Festivals in India

Diwali

Season or date: Late October to early November

Festival of lights conquering darkness; largest Hindu festival with homes lit by lamps and firecrackers

Holi

Season or date: Around March

Colorful celebration of spring's arrival with colored powder and water

Eid al-Fitr

Season or date: Beginning of Islamic month of Shawwal

Largest Islamic celebration marking end of Ramadan fasting

Ganesh Chaturthi

Season or date: August–September

Celebrates birth of Ganesha, god of commerce; famous for large chariot processions in Mumbai

Dussehra

Season or date: September–October

Hindu festival celebrating Prince Rama's defeat of demon Ravana

Pongal

Season or date: Mid-January

South Indian harvest thanksgiving festival honoring rice and cattle

Christmas

Season or date: December 25

Winter event celebrated nationwide, not just by Christians

Gurpurab

Season or date: Around November

Event celebrating birth of Guru Nanak, Sikh founder

Onam

Season or date: August–September

Kerala harvest festival with flower rangoli and boat races

Lohri

Season or date: January 13

North Indian bonfire festival celebrating winter solstice