Major Festivals of Odisha

Pana Sankranti Festival: Pana Sankranti’ or ‘Maha Bishuva Sankranti’ marks the Odia New Year with the introduction of new Panjika. It falls on the first day of the Odia calendar month of Baisakha, typically around mid-April (always falls on 14th of April). It coincides with the solar transit into the Mesha (Aries) Rashi, making it astrologically significant as well. The festival’s name, “Pana,” is derived from the traditional drink made from various ingredients like jaggery, water, and fruits, symbolizing the onset of the summer season and the need to stay hydrated. Historically, Pana Sankranti has been celebrated for centuries, with references found in ancient scriptures and texts. It is believed that on this day, Shree Vishnu, in his incarnation as Varaha (the boar), rescued the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. This act of divine intervention is commemorated by devotees through various rituals and prayers, seeking blessings for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead.

Akshaya Trutiya: Akshaya Tritiya is a popular agrarian festival. It is one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar and occurs on the third lunar day of the bright half of the Hindu month of ‘Vaishakha’. As per the traditional rituals of the farming festival, the farmers perform ‘Akhi Muthi Anukula’, the ritual of sowing seeds in their paddy fields after ploughing their lands. It is a festival that celebrates wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. It is believed that any investments made on this day will bring prosperity and good fortune. Farmers in the State wear new clothes, carry a basket of seeds and sow those in their fields as part of the rituals during the festival. It is also observed as ‘Siddhi and Suddhi Dibasa’. As per the popular belief, the seeds sown during the festival are considered as offerings to Maa Lakhmi. Farmers in the State believe that by following the ritual, they will get rich harvest. Moreover, construction of the chariots for the famous Rath Yatra in Puri begins on this auspicious day. Carpenters start constructing chariots for Shree Jagannath and Prabhu Balabadra and Maa Subhadra.

Chandan Yatra: At Jagannath Dhaam Puri, after the world famous Ratha Yatra, the Chandan Yatra is the second most famous festivals of Shree Jagannath. This is a festival that takes place for 42 long days and it is one among the famous twelve Yatras of Shree Jagannath. As per the Odia traditions the Month of Baisakha is very important as on the third day of the bright fortnight which is known as Akshaya Trutiya, the farmers of the state commence their seeds sowing process to ensure the harvest. The Chandan Yatra of Shree Jagannath commences on this day along with the formation of the cart for the deities also begins this day. The celebration of the festival of Chandan Yatra takes place for 42 days and it is basically divided into two parts where each part of the festival is being celebrated for 21 days.

Bahara Chandan - Observed at the Narendra Tank

Bhitara Chandan - Observed in the Jalakrida Mandapa inside the Jagannath temple

The first part of the Chandana Yatra, Bahara Chandan is observed with a lot of enthusiasm and rituals are performed for 21 long days at the Narendra Tank. The last day of Bahara Chandan is called as Bhaunri (circle). During the Bhaunri (on the twentieth day) at night, the Chapa (special boat on which deities are seated) moves around 21 times. The Chapa again moves around 7 times in every corner and at the center of the tank. As per the Hindu Mythological books based on the Chandana Yatra which is known as the Jatra Bhagabata Bhaunri (encircling of Chapas) is celebrated 7 times in every corner starting from Agni Kona to Aishanya Kona. On the 21st day Ratra Chapa is not celebrated.

Raja Parba: Raja Parba or Mithuna Sankranti is a 3-day festival to honour womanhood which is celebrated across Odisha. The speciality of this festival is that it not only celebrates the womanhood but it also celebrates the happiness of the earth being fertile. It is celebrated for Bhudevi or earth. It is believed in Odisha that the divine wife of Shree Jagannath (Vishnu) is known as Maa Bhudevi and she undergoes her menstrual cycle during this period before the onset of rains. The word ‘Raja’ derived from a Sanskrit word Rajasvala means a menstruating woman. The interesting part of this festival is that it celebrates this aspect of womanhood which makes the feminine entity unique. Because menstruation is considered as a sign of fertility, and therefore, it celebrates femininity and her ability to give birth to another life. At this time the Goddess Earth (Bhudevi) is given rest and all agricultural activities like digging the soil, ploughing the field, are being suspended. It is believed that after this the earth becomes even more fertile. Every woman is compared with the earth and just as the earth is getting fertile, women are also given a special place in this festival. She would not have to work for 4 days and allowed to take rest during these days. They do not walk bare-foot do not scratch the earth, do not grind, do not tear anything apart, do not cut and do not cook. Women wear Alta and jewellery has to be worn along with new clothes. During all the three consecutive days they are seen in the best of dresses and decorations, eating cakes (especially Poda Peetha) and rich food at the houses of friends and relatives, spending long cheery hours, moving up and down on improvised swings, rending the village sky with their merry impromptu songs.

Ratha Yatra: The world-famous festival of ‘Ratha Yatra’ i.e., Shree Gundicha Yatra is organised every year on the second day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashadha. As per description in the Skanda Purana, among the twelve Yatras of Shree Jagannatha, Ratha Yatra or Shree Gundicha Yatra is considered the most famous one. According to 'Bamadev Samhita' those who can witness the four deities on the Simhasana (the sacred seat) of Gundicha Temple for a week they along with their ancestors would get a place in the heavenly abode i.e. Baikuntha for all time to come. As per this text those who can hear about this great festival, they also get the desired result. Besides this, those who study the rituals of the divine festival and make others aware of the same they can also get a place in his holy abode.

The first day of the nine-day-long festival is about catching a glimpse of the idols travelling by chariots. The grand Rath Yatra begins after the three deities are established on the decorated chariots. Shree Jagannath's chariot is called Nandighosha, Prabhu Balabhadra's chariot is called Taladhvaja, and Maa Subhadra's chariot is called Darpadalan. These chariots are pulled by many devotees. Every year approximately 20 lakhs of people assemble in Puri to pull the chariots. After reaching Gundicha Temple, the three deities are taken back to Shree Mandira. The journey to return to the temple is called Bahuda Yatra, it commences on the tenth day of the Ashadha month. And the 11th Day is celebrated as Sunabesha when the deities are ornamented with a huge amount of golden jewellery along with manifold gemstones.

Chhau Festival: To represent the tribal life and traditional dances of Odisha, Chhau festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the whole of the state. This festival is primarily attached to the Odissi dance form- Mayurbhanj Chhau. During this festival, people of Odisha worship Bhagavan Shiva. The trained classical dancers perform the act of Chhau with masks covering their faces. The dance form has various classical and martial arts elements in it. Chhau festival offers a complete treat of dance performances, great food, and vibrant tribal life of Odisha.

Naukhai: Nuakhai is the agricultural festival observed by people of most of the districts of western part of Odisha, although in modern days it is being observed all over the state and in some Chhattisgarh region in India. Nuakhai is observed to welcome the new rice of the season. It is the most important social festival of Odisha. The word ‘nua’ means new and ‘khai’ means food, so the name means the new crop that the farmers harvest marking the start of the harvesting season. On this day, people across the state visit Maa Samalai temple to seek blessings.

Some of the prominent festivals of Chhattisgarh

Hareli festival: The Hareli festival is one of the popular harvest festivals of Chhattisgarh, celebrated by farmers in the month of Shravan (July-August) by worshipping farm equipment and cows. Farmers pray to Devi for good crop and hang small neem branches at the main entrance of their homes to prevent seasonal disease. Playing Gedi is also the part of Hareli festival in which children mount on bamboo sticks and walk around the fields. The Hareli festival is celebrated in joy of growing new crop in the field.

Bastar Dussehra: Bastar Dussehra is the unique culture trait of Chattisgarh, where have not burnt the effigy of Ravan Just like celebrated all over India. Bastar Dussehra is longest festival celebrated for 75 days by tribes of Bastar. This festival starts around august and ending at 75 days to starting. Devi Maa Danteshwari the presiding deity of Bastar, during Dussehra the inhabitants of Bastar organize special worship ceremonies at the Danteshwari temple. On this occasion chariot is made in which goddess sits. During festival special dance perform by Maria tribes. The origin of Bastar Dussehra from 15th Century CE. When the Kakatiya ruler king Purushottam Deo went to Jagannath Puri temple for worship and came back as Rath Pati with a divine permission to mount on chariot since then Dussehra is being celebrated by people of Bastar in this unique way.

The Madai Festival: Next in line is the Madai Festival, a remarkable cultural event that circles from one part of Chhattisgarh to the other following a time-honoured calendar. It provides the tribal communities an opportunity to come together and indulge in merry-making. The fulcrum of the Madai Festival is the elaborate ceremony to honour the local deity. Post the religious proceedings; it transforms into a vivid fair with enthralling cultural performances, native music, and dance.

Pola Festival: Pola is the festival of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh state celebrated by the farmers. Pola festival celebrated in the month of September. On this special day the farmers first of all give a good bathe to their bulls and then decorate them with beautiful ornaments then the bull is worship by farmers and are also given special food to eat. It is way in which farmers show their gratitude towards the bulls for their assistance in the agricultural work. From the following day of the festival the ploughing activities are started and seed are sown. It is called Pola because demon Pola Asura was killed by lord Krishna when he attacked Shree Krishna as a child. This is also why children are given special treatment on this day. In home clay pot and clay bull worshiped by children and families and made two important dish which is Thethari and Kurmi.

Rajim Kumbh: Known as the 'Prayag of Chhattisgarh,' Rajim Kumbh is another significant festival staged on the banks of the holy confluence of the rivers Mahanadi, Pairi, and Sondur, also known as Triveni Sangam. It draws a large crowd of devotees who take a sacred dip in the river, participate in the religious rituals, and enjoy the array of spiritual discourses, folk dances, and music.

Goncha Festival: Bringing out the playful spirit of the tribes, the Goncha Festival or 'Cherchera' is marked by excitement and mirth. It coincides with the harvest season, and the key highlight is a mock battle using goncha, a sort of handmade pistol made of bamboo, and tamarind seeds as bullets. The air rippling with laughter and camaraderie offers an authentic insight into the region’s joyful practices.

Kajari Festival: Primarily a farmers' festival, Kajari is celebrated with enthusiasm across the state. It aligns with the monsoon, the start of the sowing season, signifying the bond between human life and nature. The festival commences on the ninth day after Shravan Amavasya with the collection of the region's soil and seeds, sowing them in a small basket symbolizing good harvest hopes.

Fagun Wari Festival: Last but not least, Fagun Wari represents the colourful festivity linked with the joyous advent of spring. The air vibrates with the rhythmic sound of folk songs and dances performed throughout the 'Fagun' month, painting a vibrant picture of the region's cultural ethos.

Some important Festivals of Jharkhand

Rohini Festival: Rohini is likely Jharkhand’s first festival. It is an event dedicated to seed propagation in the field. Farmers begin dispersing seeds on this day, but unlike other ethnic celebrations, there is no singing or dancing, only a modest number of ceremonies. Some festivals, such as Chitgomha and Rajaswala Ambavati, are held in conjunction with the Rohini festival.

Tusu Parab or Makar: This event is predominantly observed in the Jharkhand region between Bundu, Tamar, and Raidih. This belt has a long and illustrious history dating back to India’s independence struggle. TUSU is a winter harvest festival held on the last day of the Poush month. It is also for girls who are not married. Girls use coloured paper to decorate a wooden or bamboo frame, which they later give to a nearby mountainous river. Although there is no documented history of this festival, it does have a large collection of enthralling songs that are full of life and flavour.

Karam/Karma Festival: The Karam festival is a devotion to Karam Devata, the god of power, youth, and youthfulness. Karam is conducted on the 11th of the moon in Bhadra month. Young peasants go into the bush to harvest wood, fruits, and flowers in groups. These are essential for the Karam Devata’s Puja. People sing and dance in groups at this time. The drumbeat day of the phases appears to be causing the entire valley to dance. In Jharkhand’s tribal territory, this is one of the few examples of such a strong and thriving youth event. The Baiga, Oraon, Majhwar, and Binjhwar tribes of the state celebrate this festival.

Bhagta Parab: This festival takes place between the spring and summer seasons. Bhagta Parab is widely known among the tribal people of Jharkhand for its Budha Baba worship. During the day, people fast and transport the bathing Pahan, the priest, to the Sarana Mandir. When the Pahan, also known as Laya, emerges from the pond, the devotees form a chain by locking their thighs together and walking forward to offer Laya their bare chest for walkover. Devotees participate in a lively and vigorous Chhau dance with lots of gymnastic moves and masks after evening devotion. The following day is filled with archaic daring sports. Devotees pierce their skin with hooks and attach themselves to one end of a long horizontal wooden pole that hangs from the top of a vertical Shal wood pole. The people and the tied devotees pull the other end of the pole, which relates to a rope, around the pole, displaying the breath-taking dance in the sky. This celebration is especially famous in Jharkhand’s Tamar region.

Sohrai Festival: Sohrai is well-known for caring for domestic animals, including cows and buffaloes. Because these animals are so vital in an agricultural civilization, taking adequate care of them and ensuring their welfare is an important Sohrai rite. It is observed on the new moon day, shortly following Diwali. Earthen lamps are lit in the evening. The calves are bathed the next day, and vermilion mixed with oil is applied to them before they are garlanded. Bullfights are among the games that are part of the festivities.

Sarhul Festival: This is the biggest festival of Jharkhand’s tribal population. Sarhul’s verbal meaning is “worship of the Shal tree.” Sarhul can also be classified as worship of nature in which locals worship Maa Sita, the wife of Shree Rama, as “Dharti Mata”. They also revere the Shal tree, which is thought to be the home of Devi Sarna, who protects the community from all natural disasters. When the new flowers appear, people begin to dance and sing. For a few days, the Pahan, or village priest, fasts. The priests take a bath and put on a dhoti made of kachha dhaga in the morning. The priests take three new earthen pots and fill them with water the night before dusk; the next morning, they inspect the earthen pots and the water level within. They anticipate that if the level of water drops, there will be less rain or famine, and if the amount of water is typical, there will be plenty of rain. The priest’s wife washes his feet and asks the priest for blessings before the pooja begins. Priests sing prayers as Dhol, Turhi, and Nagara players continue to play. In the Chotanagpur region, the event lasts for weeks. The festival is known as “Baa Porob” in the Kolhan region, which means “Flower Festival.” Thus, the festival of Sarhul brings prosperity and joy to the state.

Some popular Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

Rang Panchami: Holi is one of the favourite festivals of the country and being in Madhya Pradesh at the time of Holi just makes things better. The festival of colours, joy and spirit, Holi is celebrated for two days on the last full moon day of the lunar moon. If you are in the state for long, start with grooving to the beats of a crowd high on sugar as you paint the town with all colours of the rainbow at an Ujjain Holi party. An absolute joy of a festival, the extravaganza of Holi lingers on for quite some time with people making merriment, singing, and dancing to the lively beats of the drum. Thereafter you can witness the festival of Rang Panchami, which is celebrated by the tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh, five days after Holi and being able to attend the festival is simply blissful. Celebrating Ujjain Holi is an experience of a lifetime where you are sure to make many colourful memories.

Ujjain Kumbh Mela: Ujjain is one of the four holy places (Allahabad, Haridwar and Nasik being the other three) where the Kumbh Mela takes place every four years. The Ujjain Kumbh Mela is a festival which sees thousands of lakhs of pilgrims and hermits coming to take a dip in the holy Shipra river - a practice believed to wash away all our mortal sins. Rekindle the spiritual spark in your soul by visiting the Ujjain Kumbh Mela where you will witness everything from devotional singing to mass temple feedings.

Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival: The Chetiyagiri Vihara festival is a grand celebration of Buddhist traditions held in Sanchi, every year around November. The festival witnesses thousands of Buddhist monks visiting Sanchi to pay tribute to the relics of two of Buddha’s disciples. Immerse in the divine and serene act of relic worship here at one of the monumental Madhya Pradesh festivals.

Khajuraho Festival: Dance and music should be the middle name of Madhya Pradesh. One week long, Khajuraho dance festival is the manifestation of the true India's dance forms. All the performances take places in an open-air stage, right opposite to Chitragupta and Vishwanatha Temple. During this week-long cultural extravaganza, forms of dances are performed that have its roots in India. Here one can see the magnificent display of many art forms like Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali. The temple shines like a star during the festival, especially its sinuous curves. As per the scriptures, the Hindu Devis and Devatas were the great lovers of music, dance, vocal singing, and instrumental music. Every year the feast is observed to pay tribute to the creators of this gigantic temple and to celebrate dancing spirit of India. Another major attraction of the festival is the open-air market. Here up for grabs are many artifacts, sculptures and many other crafts made by the best craftsmen in the town.

Malwa Utsav: Malwa Utsav is one of the biggest, largest, and most spectacular events in Madhya Pradesh. Dance and music performances are the most integral part of the festival. Performers from different parts of the world come to Indore & Ujjain to be part of this spectacular celebration of art, music, dance, drama, and culture. One can even say that the festival is the storehouse of culture and dance. In the festival, one can see the rich amalgamation of different cultures and tradition coming together to form a spectacular event. In-additions, the festival exhibits art, and craft material. One can also savour delectable delicacies at the event.

Pachmarhi Utsav: Pachmarhi Utsav is held every last week of December, feature the best of folk art from Madhya Pradesh and all over India, with demonstration, workshop, and exhibition. For five days, every evening a cultural evening is organized that feature artists of national and international repute. There are also many stalls inside the festival that serves scrumptious food. Inside the exhibition, the things on display are carpets, bamboo, dress materials, and sculptures produced specially by the local people.

Some famous Festivals of Gujarat

Navaratri Festival: The first thing that pops up in one's mind when they talk about festivals of Gujarat is Navratri. The most celebrated festival in Gujarat is commemorated gleefully in other parts of India as well. Three things sum up Navratri; Dandiya, Garba and lots of fun. Navratri is a festival of nine nights and on the tenth day, Maa Durga, who is worshipped throughout the nine days, is immersed in holy water after performing a pooja. Loud music, exciting competitions, flea markets and exhibitions, delicacies that are a treat for your tongue and large crowds dressed in the most beautiful, most lively clothes is what you will witness during Navratri in Gujarat.

Ratha Yatra Festival: One of the most awaited festivals not only in Gujarat but also in India is Rath Yatra which took place at major in four locations including the Jagannath in Ahmedabad. Rath Yatra is a sacred annual celebration which occurs in India and the main highlight of the festival is the procession that is led by the ornate chariot. This procession begins by cleaning the route of the chariot (pahund vidhi) which is often done by the chief minister of Gujarat. Then the chariot and procession make their way to every corner of the city.

Tarnetar Fair: A 3-day long fair held in the village of Tarnetar is another famous festival of Gujarat. Tarentar festival is inspired by the grand Swayambar of Draupadi who is a prominent female character in Mahabharata (a Sanskrit epic). This festival is organised like a massive wedding feast where more than 1 lakh people from almost every part of India attend this fair.

Rann Utsav: Rann Utsav is celebrated at The Great Rann of Kutch, a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert which spreads over an area of about 7,500 square kilometres. Enthralling music, authentic handcrafted items, Bandini sarees and traditional ornaments are somethings that you will experience on the dazzling white sand. The festival reflects the Gujarati folk culture in its purest form.

Janmashtami: Janmashtami is a festival dedicated to Shree Krishna and celebrates his birth widely in Gujarat and the rest of the world. The celebrations begin a day prior with a faithful fast followed by the jhanki decorations that depict the entire birth scenario of Shree Krishna. The final celebrations begin at midnight when the lord is believed to be born. His murthy is bathed with ganga jal, honey, and panchamrit, dressed with new clothes and jewels and rested on the flower bed. The next day, people offer prayers to the idol and break the fast.

Bhadra Purnima

One of the biggest festivals of Gujarat, Bhadra Purnima fair is spread across three days and is dedicated to Maa Ambaji. The fair is organized outside Ambaji temple in Gujarat. As there is no idol at the temple, a triangular object called Vishwa Yantra is used to represent the deity during the festival. On this day, people, especially agriculturists visit the temple for a favourable view of the deity and to attend readings of the Sapatashati, the seven hundred verses in praise of Devi Mata. In the evening the Bhavai and Garba dances are performed, setting a serene mood.

Some of the notable Festivals of Maharashtra

Ganesh Chathurthi

Bhagavan Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, is the most loved in Maharashtra and Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated with the most grandeur. It is an 11-day festival, beginning with the installation of beautifully sculpted Ganesha idols in homes and large pandals, colourfully decorated, depicting religious and cultural themes. The Ganesha idols are worshiped and many cultural events are organised. Visits to friends and family to offer prayers and join the celebrations, and partake some delicious foods are looked forward to by all. It is also a great chance to gorge on modaks (steamed rice-flour dumplings with a succulent coconut and ghee filling), since they are considered to be the Lord’s favourite food. On the 11th day comes the time to bid farewell to Ganesha. People take the idols in procession with an accompaniment of music and dance for immersion in the sea or nearby river or lake.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a Marathi journalist, teacher, and political activist, is credited with popularizing the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in 1893 during India's struggle for independence. Tilak, also known as "Lokmanya" or the Leader of the People, turned the festival from a private household celebration into a grand public event.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was the greatest ruler of Maharashtra. He was known for his courage and intelligence. He laid the foundation of a Hindu empire which lasted for over two centuries before the British took over. All Maharashtrians have great reverence and regard for him and his birthday is celebrated across the state as Shivaji Jayanti. Actors or statues play out great incidences of battles, wisdom, kindness, and bravery of the king. Processions are carried out that narrate stories of his greatness and songs that celebrate this bravery and kingship are sung. The state fondly remembers their great king and pledge to imbibe his qualities in their day-to-day life.

Gudhi Padwa Festival: It signifies the beginning of a prosperous new year, it falls on the first day of the Lunar calendar, marking the new year. It is celebrated with great pomp and show all over the state. Households are decorated with garlands and rangolis, and a Gudhi is put up outside the home to welcome prosperity and good health in to the family. Gudhi is a symbol of victory, characterized by a bamboo stick with a silk cloth. It is garlanded with flowers and has sweets offered to it. People bring in the new year by worshipping the Gudhi and distributing prasad among the people in the community. Sweet dishes like shrikhand or basundi are prepared and relished by adults and children alike. There are many processions in several parts of the state that celebrate the culture and traditions of Maharashtra.

Narali Pournima: In the month of Shravan, the full moon day is celebrated in different parts of Maharashtra and is known as Narali Pournima. During the monsoon, the sea is unsafe for fishing, and hence fishermen do not venture into the sea. Narali Pournima marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the new fishing season and fishermen appease the sea god before sailing out in their beautifully decorated boats. ‘Naral’ means ‘coconut’, and ‘Pournmia’ is the full-moon day when offerings of coconuts are made to the sea god on this day. The fisher-folk make offer coconuts and prayers to the sea-God (Varuna) and seek his blessings to prevent any untoward incidents, as they begin the fishing season. Sweets made from coconut are savoured on this day. Narali Pournima also coincides with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, when brothers vow to protect their sisters and the sisters tie a thread on their brother’s wrist as a sign of respect and affection.

Mangala Gauri Festival: It is one of the renowned celebrations for the married women, especially among the Brahmin community of the state, Mangala Gauri is a celebration for newly-married brides, within the first 1-5 years of marriage. This Festival of Maharashtra is celebrated on a Tuesday in the month of Sharavan. On this day, the new bride performs a pooja for the well-being of her husband and new family. Later in the evening, a get-together is arranged. Women get together to enjoy song, dance, and special games like Jhimma (clap dance), Fugdi (going round and round, by holding hands) etc. Food is served for the guests, and the new bride is asked to speak her husband’s name in a rhyme, called an Ukhaana. This celebration is believed to give these new brides a prosperous and happy married life.

Makar Sankranti Festival: Also known as Uttarayan or Pongal in other parts of the country, Makar Sankranti is the celebration of the winter solstice. It is the celebration of the advent of spring, the day when the sun leaves the southern hemisphere and begins its journey in the northern hemisphere. Following the glorious tradition of kite-flying, there can be plenty of kites seen dotting the sky on this day. Meals of gulachi poli (jaggery flatbreads) are prepared to keep everyone warm. Small sweet laddoos made from sesame are especially prepared for this day. People visit the homes of friends and relatives, and say “Til gul ghya ani god god bola”, which means “Accept this til-gul and speak sweetly”. It is a day when everyone agrees to forget old hostilities and differences, and move forward with mutual love and respect. Another popular cultural celebration is having a pooja for newly married women and newborn infants. They are dressed in black and adorned with ornaments made from small sugary sweets, and everyone enjoys with song, dance and merry-making.

Bhau Beej Festival: Likewise, the country celebrates sibling love on Raksha Bandhan, this Festival of Maharashtra celebrates this special bond on one additional day. Celebrated on the fifth and final day of Diwali, it is a special celebration of the all the revelry and rivalry of this everlasting bond. Brothers are traditionally considered to be the protectors of the sisters, and on this day, sisters invite their brothers to their home. A sumptuous meal of basundi poori, shrikhand poori and other favourites of the brother are prepared. The sister performs an aarti of the brother and seeks his protection. The brother gives his blessing and vows to always protect her. Gifts are exchanged and there is general merriment and celebration all around.

Ellora Festival: One of the great historical sites in the state are the Ellora Caves, which also have a UNESCO world heritage status. Ellora festival is the celebration of culture, classical music, and dance, organized on the backdrop of the majestic Ellora caves. Organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the performances at this grand event are sure to leave you mesmerized. The Ellora festival celebrates the grandeur of Indian art and cultural forms at one of the most picturesque and historical sites in the country. There are also several stalls where arts and crafts of local and artisans and sculptors are on display.

Special Festivals of all the 28 States of India (Part-3)

This blogpost covers some of the famous festivals of the states, consisting in the central part of India. Please take a glance of it.