Luxury Festivals in India: Celebrate in Style at the Most Extravagant Celebrations

India is a ground of outstanding diversity where lively colors and rich cultural distinctions define its meaning. With a population of over 1.2 billion people, this vast country is home to a remarkable variety of religious traditions and practices that play a central role in the daily lives of its people. The celebration of holidays and festivals, whether religious or secular, is an integral part of Indian culture and is done with such passion and enthusiasm that it is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

In this blog, we will take a precise look at luxury festivals in India, which are not only an integral part of its cultural identity but also a major attraction for those exploring the country through tailored India tour packages. Each of these festivals presents a special peek into the country’s range of celebrations.

List of Luxury Festivals in India 

Here is a comprehensive list of all the luxury festivals in India that are celebrated with the utmost joy and happiness:

1. Pongal, Tamil Nadu

Pongal is a harvest festival, that is celebrated in Tamil Nadu over four days in mid-January. The festivities begin with Bhogi, during which people clean their homes entirely and create rangolis in their yards. The next day is Surya Pongal which celebrates the first day of the Tamil calendar. On this day, the traditional dish of Pongal is prepared which is made by cooking newly harvested rice with milk and jaggery. It is offered to the Sun God. The last two days of the festival, Mattu Pongal and Kanum Pongal, involve additional rituals and social gatherings.

2. Kerala’s Temple Festivals

Kerala’s temple festivals are listed among the luxury festivals in India due to their grand celebrations. These festivals are held from February to April and are as lively and colorful as the state itself. These festivals form an important part of the unique rituals and are celebrated with immense noise, color, and energy. Elephants, musicians, and enthusiastic crowds contribute to the excitement. These temple festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the true spirit of Kerala.

3. Bihu, Assam

Bihu is the most important festival in Assam and marks the start of the harvest season and the Assamese New Year. Celebrated over seven days, it is a festival of joy and merriment, where people dress in traditional attire and take part in Bihu naach (traditional dance) to folk songs. This vibrant celebration reflects the spirit of community and the importance of the harvest in Assamese culture.

4. Holi, North and West India

Holi is one of the best luxury festivals in India which is celebrated with the utmost joy. This India’s most colorful festival is celebrated on the full moon day of Phalgun and celebrates the playful love between Lord Krishna and Radha. People throw Gulal at one another and splash each other with water balloons and water guns. It is celebrated across the nation but the most immersive Holi experiences are in Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Krishna was born and spent his childhood. 

5. Durga Puja, West Bengal 

Durga Puja is one of India’s grandest religious festivals and is most particularly celebrated in West Bengal. The city of Kolkata is transformed with beautiful pandals that hold large idols of Goddess Durga. Key pandals like Deshpriya Park, Ballygunge Cultural Association, and Kumartuli Park are must-see attractions. In addition to the religious rituals, these pandals host cultural programs with music, dance, and drama. 

6. Diwali, India

Diwali, one of the beautiful luxury festivals in India is also known as the Festival of Lights. It is one of India’s most vital celebrations. It celebrates Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom after a 14-year exile. The five days of Diwali celebrate various legends, including Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasur and the birthday of Goddess Lakshmi. The festivities include lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers, wearing new clothes, and gathering with friends and family. 

7. Guru Nanak Jayanti, Punjab 

Guru Nanak Jayanti, or Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. It is one of the most significant celebrations in Sikhism which is celebrated with devotion across Punjab. Gurdwaras are decorated, and processions are held with the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) being carried in a palki. Devotional songs are sung, and young Sikhs participate in gatka which is a traditional martial art form using wooden sticks. This is a time for, prayer, and celebration within the Sikh community.

8. Navratri & Dussehra, North and West India 

Navratri is a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga which covers nine days and is celebrated in various ways across India. In Gujarat, people dress in colorful traditional attire to dance the Garba and Dandiya for nine nights. The tenth day, Dussehra marks Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. On this day, the effigies of Ravana are set on fire which represents the win of good over evil.

9. Onam, Kerala 

Onam is Kerala’s most widely celebrated festival which unites people across different religions and castes. It is a ten-day harvest festival which is dedicated to the mythical King Mahabali. The festival starts with the grand Athachamayam procession that holds traditional music, floats, and elephants. Snake boat races on rivers and lakes are a major highlight. 

10. Pushkar Camel Fair – November

The Pushkar Camel Fair is held annually in the town of Pushkar in Rajasthan and is the world’s largest camel fair. This five-day event draws around 200,000 traders, pilgrims, and tourists, and is a unique blend of camel trading and religious rituals. Pilgrims gather to bathe in the lake during the full moon which is an important spiritual ritual that determines the dates of the fair each year. 

Conclusion 

Luxury Festivals in India present an opportunity to immerse in the country’s dynamic culture, colorful rituals, and profound spiritual origins. These celebrations not only underline the diversity of the country but also deliver an exceptional adventure for those desiring to see India at its most magnificent.

If you are looking to celebrate these amazing festivals then look no further than Luxury Trails of India. We offer complete, cheap tour packages that guarantee you experience these festivals in the best way possible. We as a leading tour operator in India, provide expert-curated itineraries that offer a blend of cultural practices and comfort and let you enjoy the best of what India has to offer during these grand celebrations.

Also read – Must-See Places to Visit in Alibaug, Maharashtra for Your Next Vacation