Festivals of India 2020

November (Kartik / Marghsheesh)

Our country is famous for its various traditions and varied culture. The festivals celebrated here are renowned all over the world for strengthening the unity among the people of India. Each festival represents either the cultural, historical or national importance and people from all over the world participate in these festivals wholeheartedly. As the month of November arrives, people from all over the world, especially India, get ready for the most auspicious time of the year.

November holds special significance for children as it marks the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, which is celebrated worldwide as Children's Day (हिंदी). People of Karnataka have a strong connection to the first day of this month as they celebrate the Rajyotsava Day (हिंदी), which was the day of the formation of their state in 1956. First of November is also a day of merriment for the people of Manipur who honor the generosity of god and their heritage with the festival Kuki Chin Mizo Kut. Other important festivals celebrated in the north-east are Seng Kut Snem (हिंदी) and Majuli Festival (हिंदी). People of Kerala have a gala time this year, with Parumala Perunnal (हिंदी), their annual feast to commemorate the death anniversary of the famous saint - Bishop M.G. Metropolitan. Famous by the name of God's own country, Kerala, holds a grand procession from one corner of the town to the other on the occasion of Kalpathi Chariot Festival (हिंदी) which is attended by travelers from across the globe.

November is an important month for people who belong to northern India. It is that time of the year when people come together and light the spirit of happiness all around the nation. The most awaited festivals of the year - Diwali (हिंदी), will be celebrated in every nook and corner of India and the rest of the world. People light diyas and candles and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity on this day. Falling two days after Dhanteras (हिंदी), this auspicious day is a great time for families to get together and have a great time. Followed by Goverdhan Pooja (हिंदी) and another important festival for sisters and brothers i.e. Bhai Dooj (हिंदी). The much awaited Chhath Puja (हिंदी) will be celebrated with grandeur all over Bihar and Uttar Pradesh along with the adjoining states of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. Devotees assemble at the famous river ghats of Ganges and Yamuna to give morning arghya to Sun God and thank him for offering energy and suitable environmental conditions.

Karva Chauth (हिंदी) this year falls on 4th November. Married Hindu Women observe the fast of Karva Chauth for the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their husbands. Ahoi Ashtami (हिंदी) , which is a popular fast observed by women for their son(s), will be celebrated along with other Hindu festivals in November. The five day celebration period in Varanasi, on the ghats of river Ganges, Ganga Mahotsav (हिंदी), will also take place this month. The ghats are decorated with lamps and diyas to commemorate the event.

Prominent fairs and melas in Rajasthan like the Pushkar Fair (हिंदी) in Ajmer, Shamlaji Fair (हिंदी), and the Chandrabhaga Fair (हिंदी), will keep the crowd engaged in fun and entertaining activities throughout the month. The lively spectacle of Rajasthani women and men in colorful attires and the rituals of these fairs attract thousands of tourists to this place. The famous Dadri Mela (हिंदी) of UP, Bali Yatra (हिंदी) of Orissa and Kundri Mela (हिंदी) of Jharkhand are also worth visiting in case you wish to see the splendid cultural view of these states.

November is an important month for the Sikh community as well. They celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (हिंदी) , their first guru, this month. Some other important festivals which fall in the month of November this year are Kartik Purnima (हिंदी) , Bada Osha (हिंदी) , Jagadhatri Puja (हिंदी) , Kansa Vadh (हिंदी) and Aanvla Navami (हिंदी) .

Explore and enjoy the panorama of Festivals / Fairs / Melas celebrated in India.