6 Indian Holidays in March and How to Celebrate Them

Looking to learn more about Indian holidays in March? These are 6 important festivals that millions of people celebrate each year!

India is famous for its vibrant festivals and rich culture! The country is very diverse and there are many holidays which are celebrated in different ways and depending on the region. Across the country, these are 6 Indian holidays in March!

From throwing colors on Holi to staying up all night for Maha Shivratri, festivals are an important part of Indian culture and are a lot of fun! This post will give you background on each major holiday and information on how people celebrate them.

If you are traveling to India in March, you will have an incredible time if you can join in for any of these holidays! It is one of the best times to vacation in India because it is right before summer heat comes. Check out these top places to travel in India by state for more ideas on where to travel!

Having lived in India for over 6 years, I’ve learned a lot about the different ways people celebrate these holidays. Festival times are some of my fondest memories.

Since many holidays in India follow the lunar calendar, there are some holidays in this list which do not happen in March in 2024. However, they often do occur in March so are listed here. 

This post is all about Indian holidays in March.

Indian Holidays in March

#1 Maha Shivratri

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. The date of this holiday changes each year according to the lunar calendar. This coming year it will fall on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Shiva is known as the Adiyogi, or first yogi. He is also considered the God of destruction, meaning that only when you destroy yourself, you find yourself. The holiday represents overcoming darkness and ignorance and is a time to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment from Lord Shiva.

How do people celebrate Maha Shivratri?

Special rituals are done in temples for Shiva Lingas (the symbol of Lord Shiva). People offer things like milk, yogurt, honey, ghee and water to receive blessings. This ritual is commonly known as “Abhishekam,” when you give offerings to a deity. It’s also a day when some people fast.

Many devotees celebrate this holiday by attending night vigils or staying up all night. Maha Shivratri is known to be a powerful night and staying awake helps to cleanse the mind and spirit. People celebrate with devotional songs, chanting and meditating.

While Maha Shivratri is celebrated all over India, there is a huge gathering at the Isha Yoga Center in south India for this holiday, which is one of the biggest celebrations in the country. Thousands of people come to enjoy and participate in the night-long festivities that include dancing and performances. It’s a really remarkable celebration! Check out more reasons why the Isha Yoga Center is a great destination for travelers in India with this guide.

#2 Ramadan

Ramadan is an Islamic festival which is celebrated by millions of people all over the world. It’s considered to be the holiest month for Muslims and will begin on March 11, 2024. It is based on the moon, however, so it’s possible the day will change to 10th or 12th.

It is a period of fasting and spiritual reflection for devotees. Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr after 28-30 days in April. It’s a huge celebration with families and friends who gather for special meals and prayers. 

How do people celebrate Ramadan?

Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims in India and lasts for one month. Many people fast from dawn until sunset, without eating or drinking. It’s also a time people give up any less-favorable habits like smoking or drinking. 

During the day, some restaurants and shops in Muslim communities may be closed as people are fasting and abstaining from food. It is a period of time where people devote themselves and it accumulates with a huge celebration after one month for Eid.

#3 Holi

Of course, the Festival of Colors! One of the most well-known Indian holidays in March is Holi. It’s a vibrant and joyous Hindu festival that is known around the world. Following the lunar calendar, this year Holi is Monday, March 25, 2024.

Holi marks the arrival of spring and is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. It’s a time to connect with family and friends as people come together to celebrate. The holiday brings a sense of unity and happiness among people of all ages and backgrounds.

This holiday is celebrated in many different ways across the different cultures in India. But, it’s celebrated with enthusiasm as people leave winter behind and begin a vibrant, lively season.

How do people celebrate Holi?

Holi is a very lively and fun holiday to celebrate! Many people meet up with family and friends and enjoy festive foods and sweets. People say “Holi Hai!” to wish each other a happy day.

One of the most fun ways to celebrate is to “play Holi.” This is where people throw water balloons or water guns and smear or throw colored powders. In big cities, there are many events where people gather with stages, parties, music and of course, lots of color! You can walk around and see people playing Holi at their buildings or along the street.

Another popular and more serious custom is lighting a bonfire on the eve of Holi, known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi. The burning of the Holika signifies the win of good over evil. People also walk around the fire, share prasad (sweets), and give offerings such as coconuts.

If you are traveling to India during March and can be in the country during Holi, you will have a truly amazing time! It’s my favorite holiday and extremely fun to be a part of. I have celebrated Holi many years in Mumbai with friends and at events in the city and have always had an amazing time.

#4 Good Friday and Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday which is celebrated by millions of Christians around the world. The exact date changes each year. This year, Good Friday will be celebrated March 29th, 2024 and Easter will be three days later on Sunday, April 1st 2024.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It’s a day of reflection and repentance for Christians where they remember Jesus’ sacrifice. Devotees believe that three days later, he rose from the dead. Easter is a day to celebrate his resurrection and symbolizes victory over sin and death, and the promise of eternal life.

How do people celebrate Easter?

Easter is celebrated by Christians across India. People attend church services and gather with family and friends. It’s a time to connect with one another and enjoy delicious festive meals. It’s one of the most important days in the year for Christains and is filled with prayers and celebrations.

While the Easter Bunny and egg-hunts are popular in western countries, these are not very common ways Christians celebrate the holiday in India. Some families may partake in them, but for most Christians it’s a day to celebrate, attend church and be with family.

#5 Gudi Padwa / Ugadi (Hindu New Year)

Gudi Padwa is the Hindu New Year and is known by many different names across the country, like Ugadi, Bihar Diwas, Sajibu Nongmapanba, 1st Navratra and more. While this holiday is often celebrated in March, it is tied to the lunar calendar so the date varies each year. This coming year but this year it is celebrated on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

This is celebrated in many regions but is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra. It celebrates the first day of the Chaitra month according to the Hindu calendar. It’s also the beginning of Chaitra, Navratri which is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and is celebrated for 9 days.

How do people celebrate Gudi Padwa / Ugadi?

People celebrate this holiday in different ways across India. In Maharashtra, “Gudi” refers to a special flag and “Padwa” means the first day of the lunar month. 

Many people keep a Gudi, or a decorated pole with silk, neem leaves, mango leaves, garlands, and a copper or silver vessel placed on top. The Gudi symbolizes victory and prosperity. It’s believed to ward off evil and invite good luck into the home.

In places like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telanaga, this day is popularly known as Ugadi. People clean and decorate their homes. It’s also a time to gather with family and enjoy festive meals. Many people also make “Ugadi Pachadi” which is a mixture that carries six different tastes to symbolize the sweet and bitter moments that we should embrace in life.

#6 Ram Navami

Ram Navami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Rama. It is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, so the dates change yearly. This holiday often falls in March, but this year Ram Navami will be 17th April, 2024.

This day marks the day that Rama was born in Ayodhya. Lord Rama is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu and is known as the perfect man. While people recognize this holiday in many different ways across the country, it is mostly celebrated in the north, especially in Ayodhya.

How do people celebrate Ram Navami?

Many devotees observe fasts on Ram Navami and refrain from food. People also participate in special prayers and pujas dedicated to Rama. People also sing bhajans, devotional songs, to honor his birth.

In some regions, idols of Rama are paraded around by devotees with singing, dancing, and reenactments of scenes from the Ramayana. The Ramayana is one of the major epics of ancient India that tells the story of Rama and his journey to defeat Ravana, the demon king. Along with idols of Rama, some people also carry images or idols of his wife, Sita, his brother Lakshmana, and his devotee, Hanuman.

This post was all about Indian holidays in March.