Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Festivals > Indian Jews Festivals
Indian Jews Festivals
Indian Jewish festivals can be classified as religious, social or cultural and are celebrated in various parts of India.

Share this Article:

Indian Jews FestivalsThe Jewish community is an integral part of the Indian population and it has been dwelling in the country for the past several years. The Jewish community can be found predominantly in the regions like Kerala and Cochin and they celebrate several festivals which are rooted in the Indian culture. The Indian Jewish festivals represent colours, lights and happiness and they are celebrated in different times of the year. The Indian Jewish festivals vary from religious to social or cultural.

The Jewish calendar is full of festivals and special days and the Jewish people celebrate the festivals either to commemorate a major event in Jewish history or celebrate a certain time of year, like the Jewish New Year. The Jews call the festival days as `Yom Tovim` and they refrain from working on most of the festival days. The Indian Jewish festivals are celebrated according to specific rituals that are performed on those special days. Some of the popular Jewish festivals include Sabbath (Saturday), Pesach or Passover, Purim (Festival of Lots), Shavuot (Pentecost), Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Hannukka etc.

Sabbath-The religious Indian Jewish festival of Sabbath occupies the place of pride. The Sabbath or Saturday gives a day of rest and leisure to the Jewish people.

Pesach or Passover - The festival named Pesach or Passover is another religious festival that is celebrated during the months of April or May. It is celebrated to commemorate the liberation of the ancient Israelites from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, approximately 3000 years ago. Traditionally, the Jews converged on Jerusalem for marking the beginning of the agricultural year. The Jewish family and friends get together on this special day and observe Seder. This festivity is a unique ceremony that is performed on the first two evenings of Passover.

Indian Jews Festivals Feast of Tabernacle - The feast of Tabernacle is another pilgrim festival held in either September or October. Dressing up in traditional attires, family gatherings and feasts are an integral part of Feast of Tabernacle.

Shavuot - The Jewish people celebrate the cultural festivals with equal fervour. These festivities comprise of Shavuot (Pentecost). It is held in May-June and has an agricultural and historical significance.

Jewish New Year - The Hashanah or the Jewish New Year is celebrated in September or October. This unique festival is the solemn season for self-assessment and judgement in the life of the Jews.

Yom Kippur - The Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement is considered as the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar and it is celebrated following the New Year. Fasts and fervent prayers are also a part of this Jewish festival.

Hannukka - Hannukka, known as the festival of lights, is also celebrated with flamboyance.

Other than these, there are several Indian Jewish festivals that are celebrated all over the Indian subcontinent.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Festivals


Festivals of Haryana
The festivals of Haryana reflect the state's rich cultural heritage and religious fervor. Celebrations like Gugga Naumi, Teej and Gangore are marked by vibrant rituals, devotional music, and community gatherings. These events not only honor traditional beliefs but also strengthen social bonds and preserve age-old customs.
Hareli Festival
Hareli Festival is a popular festival of Chhattisgarh. It is celebrated in the month of Shravan by the farmers who worship cows and other equipments used for farming. The festival honors nature and agriculture, reinforcing unity and showcasing the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Festivals of Telangana
Festivals of Telangana comprised of the festivals like Bonalu festival, Batakamma, Yedupayala Yatra, Sammakka Saralamma, Saralamma Jatara and many others.
Festivals of Uttar Pradesh
The festivals of Uttar Pradesh can be redefined as a spiritual canvas of soul stirring celebration.
Festivals of Tripura
The festivals of Tripura have added social and cultural vibes, which ennoble its vivacity and ebullience. These festivals are reminiscence of the social and cultural Unity of the State.
Kunda Mela
Kunda Mela is one of the famous and largest festivals of Jharkhand. The biggest attraction of this fair is the cattle trade.
Bihula Festival
Bihula Festival is one of the popular festivals in Bhagalpur, Bihar.
Nalangu
In the evenings, the bride and the bridegroom sit for nalangu, which is a popular.
Tamil Nadu Temple Festivals
Tamil Nadu Temple Festivals are celebrated in different religious dwelling with pomp and show.
Goncha Festival
Goncha Festival is a popular festival of Chhattisgarh that is celebrated with much spirit by the local people in the month of July.
Baishagu Festival
Baishagu is a spring festival celebrated by the Boro tribe that marks the commencement of the New Year. It is celebrated in the month of April.
Haryana Temple Festivals
Haryana temple festivals are closely related to its miscellaneous fairs held in the temple sacred grounds.
Bathow Puja
Bathow Puja is one of the most important puja, celebrated widely in Assam in much pomp and glory.
Chandrabhaga Mela
Chandrabhaga Mela is also called as Magha Saptami. Chandrabhaga Fair is held in Odisha every year.
Solung Festival
Solung Festival is a social religious festival of the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is connected with people’s agrarian activities.
Losoong Festival
Losoong Festival is the Sikkimese New Year, of the Bhutia tribe, celebrated every year in the month of December. This festival is very famous in eastern India. Cham dances are performed by the Buddhist Monks.
Karaga Festival
Karaga is a festival where Goddess Shakti is worshipped by the Tigala community.
Sarhul Festival
Sarhul festival in Jharkhand is one of the most important festivals of the Oraon Tribe in India. This annual tribal festival is dedicated to the Nature. It is also known as "Ba Parb".
Gangaur Festival
Gangaur festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is celebrated in the state of Rajasthan.
Karma Festival
Karma Festival is a tribal festival celebrated in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.