Festivals in Telangana in November 2025: Celebrating Culture, Devotion, and Tradition
Telangana, a state rich in its cultural heritage and traditions, celebrates a wide array of festivals throughout the year. November 2025 is no exception, as it brings forth some of the most beloved and significant festivals that reflect the state’s deep-rooted connection to spirituality, family values, and communal harmony. Among these festivals, Karthika Deepam, Diwali (Deepavali), and Sankranti stand out as moments of joy, reflection, and celebration.
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In this article, we will explore each of these festivals, shedding light on their religious significance, the customs associated with them, and the ways in which they are celebrated across Telangana.
1. Karthika Deepam (Karthika Purnima)
Date: November 8, 2025
Karthika Deepam, also known as Karthika Purnima, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in Telangana, particularly in rural areas and temples. This festival falls on the full moon day in the Karthika month (which generally corresponds to November) and holds immense spiritual and cultural importance. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, as well as to the moon and the stars.
Significance of Karthika Deepam
Karthika Deepam is considered an auspicious day for worship and fasting. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva on this day brings spiritual liberation (moksha) and removes all obstacles from one’s life. People light lamps and offer prayers to deities, especially Lord Shiva, as a symbol of light overcoming darkness. The festival is closely associated with the worship of Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, as well as Lord Vishnu, who is said to have incarnated as Vamana during this period.
The day also signifies the end of the Karthika month, during which devotees undertake fasts and observe specific rituals. It is particularly important for Saivites (followers of Shiva) and Vaishnavites (followers of Vishnu).
Rituals and Celebrations
- Lighting of Lamps (Deepam): The central ritual of Karthika Deepam involves lighting diyas (oil lamps) around homes, temples, and villages. These lamps symbolize the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the arrival of knowledge and wisdom.
- Fasting and Worship: Devotees fast and visit temples to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Special Puja (prayer ceremonies) are held at famous temples like the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Malkajgiri and Sri Kaleshwara Mukteswara Swamy Temple in Kaleshwaram.
- Ritual Bathing in Rivers: Many devotees take a holy dip in rivers, particularly the Godavari, as it is believed to cleanse the body and soul.
Where to Celebrate
- Hyderabad: In the bustling city of Hyderabad, temples like the Balkampet Yellamma Temple and Ujjaini Mahakali Temple are beautifully lit up, with crowds of devotees offering prayers and lighting lamps.
- Warangal: In Warangal, the celebrations are more traditional, with large processions and temple-based rituals centered around Lord Shiva.
2. Diwali (Deepavali)
Date: November 12, 2025
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across India, including Telangana. This festival marks the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, symbolized by the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, as depicted in the epic Ramayana. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur in Telangana, with elaborate lighting, prayers, feasts, and social gatherings.
Significance of Diwali
The significance of Diwali lies in the triumph of Lord Rama and the restoration of righteousness (dharma). In Telangana, the festival is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that worshipping Lakshmi on this day brings financial stability, good fortune, and success in life.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Lighting of Diyas (Oil Lamps): The central theme of Diwali is the lighting of diyas, which are placed around the home to welcome prosperity and dispel the darkness of ignorance.
- Lakshmi Puja: Families perform Lakshmi Puja, seeking the goddess’s blessings for wealth, happiness, and spiritual growth. Offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers are made to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Fireworks: Firecrackers and fireworks are a major part of Diwali celebrations. However, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and noise-free Diwali to reduce air and noise pollution.
- Exchanging Gifts and Sweets: Diwali is also a time for families and friends to come together, exchange gifts, and indulge in traditional sweets like kaju katli, laddus, and barfis.
Where to Celebrate
- Hyderabad: Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is famous for its Diwali celebrations. The city’s vibrant markets, such as Laad Bazaar and MG Road, are beautifully illuminated. Public events and firework displays are held in various parks and gardens, including NTR Gardens and Lumbini Park.
- Warangal: In Warangal, Diwali is celebrated with traditional fervor. The city is known for its massive firework displays and temple rituals, particularly at the Bhadrakali Temple.
3. Sankranti (Margashirsha Sankranti)
Sankranti is one of the most important harvest festivals in Telangana, celebrated in honor of the sun god Surya. Sankranti marks the day when the sun transitions into the Capricorn zodiac, signifying the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm across the state.
Significance of Sankranti
Date: November 14, 2025
Sankranti is an agrarian festival, celebrated to honor the sun god’s role in the agricultural cycle. It is believed that worshipping Surya during this time brings prosperity, health, and happiness. The festival also marks the arrival of cooler weather and the end of the harsh heat of summer.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Puja and Offerings: On Sankranti, people perform special pujas to honor Surya, offering items like til (sesame seeds), jaggery, and new harvest grains. These offerings are believed to bring prosperity and health for the coming year.
- Bonfires: In rural areas, people light bonfires to symbolize the burning away of old crops and the welcome of the new harvest.
- Kite Flying: Sankranti is famous for kite flying, especially in urban areas like Hyderabad, where families and friends gather to fly colorful kites in open spaces.
Where to Celebrate
- Hyderabad: Sankranti is celebrated with much fanfare in Hyderabad. The city’s skyline is dotted with kites during the day, and many public events and fairs are organized at places like NTR Gardens and Necklace Road.
- Rural Telangana: In rural regions of Telangana, Sankranti is celebrated with traditional pongal preparations, feasts, and dances. Farmers celebrate the festival as a way of giving thanks for the successful harvest season.
