SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025

Self-Paced Course

Fairs and Festivals of India

Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12

Celebrated across India regardless of religion or region, commemorating historic milestones of the nation.

Festival	Date	Significance	Key Celebrations
Republic Day	26 January	Marks the adoption of the Constitution (1950)	Parade at Rajpath, President's speech
Independence Day	15 August	Commemorates freedom from British rule (1947)	Flag hoisting at Red Fort, PM’s address
Gandhi Jayanti	2 October	Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi	Prayers at Raj Ghat, cleanliness drives

Note: All are declared public holidays and celebrated with patriotic fervor.

Celebrated according to respective religious calendars and traditions. Promote harmony and spiritual reflection.

Festival	Religion	Significance	Highlights
Diwali	Hindu	Festival of Lights; return of Rama to Ayodhya	Diyas, fireworks, Lakshmi Puja
Eid-ul-Fitr	Islam	End of Ramadan; fasting and charity	Namaz, feasting, zakat
Eid-ul-Adha	Islam	Festival of Sacrifice (Bakrid)	Animal sacrifice, community meals
Christmas	Christianity	Birth of Jesus Christ	Midnight Mass, carols, tree decorations
Guru Nanak Jayanti	Sikhism	Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji	Processions (Nagar Kirtan), prayers at Gurudwaras
Mahavir Jayanti	Jainism	Birth of Mahavira	Processions, lectures on non-violence
Buddha Purnima	Buddhism	Birth, enlightenment & death of Buddha	Sermons, chanting, monastery visits
Navratri, Durga Puja	Hindu	Worship of Goddess Durga; good over evil	Garba/Dandiya, pandal processions
Janmashtami	Hindu	Birth of Lord Krishna	Dahi Handi, Bhajans, temple decorations
Ganesh Chaturthi	Hindu	Birth of Lord Ganesha	Idol installations, immersion (Visarjan)

Note: Many religious festivals have both pan-India and regional forms of celebration.

Celebrated in specific states or communities, often linked to harvests, seasons, or local legends.

Festival	Region/State	Significance	Features
Pongal	Tamil Nadu	Harvest festival; thanks to Sun God	Cooking Pongal dish, kolams, cattle worship
Bihu	Assam	Seasonal (Rongali Bihu = spring)	Traditional dance & songs, feasting
Onam	Kerala	Welcome of King Mahabali; harvest festival	Pookalam, Vallamkali (boat race), Onasadya
Baisakhi	Punjab	Harvest festival; also Sikh New Year	Bhangra, fairs, Gurdwara processions
Makar Sankranti	Pan-India (esp. North, West, South)	Sun’s northward movement (Uttarayan)	Kite flying (Gujarat), Til laddoo, holy dips
Ugadi	Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka	New Year based on lunar calendar	Bevu-Bella mixture, temple rituals
Gudi Padwa	Maharashtra	Marathi New Year	Raising of Gudi (flag), sweets
Vishu	Kerala	Malayali New Year	Vishukkani (auspicious arrangement), firecrackers

These festivals reflect India’s agricultural roots and regional diversity.

Vibrant gatherings showcasing folk traditions, crafts, cuisine, and rituals — sometimes with religious significance.

Fair/Festival	Location	Significance	Highlights
Kumbh Mela	Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain	Largest religious gathering (once every 12 years)	Holy dips in river, spiritual discourses
Pushkar Fair	Rajasthan (Pushkar)	Livestock fair + religious fair near Pushkar Lake	Camel trading, folk shows, temple visits
Surajkund Mela	Haryana (Faridabad)	Celebrates Indian handicrafts and rural arts	Craft stalls, dance performances, food stalls
Sonepur Mela	Bihar	Animal fair with mythological roots (Harihar Kshetra)	Elephant trading, circus, religious rituals

Kumbh Mela is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Pushkar Mela coincides with Kartik Purnima and is known for camel beauty contests.

Bihu (Assam) has three types: Rongali (April), Kongali (October), Bhogali (January).

Surajkund is organized by Haryana Tourism in February each year.

Developed By Jan Mohammad

Join Courage Library to experience disciplined study and expert support.