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. |
Devotion and Penance
July sees the grand Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. The magnificent procession involves the pulling of Lord Jagannath's chariot by devotees, signifying unity and devotion. Ashadhi Ekadashi and Guru Poornima follow, as people pay homage to their spiritual guides.
| Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
| 7th July | Sunday | Jagannath Rath Yatra | Puri, Odisha | Procession of Lord Jagannath. |
| 17th July | Wednesday | Ashadhi Ekadashi | Maharashtra | Hindu fasting day. |
| 21st July | Thursday | Guru Poornima | Nationwide | Honoring spiritual teachers. |
Festivities Galore
August ushers in Hariyali Teej and Nag Panchami, celebrating the monsoon and the snake god. Independence Day on August 15th is a day of pride and patriotism, marked by flag hoisting and cultural programs. Raksha Bandhan strengthens the bond between siblings, while Janmashtami celebrates Lord Krishna's birth.
| Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
| 7th August | Wednesday | Hariyali Teej | North India | Celebrating the monsoon season. |
| 9th August | Friday | Nag Panchami | Nationwide | Worship of the serpent god. |
| 15th August | Thursday | Independence Day | Nationwide | Commemorates India's independence. |
| 19th August | Monday | Raksha Bandhan | Nationwide | Celebration of sibling bonds. |
| 22nd August | Thursday | Kajri Teej | Northern India | Agricultural and Monsoon Festival. |
| 26th August | Monday | Janmashtami | Nationwide | Birth of Lord Krishna. |
The Arrival of Lord Ganesha and Onam
September welcomes Lord Ganesha with Ganesh Chaturthi, a vibrant festival celebrated with great fervour across India. Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is marked by colourful flower carpets and sumptuous feasts.
| Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
| 6th September | Friday | Hartalika Teej | North India | Hindu fasting day. |
| 7th September | Saturday | Ganesh Chaturthi | Nationwide | Birth of Lord Ganesha. |
| 15th September | Sunday | Onam | Kerala | Harvest festival in Kerala. |
| 17th September | Tuesday | Ananth Chaturdashi | Nationwide | Conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. |
A Carnival of Festivals
As the festive season approaches, October brings Gandhi Jayanti, commemorating the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Navratri and Durga Puja envelop the nation in a dance of devotion and the culmination of these celebrations is Dussehra, signifying the victory of good over evil. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, spreads joy and prosperity as homes glow with oil lamps and fireworks light up the skies. It's a time for family reunions and exchanging gifts.
| Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
| 2nd October | Wednesday | Gandhi Jayanti | Nationwide | Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. |
| 3rd October | Thursday | Navratri Begins | Nationwide | Nine-day Hindu festival. |
| 11th October | Friday | Maha Navami | Nationwide | Ninth day of Navratri, Goddess Durga worship. |
| 12th October | Saturday | Vijaya Dashami/Buddha Jayanti | Nationwide | Victory of good over evil, Lord Buddha's birth. |
| 20th October | Sunday | Karwa Chauth | North India | Fasting for married women. |
| 29th October | Tuesday | Dhanteras | Nationwide | Start of Diwali celebrations. |
| 31st October | Thursday | Narak Chaturdashi | Nationwide | Pre-Diwali celebration. |
Celebrating Bonds
November celebrates Govardhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj, reinforcing the bonds of love among siblings. Chhath Pooja, mainly observed in Bihar and Jharkhand, is a sun-worshipping festival that reflects the deep spiritual connection of the people with nature. Children's Day on November 14 commemorates the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister.
| Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
| 1st November | Friday | Diwali | Nationwide | Festival of Lights. |
| 2nd November | Saturday | Govardhan Pooja | North India | Worship of Lord Krishna. |
| 3rd November | Sunday | Bhai Dooj | Nationwide | Celebrating sibling love. |
| 7th November | Thursday | Chhath Pooja | Bihar, UP, Jharkhand | Worship of the sun god. |
| 14th November | Thursday | Children's Day | Nationwide | Celebrating the birth of Jawaharlal Nehru. |
A Festive Farewell
The year ends with the joyous celebration of Christmas on December 25th, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Homes are adorned with Christmas trees and lights, and the air is filled with carols and the spirit of giving.
| Date | Day | Festival | Region | Significance |
| 25th December | Wednesday | Christmas | Nationwide | Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. |
In India, every day is a reason to celebrate, and every celebration is a testament to the spirit of this beautiful land. These festivals not only mark our calendars but also enrich our lives with moments of joy, reflection, and gratitude.
It's time to craft your travel wishlist for the year, and what better way to do it than by aligning your adventures with the beating heart of India's most enchanting celebrations?
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Q 1. What is the festival of India in 2024?
A 1. Here are the festival of India in 2024
Q 2. Which festival on 24 October 2024?
A 2. Kalashtami, aka Ahoi Ashtami is a festival falling on 24 October 2024.
Q 3. What is the year 2024 celebrated as?
A 3. The year 2024 will be celebrated as International Year of Camelids. Also, 2024 will be a leap year with 29 days in the month of Februrary.
Q 4. What is 2024 holiday?
A 4. Here is the list of 2024 holiday:
Q 5. Which festival is celebrated in India in September 2024?
A 5. Festivals celebrated in India in September 2024 are:
--- Published By Shradha Mehra
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