India is a vast and diverse country located in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by land area and the most populous country in the world, with over 1.4 billion people. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and spiritual depth, India offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern developments.
Capital: New Delhi
Major Cities: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad
Official Languages: Hindi and English (with 20+ regional languages recognized)
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
India is often described as a land of unity in diversity. It is home to a wide range of cultures, religions (including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism), and languages. Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, and Navratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country.
India features a diverse landscape—from the towering Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches of the south, the Thar Desert in the west, and the lush forests and tea gardens in the northeast. Major rivers like the Ganges, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra shape its landscape and livelihoods.
India has one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, with major industries including information technology, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, and automobile manufacturing. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are global tech hubs.
India is a top travel destination offering:
Heritage sites: Taj Mahal, Jaipur palaces, Khajuraho temples
Spiritual places: Varanasi, Rishikesh, Bodh Gaya, Golden Temple
Natural beauty: Kerala backwaters, Himachal valleys, Andaman beaches
Wildlife sanctuaries: Ranthambore, Jim Corbett, Kaziranga, Sasan Gir
India’s vibrant cultural tapestry is woven with a multitude of festivals celebrated throughout the year. Here’s a curated list of major Indian festivals in 2025, organized by month:
Lohri – January 13 (Monday)
A Punjabi harvest festival marking the end of winter.
Makar Sankranti / Pongal – January 14 (Tuesday)
Celebrated across India, it signifies the sun’s transition into Capricorn, heralding longer days.
Republic Day – January 26 (Sunday)
Commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.
Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja – February 2 (Sunday)
Honors Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts.
Maha Shivaratri – February 26 (Wednesday)
A night dedicated to Lord Shiva, marked by fasting and night-long vigils.
Holika Dahan – March 13 (Thursday)
The eve of Holi, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Holi – March 14 (Friday)
The festival of colors, celebrating love and the arrival of spring.
Ugadi / Gudi Padwa – March 30 (Sunday)
Marks the New Year for states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra.
Rama Navami – April 6 (Sunday)
Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu.
Sita Navami – May 5 (Monday)
Commemorates the birth of Goddess Sita, revered for her devotion and purity.
Buddha Purnima – May 12 (Monday)
Marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
Sankashti Chaturthi – May 16 (Friday)
A day dedicated to Lord Ganesha, observed with fasting and moonlit prayers.
Sarasvati Pushkaram – May 15–26
A 12-day river festival occurring once every 12 years, honoring the sacred Sarasvati River.
Ratha Yatra (Puri) – June 27 (Friday)
The grand chariot festival in Odisha, where deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are paraded through the streets.
Sawan Month – July 11 – August 9
A sacred month dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with fasting and prayers, especially on Mondays.
Raksha Bandhan – August 9 (Saturday)
Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, marked by the tying of a protective thread.
Ganesh Chaturthi – September 2 (Tuesday)
Honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, with elaborate installations and processions.
Navratri – September 29 – October 7
A nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine, culminating in Dussehra.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) – October 8 (Wednesday)
Marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Diwali (Deepavali) – November 1 (Saturday)
The festival of lights, celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
Dudhwa Festival (Uttar Pradesh) – November 14–16
A cultural event promoting eco-tourism and wildlife awareness in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Christmas – December 25 (Thursday)
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, observed by Christian communities across India.
For a comprehensive list of festivals, including regional and religious observances, you can refer to the Drik Panchang 2025 Indian Calendar.
