Hindu Festivals List 2024

List of Famous Festivals of India

List of Festivals
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Important Hindu Festivals List

Festivals are important in Hindu culture, marking significant events, seasons, and spiritual beliefs. Let’s read the details of some major Hindu festivals celebrated in 2024:

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the sun’s movement into the Capricorn zodiac sign. It usually happens around January 14 or 15 and represents the beginning of longer days following the winter peak. A significant ritual involves taking a sacred bath in rivers like the Ganges for spiritual cleansing and blessings. Another tradition during this festival is flying kites, which symbolizes happiness and thankfulness for the harvest period.

Pongal

Pongal is a harvest festival widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, South India. The festival’s main day, Thai Pongal, falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. People prepare a special dish called Pongal using freshly harvested rice and other ingredients as an offering to the Sun God. The festival spans four days and includes rituals honouring cattle, cleaning homes, and family gatherings.

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is observed on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha. It is usually in late January or early February. It is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts. Devotees wear yellow clothes, offer yellow flowers, and engage in cultural events to seek blessings for wisdom and creativity.

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri is a significant Hindu festival honouring Lord Shiva. It falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Phalguna, which aligns with February or March. Devotees offer prayers, fast, and perform rituals at Shiva temples, seeking blessings and purification.

Holi

Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring. It usually occurs in March and is famous for vibrant colour play, symbolizing joy and unity. People come together to play with colours, dance, and indulge in festive meals, fostering community bonds.

Ugadi / Gudi Padwa / Telugu New Year

Ugadi marks the Telugu New Year and is celebrated in the Deccan region of India. It signifies new beginnings, resolutions, and cultural festivities. Gudi Padwa, observed in Maharashtra, shares similar traditions of cleaning homes, decorating with flowers, and family gatherings.

Rama Navami

Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama and is observed on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra. It involves prayers, fasting, and recitations of the Ramayana, highlighting the virtues of Lord Rama.

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is celebrated across India, particularly Punjab, and marks the Sikh New Year. It is associated with harvest celebrations, new beginnings, and community gatherings.

Tamil New Year

Tamil New Year, also called Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. It involves temple visits, cultural performances, and family feasts.

Vishu

Vishu Festival is celebrated in Kerala and coastal Karnataka, symbolizing prosperity and joy. It includes traditional feasts, flower decorations, and cultural festivities.

Bengali New Year

Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh or Bengali New Year, is observed with processions, cultural events, and traditional Bengali cuisine, signifying new beginnings and cultural heritage.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan celebrates sibling bonds, where sisters tie rakhi threads on their brothers’ wrists, symbolizing protection and love.

Janmashtami

Janmashtami honours Lord Krishna’s birth and involves prayers, fasting, and cultural performances.

Vinayaka Chaturthi

Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth with prayers, offerings, and cultural activities.

Mahalaya Amavasya

Mahalaya Amavasya is dedicated to ancestral remembrance and involves rituals honouring deceased ancestors.

Maha Navami

Maha Navami concludes the Navratri festival with prayers and festivities dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Diwali

Diwali is the Festival of Lights that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and includes decorations, feasts, and fireworks.

Bhai Dooj

Bhai Dooj celebrates sibling relationships with ceremonies and exchanges of gifts between brothers and sisters.

Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja honors the Sun God and involves devotees’ fasting, prayers, and rituals.

Karthika Purnima

Karthika Purnima is observed with lamp lighting and prayers, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

Frequently Asked Questions on Hindu Festival 2024

When is the Hindu New Year 2024?

The Hindu New Year, Ugadi or Gudi Padwa, falls on 9 April 2024. It signifies the start of the Hindu calendar month of Chaitra, usually in March or April on the Gregorian calendar.

What is the most significant festival for Hindus?

Diwali is the most important festival for Hindus and Sikhs, celebrated with lights, sweets, and fireworks, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Which festival is observed in April 2024?

In April 2024, Hindus observe the Hindu New Year on the Shukla Paksha Pradipada of the Chaitra month, marking the beginning of the Vikram Samvat 2081 and Saka Samvat 1945 calendars.