India is home to many cultures, languages, and religions, which is reflected in the holidays celebrated across the country. From Holi and Diwali to Eid and Christmas, India’s holidays bring families, friends, and communities together to celebrate important traditions.
For people living abroad, these celebrations can be an important time to get closer to family and friends back home. Whether you are celebrating from afar or helping family prepare for an upcoming festival, learning about India’s holidays can help you feel closer to the people and traditions that matter most.
If you would like to explore more cultural traditions, read our guide to Indian festivals.
Why India has many holidays
India’s holiday calendar reflects its cultural and religious diversity. Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities all observe important religious holidays, while regional festivals add even more variety.
Because traditions can differ by state, city, or community, the way a holiday is celebrated in Mumbai may look different from celebrations in Kolkata, Chennai, Kerala, or Delhi. Regional traditions mean that celebrations can look different across the country.
Diwali: The Festival of Lights
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in India. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair.
Homes, businesses, and streets are decorated with oil lamps called diyas, colorful rangoli designs, and festive lights. Families gather to pray, enjoy special meals, exchange sweets, and give gifts to relatives and friends.
For many families, Diwali is also a time to celebrate new beginnings and express gratitude. Families often exchange gifts, gather for meals, and spend time together during the celebration.
For many people living abroad, Diwali is also a time to help family members prepare for celebrations back home. You can conveniently send money to India to support relatives and friends during this important holiday.
Holi: The Festival of Colors
Holi is one of the most recognizable Indian celebrations around the world. Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and brings people together through shared traditions.
During Holi, people celebrate by throwing colorful powders, enjoying festive foods, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Popular traditions include:
- Playing with colored powders known as gulal.
- Sharing sweets such as gujiya.
- Gathering with family, friends, and neighbors.
- Enjoying music, dancing, and cultural performances.
While Holi is celebrated across India, some of the most well-known celebrations take place in northern cities such as Mathura and Vrindavan.
Eid al-Fitr: The celebration marking the end of Ramadan
Eid al-Fitr is an important holiday for many Muslim families across India. It marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
Families begin the day with special prayers before gathering to enjoy festive meals and visit relatives and friends.
Common Eid al-Fitr traditions include:
- Community prayers.
- Charitable giving.
- Family meals and celebrations.
- Exchanging gifts and monetary presents.
- Greeting family and friends with “Eid Mubarak.”
For families separated by distance, sending support for holiday meals, gifts, and charitable giving can be one way to celebrate together from afar.
Eid al-Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is another important Muslim holiday celebrated across India. Families gather for prayers, share meals, and support those in need through charitable giving.
The holiday emphasizes faith, generosity, and community.
Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations
Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to honoring the divine feminine. Across India, people celebrate through prayer, fasting, music, and dance.
In western India, especially Gujarat, Navratri is known for Garba and Dandiya dance celebrations.
In eastern India, particularly West Bengal, the holiday is closely associated with Durga Puja, which honors the goddess Durga’s victory over evil. Large artistic displays called pandals become gathering places for worship, cultural performances, and community celebrations.
These celebrations highlight how traditions can vary across different regions of India.
Christmas celebrations in India
Christmas is an important holiday for Christian communities throughout India. It is especially popular in regions such as Goa, Kerala, Mumbai, Kolkata, and parts of northeastern India.
Indian Christmas celebrations often include:
- Church services and Midnight Mass.
- Decorating Christmas trees and homes.
- Carol singing.
- Family meals and gatherings.
- Gift exchanges.
Christmas traditions in India often include local foods, music, and customs alongside familiar celebrations such as church services and family gatherings.
How regional traditions shape holidays in India
Holiday traditions often vary across India. For example, Navratri celebrations in Gujarat may look different from Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal, while Christmas traditions can differ between Goa and Kerala.
These local customs help shape how families celebrate across the country. There is rarely one single way to celebrate an Indian holiday. Instead, families often blend religious traditions, local customs, and regional influences in ways that feel meaningful to them.
Sending money home for India’s festival season
For families living in different countries, holiday celebrations can be an important time to support people who matter most.
Many families use financial support to help with:
- Holiday gifts.
- Family meals and celebrations.
- Charitable giving.
- Travel and family gatherings.
Western Union offers several convenient ways to support family and friends during India’s busy festival seasons, including:
- Begin a money transfer.
- Use the international money transfer app.
- Explore different ways to send money.
- Send funds through international mobile wallet transfers, where available.
- Send money to India.
Whether you are helping with Diwali gifts, Eid celebrations, Christmas expenses, or providing support to family throughout the year, your contribution can make each celebration feel more meaningful.
Celebrate India’s holidays
From the colors of Holi to the lights of Diwali, the generosity of Eid, and the family traditions of Christmas, holidays celebrated in India reflect the country’s many cultures, communities, and traditions.
For families spread across different countries, these celebrations are also a reminder that meaningful connections can continue across any distance.
Whether you are celebrating together or helping family from afar, your support can make every holiday more meaningful. When you are ready, Western Union offers convenient ways to send money to India.
FAQs
Some of the most widely celebrated holidays in India include Diwali, Holi, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Navratri, Durga Puja, Christmas, and several regional harvest festivals. The importance of each holiday often varies by region and community.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is celebrated with diyas, decorations, prayers, family gatherings, sweets, and gift-giving.
No. India is home to many faiths, and different religious communities observe their own holidays and traditions. Many celebrations are also widely recognized across communities, reflecting India’s diverse culture.
Western Union offers several convenient options, including online transfers, the international money transfer app, multiple ways to send money, and available international mobile wallet transfers. You can also directly send money to India to help family and friends celebrate important holidays and festivals.
