India is rich in cultural heritage and traditions. Hence it also boasts a lot of festivals in India which demonstrate the liveliness and integrity of the nation. Individual states in India have their special festivities, which are windows into their diverse cultures and cultural celebrations. If you can’t plan a long holiday, always consider the one-day stay experience during famous festivals with Ridha Stay. From colorful Mathura streets during Holi to serene Kerala backwaters during Onam, here are some handpicked state-wise major festivals in India that should figure on your bucket list to explore the cultural diversity of India:
Uttar Pradesh: Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan
The festival of colors or Holi is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm at Mathura and Vrindavan – the birthplace of Lord Krishna. People from every stratum of society come together in exuberant revelry filling streets with vibrant hues, music, and dance. The traditional Lathmar Holi where women playfully beat men with sticks in Barsana is a sight to behold.
West Bengal: Durga Puja in Kolkata
Durga Puja, a religious celebration, that celebrates goddess Durga’s victory over evil is an event in itself held grandly across Kolkata city. Elaborate pandals (temporary structures) decorated intricately with different themes based on artworks are installed throughout the cityscape for this occasion. The beats from dhak (traditional drums) echo through the air along with the smell of delicious Bengali food making it more than just any other festive season but a cultural extravaganza not to be missed!
Maharashtra: Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai
In Mumbai, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the famous festivals in India that honors the elephant-headed god Ganesha. Throughout the city, idols crafted with great skill and devotion are enshrined in temporary structures called pandals. The ten-day celebration ends with massive processions that lead to the immersion of these statues into the Arabian Sea; music playing as people dance fills the streets.
Punjab: Baisakhi in Amritsar
Baisakhi, the harvest festival and Sikh New Year is celebrated with great fervor in Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural hub of Punjab. The Golden Temple, illuminated with lights and decorations, becomes the focal point of the celebrations. The festival is marked by colorful processions, traditional music, and energetic Bhangra performances, reflecting the joyous spirit of the occasion.
Rajasthan: Pushkar Camel Fair in Pushkar
The Pushkar Camel Fair takes place annually in Rajasthan’s town of Pushkar and is a unique cultural event in India where cultural diversity flourishes. Race camels can be seen during this vibrant showcase of Rajasthani music and dances performed by traditional artists or purchased from colorful stalls selling local crafts along with food specialties from all over India. Moreover, there are also many rituals performed around Holy Lake where people bathe every year adding spiritual touchpoints within their celebrations too! So if you want royal treatment then come stay at Ridha Stay heritage villa in Pushkar situated amidst serene hills near this fairground area giving panoramic views over its picturesque surroundings.
Kerala: Onam in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram
Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala with fervor and joy. The grand feast during Onam, known as Onam Sadya features an extensive variety of vegetarian dishes served on banana leaves. Festivities include cultural performances like Kathakali dances and boat races that take place across the state making it one unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Tamil Nadu: Pongal in Madurai
The Tamil harvest festival Pongal, is celebrated in Madurai every year with traditional rituals and festivities. Madurai is one of the oldest cities in Tamil Nadu. Streets are decorated with colorful rangoli designs called kolam and houses are adorned with fresh banana leaves and sugarcane. The most important event of this festival is the preparation of Pongal which is a sweet rice dish cooked in clay pots to symbolize wealth and prosperity.
Goa: Christmas and Carnival in Panaji
Goa Carnival is a lively extravaganza that takes place in the capital city of Panaji before the Lent season begins. There are colorful parades on streets, big floats moving around town accompanied by loud music performances and dance shows. The participants wear vibrant costumes and masks that further enhance the festive mood. It reflects Portuguese as well as Indian cultural mix unique to Goa. To enjoy the fullest, you can book Villas near the beach at Goa from Ridha Stay.
While traveling through different states on your cultural tour across India, take part in various festivals reflecting each state’s culture closely. Whether it be Mathura’s Holi or Kolkata’s Durga Puja where grandness reaches its peak, the festivals around the year in India will introduce you to multiple hues of cultural mosaic hidden in its folds! As we embrace the rich tapestry of festivals and traditions, let us revel in the essence of the Indian festive season. To enjoy these unique festive celebrations of each state Ridha Stay offers a range of accommodation options such as villas, farmhouses, resorts, and budget-friendly hotels. To explore the best for you visit our website.
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