Most Important Festivals in India

Aiko Tanaka, 11 May 2024

India is a religious country with various festivals celebrated fervently throughout the year. Festivals in South India are popular and diverse, attracting both religious and atheist individuals.

These festivals hold cultural significance with deep philosophical meanings behind the mythological allegories of gods and goddesses. Here are the top 10 most important festivals in India.

Sonika Agarwal  

Sonika Agarwal  

  • When: Kerala
  • When: August – September
  • Food: Onam Sadya

Celebrated in Kerala, Onam is a festival that celebrates the harvest season with vibrant festivities such as boat races, flower arrangements, Kathakali dances and the grand feast of Onam Sadya. Onam showcases Kerala's cultural heritage and hospitality through events such as boat races and the Pulikali dance.

Akhil Chandran

Akhil Chandran

  • When: Tamil Nadu
  • When: Mid-January
  • Food: Khichdi in North India, Lassi, Pinni, Chikki, Gajak in Punjab; Pongal in South India.

The Closest Airports: Madurai (IXM) Airport - 186 km | Chennai (MAA) Airport - 289 km

Pongal, the harvest festival in southern India, especially Tamil Nadu, celebrates the sun god Surya with prayers, decorations and gifts. The key element is the preparation of sweet rice porridge, known as Pongal, which represents prosperity. The customs of the festival also respect cattle, emphasising the agricultural nature of Tamil culture.

Aditya Chinchure  

Aditya Chinchure  

  • Where: All over India
  • When: October – November
  • Food: Sweets and desserts (Mithai), Snacks, Teepi Gavvalu, Anarsa, Karanjis, Thenkuzhal, Singal, Pinni

The Closest Airports: As the festivities take place across India, we highly recommend New Delhi Airport for your travels.

Diwali, the grandest celebration in India, commemorates Lord Rama's homecoming after fourteen years of exile. This five-day festival also features tales of Lord Krishna's triumph over the demon Narakasur and the birthday festivities of goddess Lakshmi.  Every part of Diwali reflects joy and positivity, from lamps to delicacies. The festival involves spiritual reflection and worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who symbolises wealth and prosperity.

Tyler Nix  

Tyler Nix  

  • Where: Nationwide, with lively celebrations in Northern states (Vrindavan and Mathura)
  • When: February – March
  • Food: Ghujiya, Mathri, Thandai

The Closest Airport: Agra (AGR) Airport  - 72 km from Vrindavan and 59 km from Mathura

Holi, the festival of colours in India, marks the arrival of spring with colourful celebrations. People joyfully drench each other in colourful gulal and water, a symbol of playful celebration. Bonfires on the eve of the festival symbolise the triumph of good over evil and add to the festive atmosphere. Delicacies like gujiya and thandai add to the experience and make Holi unforgettable.

Sonika Agarwal  

Sonika Agarwal  

  • Where: Nationwide, with lively celebrations in Maharashtra and Gujarat
  • When: October – November
  • Food: Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda Kheer, Illish Shorshe, Ghugni, Sondesh, Rasgulla

The Closest Airports: Pune International (PNQ) Airport - 261 km | Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) - 405 km

Navratri celebrates the worship of the goddess Shakti in her various forms with dandiya and garba dances. Each day signifies a different manifestation of the Goddess, symbolising the cycle of creation and destruction. The vibrant energy of the festival unites people in prayer and celebration.

Dibakar Roy

Dibakar Roy

  • Where: Nationwide, with fervent celebrations in West Bengal, Delhi, Assam, and more
  • When: October – November
  • Food: Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda Kheer, Illish Shorshe, Ghugni, Sondesh, Rasgulla

The Closest Airports: Kolkata Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport - 87 km from West Bengal | New Delhi Indira Gandhi International (DEL) Airport - 28 km from Delhi

Durga Puja in West Bengal is a revered festival with elaborate pandals and majestic idols of Goddess Durga. The festival spans four days, celebrating good triumphing over evil and Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura. Pandals have intricate decorations, and devotees flock to see processions and performances. Durga Puja showcases Bengal's cultural heritage and artistry.

Anirudh  

Anirudh  

  • When: Nationwide, with spectacular celebrations in Mysore, Kullu, and Delhi
  • When: October – November
  • Food: Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda Kheer, Illish Shorshe, Ghugni, Sondesh, Rasgulla

The Closest Airports: Kempegowda International (BLR) Airport  - 183 km from Mysore | New Delhi Indira Gandhi International (DEL) Airport - 28 km from Delhi

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi, celebrated throughout India, marks Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and represents the triumph of good over evil. Some regions associate Dussehra with the goddess Durga and the killing of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival includes processions, Ramlila and the burning of effigies, creating a colourful spectacle.

SR

SR

  • Where: Nationwide, with lively festivities in Old Delhi, Lucknow, Srinagar, and Hyderabad
  • When: June – July
  • Food: Sheer Khurma, Seviyan, Biryani

The Closest Airports: Chaudhary Charan Singh International (LKO) Airport - 18 km from Lucknow | Srinagar International (SXR) Airport - 10 km from Srinagar | Rajiv Gandhi International (HYD) Airport - 35 km from Hyderabad

Eid-ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion for Muslims worldwide, marking the end of Ramadan. It includes prayers, feasting, gift exchanges, and sweets. Delicacies like sheer khurma and biryani are enjoyed, and colourful decorations adorn markets and mosques. Reflect, be grateful, and promote harmony during this time.

Sonika Agarwal

Sonika Agarwal

  • Where: Nationwide, with notable celebrations in Ujjain
  • When: February – March
  • Food: Fruits, non-cereal dishes

The Closest Airports: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar (IDR) Airport - 56 km

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. It is celebrated with fasting, meditation and prayers at Shiva temples. Devotees stay up all night chanting prayers and seeking blessings. A time for spiritual renewal, introspection on existence and divine power.

Sandip Kalal

Sandip Kalal

  • Where: Punjab
  • When: 13th or 14th April
  • Food: Kada Prashad, Pitha, Larus, Chuje, Kanji, Pacchadi, Vadai, Samabhar, Payasam, Appalam, Kosha Mangsho, Murgh Rezala, Bevu Bella.

The Closest Airports: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International (ATQ) Airport - 119 km | Chandigarh (IXC) Airport - 185 km

Baisakhi is a harvest festival celebrated by Sikhs and Punjabis, especially in Punjab. It marks the harvest season and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh. Baisakhi is marked by cultural performances, music and feasts. Bhangra and Giddha dances add to the festive mood.

India is home to diverse cultures and vibrant festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Exploring these festivals is an exciting journey. Understanding the transport options in this culturally rich country is essential.

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Train from India

India has a large railway network and offers good connectivity. Choose A/C classes for comfort, and expect delays. Overnight journeys in first or second-class A/C sleepers are recommended, like Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. Foreign travellers can get an Indrail Pass for unlimited travel, but book early, especially in peak seasons.Cons: Overcrowded, especially in lower classes, and can be uncomfortably hot.

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Bus from India

While buses are budget-friendly and good for short distances, they aren't ideal for long journeys due to safety concerns and discomfort. State-operated buses are crowded, and driven fast on risky roads. Private deluxe buses may be more comfortable but still risky, especially for overnight trips.Note: Buses in India do not have onboard toilets, necessitating stops at the roadside or along the roadside for restroom breaks.Cons: Varying comfort levels, long wait times, and often hot.

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Taxi from India

Taxis in India come at a cost. It's common for taxi drivers to assume tourists are unaware of local rates, so be prepared to negotiate for a fair fare, especially if you're carrying a backpack.Cons: Bargaining is often necessary to avoid additional surcharges, and waiting times can be a drawback.

India Airport Transfers

India Airport Transfers

Start your adventure to discover the dynamic festivals of India with AirportTransfer.com. Our private transfer services are personalised to your requirements, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey from the airport to your festival destination.

Benefit from our personalised service, hassle-free travel, and policies for a stress-free experience on the road. Our amenities include 24/7 customer support, Wi-Fi, and English-speaking drivers to ensure a pleasant trip without any hidden fees. Easily book your private transfer and enjoy a tailored service throughout your festival journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

If you would like your booking experience to be more convenient, you can use the AT Customer App. You can download it for Apple or Google Play Store.

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Group Bus Transfers from Airport

 At AirportTransfer.com, our airport coach transfers are designed to provide large groups with a comfortable and stress-free journey to your festival or hotel. Our spacious buses and friendly drivers ensure all passengers arrive safely, eliminating the worry of navigating hot and crowded public transport in India. For your special group travel requests and reservations, you can Contact Us. It is not only an airport transfer, we also offer a chauffeured bus hire service, encompassing all of your group travels. With more than one stop and for more than a day, AT's coach transfer services are here for your needs.

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Hotel Transfers in India

 Make sure you have a hassle-free journey to and from the airport by booking hotel transfers through AirportTransfer.com. Simply enter your airport and accommodation details to compare prices and select the best vehicle options for your needs while staying at hotels in India.

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