Colourful Festivals in India

India is a country of vibrant culture and multi-cultural heritage. One such vivid culture of India is the colourful festivals that are celebrated in India every year. From the north to the south, from the east to the west, you can find festivals celebrated in each part of India.

Some of the most famous and colourful festivals celebrated in India are the Holi Festival, Diwali, Navratri, Durga Puja, the Pushkar Camel Fair, Ganesh Chaturthi, Pongal and many more.

Following is a glimpse of some of the most popular colourful festivals in India.

1. Holi

   Holi is arguably one of the most popular festivals of India. It is a Hindu festival celebrated with a huge splash of colourful water and powder. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalgun. This festival commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna and signifies the victory of good over evil. In many parts of India, people set up bonfires the night before Holi. The bonfires represent the burning of the demoness Holikā, who attempted to burn Prahlād, a devotee of the god Vishnu. During Holi, people rain in the streets throwing coloured powder and water at each other. The festival is celebrated with lots of sweets and time spent with family and friends.

2. Diwali

   Another festival celebrated in India is the widespread Diwali. Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. It usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. This festival of lights marks the end of the Hindu calendar year and is celebrated on the New Moon day of the Kartik month. During Diwali, homes and business places are brightly decorated with colourful lights, earthen lamps rangolis and candles. People exchange gifts and sweets, burn firecrackers and worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, health and prosperity.

3. Pushkar Camel Fair

   The Pushkar Camel Fair is yet another colourful festival celebrated in India. This fair is held every year in Pushkar, a town located in the state of Rajasthan. The famous camel fair attracts traders from all over the country to buy and sell camels, cattle and livestock. People from all religions and backgrounds travel to the fair to take part in the vibrant festivities. The fair is known for its exotic animals, folk music, camel rides, folk dances, stalls of traditional crafts and delicacies of Rajasthani tribal cuisine. At the fair, visitors can purchase livestock such as camels, horses, and cows. The camels are decorated for the event. Vendors also sell a variety of items such as jewellery, fabrics and traditional handicrafts.

These are just some of the most popular and colourful festivals celebrated in India. Each festival has its own unique traditions, customs and rituals that bring colour to the lives of the citizens of India.