Indian Fairs & Festivals – Complete Static GK Guide for Government Exams

1️⃣ Introduction

India is known for its rich cultural diversity, reflected through a wide variety of fairs (melas) and festivals celebrated across regions, religions, and communities.

Why is this topic important for Government Exams?

• Frequently asked under Static GK, Indian Culture, Art & Heritage
• Questions are direct, factual, and easy to score
• Appears regularly in matching, one-liners, and MCQs

Exams where questions are commonly asked:

• SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD
• UPSC Prelims
• IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk
• Railways (RRB NTPC, Group D)
• Defence (NDA, CDS, CAPF)
• State PSC Exams

2️⃣ Detailed Explanation

🎉 Major Festivals of India (State-wise)

🔹 Religious Festivals

🌾 Harvest Festivals (Very Important)

🎪 Famous Fairs (Melas) of India

🛕 Tribal & Regional Festivals

🇮🇳 National Festivals of India

3️⃣ Important Points / Features

• India celebrates 50+ major festivals and fairs annually
• Festivals reflect religious, agricultural, and cultural diversity
• Fairs (melas) combine religion, trade, tourism, and rituals
• Kumbh Mela rotates among Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain
• Many festivals are linked to crop cycles and seasons

4️⃣ Additional Notes

• Onam is associated with King Mahabali
• Durga Puja is most famous in West Bengal
• Hornbill Festival is called the Festival of Festivals
• Bihu has three forms: Rongali, Magh, Kati
• Pushkar Fair is held near the Brahma Temple

📌 One-Liner Revision Points (Quick Memory)

1. Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years
2. Pongal is the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu
3. Onam is associated with King Mahabali
4. Baisakhi marks the wheat harvest
5. Pushkar Fair is famous for camel trading
6. Hornbill Festival is celebrated in Nagaland
7. Lohri marks the end of winter
8. Durga Puja is most popular in West Bengal
9. Guru Nanak Jayanti marks the birth of Guru Nanak
10. Surajkund Mela is a crafts fair