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Festivals in December 2024 in India

Christmas Festival India

December in India is a month of vibrant celebrations, bringing together people from diverse cultures to mark special occasions. The December festivals will light up the country with joy and unity as the year draws to a close. Each festival has unique charm and traditions, making this time of year particularly special. Among the most awaited festivals in December 2024 is Christmas, celebrated on 25 December. This 25 December special day in India is marked with much enthusiasm, especially among the Christian communities. Homes and churches are adorned with decorations, and people come together to exchange gifts and enjoy festive meals. It's a time of joy, compassion, and family gatherings, spreading warmth and happiness.

Another important festival of December 2024 in India is the Hornbill Festival, observed from 1 December to 10th December. Named after the revered bird of Nagaland, the Hornbill, featured in folklore and songs, this festival is a spectacular showcase of the state's diversity and indigenous heritage. The festivals of December also include the Sikh festival of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, which falls on 22 December. This Dec 22 special day is celebrated with great reverence, honoring the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Sikhs participate in processions, prayers, and community service, remembering the Guru's teachings and contributions. 

Throughout December, numerous other local and regional festivals add to the colorful tapestry of celebrations. Whether it’s a religious observance or a cultural event, each festivals in December 2024 brings unique flavor and excitement, making this month an extraordinary time in India. The year-end festivities create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness that resonates nationwide. 

Name Date Festival Destination
Hornbill Festival 01 Dec 2024 Nagaland
Skanda Sasthi 06 Dec 2024 India
Galdan Namchot 07 Dec 2024 Delhi
Christmas 25 Dec 2024 India
Hanukkah Festival India
New Years Eve 31 Dec 2024 India
Lumbini Festival 13 Dec 2024 Andhra Pradesh
Kumbhalgarh Festival 01 Dec 2024 India
Champa Shashti 08 Dec 2024 India
Dhanu Sankranti 15 Dec 2024 India
Saphala Ekadashi 25 Dec 2024 India
Losar Festival 29 Dec 2024 India

List of 12 Festivals in India December 2024

Hornbill Festival
01 Dec 2024 Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival held every December in Nagaland, India, is one of the most vibrant and exciting festivals of December 2024. Celebrated from December 1st to 10th, this festival in December brings together the diverse tribes of Nagaland to showcase their rich cultural heritage. You can enjoy traditional music, dance, and stunning costumes, making it a must-see December festival. The festival also features local crafts, delicious cuisine, and thrilling sporting events. Known as the "Festival of Festivals," the Hornbill Festival is a December festival that promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking for festivals in December 2024 or just a unique dec festival, the Hornbill Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the year. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Nagaland's vibrant culture and traditions at one of the top festivals December has to offer.

Skanda Sasthi
06 Dec 2024 India

Skanda Shashti is one of the vibrant festivals in December 2024, celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This six-day festival honors Lord Murugan, also known as Skanda, the god of war. Devotees participate in various rituals, including fasting and special prayers, to seek blessings and protection from evil. The festival features colorful processions, traditional music, and dance performances, making it a joyous occasion for families and communities. Temples are beautifully decorated, and the air is filled with chants and devotional songs. Skanda Shashti also includes dramatic re-enactments of Lord Murugan's victory over the demon Surapadman, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

As one of the prominent December festivals, Skanda Shashti brings people together in a spirit of devotion and festivity, making it a cherished event in the cultural calendar. Celebrate this festival in December 2024 to experience its vibrant traditions and spiritual significance.

Galdan Namchot
07 Dec 2024 Ladakh (Leh)

Galdan Namchot is a vibrant festival celebrated in December 2024, marking the start of the Ladakhi New Year. This joyous occasion honors the birth and enlightenment of the revered Tibetan saint Tsongkhapa. Homes and monasteries across Ladakh glow with butter lamps, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Traditional music, dance, and delicious local foods add to the festive cheer. Galdan Namchot is a religious event for families and communities to come together, share meals, and exchange gifts. As one of the most significant festivals in December 2024, it offers a unique glimpse into Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage. If you want to explore December festivals, Galdan Namchot should be on your list. Embrace the festive spirit and immerse yourself in the captivating traditions of this beautiful celebration.

Christmas
25 Dec 2024 India

Christmas, one of the most cherished festivals in December 2024, brings joy and warmth to people worldwide. This magical December festival is celebrated on the 25th, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Streets and homes are adorned with twinkling lights, beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and festive wreaths. Families gather to exchange gifts, share hearty meals, and enjoy the spirit of togetherness. Caroling, baking cookies, and attending church services are cherished traditions that add to the festive cheer. Santa Claus delights children everywhere with his jolly laugh and a sack full of presents. Whether sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace or watching classic holiday movies, Christmas is about creating happy memories. Embracing the festive spirit, people come together, spreading love and kindness, making Christmas a truly magical time among the many festivals in December 2024. 

Hanukkah Festival
India

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, holds a special place in the hearts of Jewish communities worldwide, including in India. In India, Hanukkah is celebrated with zest and zeal, uniting families and communities in joyous festivities. The festival in December commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days, illuminating the Temple in Jerusalem. During Hanukkah, Jewish families gather to light the menorah, a special candelabra, adding a new candle each night until all eight brightly glow. Delicious traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are prepared and shared with loved ones. It's a time for spreading warmth, kindness, and gratitude. In India, the spirit of Hanukkah shines brightly, fostering unity and harmony among people of all backgrounds, making it a truly magical time of the year.

New Years Eve
31 Dec 2024 India

As December unfolds, it's time to gear up for the year's grand finale – New Year's Eve! As one of the most awaited festivals in December 2024, it's a night filled with excitement, laughter, and hope. Picture this: streets adorned with twinkling lights, families and friends gathering together, and fireworks painting the sky with vibrant colors. It's a time to reflect on the past year's highs and lows while eagerly anticipating the new year's adventures. Whether you're attending a lively party, cozying up at home with loved ones, or watching the countdown in a bustling city square, the spirit of celebration is infectious. Every detail adds to the festive cheer, from sparkling attire to indulgent feasts. So mark your calendars, prepare to bid farewell to the old, and embrace the new with open arms. New Year's Eve isn't just a night on the calendar; it's a magical moment that brings people together in joyous celebration. 

Lumbini Festival
13 Dec 2024 Andhra Pradesh

The Lumbini Festival, celebrated from December 13th to 15th, 2024, in Andhra Pradesh, brings alive the essence of Buddhism with cultural vibrancy. This annual event is dedicated to honouring Lord Buddha and his teachings, especially in Nagarjuna Sagar and surrounding areas, where he once walked and taught. The festival showcases traditional dance, music, and Buddhist relics, attracting followers from across the globe. Cultural performances, food stalls, and art displays reflect the state's rich heritage. Observing this special day in December, the festival aims to promote peace and spiritual reflection, highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s historical connection to Buddhism.

Kumbhalgarh Festival
01 Dec 2024 India

The Kumbhalgarh Festival is a vibrant event held in the majestic Kumbalgarh fort in Rajasthan. Celebrated in early December, this festival features folk music, dance performances, art exhibits, and stunning fireworks. Artisans and performers from around the country gather to showcase India’s cultural diversity. This celebration, one of the best festivals in December 2024, allows you to witness the traditional Indian arts up close. This historic fort, illuminated at night, adds a magical ambience. With puppet shows, turban typing, and dance competitions, the Kumbhalgarh Festival offers a wide experience reflecting Rajasthan’s cultural richness and attracting tourists worldwide. 

Champa Shashti
08 Dec 2024 India

Champa Shashti is a revered Hindu Festival celebrated primarily in Maharashtra and Karnataka to honour Lord Khandoba, a popular deity worshipped as a warrior god. Observed in late November or early December, it spans 6 days, culminating with grand rituals on Shashti, which is the 6th day. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and gather in temples to seek blessings for prosperity and protection. As one of the religious festivals in December 2024, Champa Shashti highlights deep-rooted regional traditions. Devotees partake in devotional singing and community gatherings, reinforcing the spiritual connection to Khandoba. The event is significant, especially in rural communities, as it celebrates faith and devotion. 

Dhanu Sankranti
15 Dec 2024 India

Celebrated in mid-December, Dhanu Sankranti marks the beginning of the Dhanu month in the Hindu calendar. This occasion, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is widely celebrated in Odisha with grand rituals and special prasad offerings. Devotees believe that observing rituals on this day brings prosperity and good fortune. Temple premises bustle with festivities, making it one of the notable dec festivals. Pilgrims and locals gather for ceremonial worship, while fairs and cultural events add to the festive atmosphere. Traditional songs and dances celebrating Lord Jagannath fill the air, creating a divine ambience that attracts devotees from various regions. 

Saphala Ekadashi
25 Dec 2024 India

Saphala Ekadashi is a holy day in the Hindu lunar calendar, occurring in December. This day is marked by fasting and prayers to Lord Vishnu, aiming to remove negativity and bring success. Devotees believe that observing fast on Saphala Ekadashi enhances spiritual progress and fulfils wishes. This significant occasion, part of the festivals in December 2024, involves temple visits, reading of Vishnu's tales, and chanting prayers. Many also offer charity and food to needy people as part of the observance. Saphala Ekadashi is celebrated with devotion, and fasting is considered highly meritorious, symbolising the purification of the soul.

Losar Festival
29 Dec 2024 India

The Losar Festival, celebrated in December, is the Tibetan New Year and a time for joy, prayers, and cultural festivities. It marks the beginning of a new year in the Tibetan calendar with elaborate rituals, special meals, and traditional dances. Losar, one of the vibrant festivals in December, sees families cleaning their homes, decorating with luck symbols, and lighting lamps to welcome prosperity. Monasteries perform sacred rituals, while traditional Tibetan folk music and dance performances unite communities. Celebrated with enthusiasm in Ladakh and other Himalayan regions, Losar highlights Tibetan-Buddhist customs, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration. 

Festival By Month

FAQs about Festivals in December

  1. Q1.
    What are the prominent festivals celebrated in December in India?

    December in India is a mosaic of festivities, with some of the most prominent ones being Christmas, Hanukkah, and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Additionally, regional festivals like Poush Mela in West Bengal, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, and the Sunburn Festival in Goa add a diverse flavor to the cultural extravaganza.

  2. Q2.
    How is Christmas celebrated in India?

    Christmas in India is not just a Christian festival; it's a celebration embraced by people of all faiths. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights, churches resonate with hymns and carols, and homes are decked with stars and cribs. In places like Goa and Kerala, the festivities are infused with a unique Indian charm, blending local customs with global traditions.

  3. Q3.
    What makes Hanukkah significant in India?

    Hanukkah holds a special place in the hearts of India's Jewish community, particularly in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, which have historic Jewish settlements. The festival in December 2024 commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek rulers and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In India, it's celebrated by lighting the menorah, traditional prayers, and indulging in delectable delicacies like latkes and sufganiyot.

  4. Q4.
    How is Guru Nanak Jayanti observed in India?

    Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, marks the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Sikhs across India, especially in Punjab and Haryana, sincerely celebrate this auspicious occasion. The celebrations typically include early morning processions (Nagar Kirtan), recitation of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, community kitchens (langar), and philanthropic activities.

  5. Q5.
    What is the significance of Poush Mela in West Bengal?

    Poush Mela is an annual fair held in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, to celebrate the harvest season and pay homage to Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet and the founder of Visva Bharati University. This three-day extravaganza showcases Bengal's rich cultural heritage through folk music, dance performances, handicraft exhibitions, and traditional Bengali cuisine.

  6. Q6.
    How do the tribes of Nagaland celebrate the Hornbill Festival?

    The Hornbill Festival, named after the revered bird of the Naga tribes, is a colorful extravaganza that celebrates Nagaland's cultural heritage. Held in Kisama village near Kohima, this week-long festival in December brings together the various Naga tribes to showcase their indigenous customs, arts, crafts, folk songs, and dances. It's a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of the Naga people.

  7. Q7.
    What can one expect at the Sunburn Festival in Goa?

    Sunburn Festival, Asia's biggest electronic dance music festival, is a magnet for music enthusiasts and party-goers from around the globe. Held annually in Goa, the festival features top-notch DJs, mesmerizing light shows, and an electrifying atmosphere that pulsates with energy. It's a celebration of music, dance, and camaraderie, set against Goa's sun-kissed beaches and azure waters.

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