Here's a quick guide to some major Indian festivals and the typical time they are celebrated:
1. **Makar Sankranti** - January 14 (fixed date)
- Celebrates the harvest and sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makar Rashi).
2. **Pongal** - Mid-January (4 days)
- Tamil harvest festival dedicated to the Sun God.
3. **Republic Day** - January 26 (fixed date)
- Marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
4. **Maha Shivaratri** - February/March
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed with fasting and night vigils.
5. **Holi** - March (full moon day of Phalguna month)
- Festival of colors marking the arrival of spring.
6. **Ram Navami** - March/April
- Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
7. **Eid al-Fitr** - Varies (based on lunar calendar)
- Marks the end of Ramadan with prayers and feasts.
8. **Raksha Bandhan** - August (full moon day of Shravana month)
- Celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.
9. **Independence Day** - August 15 (fixed date)
- Celebrates India's independence from British rule.
10. **Ganesh Chaturthi** - August/September
- Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha with 10 days of festivities.
11. **Onam** - August/September
- Harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, marking the return of King Mahabali.
12. **Janmashtami** - August/September
- Marks the birth of Lord Krishna with fasting and night vigils.
13. **Gandhi Jayanti** - October 2 (fixed date)
- Celebrates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
14. **Dussehra** - September/October (10th day after Navratri)
- Symbolizes the victory of good over evil, celebrating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
15. **Diwali** - October/November (New moon day of Kartika month)
- Festival of lights celebrating the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya and victory of light over darkness.
16. **Guru Nanak Jayanti** - November
- Celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
17. **Christmas** - December 25 (fixed date)
- Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ with feasts, decorations, and gatherings.
Each festival may vary slightly depending on regional customs and the lunar calendar, especially for Hindu festivals.