Popular Hindu Festivals in India 2025

Knowing the dates of these festivals beforehand is important to help you plan your festivities or holiday dates ahead of time. These festivals are a wonderful way of bringing together families, friends, and communities, and honouring the ancestral traditions of the Hindu culture.

Significance of Hindu Festivals

Makar Sankranti: A Hindu holiday known as Makar Sankranti commemorates the sun's entry into the Capricorn zodiac sign. It is observed in many regions of India and Nepal and often occurs on 14 or 15 January. The celebration commemorates the passage from the winter solstice to longer days. Taking a holy swim in rivers, particularly the Ganges, is a ritual associated with Makar Sankranti and is one of its important components. A dip during this time is thought to purify one of sins and bring good fortune. In various parts of India, kite flying is a common custom used to mark Makar Sankranti. There are frequently kite-flying competitions, and the sky is awash in vibrant kites. The event is a time for giving gratitude for the harvest, taking part in cultural activities with loved ones, and celebrating the solar calendar's transition. It is marked by a variety of regional customs and traditions and has significant cultural significance.

Pongal: The state of Tamil Nadu is the main location for the celebration of Pongal, a traditional harvest festival in South India. The festival's centrepiece, Thai Pongal, is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. People prepare a special dish known as Pongal on this day using freshly harvested rice, jaggery, and other ingredients. As a sign of appreciation for the harvest, the dish is made in a customary earthen pot and dedicated to the Sun God. Bhogi Pongal, which is commemorated the day before Thai Pongal, marks the start of the festival. People throw away used and outdated objects on Bhogi Pongal as a sign of letting go of the past and welcoming the future. Mattu Pongal, the third day of Pongal, is devoted to the worship of cattle. On this day, cows and bulls, who are essential to agriculture, are bathed, adorned, and venerated. Kaanum Pongal, the festival's last day, is a day for family get-togethers and outings. People spend time with friends and family, eat together, and participate in celebratory activities.

Vasant Panchami: A Hindu celebration called Vasant Panchami, also called Basant Panchami, heralds the start of spring. It normally occurs on the fifth day (Panchami) of the shining half of the Hindu month of Magha, in late January or early February. The festival honours Saraswati, the goddess of learning, understanding, music, and the arts. People worship Goddess Saraswati on Vasant Panchami in order to ask for her blessings on creativity, knowledge, and wisdom. Yellow is seen as an auspicious colour, thus devotees dress in it and present the goddess with yellow flowers. To celebrate the start of spring, a number of cultural events are planned, including musical and dance performances. People use art to show their happiness during this time.

Maha Shivratri: Hindus celebrate Maha Shivaratri, also known as the "Great Night of Shiva," as a day to honour Lord Shiva. In the Hindu month of Phalguna, which often falls in February or March on the Gregorian calendar, it is marked on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight. To the Shiva Linga, which represents Lord Shiva, devotees offer milk, fruits, flowers, and bael leaves. On Maha Shivaratri, many devotees practise fast as a form of penance and to enlist Lord Shiva's blessings. While some people choose to fast completely without eating or drinking, others may choose to only fast somewhat. Throughout India and other areas of the world, millions of devotees celebrate Maha Shivaratri with great enthusiasm.

Holi: The "Festival of Colours," also known as Holi, is one of India's most colourful and popular holidays. It heralds the approach of spring and is joyfully and enthusiastically observed. The Hindu lunar calendar determines the date of Holi, which typically occurs in March. Playing with colours is the most recognisable part of Holi. People congregate in open areas and engage in colour-related games, tossing coloured powder and water balloons at one another. It's a happy and jubilant festival that dismantles social barriers and spreads joy. Although the colourful celebrations are its most well-known feature, Holi is also observed in a variety of traditional ways throughout India. It includes procession dances, local traditions, and other things in some regions.

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Telugu New Year: In India's Deccan area, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, Ugadi is celebrated as the start of the new year. The Chaitra month, which typically begins in March or April, is commemorated on this day as the beginning of the month. The new lunar calendar year officially begins on Ugadi. It's a time for new beginnings, resolutions, and letting go of bad habits. Gudi Padwa is primarily observed in the Konkan region in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It usually occurs on the first day of the Chaitra month, which is in March or April. Gudi Padwa is a period for cleaning and adorning dwellings, similar to Ugadi. People use flowers and rangoli (colourful floor designs) to decorate their homes, which fosters a joyous environment.

Rama Navami: The Hindu holiday of Rama Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama, who is regarded as Lord Vishnu's seventh incarnation. According to the Hindu calendar, it occurs on the ninth day (Navami), which normally falls in March or April. At temples devoted to Lord Rama, devotees keep fasts and take part in prayers and pujas (rituals). It is customary to recite the Ramayana, an epic that describes the life and deeds of Rama. To commemorate Rama Navami, processions are planned in several areas. In opulent processions, idols or pictures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, his devoted follower Hanuman, and other characters from the Ramayana are paraded.

Vaisakhi: The celebration of Vaisakhi is observed across India but is particularly popular in Punjab. It commemorates the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa (the Sikh community) by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Vaisakhi, which the Hindus identify with the harvest, is considered a lucky time for new beginnings. Vaisakha is a month marked by beginnings, harvest celebrations, and religious rituals. As a reflection of the cultural diversity found within Hinduism and other religious traditions, the festivities observed during this month vary across various locations and communities.

Tamil New Year: The Tamil New Year is celebrated according to the Tamil calendar and is also referred to as Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu. Depending on the lunar calendar, it usually occurs on April 14 or 15. The Tamil calendar's Chithirai month begins on the day of the celebration. On Tamil New Year, a lot of people go to temples to seek blessings for a prosperous and peaceful new year. In temples, special rites and prayers are performed. Cultural activities, such as traditional music and dance performances, mark the Tamil New Year. The festivities also include traditional games and folk arts. During these unique feasts, families join together to share food and joy with one another.

Vishu: Hindus in Kerala, India, and some areas of coastal Karnataka celebrate the festival of Vishu. It is the first day of the Malayalam calendar and usually occurs in April. The event, which is celebrated with a number of age-old traditions and customs, is a day of joy and prosperity. An essential component of the festivities is a traditional feast called Vishu Sadhya. It features a wide selection of delectable vegetarian cuisine presented on a banana leaf. People also make special treats like Vishu Kanji and Vishu Katta. Vishu is connected with the golden-hued Kani Konna flowers (Cassia fistula), which are frequently used in decorations. These blooms are considered lucky. The day is celebrated with parties and the setting off of fireworks. Communities and families join together to celebrate happy occasions.

Bengali New Year: The first day of the Bengali calendar is known as Pohela Boishakh or Bengali New Year. It usually occurs in the middle of April and is widely observed in West Bengal, where Bengali is the primary language. The festival combines customary practises, cultural activities, and fun events. People usually participate in "Prabhat Pheri" processions in the early morning to start the day. A vibrant display of decorations, music, and dance surrounds the streets as people dress in traditional Bengali garb. In front of residences and public areas, artisans engrave elaborate alpana (rangoli) patterns. Families join together to feast on traditional Bengali cuisine as a big part of the celebration. The celebration of the New Year is incomplete without sweets.

Raksha Bandhan: A Hindu holiday termed Raksha Bandhan honours the relationship between siblings. The main ritual entails the sister wrapping a decorative thread known as a rakhi around her brother's wrist to represent her love and prayers for his wellbeing. The brother often promises to look out for and support his sister in exchange for a present. It's a day to celebrate sibling bonds and show affection for them. The Hindu lunar calendar month of Shravana is when Raksha Bandhan is traditionally observed. August is usually when this happens.

Janmashtami: The birth of Lord Krishna, who is regarded as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, is commemorated on Janmashtami, another colourful Hindu festival. It normally occurs on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, or dark fortnight, in the month of Shravana, or August or September. To honour the birth of Lord Krishna, devotees observe fasts, recite pious hymns, and take part in several cultural and religious celebrations. One of the highlights of Janmashtami is "Dahi Handi," in which groups of young people construct human pyramids to smash a pot of butter or curd. This tradition represents the mischievous side of Lord Krishna, who was reputed to have stolen butter as a youngster. India as a whole celebrates the occasion with great excitement and enthusiasm.

Vinayaka Chaturthi: Vinayaka Chaturthi honours the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity who represents wisdom and prosperity. On the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the waxing moon phase during the month of Bhadrapada (typically August or September), this event is celebrated.  Ganesha statues are placed in residences and public spaces throughout the festival, which also features prayers, devotional music, and cultural activities. Offering Lord Ganesha various sweets, fruits, and flowers in exchange for his blessings on wisdom, success, and the elimination of obstacles is a common practise among devotees. The celebrations come to a close with Lord Ganesha's return to his dwelling symbolised by the immersion of Ganesha idols in water.

Mahalaya Amavasya: Mahalaya Amavasya is a significant Hindu holiday, especially when it comes to remembering and respecting one's ancestors. It takes place on Ashwin's Amavasya, the new moon day.  Tarpanam or Shraddha ceremonies, which are performed in honour of deceased ancestors, are seen as being particularly important during Mahalaya. People offer water, sesame seeds, and other traditional objects at this time to show their appreciation and honour their ancestors. Mahalaya Amavasya marks the start of the Pitru Paksha, a 16-day lunar cycle, while Sarva Pitru Amavasya marks its end. Mahalaya Amavasya is a day that is observed to honour the importance of one's ancestors and to acknowledge and maintain the connection between the living and the dead.

Maha Navami: The ninth day of the nine-day Navratri celebration, which honours the goddess Durga, is known as Maha Navami. The ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian calendar, is often when it occurs. Devotees celebrate the various manifestations of the goddess Durga during Navratri, which lasts for nine nights and ten days. On the auspicious day known as Maha Navami, extensive rites and festivities are held to honour the goddess. Maha Navami is frequently connected to the conclusion of the Durga Puja holiday, a significant event in West Bengal and other parts of India.

Diwali: Deepavali, usually referred to as Diwali, is one of the most frequently observed festivals among Hindus in India and around the world. The Gregorian calendar typically places it between October and November. It commemorates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The major day of Diwali is on the third day of the celebration, which lasts for five days. To represent the victory of light over darkness, people decorate and clean their homes, light oil lamps (diyas), and light fireworks. Families get together, share holiday dinners, and exchange gifts. Diwali is notable for many reasons, one of which is the worship of various deities according to local customs. It honours the homecoming of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his devoted friend Hanuman to Ayodhya following their victory over the demonic king Ravana in North India.

Bhai Dooj: The fifth and final day of Diwali is when Hindus celebrate Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phota in some areas. The second day of the brilliant fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Kartika, which corresponds to October or November, is the customary date for its occurrence.  The occasion of Bhai Dooj honours the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters conduct a unique ceremony on this day where they put a tilak (a vermilion mark) on their brother's forehead, engage in an aarti (a ritual involving the waving of light), and offer prayers for their welfare. In exchange, brothers offer their sisters presents and promise to look out for and help them. The celebration is characterised by affection, devotion, and a tightening of sibling ties.

Chhath Puja: Hindus celebrate Chhath Puja as a time to honour Surya, the Sun God, who they believe to be the source of all life on Earth. Most of India's states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh participate in this festival.  Six days after Diwali is Chhath Puja, which usually takes place in October or November. Four days are dedicated to the event, which is marked by strict rites and fasts. Devotees pray to the setting sun on the main Chhath Puja day and again to the rising sun the next morning. The ceremonies entail fasting, standing in water for extended periods of time while making arghya (offerings to the sun), and taking a holy plunge in a sacred river. The deep spiritual connection that Chhath Puja establishes with nature is well known for its simplicity.

Karthika Purnima: A Hindu festival known as Kartik Purnima is observed on the day of the full moon, or Purnima, in the month of Kartika, which, according to the Gregorian calendar, falls between October and November. It has several names in various locations and has significance in many different traditions. The lighting of lamps, or diyas, is a prominent Kartik Purnima event. It's a metaphor for chasing away the shadows and letting light into one's life. This day is sometimes linked to the worship of Lord Shiva, his son Kartikeya, and Goddess Parvati.

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