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From Holi to Christmas – Important festival dates in 2024

Dec 27, 2023, 17:02 IST
Business Insider India
Awaiting the New Year, everyone in India is naturally excited about the major festivals that will line up in the year 2024. Major festivals in India are not only colorful and interesting celebrations; they also reflect the rich cultural diversity of the nation since India is highly known for its rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions.
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India is in fact a melting pot of celebrations that span the entire spectrum of national experience. The country's diverse festivals reflect the unity in diversity that defines its identity. Some festivals like Holi and Diwali have become a rich symbol of Indian culture and Hindu tradition. Here is the calendar of major festival dates in 2024.


Important Festival dates in 2024

DateDayHolidayDescription
1 JanMondayNew Year's DayGlobal Event
15 JanMondayMakara Sankranti / PongalHindu Festival
26 JanFridayRepublic DayNational Event
8 MarFridayMaha ShivaratriHindu Festival
25 MarMondayHoliHindu Festival
29 MarFridayGood FridayChristian Festival
31 MarSundayEasterChristian Festival
9 AprTuesdayGudi Padwa / UgadiHindu Festival
10 AprWednesdayIdul FitrIslamic Festival
14 AprSundayBengali New Year / Bohag Bihu / Cheiraoba / Vishu / Tamil New YearRegional Festival
17 AprWednesdayRam NavamiHindu Festival
21 AprSundayMahavir JayantiJain Festival
23 MayThursdayBuddha PurnimaBuddhist Festival
17 JunMondayBakrid / Eid al AdhaIslamic Festival
17 JulWednesdayMuharramIslamic Festival
15 AugThursdayIndependence DayNational Event
19 AugMondayRaksha BandhanHindu Festival
26 AugMondayJanmashtamiHindu Festival
7 SepSaturdayGanesh ChaturthiHindu Festival
16 SepMondayEid e MiladIslamic Festival
2 OctWednesdayGandhi JayantiNational Event
13 OctSundayVijaya DashamiHindu Festival
31 OctThursdayDeepavaliHindu Festival
25 DecWednesdayChristmasChristian Festival


Holi: A splash of colors unites all
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Holi, the festival of colors, transcends boundaries, bringing people together to celebrate the arrival of spring. Regardless of age, gender, or social status, revelers drench each other in vibrant hues, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the joy of togetherness.

Diwali: The festival of lights illuminates unity

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a spectacle that unites the nation. Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, along with people from various backgrounds, come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. The exchange of sweets, lighting of lamps, and the bursting of fireworks create an atmosphere of shared joy.

Diwali is perhaps known worldwide as a representative festival of Hinduism. Therefore, it has a huge following among the global community too. The festival typically lasts five days and is marked by various rituals, decorations, and festivities. Celebrating Diwali overseas can be a unique and enriching experience, as it provides an opportunity to share the cultural richness of the festival with a diverse community.

Eid: A feast of brotherhood and compassion
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Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, celebrated by the Muslim community, emphasize unity, brotherhood, and compassion. Families come together for prayers, feasts, and the spirit of giving, exemplifying the values of sharing and caring for one another.

Navratri: A dance of devotion across regions

Navratri, dedicated to the goddess Durga, is celebrated with fervor across India. While in the northern regions, it involves energetic Garba and Dandiya dances, in the east, it is marked by Durga Puja, showcasing diverse cultural expressions within the same festival.

Pongal: Harvest Festival Uniting South India

In the southern states, Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated with much gusto. People express gratitude to the sun god, sharing the bounty of the harvest with family and friends, reinforcing the importance of agricultural traditions in the region.
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Baisakhi: A Harvest Festival with Regional Flavors

Baisakhi, celebrated in Punjab, marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest festival. It's a time for joyous Bhangra dances, feasting, and community gatherings, showcasing the unique cultural identity of the region.

Christmas: Experiencing the Universal celebration in local colors

Christmas, on December 25th, is more than a date; it's a magical season. Marked by festive lights, joyful carols, and the spirit of togetherness, Christmas is a time for creating cherished memories with loved ones. It embodies the values of love, peace, and goodwill, making it a universally cherished celebration.

Take away
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In 2024, you will find one more year of exciting and colorful celebrations. So, gear up and keep track of the big festivals in advance so that you stay tuned and prepared to experience the most these events have got to bring you.



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