Top 10 Festivals in India India is country that is known for its vibrant and astounding festivals. These festivals are coupled with spectacular fairs as well that make the journey exciting. The top ten festivals that are celebrated in India are as follows.

1. Pongal:

It is not just a popular rice dish of India but it is also a popular festival as well. It is also known as the “Thai Pongal” or “Makar Sankranti”. This is a harvest festival that is celebrated cross India. The Indian economy is accounted for agriculture. Also, 82 percent of the farmers are part of it. Hence, it is one of the top ten festivals in India. It is mainly celebrated in the southern part of the country. The festival originated 1000 years ago during the Chola Empire. Pongal is a four day festival. The first day is called Bhogi where people give away old items. The next day is called Thai Pongal that is celebration of winter harvest with mouthwatering food. Then next day is Maatu Pongal that is dedicated to dairy products and animals. The last day, Kaanum Pongal is end of the festival that is celebrated through reunions.

2. Diwali:

It is a Hindu festival of lights. The festival is celebrated to represent “victory of light” or “good over evil”. It is a five day festival that is celebrated few days after Dussehra. During the festival people pray to Gods, lights up lamps, and lanterns. They also burst fireworks all over the country. It is also India’s biggest important festival. In northern India it is mythologically believed to be the celebration of return of Lord Rama to his home after defeating Ravana. While, in southern India it remarks victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. If one wants to see the country filled with joy and string lights, Diwali is the best season to spend time with your companions.

3. Holi:

Holi is also known as “Festival of Colors“. It is spring festival celebrated by Hindus. It is also known as “Festival of Love” as well. This festival can be considered as thanksgiving for harvest. It is most popular in the northern part of the country especially Delhi. The joy is shared by throwing colors and color water on each other. In some areas people also throw eggs. There are also water balloons as well. During the occasion people consume a drink called bhang that is made from cannabis. The festival is also celebrate to honor Lord Vishnu and to honor the love of Radha and Krishna.

4. Dusshera:

Dusshera is also called as “Vijayadashami”. It is celebrated for numerous reasons. It is a famous festival that is celebrated to honor Goddess Durga. It is most popular in West Bengal. On this day, Goddess Durga is profound for her victory over Mahishasura. While, in Ramayana it is the day Rama killed Ravana, a demon with ten heads. Hence, “Dusshera” literally means “10 heads” too. Overall, the festival is celebrated to represent the victory of good over evil. In the country the occasion is celebrated in many ways. There are grand and glorious Durga pooja held. There are also structure of Ravana built and later burnt down. The city of Mysore is renowned for Dusshera. Hence, it is a great tourist spot.

5. Raksha Bandhan:

Raksha Bandhan literally means “bond of protection”. This is popular and joyful festival in India. It is ceremony that celebrates relationship between brothers and sisters. On this auspicious day, sisters tie her brother’s scared threats. In return, the brothers not only promise to protect them but they also give them gifts, sweets, money and much more. It is celebrated on a full moon day usually. In some communities this festival is not just celebrated amongst blood-related relatives but it is also celebrated amongst two people who are not blood-related as well. It is a joyous celebration that remarks eternal bond and affection.

6. Krishna Janmashtami:

Krishna Janmashtami is also known as “Gokulashtami”. It is celebration of birth of lord Krishna. This festival remarks an important event to the Vaishnavism tradition. The birth of Lord Krishna took place in Mathura and Brindavan. So, people living here in the present celebrate it on a grand level. The entire country engages in a pot breaking ceremony. In this group of people form a human pyramid. A people climbs this pyramid and breaks the pot with a stick. This represents the naughtiness of Infant Krishna who used to break pots to steal butter. Hence, similarly people break pots that contain gifts, milk, or butter.

7. Eid Ul Fitr:

India is country with diverse traditions, cultures and religions. Hence, the country also celebrates Islamic festivals as well. After fasting for a month, depending on the moon, they celebrate Eid Ul Fitr. On this day Muslims make delicious food that is popular within the country. The celebration starts with an Islamic prayer. It later proceeds with celebrations and food. In the entire year, this is the only day when Muslims are not allowed to fast. So, each and every Muslim is supposed to eat. So if you want to get taste of the finest meat, rice, korma, and much more. Stepping into the country on Eid Ul Fitr is the best.

8. Christmas:

It is joyous festival that is celebrated by Christians. It is also one of the widespread festival around the world. The celebration starts on December 25th during winter which is the day when Jesus Christ was born. Jesus Christ was a Jewish leader and is believed to be the son of God. On this day, people worship Jesus and also place a Christmas tree that is beautifully decorated. There are also delicious feasts and plays also conducted. Santa Claus is a renowned figure who is believed to bring gifts on Christmas to children. These gifts are wished beforehand by children before falling asleep.

9. Ganesh Chaturthi:

Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi. It is a festival celebration that remarks birth of Lord Ganesha. It is a ten day festival that is usually between the months of August or September. On this day people decorate Lord Ganesha idol beautifully. They also prepare several dishes that are his favorite which includes modaka, a sweet. Since, Lord Ganesha is son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, their idols are also well-decorated and celebrated. Some states that celebrate the festival grandly include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh Karnataka, Gujarat Chhattisgarh, and much more.

10. Maha Shivaratri: