7 Beautiful Cultural Festivals of India You Must Experience

Festivals are fundamental to people's life in India, owing to the country's spirituality. The numerous and diverse festivals held throughout the year provide a unique opportunity to experience Indian culture at its best. Don't miss out on these prominent Indian festivities for a unique experience.

Posted On September 1st, 2021

Pushkar Mela – Rajasthan

As the name implies, the Pushkar Fair is a camel and animal fair held throughout the town of Pushkar. Tourists from all around the country and the world now flock to the fair. Aside from ordinary cattle transactions, numerous events are organized, including 'The longest mustache,' 'The bridal competition,' 'Breaking the pot (Matka Phod),' and many others. The men tend to goats, camels, sheep, and cows, while the women browse the stalls offering native jewelry, clothing, and fabrics. During October and November, the fair is held.

Durga Puja – West Bengal

Without a doubt, the most revered festival of West Bengal, this event takes place during the 'Shukla paksha' (Hindu calendar). It spans multiple days known as Maha Panchami, Maha Shakti, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Bijaya Dashami. Mahalaya Amavasya commemorates the festival's commencement, and on that auspicious day, people pay tribute to their deceased relatives. The event concludes with the 'Kojagori Lakhsmi Puja,' or devotion of Goddess Lakshmi on a full moon night. The celebration commemorates the victory of good over evil. The festival takes place primarily in the English month of October.

Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival, often known as the "Festival of Festivals," is held in the northeastern state of Nagaland. This festival has a high cultural significance because it brings together a variety of events under one roof. The festival takes place in Kohima from the 1st to the 7th of December. Every tribe in the state participates in this lovely festival of colors and traditions. This glorious event alone illustrates Nagaland's rich cultural and traditional heritage. The name is taken from the Indian Hornbill, a bird that appears in many of the state's folk tales.

Thrissur Pooram – Kerala

This festival is conducted every year in Kerala, notably at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. On the occasion of Pooram, which is the largest of all Poorams, the moon rises with the Pooram star. The celebration is all the more important because it has deep cultural and traditional ramifications for the state's people. It was primarily initiated by Raja Rama Verma, and the surrounding temples took part in the celebration. Flag hoisting (Kodiyettam), firecrackers, and displays of decorative caparisons, royal fans, peacock plumes, and sacred bells are also part of the occasion.

Konark Festival – Odisha

This dance and sand art festival is associated with the Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha. It is held to raise awareness about the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage structure. The festival, which was first held in 1989, has significant cultural and traditional importance. The Sun Temple, located 35 kilometers northeast of Puri, attracts millions of visitors all year and has been designated a world heritage site. The lavish and spectacular architecture of gods, chariots, elephants, and horses is a sight to behold.

Kila Raipur Sports Festival – Punjab

This sporting event, often known as the 'Rural Olympics,' is held in Punjab and includes many sports. Kila Raipur is located in Ludhiana, Punjab. The sports festival is held every year in February, attracting hundreds of people, including foreigners. Creatures such as bulls, dogs, camels, donkeys, mules, and other animals are employed in addition to sporting events. The goal is to develop individual strength for working in the fields and gathering specifics. The winner is recognized and rewarded.

Ladakh Festival

The Ladakh Festival is actually a collection of events that are referred to collectively as a single. Hemis, Ladakh, Losar, and Sindhu Darshan are some of these events. The Ladakh festival is held in September and is hosted by the state tourism department. The festival is culturally significant as well as traditional. Almost all festivals are held either inside or near a monastery.