20 Popular National Festivals Of India 2024

India is widely famous as the land of festivals connecting different cultures, traditions, and customs. The term Unity in Diversity reflects the various National festivals of India that every citizen celebrates with full enthusiasm irrespective of their cultural or religious beliefs. In India, these festivals are the mirror of culture and traditions that are synonyms to life in the country. Well, whether there is a small or significant festival, every occasion calls for a celebration in the country. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags around these Indian National festivals and celebrate along with locals.

One of the most widely celebrated National Festival in India is Republic Day which falls on 15th August of every year. It marks the day India got its freedom from Britishers in 1947. On this day, the whole country dives into the patriotic fever, hoists the tricolor flags, sings the national anthem, and people participate in various cultural programs. Another major festival that holds a major significance in the list of National Festivals of India is Diwali, a festival of lights. The festivals symbolize the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People decorate their homes with lights and diyas and make rangolis.

Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, celebrated majorly by the Muslim community, are also recognized as the major National Festival of India. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, which is the holy month of fasting. Both festivals are occasions of fasting, prayers, and sharing blessings with friends and family. You can visit Old Delhi to experience the holy month of Ramadan and feast on amazing delicacies on such a special occasion. These festivals are not just mere occasions, but they reflect the society, culture, and traditions that have been followed for years. To know more about these Indian National Festivals, here is a list of the festivals’ significance and traditions.

List of 20 National Festivals of India in 2024

1. New Year:

New Year is one the widely celebrated national festivals of India that takes place when the world celebrates the end of one year and the beginning of the next. In the Gregorian calendar, the first day of January is often considered as a New Year’s holiday across the globe. People in all parts of India dress colorfully and indulge in fun-filled activities such as singing, playing games, dancing, and attending parties. Nightclubs, movie theatres, resorts, restaurants, and amusement parks are filled with people of all ages. Exchanging messages, greeting cards, and gifts is part and parcel of the New Year celebration of their loved ones. During this long holiday, you can visit places like Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to experience the snowfall during the first day of the new year.

When: 1st January 2024

2. Makar Sankranti:

Makar Sankranti is one of those few National Indian festivals celebrated based on the solar calendar. It marks the winter solstice and the arrival of longer days with the sun’s transit into the Capricorn constellation. The festival is known and celebrated by different names across India. For example, it is celebrated as Maghi in North India, Magh Bihu in Assam, Pedda Panduga in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Thai Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and Sukarat in Central India. Several other states like West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh also celebrate Makar Sankranti. People celebrate the day with various rituals and traditions, like taking a dip in the Ganges, offering water to the Sun God, and flying kites, along with savoring Till ke Laddu.

When: 14th January 2024

3. Lohri:

Lohri is a popular national festival in India that is celebrated to mark the beginning of the harvest season for winter crops. The highlight of the festival is the lighting of the bonfire after sunset. This fire is considered particularly auspicious for newly-wed couples and parents with newborn babies. To seek the blessings of the Gods, couples and parents circumambulate the bonfire and pour offerings like Gajjak (a sweet winter snack), popcorn, and puffed rice into the fire. You can visit places like Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, and Himachal to experience the true essence of the Lohri Festival. Having delicious food, kite flying, dancing, etc., are integral parts of the celebrations all around the country.

When: 14th January 2024

4. Republic Day:

Republic Day is one of the most widely celebrated festivals on the list of national festivals of India. It marks the adoption of India’s constitution and the country’s transition to a republic on January 26, 1950. Large military parades are held in New Delhi and the state capitals. Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and traditional dance troupes take part in the parades. A grand parade is held in New Delhi, and the event starts with India’s prime minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to remember soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. Awards and medals of bravery are given to people from the armed forces and also to civilians.

When: 26th January 2024

5. Maha Shivratri:

Maha Shivratri is a celebration of a night in honor of the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. This annual event symbolizes the overcoming of ignorance and darkness in life. Maha Shivratri, meaning the Great Night of Shiva, is celebrated across all corners of the country. Moreover, the festival involves fasting, meditating, chanting prayers, and worshipping the Shiva Linga. Ardent devotees remain awake all night long and perform pujas as per the traditions. You can witness festivities and ceremonies in the Shiva temples of the country, though. The best places to visit during this festival are Ujjain, Somnath, Varanasi, Haridwar, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Puri and many more. These places will let you soak in the joy of unique celebrations of Mahashivratri, a famous National festival of India.

When: 8th March 2024

6. Holi:

Holi, one of the main festivals of India, is a celebration of pure joy and vitality. As part of India’s many festivals, Holi marks spring’s arrival, and its festivities are observed with great enthusiasm nationwide. The festivities commence on the eve of Holi, with people lighting bonfires and dancing around them. On the festival day, the air is filled with laughter and cheer as friends and family come together to play with vibrant and colorful colors. No Holi celebration is complete without sipping the traditional bang thandai, a spicy Indian cocktail. Holi, celebrated in March, is a testament to the spirit of unity and festivity that defines the festivals of India. The best places to visit during Holi are Mathura and Vrindavan, where you can witness the world-famous Brij ki Holi.

When: 25th March 2024

7. Ugadi:

One of the many religious festivals in India, Ugadi is a vibrant and significant occasion, particularly in the southern states of the country. This auspicious day begins with people rising early, taking a ceremonial oil bath, and donning new attire, and visiting the temple. The centerpiece of the celebration is the special ‘Ugadi Pachadi,’ a symbolic dish composed of various ingredients like jaggery, neem flowers, tamarind, and raw mango. Each component represents a different facet of life, symbolizing the myriad flavors of joy, sorrow, anger, bitterness, and surprise. Ugadi, a harvest festival, marks the start of new endeavors and is cherished for its rich cultural and traditional significance among all the festivals of India. Places where you can observe this festival are Karnataka, Maharashtra Gudi Padwa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and many more.

When: 9th April 2024

8. Eid-ul-Fitr:

Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the major religious festivals of India, holds great significance for the Muslim community. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting similar to the Christian Lent, when devotees pray, introspect, and give alms. The festival is celebrated enthusiastically, beginning with the sighting of the crescent moon at night. The holiday is celebrated with great enthusiasm, beginning with the full moon and the crescent moon visible at night. During this time, Muslims pray in mosques, visit friends and relatives, and participate in festive feasts. Sweet Cevian is a popular symbol of this season.

When: On the 1st day of the month of Shawwal of the lunar Hijri calendar ( 9th April – 10th April 2024)

9. Buddha Purnima:

Buddha Purnima, also known as Vesak, is the most important festival in India for the followers of Buddhism across the world. This auspicious day marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and is celebrated by Buddhist sects with much enthusiasm. Many devotees visit Buddhist shrines and spend the day there reciting hymns and sermons about the life of Lord Buddha and his teachings and principles. Flowers and candles are offered to worship the Buddha’s idol, which is placed in a basin full of water. You can visit famous Buddhist monasteries in India to enjoy the spirit of the festival, like Sanchi Stupa, Hemis Monastery, Dharamshala, Dhameskh Stupa, Tawang Monastery, and many more.

When: 23rd May 2024

10. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra:

Ratha Yatra or Ratha Jatra or Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra is a national festival of India celebrated mostly by Hindus. It is the oldest Ratha Yatra taking place in India and the world. Every year, in June or July, this festival is celebrated. It is considered most auspicious to visit the Jagannatha temple in Puri during this period. The festival in Odisha is celebrated for nine days, and the commencement of this festival is called the Rath Yatra. You can travel to Orissa to experience the festive vibes of Rath Yatra.

When: 7th July 2024

11. Independence Day:

Independence Day marks the end of 190-year-long British rule in India. In 1947, India was declared a free country. On this day, the national flag of India is hoisted at multiple public places; the Prime Minister unfurls the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi to commemorate this historical event. Along with the flag-hoisting ceremony, parade and folk dance performances also take place.  Academic institutions including schools and colleges, host a special ceremony for enlightening the students about the historical significance of this day. Kite flying is a popular tradition associated with Independence Day. People of all ages gather on rooftops and open grounds to fly colorful kites, symbolizing the freedom and aspirations of the nation.

When: 15th August 2024

12. Rakshabandhan:

Rakshabandhan, a cherished entry on the list of Indian festivals, beautifully celebrates the unique bond between siblings, especially brothers and sisters. This heartfelt Hindu festival sees sisters tying a sacred thread or rakhi on their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection. In return, brothers offer gifts and a promise to safeguard their sisters in times of need. Rakhi holds deep significance as sisters perform Aarti, apply tilak, and tie the rakhi, bestowing their blessings upon their brothers. It’s a touching celebration of the enduring bond and mutual care between siblings that warms hearts across India during this festival of love and protection.

When: 19th August 2024

13. Janmashtami:

Janmashtami, one of the popular national festivals in India, marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. On this day, devotees worship Lord Krishna at their homes and in temples and offer a variety of delicacies to please the deity. Mathura and Vrindavan, the two historical places in India related to Krishna’s birth and childhood, witness lavish celebrations marked with hymns and dances. On this occasion, little children often dress up as Lord Krishna. Another important attraction of the festival is the dramas, narrating the story of the night of the birth of Lord Krishna, complete with miniature mountains, a river signifying the Yamuna, and the prison of Kansa where Devki was imprisoned. You can witness the Dahi Handi programs in various regions of the country to celebrate the spirit of Lord Krishna. 

When: 26th August 2024

14. Ganesh Chaturthi:

Ganesh Chaturthi commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesh and is celebrated with full enthusiasm and devotion. The festival, which begins with the installation of artfully carved idols of Ganesha in homes and public pavilions to symbolize the god’s arrival among us, is a vibrant, cross-cultural celebration of Indian culture. Ganesh Chaturthi, which spans ten days, ends with Anantha Chaturdashi, bringing the grand festival to a spectacular conclusion. Here, people welcome Lord Ganesha with dancing and with utmost devotion, making it one of the most famous national festivals of India. The best places to visit to witness the grandeur of this festival are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and many more.

When: Starting from 7th September 2024

15.  Onam:

The biggest festival of Kerala, Onam, marks the onset of the harvest season. It is also celebrated to remember King Mahabali, whose spirit is believed to visit his people during this time. Onam celebrations include a lot of fanfare and joy, including boat races, floral arrangements, worshipping, dancing, and enjoying elaborate feasts with friends and family. If you are in Tripunithura, Trivandrum, Thrikkakara, Thrissur, Alleppey, and many more during this festival, do not miss out on witnessing the spectacular snake boat race, the elephant procession, and the mesmerizing Kaikottikali dance. The Onam season brings the assurance of love, peace, happiness, prosperity, and harmony.

When: 15th September 2024

16. Navratri:

Navratri, another major festival of India, is a vibrant celebration that spans nine nights, as its name suggests. During this festival, devotees across the country worship Goddess Shakti in her various forms. In North India, the festivities are marked by lively Dandiya Raas and Garba dances, where people of all ages, adorned in colorful traditional attire, participate zealously. Navratri, representing the nine forms of Goddess Amba (Power), unites people across India in diverse yet harmonious celebrations, embodying the nation’s rich cultural tapestry. During this festival, you can visit places like Mysore, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad to experience the aura of Durga Puja.

When: 3 October to 12 October 2024

17. Dusherra:

Dussehra, a prominent festival in the list of Indian National festivals, also goes by Vijayadashami. It is celebrated with diverse customs across the nation. While some regions commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, others honor Goddess Durga’s conquest of Mahishasura. Vibrant Ramlila dramas and the grand burning of colossal effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnad symbolize the festival of Dussehra. For an unforgettable Dussehra experience, you can visit Mysore in Karnataka, as the city is illuminated while the grand procession featuring decorated elephants further adds to the festival’s grandeur. It’s a testament to the cultural richness and diversity of Indian festivals, making Dussehra one of the main festivals of India.

When: 12th October 2024

18. Diwali:

Diwali is one of the most important National festivals of India that marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. During this festival of lights, people decorate their homes with ceramic lamps and candles, light up the night sky with fireworks, and exchange gifts and sweets with loved ones. Commemorating Lord Rama’s triumphant return after 14 years of exile and his victory over Ravana, Diwali incorporates its deep-rooted significance and enduring religious and festive values. During this festival, you can visit the Ram Janambhoomi Temple in Ayodhya to celebrate this festival of lights in true spirit.

When: 1st November 2024

19. Guru Purab:

Gurpurab, a significant festival in the diverse list of Indian festivals, is a joyous celebration that marks the birth of Guru Nanak, the revered first Sikh Guru. The festival is also known as Guru Nanak’s Prakash Utsav and Guru Nanak Jayanti. The festivities include a two-day reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, special assemblies that focus on the guru’s teachings, and the heartwarming tradition of serving community meals in gurudwaras. Processions fill the streets, and the spirit of unity shines as Karah Prasad is shared with all. Homes sparkle with lamps, candles, and fireworks crackling, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere in celebration of the sacred Gurpurab. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi, Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, and Golden Temple in Amritsar are some of the best places to visit during this festival.

When: 15th November 2024

20. Christmas:

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, and so holds special significance for Christians. But like many other national festivals in India, it also holds appeal for the people of other religions. And since Christmas is followed by the New Year, there is a festive spirit in the air. Churches are lit up and adorned attractively with lots of lights. Decorated Christmas trees are a common sight everywhere, from people’s homes to every corner of India. The day is celebrated by attending prayer mass at churches, surprise gifts from Santa Claus, and feasting with friends and family. To enjoy the festive vibes of Christmas, you can travel to places like Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, and many more.

When: 25th December 2024