Indian Holidays & Festivals

India has a mixed culture. There are many people who have different ways of living and follow different religions, but they all have a common Indian nature. There is such a variety of holidays in India that they are referred to as festivals and celebrations. Every year, about 43 festivals are celebrated around India, especially in Mumbai.

Birthdays of well respected passed away Indians such as Mahatama Ghandi and Gonvid Singh are honored, but the most famous and popular festivals celebrated in India are Diwali, Holi and Durga Puja:

Diwali - Diwali's original name is Deepawali and it is known as the "Festival of Lights." There are so many different stories about Diwali. One of the main customs is to light small candles called Diyas. Diwali is officially a one day holiday but it is celebrated for many days. Firecrackers are burst and sweets are distributed among friends and dear ones. In 2006, Diwali will be officially celebrated on October 21st.

Holi - Holi, celebrated in March, is an especially fun festival. It is celebrated when winter is finishing and it's beginning to feel warmer. Elderly people, children and adults all take part in Holi. On this exciting holiday, everyone throws colorful powdered paint called Kum-Kum at each other. (Be careful, it can stain your hair, skin and clothes but it's only temporary!)

Dussehra and Durga Puja - Durga Puja is the most important celebration for the Bengali community in West Bengal, Bangladesh and throughout the world. Also known as "Durgapuja," it is a national festival of the Hindus which takes place in the month of Aswin or Kartik (months of September and October according to the Western calendar). Click here to read more about Dussehra.

Independence Day - On the 15th of August, 1947, India became completely independent. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world's biggest democracy as a national holiday. People hoist the national flag and put them up on the rooftops and the buildings. People can be seen flying numerous kites of all colors, sizes and shapes, symbolizing the freedom.

These are only some of the wonderful and exciting festivals that take place in India. They keep the Indian culture alive and help people to remember the old ways.