Most Important Hindu Festivals: India celebrates a huge number of festivals every year. More than half of Indian festivals are celebrated by the Hindu community since the majority of the Indian population follows Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma. We are here to talk about the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in India.
Introduction
Some festivals are based on religious beliefs. Hindus celebrate these festivals by performing rituals and traditions. The most important Hindu festival can also be recognized easily. People celebrate these festivals by setting up idols of Hindu gods and goddesses in the large pandal, decorated with lights and music. People make various arrangements for social festival celebrations at different locations. You can see the excitement of people in marketing. They do festival shopping for their family. Music and dance and full joy and excitement can be seen during important Hindu festival celebrations.
List of Most Important Hindu Festivals
| MOST IMPORTANT HINDU FESTIVALS | ||
| S.N. | FESTIVAL NAME | MONTH |
| 1 | Diwali | October-November |
| 2 | Navratri / Durga Puja | October |
| 3 | Dussehra | October |
| 4 | Chhath Puja | October-November |
| 5 | Holi Festival | March |
| 6 | Raksha Bandhan | August |
| 7 | Krishna Janmashtami | August |
| 8 | Ganesh Chaturthi | August |
| 9 | Makar Sankranti | January |
| 10 | Maha Shivratri | February |
1. Diwali- The Festival of Lights
The festival of lights, Diwali is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India. Not only the Hindu but Sikh, Jain, and Buddha communities also celebrate the Diwali festival with much pomp, joy, and happiness. This festival is celebrated just after 20 days after the Dussehra festival. Diwali is celebrated over 5 Days. Know more about the Diwali festival. Visit here- Why is Diwali Celebrated?
2. Navratri or Durga Puja
Navratri is a 9-day festival devoted to Goddess Durga. During the Navratri festival, Hindus set idols of Goddess Durga and organize prayer for nine different forms of goddess Durga. Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India.
Navratri is widely celebrated in North India, West Bengal, and Gujarat.West Bengal celebrates Navratri Festival as Durga Puja. You can consider Durga Puja as the Cultural Festival of Bengal since the festival is deeply attached to Bengal Culture. Know more about the Durga Puja Celebration In Bengal. Visit Here:- Durga Puja in Bengal.
3. Vijayadashami or Dussehra
Dussehra comes the day next to the Navratri. On the day of Dussehra, Lord Rama kills Ravana symbolizing the victory of good over evil. On the day of Dussehra small or large fairs are organized at different places in India. Dussehra is also one of the most important festivals in India.
4. Chhath Puja- Sun Festival
Chhath puja is a 4-days festival dedicated to the God Sun. The only ancient Hindu festival originated at the time of Mahabharata. On this day, women go to the bank of the river, pond, lake, or any water storage place, stand in the water, and pray to Lord Sun. Thus, the festival is also known as one of the Sun Festivals in India. Chhath is one of the most important Hindu festivals.
The festival is most popular in North Indian states like Bihar, but now the festival celebration can be seen not only in India but in some other countries as well. Know More About Chhath Puja. Visit here:- Chhath Puja Celebration.
5. Holi- The Festival of Colors
Holi is celebrated as the “Festival of Colors”. This festival is deeply attached to Indian culture. Holi festival signifies the start of the New Year in the Hindu calendar. Holi is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India. Some Hindu festivals are based on Hindu culture. Holi – the festival of colours is one of them. Check out:- Holi Festival, History, Significance
Holi festival is celebrated with different names in different cities in India. You can see a glimpse of the real beauty of the Holi celebration when you visit these places. Lathmar Holi, Varsana ki Holi, and Masan Ki Holi are some of the popular Holi celebrations in India. Know More About Holi here:- Holi Festival in India.
6. Raksha Bandhan- The Festival of Brothers & Sisters
Raksha Bandhan is the “Festival of Brothers – Sisters”. This festival is celebrated in the month of August every year. On the day of Raksha Bandhan’s sister ties a Rakhi on the wrist of his brother and takes the promise of protection for her own life for a lifetime. Raksha Bandhan is also one of the most important Hindu festivals. Know more about Raksha Bandhan. Visit here:- Raksha Bandhan Celebration.
7. Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival comes in the month of August. Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals.
Although Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated across many countries including India, you can enjoy the real flavour of the Festival in the city of Lord Krishna i.e. Mathura and Vrindavan.
Various cultural programs are organized in different cities in India. You can see small children wearing dresses of lord Krishna performing the cities of childhood in different cities. People participate in the various activities organized and enjoy the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami makes this festival most important. Know more about Krishna Janmashtami. Visit Here:- Krishna Janmashtami Celebration.
8. Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is the day devoted to the Lord Ganesha – the son of Lord Shiva. The festival continues for 10 days. On these days, Hindus bring the childhood idol of Lord Ganesha, set it in their home, and organize prayers for 10 days. Ganesh Chaturthi is also one of the most important Hindu festivals.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the most famous festival in Maharashtra state. To see a glimpse everyone should visit Maharashtra during Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrations. You can see the setting up of the idol of Lord Ganesha in public places at home and in offices. Large pandals are set up at different locations to celebrate this festival. Know more: Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration
9. Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated in India. This festival is devoted to the lord Sun thus it is one of the Sun Festivals in India. Based on local culture and rituals,
Makar Sankranti is celebrated with different names in different states of India. Gujarat celebrates this as a Kite flying festival whereas, in Uttar Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is known as Khichadi. Punjab celebrates this festival as Lohari whereas South Indians celebrate this festival as Pongal. Know more about Makar Sankranti. Visit Here:- Makar Sankranti Celebration.
10. Maha Shivratri
Mahashivratri is the festival dedicated to the God of destruction – Shiva. This festival is celebrated in the month of February. On this day, Hindus offer prayers to Lord Shiva and keep fasting. We can see large crowds of Hindu devotees in different Shiv Temples or Shivalaya across India. Maha Shivratri is also one of the most important Hindu festivals in India.
There are some famous cities in India where the Mahashivratri celebration is the main attraction such as Varanasi for Kashi Vishvanath and Ujjain for Mahakal. On this day people wear a dress that looks like lord shiva and goddess Parvati. They do dance and cultural programs to make this celebration memorable. Know more about the Mahashivratri festival in detail here.
Conclusion
spirituality and cultural diversity of India find vibrant expression through its numerous festivals. Each festival holds its unique significance. The colourful and diverse landscape of Hindu festivals not only strengthens the cultural identity of the nation but also serves as a testament to the harmony and unity in diversity that defines India. These festivals bring communities together, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared traditions that endure through generations. In a land where festivals are more than just rituals – they are a way of life – the celebration of these important Hindu festivals in India continues to be a source of inspiration, reflection, and unwavering devotion. Also Read: Importance of Festivals in India
FAQs
Q1: Why do we celebrate hindu festivals?
A: Hindu festivals are celebrated to honour religious beliefs, and cultural traditions, and commemorate historical events. They serve as a source of spiritual connection, community unity, and the preservation of rich cultural heritage, promoting joy and reflection among participants.
Q2: How many hindu festivals are there?
A: There is no fixed number of Hindu festivals as they vary by region and tradition. However, there are numerous Hindu festivals celebrated throughout the year, with some estimates exceeding thousands, including major ones like Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and more.
Q3: What are the 3 main hindu festivals?
A: The three main Hindu festivals are Diwali, celebrating the victory of light over darkness; Holi, the festival of colors and spring; and Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. These festivals hold deep cultural and religious significance in Hinduism.
