Holiday in India on February 23. Indian Holidays (2018)

– a very culturally rich and multinational state. Therefore, a huge number of holidays of different cultures, traditions, and beliefs are celebrated throughout the country. Multi-day festivals and colorful Indian folk festivities are held annually.

National Indian holidays

If we talk about state public holidays that do not belong to any particular nationality, but are celebrated throughout the country, then there are only three of them in India. Indian Independence Day celebrated annually on August 15th. Second public holiday - Republic Day. It is celebrated on January 26th. The whole country celebrates Gandhi's birthday on October 2.

In addition, holidays of different religions, beliefs and nationalities are celebrated in different provinces of the country. The most popular and numerous holidays are the holidays of the Hindu religion. The largest of them is Diwali, is marked by a multi-day festival of lights (the very name of the celebration is translated from Sanskrit as “bunch of fire”). Numerous celebrations mark the victory of light over darkness and are accompanied by carnival processions, fireworks, songs and dances. Diwali is usually celebrated in the month of October or November and lasts for five days.

Among other major Indian celebrations, mention should be made of the “festival of colors” - Holi(floating date). It has already become known throughout the world and is celebrated in many parts of it. Other Hindu holidays: Pongal(Harvest Gratitude Festival, January 15), Rama Navami(appearance day of Rama, April 13), K rishna-janmashtami(Krishna's appearance day, August 24).

Indian holidays and rituals

India is also one of the countries where the proportion of Muslim population is very large. are the second in the number of people celebrating. The dates of celebrations in this religion are tied to the lunar calendar (Hijri), and therefore change from year to year. Among the most important Muslim holidays celebrated in India is the festival of breaking the fast. Eid al Adha, which marks the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan, as well as the Feast of Sacrifice Eid al-Adha.

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January February

February March

February/April

April May

June July

July August

Aug. Sept

September October

Diwali, a national holiday, is one of the most wonderful and colorful in India. In some parts it celebrates the Hindu New Year. In Eastern India, the goddess of prosperity and prosperity Lakshmi is especially revered on this day. There are magnificent illuminations and fireworks everywhere.

Gurpu Rab is celebrated mainly in North India. The holiday of ten gurus, spiritual mentors and forerunners of Sikhism. There are no processions.

November

December

In addition to the listed celebrations, there are hundreds of others, of local significance, but celebrated no less colorfully and pompously. The most traditional of them are: (1) temple festivals in South India, a list of which is available at the representative office of the State Tourist Office of India; (2) numerous holidays in Ladakh and Kashmir; (3) many festivals in Rajasthan, where one of them is either already underway or is about to begin.

Music festivals

Below is a list of major music festivals in India:

Holidays of India

The Indian calendar is a continuous series of various holidays and festivals: public holidays celebrated throughout the country, regional and religious ones. Indian festivals have an ancient history and are part of the rich Indian culture. Most of them are calculated according to the lunar calendar and have a moving date. The year begins from the end of March (month of Chaitra).
Indian holidays are a good example of hospitality that attracts people from all over the world. The same Indian festivals, reflecting countless legends, are celebrated in different regions under different names. Indian holidays are a colorful kaleidoscope called India.
Cuisine, music, theatrical performances, dancing, traditional festive clothing, a colorful range of colors, bright illumination - all these are the holidays of India.

Chaitra (March-April)

Chaitra Shukladi is a New Year in North India celebrated on the first day of the month of Chaitra. According to the Brahma Purana, on this day the creator Brahma created our world.

Gudi Padwa is New Year in Maharashtra. Celebrated on the same day as Chaitra Shukladi.

Ugadi (lit. "beginning of an era") - New Year in the states of South India, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh. Celebrated on the same day as Chaitra Shukladi.

Vasanta Navratri- a spring holiday dedicated to the worship and glorification of the Divine Mother. It begins on amavasya (new moon) at the beginning of the month of Chaitra. The first three days worship Goddess Durga in Her wrathful forms. She is asked to destroy inner demons, to destroy imperfection and ignorance. For the next three days, Lakshmi, the bestower of good luck and prosperity, is venerated. The last three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It is she who bestows knowledge and wisdom.

- the day of the appearance of Rama, the hero of the ancient Indian epic "Ramayana", who is worshiped as the seventh avatar of Vishnu. The festival is celebrated on the 9th day of the waxing moon of the month of Chaitra and marks the end of the nine days of Vasant Navratri. Celebrations take place throughout India, including in Ayodhya, the city where Lord Rama was born. The service begins in the morning by chanting Vedic mantras and offering flowers and fruits to the Deity. In some states of India, especially Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Satsangs (reading of scriptures, particularly the Ramayana, stories glorifying Lord Ramachandra) are held at public gatherings. People of all castes and creeds participate in these meetings. Believers fast all day, breaking their fast only at midnight with fruit. Rama Navami reaches its climax at midnight with the sound of bells and conch shells.

Hanuman Jayanti is the appearance day of Hanuman, the monkey god, a great devotee of Rama. The festival is celebrated on the full moon (purnima) of the month of Chaitra.

Vaishak, Vaisakha (April-May)

Vaishak (Baisakhi, Baishakhi) is a day marking the beginning of a new solar year. It falls on April 13th. One of the few holidays in the Indian calendar that has a static date. Vaishak is also an ancient harvest festival in North India, especially in the Punjab region.

Buddha Jayanti (Buddha Purnima, Vesak) is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Vaishak. Buddha Purnima is important for Buddhists because three events are celebrated on this day: the appearance of the Buddha, the enlightenment of the Buddha and his passing (death). The holiday is celebrated with particular solemnity in Lumbini (modern Nepal), the place of his birth, and in Bodhgaya, the place where Prince Gautama achieved enlightenment while sitting under the sacred Ashwattha tree (Bodhi tree), and became known as Lord Buddha.

Jeshta (May-June)

Ganga Dashahara (Ganga Puja, Ganga Dussehra) - a holiday dedicated to the worship of the sacred river Ganges. This is the day of the appearance of Mother Ganga, the day when the sacred river descended from heaven to Earth. There is an ancient legend that tells how the Ganga descended from heaven.
Once upon a time, the great king Bhagirathi came to Mount Himavan to indulge in severe asceticism there. Driven by the desire to save his ancestors who had not reached heaven, he spent a thousand years in repentance. And after a thousand heavenly years, having taken on a bodily form, the great river itself, the Goddess Ganga, appeared to him. She asked the king what he wanted. And the king replied that his ancestors would not be given a place in heaven until she washed their bodies with her waters. Hearing these words of the king, Ganga, honored by the whole world, told Bhagiratha that she would fulfill his wish. But its pressure, when it begins to fall from heaven, will be difficult to contain. Only Lord Shiva can contain its waters. Hearing these words, King Bhagirithi went to Mount Kailash and began to please Shiva. Pleased with the king's asceticism, Bhagavan promised to hold back the Ganges as she fell from heaven. Thus Ganga, the daughter of Himavan, descended into this world.
Ganga Dashahara begins with Amavasya (new moon) of the month of Jeshta and lasts 10 days. Worship is accompanied by the chanting of mantras and the offering of fire lamps. In the evenings, thousands of leaf boats with lit lights, flowers and sweets are offered to the Ganges to the sound of bells. Thousands of devotees gather in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayag to take bath and offer their prayers to Mother Ganga.

Vat Savitri Purnima(Svitri Purnima, Vat-Savitri Vrat, Vat-Savitri Puja) is a very popular festival in India, which is celebrated throughout the country and especially in the states of Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. It is celebrated by women on the full moon of the month of Jeshta. On this day, women pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. The meaning of Vat-Savitri Purnima is associated with the story from the Mahabharata about Savitri and Satyavan, which tells how Savitri, endowed with all virtues and devoted to her husband, returned her deceased husband from the abode of Yama (God of Death). And now Savitri’s strength and devotion remain an example for Indian women. On the eve of Vat Savitri Purnima, women fast, and in the morning, after taking bath and putting on new clothes, they come to the sacred banyan tree. After watering the tree and performing puja - an offering of flowers and fruits, they sprinkle red kumkum powder on the sacred banyan tree. Women tie a red cotton thread around the tree trunk and walk around it seven times to perform parikrama.

Ashadha (June-July)

Or the Chariot Festival is held annually in Puri (Orissa). He's tied up with Lord Jagannatha (one of the forms of Krishna). The festival is held on the second day of the month of Ashadha and symbolizes Krishna's journey from Gokul to Mathura. Jagannath (Krishna), his brother Balabhadra (Balarama) and sister Subhadra are seated on their huge chariots (rathas). The main chariot of Jagannath is being built fourteen meters high. It stands on sixteen wheels. Four thousand men, temple servants, pull the chariots by thick ropes, exerting enormous effort. Crowds of pilgrims come to this holiday. The deities are taken on chariots to the Gundicha Mandir, where they remain for a full week before returning to the Jagannath Temple.

Guru Purnima is a day of honoring the spiritual teacher, celebrated on the full moon day (purnima) of the month of Ashadha. It is also the birthday of Vyasa, the legendary sage considered the compiler (editor) of the Vedas, Puranas and the famous epic Mahabharata.

Sravana (July-August)

- holiday of snake worship. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Shravan. On this day, people offer milk and silver jewelry to cobras to protect themselves from all evils. Multi-colored images of snakes are hung above the entrance to the house, and this is done not only as a sign of respect for snakes, but also to preserve the well-being of the home.

Mahalakshmi gate- worship performed by married women to obtain the blessings of Mahalakshmi - the Goddess of prosperity and wealth. This festival It is held on the Friday before the full moon of the month of Shravan. On this day, women clean their houses and decorate their courtyards with colorful designs. rangoli. Then, having put on beautiful clothes and ornaments, they begin to perform the vrata.
(Kalasha) - a ritual pot decorated with a swastika, made of gold, silver, bronze or copper; among the common people, made of clay, sometimes wrapped in colorful cloth, filled with rice and water. Mango and betel leaves are placed on top. A coconut greased with turmeric and covered with a cloth is placed on the leaves.
The puja begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of luck and wisdom. Later, Goddess Mahalakshmi is invoked into the kalash. She is offered nine varieties of gourmet dishes, including sweets and spicy foods. Women sing hymns in honor of Goddess Mahalakshmi and offer their prayers to her.

Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi Purnima) is a heartfelt, joyful festival celebrated in North India. Day The celebration of the bond of love between brother and sister falls on the full moon of the month of Shravan. The main ritual of the festival consists of the sister tying a consecrated rakhi cord on her brother’s wrist. With this, the sister wishes well-being and prosperity to her brother. The elder brother, in turn, offers a gift for his sister and vows to protect her from all troubles and help her in everything. According to custom, brother and sister feed each other sweets on this day.
In western India, namely Maharashtra and Gujarat, this day is celebrated as Nariyal Purnima. Residents of these states, throwing coconuts into the sea, make an offering to the God of Waters, Varuna.
In southern and central India, including the states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Orissa, Brahmins perform the ritual pack pocket- replacing the old sacred cord with a new one.

Krishna Janmashtami- the day of appearance of Krishna - avatars of Lord Vishnu, which is celebrated on the eighth day (ashtami) of the waning moon in the month of Sravana. Janmashtami is celebrated with special pomp in those places where Krishna is worshiped, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan.

Bhadrapad (August-September)

Ganesh Chaturthi is a holiday in honor of the appearance of the elephant-headed God of luck and wisdom, Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. The celebrations begin on the fourth day of the indwelling moon of the month of Bhadrapad and last for 10 days. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India, but it is especially celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Fruits, milk, flowers, coconuts and sweets are offered to Lord Ganesha. In Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, many images of Ganesha are made from clay on this day and decorated with flower garlands, kumkum powder and sandalwood paste. After 10 days of worship, the Deity is immersed in the ocean.

Onam is the largest rice harvest festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Onam celebrations begin on Atham day and last for 10 days. Women decorate the front yard with a carpet of flowers called pukkalam. The last day of the festival, Thiruvonam, is the most important because... it symbolizes the return to Kerala of the powerful asura king Bali (Mahabali), grandson of Prahlada and great-grandson of Hiranyakashipu, during whose reign, according to the Puranas, this area achieved its greatest prosperity.

Ashwin, Ashwayuja (September-October)

Pitr Paksha (Pitri Paksha, Pitru Paksha, Sola Shraddha, Kanagat, Jitiya, Mahalaya Paksha and Apara Paksha).
Pitri Paksha lit. “the fortnight dedicated to the ancestors” is a period of regular ceremonies called shradha, lasting 16 lunar days, during which honors are paid to the deceased ancestors - pitars, pitas.
During this period, the ancestors ( pitars, pitas) food is offered, a ritual of sacred libation of water is performed, called tarpan, and also performed agnihotra, or Khoma- sacrifice to fire. The food offered to the ancestors should include kheer(sweet milk rice porridge), lapsi(sweet porridge made from wheat grains (kolivo or kutia) boiled in water), boiled rice, dal and yellow pumpkin. An integral part of shraddha is the ceremony. pinda daan or pind dan - letters "Pinda offering". Pinda is a mixture of boiled rice, barley flour, ghee and black sesame rolled into balls. On these days, strict abstinence is observed from eating animal food, garlic and onions, sexual relations, alcohol, cigarettes, and intoxicants. Distributing food offered is considered a favorable action.

In Northern India, as well as Nepal, this period falls during the bright half of the month. Ashwin(September-October) and starts from amavasya(new moon).
In South and Western India, this period falls during the dark half of the month. bhadrapad(August-September), starting with the full moon ( purnima) and ending on the new moon day known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya or simply Mahalaya.

Maha Navaratri (Navratri, Sharad Navaratri) is one of the largest and most colorful holidays in India, the most important of all five Navaratris: 1) Vasanta Navaratri, celebrated in the month of Chaitra; 2) Gupta Navaratri - month of Ashadha; 3) Maha Navratri - month of Ashvin; 4) Paushya Navaratri - the month of Paush; 5) Magh Navratri is the month of Magh.
The word "Navratri" literally means "nine nights" in Sanskrit. The festival begins on amavasya (new moon). During the 9 days and nights of the bright half of the month of Ashvin, the Mother Goddess in her various manifestations is revered. The festival includes the worship of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, each of whom is worshiped for three days. Navratri ends with Dushahra, celebrated on the tenth day of the festival. In different parts of India, the worship of the three aspects of the Mother Goddess may be performed at different times. Maha Navaratri includes Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja.

It is an important part of the Navratri festival. It is held on the last three days of Maha Navratri. At the beginning of the festival, the Saraswati Avahan ritual, lit. "call of the goddess Saraswati." Then Saraswati Pradhan Puja, during which fruits, rice, jaggery and sweets are presented to Goddess Saraswati, the patroness of arts and knowledge. Beautifully wrapped books are placed on the altar. On this day, preschoolers are first introduced to the letters of the alphabet.

Dussehra (Dassera, Dasara, Vijaya Dashami, Durga Puja) - the tenth day of Navratri is the culmination of worship Devi, who is personified as Shakti, Durga, Kali, Parvati, Lakshmi and Saraswati.
This festival is celebrated in different ways in different regions of India. However, everyone celebrates the victory of good over evil.
In Northern India (especially in Uttar Pradesh), Dushahra is celebrated as the victory of God Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, over the demon Ravana. On these days, theatrical performances are organized and the Ramayana is read. And at the end of the holiday, a huge image of the ten-headed demon Ravana is burned, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

In Bengal, the festival is celebrated as a worship of Goddess Durga.

Sharad Purnima is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Ashwin. The rainy season is over and the brightness of the full moon brings special joy. This traditional celebration is also called Kaumudi, which means moonlight. Everywhere they perform a ceremony of worship (puja) of the goddess Lakshmi. There is a belief that on this night Lakshmi goes from house to house, bestowing blessings on those who are awake. Therefore, people sit all night in the moonlight, glorifying the Goddess with chants.

Kartik (October-November) Or Deepavali (literally "row of lights") - a festival of lights, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. It falls on the new moon of the month of Kartik and
is celebrated for five days. According to legend, the beginning of the Diwali celebration is associated with the return of Prince Rama to his homeland after a 14-year exile in the forest, and his victory over the demon Ravana. The inhabitants of Ayodhya (the capital of his kingdom) greeted Rama with the fire of lamps.
Diwali marks the end of the harvest season and is therefore also dedicated to the Goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi, the wife of God Vishnu. Houses are thoroughly cleaned, lights are lit, prayers are addressed to the Goddess and milk is offered to her.
In East India (especially Bengal), Diwali is dedicated to the worship of the black Goddess Kali.

Bhai Dooj (Bhai Beej) is a festival of brothers and sisters, which has great similarities with Raksha Bandhan. It falls on the second day of the waxing moon of the month of Kartik. On this day, sisters place sacred tika (a red dot made of kumkum powder) on the foreheads of their elder brothers, pray for their long life and offer them their favorite foods. The brothers bless their sisters and promise to protect them from all difficulties. As a sign of love and appreciation, siblings exchange gifts.

- An ancient Indian holiday dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Chhath, celebrated on the sixth lunar day of the month of Kartik, is especially popular in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Surya Puja begins before sunrise. Believers, having taken a ritual bath in the sacred rivers, greet the Sun by chanting mantras and hymns, folding their hands in prayer. Hindus offer offerings to Surya including sandalwood, cinnabar, rice and fruits. Chhath lasts for four days.

Kartik Purnima (Tripuri, Tripurari Purnima) is a festival celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Kartik. It is believed that it was on this day that Shiva (Tripurantaka) defeated the demon Tripurasura. Tripurari is one of the names of the god Shiva, meaning "the one who crushed the demon Tripurasura." According to legend, Tripurasura conquered the entire world and defeated the gods. Then the gods turned to Shiva asking for help. Shiva defeated the demon in battle, cutting off his head with his trident.
Kartik Purnima also marks the day of the appearance of Matsya, the incarnation of the god Vishnu in the form of a fish.
This day is favorable for carrying out shraddha - a ritual of remembrance of deceased ancestors. It is considered auspicious to take a bath in sacred rivers and lakes, the waters of which on this day have a special cleansing power.

Karwa Chauth is a traditional Hindu festival of married women celebrated on the fourth day after the full moon of the month of Kartik. On this day, women fast and pray in temples for the well-being and long life of their husbands. In the evening they put on wedding clothes and jewelry and break the fast at moonrise.

Agrahayana, Margashirsha (November-December)

Gita Jayanti is celebrated on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margashirsha. It was on this day that the Bhagavad Gita ("song of God") was told - a great revelation, which is a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, which took place before the start of the great battle of Kurukshetra, described in the Mahabharata, one of the most ancient scriptures of India . Many devotees come to Kurukshetra and read the Bhagavad Gita. Festive pujas are held in all Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna.

Paush, Pushya (December-January)

Makar Sankranti is the day when the sun enters the sign of Capricorn ( Makara) and begins its journey north, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in the length of the day. The holiday falls on January 14th. During this festival, it is customary to take a bath in the Ganges or other sacred rivers and offer water to the Sun God - Surya.

The First Rice Harvest Festival is usually held from January 12th to 15th. Gregorian calendar). It falls in the period after the winter solstice and marks the entry of the sun into a favorable phase. According to mythology, on this day the gods come to earth after six months of a long night. Pongal means boiling over, i.e. boiling sweet rice, which is prepared in honor of the holiday. The festival is celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Pongal lasts for three days. People spend the first day, called Bhogi Pongal, at home. On this day, all old things are thrown away or burned. The second day - Surya Pongal is dedicated to the Sun God Surya. On this day, it is customary to make offerings of rice to the Sun and other revered deities. Rice is boiled in milk with the addition of jaggery, cashew nuts and raisins. New pots are used for cooking. Women decorate the courtyards of their homes with beautiful designs made from rice flour. The third day is Mattu Pongal - the day of cow worship.

Pancha Ganapati is a five-day Hindu festival in honor of Lord Ganesha (Ganapathi), celebrated from December 21 to 25. During all 5 days, certain rituals are observed in families. In the living room decorated for the occasion, a large image (statue) of God Ganesha is installed. Every morning, children dress Ganesha in robes of different colors, symbolizing the manifestations of his shakti (energy): the first day - in gold, the second - in blue, the third - in red, the fourth - in emerald and the fifth day - in orange. The deity is offered all kinds of sweets (in the preparation of which children participate), fruits and incense. Chants and bhajans glorifying the deeds of Ganapati can be heard from everywhere. After the puja, prasad (food offered to the Deity) is distributed. Every day children are given gifts that will only be opened on the fifth day of the holiday.

Lohri marks the end of winter and falls on the last day of the month of Pushya. This festival is popular in North India, especially Punjab. Lori's arrival is celebrated within the family circle. In the evening, large fires are lit, around which parikrama is performed - walking around clockwise, as well as offering grains of rice and sesame to the fire (God Agni). After which prasad (food offered to God) and gifts are distributed.
On this holiday you can see the traditional Punjabi dance Bhangra, in which only men take part.

Magh (January-February)

Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami, Sri Panchami, Saraswati Puja) is a festival in honor of Goddess Saraswati. It falls on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magh. Saraswati is the patroness of knowledge, wisdom, art and music. In temples dedicated to the Goddess, a festive offering is made on this day. Yellow color is given special significance in Vasant Panchami. Goddess Saraswati is dressed in yellow clothes and prayers are offered to her. People also prefer to wear yellow clothes on this holiday. Friends and relatives are treated to yellow sweets.
Vasant Panchami is an auspicious time for children to start their education. Traditionally, on this day, children begin to learn to write their first words, and festive worship of the Goddess Saraswati is organized in schools and universities.

Maha Shivaratri or “Great Night of God Shiva” is a holiday celebrated annually on the night of the 13th to 14th day of the waning moon of the month of Magh. People spend the entire night in prayer, reciting mantras, singing hymns and worshiping Shiva. It is believed that sincerely observing the Shivaratri Puja rituals throughout the night frees one from all sins and frees one from the cycle of birth and death.
On this night, unmarried women stay awake, fast and pray to Shiva for a good marriage and family well-being.

Phalguna (February-March)

- Spring Festival is one of the most colorful holidays in India. The celebration begins the day before the full moon of the month of Phalguna and lasts for 2 days. On the first day of the festival (Holika Dahan), closer to night, a bonfire is lit, symbolizing the burning of Holika (sister of the demon Hiranyakasipu). On the full moon day, also known as Dhulendi, people sprinkle colored powder and water on each other.

As a rule, all events are held in honor of some historical event. They talk about the way of life of Indians at different stages of existence. These are the most important holidays in the life of Indians.

Dashahra, October 13

Every year this festival is held on a certain day. This year the holiday fell on October 13th. Dashahra is a famous national holiday, filled with flowering plants and religious traditions. It is dedicated in honor of the god Rama, who defeated the evil demon. According to legend, Rama spent eight long days in prayer and on the ninth day saved his wife from the clutches of a monster. Dashahra is celebrated in every region, but some features stand out among the common features.

The entire ritual of the holiday consists of a nine-day religious service. And at the end of the festival, residents of all settlements gather in the main square and bless the gods.

Diwali, November 3

The name Diwali translates to “bunch of fire.” This translation fully justifies the most dangerous holiday in India. Every year on November 3, thousands of lamps, torches, fireworks and bonfires light up over the city, personifying the victory of good over evil. Looking at all this action from space, it seems as if the whole country is simply burning. Diwali lasts exactly one day. Moreover, it is celebrated not only by Hindus, but also by representatives of other faiths.

Camel Fair, November 7-13

During this period, the most unusual holiday takes place, or rather a beauty contest. But the main participants are not beautiful girls, decorated camels. For many years, the most ordinary fair was a banal place of trade, but recently this event began to be held as a holiday with a whole program and prizes. Not only animals can take part, but also their owners, who are assessed by an honest jury.

In addition to the beauty contest, you can watch flying balloons, air shows, circus performers and much more.

Republic Day, January 26

Republic Day has been celebrated since the middle of the last century. The holiday takes place on January 26, and its main characters are residents of all cities and settlements. The most striking parade is, of course, held in the capital Delhi, but other cities are not inferior in beauty and unusualness. At the beginning of the holiday, all residents and tourists watch a military parade, then members of the administration speak, and at the very end there is a procession of city residents.

In addition to people, floats with large figures of animals and people, decorated with ribbons and flowers, move during the parade. In the evening, the holiday does not end, but a new period begins: fireworks appear. In the morning after the main part, it is recommended to go to the folk art festival, which lasts several days.

Carnival in Goa, 40 days before Easter

The Indians adopted the tradition of holding carnivals from the Portuguese, believing that they could do no worse. However, anyone who has ever attended such events will not be surprised or shocked, but quite the opposite. And it looks like a crowd of people in homemade costumes is moving around the city and rejoicing like children. The carnival lasts three days. At this time, all the participants are having fun, like the last time, they organize fire shows, and some simply sing and dance.

Holi, March 27

This unusual holiday is held at the beginning of spring. Initially, it was dedicated to the triumph over the evil goddess Holika. Today, however, history has been forgotten, and the holiday has become the best reason to have fun and relax.

From early morning, residents go shopping to stock up on paints and water dispensers. On this day, you should be careful, as paint can be doused and sprinkled from literally any nook and corner, and sometimes even from the roof. By evening, everyone becomes multi-colored, and sometimes almost black, and goes to wash themselves off. Afterwards there is a big buffet where everyone eats and shares their impressions of Holi.

Onam Festival, September 16

Kerala celebrates the harvest festival for ten days every year. Onam is dedicated not only to Indian fertility, but also to one of the kings - Mahabali. During the holiday, every Indian promises to be kind and prudent.

The uniqueness of Onam is that for ten days, large carpets of fresh flowers and plants are laid at the entrance of every house.

The goal of every person is to keep them fresh. Only the Indians decide how to do this. In addition to the sea of ​​flowers, during the festival you can see numerous competitions, elephant races and try national Indian cuisine.