Festivals in November 2024 - A Vibrant Celebration of Indian Culture

As the year moves toward its final months, India witnesses a dazzling array of festivals in November. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the country celebrates traditions rooted in religion, history, and community. In 2024, November is packed with some of the most important and vibrant festivals, ranging from the grand celebration of Diwali to the mystical aura of Kartik Purnima. Whether you're a traveller or someone looking to immerse yourself in the richness of Indian culture, November offers plenty of opportunities to experience the joy and unity that festivals bring.

Here’s a detailed look at the top 12 festivals in November 2024 that you wouldn’t want to miss:

1. Diwali – Friday, 01st November 2024
2. Govardhan Puja – Saturday, 2nd November 2024
3. Gujarati New Year - Saturday, 2nd November 2024
4. Bhai Dooj / Bhai Phonta – Sunday, 03rd November 2024
5. Chhath Puja – Thursday, 07th November 2024 to Sunday, 10th November 2024
6. Jagadhatri Puja – Friday, 08th November 2024 to Monday, 11th November 2024
7. Pushkar Fair – Saturday, 09th November 2024 to Friday, 15th November 2024
8. Devutthan Ekadashi – Tuesday, 12th November 2024
9. Tulsi Vivah – Wednesday, 13th November 2024
10. Guru Nanak Jayanti – Friday, 15th November 2024
11. Kartik Purnima – Friday, 15th November 2024
12. Dev Deepawali – Friday, 15th November 2024
    
    

• Diwali – Friday, 01st November 2024

Diwali, the "Festival of Lights," is perhaps the most well-known and celebrated Indian festival worldwide. It marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. In 2024, Diwali falls on Friday, 01st November, making it the perfect start to the month’s festive season. Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and his victory over the demon king Ravana. It also honours the goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

Diwali is marked by lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes with rangolis, bursting fireworks, and sharing sweets. Families come together for Lakshmi Puja in the evening, praying for prosperity and happiness. The exchange of gifts and sweets is common, making it a time of bonding and joy.

• Govardhan Puja – Saturday, 2nd November 2024

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut, is celebrated the day after Diwali. This festival honours Lord Krishna’s lifting of the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Gokul from a devastating storm. The festival represents the triumph of humility and devotion over arrogance. It’s also a time to express gratitude for nature’s bounty, symbolized by the Govardhan Hill.

Devotees prepare elaborate meals and offer them to Lord Krishna in temples. Govardhan is worshipped through a variety of food offerings known as Annakut, where people cook large amounts of sweets, savouries, and other delicacies to show their devotion.

• Gujarati New Year - Saturday, 2nd November 2024

The Gujarati New Year, also known as Bestu Varas, is celebrated the day after Diwali. It marks the beginning of the new year for the people of Gujarat, according to the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar. This day holds immense importance in the Gujarati community, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and success. It’s a time for businessmen to close old accounts and start fresh ledgers, known as Chopda Pujan, praying for a prosperous financial year ahead.

People start the day by visiting temples, offering prayers, and seeking blessings from elders. Families come together to share festive meals, and homes are decorated with rangolis and oil lamps. The festive mood continues with the exchange of sweets and gifts, making it a time of joy and celebration across Gujarat.

• Bhai Dooj / Bhai Phonta – Sunday, 03rd November 2024

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhai Phonta in West Bengal, is celebrated on the second day after Diwali. It is a festival that strengthens the bond between brothers and sisters. The festival symbolizes the love and protective relationship between siblings. It is believed that on this day, Yama, the God of death, visited his sister Yamuna, and in return for her love, he promised to protect all brothers who visited their sisters on this day.

Sisters apply a ceremonial tilak on their brothers’ foreheads and pray for their long life and success. Brothers, in return, give gifts to their sisters as a token of their affection. Special feasts are prepared to mark the occasion, and families come together to celebrate the unbreakable bond.

• Chhath Puja – Thursday, 07th November 2024 to Sunday, 10th November 2024

Chhath Puja is a major festival, particularly in the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated to the Sun God (Surya) and his wife Usha, this four-day festival is celebrated to promote well-being and gratitude for life’s blessings. It’s a time to thank Surya for sustaining life on earth and to request continued prosperity and happiness. The festival holds special significance in Indian mythology, with devotees praying for the health and longevity of their families.

Devotees perform rituals by standing in water bodies, offering prayers to the setting and rising sun. It’s an extremely disciplined festival that requires fasting, cleanliness, and devotion. Chhath Puja is also known for its environmental awareness, as devotees emphasise the importance of clean water and sustainable practices.

Where to stay during Chhath Puja: To experience the rich culture and tradition of Chhath Puja, you must stay at this resort in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. It is Marasa Sarovar Premier Resort, a Club Mahindra Associate property.  Here, along with Chhath Puja you can enjoy the historical roots of Buddhist architecture. 

• Jagadhatri Puja – Friday, 08th November 2024 to Monday, 11th November 2024

Jagadhatri Puja is predominantly celebrated in West Bengal, especially in the town of Chandannagar. This festival is dedicated to Goddess Jagadhatri, considered a form of Goddess Durga. The name Jagadhatri means "the one who holds the world," symbolizing her power to restore peace and order in times of chaos. The festival highlights the victory of good over evil and the importance of protecting the earth.

Elaborate idols of Goddess Jagadhatri are installed in beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures). People gather for processions, prayers, and cultural programs. Like Durga Puja, this festival is known for its grandeur, especially in terms of artistic displays and decorations.

• Pushkar Fair – Saturday, 09th November 2024 to Friday, 15th November 2024

The Pushkar Fair is one of the largest and most colourful cattle fairs in the world, held annually in the town of Pushkar in Rajasthan. Though it is primarily known as a livestock fair, it has evolved into a major cultural event. The fair coincides with the religious Kartik Purnima festival, attracting thousands of pilgrims who take a holy dip in Pushkar Lake. The fair is also known for its cultural vibrancy, showcasing traditional Rajasthani folk music, dance, and arts.

Apart from livestock trading, visitors enjoy camel races, folk performances, and stalls selling local crafts. The fair is an excellent opportunity for travellers to experience the rich culture of Rajasthan. The highlight of the fair is the evening aarti on the ghats of Pushkar Lake.

• Devutthan Ekadashi – Tuesday, 12th November 2024

Devutthan Ekadashi marks the end of the four-month-long period known as Chaturmas, during which Lord Vishnu is believed to be asleep. It is believed that on this day, Lord Vishnu awakens. This festival is important for marriages and other auspicious events in Hindu culture, as it marks the day when the season of weddings begins.

Devotees fast and perform rituals to awaken Lord Vishnu. Special prayers are offered, and temples are beautifully decorated. In many parts of India, people celebrate Tulsi Vivah, the symbolic marriage of the sacred Tulsi plant with Lord Vishnu.

• Tulsi Vivah – Wednesday, 13th November 2024
   

Tulsi Vivah is a sacred Hindu ritual that symbolizes the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to Lord Vishnu. This festival marks the beginning of the Hindu wedding season and holds great significance for devotees. The Tulsi plant is revered in Hindu households as a symbol of purity and devotion. The marriage of Tulsi to Lord Vishnu, in the form of Shaligram (a sacred stone), represents the union of the divine with the earthly. It is believed that observing Tulsi Vivah brings prosperity and well-being to the family.

The ceremony is usually performed at home or in temples, with devotees decorating the Tulsi plant as a bride. Hymns and prayers are recited, and offerings of sweets and fruits are made. After the marriage rituals, devotees distribute prasad (sacred food) and celebrate the auspicious occasion with music, dance, and feasting.

• Guru Nanak Jayant- Friday, 15th November 2024

Guru Nanak Jayanti is one of the most important Sikh festivals, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism. It’s a day of reflection, devotion, and community service. Guru Nanak’s teachings, which emphasize equality, love, and humility, are remembered on this day. His spiritual legacy is honoured across the world.

Sikhs gather in Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) for prayers, hymns, and sermons. Langar (community meals) are organized, and everyone is welcome, regardless of religion or background. Processions and singing of holy hymns fill the streets, especially in Punjab and other Sikh-majority regions.

• Kartik Purnima – Friday, 15th November 2024

Kartik Purnima, celebrated on the full moon day of the Kartik month, is a significant Hindu festival. It marks the day when Lord Shiva defeated the demon Tripurasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This day is considered very auspicious for performing holy rituals and taking a dip in sacred rivers like the Ganges. Kartik Purnima is also a major day for pilgrimage.

Devotees bathe in holy rivers and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The day is also marked by a ritual called Deepdan, where devotees light oil lamps and let them float in the river. This creates a mesmerizing sight of floating lights, symbolizing hope and purity.

• Dev Deepawali – Friday, 15th November 2024

Dev Deepawali, the "Festival of Lights of the Gods," is celebrated fifteen days after Diwali, primarily in Varanasi. It is a unique festival that honours the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasura. Dev Deepawali is considered the day when gods descend to earth to bathe in the Ganges. The ghats of Varanasi are lit up with thousands of earthen lamps, creating an otherworldly and divine atmosphere.

Varanasi becomes a hub of spiritual activities on this day. The main highlight is the lighting of lamps on the ghats, which transforms the entire riverbank into a radiant spectacle. Devotees gather for Ganga Aarti, a ritual that involves offering prayers to the river Ganges.

November 2024 is a vibrant and spiritually enriching time, packed with some of the best festivals in November that offer a deep insight into India's rich cultural and religious heritage. Whether you're a traveller eager to explore traditional festivities or someone looking to connect with your roots, the festivals in November 2024 provide a perfect window into the country’s diverse celebrations. From community gatherings to spiritual rituals, these Indian festivals in November bring people together in the spirit of unity and joy. This November festival list is a great opportunity to witness the heart of Indian traditions, with each event highlighting a unique aspect of devotion, family bonds, and cultural pride. Be it large-scale celebrations or intimate rituals, the festivals on November are sure to leave a lasting impression, making it an ideal time to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.

FAQ:

Where can you best celebrate Chhath puja in 2024?

Chhath Puja in 2024 will be celebrated from Thursday, November 7, to Sunday, November 10. This four-day festival can be best witnessed in States like Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. You can book an appointment with our holiday expert and get a Club Mahindra membership if you want to enjoy staying in resorts where these festivals are best celebrated.  

What can you get from Club Mahindra membership?

The Club Mahindra membership allows families to enjoy vacations at over 140+ Club Mahindra resorts worldwide. Members' reviews often highlight the benefits of flexible holiday plans, allowing them to tailor their vacations according to their preferences and schedules. The Club Mahindra membership plans provide a lifetime of memorable vacations, with options to explore new destinations each year. It also includes exclusive access to curated experiences like adventure sports, cultural events, and wellness retreats. With Club Mahindra, members can create lasting memories while enjoying quality time with family in beautiful locations across India and beyond.

Where is Pushkar Fair held?

The Pushkar Camel Fair, also called the Pushkar Mela, is held in the town of Pushkar, situated in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan, India.