Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which is existent between Gujarat and Maharashtra are numerous, as the inhabitants of this Indian Union Territory observe all Indian festivals like `Navaratri`, `Ganesh Chaturthi`, `Eid-E-Milad`, `Pateti` or Parsi New Year, `Makar Sankranti` or Kite Festival, `Nariyeli Poornima`, Christmas, New Year and others. However, the festivals celebrated by the regional tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli can be termed as the extensions of the indigenous culture of the people of this area. Some of the most significant fairs and festivals of the local tribes involve the `Akhatrij`, `Divasol`, Diwali as `Barash`, Monsoon Magic Festival and Children`s Film Festival, etc.

This festival is observed with great pomp and gaiety, particularly by the Kokna and Varli tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. These tribes avoid consuming any foodstuffs cooked with home grown beans till this festival is celebrated. It is celebrated during September.

The 'Masimagam' festival is celebrated with enthusiasm at Dadra and Nagar Haveli, on a full moon day of the `Masi` month, which falls during February to March. During Masimagam festival, holy deities are bathed, as per the ceremonial bathing rituals. It is believed that sacred idols from over 64 temples are bathed in the sea.

Holi is celebrated with gusto by almost all the regional tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. During this festival, a fair is hosted here, which continues for an entire week, based at `Lawachha` and is also celebrated at Silvassa. Coloured water is thrown at each other during Holi.

Raksha Bandhan festival is celebrated especially by Dhodia tribals and it is locally known as `Divaso and Baleo` by the regional tribes who reside in this portion of the nation. During this great festival, people invoke the blessings of Goddess Kali, particularly in the villages of Silvassa, before and also after crops are harvested.

The womenfolk of the Kokna tribals are said to arrange Akhatrij Festival, a traditional festival of this part of the country. Kokna tribes are ancient settlers of this land. 

Divaso is celebrated by the Dhodia and Varli tribes of Dadra and Nagar Haveli as a traditional, nature-centric festival deeply rooted in tribal culture. Observed on the Amavasya, or no-moon day, of the Ashada month, Divaso serves as a tribute to nature while symbolically ushering in the sacred month of Shravan.

The Bhawada festival is celebrated by the Varli and Koli tribes as a significant three-day mask festival, also known as Bohada. Marked by elaborate masks and ritual performances, the festival stands as a vibrant cultural homage to local deities, gods, and goddesses.

Navratri in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, particularly in Silvassa, is observed as a vibrant nine-night celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga, marked by energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas traditions influenced by neighboring Gujarat. Major events, including those organized by the Rotary Club, feature large-scale celebrations extending up to ten nights, complete with live music and professional singers.

Pateti is a festival observed by the Parsi (Zoroastrian) community as a day of repentance and reflection, marking the eve of the Parsi New Year, Navroz. Although it is primarily celebrated in Maharashtra and Gujarat, members of the Parsi community observe it across India, including in Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, where large, creative, eco-friendly, and thematic pandals are erected. The celebrations continue for several days.

Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha are celebrated with deep religious devotion, joy, and a strong sense of unity across Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The celebrations include special morning prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, community gatherings, wearing new clothes, and sharing traditional dishes such as sheer khurma, reflecting the spirit of brotherhood and communal harmony. 

Akha Teej, known as Akshaya Tritiya in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, is an important agricultural and cultural festival observed during April–May (the month of Vaisakha). It marks the beginning of the farming season with the ritual of Akhi Muthi Anukula, a ceremonial sowing of seeds.

Monsoon Magic Festival in Dadra and Nagar Haveli is mainly celebrated through Raja Parba (also known as Mithuna Sankranti), a lively three-day festival observed in mid-June, usually from the 14th to 16th. The festival celebrates womanhood, fertility, and the arrival of the monsoon, symbolizing a period of rejuvenation and rest for the earth. It is marked by traditional swings, special delicacies, and joyful festivities.

The tribal communities of Dadra and Nagar Haveli hold a deep belief in the powers of Goddess Kali and, as a result, gather in large numbers to perform Kali Puja during the crop harvesting season.

Diwali in Dadra and Nagar Haveli is celebrated with vibrant traditions, including the unique ritual of Bada Badua Daka, during which families invoke their ancestors by burning jute sticks known as Kaunria Kathi on Naraka Chaturdashi. Often coinciding with Kali Puja, the festival is marked by cleaning homes, lighting diyas, and bursting fireworks.

The Children's Film Festival in Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a regional initiative that highlights educational and entertaining films while encouraging creativity among local students. Typically supported by the Department of Tourism in Silvassa, the festival acts as a cultural platform for children in the region, bringing together film screenings, cultural performances, and engaging activities designed to inspire young minds.

The Kite Festival in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, often celebrated alongside the Daman & Diu festivities on January 14 during Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan), is a lively celebration marked by colorful kite flying, creative workshops, and impressive large thematic kites. Popular venues such as Silvassa’s riverfront near Nakshatra Garden and Daman’s Lighthouse Beach come alive with activity, drawing enthusiastic crowds from early morning until sunset.