2024 Calendar Holidays India Festival
List of Events and Festivals
India is a land of diverse cultures, religions, and traditions. Every year, the country celebrates a plethora of festivals and events. Here is a list of some of the major festivals and events that will be celebrated in India in the year 2024:
- January 14 – Makar Sankranti
- January 26 – Republic Day
- March 10 – Holi
- April 14 – Baisakhi/Vishu
- April 21 – Ram Navami
- May 7 – Buddha Purnima
- August 12 – Eid al-Adha
- August 15 – Independence Day
- October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti
- October 8 – Dussehra
- October 27 – Diwali
Description of Festivals and Events
Each festival and event in India has its own unique significance and rituals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major festivals and events:
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India. It marks the beginning of the sun’s journey northward, and the end of the winter solstice. People take holy dips in rivers and offer prayers to the sun god. The festival is also famous for kite flying competitions.
Republic Day
Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The highlight of the day is the grand parade in New Delhi, which showcases India’s cultural diversity and military prowess.
Holi
Holi is a colorful and joyous festival celebrated across India. People smear each other with colored powder and water, and enjoy traditional sweets and delicacies. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil, and the arrival of spring.
Baisakhi/Vishu
Baisakhi and Vishu are celebrated in different parts of India, but both festivals mark the beginning of the harvest season. People dress up in traditional attire, perform folk dances, and offer prayers to the gods for a bountiful harvest.
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Rama, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. People visit temples, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers to Lord Rama and his consort Sita.
Buddha Purnima
Buddha Purnima is celebrated to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. People offer prayers, meditate, and perform acts of charity to honor Buddha’s teachings of peace and compassion.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is one of the most important festivals in Islam, celebrated to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims offer prayers, exchange greetings, and share food with family and friends.
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 to commemorate India’s freedom from British rule. The day is marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, patriotic speeches, and cultural programs across the country.
Gandhi Jayanti
Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2 to honor the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. People offer prayers, sing bhajans, and participate in peace marches to pay homage to the great leader’s ideals of non-violence and truth.
Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. People burn effigies of Ravana, perform traditional dance-dramas, and enjoy festive food and sweets.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated to signify the triumph of good over evil, and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. People light diyas, decorate their homes, and exchange sweets and gifts with family and friends.
Question and Answer (Q&A)
Q: What is the significance of Makar Sankranti?
A: Makar Sankranti marks the beginning of the sun’s journey northward, and the end of the winter solstice. It is a harvest festival celebrated with great fervor in various parts of India.
Q: Why is Republic Day celebrated in India?
A: Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution. It is a national holiday and a day of great pride for all Indians.
Q: What is the story behind Diwali?
A: Diwali is celebrated to signify the victory of good over evil, and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. People light diyas, decorate their homes, and exchange sweets and gifts with family and friends.
FAQs
Q: When is Eid al-Adha celebrated in India?
A: Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. The date may vary by a day or two depending on the sighting of the moon.
Q: What are some traditional sweets and delicacies eaten during Holi?
A: Some of the popular sweets and delicacies eaten during Holi include gujiya, mathri, thandai, and dahi bhalla.
Q: What is the significance of Gandhi Jayanti?
A: Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated on October 2 to honor the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It is a day to remember his ideals of non-violence, truth, and simplicity.
In conclusion, India is a land of festivals and events that are celebrated with great enthusiasm and gusto. The above-mentioned festivals and events are just a few of the many that will take place in the year 2024. Each festival has its own unique significance and rituals, and offers an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of India.