13 major festivals in Delhi you must attend
India’s multicultural diversity can be seen in the multiple annual religious celebrations that affect Delhi society each year. This article only lists festivals that are unique to Delhi and cannot be found in India or anywhere else in the world.
The most famous festivals celebrated in Delhi:
Here we have rounded up some of the famous festivals in Delhi with pictures that will definitely appeal to you.
1. Lori:
Lohri is a festival that marks the end of winter. The climax of the season is celebrated by Lohri, with bonfires, dancing and singing.
Lori 2022: January 13
2. Kite flying festival:
This festival is held on the same day as Makar Sankranti. It’s celebrated over the Palika Bazaar, on the green lawn, and even in Connaught Place. The festival attracts an international audience.
Kite Flying Festival 2022: January
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3. Basant Panchami:
This is a Hindu festival that welcomes and celebrates spring after the harsh cold and biting winds of January and February. This is the only time the Mughal Garden behind Rashtrapati Bhavan is allowed to the public for a month.
Basant Panchami 2022: February 5
4. Thyagaraja Festival:
The festival includes a showcase of South Indian music and dance. It is celebrated opposite Jawaharlal Nehru University located at Vaikunthnath Temple.
Thyagaraja Festival 2022: February
5. Maha Shivratri:
This festival is used to celebrate Lord Shiva “Tandava Nritya”. It is held on Amavasya night in the month of Phlguna. ‘Tandava Nritya’ is Shiva’s cosmic dance, celebrated throughout the night through prayers and fasts maintained by women.
Maha Shiva 2022: March 1
6. Amir Khusrau’s Anniversary:
The festival or anniversary is celebrated through a bazaar held at Nizamuddin, accompanied by qawwali and Sufi music. The National Drama Festival is also held at this time in Rabindra Bhawan.
Amir Khusrow’s 2022 Anniversary: April
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7. White Saki:
This festival marks the Hindu New Year. This is the start of the harvest season and is celebrated at the height of summer.
White Saki 2022: April 14
8. Jayanti Buddha:
This festival marks the birth of the Buddha. It is celebrated on the night of the first full moon in May. Prayer meetings have been held in various places including Buddha Vihar, Ring Road and Mandir Marg. This festival is not only to celebrate the birth of the Buddha, but also to celebrate his enlightenment and Nirvana.
Buddha 2022: May 16
9. Mahavir Jayanti:
This festival marks the birth of Lord Mahavira. Prayer meetings are held everywhere and are Jain festivals.
Mahavir Jayanti 2022: April 14
10. International Mango Festival:
The festival involves the display of more than five hundred different varieties of native mangoes. They are on display at Talkatora Stadium. This attracts international and domestic tourists who are allowed to taste mangoes and watch the show.
International Mango Festival 2022: July 22
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11. Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair:
This festival is similar to Mehrauli. This is a flower parade that started in the 16th century. It takes place in early October. People carry decorated flower fans in the procession, which are blessed in the shrine of the 13th-century Sufi saint Khwaja Utb-ud-din Bakhtyar Kaki and the Jogmaya Hindu temple in Mehrauli. The procession ends at Jahaz Mahal with a formal ceremony.
Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair 2022: October
12. Curve section:
The festival is a celebration of the Qutub Minar, marked by dancing and singing on the grounds of this 12th-century historic monument. It is organised annually by the Delhi Tourism Board for tourists.
2022 Kutu Festival: November December
13. Guruprabhu:
This festival celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first of ten gurus shared by Sikhs. It is celebrated at Gurudwaras, from where Nagar Kirtans are brought to the streets. The recipients read passages from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism.
Guruprabhu 2022: November 8
It is advisable to spend some time exploring these festivals as they will expose you to the spirit of Delhi. With an array of traditional ceremonies, dances, costumes and joy, you’re sure to enjoy every festival Delhi throws.