India celebrates a multitude of national festivals that reflect its rich cultural tapestry and unity. Among the prominent ones are Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness; Holi, the festival of colors, marking the arrival of spring; Eid, celebrated by Muslims with fervor; Christmas, observed by the Christian community; and Independence Day and Republic Day, commemorating the nation’s freedom and the adoption of the constitution, respectively.
Each festival carries distinct traditions, customs, and significance, showcasing the diverse cultural mosaic and collective spirit of the Indian populace, fostering harmony and unity across the nation.
List of National Festivals of India
| Festival | Significance | Celebration |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Day | India gained independence on 15th August 1947. It’s celebrated as a tribute to freedom fighters, recalling their sacrifices. Speeches, flag hoisting, and cultural programs honor their bravery. | Flag hoisting, speeches on freedom movements, cultural programs across the country. |
| Republic Day | Constitution came into force on 26th January 1950, marking India’s sovereignty. Celebrated with grand parades and cultural events, especially the main event at Rajpath in New Delhi. | Parades, dances, cultural events, especially at Rajpath, New Delhi. |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Celebrated on 2nd October to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. It commemorates his philosophy of truth and non-violence, key to India’s independence. | Events honoring Gandhi’s principles, commemorations, discussions on his contributions. |
National Festivals of India Chart
| Festivals in India | Festival Type |
|---|---|
| New Year | Religious |
| Makar Sankranti | Religious |
| Lohri | Religious |
| Pongal | Religious |
| Basant Panchmi | Religious |
| Republic Day | National |
| Guru Ravidass Jayanti | Religious |
| Lui-Ngai-Ni | Religious |
| Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Religious |
| Mahashivratri | Religious |
| Losar | Religious |
| Gangaur | Religious |
| Holi | Religious |
| Ugadi | Religious |
| Mewar Festival | Religious |
| Ram Navami | Religious |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Religious |
| Good Friday | Religious |
| Easter | Religious |
| Vaisakhi | Religious |
| Eid Ul Fitr | Religious |
| Moatsu Mong | Religious |
| Buddha Purnima | Religious |
| Rabindra Jayanti | Religious |
| Saga Dawa | Religious |
| Rath Yatra | Religious |
| Hemis | Religious |
| Bakrid/Eid-ul-Zuha | Religious |
| Dree Festival | Religious |
| Independence Day | National |
| Parsi New Year Navroz | Religious |
| Onam | Religious |
| Raksha Bandhan | Religious |
| Janmashtami | Religious |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Religious |
| Id E Milad | Religious |
| Gandhi Jayanti | National |
| Navratri | Religious |
| Durga Puja | Religious |
| Dussehra | Religious |
| Valmiki Jayanti | Religious |
| Karva Chauth | Religious |
| Diwali | Religious |
| Bhai Dooj | Religious |
| Chhath Puja | Religious |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Religious |
| Hornbill Festival | Religious |
| Christmas | Religious |
| Kumbh Mela | Religious |
Festivals of India List State Wise
| State Name | Festivals of India |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Dasara, Ugadi, Deccan Festival, Brahmotsavam |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Reh, Boori Boot, Myoko, Dree, Pongtu, Losar, Murung, Solang, Mopin, Monpa festival |
| Assam | Ambubachi, Bhogali Bihu, Baishagu, Dehing Patkai |
| Bihar | Chhath Puja, Bihula |
| Chhattisgarh | Maghi Purnima, Bastar Dussehra |
| Goa | Sunburn festival, Ladain, Mando |
| Gujarat | Navratri, Janmashtami, Kutch Utsav, Uttarayana |
| Himachal Pradesh | Rakhadumni, Gochi Festival |
| Haryana | Baisakhi |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Har Navami, Chhari, Bahu Mela, Dosmoche |
| Jharkhand | Karam Utsav, Holi, Rohini, Tusu |
| Karnataka | Mysore Dasara, Ugadi |
| Kerala | Onam, Vishu |
| Madhya Pradesh | Lok-rang Utsav, Tejaji, Khujaraho festival |
| Meghalaya | Nongkrem festival, Khasis festival, Wangla, Sajibu Cheiraoba |
| Maharashtra | Ganesh Utsav, Gudi Padva |
| Manipur | Yaoshang, Porag, Chavang Kut |
| Mizoram | Chapcharkut Festival |
| Nagaland | Hornbill festival, Moatsu Festival |
| Odisha | Rath Yatra, Raja Parba, Nukahai |
| Punjab | Lohri, Baisakhi |
| Rajasthan | Gangaur, Teej, Bundi |
| Sikkim | Losar, Saga Dawa |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal, Thaipusam, Natyanjali Festival |
| Telangana | Bonalu, Bathukamma |
| Tripura | Kharchi Puja |
| West Bengal | Durga Puja |
| Uttaranchal | Ganga Dussehra |
| Uttar Pradesh | Ram Navmi, Ganga Mahotsav, Navaratri, Khichdi |
Read :
Government Holidays List 2024 in India