How many types of festivals are there in India?

There are around 3,000 festivals celebrated in India annually, each representing different cultures, religions, and regions. Some of the major festivals include:

1. Diwali (Deepavali): Festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

2. Holi: Spring festival of colors, primarily celebrated by Hindus, where people play with colored powder and water.

3. Dussehra: A Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over demon king Ravana, culminating in the burning of effigies of Ravana.

4. Ganesh Chaturthi: Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, prosperity, and good fortune.

5. Navratri: Nine-day festival celebrated by Hindus, with each day dedicated to a different form of the Goddess Durga.

6. Pongal (Sankranti): Harvest festival celebrated primarily in South India, marking the end of the winter solstice.

7. Onam: Celebrated in Kerala, marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, and coincides with the harvest season.

8. Raksha Bandhan: Celebrated by Hindus, symbolizing the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie a protective thread (Rakhi) around their brothers' wrists.

9. Durga Puja: Celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura; primarily observed in West Bengal and the eastern states of India.

10. Guru Nanak Jayanti: Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.

11. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha: Celebrated by Muslims to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan and to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, respectively.

12. Christmas: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, widely observed by Christians across India.

13. Maha Shivratri: Festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, where devotees offer prayers and perform rituals throughout the night.

These are just a few examples of the diverse festivals celebrated in India, reflecting its rich cultural heritage, religious diversity, and regional traditions.