Three types of festivals are mainly celebrated in India such as National, Religious and

Seasonal. Each festival has its own significance and teachings.

1. National Festivals are celebrated with proud and have super-patriotic fervor. Republic day,
Independence day and Gandhi Jayanti are the three national festivals of India.
2. Religious Festivals shows the religious association of people with the festival. The major
religious festivals includes Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, Krishna Janamastami, Durga-Puja,
Dussehra, Maha Shivaratri, Eid, Christmas, Easter, Buddha Purnima, Mahavir Jayanti, etc.
3. Seasonal and Harvesting festivals are celebrated to mark the harvesting of crops and the
change of seasons. The major seasonal and harvesting festivals that are celebrated in India
includes Basant Panchami, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Onam, Baisakhi, Bhogali bihu,
etc.
1. National Festivals in India
1.1 Republic Day
Republic Day is celebrated all over the country on 26th January every year. On this day, i.e.,
26th January, 1950, Indias constitution came into force. On this day, the National song, Jana
Gana Mana can be heard throughout the country.
1.2 Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated all over the country on 15th August each year. On this day,
i.e., 15th August, 1947, India got its independence from the hands of the British Empire and
hence in other countries this day is also termed as India Day. Every Indians feel proud on
this day.
1.3 Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year on 2nd October in the eve of birth of Mahatma
Gandhi, popularly called a Father of the Nation. The untiring efforts of Mahatma Gandhi
helped India to gain its freedom and independence. Raghupati Raghav, his favourite song,
can be heard on this day.
Also read: Short Paragraph on Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October, Mahatma Gandhis Birthday)
2. Religious Festivals in India
There are many types of religious festivals celebrated in India. Some important of them are
discussed below:
2.1 Holi
The most colorful festival of the Hindus is Holi. It generally lasts for two days. The ceremony
of Holika Dahan is observed on the first day. On the following day, people play holi by
painting the face and clothes of each others. They also throw colors on to friendly passers-by.

Holi festival is generally celebrated in between the month of end of February and beginning
of March. It is also known as Spring Festival.
Also read: Significance of Holi Festival
2.2 Raksha Bandhan
The beautiful relation of a brother and a sister is celebrated in the festival of Raksha
Bandhan. Traditionally, girls tie a string of thread on the wrist of her brother. This thread of
love reminds the brother of his responsibility to always take care, support and protect his
sister under all circumstances. This is followed by exchange of sweets and gifts.
Also read: Short Paragraph on Raksha Bandhan
2.3 Diwali
Diwali is celebrated in between the months of October and December and is also termed as
Festival of Lights, as on this day every people, especially Hindus, lighten up their houses
with lights including candles and diyas. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama. He
returned to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after spending 14 years in forest. On this day, people dress
themselves in their best outfit and take part in their family function. This day is celebrated in
the mark of victory of good over bad.
There is a tradition of worshiping Devi Lakshmi and Ganpati Deva on this day. It is done
for securing peace, prosperity, wealth and happiness.
Also read: Short Paragraph on Significance of Diwali Festival
2.4 Krishna Janamastami
Hindus celebrate this festival on the birth anniversary of Lord Sri Krishna. Thousands of
devotees gather together in temples and cheerfully worship the Lord. In many places, the
popular event of Dahi Handi, takes place.
Also read: Short Paragraph on Janmashtami Festival (Krishna Ashtami)
2.5 Durga Puja
People worship Devi Durga on this day. Durga Puja is the most popular in West Bengal. An
idol of Devi Durga is placed in various pandals. Devi Durga is seen holding weapons in her
ten hands to kill Mahisasura (evil demon). The priest worships the idol of Devi Durga and
chant traditional mantras. People wear new clothes and move out of their homes to see the
beautifully decorated Pandals.
2.6 Dussehra
People celebrate Dussehra festival to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. Rama is
an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ravana was an evil demon. It signifies the victory of good
over the evil. People go to see the famous folk play of Ram Lila. The story of Lord Rama is
shown in the play. It is a great time to enjoy and take inspiration from virtuous acts of Rama.

Also read: Paragraph on Dussehra

2.7 Maha Shivaratri
Maha means great, Ratri means night and Shiva refers to Lord Shiva. The marriage of
Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place on this day. This is a great time to worship
Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. There is a tradition of offering a holy bath to the Shiva
Lingam. People celebrate this festival by fasting, offering sweets to god, etc.
Also read: Maha Shivaratri (Hindu festival)
2.8 Eid
It is a festival of Muslim culture; they celebrate mainly two festival, i.e., Eid-ul-Fitr (Feast of
Breaking of Fast) and Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of sacrifice). The Eid festivals are those festivals
which unfold love and happiness to near and dear ones.
2.9 Christmas
Christmas is celebrated every year on 25th December on the eve of birth anniversary of Jesus
Christ. This is one of the most sacred festivals for Christians as they believe Jesus Christ to
be the son of God. It is believed that on this day a man in red dress named Santa Clause
comes to help the needy one and brings gifts for the loved ones. People also decorate their
houses along with Christmas tree.
Also read: Short Paragraph on Celebration of Christmas Festival
2.10 Easter
Easter Sunday is a day which is celebrated in the eve of resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ
from the dead after 3 days from his crucifixion. Easter Sunday is celebrated in between the
month of March and April.
These are the most important religious festivals which are celebrated in India with great
pomp and show.
2.11 Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima celebrated actually for the eve of birth, enlightenment and passing into
nirvana of Gautama Buddha. It is observed every year generally in between the month of
April and May.
Also read: Buddha Purnima Festival (also Vesak, Buddha Day)
2.12 Mahavir Jayanti
The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira is celebrated by the people belonging to Jain faith.
The celebration involves ceremonial bath to Lord Mahavira, processions, and lectures.
Also read: Short Paragraph on Mahavir Janma Kalyanak (Mahavir Jayanti)

3. Seasonal and Harvesting Festivals in India

There are many types of seasonal and harvesting festivals celebrated in India. The most
important of them are discussed below:
3.1 Basant Panchami
The day of Basant Panchami (also Vasant Panchami) is celebrated by the Hindus as
Saraswati Puja. It is usually celebrated every year in the month of February. This festival
marks the beginning of the Holi festival and also the spring season. On this day, people
worship the Goddess of knowledge, music, culture, i.e., Devi Saraswati.
3.2 Pongal / Makar Sankranti
In Tamil Nadu, 14th of January is celebrated every year as the Pongal Day. In many part of
India, this day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti. This festival is marked with prosperity and
abundance. On this day, freshly harvested cereals and foods are cooked. On the day of Makar
Sankaranti, people worship the Sun God.
3.3 Lohri
Lohri is celebrated on a day proceeding to Makar Sankranti festival, i.e., on 13th January
every year. Lohri Festival is also known as Maghi Festival as it marks the beginning of the
Hindu Month Magh and end of the Hindu month Paush.
3.4 Onam
Onam is principally celebrated by the people of Kerala generally in between the month of
August and September. On this day, people use to wear their best attire and celebrate the
festival with great gusto. On this day, snake boat races are held in which different kinds and
shaped of boat participate in the race.
3.5 Baisakhi
Baisakhi festival is celebrated every year in the month of April. People use to take bath early
in the morning for the Baisakhi festival and enjoy the day with friends and families. This day
also coincides with the many other festivals celebrated within the month of April like Makar
Sankranti, etc.
3.6 Bhogali Bihu
Bhogali Bihu is a traditional harvesting festival of the state of Assam. People celebrate this
day by sporting new clothes and also by cleaning and washing their homes. On this very
auspicious day, people use to exchange gifts and eat several mouth watering items.
3.7 Bihu Dance
Bihu dance is celebrated by the people of the Assam during the Bihu festival. Bihu dance is
one of the most vibrant and colorful folk dance festivals in India. This dance is participated

by both young men and women. This is a totally different kind of dance form in which
participants are seen doing rapid dance steps with a series of quick hand movement
The Importance of festivals
If you approach everything in a celebratory way, you learn to be non-serious about life but
absolutely involved. The problem with most human beings right now is, if they think
something is important, they will become dead serious about it. If they think it is not so
important, they will become lax about it they dont show the necessary involvement. You
know, in India when someone says, He is in a very serious condition, that means his next
step is you know where. A lot of people are in a serious condition. There is only one thing
that is going to happen to them which is of any significance. The rest will bypass them
because with anything that they think is not serious, they are unable to show involvement and
dedication towards that. That is the whole problem. The passage, the secret of life is to see
everything with a non-serious eye, but be absolutely involved like a game. That is the
reason the most profound aspects of life are approached in a celebratory way, so that you
dont miss the point.
Sadhguru looks at the significance and science behind the celebration of each individual
festival.
Why Mahashivratri?
Mahashivratri, is perhaps the most important of festivals in India, and offers a powerful
possibility for spiritual growth.
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima, which falls on the first full moon day after Dakshinayana or the Summer
Solstice, honors the Adi Guru or first Guru, Shiva, and marks the day when he began the
transmission of yoga to the Saptarishis, his first seven disciples.
The Significance of Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti festival, traditionally seen as a harvest festival is a day when there is a
significant movement in the zodiac the arrangement of the earths dial around the sun.
Sadhgurus Ugadi Message
Ugadi marks the Telugu new year, and also shares its date with new year celebrations in
several other parts of the country. Sadhguru looks at the nature of the Indian calendar and
explains why this period of the year was chosen as the new year.
The Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha
Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha is an important occasion when one traditionally honors
his or her ancestors. Sadhguru explains the science behind these rituals.
Dussehra Why Do We Celebrate It?
Dussehra or Vijayadashami is one of the most important Indian festivals. Sadhguru explains

how each of the days in this 10-day period are significant, and how they can bring success
and victory into our life.
Ayudha Pooja What Is Its Significance?
Ayudha Pooja, the tradition of worshiping our tools and implements, is a powerful
opportunity to bring devotion and reverence into our lives.
Diwali Life as a Celebration
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time when we can dispel darkness and bring in the light of
clarity.

India is famous for its kind of festivals and fairs, most of the fair held in India are either
religious fairs or celebration of change of seasons. A number of big fairs are held at important
places of pilgrimage, Khumbh Mela the largest gathering in the world held at three Holi cities
of India. Kolkata Book Fair is the worlds third largest annual conglomeration of books and
worlds largest non-trade book fair. The famous Sonepur Cattle Fair near Patna is the biggest
cattle fair in Asia and worlds largest animal fair. India is a land of fairs and festivals, every
month there is festival with fair held at different regions of India, Some of the big religious
fairs in India are Pushkar Fair, Baneshwar Fair Gangasagar Fair, Tarnetar Mela, Chaitre
Chaudash mela, Nagaur fair, and many monsoon festivals or fairs.
Khumbh Mela: Kumbh Mela is a very big fair and the largest gathering of Hindu pilgrims,
celebrated every twelve years at four holy places Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain and
Nashik. The grand event held by rotation, on the banks of the sacred river Godavari, Kshipra,
Yamuna and The Gange. During this big fair Hindus pilgrims gather at the sacred Ganges
river for holy bath. The major attractions of this biggest religious fair are the procession of
Naga Sadhu Holy Men of India and procession of Akharas marching.

Sonepur
Mela: The Sonepur Cattle Fair held (November) on full moon day in Bihar, on the
confluence of river Ganges and Gandak. Sonepur fair is also known as the Harihar Chhetra
Mela,The Sonepur Fair is the only one of its kind in the world. Haathi Bazaar is one of the
major attraction of the fairs,where elephants are lined up for sale, Apart from this all breeds
of buffaloes, donkeys, ponies and birds are also available for sale. The largest animal fair in
Indian attracts peoples from all around the Asia.

Pushkar Fair:
Pushkar Fair is one of the worlds largest camel fairs, held (October-November) in the oldest
city of Rajasthan Pushkar. The Pushkar camel fair attracts large number of visitors from all

around the world, especially from Israel. The biggest fair of Rajasthan held on the banks of
the Pushkar Lake, It is also an important tourist attraction. The competitions such as the
matka phod and longest mustache and the Hot air balloon are the few very special experience

to enjoy.
Hemis
Gompa Fair: The Hemis Gompa festival is a religious fair and one of the most auspicious
Occasions for the of Buddhist community in India. The grand fair held in the month of
January/February at the worlds famous Hemis Gompa the biggest Buddhist monastery
located in Ladakh. The famous Hemis Gompa is surrounded by mountain rocks and
concealed inside the Hemis National Park.

Kolayat Fair:
Kolayat Fair also known as Kapil Muni Fair is the another largest cattle fair held (SeptemberOctober) in Bikaner district of the Royal state Rajasthan. The major attraction of the fair is
when thousands of devotees take a sacred dip and put several lit oil lamps to float in the calm
waters of the Kolayat lake. The Royal state of India also host Desert Festival of
Jaisalmer,Nagaur fair and the most famous camel Festival in Bikaner.

Chandrabhag
a Mela: Chandrabhaga Mela is also known as Magha Saptam Mela, A grand fair is held
(February) at Khandagiri near Bhubaneswar Orissa. The important fair and festival is
celebrated every year during the full moon phase at the sacred Chandrabhaga River. During

the seven day fair thousands of pilgrims gather to bathe in the holy Chandrabhaga River. The
famous Konarak Sun Temple, Math and Archaeological Museum are the best sightseeing of

the tribal state.

Gangasagar Mela: Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of
mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela. The big religious fair held annually where the holy
river Gange meet the Bay of Bengal in West Bengal. During the time of fairs and festivals
thousands people come for holy bath.

Ambubasi
Fair: The Ambubasi Fair is one of the numerous religious fairs and festivals celebrated
across India. The three-day traditional fair is organized every year during monsoon in the
Kamakhya temple at Guwahati, Assam. Tens of thousands of devotees from different parts of
the country thronged the Kamakhya Temple for the three-day traditional fair.

Baneshwar fair: The Baneshwar fair is most popular tribal fair held in Dungarpur district in
Rajasthan during the month of February. This is a religious fair with simple and traditional
rituals to worship the Lord Shiva. This fair is the center of attraction of a large number of

tribals from the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh.

Role of Festivals
Attracting tourism
First and foremost, festivals are a great anchor for attracting tourism. While the destination is
always available, having a time-limited event encourage visitors to take advantage of this
opportunity and visit the place during the event. For example, although many people are
interested in visiting Brazil, the famous carnival in Rio de Janeiro creates a feeling of unique
chance, pushing potential visitors to take full advantage of the activities. Festivals are also a
prime opportunity to get to know the local culture and experience the essence the place.
During the event, visitors have a unique chance to interact with the local community, gaining
a deeper experience of the ambience, customs and local culture.

Improving the places image

Along with tourists, festivals attract journalists and other opinion leaders. For these
audiences, festivals are a media-event, generating an opportunity for a magazine or a news
story. Such stories may be different from the destinations typical media frame i.e. the way
in which its regularly covered in the news media. Such media events are expending the
places image and creating a window for positive media coverage. At the time of the festival,

it is easier for destinations to demonstrate their positive facets, focusing the medias attention
on favorable occurrences. As part of getting ready for the festival, places can also prepare for
the expected media attention. That, including the preparation of media kits, press room and
local guides to show guests around.

Support the local community

For the residents themselves, festivals are a unique occasion to celebrate the local culture and
interact within the community. For the residents of Munich, for example, the Oktoberfest is a
long standing tradition where they can meet their friends, take pride in the Bavarian culture
and enjoy local dishes such as Wrstl, Brezn and Schweinsbraten. In the tourism context,
festivals can boost the local community in two major ways. First, people of the local culture
are being flattered by the international interest in their culture. This enhances the residents
pride and promotes the preservation and cultivation of the local culture. Second, the tourists
and visitors are spending money within the community, enhancing the local economy and
supporting restaurants, hotels and other tourism-related businesses.