Upcoming Festivals and Events in India

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India

India is a country of diverse cultures, traditions, and festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the year. From the snow-capped mountains of the north to the tropical regions of the south, every state and region brings its unique set of festivals, rituals, and food specialties. Below, we’ll explore upcoming festivals and events in India from North, South, East, and West India, highlighting the states where these festivals are most celebrated, the traditional food items prepared, and the festive slogans used during the celebrations.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – North India

Navratri (Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh)

• Date: October 2024
• State: Celebrated widely in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Food: Kuttu ki Puri, Aloo ka Halwa, Sabudana Khichdi, Singhara Pakora.
• Preparation: People fast for nine days, observing strict vegetarianism, and visit temples daily. Women often decorate their homes with fresh flowers and clay idols of Goddess Durga.
• Slogan: “जय माता दी” (Jai Mata Di – Victory to the Mother Goddess)

Navratri is celebrated across North India with the recitation of spiritual hymns, and in cities like Varanasi and Lucknow, you will hear “जय माता दी” chanted during the evenings at temples and during cultural events.

Diwali (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan)

• Date: November 2024
• State: Most prominent in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan.
• Food: Sweets like Ladoo, Barfi, Kaju Katli, Chakli, Samosa.
• Preparation: Diwali preparations begin weeks in advance. People clean and renovate their homes, shop for new clothes, and light oil lamps. Rangolis and floral decorations adorn houses.
• Slogan: “शुभ दीपावली” (Shubh Deepavali – Happy Diwali)

Diwali in North India, especially in Varanasi and Jaipur, is renowned for grand light displays and fireworks. You can hear the chants of “शुभ दीपावली” as families exchange gifts and sweets.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – South India

Pongal (Tamil Nadu)

• Date: January 2025
• State: Tamil Nadu.
• Food: Ven Pongal, Sakkarai Pongal, Aviyal, Vadai, Payasam.
• Preparation: The festival marks the harvest season, and houses are cleaned and decorated with mango leaves and kolams. Cattle are adorned with bells and flowers, and prayers are offered.
• Slogan: “பொங்கல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்” (Pongal Vaazhthukkal – Happy Pongal)

Pongal is an important festival in Tamil Nadu. Families gather to cook sweet rice, and as they say “பொங்கல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்,” they offer the first portion to the Sun God, symbolizing gratitude for a good harvest.

Onam (Kerala)

• Date: August-September 2024
• State: Kerala.
• Food: Onasadya (a feast with over 25 dishes including Pachadi, Kaalan, Avial, Pappadam, Payasam).
• Preparation: People decorate their homes with beautiful flower carpets called ‘pookkalam’. Traditional dances like Thiruvathira are performed, and boat races are organized.
• Slogan: “ഓണം ആശംസകൾ” (Onam Ashamsakal – Happy Onam)

During Onam, you’ll hear “ഓണം ആശംസകൾ” in almost every household in Kerala as they share meals and enjoy cultural events, celebrating the return of King Mahabali.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – East India

Durga Puja (West Bengal)

• Date: October 2024
• State: West Bengal.
• Food: Bhoger Khichuri, Shorshe Ilish, Luchi-Alur Dom, Sandesh, Rasgulla.
• Preparation: Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are set up in every neighborhood. People wear new clothes, perform cultural programs, and offer prayers to Goddess Durga.
• Slogan: “জয় মা দুর্গা” (Joi Maa Durga – Hail Mother Durga)

In Kolkata, the energy of Durga Puja is palpable, with “জয় মা দুর্গা” resonating in the streets as people visit beautifully decorated pandals and enjoy cultural performances.

Bihu (Assam)

• Date: Mid-April 2025
• State: Assam.
• Food: Pitha, Til Ladoo, Fish Tenga, Khar, Laru.
• Preparation: Houses are cleaned and new clothes are worn. Cattle are bathed, and people engage in traditional dances. Music fills the air as people celebrate a good harvest.
• Slogan: “বিহুৰ শুভেচ্ছা” (Bihur Subhechha – Bihu Greetings)

During Bihu, you can feel the enthusiasm in Assam, with people greeting each other with “বিহুৰ শুভেচ্ছা,” marking the end of the harvest season.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – West India

Ganesh Chaturthi (Maharashtra)

• Date: September 2024
• State: Maharashtra.
• Food: Modak, Puran Poli, Sabudana Khichdi, Shrikhand.
• Preparation: People bring home clay idols of Lord Ganesha, decorate pandals, and perform morning and evening prayers. After ten days, the idols are immersed in water.
• Slogan: “गणपती बाप्पा मोरया” (Ganpati Bappa Morya – Glory to Lord Ganesha)

In Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the grandest celebrations with loud chants of “गणपती बाप्पा मोरया” as idols are carried for immersion.

Makar Sankranti (Gujarat, Rajasthan)

• Date: January 2025
• State: Gujarat, Rajasthan.
• Food: Tilgul, Undhiyu, Sesame Chikki, Ladoo, Kheer.
• Preparation: In Gujarat, it’s the kite-flying season. Houses are decorated, and sesame sweets are exchanged. People also take ritualistic baths in holy rivers.
• Slogan: “उत्तरायण की शुभकामनाएं” (Uttarayan Ki Shubhkamnayein – Best Wishes for Uttarayan)

Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, is celebrated with “उत्तरायण की शुभकामनाएं” in Gujarat as people gather to fly kites and enjoy traditional food.

Eid al-Fitr (Pan-India)

• Date: April 2025 (based on the sighting of the moon)
• State: Celebrated all across India, with major festivities in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Hyderabad, West Bengal, and Kerala.
• Food: Sheer Khurma, Biryani, Haleem, Seviyan, Kebabs, Phirni.
• Preparation: People begin preparing for Eid by shopping for new clothes, buying gifts for family and friends, and cleaning their homes. On the morning of Eid, Muslims perform the special Eid prayer at mosques or open grounds. After the prayers, families gather to enjoy a festive meal, which includes traditional dishes like Biryani and Sheer Khurma.
• Slogan: “ईद मुबारक” (Eid Mubarak – Blessed Eid)

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims. Families and friends exchange “ईद मुबारक” greetings, share meals, and give charity (Zakat) to those in need.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – North India

Lohri (Punjab)

• Date: January 13, 2025
• State: Most celebrated in Punjab.
• Food: Sarson da Saag, Makki di Roti, Til Chikki, Gajak, Rewari.
• Preparation: People prepare bonfires, dance the Bhangra and Gidda, and offer sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewri to the fire as part of the rituals.
• Slogan: “सत श्री अकाल” (Sat Sri Akal – God is the eternal truth)

Lohri marks the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season. Bonfires are lit in fields, and sweets like Gajak and Rewari are shared, with “सत श्री अकाल” being a common greeting heard during the festivities.

Holi (Uttar Pradesh)

• Date: March 24, 2025
• State: Most celebrated in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Vrindavan and Mathura.
• Food: Gujiya, Thandai, Malpua, Puran Poli, Dahi Bhalla.
• Preparation: Days before Holi, people begin making homemade sweets like Gujiya and preparing natural colors. The celebrations include playing with colors, singing, and dancing.
• Slogan: “होली है!” (Holi Hai! – It’s Holi!)

In Mathura, Holi is celebrated for several days, with a lot of enthusiasm. Streets are filled with color, and people chant “होली है!” as they splash colors on each other.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – South India

Ugadi (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)

• Date: April 10, 2025
• State: Most celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
• Food: Ugadi Pachadi, Pulihora, Bobbatlu, Mango Rice, Payasam.
• Preparation: People clean their homes, decorate the entrance with fresh mango leaves, and draw colorful rangolis. Special dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends.
• Slogan: “ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు” (Ugadi Subhakankshalu – Happy Ugadi)

Ugadi marks the New Year for people in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Families gather for prayers and feast, and greet each other with “ఉగాది శుభాకాంక్షలు.”

Thaipusam (Tamil Nadu)

• Date: February 2025
• State: Celebrated predominantly in Tamil Nadu.
• Food: Pongal, Puliyodarai, Payasam, Vadai, Sweet Pongal.
• Preparation: Devotees carry kavadi (wooden arches) as a penance, and processions are held in honor of Lord Murugan. Homes and temples are decorated, and elaborate prayers are offered.
• Slogan: “முருகன் திருவிழா” (Murugan Thiruvizha – Murugan Festival)

Thaipusam is a vibrant festival celebrated with processions and devotions. The city of Palani becomes a hub for devotees offering prayers to Lord Murugan, with the words “முருகன் திருவிழா” echoing throughout.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – East India

Rath Yatra (Odisha)

• Date: July 2025
• State: Most celebrated in Odisha, especially in Puri.
• Food: Khichdi, Dalma, Rasabali, Chenna Poda, Poda Pitha.
• Preparation: Huge chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled through the streets by thousands of devotees. Homes and temples are decorated, and special prayers are held.
• Slogan: “जय जगन्नाथ” (Jai Jagannath – Glory to Lord Jagannath)

During Rath Yatra, Puri becomes a spiritual hub as devotees pull the massive chariots chanting “जय जगन्नाथ.”

Durga Puja (West Bengal)

• Date: October 2024
• State: Most celebrated in West Bengal, especially Kolkata.
• Food: Bhog (Khichuri), Labra, Shorshe Ilish, Sandesh, Rasgulla.
• Preparation: Gigantic pandals are built to house idols of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer prayers, wear new clothes, and participate in cultural programs.
• Slogan: “जय मां दुर्गा” (Jai Maa Durga – Hail Mother Durga)

Durga Puja in Kolkata is a spectacle, with colorful pandals, processions, and “जय मां दुर्गा” being the most common chant heard across the city.

Upcoming Festivals and Events in India – West India

Janmashtami (Maharashtra)

• Date: August 2025
• State: Most celebrated in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai.
• Food: Makhan, Shrikhand, Puran Poli, Chakli, Ladoo.
• Preparation: People observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and reenact Lord Krishna’s life. In Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, groups of young men form human pyramids to break the dahi handi (curd pot).
• Slogan: “गोविंदा आला रे” (Govinda Ala Re – Govinda has come)

In Mumbai, Janmashtami is famous for its Dahi Handi event. You’ll hear the chant “गोविंदा आला रे” as teams compete to break the pot.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Maharashtra)

• Date: September 2024
• State: Most celebrated in Maharashtra.
• Food: Modak, Puran Poli, Shrikhand, Sabudana Khichdi.
• Preparation: People bring home idols of Lord Ganesha, perform morning and evening prayers, and after 10 days, immerse the idols in water. Pandals are set up with large idols of Lord Ganesha, and cultural programs are held.
• Slogan: “गणपति बाप्पा मोरया” (Ganpati Bappa Morya – Glory to Lord Ganesha)

In Mumbai and Pune, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much fanfare. You will hear “गणपति बाप्पा मोरया” as idols are carried to the sea for immersion.

Festival Preparations Across India

Indians take pride in their rich cultural heritage, and preparations for upcoming festivals and events in India are done with great enthusiasm. Here’s how people prepare:

1. Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Houses are thoroughly cleaned, and new decorations like rangolis, flower garlands, and diyas (oil lamps) are arranged. This practice is particularly common during Diwali and Pongal.
2. Shopping for New Clothes: Festivals are an occasion for dressing up in traditional attire. Families buy new clothes weeks in advance, ensuring they are ready for celebrations like Durga Puja and Eid.
3. Traditional Foods: Each festival has a unique set of dishes associated with it. For example, during Diwali, sweets like Ladoo and Barfi are common, whereas Pongal in Tamil Nadu is incomplete without the savory and sweet varieties of Pongal rice.
4. Visiting Temples: Most festivals in India involve offering prayers at local temples. People make offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets, and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness.
5. Community Gatherings: In villages and small towns, entire communities come together to celebrate festivals. Events like Holi in North India and Onam in Kerala are marked by community participation in music, dance, and feasts.
6. Cultural Programs: Festivals often include music, dance, and theater performances. In Gujarat, during Navratri, Garba and Dandiya dances are organized, while in Kolkata, Durga Puja pandals host cultural programs.

Conclusion

The upcoming festivals and events in India showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity and the deep-rooted traditions that bring people together. From the lights of Diwali to the colors of Holi, and the devotion of Durga Puja to the community celebrations of Onam, India’s festivals are a beautiful blend of joy, spirituality, and cultural pride.