Calander 2023: Indian festivals with holidays

India is a land of festivals and peaceful coexistence between followers of various religions. Indian festivals are a fair reflection of its voluminous culture and traditions. The most exciting Indian festivals and celebrations are listed below. There are numerous festivals and celebrations. While there are celebrations throughout the year, the country is at its most colourful from October to January.

Every religion and group in India celebrates its own culture. India celebrates holidays according to state, religion, and society. In this country, a new holiday is thus celebrated every day. You frequently have holidays listed in the gazette, which provides you the chance to arrange a cross-country journey.

Table of Contents

• List of Indian festivals Calander 2023
• Makar Sankranti : Indian Festivals 2023
• Pongal : Indian Festivals 2023
• Basant Panchami : Indian Festivals 2023
• Maha Shivratri : Indian Festivals 2023
• Holi : Indian Festivals 2023
• Mewar : Indian Festivals 2023
• Baisakhi : Indian Festivals 2023
• Bihu : Indian Festivals 2023
• Thrissur Pooram : Indian Festivals 2023
• Buddha Jayanti : Indian Festivals 2023
• Eid Ul Fitr : Indian Festivals 2023
• Ratha Yatra : Indian Festivals 2023
• Hemis
• Raksha Bandhan
• Janmashtmi
• Independence Day
• Onam
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Navratri
• Durga Puja
• Dussehra
• Diwali
• Gurupurab
• Christmas
• Some useful FAQs on the National Indian festival

List of Indian festivals Calander 2023

Here is a list of India’s religious and national holidays, which are enthusiastically observed there. If you want to experience India’s diverse culture, schedule your vacations around these festivals.

Makar Sankranti : Indian Festivals 2023

The day after Lohri, North Indians and Sikhs celebrate Makar Sankranti, which is their true new year. Worship is offered to God on this day in an effort to obtain his blessings for the upcoming year. In a sense, it marks the end of winter and the start of spring, which for farmers signifies the agricultural cycle. In contrast to other Hindu festivities, the dates for this one are determined by solar cycles. On this day, kites are flown, and savory “Bajre ki khichdi” and sweet “til ladoo” are eaten. This holiday is known as Uttarayan among Gujaratis.

Important features: kite flying
When: January 14, (Friday)
Where: The event is observed by the Sikh and North Indian populations of India. North India is the ideal region to celebrate Makar Sankranti.

Pongal : Indian Festivals 2023

One of India’s most well-known celebrations is the South Indian harvest festival, which lasts four days. Pongal food is prepared, and people are dressed traditionally. Celebrities at this well-known celebration in South India include bonfires, dancing, cow racing, sweets, and savory foods. The Kolam patterns on the houses make them look beautiful (traditional floral designs made with rice, colored powders, and flower petals)

Symbolizing the first crop of the year, it is a holiday of thanksgiving to nature.
The variety of Kolam patterns and cattle races are the main draws.
When: January 14,
Where: Tamils throughout India, mainly in Tamil Nadu, celebrate the day.
Pongal 2023: Begins on January 15th (Sunday) and ends on January 18th (Wednesday)
Activities include dancing, bonfires, cattle races, desserts, and savory foods.

Basant Panchami : Indian Festivals 2023

One of the well-known Indian holidays, Basant Panchmi honors the goddess Saraswati and is observed in the months of January or February. When academics and students worship the Goddess of Knowledge, it is a significant day. In the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Punjab, and Haryana, it is widely observed. Punjab holds langars, and people in Rajasthan decorate the deity with jasmine garlands.

Meaning: It heralds the arrival of spring.
Important features: On this day, people dress in yellow and prepare yellow foods like delicious saffron rice and kadhi.
When: According to the Hindu calendar, it is observed on the fifth day of the Magha month.
Where: the states of Haryana, Punjab, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar Basant Panchami Thursday, January 26, 2023:26
Activities: Participate in Saraswati Puja and festivities

Maha Shivratri : Indian Festivals 2023

This Indian holiday, which honors Lord Shiva, is highly revered by Shiva worshippers. It is observed on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun and has great significance in Hindu mythology. Anyone who worships Lord Shiva on this day is said to be saved and have their sins forgiven. For both married and single women in India, it is one of the most important festivals for achieving marital bliss.

Meaning: Loyalty to Lord Shiva Fasting and worshipping Lord Shiva are the main draws.
When: March 1 (Tuesday)
Where: Nepal and India
Maha Shivratri 2023: Saturday, February 18, Visit temples to see festivities and celebrations.

Holi : Indian Festivals 2023

Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is one of the well-known Indian holidays that is fervently observed all over the nation. People build enormous Holika bonfires and sing and dance around them on the eve of Holi. On the day of Holi, a well-known holiday in Indian states, people congregate in open spaces to splash each other with both dry and wet colors of various hues. Some also carry water guns and colorful water balloons. It is the most widely observed celebration on the globe, topping the list of the ten most celebrated festivals in India.

Meaning: It denotes the onset of spring and the triumph of good (Prince Prahlad) over evil (Holika).
The Holika bonfire, color-painting, and bhang thandai are the main draws.
When: The Hindu lunisolar calendar’s Phalgun month, or Purnima, falls in the month of March in the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Almost everywhere in the nation, with North Indian states hosting the liveliest celebrations.
Holi 2023: March 8th (Wednesday)
Activities: Light bonfires for Holika and dance and sing around them; play with colors; eat sweets, particularly Gujiya.

Mewar : Indian Festivals 2023

This festival takes place in Udaipur, a city in Rajasthan. The celebration is held to commemorate the start of spring. Attending this festival is essential if you want to experience Rajasthan’s culture and traditions in a whole. This event has a long history and has been observed ever since India was ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty.

Celebrations are held to mark the arrival of spring. The event is highly colorful, and women may be seen participating enthusiastically in the numerous festivities throughout Udaipur.
When: March 5th, 2019
Where: March 5–6, 2023, Udaipur Mewar Festival
Activities: Participate in festivities

Baisakhi : Indian Festivals 2023

The Sikh population of Punjab and people all over the world celebrate Baisakhi, one of the well-known Indian holidays. It commemorates the beginning of the rabi crop harvest season. The Sikhs perform regional folk dances like Giddha and Bhangra as part of their festival celebrations, which are filled with excitement and enthusiasm. The event has enormous religious significance in India since it commemorates the day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, laid the cornerstone for the Panth Khalsa—the Order.

Meaning: Greeting the harvest season
The following are the main draws: Punjabi feasts, decorations in homes and Gurudwaras, and folk dances like Bhangra and Giddha.
When: April 14, (Thursday)
Where: The festival is observed throughout India’s Sikh communities. Punjab is the greatest state in India to celebrate Baisakhi.
Baisakhi 2023: Friday, April 14. Visit gurudwaras, savor the delectable food offered at festivals, and take part in regional celebrations.

Bihu : Indian Festivals 2023

Bihu, the harvest festival of Assam, is well-known among the Indian holidays celebrated in the North East. Young men and women dress traditionally for the month-long festivities, and they dance the Bihu in the courtyards and fields of the villages. An elaborate communal feast is held during the Bihu celebrations in India.

Meaning: Assamese celebrate the new year in this manner according to tradition. The Bihu dance and regional foods like coconut laddoo, til pitha, ghila pitha, and fish pitika are the main draws.
When: April 13,
Where: Around the world, the Assamese diaspora, especially in Assam, celebrates
Bihu 2023: Begins on April 13 and ends on April 19. Wear traditional attire and participate in ceremonies and regional rites.

Thrissur Pooram : Indian Festivals 2023

Thrissur Pooram, one of the most well-known festivals in Kerala, would be a fantastic occasion to go to. To celebrate this occasion, people come together from all around the nation. The Thrissur Pooram festivities continue for another 36 hours. Both parasol displays and fireworks are essential components of this festivity.

The festival is held in remembrance of the construction of the ten temples that surround Vadakkunnathan Temple.
Key draws: Parasol displays and fireworks will be on exhibit at this festival.
When: Monday, May 1, 2023
Where: Thrissur, Pooram Thrissur 2023: 1st May (Monday)
Activities: Participate in the processions.

Buddha Jayanti : Indian Festivals 2023

One of the most sacred holidays in India is observed here. Buddha Purnima is another name for it. The event commemorates the birth of Gautama Buddha, who popularised Buddhism over the world. People delight in attending Buddhist teachings on this day and, in keeping with tradition, dress in white to make the most of the occasion.

Because of the birth of Gautama Buddha, people commemorate this festival. The main draw is that everyone wears white clothing and that day is when Buddhism is taught.
When: On May 5, Bodh Gaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Kurseong, Darjeeling, and Maharashtra are among the locations.
Budda jayanti 2023: May 5, Buddha Jayanti (Friday)
Visit Buddhist monasteries and temples, go to talks, and pray.

Eid Ul Fitr : Indian Festivals 2023

For the Muslim community in India, Eid is one of the most important holidays. People visit friends and family, dress up, participate in a morning community prayer, and exchange sweets. Elders offer children idi (cash or a gift).

Meaning: It marks the end of the sacred month-long fast known as Ramadan.
The gorgeously decorated markets and mosques, the Eid namaz in the morning at the mosques, and the sweet foods are the main draws.
When: On the first of the lunar Hijri month of Shawwal, which corresponds to July in the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Muslims around the nation observe the holiday 21 April 2023: Eid Ul Fitr
Activities include going to a special communal prayer service in the morning, calling on friends and family, and exchanging sweets.

Ratha Yatra : Indian Festivals 2023

Chariot racing is celebrated throughout this festival, which honors Lord Jagannath. At the well-known Puri Jagannath Temple in the Indian state of Odisha, crowds gather. For the parade, a chariot is pulled by the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.

Meaning: This holiday is observed to honor Lord Jagannath.
The idols of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra are pulled out on chariots, which is one of the main attractions.
When: June 20, 2023, Puri Jagannath Yatra,
where: 2023, 20 June (Tuesday) (Tuesday)
Activities: Participate in Rath Yatra

Hemis

One of the most significant festivals in India is Hemis, a two-day religious festival from Ladakh. Each year, it draws several locals and visitors from abroad. The priests perform the Cham dance as part of the festivities, which also feature traditional music played by the monks on cymbals, drums, and trumpets. The dancing priests dress up in ornate brocade clothes and masks, making it one of the most distinctive festivals.

Meaning: Tibetan Tantric Buddhist founder and spiritual guru Padmasambhava’s birth anniversary is being commemorated.
Important features: Hemis monastery’s picturesque grounds and the Cham dance
When: The Tibetan lunar month’s tenth day, or Tse-Chu in local speak, falls in June or July on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh
Hemis 2023: Starts on June 28
Activities: Participate in the priests’ rites and processions.

Raksha Bandhan

Rakhi is one of the most well-known Indian holidays, and it is observed by Hindus. In keeping with the brother-sister bond, the sister prays (Aarti), puts on tilak, and ties a rakhi (a sacred thread) on the brother’s wrist while wishing him well. In exchange, the brother promises to look out for the sister. Bhai Dooj, which takes place right after Diwali, is another holiday that shares many similarities with Rakhi.

Meaning: It stands for the close relationship between a brother and sister.
The Rakhi ritual and the garishly decorated markets with their colorful selection of rakhis and sweets are the main draws.
Where: Specifically in North, Central, and West India When: The full moon day of Shravana month of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to August of the Gregorian calendar
Valentine’s Day 2023: August 30 (Wednesday)
Activities: Have a celebration with your siblings.

Janmashtmi

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Hindu lunar month of Shravana (August/September) and is particularly popular in the northern and western states of India.

On Janmashtami, devotees fast, sing devotional songs, and perform aarti (worship with lights) to mark the occasion. Some also perform puja (worship) to statues of Lord Krishna, enact scenes from his life, and participate in religious discourses. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the two towns where Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, with devotees thronging the temples to catch a glimpse of the deity.

Independence Day

Independence Day is one of the most important and widely observed national holidays. It is observed to honor the spirit of India’s independence. The Indian Prime Minister performs the flag-hoisting ceremony at Red Fort on this day as well. The next thing that happens is a salute of 21 gunshots fired after the independence day event.

Celebrations are held to honor the attainment of freedom on August 15, 1947.
The 21-shot salute and the flag-raising by the Indian Prime Minister are the main draws.
When: August 15, 2023 (Monday)
Where: August 15th, Delhi Independence Day (Monday)
Activities: Participate in ceremonies, fly kites, spend time with loved ones, and feel patriotic as you celebrate your freedom.

Onam

One of India’s major national holidays, Onam sees people dress in traditional attire, decorate their homes with Pookalam (floral patterns), and make Onasadya (elaborate meal of about 13 dishes). There are festivals and events including the Vallamkali (snake boat race), Kaikottikali (clap dance), Kathakali dance, and Pulikali procession (artists dressed as tigers and hunters).

Meaning: It commemorates the mythical king Mahabali’s return home.
Three main draws are the mysterious Kaikottikali dance, the magnificent Snake Boat Race, and the elephant procession.
When: In the Malayalam calendar Chingam month, which is equivalent to August or September in the Gregorian year.
Where: In the state of Kerala, celebrations take place among all ethnic groups.
Onam 2023: Starts on August 20 (Sunday)
Activities: Participate in boat races

Ganesh Chaturthi

Another significant Hindu religious event in India, Ganesh Chaturthi is a colourful 10-day celebration. Huge handcrafted Ganesh idols are placed in pandals outside of homes or indoors. Both the morning and the evening are used for pujas. The final day is Visarjan, when an idol is submerged in water. In addition to free medical and blood donation camps, cultural events such as singing, dancing, and theatre are held.

Meaning: The elephant-headed God Lord Ganesha celebrates his birthday today. The exquisitely made life-size Ganesha statues and the immersion ritual are the main draws.
When: The Hindu lunisolar calendar’s Bhadrapada month, which corresponds to August or September on the Gregorian calendar, on the fourth day of the first fortnight (Shukla Chaturthi).
Where: With zeal and joy, celebrated in the states of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. January 31st, 2023: Ganesh Chaturthi (Tuesday)
Activities: Participate in cultural events and the visarjan ceremony.

Navratri

One of India’s most significant holidays is Navratri. Every Indian celebrates this occasion in their own unique style. A nine-day festival of energizing Garba nights and exhilarating Dandiya Raas dances is held in Gujarat. The atmosphere is really vibrant and energizing, and people are dressed in lovely, colorful traditional attire. Fasting is a well-known Hindu custom that has a scientific foundation. Every time a season changes, one should observe a fast to rest their digestive system and build immunity for the upcoming season.

Meaning: It symbolizes the worship of the goddess Amba (Power) in her nine distinct guises.
Important features: The magnificent Chaniya Cholis (traditional skirt and blouse), Gujarati cuisine, including Sabudana Khichdi, Mandvi Paak, Singoda ki Kheer, and Potato Wafers, and the nine days of dancing celebrations in Gujarat.
When: The first nine days of the Hindu lunisolar calendar’s Ashwin month, which falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Almost everywhere in the nation; most active in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the major cities
Navratri 2023: October 15 through October 24
Activities: observe a nine-day fast, visit temples and other sacred sites, celebrate the eighth and ninth days of Navratri with Kanya Pujan, and attend dandiya evenings.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja, one of the major Hindu holidays in India, is one of the most revered religious celebrations in the nation and is lavishly celebrated by Bengalis all across the nation. Cultural music, dances, and plays are performed throughout the Goddess Durga’s ten-day fast, feast, and devotion period. Huge, stunning Durga idols are created and put in intricately crafted Pandals (canopies). People visit the pandals while jumping, worshipping, and dining while dressed in traditional attire.

Meaning: It honors the Goddess Durga’s supplication by Lord Rama before engaging in battle with Ravana, the ruler of the demons.
Key draws include lavish pandals, stunning ten-armed Durga idols, and the puja.
When: September or October of the Gregorian calendar, or the tenth day of Ashwina Shukla paksha according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Where: The greatest spots to be in India during Durga Puja celebrations are in Kolkata and the metropolises.
Durga Puja in 2023: October 24 (Tuesday) Visit the Durga Puja pandals to experience this festival’s real spirit.

Dussehra

Among the most well-known Hindu holidays in India is Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. It is observed in various ways all around the nation. There are ten days dedicated to Ramlila, which is the reenactment of Ramayana episodes. The burning of enormous effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran—known as “Ravan Dahan”—which is a truly amazing spectacle—marks its conclusion. While a vibrant parade is carried out in Mysore, Kullu celebrates for ten days as they welcome their mountain deities to the valley. Drums are playing in the background while the Mysore Palace is illuminated like a bride. On your visit to the city of royals, you should not miss this sight. One of the most religious holidays is this one.

Meaning: It commemorates Lord Rama’s execution of the demon king Ravana.
The Ram-Leela performances, the bustle of the adorned markets, and the major event of the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are the main draws.
When: On the tenth day of the Hindu lunisolar month of Ashwin, or in September or October on the Gregorian calendar, throughout Pan India
Dussehra in 2023: October 24 (Wednesday)
Activities: Attend Ravan Dahan, go to well-known temples to observe celebrations, and go to Dussehra celebrations.

Diwali

Diwali is one of the most important Hindu holidays honored. which is celebrated with great fervour. we use to decorate homes for this festival of lights, clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves are used. In addition to lighting crackers and sharing sweets with friends, family, and neighbors, they don new clothes and do a family puja. In India, it is the most well-known holiday.

Meaning: After a lengthy 14-year exile, the event commemorates the arrival of Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana.
Important features: Homes with elaborate lighting, candles and clay lamps, crowded marketplaces and businesses, and rockets and crackers
When: The Hindu lunisolar calendar’s Kartik month’s darkest new moon night, which corresponds to mid-October to mid-November on the Gregorian calendar.
Where: Across the nation
Diwali 2023: October 12, (Sunday)
Activities: Light diyas, adorn your home, and give gifts and sweets to family and close friends.

Gurupurab

Special assemblies on the lives and teachings of the gurus, as well as langars (community feasts), are held in the gurudwaras, one of India’s most important Sikh festivals. Everyone receives Karah Prasad, and hymn-singing processions are held throughout the city.To celebrate Gurpurab, people light candles and lamps inside their homes and set off firecrackers.

Meaning: The anniversary of the ten Sikh Gurus is being commemorated. Attractions: The moving Gurdwara Gurbani, the heartfelt Bhajan-Kirtan (hymns), the Langar, and the Karah Prasad
When: Kartik in the Hindu lunisolar calendar, which corresponds to November in the Gregorian calendar, on the full moon day.
Where: The Sikh community around the world, especially in Punjab, celebrates
Gurupurab: November 27, 2023 (Monday)
Activity: Visit a gurudwara, participate in langar and sewa, assist the less fortunate, and give to charity.

Christmas

Christmas is one of the most well-known and eagerly anticipated holidays in both India and the rest of the world. It holds equal importance for both children and adults. Everyone, regardless of religion, looks forward to Christmas day, especially the kids who will get unexpected gifts from Santa. To commemorate the birth of Lord Jesus, all of the churches are lit up and decorated.

significance: Lord Jesus’ birthday
Christmas tree decorations, prayers, the birth of Jesus, and Santa Claus are the main draws.
When: December 25
Where: India-wide celebrations of the event take place. Kerala, Goa, and Pondicherry are the greatest places in India to celebrate Christmas.
Holiday 2023: December 25 (Monday)
Activities include going to church, praying, and taking part in festivals and carnivals.

Some useful FAQs on the National Indian festival

Also Read: What is Tithi in Hindu Calendar and how to calculate?