List of Festivals in India in 2025: All Festivals of 29 States
Quick Summary
- India celebrates more than 1,000 festivals in its 29 states, and the major festivals, such as Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, and Onam, bring people together.
- Festivals preserve India’s cultural heritage, build community linkages, and significantly prop up the economy through tourist inflow, local markets, and artisans’ earnings.
- 29 states of India and their main festivals list includes everything about Hornbill Festival, Rath Yatra, Ganesh Chaturthi and more, which capture the heart of India’s festive spirit.
Table of Contents
India is a land of vibrant celebrations, and the list of festivals in India is as diverse as its people. They are lively expressions of our culture that unite millions in happiness and celebration. When festivals are celebrated in India, you can experience streets lit up by diyas on Diwali or the thumping beats of dhol during Punjabi festivals. You will also be mesmerised by the morning prayers of serenity on Eid.
Types of Festivals in India
India’s vibrant tapestry of festivals can be broadly categorized as follows:
- Religious Festivals: India is home to multiple religions, each with its own special celebrations. For example, Hindus celebrate Diwali, Muslims observe Eid, Christians celebrate Christmas, and Sikhs honor Guru Nanak Jayanti.
- Harvest Festivals: These festivals mark the harvest season and express gratitude to nature. Popular examples include Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Baisakhi in Punjab, and Onam in Kerala.
- National Festivals: These festivals hold historical and cultural significance and are celebrated across the country. The most prominent ones include Independence Day, Republic Day, and Gandhi Jayanti.
- Seasonal Festivals: Celebrated to welcome changing seasons, these festivals mark transitions in nature. Holi signifies the arrival of spring, while Makar Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn.
- Cultural Festivals: These festivals highlight the rich traditions and artistic heritage of different regions. Examples include Navratri in Gujarat, Durga Puja in West Bengal, and Bihu in Assam.
List of Festivals in India: State Wise Guide
India’s festivals represent the strong culture of various states. Every region has its unique festivals to celebrate its traditions. All these different celebrations bring communities happiness and harmony. It is the local customs which make these celebrations unique in the entire country. Let’s look at what’s included in 29 states of India and their main festival list:
Festivals in North India
All the northern regions are festive throughout the year. In these states, old customs blend with new celebrations. Local people keep their cultural heritage alive through such big celebrations. The table below mentions the list of festivals in India celebrated in the northern region:
| State | Major Festivals | Time of Year | Significance |
| Punjab | Baisakhi (Harvest Festival) | April | The victory of light over darkness; celebration of colours |
| Uttar Pradesh | Diwali (Festival of Lights, Holi (Festival of Colours) | Oct-Nov, March | The victory of light over darkness; a celebration of colours |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Eid, Navroz | Variable, March | Marks harvest season and the birth of Khalsa |
| Himachal Pradesh | Kullu Dussehra | October | Unique 7-day celebration with local deities |
| Uttarakhand | Makar Sankranti | January | Sun’s northward journey celebration |
Festivals in South India
Southern India’s festivals mix worship with beautiful culture. Every state shows its unique traditions through big celebrations, making them important parts of any complete list of festivals in India. The following table includes the main festivals celebrated in southern region of India:
| State | Major Festivals | Time of Year | Special Features |
| Tamil Nadu | Pongal | January | Four-day harvest festival with unique rituals |
| Kerala | Onam | August-September | Ten-day celebration with boat races |
| Karnataka | Ugadi, Mysore Dasara | March-April, October | New Year celebrations; Royal processions |
| Andhra Pradesh | Sankranti | January | Three-day harvest festival with kite flying |
| Telangana | Bathukamma | September-October | Nine-day floral festival |
Festivals of West India
Western India’s festival schedule is full of colour and excitement. From the dancing nights in Gujarat to the community celebrations in Maharashtra, these festivals show the lively cultural fabric of India. The table below mentions some of the main festivals celebrated among the 29 states of India and their main festival list:
| State | Major Festivals | Time of Year | Unique Elements |
| Rajasthan | Gangaur, Teej | March-April, July | Women-centric celebrations |
| Gujarat | Navratri, Uttarayan | Oct-Nov, January | World’s longest dance festival; International kite festival |
| Maharashtra | Ganesh Chaturthi | August-September | 10-day community celebration |
| Goa | Carnival, Shigmo | February, March | Portuguese influence; Spring festival |
Festivals of East India
East India’s festivals are a colourful mix of devotion, music, and community spirit. These festivals unite people to honour their rich cultural traditions and local deities. Some of the main festivals of eastern India are mentioned in the table below, which you can also find in 29 states of India and their main festivals list PDF:
| State | Major Festivals | Time of Year | Cultural Highlights |
| West Bengal | Durga Puja | September-October | Artistic pandals and cultural performances |
| Odisha | Rath Yatra | June-July | World’s largest chariot festival |
| Assam | Bihu | April, October, January | Dedicated to the Sun God with unique rituals |
| Bihar | Chhath Puja | October-November | Dedicated to Sun God with unique rituals |
| Jharkhand | Sarhul | March-April | Tribal spring festival |
Festivals of Central and Northeast India
Many people ignore the central and northeast regions when they search for the 29 states of India and their main festivals list with pictures. There are peculiar festivals in the central and northeastern parts of India that most people do not know. These festivals also represent the local cultures that make India’s festivals really diversified. The below table lists some of the key festivals of this part of India:
| State | Major Festivals | Time of Year | Distinguished Features |
| Madhya Pradesh | Khajuraho Dance Festival | February | Classical dance performances |
| Chhattisgarh | Bastar Dussehra | October | 75-day-long celebration |
| Nagaland | Hornbill Festival | December | Showcase of all tribal cultures |
| Manipur | Yaoshang | March | Five-day spring festival |
| Meghalaya | Wangala | November | Harvest thanksgiving ceremony |
| Mizoram | Chapchar Kut | March | Spring festival after clearing jungle |
Importance of Festivals in India
Indian festivals connect the past with the present. Each celebration shares a unique story about our history. The streets are filled with traditional music. Homes smell wonderful because of the special foods. Children learn old traditions by joining in fun activities. Following are some other reasons why festivals have a massive significance in India:
- They preserve traditions that have been passed down for generations. Celebrations like Diwali, Durga Puja, and Onam reflect the country’s diversity. They unite people of different regions and faiths.
- These festivals also strengthen our community. Neighbours share sweets during Diwali, communities gather for Eid prayers, and local markets are busy with festival shoppers. A list of festivals in India shows how every celebration helps a local business.
- Festival tourism generates massive revenues as millions of visitors attend events like the Goa Carnival or the Pushkar Fair. In addition, the Kumbh Mela attracts more than 240 million visitors. Local artisans earn 60% of their annual income during festival seasons.
- Small businesses witness a 200% increase in sales during significant festivals. Street vendors, hotels, and transport services also earn huge revenues during such events.
Top 10 Famous Festivals in India
- Raksha Bandhan (Aug): Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, this festival involves tying a sacred thread (rakhi).
- Diwali (Oct/Nov): The “Festival of Lights,” Diwali, marks the Hindu New Year. Homes glow with lights and diyas, rangoli patterns adorn doorways, and families feast and exchange gifts.
- Holi (March): The “Festival of Colors” heralds spring. People joyfully throw colored powder at each other, and bonfires symbolize the triumph of good over evil.
- Dussehra (October): Celebrating Rama’s victory over Ravana, Dussehra features the burning of effigies and dramatic enactments of the Ramayana.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug/Sep): Lord Ganesha’s birth is celebrated with the installation and worship of his statues, culminating in a grand procession and immersion.
- Krishna Janmashtami (Aug/Sep): Marking Krishna’s birth, this festival features the “Dahi Handi,” a playful reenactment of his love for butter and yogurt.
- Eid-ul-Fitr (Variable): This Islamic festival marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims attend prayers, decorate homes, and share food and gifts.
- Gujarat Kite Festival (January): Colorful kites fill the Gujarat skies, celebrating the start of summer and harvest.
- Pushkar Camel Fair (Oct/Nov): Thousands of camels and their owners gather in Rajasthan for trading, racing, and cultural performances.
- Navratri (Sep/Oct): This nine-night festival honors the divine feminine. Garba dances and other festivities mark the occasion.
29 States of India and Their Main Festivals List (Resources Guide)
A compiled list of the 29 states of India and their main festivals list with pictures is a great way to explore the country’s vibrant culture. People who love culture can study India’s festivals through various materials. The Ministry of Tourism has detailed 29 states of India and their main festivals list PDF. State tourism websites show photo galleries of festivals. Cultural organisations offer downloadable calendars. These visual resources capture festival emotions so well. You will get to see:
- The colourful celebrations of Holi in Mathura.
- Witness the great Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata.
- Experience Kerala’s magnificent Thrissur Pooram through these fabulous pictures.
- The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland to Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra.
The list of festivals with pictures helps the viewers understand the character of each celebration.
Celebrating Unity Through Diversity!
The festivals in India represent our great cultural blend. Every state has unique traditions added to the national calendar of celebrations. The list of festivals in India also reflects our language diversity. These celebrations bring happiness to 1.4 billion people.
These festivals also teach us things about life. They remind us that we are human beings. Communities put their differences aside and unite. A Muslim family joins their Hindu neighbours to celebrate Diwali. Christian choirs perform at celebrations that include different faiths. Sikh langars welcome everyone during Baisakhi. These festivals let you see India’s living history. They show us our cultural identity. Each celebration brings unforgettable memories and strong connections. Come and join in India’s festive story!
FAQs: List of Festivals in India
1. What are the major festivals in India?
India has many significant festivals that depict the nation’s rich cultural diversity. Two of the very popular ones in India are the festivals of lights and colours, Diwali and Holi, respectively. Also, Eid and Christmas, Navratri, Durga Puja, and Onam take place with a different style of traditions for each specific region.
2. How many festivals are celebrated in India?
India has several hundred festivals, more than 50 significant ones within its 29 states. Each state has a group of festivals specific to their culture. For example, Baisakhi is celebrated in Punjab and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. All these exhibit how the country is rich, blending religious, seasonal and cultural meanings into celebrations that happen all through the year.
3. Which states celebrate Baisakhi and Pongal?
Baisakhi is the most important harvest festival in Punjab. It also marks the beginning of the Punjabi New Year and wheat harvesting. Pongal is a significant festival in Tamil Nadu. This four-day festivity is an occasion to give thanks to God for the good harvest of that year, which every year falls in mid-January.
4. What is the significance of festivals in India?
Festivals of India are a symbol of unity in diversity. They help conserve cultural traditions, enhance social bonding, and strengthen faith in religious beliefs. Celebrations like Diwali and Eid bring together togetherness, and events like Holi and Onam bring in immense joy. Economically, they boost tourism and support local businesses, adding richness to India’s heritage and growth.
5. What are the main festivals celebrated in Northeast India?
The Northeast has unique and vibrant festivals. The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland depicts tribal culture and is called the “Festival of Festivals.” Bihu in Assam celebrates harvest season with dance and music. Wangala in Meghalaya, the festival of 100 drums, is a harvest celebration for the Sun God and depicts the region’s traditions.
6. What are some of the most well-known festivals celebrated in India?
India celebrates a wide range of festivals, including Diwali, Holi, Eid, Navaratri, Christmas, Makar Sankranti, Raksha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, and many more.
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