Want to know the Fairs And Festivals Of India, India, the world's second-largest country by population and one of the world's largest democracies, is a colourful land full of fairs and festivals.
India is known around the world for its high-spirited fairs and festivals, which are cherished by every Indian every year. A variety of colourful and prosperous fairs and festivals are celebrated every year for noble causes.
Since India has such a diverse culture and various religions around the world, every religion and culture in India celebrates fairs and festivals in its own unique way.
There are various religious and non-religious fairs and festivals like Shivratri, Pongal, Cattle fair, Kumbh Mela, Navratri, Bada Mangal, Republic Day, Surajkund Mela, etc.
These major and important fairs and festivals of India illustrate the unity and diversity of communities, religions, and regions of India.
If we talk about Indian states, it has a lot of diversity according to religion, lifestyle, and language in different states, such as Durga Puja in West Bengal, Pongal in Kerala, and Shivratri in Uttar Pradesh.
If you want to know more about India's fairs and festivals, you've come to the right place. In this blog, we've included all of the Indian fairs and festivals that will allow you to discover the country's true colours.
Fairs And Festivals Of India
North India is a land of diverse fairs, festivals, culture, and languages. This region of India is known for its different set of traditions, rituals, and customs.
If you want to start to explore the Indian fairs and festivals, then you must start from the NorthIndian land. The fairs and festivals of North India feature colourful processions, prayers, new costumes, dance, music, and feasts.
- Holi: It is North India's most colourful festival, which is celebrated with great zeal, particularly in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. People paint one other with bright colours and eat scrumptious treats during this celebration.
People greet one other and dance away to glory, drenched in colour. It takes place in the months of March and April. - Janmashtami: It is a holiday commemorating Lord Krishna's birth. Lord Krishna was born in Mathura many years ago to demonstrate that good always triumphs over evil.
On this day, devotees fast and perform devotional hymns in the worship of the Lord. - Diwali: It is a light festival that commemorates the triumph of good over evil. Houses are decorated, miniature lamps (diyas) are lit, Goddess Laxmi is worshipped, crackers are burned, and presents are exchanged during this holiday.
It is one of North India's most prominent festivities. It takes place in the months of October and November. - Surajkund Craft Mela: It is a prominent tourist attraction that displays excellent traditional handicrafts from different Indian regions.
At the Mela, visitors can sample a variety of delicacies from various states. The Mela also includes dance and music performances. This fair will last 15 days. - Hemis Festival: Hemis Festival is a well-known event that draws visitors from all over the world. Hemis festival is a colourful fair held in Hemis Monastery in Jammu and Kashmir for two days in June/July, presenting a broad variety of handicrafts.
- Teej of Rajasthan: Teej is a Rajasthani cultural festival that celebrates the arrival of the monsoon. The women of the community participate in this celebration by swinging and dancing in green dresses as a symbol of welcoming the rain.
This mythological Indian festival commemorates the union of Lord Parvati and her consort, Lord Shiva. The grand parade with folk dance, music, and other festivities is the festival's primary event. - Taj Mahotsav: It is an annual ten-day celebration held in Agra in the month of February. Taj Mahotsav has a lot to offer visitors, showcasing Uttar Pradesh's rich past. Performances in the arts, crafts, gastronomy, dance, and music.
- Baisakhi in Punjab: It is one of the most well-known and significant festivals in Punjab, as well as other areas of India. Every year on April 13, the celebration is held, however, every 36 years it is held on April 14.
The start of the Sikh New Year is marked by this colorful festival. Farmers thank God for the good crops and pray for a plentiful harvest the following season on this day.
The festival's main celebrations take place at Anandpur Sahib and Muktsar. People participate in bhangra and gidda dances as part of the festival's festivities. - Jaisalmer Desert Festival: Every year in February, the globally renowned Jaisalmer desert festival takes place. The festival is being held to highlight Rajasthan's colorful culture, beautiful past, and rich legacy.
The camel racing, turban tying competition, traditional folk performances, puppeteers, colourful costumes, and much more are all fascinating aspects of the event.
The majestic Jaisalmer fort serves as the perfect setting for a memorable experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. This three-day festival is jam-packed with nonstop entertainment.
East India Fairs and Festivals
Eastern India is a land of fairs and festivals. Most of the festivals celebrated in East India are based on the faith of the majority and the faith of the residents.
Assam is known for its spirited, captivating, and enchanting festivals that are a great example of the true spirit, tradition, and lifestyle of its people.
East India is home to a perfect combination of cultures and ethnic festivals. Which displays the culture of their own state. And is famous in its state as well as all over India.
It's difficult to recall each state's fairs and festivals in eastern India. That's why we have compiled a list of major festivals in every state in eastern India. About which we are going to tell you in our article, then let us know the major festivals of the states of India.
- Losar Festival: Losar Festival is a popular festival of Arunachal Pradesh that is celebrated with great fervour by the people of the Monpa tribe as Tibetan New Year.
This worship is first done at Tawang Math on the day of the festival, followed by offerings in the temple of the house.
The word Losar is derived from two words 'Lo'- meaning year and 'Sar'-meaning 'new' which is celebrated to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year.
Dance, music, and fun programs are very popular at the festival, which remains popular with the locals as well as across the country.
The timing of the Losar festival is in January or the end of February. The duration of this festival is up to 3 days. - Bhog Bihu: The major festival of Assam, Bhog Bihu is celebrated to mark the beginning of the Assamese New Year which marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle.
In which many fairs are organised. At the festival, young girls in traditional dress sing "Bihu Geet" and perform the traditional "Mukoli Bihu" dance.
Worships and festivals for the deities are also held. During this festival, cattle are also decorated which is celebrated with pomp by the local people. The timing of Bhog Bihu- In the month of April. The duration of Bhog Bihu is up to 7 Days. - Chhath Puja: The most well-known festival in Bihar is Chhath Puja, during which people pray for prosperity and happiness, and the well-being of Sun God who is considered the source of all powers, and his wife Usha.
Chhath Puja assumes a joyous and colourful look wherein people wear their best clothes and gather on rivers and other water bodies to celebrate.
After dusk, earthen lights are lit in the courtyards of the houses, and devotional folk songs are performed in worship of 'Chhat Maiya' or Ganga. Timing of Chhath Puja- In the month of October or November. The duration of Chhath Puja is up to 3 Days. - Bastar Dussehra: Bastar Dussehra is Chhattisgarh's most well-known and longest-running fair, held in Bastar. Diverse tribes participate in traditional rituals.
This is Chhattisgarh's one-of-a-kind cultural tradition, which is enjoyed with devotion and splendour by the state's residents, the festival of Dussehra signifies the supreme power of Goddess Danteshwari.
During Dussehra, Bastar locals organise unique devotional ceremonies at Jagdalpur's Danteshwari temple. The timing of the Bastar Dussehra Fair- is around the month of August.
The duration of the Bastar Dussehra Fair- Up to 75 Days.
West India Fairs and Festivals
Western India is known as the country's entertainment capital, with every event dripping in glamour and grandeur. Fairs are a source of immense joy for the people of Western India.
The western area of India is rich in customs and traditions, and its fairs and festivals represent the region's real colours. Let's take a look at some of Western India's most prominent fairs and festivals.
- GANESH FESTIVAL: Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration commemorating the birth of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva's, and Goddess Parvati's cherished elephant-headed son.
Vinayaka Chaturthi is another name for the festival, which takes place between August and September. Lord Ganesha is revered as a symbol of wisdom, wealth, and good fortune.
On this day, it is said, the Lord descends to earth to bless his devotees. The festival lasts 10 days, during which time the people worship the lovely idols of the Lord brought into their houses.
The holiday is observed by the people with great zeal and dedication. - NAVRATRI: Hindus commemorate this event for nine days. One manifestation of Durga is honoured each day for nine days. This festival is observed in various sections of the country for various reasons.
Many pandals will be erected during the course of the nine days. Different types of dancing, music and cultural festivities can be found in the pandals.
As the pandal's centrepiece, a pyramid of dolls will be displayed. Every day, a new dish is served. Although Navratri is celebrated throughout the country, the finest events are held in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Vadodara, and other cities.
The festival of Navratri honours the holy goddess Durga. The event happens four times a year, according to the Hindu calendar, although the one in the month of Ashwin (September/October) is the most popular.
Throughout the festivals, particularly in Gujarat, devotees perform Garbas and Raas (unique folk dances). - ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL: Elephanta Island, nine nautical miles from Mumbai, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in honour of the Elephanta Festival, which honours classical music and dance styles.
It is known throughout the country as a creative hotspot. - KITE FESTIVAL: On Makar Sankranti, this festival is held. This day is particularly significant.
Because the sun, which represents knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual light and which recedes from us when we delight in the darkness of ignorance, deception, and sensuality, now joyfully turns northward and rushes towards all, shedding its light and warmth abundantly.
The Bhogi Festival is held the day before Makar Sankranti. Old, worn-out, and filthy items are thrown and burned on this day. Houses are whitewashed and cleaned. Kites are flown as a tribute to the sun's radiance and warmth. - KALA GHODA FAIR: Traditional Indian arts and crafts, ethnic food, street performances, and village and classical arts are all included at this festival. The festival is well-attended by Mumbai residents and visitors alike.
- GOA CARNIVAL: The carnival is a secular celebration that takes place throughout Goa. On the eve of the event (Fat Saturday), King Momo leads a colourful procession of bedecked floats through the city's main thoroughfare.
- Rann Utsav: The Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is known as one of the world's largest salt deserts, with oceans of strange sand. Kutch is more than a place to visit; it is an experience.
Rann Utsav is a magnificent pearl hidden at the bottom of this magical area. The Rann Utsav festival can be defined as a canvas covered in culture, a plethora of art forms, and an abundance of life.
It's a festival of music, dance, and White Rann's natural beauty, among other things. There are approximately 400 tents with varied capacities and amenities, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event. - Krishna Janmashtami: The holy holiday of Janmashtami, Lord Krishna's birthday, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour throughout India in August or September.
On this day, Lord Krishna's fervent devotees fast for the entire day and worship him by worshipping him, chanting mantras, and singing devotional songs.
Lord Krishna's temples and icons are beautifully ornamented, capturing the attention of believers.
South India Fairs and Festivals
Some of these festivals are celebrated exclusively in certain regions, while some festivals such as Mysore Dasara are celebrated with great pomp all over South India. Let’s have a quick go-through of the 6 major festivals of South India.
- Brahmotsavam: Brahmotsavam is the main festival of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
Brahmotsavam is the famous festival of Andhra Pradesh which is considered the most prestigious and auspicious yearly celebration of Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
During this festival, Venkateshwara is worshipped on the banks of the holy Swami Pushkarini in Tirupati to thank the creator of this world, Brahma Ji, for the protection of mankind.
Lord Venkateswara's Utsav Idol is carried out in procession, attended by his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi., is taken out in a procession in various vehicles on the streets around the temple, in which Indian tourists, as well as foreign tourists, are included.
It is celebrated in the month of October. The duration of this festival is up to 9 days. - Hampi Festival: The festival of Hampi, which is celebrated in Karnataka with great pomp every year, is also called Hampi Utsav and Vijaya Utsav.
This three-day long festival has been celebrated since the time of Vijayanagara dynasty. Many cultural performances are given during this festival by the talented artists of India.
The Hampi Festival is a combination of cultural music, art, and dance. The highlight of this festival is its light and sound show in which many special lights are used.
The timing of the Hampi Festival- In the month of November. The duration of the Hampi Festival is up to 3 Days. - Onam: The holy festival of Hindus is Onam which is widely celebrated in Kerala. It is celebrated as a rice harvest festival in honour of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vijhushu and the return of King Mahabali to his hometown.
Malayalee Hindus celebrate this festival with great pomp. Various types of presentations like Pulikali, Onathallu, Onavillu, and many beautiful arrangements of flowers called Pookkalam are arranged during the festival of Onam.
Boat races and Vallam Kali are also organised during this time. The timing of Onam- Between August and September. The duration of Onam is 10 Days. - Mysore Dasara: Apart from its beautiful palace, the city of Mysore is also famous for its magnificent festival which is Mysore Dasara. More than 20 events are organised during this nine-day festival.
The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken out in a procession which is also known as Jambu Sawari.
The Mysore Palace is illuminated with 100,000 bulbs and the exhibition on the opposite side of the palace is one of the main attractions of the festival.
The timing of Mysore Dasar- September and October. The duration of Mysore Dasara is up to 10 Days. - Pongal: The agricultural festival of Tamil Nadu is Pongal which is celebrated on the 14th and 15th of January. This festival is celebrated as Makar Sankranti in other cities of India while in Tamil Nadu it is called Pongal.
This major festival of Hindus is celebrated for 4 days and each day has a different significance.
Sugarcane, turmeric, and pulses are harvested during this season, and thanks to nature for providing priceless paddy through this festival. The timing of Pongal- Mid January. The duration of Pongal is up to 4 Days. - Natyanjali Dance Festival: The Natyanjali Dance Festival or Natyanjali Nritya Utsav, consisting of art and dance, is dedicated to the Nataraja form of Lord Shiva.
This festival is celebrated in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, located 230 km from Chennai. Artists from all over the country come here every year to dance at this festival.
The timing of the Natyanjali Dance Festival - In the month of February or March. The duration of the Natyanjali Dance Festival is 5 Days. - Thrissur Pooram: This annual festival of Kerala is celebrated at the Vadakkunnathan temple in Thrissur. This festival is celebrated when the Moon is in Pooram Nakshatra.
Elephants are decorated, firecrackers are lit and music is organised for this magnificent festival of Kerala. This festival is celebrated every year in the month of April or May.
Thrissur Pooram was started in 1700 by Raja Rama Varma of Kochi. More than 250 artists perform the Chenda musical instrument at the Ilanjithara Melam at this festival.
The timing of Thrissur Pooram- Mid-April to mid-May. The duration of Thrissur Pooram is up to 7 Days.
Conclusion
The beauty of India lies in its vibrant culture, enthralling history, and diverse traditions, all of which have resulted in various festivities. Every event in India is commemorated, from the harvest to the lunar cycle.
The best time to visit is during Fairs And Festivals Of India, if you want to see the land's multicoloured splendour. If you plan to visit India during one of the country's festivals, make sure to schedule every service and facility ahead of time.
During these festivals, demand for tickets and lodging will be extremely strong. As a result, start planning as soon as feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many fairs are there in India?
Ans. There is no definitive list of Indian festivals because the country celebrates over 50 festivals by people of various cultures and religions.
2. What is the difference between fairs and festivals?
Ans. A fair was essentially a massive multiday market—an economic event. A festival, on the other hand, commemorated a holiday or other significant event.
3. What is a fair in India?
Ans. In India, fairs are a part of everyday life. The Indian holiday calendar is the world's longest, with 13 festivals spread over 12 months.
4. What is the famous fair of India?
Ans. Kumbh Mela and Rann Utsav
5. Which is the national festival of India?
Ans. Janmashtami
6. Which are the famous festivals of North India?
Ans. Diwali
7. Which are the famous festivals of South India?
Ans. Onam
8. What are the monsoon festivals of India?
Ans. During the rainy season, many traditional fasts and festivals are observed, including Ganga Dussehra, Rath Yatras, Kanwarias, Janmashtami, Barsha Mongol Ramadan, and Splash Fairs, which are an integral feature of all monsoon festivals.