…India is a land of diverse cultures vibrant traditions and grand celebrations. Festivals are an integral part of Indian life celebrated with enthusiasm across the country. September in particular is a month filled with festivals that highlight the spiritual cultural and regional diversity of India. Whether you’re a traveler or just someone eager to learn more about the country these festivals offer a wonderful glimpse into India’s rich heritage. Let’s dive into the top 10 famous festivals celebrated in India during September.
Here is the list of the Famous Festivals to Celebrate in India in September:
Ganesh Chaturthi festival:
Date: September (varies by year)
Where: Maharashtra Goa Karnataka and across India
Ganesh Chaturthi the grand celebration of Lord Ganesha’s birth. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. People bring home intricately crafted idols of Lord Ganesha offer prayers and host cultural events. The celebration spans 10 days ending with the immersion of Ganesha idols in water bodies a tradition called Visarjan. Mumbai in particular comes alive with massive processions music and dance during the Visarjan.
Onam festival:
Date: Late August to early September
Where: Kerala
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala celebrated, with much pomp and joy. The festival marks the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. The people of Kerala celebrate Onam with grand feasts (known as Onam Sadya) boat races flower rangolis (Pookalam) and traditional dances like Kathakali. This 10-day festival showcases the cultural richness of Kerala. It is one of the most important events in South India.
Navratri (Starting in September)
Date: Late September to early October
Where: Gujarat West Bengal Maharashtra and across India
Navratri meaning ‘nine nights’ is a festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Different parts of India celebrate this festival with varying traditions. In Gujarat Navratri is famous for its Garba and Dandiya nights where people dress up in traditional attire and dance in circles. In West Bengal the festival culminates in the grand celebration of Durga Puja. It with beautifully decorated idols of the goddess being worshipped for five days.
Vishwakarma Puja
Date: 17th September
Where: Eastern India particularly West Bengal Odisha Bihar and Jharkhand
Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated in honor of Lord Vishwakarma the divine architect. It’s a special day for artisans engineers architects and workers who worship their tools and machinery. Workshops and factories often observe a day of rituals and prayers seeking prosperity and success in their work. People also fly kites as part of the celebrations especially in West Bengal.
Teej festival:
Date: Early September
Where: Rajasthan Haryana Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
Teej is a festival that celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is especially popular among women who dress up in vibrant clothes apply henna. Pray for marital bliss and the well-being of their families. In Rajasthan the Teej procession in Jaipur is a major attraction with ornately decorated idols. Elephants camels and local performances adding to the festive spirit.
Hartalika Teej
Date: 16th September
Where: Maharashtra Bihar Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan
Hartalika Teej is another version of the Teej festival celebrated primarily by women. On this day married women observe a fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for a happy and long married life. This festival holds immense significance for women who consider it a day to strengthen their bond with their spouse.
Nuakhai
Date: Early September
Where: Odisha and Chhattisgarh
Nuakhai is the harvest festival of Odisha and Chhattisgarh where people offer the season’s first crop to the deities as a gesture of gratitude. This festival symbolizes community bonding with people wearing new clothes preparing delicious traditional foods and gathering with family. The festival is a reminder of the agrarian roots of the region and its reverence for nature.
Rishi Panchami
Date: Early September (fifth day after Hartalika Teej)
Where: Northern India
Rishi Panchami is a day dedicated to honoring the Saptarishis (seven sages). On this day women perform rituals to purify themselves of sins committed knowingly or unknowingly. It is often observed the day after Teej. Women fasting and offering prayers to the sages and deities for health and well-being.
Paryushan
Date: September (varies by Jain calendar)
Where: Gujarat Maharashtra and across Jain communities
Paryushan is the most significant festival in Jainism. It celebrated over eight days by the Shwetambara sect and ten days by the Digambara sect. It is a time of introspection fasting meditation and prayers. The festival promotes non-violence truth and compassion. At the end of Paryushan Kshamavani Day is observed. Where Jains seek forgiveness from everyone for any harm caused.
Ziro Music Festivals
Date: Late September
Where: Ziro Valley Arunachal Pradesh
For music lovers the Ziro Music Festival in Arunachal Pradesh offers a unique cultural experience in September. This four-day outdoor festival is set in the picturesque Ziro Valley. Bringing together some of the best independent artists from across the country. With the backdrop of lush green hills and serene landscapes this festival celebrates the fusion of folk and contemporary music in an eco-friendly setup.
Conclusion
India’s vibrant festivals in September bring together diverse cultures traditions and communities. From the joyous celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra to the grandeur of Onam in Kerala each festival reflects the unique ethos of the region. Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast traveler or someone looking to connect. And with the deeper spiritual aspects of India September. It is a perfect month to explore the country’s festive spirit. So if you’re planning to visit India or simply wish to experience its cultural richness. This is mark your calendar and take part in these incredible festivals!
