Festivals of India in November 2024: A Complete Guide

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festival in November

November in India is a month filled with vibrant colors joyous celebrations and a unique cultural atmosphere as the country heads toward winter. Festivals in November offer a glimpse into India’s diverse traditions religions and regional flavors making it an ideal time for travelers to experience the heart of Indian culture. From the dazzling lights of Diwali to the enchanting rituals of Chhath Puja each festival brings its own significance ceremonies and festivities.

This guide explores some of the most celebrated festivals in India during November 2024 providing insight into the traditions significance and best places to experience each one.

Here check the list for Festivals of India in November:

1. Diwali festival (November 1 ,2024)

Diwali also known as the “Festival of Lights” is one of India’s most celebrated festivals in Diwali. Symbolizing the victory of light over darkness Diwali commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. During this festival people light oil lamps decorate their homes and participate in joyous gatherings.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Lighting Diyas and Candles: Homes are adorned with oil lamps and candles creating a warm and festive ambiance.
  • Fireworks and Crackers: Fireworks are a significant part of the celebration filling the night sky with colorful displays.
  • Exchange of Sweets and Gifts: Families exchange sweets and gifts symbolizing love and prosperity.

Best Places to Experience Diwali:

  • Varanasi: Known for its grand Diwali celebrations including spectacular firework displays along the Ganges River.
  • Jaipur: The city’s markets are beautifully lit and the traditional decorations in Jaipur’s Pink City area make it a must-visit.
  • Amritsar: Celebrating Diwali alongside Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple is a unique experience.

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2. Chhath Puja (November 5-8 ,2024)

Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. This four-day festival involves rituals to honor the Sun for sustaining life on Earth seeking his blessings for health and prosperity.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Offering Arghya to the Sun: Devotees offer water (Arghya) to the setting and rising Sun standing in rivers or ponds as part of the ritual.
  • Fasting and Prayer: Devotees observe a strict fast and engage in prayers for family welfare and health.
  • Decorated Ghats: Ghats (riverbanks) are adorned with offerings diyas and flowers creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Best Places to Experience Chhath Puja:

3. Pushkar Camel Fair festival (November 9-16 ,2024)

The Pushkar Camel Fair held in the small town of Pushkar in Rajasthan is one of the world’s largest camel fairs. This event combines livestock trading with cultural activities attracting tourists who come to witness the unique spectacle and vibrant Rajasthani culture.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Camel Trading: The fair begins with camel trading where camels are decorated displayed and traded.
  • Competitions and Cultural Performances: There are camel races beauty contests and traditional dance performances showcasing Rajasthani folk art.
  • Religious Significance: The fair coincides with Kartik Purnima a day of religious significance drawing pilgrims to take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake.

Best Place to Experience:

  • Pushkar Rajasthan: The town is transformed into a bustling fairground with camels traders locals and tourists contributing to a unique cultural atmosphere.

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4. Gurpurab – Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 15, 2024)

Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak the founder of Sikhism. It is one of the most important Sikh festivals marked by prayers community service and recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Processions and Prayers: Sikhs participate in processions and recite hymns from the holy scriptures.
  • Langar: Community kitchens (langar) are set up at Gurdwaras offering free meals to all.
  • Akhand Path: A continuous uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib is held in Gurdwaras symbolizing devotion.

Best Places to Experience Gurpurab:

  • Golden Temple Amritsar: The Golden Temple is adorned with lights and the celebrations are particularly grand.
  • Delhi: Major Gurdwaras in Delhi such as Bangla Sahib and Sis Ganj Sahib also host large-scale celebrations.
  • Patna Sahib Bihar: The birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Patna Sahib sees significant gatherings and celebrations.

Check out: 2 Nights 3 Days Amritsar Tour Package Itinerary

5. Dev Deepawali (November 16, 2024)

Known as the “Diwali of the Gods” Dev Deepawali is celebrated on the Kartik Purnima and marks the day when gods are believed to descend to Earth. The festival is celebrated with grand lighting of diyas along the ghats especially in Varanasi. 5 Days Ayodhya, Lucknow Tour Package

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Ganga Aarti: A special Ganga Aarti is performed on the ghats attracting devotees and tourists.
  • Lighting of Diyas: Thousands of oil lamps are lit along the ghats creating a mesmerizing sight.
  • Fireworks and Processions: Fireworks and processions through the ghats are part of the celebrations.

Best Place to Experience Dev Deepawali:

  • Varanasi: The ghats along the Ganges River in Varanasi are illuminated and the grand Ganga Aarti makes this an unforgettable experience.

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6. Tulsi Vivah festival (November 15-16, 2024)

Tulsi Vivah is a Hindu festival that celebrates the symbolic marriage of the holy basil (Tulsi) plant to Lord Vishnu. This marks the end of the Diwali festivities and the start of the wedding season in Hindu culture.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Marriage Rituals: Devotees perform a wedding ceremony for the Tulsi plant decorating it with flowers and dressing it like a bride.
  • Traditional Songs and Offerings: Songs are sung and offerings are made to the Tulsi plant.
  • Puja and Prasad: A special puja is performed and sweets (prasad) are distributed among family and friends.

Best Places to Experience Tulsi Vivah:

  • Vrindavan Uttar Pradesh: Vrindavan associated with Lord Krishna celebrates Tulsi Vivah with traditional ceremonies.
  • Temples Across India: Many temples conduct Tulsi Vivah ceremonies particularly those dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

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7. Kartik Purnima (November 15-16, 2024)

Kartik Purnima is a significant Hindu festival observed on the full moon day of the Kartik month. It is believed that the day brings blessings from deities making it auspicious for charity prayers and ritual bathing.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Holy Dip in Rivers: Devotees take a ritual bath in rivers especially the Ganges to cleanse themselves of sins.
  • Lamp Lighting: Diyas are lit on riverbanks and temples to mark the festival.
  • Devotional Songs and Prayers: Devotees sing bhajans (devotional songs) and participate in prayers.

Best Places to Experience Kartik Purnima:

  • Haridwar and Varanasi: Both cities witness thousands of pilgrims participating in ritual baths and lighting diyas along the river.
  • Pushkar: Kartik Purnima is also celebrated as part of the Pushkar Camel Fair adding a spiritual dimension to the event.

Find more: 3 Nights 4 Days Varanasi Tour Package

8. Bhai Dooj (November 2, 2024)

Bhai Dooj also known as Bhau Beej or Bhaiya Dooj is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Similar to Raksha Bandhan it involves rituals where sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and happiness.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Tilak Ceremony: Sisters perform an aarti and apply a tilak on their brothers’ foreheads praying for their well-being.
  • Exchanging Gifts: Brothers and sisters exchange gifts as a symbol of love.
  • Feasting Together: Families gather for special meals and sweets to celebrate the bond.

Best Places to Experience Bhai Dooj:

  • North India: Families across India celebrate Bhai Dooj in their homes. It is a family-centered celebration observed with much love and tradition.

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9. Wangala Festival (November)

The Wangala Festival also known as the 100 Drums Festival is celebrated by the Garo tribe of Meghalaya. It is a harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God marking the end of the agricultural season.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • Dance and Music: The festival is marked by rhythmic drumming dance performances and traditional songs.
  • Traditional Attire: Participants wear colorful costumes and headgear made from feathers and beads.
  • Offerings and Rituals: Offerings are made to the Sun God to express gratitude for the harvest.

Best Place to Experience Wangala:

  • Meghalaya: The Garo Hills are the best place to witness the vibrant and traditional Wangala celebrations.

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10. Children’s Day (November 14, 2024)

Children’s Day in India commemorates the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India. Known for his love for children Nehru’s birthday is celebrated with events and activities focusing on children’s welfare and education.

How It’s Celebrated:

  • School Events: Schools across India host cultural programs games and activities for students.
  • Charity Events: Many NGOs organize events focusing on child welfare and distribute toys clothes and food to underprivileged children.

Best Places to Experience Children’s Day:

  • Schools and Community Centers Nationwide: Celebrations take place across the country primarily in schools and community spaces focusing on fun activities for children.

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Conclusion

November in India is filled with vibrant festivals that highlight the country’s cultural diversity and spiritual richness. From religious rituals to harvest festivals every event provides a unique experience bringing people together in celebration. If you’re planning to visit India in November 2024 these festivals offer an opportunity to explore India’s traditions enjoy local cuisines and immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Whether you’re a traveler a culture enthusiast or a festival lover November in India promises an unforgettable journey filled with joy color and celebration.

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