utsav

Utsav is a word of Sanskrit origin meaning festival or celebration. In many Indian languages—Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and others—it is used as a generic term for a festive occasion, whether religious, seasonal, or cultural. The etymological root is the Sanskrit utsava, often described in classical literature as a gathering or event marked by rejoicing. Variants in transliteration include utsava and utsav; plural forms include utsavas or utsavs.

In addition to its common noun use, utsav functions as a given name in India and among the Indian diaspora. It is predominantly masculine in usage, although naming patterns vary regionally and across communities. As a name, it conveys the sensibilities of festivity, joy, and celebration.

The term is also widely used as a label for cultural events, festivals, and fairs organized by communities, educational institutions, and cultural organizations. "Utsav" is employed to denote concerts, dance performances, exhibitions, culinary festivals, and other celebrations, often tied to religious or seasonal calendars but also to secular arts and public festivities. Because of its broad meaning, it does not refer to a single specific festival but to a category of celebratory occasions.