being an Indian if you are not a part of the grand celebration of these festivals then it is a shame on your part.We have prepared a list of most amazing Indian festivals. Leaving Diwali, Holi and Christmas aside, because we celebrate them every year anyway. But, I am sure you would love to be part of these after you read about them. Go ahead.

1.Ganesh Chaturthi, Maharashtra

Ganesh Chaturthi is termed as the most important festival of Maharashtra which is observed on the birth date of Lord Ganesha. This festival is full of live and colours and is celebrated in the month of August and September. People buy the new idols of Lord Ganesha and worship it for 7-10 days. On the last day, the idols are taken into the large water body for immersion. The streets are filled with lovely songs echoing in the streets , people dancing and chants of Ganapati Bappa Moriya coming from every part of the city. The huge idol of Ganesha is kept of a Mandap and Pandals which are beautifully decorated with the flower garlands. The idol is taken all the way to the sea for immersion marking an end to the festival. Being an Indian, you have to be a part of this celebration whenever you are in Maharashtra.

2.Navratra, Gujarat

The festival of nine lights is one of the most famous Indian festivals. It is grandly celebrated in all the parts of the country. But, for the feel of authenticity you have got to be in Gujarat, where this festival truly belongs.During these nine days, the nine forms of  Goddess Maa Shakti is worshipped. The devotees keep a fast for nine days and on the tenth day, the little girls are invited to the homes and worshipped. It is believed to bring prosperity and happiness in the homes. Apart from worship, the festival is grandly celebrated. People dance to the beats of religion songs and show their Garba moves. The delicious authentic food is prepared.

3.Onam, Kerala

Onam is one of the most important Indian festivals celebrated in the state of Kerela. It is the harvest festival in the south. And, marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali who Malayalees consider as their King. This amazing festival is not just about worshipping but also about a number of recreational activities. Pulikali performers paint themselves in the guise of a tiger and enact hunting scenes to entertain people. Kummattikali artists don an attire of plaited grass and big wooden mask. At Thrissur, caparisoned elephants move out in a procession and present a regal view. Vallamkali, the popular snake boat race is also organised in several parts of the state to mark the day. The festival is fun and attracts tourists from around the globe.

4. Hornbill, Nagaland

Hornbill is termed as the festivals of festivals. And, Why not? The celebration is so grand that it lives up to it from every inch. Hornbill is amongst the famous tribal Indian festivals. The whole culture of Nagaland can be witnessed at one stage. Right here at the celebration of Hornbill festival. People get dressed in the traditional attires with the feather headbands. Various regional dance from can be seen at this festival. Men and Women with the feel of utmost festivity dance and sing together. In a way, this festival is a tribute to the famous bird of Hornbill. The bird is believed to bring good luck in their lives.

5.Bihu, Assam

The most famous Indian festivals celebrated in the state of Assam are Bihus. The Bihu festival is an amalgamation of three Bihus. Bohaag is celebrated in the month of April. Maag, in January and Kati in October. At the time of celebration, the valley looks beautiful. The whole state is decorated and the air is filled with the essence of various flowers. The sky is filled with the migratory birds such as Kuli and Ketaki. Scenic beauty at the peak season makes the celebration of this festival more beautiful than ever. The men and women are dressed in the traditional Assamese attire. Various Bihu songs are sung and Bihu dance is performed by various artists. What more to look out for is the number of authentic dishes. ‘Pithas’  such as Til, Ghila, Sunga, Monda, Tekeli Pithas and Laroos are some of the delectable dishes prepared on this occasion.

6.Lohri, Punjab

Although Lohri is a festival which receives too much of hype in most of the northern cities of India. Be it Delhi, Uttar Pradesh or Haryana. But, to get the real feel of real Punjabi culture you ought to set your steps in Punjab. Lohri is a festival associated with the worship of sun and moon god. It is celebrated to mark the last day of the winter season in India in the month of January. The grand celebration of the festival includes lighting a bonfire and people dressed in traditional Punjabi attire dancing all around it. People pray for prosperity by offering gur and peanuts to the fire. A joyous festival to enjoy peanuts and gur with the warmth of fire and love of your friends and family.

7.Dusshera, North India

The festival of Dushhera is one of the important North Indian festivals. It is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. It is believed that on this dayLord Rama saved abducted Sita from Ravana by killing him. The huge effigy of Ravana and his brother Kumbhkaran and Meghnath is set up in the large field. In the evening a person dressed as Rama along with his brother Laxman sets fire to the effigies to end the evil. The whole ambiance is lighted up with the bustling and lighting of crackers. The show is specatuclar. Dusshera also marks the end of Durga Pooja.

8. Durga Pooja, Kolkata

Durga Pooja is the main festival of Kolkata which is celebrated with utmost joy and feeling of festivity. The streets are packed with Bengali. The regional songs brightening up the night. The colours adding the vibe to the festival. And, the beautiful Pandals with Goddess Durga residing on it. The festival is celebrated in the month of October to mark the victory of Durga Maa over evils. The huge celebration of this festival is not to be missed.

Tell us how you celebrate your festival!