Local Festivals of Aligarh: Celebrations, Culture & Traditions

Aligarh is a city rich in history, culture, and traditions, reflected in its vibrant festivals. The city celebrates a mix of religious, cultural, and national festivals, bringing people together in a spirit of unity and festivity. Let’s explore the most popular festivals of Aligarh.

1. Sir Syed Day – Honoring the Founder of AMU

📅 When: October 17
📍 Where: Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)

Sir Syed Day is one of the most significant events in Aligarh, celebrated at AMU in honor of its founder, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. The celebrations include:

  • A grand procession
  • Speeches by dignitaries
  • Cultural programs and debates
  • Special feasts for students and faculty

🔹 Why It’s Special: It’s a day of pride for AMU students and alumni worldwide.

2. Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha – Grand Islamic Celebrations

📅 When: Based on the Islamic lunar calendar
📍 Where: Jama Masjid, AMU Mosque, local mosques, and homes

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, while Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the spirit of sacrifice. The celebrations in Aligarh include:

  • Special prayers at mosques
  • Grand feasts featuring biryani, kebabs, and sweets like sewaiyan
  • Charity and gift-giving traditions

🔹 Why Visit: Witness the city’s lively bazaars, filled with festive lights, decorations, and delicious food.

3. Diwali – The Festival of Lights

📅 When: October/November
📍 Where: Throughout Aligarh, especially at temples and markets

Diwali is widely celebrated across Aligarh, with homes and streets adorned with diyas, candles, and colorful rangolis. Highlights of the festival include:

  • Fireworks and illuminated markets
  • Special pujas at temples
  • Sweets like ladoos and barfis shared among friends and family

🔹 Where to Visit: Center Point Market and Railway Road Market for festive shopping.

4. Holi – The Festival of Colors

📅 When: March
📍 Where: Throughout Aligarh, especially in residential areas and temples

Holi brings a riot of colors and joy to Aligarh, with people celebrating by:

  • Throwing gulal (colored powder) and water balloons
  • Dancing to traditional and Bollywood songs
  • Enjoying festive sweets like gujiya and thandai

🔹 Best Experience: Join in the celebrations at major public spots like Ameer Nishan Market and Dodhpur.

5. Taj Mahotsav – A Celebration of Art & Culture

📅 When: February
📍 Where: Shilpgram, Agra (near Aligarh)

Though held in Agra, the Taj Mahotsav is a popular festival among Aligarh residents. It features:

  • Traditional music and dance performances
  • Handicraft and textile exhibitions
  • Food stalls serving Mughlai and North Indian delicacies

🔹 Why Visit: A perfect event to explore North India’s art, culture, and cuisine.

6. Muharram – A Time of Remembrance

📅 When: Based on the Islamic calendar
📍 Where: Processions start from AMU and major Shia localities

Muharram is observed with deep reverence in Aligarh, especially among the Shia community. The main aspects include:

  • Tazia processions in remembrance of Imam Hussain
  • Majlis (religious gatherings) at Shia mosques
  • Charity and communal meals

🔹 Why It’s Special: The city’s historic connection to Islamic education adds to the solemnity of this occasion.

7. Raksha Bandhan – A Bond of Love

📅 When: August
📍 Where: Celebrated in homes across Aligarh

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between siblings. In Aligarh, the festival involves:

  • Sisters tying rakhis on their brothers’ wrists
  • Brothers giving gifts and promises of protection
  • Sweet shops filled with festive treats like kaju katli and rasgullas

🔹 Where to Buy Rakhis & Sweets: Center Point Market and Aligarh Railway Road Market.

8. Christmas – A Festive Spirit in Aligarh

📅 When: December 25
📍 Where: St. Fidelis Church and other Christian institutions

Though the Christian population is smaller in Aligarh, Christmas is celebrated with joy at churches and schools. The celebrations include:

  • Midnight Mass at St. Fidelis Church
  • Carol singing and nativity scenes
  • Christmas feasts and cake cutting

🔹 Best Place to Visit: Christian Missionary Schools and Churches in Aligarh.

Conclusion

Aligarh is a city where diverse communities come together to celebrate a variety of festivals. Whether it’s the grand celebrations of Eid and Diwali, the cultural significance of Sir Syed Day, or the joy of Holi, each festival adds to the city’s rich heritage. If you plan to visit Aligarh, experiencing these festivals will give you a glimpse into its vibrant culture.