The Most Popular Festival in India, Ranked

Choose the festival you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 20, 2024 06:50
Every year, countless festivals light up India with their unique traditions and vibrant celebrations, each reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the country. Determining the most popular festival among them can provide valuable insights for both travelers and locals. It helps in highlighting the cultural significance and the diverse ways in which these festivals are celebrated. By participating in the voting process, users have the opportunity to share their personal experiences and preferences, contributing to a dynamic community-driven ranking. This interactive process not only fosters a deeper understanding of India's cultural heritage but also guides new audiences in experiencing these celebrated times. Your votes make a difference in painting a truly representative picture of India's festive spirit.

What Is the Most Popular Festival in India?

  1. 1
    58
    points
    Diwali

    Diwali

    The Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across the world. Diwali symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
    • Celebration Month: October/November
    • Significance: Victory of light over darkness
  2. 2
    29
    points
    Holi

    Holi

    Also known as the Festival of Colours, Holi celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and the blossoming of love. It's a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships.
    • Celebration Month: March
    • Significance: Celebration of spring, love, and forgiveness
  3. 3
    26
    points
    Ganesh Chaturthi

    Ganesh Chaturthi

    A festival celebrating Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is marked with the installation of Ganesha clay idols privately in homes, or publicly on elaborate pandals (temporary stages).
    • Celebration Month: August/September
    • Significance: Celebration of Lord Ganesha's birth
  4. 4
    19
    points
    Durga Puja

    Durga Puja

    An annual Hindu festival in the Indian subcontinent that reveres the goddess Durga. It is particularly popular in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh, and the diaspora from this region, and also in Nepal where it is called Dashain.
    • Celebration Month: September/October
    • Significance: Worship of the goddess Durga
  5. 5
    13
    points
    Eid al-Fitr

    Eid al-Fitr

    A major Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The festival celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.
    • Celebration Month: Varies (Islamic Calendar)
    • Significance: End of Ramadan fasting
  6. 6
    12
    points
    Christmas

    Christmas

    Celebrated by the Christian community and many others across India to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It's marked by church services, festive decorations, and the exchange of gifts.
    • Celebration Month: December
    • Significance: Birth of Jesus Christ
  7. 7
    7
    points
    Janmashtami

    Janmashtami

    The Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, an avatar of the god Vishnu. It is observed according to Hindu luni-solar calendar, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.
    • Celebration Month: August/September
    • Significance: Birth of Lord Krishna
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Raksha Bandhan

    Raksha Bandhan

    A festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brothers' wrists, symbolizing their protection.
    • Celebration Month: August
    • Significance: Celebration of the bond between brothers and sisters
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Maha Shivaratri

    Maha Shivaratri

    A Hindu festival celebrated annually in honor of the god Shiva. There is a Shivaratri in every luni-solar month of the Hindu calendar, but the main festival is called Maha Shivaratri, which means 'the Great Night of Shiva'.
    • Celebration Month: February/March
    • Significance: Honor of the god Shiva
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Navaratri

    Navaratri

    A Hindu festival that spans nine nights (and ten days) and is celebrated every year in the autumn. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian cultural sphere.
    • Celebration Month: September/October
    • Significance: Honor the goddess Durga

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular festival in India. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Festival is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2122 views
  • 164 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Festival once every 24 hours. The rank of each Festival is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Festival in India

Diwali
Rank #1 for the most popular festival in India: Diwali (Source)
India is a land of festivals. Each state has its own unique traditions. The most popular festival in India brings people together. It marks the victory of good over evil. Celebrations last for several days. Families clean their homes and decorate them with lights and flowers. The air fills with joy and excitement.

People wear new clothes. They exchange gifts and sweets. Markets bustle with activity. Shops offer special discounts. Streets light up with colorful decorations. Music and dance fill the air. Children play with friends and enjoy the festive mood.

In the evening, families gather for prayers. They perform rituals to honor deities. The sound of bells and chants fills the atmosphere. After prayers, they share a meal. Traditional dishes are prepared with care. Recipes pass down through generations.

Fireworks light up the night sky. The sound of crackers echoes through the streets. People watch the display with awe. The sky bursts with colors. It is a sight to behold.

The festival also has a deeper meaning. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. It reminds people of the power of goodness. It encourages unity and harmony. Families come together and strengthen bonds. Friends visit each other and share in the joy.

Schools and offices close for the festival. It is a time for relaxation and enjoyment. People travel to their hometowns. They spend time with loved ones. It is a break from the routine of daily life.

The festival has a rich history. Stories and legends surround it. These tales pass down through generations. They teach important values and lessons. They inspire people to do good and be kind.

The festival is not just about fun. It also involves charity. People donate to those in need. They offer food and clothes to the less fortunate. Acts of kindness are encouraged. It is a time to give back to the community.

In recent years, there has been a focus on eco-friendly celebrations. People use biodegradable decorations. They avoid harmful fireworks. Awareness about pollution has increased. Many choose to celebrate in a more sustainable way.

The festival brings a sense of belonging. It connects people to their roots. It is a reminder of cultural heritage. It is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. It is a celebration of life and its many blessings.

In conclusion, the most popular festival in India is a time of joy and togetherness. It is a blend of tradition and modernity. It brings out the best in people. It is a celebration that everyone looks forward to. It is a festival that truly captures the spirit of India.

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