Cultural Festivals of India
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India is a country of diverse cultures, religions, languages, and regions, and each of them has its own unique festivals that celebrate various aspects of life. One of the most fascinating aspects of Indian culture is the variety and vibrancy of its festivals, which reflect the rich heritage and traditions of the country. Festivals are an integral part of Indian life, as they celebrate various aspects of spirituality, nature, history, and society. And they also an expression of joy, gratitude, faith, and unity, and they also showcase the artistic and creative talents of the people. Step into the vibrant world of Indian culture, where every festival is a celebration of tradition, diversity, and artistic expression. From the colorful streets of Rajasthan to the serene shores of Odisha, India's cultural festivals offer a mesmerizing journey into the heart of its rich heritage. Let's explore some of the most captivating celebrations that define the cultural landscape of this incredible nation.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and celebrated festivals of India, and understand their significance and uniqueness. We will also look at how these festivals are celebrated in different parts of India, and how they showcase the diversity and unity of Indian culture.
Khajuraho Dance Festival- Madyapradesh
History: The Khajuraho Dance Festival was started in 1975 by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department as a way to promote the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Khajuraho, a town famous for its ancient temples built by the Chandela rulers between the 10th and 12th centuries. The festival features eminent dancers and musicians from various genres of Indian classical dance, such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Kathakali. The festival also includes other events such as film screenings, handicraft exhibitions, and skydiving.
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is held in front of two of the most prominent temples in the western group of Khajuraho: the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishvanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting various aspects of human life, including erotic themes. The festival aims to celebrate the harmony between art, spirituality, and sensuality, as reflected in the Khajuraho temples.
Date: The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held annually in the month of February or March, usually around the time of the spring equinox. The festival lasts for a week, with multiple sessions and performances each day.
Location: The Khajuraho Dance Festival is held in Khajuraho, a town in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India. Khajuraho is about 620 km from New Delhi, the national capital, and 50 km from Chhatarpur, the nearest major city. Khajuraho is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, an open-air auditorium, is located near the western group of temples, and attracts thousands of visitors during the festival.
Marikamba Jatra in Sirsi, Karnataka
History: The Marikamba Jatra is a biennial festival that honors the goddess Marikamba, a form of Durga, who is believed to protect the town from evil and diseases. The festival dates back to the 17th century, when the image of the goddess was installed in the temple by the villagers. The festival involves various rituals, cultural programs, and a grand procession of the goddess on a chariot through the town.
Presiding Deity: The presiding deity of the festival is Marikamba Devi, also known as Sirsi Amma, or Maari Amma. She is considered the “elder sister” of all Goddess Marikamba in Karnataka. She is depicted as a fierce form of Durga, with eight arms, riding a tiger and slaying a demon. She is also associated with Parvati, Kali, and Bhuvaneshwari. She is worshipped as the mother of the universe, the goddess of power, nourishment, health, motherhood, rain, and harmony.
Date: The Marikamba Jatra is held every alternate year in the month of March, usually coinciding with the full moon day. The festival lasts for nine days, starting with the Ratharohana (chariot ascension) of the goddess on the first day and ending with the Vijayotsava (victory celebration) on the ninth day. The next Marikamba Jatra will be held from March 19 to March 27, 2024
Location: The Marikamba Jatra is held in Sirsi, a town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Sirsi is about 425 km from Bengaluru, the state capital, and 110 km from Hubli, the nearest major city. Sirsi is well connected by road and rail to other parts of Karnataka and India. The Marikamba Temple, where the festival takes place, is located in the center of the town and attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad
Sufi Music Festival Delhi
History: The Sufi Music Festival was started in 2011 by the Delhi Government’s Department of Art, Culture and Languages, in collaboration with the Punjabi Academy. The festival aims to promote the rich and diverse heritage of Sufism, which is a form of Islamic mysticism that emphasizes love, peace, and harmony. The festival features renowned Sufi singers, musicians, and poets from India and abroad, who perform various genres of Sufi music, such as qawwali, kafi, ghazal, and folk. The festival also includes seminars, workshops, and exhibitions on Sufi culture and literature.
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is inspired by the teachings and practices of various Sufi saints and masters, such as Rumi, Hafiz, Amir Khusrau, Bulleh Shah, Kabir, and Nizamuddin Auliya. Sufism believes in the unity of God and the creation, and seeks to attain a direct and personal experience of the divine through love, devotion, and meditation. Sufi music is a means of expressing and celebrating this mystical connection with the ultimate reality.
Date: The Sufi Music Festival is held annually in the month of March, usually around the time of the spring equinox. The festival lasts for three days, with multiple sessions and performances each day. The last edition of the festival was held from 6th to 8th March, 2020, at the Central Park in Connaught Place, Delhi. The next edition of the festival is expected to be held in March, 2024, subject to the COVID-19 situation and government guidelines.
Location: The Sufi Music Festival is held in Delhi, the capital city of India and a hub of cultural diversity and heritage. Delhi has a long and rich history of Sufism, dating back to the 13th century, when many Sufi orders and saints established their presence and influence in the city. Delhi is home to many famous Sufi shrines, such as the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya, the Dargah of Hazrat Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, and the Dargah of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Delhi is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, Central Park, is located in the heart of the city, and attracts thousands of visitors during the festival.
Thrissur Pooram,Kerala
History: The Thrissur Pooram was started in 1798 by Sakthan Thampuran, the ruler of Cochin, who unified 10 temples around the Vadakkunnathan Temple to celebrate a common festival. The festival was a response to the exclusion of the Thrissur temples from the Arattupuzha Pooram, the oldest temple festival in Kerala, due to heavy rains
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is centered on the Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism. The festival is a tribute to the Shiva, who is believed to witness the festivities from the temple. The other temples send their deities on caparisoned elephants to pay obeisance to the Shiva
Date: The Thrissur Pooram is held annually in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May), usually coinciding with the full moon day. The festival lasts for 36 hours, starting with the flag hoisting on the first day and ending with the farewell ceremony on the second day. The main attractions of the festival are the elephant processions, the percussion ensembles, and the fireworks display. The next Thrissur Pooram will be held on May 2024
Location: The Thrissur Pooram is held in Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, a state in southern India. Thrissur is about 300 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, and 80 km from Kochi, the nearest major city. Thrissur is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Thekkinkadu Maidan, is a circular ground in the heart of the city, surrounded by the Vadakkunnathan Temple and other temples
Puri Beach Festival, Odisha
History: The Puri Beach Festival was started in 1993 by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (HRAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha. The festival aims to promote the tourism potential and cultural heritage of Odisha, especially the coastal region of Puri. The festival features various events and activities, such as cultural programs, exhibitions, fashion shows, food stalls, adventure sports, and sand art. The festival attracts tourists and visitors from across the country and abroad12
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is held in the vicinity of the Jagannath Temple, one of the most sacred and revered temples of Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also the venue of the famous Rath Yatra, or the Chariot Festival, which is held every year in June or July. The festival is a celebration of the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra, from the temple to the Gundicha Temple, about 3 km away. The festival is attended by millions of devotees who pull the giant chariots with ropes.
Date: The Puri Beach Festival is held annually in the month of November, usually for five days. The festival coincides with the Kartik Purnima, or the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is considered auspicious and sacred. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the winter season.
Location: The Puri Beach Festival is held in Puri, a town in the Puri district of Odisha, a state in eastern India. Puri is about 60 km from Bhubaneswar, the state capital, and 35 km from Konark, the site of the Sun Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Puri is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Puri Beach, is a long stretch of golden sand along the Bay of Bengal. The beach is also known as the Golden Beach, and is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in India
Konark Dance Festival Odisha
History: The Konark Dance Festival was started in 1986 by Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, a renowned Odissi dancer and teacher, who founded the Konark Natya Mandap, a cultural institution near the Sun Temple. The festival aims to promote the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Konark, a town famous for its ancient temple built by the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 13th century. The festival features eminent dancers and musicians from various genres of Indian classical dance, such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, and Sattriya. The festival also includes seminars, workshops, and exhibitions on dance and culture
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is held in front of the Sun Temple, dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, who is worshipped as the source of life and energy. The temple is an architectural marvel, designed as a huge chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses, symbolizing the movement of the sun across the sky. The temple is adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology, astronomy, and eroticism. The festival celebrates the harmony between art, nature, and spirituality, as reflected in the Sun Temple
Date: The Konark Dance Festival is held annually in the month of December, usually for five days. The festival coincides with the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, marking the beginning of longer days. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the onset of pleasant weather. The next Konark Dance Festival will be held from December 2024.
Location: The Konark Dance Festival is held in Konark, a town in the Puri district of Odisha, a state in eastern India. Konark is about 65 km from Bhubaneswar, the state capital, and 35 km from Puri, the site of the Jagannath Temple, another famous pilgrimage destination. Konark is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, an open-air auditorium, is located near the Sun Temple, and attracts thousands of visitors during the festival.
Hornbill Festival Nagaland
History: The Hornbill Festival was started in 2000 by the Government of Nagaland to promote the tourism potential and cultural heritage of the state. The festival is named after the hornbill, a large and colorful bird that is revered by the Naga tribes as a symbol of respect and fertility. The festival features various events and activities, such as cultural performances, folk music, traditional games, crafts, food, and fashion. The festival also includes other attractions, such as the Hornbill Music Festival, the Hornbill Night Carnival, and the Hornbill International Rock Contest
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is held in the vicinity of the Kisama Heritage Village, a model village that represents the architecture and lifestyle of the Naga tribes. The village also houses the World War II Museum, which commemorates the role of the Nagas in the war. The festival is a tribute to the rich and diverse culture of the Nagas, who have a strong sense of identity and pride in their ancestral roots
Date: The Hornbill Festival is held annually in the month of December, usually for 10 days. The festival coincides with the Statehood Day of Nagaland, which is on December 1. The festival also marks the end of the agricultural season and the beginning of the festive season. The next Hornbill Festival will be held in December 2024
Location: The Hornbill Festival is held in Nagaland, a state in northeastern India that shares its borders with Myanmar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur. Nagaland is known for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique culture. Nagaland is about 2,200 km from New Delhi, the national capital, and 390 km from Guwahati, the nearest major city. Nagaland is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Kisama Heritage Village, is located about 12 km from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland.
Pushkar Camel Fair. Rajashtan
History: The Pushkar Camel Fair, also known as Kartik Mela or Pushkar ka Mela, dates back to the 15th century, when the town of Pushkar became a holy pilgrimage site for the Hindus, especially during the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. The fair was originally a religious event, where devotees would take a dip in the sacred Pushkar Lake and worship at the Brahma Temple, the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator god of Hinduism. Over time, the fair also became a commercial event, where traders from different regions would come to buy and sell camels, horses, cows, sheep, and goats. The fair also attracted various cultural and entertainment activities, such as music, dance, games, and competitions
Presiding Deity: The presiding deity of the festival is Lord Brahma, who is believed to have created the Pushkar Lake with a lotus flower. According to legend, Brahma wanted to perform a yagna (a fire sacrifice) at Pushkar, but his wife Saraswati was late. He then married a local girl named Gayatri and completed the ritual with her. When Saraswati arrived, she was furious and cursed Brahma that he would only be worshipped at Pushkar. The Brahma Temple, built in the 14th century, is the main attraction of the festival, where thousands of pilgrims offer prayers and seek blessings
Date: The Pushkar Camel Fair is held annually in the month of November, usually for 10 days. The festival coincides with the Kartik Purnima, or the full moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which is considered auspicious and sacred. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the winter season. The next Pushkar Camel Fair will be held on November 2024
Location: The Pushkar Camel Fair is held in Pushkar, a town in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, a state in northern India. Pushkar is about 150 km from Jaipur, the state capital, and 15 km from Ajmer, the nearest major city. Pushkar is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Pushkar Fair Ground, is located near the Pushkar Lake, and covers a large area of sand dunes, where the camels and other animals are displayed and traded
Mysuru Dasara. Karnataka
History: The Mysuru Dasara was started in 1610 by Raja Wadiyar I, the founder of the Wadiyar dynasty, who ruled Mysuru from 1399 to 1950. The festival was inspired by the Vijayanagara Empire, which celebrated the Hindu festival of Navaratri and Vijayadashami in a grand manner. The festival commemorates the day when the goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) killed the demon Mahishasura, who ruled the region of Mysuru. The festival also celebrates the coronation of Raja Wadiyar I, who ascended the throne on Vijayadashami day. The festival involves various rituals, cultural programs, and a majestic procession of the goddess and the king on the last day
Presiding Deity: The presiding deity of the festival is Chamundeshwari Devi, also known as Durga or Mahishasura Mardini, the warrior form of the goddess Parvati. She is worshipped as the mother of the universe, the goddess of power, victory, and justice. She is depicted as riding a lion and holding various weapons in her eight arms. She is also associated with Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Kali. She is enshrined in the Chamundeshwari Temple, located on the Chamundi Hills, about 13 km from Mysuru. The temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas, or the places where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell.
Date: The Mysuru Dasara is held annually in the month of September or October, usually for 10 days. The festival coincides with the Hindu festival of Navaratri and Vijayadashami, which celebrate the nine forms of the goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the festive season. The next Mysuru Dasara will be held in October 2024
Location: The Mysuru Dasara is held in Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka, a state in southern India. Mysuru is about 150 km from Bengaluru, the state capital, and 80 km from Srirangapatna, the former capital of the Kingdom of Mysuru. Mysuru is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Mysuru Palace, is located in the heart of the city, and attracts lakhs of visitors during the festival. The palace is a magnificent structure, built in the Indo-Saracenic style, with domes, arches, turrets, and gardens. The palace is illuminated with nearly one lakh bulbs every evening during the festival
Toshali National Crafts Mela, Odisha
History: The Toshali National Crafts Mela was started in 2006 by the State Institute for Development of Arts and Crafts (SIDAC) on behalf of the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, Government of Odisha. The festival aims to provide a marketing platform to the artisans and weavers from across the country, as well as to promote the cultural heritage and tourism potential of Odisha. The festival features various events and activities, such as exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, and cultural programs. The festival attracts visitors and buyers from different regions and backgrounds.
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is inspired by the spirit of Odisha, a state known for its rich and diverse artistic traditions, influenced by various communities, religions, and cultures. The festival showcases the variety and quality of Odisha’s handloom and handicraft products, such as ikat, bomkai, sambalpuri, applique, pattachitra, dhokra, and filigree. The festival also displays the handloom and handicraft products from other states, such as Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Date: The Toshali National Crafts Mela is held annually in the month of December, usually for 12 days. The festival coincides with the pleasant weather and the festive mood in Odisha, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the winter season. The next Toshali National Crafts Mela will be held December 2024.
Location: The Toshali National Crafts Mela is held in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, a state in eastern India. Bhubaneswar is also known as the Temple City of India, as it is home to more than 500 ancient temples, representing various styles of architecture and sculpture. Bhubaneswar is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Janata Maidan, is located in the heart of the city, and covers a large area of greenery and open space. The festival transforms the venue into a colorful and vibrant street fair, with stalls, stages, and art installations.
International Film Festival of India Goa
History: The IFFI was founded in 1952 by the Films Division, Government of India, with the patronage of the first Prime Minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. It was the first international film festival held in Asia, and it aimed to showcase the excellence of the film art and foster friendship and cooperation among people of the world. The first edition was non-competitive and had 23 countries participating with 40 feature films and about a hundred short films.The festival also moved to different cities, such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram, before settling in Goa in 2004
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is inspired by the vision of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, who believed in the power of cinema to bridge the gap between cultures and nations. The festival follows the motto of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, which means “the whole world is one family”. The festival celebrates the diversity and richness of world cinema, as well as the Indian film industry, which is one of the largest and most influential in the world. The festival also reflects the social and environmental issues and concerns of the contemporary world, through various themes and messages
Date: The IFFI is held annually in the month of November, usually for nine days. The festival coincides with the pleasant weather and the early sunset in Goa, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the winter season.
Location: The IFFI is held in Goa, a state in western India that is known for its scenic beauty, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Goa is also a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, churches, forts, and festivals. Goa is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, is located in the outskirts of Panaji, the capital city of Goa. The festival also uses other venues, such as the Kala Academy, the Maquinez Palace.
Teej Festival Rajasthan
History: The Teej Festival is named after a small red insect called “teej” that emerges from the earth during the monsoon season. The festival commemorates the day when Goddess Parvati reunited with Lord Shiva after a long separation. According to Hindu mythology, Parvati performed a rigorous fast for 108 years to prove her love and devotion for Shiva before he accepted her as his wife. Teej, therefore, honors the sacrifice and devotion of Parvati, who is also known as Teej Mata
Presiding Deity: The presiding deity of the festival is Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. She is worshipped as the goddess of power, beauty, and fertility. She is also associated with Durga, Kali, and Saraswati. She is depicted as riding a lion and holding various weapons in her eight arms
Date: The Teej Festival is held annually in the month of July or August, usually for three days. The festival coincides with the Hindu festival of Shravan (Sawan) and Bhadrapada (Bhado), which celebrate the nine forms of Goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura. The festival also marks the end of the summer season and the beginning of the monsoon season. The next Teej Festival will be held on August 2024
Location: The Teej Festival is mainly celebrated in Rajasthan, a state in northern India that is known for its rich culture, heritage, and desert. The festival is also celebrated in some parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, and Punjab. The festival is especially popular in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, where a grand procession of Goddess Parvati is taken out on the streets, accompanied by elephants, camels, horses, and folk dancers. The festival also features various cultural and entertainment activities, such as music, dance, games, and competitions
Hampi Utsav Karnataka
History: The Hampi Utsav was started in 1986 by the Karnataka Government to recreate the grandeur of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled over most of South India from the 14th to the 16th century. The festival is held at the Hampi World Heritage Site, which consists of the ruins of the magnificent capital city of the empire, known for its temples, palaces, sculptures, and monuments. The festival features various cultural and artistic events, such as classical and folk music, dance, drama, puppet shows, and fireworks. The festival also includes a visit to the nearby Anegundi village, which is believed to be the mythical Kishkindha of the Ramayana
Presiding Deity: The festival does not have a presiding deity, but it is inspired by the spirit of Vijayanagara, which was a cosmopolitan and tolerant empire that patronized various religions, arts, and languages. The festival showcases the diversity and richness of the Indian culture, as well as the historical and archaeological significance of Hampi. The festival also pays tribute to the local legends and folklore, such as the story of Krishnadevaraya, the most famous ruler of the empire, and the story of Tenali Rama, his witty court poet
Date: The Hampi Utsav is held annually in the month of November, usually for three days. The festival coincides with the pleasant weather and the early sunset in Hampi, creating a festive and lively atmosphere. The festival also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the winter season. The next Hampi Utsav will be held in November 2024
Location: The Hampi Utsav is held in Hampi, a village in the Ballari district of Karnataka, a state in southern India. Hampi is about 350 km from Bengaluru, the state capital, and 13 km from Hospet, the nearest major town. Hampi is well connected by road, rail, and air to other parts of India and the world. The festival venue, the Virupaksha Temple, is located in the heart of the Hampi ruins, and attracts thousands of visitors during the festival. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in India.
Conclusion:
As we bid farewell to this journey through India's cultural tapestry, we are reminded of the profound significance of these festivals. They serve as bridges between the past and the present, weaving together the threads of tradition, spirituality, and creativity. From the majestic processions of Thrissur Pooram to the rhythmic beats of Sufi music at the Sufi Music Festival, each celebration leaves an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of India.
Through these festivals, we not only celebrate the diversity of India but also cherish the unity that binds us together as a nation. As we continue to embrace and preserve our cultural heritage, let us remember that these festivals are more than just events—they are manifestations of our shared identity and collective spirit. In the tapestry of India's cultural mosaic, each festival shines brightly, illuminating our path toward a future enriched by tradition, creativity, and harmony.