The vibrant amalgam of ethnicities and cultures that India is, is beautifully reflected in its pompous festivities and cultural events. There are more festivals celebrated in India than any other place and while some of the occasions are celebrated regionally, there are a plethora of festivities which are celebrated throughout the landscape irrespective of the region. However, the names of the festivals of India vary from region to region. Apart from the regional differences, some festivals have religious significance while others mark the birthdays of saints and some simply involve welcoming a new year or a new season.
North India celebrates some of the most famous Indian festivals. Thus, getting a first-hand experience is undoubtedly one of the best things to do while on your next India tour. North India covers places like Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and several others. Be sure to check with our team at Vibrant India Tours, the next time you think of embarking on any one of our amazing North India tour packages.The zeal of festivities is different in all of these regions. Some of the major festivities that are celebrated here include:
Holi:
The festival of colours as Holi is popularly known as, is one of the most important festivals of North India. The festival commences with the Holika Dahan, where people gather around a bonfire and pray. The next day is celebrated with colours, water, and bhang (a drink made from cannabis), as people meet and forget their differences.
Baisakhi:
Well-known as a harvest festival, Baisakhi is the most important festival of Punjab. Celebrated with Giddha and Bhangra (a traditional dance form), Baisakhi falls in mid-April and marks the new year for Sikhs.
Diwali:
The festival of lights marks the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated to mark the defeat of Ravana and the return of Lord Ram to his kingdom of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Diwali is undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals of India.
Id-ul-Zuha:
The Id-ul-Zuha is a musilm festival celebrated throughout India. It is also known as the festival of sacrifice and is celebrated with much fervour. It is during the festival of Id-ul-Zuha that the world-famous Biryani is prepared and consumed by friends and families together.
South India is also not behind in the race of famous and exciting festivities. The regions of Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh represent the blissful festivities of India packed in coastal customs, sober fashion and savoury food. Some of the famous festivals of South India are:
Onam:
Onam is the Baisakhi of Kerala and involves the best display of tradition and custom with Boat Race, Pulikali dance performances, and food served on plantain leaves.
Pongal:
Celebrated in Tamil Nadu, is a festival to thank nature. The four-day period involves harvesting crops, honouring Lord Indra, and worshipping cows.
While the list of Indian festivals can go on and on, it is especially important to mention some festivals that are celebrated with equal gaiety and pomp. Some of them include Christmas, Thrissur Pooram, New Year, Durga Puja, Janmashtami and Raksha Bandhan. Each festival is tied to the secular and diverse nature of India and is surely a source of pride for the entire country.
Regardless, culture and festivity are always intertwined when it comes to planning your itinerary to involve a personal experience of any one of these festivals. Don't forget to ask us about the best times to visit when you enquire with us about your next North India tour!