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The 5 festivals in India



The greatness of India’s culture can be found in its festivals. The vivid and vivacious festivals of India depict the greatness of our Indian culture. Indians celebrate festivals with sheer enthusiasm and devotion. India is a country that is appreciated and comprehended as a plethora of festivals are celebrated here.


1. Holi: The Vibrant Festival of Colours (18th - 19th March, 2022)





Also known as the festival of colours, Holi is one of the famous festivals of India, celebrated with a lot of fervour across the country. On the eve of Holi, people make huge Holika bonfires and sing and dance around it. On the day of Holi, the famous festival of Indian states, people gather in open areas and apply dry and wet colours of multiple hues to each other, with some carrying water guns and coloured water-filled balloons. It tops the charts of famous festivals in India as it is celebrated all across the world with happiness.
Significance: It signifies the victory of good (Prince Prahlad) over evil (Holika) and the arrival of spring.
Key attractions: Holika bonfire, playing with colours, and bhang thandai (Cannabis Drink)
When: Full moon (Purnima) of the Phalgun month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to the month of March of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Almost all over the country; most vibrant celebrations can be seen in North Indian states
Holi 2022: 18th – 19th March, 2022
Things to Do: View Holika bonfires and sing and dance around it, play with colors, eat sweets esp.
Festivals Sweet: Gujiya - classic North Indian sweet of crisp, flaky pastry filled with khoya (milk solids) and nuts stuffing. Gujia is generally fried.


2. Eid-Ul-Fitr: Sumptuous Buffets & Sweet Festivities (2nd – 3rd May, 2022)




Eid is one of the major festivals of India for the Muslim community. People dress up in fineries, attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends, and relatives and exchange sweets. Children are given idi (money or gift) by elders.
Significance: It celebrates the conclusion of the holy month of fasting called Ramadan.
Key attractions: The beautifully decked up markets and mosques, the morning Eid namaz at the mosques, and the sweet dishes.
When: On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar, which corresponds to July of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by Muslims all over the country
Eid Ul Fitr 2022: 2nd May – 3rd May, 2022
Things To Do: Attend a special community prayer in the morning, visit friends, and relatives and exchange sweets
Festival Sweet: Seviyan - a sweet dessert made from seviyan (whole wheat vermicelli), ghee, milk, dry fruits and sugar.


3. Onam: Welcoming The Mighty Mahabali (Begins on 30th August, 2022)




Onam is among the important national festivals of India, wherein people wear traditional wear, adorn houses with Pookalam (floral designs), and prepare Onasadya (elaborate meal of about 13 dishes). Events such as Vallamkali (snake boat race), Kaikottikali (clap dance), Kathakali dance, and Pulikali procession (artists dressed and painted like tigers and hunters) are held.
Significance: It celebrates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.
Key attractions: The spectacular Snake Boat Race, the enigmatic Kaikottikali dance, and the Elephant procession
When: In the month of Chingam of the Malayalam calendar, which corresponds to August or September of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Celebrated by people of all communities in the state of Kerala.
Onam 2022: Begins on 30th August (Tuesday)
Things To Do: Attend boat races, and other ceremonies
Festival Sweet: Paal Payasam - With rice, cardamom, cashews and raisins cooked together in milk, paal payasam makes for a luscious, creamy dessert.


4. Durga Puja: Of Prosperity, Goodness, And Devotion (Begins On 1st October, 2022)




One of the important Hindu festivals of India, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur by Bengalis, throughout the country and is ranked as one of the top in the list of religious festivals of India. The 10 days of fast, feast, and worship of Goddess Durga are accompanied by cultural songs, dances, and dramas. Huge and beautiful Durga idols are made and placed in specially made artistic Pandals (canopies). People dress in traditional wear and go around the pandal-hopping, praying, and feasting.
Significance: It commemorates Lord Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before going to war with the demon King Ravana.
Key attractions: Plush pandals (canopies), incredibly beautiful ten-armed Durga idols, and the puja
When: 10th day of Ashwina Shukla paksha according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to September or October of the Gregorian calendar
Where: Kolkata is best place to be in India during Durga Puja celebrations
Durga Puja 2022: 1st October, 2022
Things to Do: Visit Durga Puja pandals to catch the true vibe of this celebration.
Festival Food: Kichuri (Savoury) is a traditional fare during Durga Puja celebrations, especially in homes where the goddess's idol is worshipped. Prepared by roasting yellow dal and rice and in a mix of vegetables


5. Diwali: The Grand Festival Of Lights (24 October, 2022)




Diwali, one of the most prominent Hindu festivals of India, is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. During this festival of lights, houses are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes, participate in family puja, burst crackers, and share sweets with friends, families, and neighbours. It is the most popular festival in India.
Significance: The festival marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a long exile of 14 years.
Key attractions: Homes decorated with fancy lights, candles and clay lamps, bustling shops and markets, and fireworks and crackers
When: The darkest new moon night of Kartik month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to mid-October – mid-November as per the Gregorian Calendar
Where: All over the country
Diwali 2022: 24th October 2022
Things to Do: Light diyas, decorate your home, share sweets and gifts with family and loved ones
Festival Sweet: Halwa is a dessert which is popular not only in Indian cuisine but also in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Flour,semolina, grains or nuts form the base of a halwa and is garnished with nuts.



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"Travel Guidelines to Indian Subcontinent - Updated 18 Feb 2022"Learn More


21Kraft is a premier Inbound Luxury Lifestyle and Travel Management Company for the Indian subcontinent. We are committed to provide travel management services for Leisure and business travels.



@21kraft