India is a country rich in cultural heritage, known for its numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year, reflecting the nation's unity in diversity. Major festivals include:

**Holi**: Celebrated on a full moon day in Phalgun, Holi is a vibrant festival of colors. It commemorates the story of Prahlad and his devotion to God, which angered his father, King Hiranyakashipu.

**Diwali**: Also known as Deepawali, this festival of lights falls in Kartik. Homes and streets are illuminated with lamps and lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

**Dussehra**: Marking the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, Dussehra falls on the tenth day of Ashwin. It signifies the triumph of good over evil.

**Maha Shivaratri**: Celebrated on the 13th night/14th day of Krishna Paksha in Phalgun, it honors the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

**Janmashtami**: Observed on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad, this festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna.

**Raksha Bandhan**: Falling on the full moon day in Shravan, Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters.

**Ram Navami**: Celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra, it marks the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu.

**Makar Sankranti**: This festival, fixed on January 14th, celebrates the Sun's transition into Capricorn, marking the beginning of the harvest season.

**Karva Chauth**: Observed on the fourth day after the full moon in Kartik, Hindu women fast for the well-being of their husbands.

**Nag Panchami**: Celebrated on the fifth day of Krishna Paksha in Shravan, it involves worshiping snakes.

**Basant Panchami**: This festival, celebrated on the fifth day of Magh, honors Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and art.

**Eid**: Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting for Muslims, while Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid) commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.

**Christmas**: Celebrated on December 25th, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, with significant preparations by Christians worldwide.

**Good Friday**: Observed between March and April, it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

**Lohri**: Celebrated on January 13th, particularly in Punjab, it marks the end of winter.

**Baisakhi**: Falling on April 13th or 14th, it celebrates the harvest and is especially significant in Punjab.

**Pongal**: This four-day harvest festival in Tamil Nadu falls in mid-January, marking the beginning of Uttarayan.

**Onam**: Celebrated in Kerala during Chingam (August/September), it commemorates the homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.

**Buddha Purnima**: Celebrated in April or May, it marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.

**Mahavir Jayanti**: Falling in March or April, it celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavira, the last Tirthankara of Jainism.

These festivals, celebrated with great enthusiasm, highlight India's cultural richness and the deep-rooted traditions that bind its diverse population.