Major Winter Festivals and Long Weekends in India

Winter in India is a season of joy, celebration, and vibrant cultural experiences. As the temperature drops and the air turns crisp, the country comes alive with many festivals. 

From the north to the south, from the east to the west, India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, each bringing its unique flavour to the winter festivities. In this blog, we will explore some of the major winter festivals in India that take place in November, December, and January.

Major festivals in November 2023

The month starts with Karwa Chauth – it’s an important festival for married women in India. The month contains lots of Hindu festivals, followed by Dhanteras, Diwali, etc. Some are National Holidays, and the rest are regionally based festive.

Diwali – The Festival of Lights (12 Nov)

One of the most popular festivals in India, you cannot miss Diwali in the country. Falling in November, this festival signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It is one of the best festivals in Nov when homes are adorned with colourful Rangoli designs, and earthen lamps or diyas are lit to symbolise the triumph of light. Bursting fireworks and exchanging sweets and gifts are also common traditions during Diwali. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur across the country.

Diwali is not just a one-day affair; it is a five-day festival with various rituals and celebrations. Each day has its significance, and families come together to clean their homes, decorate them with flowers and lights, and prepare delicious sweets and savoury dishes. The third day of Diwali is the primary day when the Laxmi Puja (worship of the goddess of wealth) takes place.

The festival also holds special significance for different regions of India. In North India, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, while in South India, it celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura.

Chhath Puja (17-20 November)

Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival primarily celebrated in the northern states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It is dedicated to the Sun God and is marked with a series of rituals and offerings to express gratitude for the energy and life force provided by the sun. Devotees take a holy dip in the river and offer prayers to the rising and setting sun. Chhath Puja is a unique and spiritually significant festival that typically takes place in November.

The festival spans four days, with each day having its rituals. The first day, known as Nahay Khay, involves devotees dipping in a river or pond and preparing a special meal. The second day, Lohanda, is when fasting begins, and the third day, Sandhya Arghya, involves offering prayers to the setting sun. The final day, Usha Arghya is when devotees pray to the rising sun.

Chhath Puja is known for its strict rituals, including fasting without water for a long duration, and it is considered a symbol of purity and devotion.

Guru Nanak Jayanti (27 November)

Did you know Sikhism was born with Guru Nanakji? And to mark this occasion, people celebrate Gurpurab, the birth anniversary of their Guru. This is one of the most celebrated Sikh festivals of Nov.. Devotees visit gurdwaras (Sikh temples) and participate in prayers and processions. Langar, a community meal, is also an integral part of the celebration, where everyone is welcome to partake in a free meal, regardless of their background.

The festivities begin with the Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism, which can take several days to complete. On the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, a grand procession known as Nagar Kirtan is organised, where devotees sing hymns and carry the Sikh flag. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity among the Sikh community.

Long Weekends in November 2023

We have two long weekends in November. One falls around the Diwali festive season, and 2nd one will be around the month’s end.

Christmas (25 December)

While Christmas is primarily a Christian festival, it is widely celebrated as the festival in Dec across India. In December, you can witness beautifully decorated Christmas trees, carol singing, and the exchange of gifts. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata are known for their extravagant Christmas celebrations, with markets and streets adorned with lights and decorations.

The Christian community in India comes together to attend midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, where the birth of Jesus Christ is commemorated. Churches are beautifully decorated, and people of all faiths are welcome to join the festivities. Nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus are set up in churches and homes.

Long Weekend in Dec 23: We have one long Saturday, Dec 23 – Mon, Dec 25. Furthermore, it can be extended by taking Friday off to make it four days of vacation.

Festivals in January 2024

International Kite Festival (January)

Gujarat, in western India, hosts the International Kite Festival in January, coinciding with the festival of Makar Sankranti. This festival attracts kite enthusiasts from all over the world who showcase their unique and colourful kites. The skies are filled with a mesmerising array of kites of different shapes and sizes, creating a spectacular sight.

The International Kite Festival is not just about flying kites; it’s also a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity. Kite makers and fliers come together to display their skills and compete in friendly contests. The festival is a visual delight and a reflection of Gujarat’s vibrant and colourful spirit.

Lohri – Pongal – Makar Sankranti (14-15 Jan)

The spirit of harvest and thanksgiving come alive with festivals like Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Makar Sankranti in North India, and Lohri in Punjab. These festivals in Jan mark the sun’s transition into the northern hemisphere and are celebrated enthusiastically. People prepare special dishes like Pongal and sesame sweets, and kite flying competitions are organised in many regions.

Pongal – celebrated in Tamil Nadu, is a four-day harvest festival. The first day, Bhogi Pongal, involves cleaning and discarding old belongings. The second day, Surya Pongal, is dedicated to worshipping the Sun God, & the day’s main dish is prepared in the sunlight as an offering. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is dedicated to cattle, as they are essential in agriculture. The final day, Kaanum Pongal, is a day for family outings.

Lohari

Lohri, celebrated in Punjab, is a festival associated with the harvest of winter crops, particularly sugarcane. Bonfires are made, and people dance around the fire to welcome summer.  Traditional Punjabi dishes like Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti are prepared and enjoyed.

Sankranti

Makar Sankranti, celebrated in North India, is marked by the flying of kites. People gather on rooftops and engage in friendly kite-flying competitions. Traditional sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery are also prepared and shared.

In South India, Sankranti is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the month of January. People bid farewell to winters and welcome long days of hot temperatures for the upcoming summer season. Families prepare a special dish called Pongal, made with newly harvested rice and other ingredients. The festival is also associated with kite flying competitions and traditional games.

Sankranti is known by different names in different states of South India. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is celebrated as Makar Sankranti or Pedda Panduga. In Karnataka, it is known as Sankranti or Ellu Bella. In Tamil Nadu, it is called Pongal. Despite the variations in name and customs, the essence of thanking the Sun God and celebrating the harvest remains the same.

Magh Bihu – Jan 16

Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu, is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam in January. It marks the end of the harvesting season, and people come together to celebrate with feasts, traditional games, and cultural performances. Bonfires are lit, and young men engage in a sport called “Jolpan,” where they steal vegetables from other households and cook a communal meal.

The celebration of Magh Bihu involves community bonding and feasting. Traditional Assamese dishes like pitha (rice cakes), laru (sweet balls made of sesame and jaggery), and various meat and fish dishes are prepared and shared with friends and family.

Republic Day – 26 January

Celebrated on January 26th, Republic Day is a national festival in India. It commemorates the day the Indian Constitution came into effect in 1950, making India a sovereign, democratic, and republic nation. The main celebration takes place in New Delhi, where a grand parade showcases the country’s cultural diversity and military prowess. Schools, colleges, and organisations celebrate this day with flag-hoisting ceremonies and patriotic programs.

The Republic Day parade in Delhi is a grand spectacle featuring military regiments, cultural performances, and tableaus representing India’s different states and union territories. The event is attended by dignitaries, including the President of India, and is a proud moment for the nation.

Long Weekends in Jan 2024

We have two long weekends in Jan 2024.

1. Jan 13 – Jan 15 (Sat – Mon)
2. Jan 26 – Jan 28 (Fri – Sun)

Conclusion

India’s winter festivals in November, December, and January showcase the country’s rich cultural diversity and traditions. Whether it’s the festival of lights, Diwali, the harvest festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal, or the joyous celebrations of Christmas, these festivals bring people together in a spirit of unity, joy, and gratitude. No matter where you are in India during this time, you will surely be swept up in the festive atmosphere that warms the heart even on the chilliest of winter days. So, if you plan to visit India during the winter months, be prepared to experience the cultures and traditions that make this season special.

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