In March, India celebrates a vibrant transition from winter to spring with major cultural, religious, and regional festivals. While the most prominent event, Holi - the festival of colors, occurred in the first week of the month, here are a few more to look forward to...
GUDI PADWA | March 19
This is one of the most significant festivals in Maharashtra, celebrated as the Marathi New Year. This festival, also celebrated in parts of Goa, marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes new beginnings, joy, and prosperity. Gudi Padwa holds immense religious, cultural, historical, and social importance, making it a cherished celebration.
Gudi Padwa is celebrated with a mix of traditional rituals, cultural programs, and family gatherings. On this special day, a Gudi is raised outside homes as a symbol of victory and prosperity. It is made by decorating a bamboo stick with a silk cloth, flowers, etc. People celebrate with folk songs, sweets, dances, and traditional games, adding joy to the day.
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People observe the festival by visiting temples and decorating the streets with rangoli. (Photo: AI-generated)
UGADI | March 19
This is one of the important festivals celebrated in India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra. Ugadi denotes the start of the New Year in accordance with the lunar calendar followed by Hindus, and it also represents new aspirations, hope and renewal.
Through rituals, dining on traditional foods and getting together with family and friends, Ugadi shows us how to receive life with balance, good vibes and thankfulness.
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The festival holds special spiritual significance in northern regions of India. (Photo: AI-generated)
CHAITRA NAVRATRI | March 19-27
The festival marks the Hindu New Year and honors nine forms of Goddess Durga. Celebrated during the spring-summer transition, it involves nine days of fasting, prayer, and feeding young girls (Kanya Pujan) on the 8th or 9th day.
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It is believed that the festival brings divine power, and removes negativity. (Photo courtesy: worldoffestivals.in)
RAM NAVAMI | March 26
A major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri. Celebrations involve fasting, singing bhajans, reading the Ramayana, and visiting temples. Lord Ram is the slayer of the ten-headed asura king, Ravan, thereby symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
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MAHAVIR JAYANTI | MARCH 31
(Infographic courtesy: X@CoHNAOfficial)
