Last Updated At: 20-Dec-2023
Often referred to as the 'Land of Festivals, India is a symphony of celebrations where every day tells a new story of joy, unity, and profound spirituality. With its kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions, this incredible nation serves as a captivating stage for festivals that pique the curiosity of travellers across the globe. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, experiencing these celebrations firsthand is a journey of a lifetime. Each festival is a mesmerising spectacle, a burst of colours, flavours and a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity. So, with bated breath and eager anticipation, let's dive into the Indian festivals of India and Holidays Calendar for 2024.
Your ticket to India's cultural extravaganza awaits, and it's time to make 2024 a year of extraordinary travel and boundless wonder!
A Jubilant Start
The year kicks off with New Year's Day, a worldwide celebration of new beginnings. But India adds its own unique touch to it with the warmth of family gatherings and delicious sweets. Soon after, Lohri and Pongal, celebrated predominantly in North and South India, respectively, mark the harvest season with bonfires and feasts.
Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
1st January | Monday | New Year | Nationwide | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. |
14th January | Sunday | Lohri | Northern India | Celebrates winter solstice and harvest. |
15th January | Monday | Pongal/Makar Sankranti | South India | Harvest festival marking the sun's transition. |
23rd January | Tuesday | Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti | Nationwide | Birth anniversary of freedom fighter. |
26th January | Friday | Indian Republic Day | Nationwide | Commemorates the adoption of the constitution. |
A Spiritual Pause
February brings a moment of spiritual reflection with Basant Panchami and Saraswati Puja. It's a day to honour Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and art, with prayers and offerings of yellow flowers. The atmosphere is filled with the mellowness of spring, and schools often organise special ceremonies.
Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
14th February | Wednesday | Basant Panchami/Saraswati Pooja | Nationwide | Worship of the goddess of knowledge. |
The Colours of Devotion
In March, the nation lights up with devotion. Mahashivratri, celebrated with fervour, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's a night of prayer and fasting, followed by joyous celebrations. Holi, the Festival of Colors, transforms the country into a vibrant canvas of love and unity. People play with coloured powders and water, signifying the victory of good over evil.
Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
8th March | Friday | Mahashivratri | Nationwide | Celebrates Lord Shiva's divine marriage. |
24th March | Sunday | Holika Dehan | Nationwide | Bonfires to symbolize the victory of good over evil. |
25th March | Monday | Holi | Nationwide | Festival of colours and spring. |
29th March | Friday | Good Friday | Nationwide | Observance of Jesus Christ's crucifixion. |
Time for Renewal
April welcomes the New Year in many parts of India, with Ugadi, Gudi Padwa and Chaitra Navratri. These festivals symbolise the spirit of renewal and people wear new clothes and decorate their homes. Baisakhi, celebrated with enthusiasm in Punjab, is a harvest festival marked by traditional dance and feasting.
Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
1st April | Monday | Bank Holiday | Nationwide | Bank holiday. |
9th April | Tuesday | Ugadi/Gudi Padwa/Chaitra Navratri | South and West India | Hindu New Year. |
10th April | Wednesday | Cheti Chand | Sindhi Community | Sindhi New Year. |
13th April | Saturday | Baisakhi | Northern India | Sikh and Hindu harvest festival. |
14th April | Sunday | Ambedkar Jayanti | Nationwide | Birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. |
17th April | Wednesday | Ram Navmi | Nationwide | Lord Rama's birthday celebration. |
23rd April | Tuesday | Hanuman Jayanti | Nationwide | Birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman. |
The Prosperity of Akshaya Tritiya
May bring Akshaya Tritiya, a day believed to bring prosperity and success. People invest in gold, start new ventures, and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It's a time when positivity and abundance fill the air.
Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
10th May | Friday | Akshaya Tritiya | Nationwide | Auspicious day for new beginnings. |