Festivals and fairs in India

The culture of India is aptly reflected through its numerous festivals and fairs. Bringing out the true spirit of the Indian people and their society, the Indian festivals find their roots in the traditions, religious beliefs, myths and the seasons of the country

Indians do not celebrate without any reason. Hundreds of events take place throughout the year in different regions of the country. People plan the events very carefully and celebrate them with pomp and gaiety when the time arrives. There may be hundreds of such events but that does not mean that some events are less important than the others. It is also interesting to note that sometimes a single fair or festival is celebrated in different ways in various regions of the country. The visitor may fail to comprehend this fact, nevertheless it offers a lot of thrill and excitement to tourists whenever they visit India. Infact, India with its diverse culture and traditions is famous for her many fairs and festivals.

Indian Festivals, celebrated by varied cultures and through their special rituals, add to the colours of the Indian Heritage. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion.

Many festivals celebrate the various harvests; commemorate great historical figures and events, while many express devotion to the deities of different religions.

Every celebration is centered around the rituals of prayer, seeking blessings, exchanging goodwill, decorating houses, wearing new clothes, music, dance and feasting.

 

Given below is a list of major festivals and fairs.