Are you prepared for an exclusive glimpse into the diverse and vibrant culture of India? If so, the month of September is the ideal time, as it signifies a season filled with exuberance through various spiritual festivals. Ganesh Visarjan and Navaratri are the two principal festivals celebrated nationwide with immense enthusiasm during this month. Additionally, numerous other festivals are observed across the entire country, where individuals engage in rituals with great devotion to receive blessings from the deities. With invigorating moderate weather and a rich variety of important festivals, your India tour in September is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Here are the few spectacular festivals to enjoy in the month of September in India.
Onam Festival, Kerala
Onam is a religious and cultural festival celebrated by the Malayali community throughout India in September. Known as one of the largest festivals in Kerala, Onam is a traditional 10-day harvest celebration that occurs during the Malayalam month of Chingam, which typically falls in August or September. This festival commemorates the annual return of the legendary King Mahabali. This year, Onam was observed on 5th September and includes various festivities such as floral carpets, boat races, tiger dances, traditional music performances, and a grand feast known as Sadya. During Onam, thousands of both domestic and international tourists flock to Kerala as part of Kerala tour packages.
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Ganesh Chaturthi & Visarjan
Observed on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, Ganesh Chaturthi, also referred to as Vinayaka Chaturthi is among the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to the elephant-headed deity Ganesh. This year, the festival will take place on 27th September and is observed across India with immense devotion. Families celebrate at home, individuals at their workplaces, and public gatherings also partake in the festivities. The public celebrations include the installation of clay idols of Ganesh in community pandals, accompanied by collective worship. The magnificent Ganesh Chaturthi festivities will conclude with an emotional farewell to Ganpati on the festival’s final day. On the eleventh day of Ganesh Utsav, which falls on 6th September, Ganesh Visarjan is commemorated as devotees bid a heartfelt goodbye to Bappa, inviting him to return early the following year. While the festival is celebrated nationwide, the most spectacular celebrations are observed in Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune. Consider planning your Mumbai Tour this September to immerse yourself in the grand celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi.
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Ziro Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
The Ziro Festival of Music is a prominent event that takes place annually in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. This year, it was celebrated from the 25th to the 28th of September, showcasing a four-day event that included a variety of Indian and international independent music genres such as acoustic, rock, and electronic, featuring performances from a wide array of artists. Attendees have the opportunity to stay in small tents provided by the festival organizers. In addition to the musical festivities, visitors enjoy hiking in the Alpine region, immersing themselves in the local culture, and connecting with nature as part of the Arunachal Pradesh Tour Packages.
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Ladakh Festival
The Ladakh Festival is one of the most lively events celebrated annually in September in India. Organized by the Leh Tourism Department, the festival’s main aim is to showcase the lifestyle and culture of the Ladakhi people. This year, it is being held from the 21st to the 24th of September in Leh, spanning four days and featuring traditional Ladakhi music, dance, folk performances, masked dances (Cham), local sports such as polo and archery, and authentic cuisine that draws both domestic and international tourists as part of the Ladakh Tour. Local residents don colorful traditional attire and celebrate every moment of this grand event with great enthusiasm. A key highlight of the festival is a magnificent procession that involves active participation from various cultural groups, starting from the Leh market and concluding at the polo grounds, showcasing the diverse sub-cultures of the region along with their art, music, and dance traditions.
Payippad Snake Boat Race
The Payippad Boat Race, also known as Jalotsavom, is a traditional snake boat race that takes place annually on the Payippad River in the village of Payippad, located in Alappuzha, Kerala. This event is recognized as one of the oldest snake boat races in the region and boasts the highest level of participation following the prestigious Nehru Trophy boat race. This year, the race was held on the 5th of September, marking a 3-day annual celebration coinciding with the Onam festival, which commemorates the installation of the idol of Lord Subramanian at the Haripad Subramanya Temple. Throughout this event, local residents passionately navigate long snake boats with great enthusiasm and energy. The thrilling spectacle of the racing snake boats, all striving to secure victory, is a captivating experience to include in your Alleppey Tour Packages.
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Milad-un-Nabi
Eid-e-Milad is observed by the Muslim community to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. He was born in 570 AD in Mecca. This celebration occurs in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. The Shia community holds that the Prophet’s birthday is on the 17th day of Rabi’ al-awwal, whereas the Sunni community celebrates it on the 12th day of the same month. Muslims who partake in the festival engage in discussions and events that honor his teachings. The festival’s origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt. It was not until the 11th century that the celebrations became widespread, and by the 12th century, they had spread to regions such as Syria, Morocco, Turkey, and Spain. According to the Gregorian calendar, Eid-e-Milad may occur on September 4 or September 5 this year.
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Abhaneri Festival, Rajasthan
The Abhaneri Festival is a two-day annual event aimed at promoting rural tourism in Rajasthan. This year, it is celebrated on the 26th and 27th of September in Abhaneri. The festival showcases Kalbelia dance performances, Langa singing, Kachhi Ghodi dance, Bhawai dance, puppet shows, and an exhibition of crafts and artworks, among other attractions, which draw a significant number of visitors from around the world as part of Rajasthan Tour Packages. Set against the backdrop of the Harshat Mata Temple and the ancient Chand Baori (stepwell), tourists can easily access Abhaneri from any location in Rajasthan, as there are various public and private transportation options available.
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Navaratri / Dussehra
Do you not adore the festive atmosphere that has once again enveloped the nation? We certainly do. India is joyfully observing Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, with great zeal and excitement, as it stands as one of the principal festivals celebrated throughout the country. Taking place in the lunar month of Ashwin or Ashwayuja, Navaratri is a nine-night celebration dedicated to the Mother Goddess, or Shakti, in all her forms, including Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi. This year, the festival is being held from the 22nd of September to the 2nd of October, culminating in Dussehra, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, on the tenth day. During the day, worship and fasting are observed, while the evenings are set aside for feasting and dancing. It is referred to as Ramlila in Delhi, Durga Puja in West Bengal, Dassara in Mysore, and Navratri in Gujarat. Be sure to experience the renowned Garba dance during Navratri as part of the Gujarat Tour Packages.
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Chakradhar Samaroh, Chhattisgarh
Chakradhar Samaroh is one of the most popular musical events celebrated in September in India. Observed this year from 27th August to 6th September in Raigarh, this 10-day classical music and dance festival is held during the Ganesh Chaturthi every year, in honor of the erstwhile king and musician Chakradhar Singh of Chhattisgarh, who wrote many books on music and dance, as well as developed a new form of Kathak dance. Many celebrities and talented artists from all over India come to perform at the festival. Starting from Bharatanatyam to Sufi performance, one can find all classical dance and music performances of the country in this festival. Also, visitors can enjoy light and sound show during this festival as part of Chhattisgarh Tour.
Neelamperoor Festival, Kerala
Neelamperoor Padayani Festival is the most vibrant annual festivals held at Neelamperoor Palli Bhagavathy Temple, among the top places to visit in Alappuzha. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Chingam (usually August/September), it is among the rarest Padayani displays in all of Kerala. Its uniqueness lies in its special tradition of Kettukazhcha, which is the display of beautifully decorated effigies. Observed this year from 3rd – 6th September, the festival culminates in a procession of huge effigies of mythological characters like Bhima, Ravana, etc. and swans that devotees offer to the goddess in the hope of getting their wishes fulfilled. The aura and mystique surrounding this site and its traditions have amazed and attract visitors throughout the country for many centuries.
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Bathukamma
The state festival of Telangana, Bathukamma is a flower festival that showcases the symbol of the cultural identity of the state. This festival is devoted to Goddess Maha Gauri, who is considered to be the life-giver and goddess of womanhood. Held from 21st September to 29th October this year, it starts on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya and the 9-day festivities will culminate on “Saddula Bathukamma” or “Pedda Bathukamma” festival on Ashwayuja Navami, popularly known as Durgashtami. During this festival, women arrange seasonal flowers of different medicinal value in the shape of a temple spire. Women sing old folk devotional songs and take the Bathukammas out in procession to immerse them in the water on the last day. The capital city of Telangana is the best place to partake in Bathukamma festivities as part of Hyderabad Tour Packages.
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