Festivals

Ugadi Festival is the traditional New Year celebration for the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. It usually falls in March or April, marking the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar (Chaitra month). The word Ugadi comes from “Yuga + Aadi”, meaning the beginning of a new age. People celebrate by cleaning and decorating their homes, drawing rangoli (muggu), wearing new clothes, and preparing special dishes like Ugadi Pachadi — a mixture of six tastes symbolizing the different emotions of life (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy). Ugadi signifies new beginnings, prosperity, and happiness, and is celebrated with prayers, cultural programs, and family gatherings.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most popular and joyous festivals. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists, Diwali usually falls in October or November. People decorate their homes with oil lamps (diyas), rangoli, and lights, wear new clothes, exchange sweets and gifts, and burst fireworks. The festival also honors Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Diwali marks new beginnings, family togetherness, and the spreading of joy and positivity.

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks the day when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of truth and righteousness. The festival usually falls in September or October, at the end of Navaratri. Across India, people celebrate by burning effigies of Ravana, organizing Ram Leela plays, and performing pujas to honor Goddess Durga, who also defeated the demon Mahishasura on this day. Dussehra signifies the end of negativity and the beginning of virtue, success, and hope, bringing people together in a spirit of celebration and renewal.

Sankranthi, also known as Makar Sankranti or Pongal in some regions, is a harvest festival celebrated across India, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara Rasi) and the end of winter, symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity. The festival, usually held in January, lasts for three to four days — Bhogi, Sankranti, Kanuma, and sometimes Mukkanuma. People celebrate by decorating homes with rangoli (muggulu), flying kites, lighting bonfires, and preparing traditional dishes like pongal and sweets made of jaggery and sesame. Sankranthi is a joyful occasion that honors farmers, nature, and gratitude for a good harvest, bringing families and communities together in celebration.

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chavithi, is a popular Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune. The festival usually falls in August or September and is celebrated with great devotion across India, especially in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. People install beautiful clay idols of Lord Ganesha in their homes and public pandals, offer prayers, flowers, and sweets—especially modak, which is Ganesha’s favorite. The celebrations last from one to ten days, ending with the immersion (Visarjan) of the idol in water, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to his heavenly abode. Ganesh Chaturthi represents new beginnings, removal of obstacles, and unity among people.