India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, is renowned for its grand and colourful festivals. From North to South, East to West, every festival of India has a story to tell and a unique way of celebration. Whether it’s the colours of Holi, the lights of Diwali, or the devotion of Mahashivratri, each festival reflects India’s rich heritage. Devotees prepare elaborate rituals using Pooja Samagri, ensuring that every festival is celebrated with devotion and authenticity. Let’s dive into some of the most cherished Hindu festivals in 2025.
Festivals in January
Lohri – The Bonfire Festival of Punjab
When: January 13, 2025 (Monday)
Where: Predominantly in Punjab and northern India
Lohri marks the end of winter and the onset of the harvest season in Punjab. Communities gather around bonfires, singing traditional songs and dancing to the beats of the dhol. Offerings of sesame seeds, jaggery, and popcorn are made to the fire as a token of gratitude. This festival fosters a sense of community and thanksgiving among participants.
Makar Sankranti – The Harvest Festival of North India
When: January 14, 2025 (Tuesday)
Where: Celebrated across India with regional variations
Makar Sankranti signifies the sun's transition into Capricorn, heralding longer days. In Gujarat, it's celebrated with vibrant kite flying; in Maharashtra, families exchange sweets like tilgul (sesame and jaggery) as a gesture of goodwill. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Pongal, where rice is boiled in milk to offer thanks for the harvest. Many households adorn their Deity with Laddu Gopal dress made of bright fabric and ornaments to mark the occasion. Each region adds its unique flavour to the celebrations.
Pongal – The Harvest Festival of Tamil Nadu
When: January 14-17, 2025
Where: Tamil Nadu and parts of South India
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated with great joy in Tamil Nadu. It marks the sun’s northward journey (Uttarayan) and is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). The first day, Bhogi, involves discarding old belongings; the second day, Thai Pongal, sees the preparation of sweet rice (Pongal) in clay pots; the third day, Mattu Pongal, honours cattle; and the fourth day, Kaanum Pongal, is for family gatherings. The aroma of freshly made sakkarai pongal (sweet rice) and the sight of beautifully adorned cows create an enchanting atmosphere.
Festivals in February
Vasant Panchami – Worship of Goddess Saraswati
When: February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
Where: Observed nationwide, with prominence in West Bengal and northern states
Vasant Panchami heralds the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts. Students and artists worship her, seeking wisdom and inspiration. Yellow attire and foods are customary, symbolising the brilliance of nature and the vibrancy of life. Many devotees decorate their altars with Mata Rani Poshak, symbolising devotion and spiritual purity.
Thaipusam – Devotion to Lord Murugan
When: February 11, 2025 (Tuesday)
Where: Predominantly in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide
Thaipusam is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Murugan. Devotees undertake rigourous vows, carrying kavadis (ornate structures) and piercing their bodies as acts of penance and devotion. The festival showcases profound faith and is marked by vibrant processions and rituals.
Mahashivratri – The Night of Shiva
When: February 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
Where: Nationwide, with grandeur in Varanasi and Ujjain
Mahashivratri is a night of devotion to Lord Shiva, observed with fasting, prayers, and chants of ‘Om Namah Shivaya.’ Devotees visit temples, offer milk and bel leaves to Shivling, and stay awake all night meditating and singing hymns. It is believed that observing Mahashivratri brings spiritual enlightenment and the blessings of Lord Shiva. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain witness grand celebrations. Special Pooja Cloth is often used during rituals to maintain the sanctity of the pooja setup.
Festivals in March
Holi – The Festival of Colours
When: March 14, 2025 (Friday)
Where: Predominantly in North India, but celebrated nationwide
Holi, the festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated with immense enthusiasm, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Punjab. People play with vibrant colours, drench each other with water, and relish sweets like gujiya and thandai. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, symbolising the burning away of negativity, followed by the joyous colour play the next day. Mathura and Vrindavan host the most iconic Holi celebrations, drawing visitors from all over the world. During this time, Bhagwan Shringar and accessories are widely used to beautifully adorn deities at temples and homes.
Ugadi/Gudi Padwa – New Year Celebrations
When: March 30, 2025 (Sunday)
Where: Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka; Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
Ugadi and Gudi Padwa mark the traditional New Year in their respective regions. Homes are cleaned and decorated with rangoli, and special dishes like Ugadi pachadi in Andhra Pradesh and puran poli in Maharashtra are prepared. The festivals signify new beginnings and are considered auspicious for starting new ventures.
Gangaur – The Festival of Divine Love and Marital Bliss
When: March 31, 2025 (Monday)
Where: Predominantly in Rajasthan, but also celebrated in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal
Gangaur is a vibrant festival dedicated to Goddess Gauri (Parvati), symbolising marital harmony and the well-being of husbands. Unmarried women pray for an ideal life partner, while married women seek the prosperity and longevity of their husbands. The festival spans 18 days, beginning after Holi, with women fasting, adorning themselves in traditional attire, and carrying beautifully decorated earthen pots in processions. The grandest celebrations take place in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, where folk music, dance, and royal processions add to the festive charm.
Festivals in April
Ram Navami – Birth of Lord Rama
When: April 6, 2025 (Sunday)
Where: Celebrated across India, especially in Uttar Pradesh
Rama Navami commemorates the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees engage in reading the Ramayana, and temples organise special prayers and processions. In Ayodhya, Lord Rama's birthplace, the celebrations are particularly grand, attracting pilgrims from all over the country.
Hanuman Jayanti – Celebrating the Monkey God
When: April 12, 2025 (Saturday)
Where: Observed nationwide
Hanuman Jayanti honours Lord Hanuman, the epitome of devotion and strength. Devotees visit Hanuman temples, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and observe fasts. The festival inspires followers to embody Hanuman's unwavering devotion and courage in their lives.
Festivals in July
Guru Purnima – Honouring the Gurus
When: July 10, 2025 (Thursday)
Where: Celebrated across India
Guru Purnima is dedicated to spiritual and academic teachers. Disciples express gratitude to their gurus through ceremonies and offerings. It's a day of reflection, learning, and honoring the guiding figures in one's life.
Nag Panchami – Serpent Worship
When: July 29, 2025 (Tuesday)
Where: Predominantly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and parts of North India
Nag Panchami is a traditional festival where serpents are venerated. Devotees offer milk and prayers to snake idols and live serpents, seeking protection from evils and misfortunes. The festival underscores the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Festivals in August
Varalakshmi Vrat – Worship of Goddess Lakshmi
When: August 8, 2025 (Friday)
Where: Predominantly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
Varalakshmi Vrat is a sacred day dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Married women observe a fast and perform elaborate poojas, praying for the well-being of their families. The festival emphasises the role of women in upholding familial harmony and prosperity.
Raksha Bandhan – The Bond of Siblings
When: August 9, 2025 (Saturday)
Where: Celebrated across India
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their well-being, while brothers pledge to protect them. Families gather for this occasion, exchanging sweets and gifts. The festival reinforces the importance of love and duty in sibling relationships.
Hartalika Teej – A Day for Marital Bliss
When: August 26, 2025 (Monday)
Where: Predominantly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh
Hartalika Teej is observed by married women for the well-being and longevity of their husbands. Women observe a rigorous fast, often without water, and spend the day worshipping Goddess Parvati, who is believed to have undergone severe penance to marry Lord Shiva. The festival signifies devotion, love, and the power of steadfastness in marital life. Women dress in traditional attire, sing folk songs, and participate in processions, making it a day of cultural and spiritual significance. Many households set up Pooja Samagri meticulously for rituals, ensuring divine blessings for marital bliss.
Ganesh Chaturthi – Birth of Lord Ganesha
When: August 26, 2025 (Tuesday)
Where: Predominantly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana
Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The festival is celebrated with grand processions and installation of Ganesha idols in homes and pandals. Prayers, bhajans, and sweets like modaks are offered. After 10 days, the idols are immersed in water (Visarjan), symbolising Ganesha’s return to Mount Kailash.
Festivals in September
Navaratri & Durga Puja – The Celebration of Goddess Durga
When: September 29 - October 7, 2025
Where: Celebrated across India, with grand festivities in West Bengal and Gujarat
Navaratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. In Gujarat, it is marked by garba and dandiya dances, while in West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur, featuring beautifully crafted Durga idols adorned with beautiful devi maa navratri dress, pandal hopping, and cultural performances. The tenth day, Dussehra, signifies the victory of good over evil.
Festivals in October
Diwali – The Festival of Lights
When: October 21, 2025 (Tuesday)
Where: Celebrated across India
Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It is celebrated to honour Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. People clean their homes, decorate with diyas, make rangolis, and burst fireworks. Families gather to worship Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and share sweets like laddoos and kaju katli in bhog thali. In South India, Diwali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over Narakasura, and in Bengal, Goddess Kali is worshiped. The festive spirit is contagious, making Diwali one of the most awaited celebrations.
Bhai Dooj – Celebrating Sibling Bond
When: October 23, 2025 (Thursday)
Where: Celebrated across India, especially in North India and Maharashtra
Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej in Maharashtra and Bhai Phota in Bengal, is a festival that honours the special bond between brothers and sisters. It falls two days after Diwali and resembles Raksha Bandhan in spirit. Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers' foreheads, pray for their well-being, and exchange sweets. In return, brothers give gifts as a token of their love and protection. The festival strengthens familial ties and reflects the deep-rooted cultural values of love and respect among siblings.
These are just a few of the countless festivals that make India a land of celebration. Each festival tells a story, brings people together, and adds vibrancy to life. No matter where you are in India, there’s always a festival around the corner, waiting to immerse you in its joy and traditions!