Quick glance at Festivals

January
Makar Sankranti (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan)
Lohri (Punjab)
Pongal (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh),
Thai Pusam (Tamil Nadu)
Float Festival (Tamil Nadu)Kerala Village Fair (Kerala),
Bikaner Festival (Bikaner)
Pattadakal Dance Festival (Karnataka)
Id-ul-Fittr (Across the country)
Vasant Panchami (North India, West-Bengal )

Feburary
Desert Festival (Jaisalmer)
Carnival (Goa)
Nagaur Fest (Naugaur)
International Yoga Week (Rishikesh)
Elephanta Festival (Elephanta)
Deccan Festival (Hyderabad)
Taj Mahotsav (Agra)
Surajkund Crafts Mela (NewDelhi)

March
Holi (North India)
Gangaur Festival (Rajasthan)
Dance festival (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)
Elephant Festival (Rajasthan)
Ellora Festival (Maharashtra)

April
Baisakhi (Punjab)
Gudi Padva or Ugadi (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)
Pooram (Kerala)
Muharram (Across the country)
Buddha Purnima (North India)
Mewar (Rajasthan)

May
Urs (Rajasthan)

August
Independence Day (15.)
Janamashtami (Across the country)
Onam (Kerala)
Nag Panchami (West-Bengal, Maharashtra, South India)
Rakshabandhan(North india)
Ganesh Chaturthi (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka)
Teej (Rajasthan)

September
Ladakh Festival (1-15.)
Ganesh Chaturhi (Across the country)
Janmastami (Across the country)
Onam (Kerala)
Bakrid ( Across the country)

October
Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (02.)
Durga-Puja (Bengal)
Navratri (Across the country)
Dusshera Mela (Across the country)
Marwar Festival (Jodhpur)

November
Birthday of Guru Nanak (30.)
Karwa Chauth (Across the country)
Sharad Purnima (Across the country)
Diwali (Across the country)
Bhai Dooj
Pushkar Fest (Pushkar)
Hampi Festival (Hampi)
Chemre Festival (Ladakh)
Thikse Festival (Ladakh)

December
Christmas (25.)
Konark Dance Festival (Orissa)

Festival Descriptions

January

• Makar sankranti is one of the most auspicious day for the Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of the country in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion, fervor & gaiety. Thousands of people take a dip in holy rivers like Ganga Sagar & Prayag and pray to Lord Sun. It is celebrated with pomp in southern parts of the country as Pongal, and in Punjab is celebrated as Lohri & Maghi. Gujarati's not only look reverentially up to the sun, but also offer thousands of their colorful oblations in the form of beautiful kites all over the skyline. Gangasagar Mela is being organized near Kolkata where people come from all over India. In Gujarat, Makara Sankranti is celebrated by the flying of kites.

• Pongal is celebrated in the southern part of the country. At dawn on this day families everywhere gather around a new earthen pot. As the pot of milk boils over, signifying prosperity, a shout of "Pongal Pongal" rents the air. A celebration of the harvest-Pongal is observed for three days in January, in Tamil Nadu. Bhogi Pongal - the first day, is an occasion for festivities at home. Flavoured rice is offered to the Sun God on the second day. Mattu Pongal, the next day, is celebrated in a more boisterous fashion. Village cattle are bathed and decorated and cattle races enliven village festivities.

• Republic Day Celebrating the anniversary of India's establishment as a Republic 26th January 1950, all the state capitals resound with the beating of drums and parading of the army including the three armed forces, followed by floats, school children and dancers from all parts of the country starting from India Gate and ending at the famous and historical Red Fort. In the evening, there are fireworks and lighting at government buildings. The celebrations are most colorful in Delhi, the capital.

Febuary - March

• Vasant Panchami is a festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning and the wife of Brahma.. This festival is particularly significant to the people from West Bengal. This is a special day of worship for Hindu deities Saraswati, Shiva-Durga, Vishu-Lakshmi. People wear colorful attires, as they dance, sing and make merry.

• Maha Shivaratri This is a day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva, the third deity of the Hindu trinity. Religious people stay awake and chant prayers the whole night. Chanting of mantras and anointing of lingams follow processions to the festivals. Usually there are fairs near temples for the entertainment of villagers during the daytime.

• Holi marks the beginning of the spring season and the end of the frosty winters. On the eve of Holi, bonfires are built to symbolize the destruction of the evil demon Holika. It is celebrated by throwing colored water and powder at each other. Though Indian Woman celebrate holi woman should avoid this festival as in some parts in bring out eve teasers and rowdy elements of the society.

• Jamshed-i Navroz is the New Year's Day for the Parsi community according to the Falsi calendar. They greet each other on this day and celebrate with feasting. They also visit to their fire temple.

• Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Mahavira, The 24th and the last jain Tirthankar. It is a major jain festival. It is a day of prayer. Jains undertake fasting on these days. Processions are carried out and offering are given to the god. There are celebrations in all Jain temples and pilgrimages to Jain shrines.

• Ram Navami is the day of Rama's birth and is celebrated as a day of great piety, with the chanting of prayers and the singing of ballads. On this day processions are carried out in Ayodhya, the birth place of Lord Rama. Temples are decorated with lights and flowers.

 April

• Good Friday is a Christian festival and is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. Christians observe Good Friday as the day on which Jesus laid down his life for the good of humanity. Services and recitals of religious music are held in the churches.

• Easter the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated with fervor by members of the Christian community. The occasion is solemnized in some parts of the country by processions being taken out.

• Baisakhi is the harvest festival of the Punjab and is celebrated with dances and gaiety. The solar New Year’s Day is observed on this day throughout northern India. For Hindus, it is significant of the days of the descent of the Ganges to the earth, and people take holy dips in rivers. The Sikhs attach religious significance to day, as it is day of the formation of the Singh, who converted the Sikhs into a martial race. On this day in 1699, Guru GobindSingh organized the Sikhs into the 'Khalsa'. In Punjab, farmers start their harvesting operations on this day with great fanfare.

May-June

• Buddha Purnima The three occasions of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and his reaching nirvana are all celebrated on this day. The Buddha is supposed to have gone through each of these experiences on the same day, but of different years. Buddha Purnima.

July

• Rath yatra of Lord Jagannath's great temple chariot makes its stately journey from his temple in Puri, Orissa. Similar, but far less grandiose festivals take place in other locations. People offer rice as prasad (holy offering) .

• Nag Panchami The festival of Nag Panchami is celebrated throughout the country in the month of Shravana (July-August). This festival is dedicated to Ananata, the serpent whose coils Lord Vishnu rests between universes. Offerings are made to snake images. Snakes are supposed to have the power over the monsoon rainfall and keep evil from homes. Snakes are worshiped and offered milk. Hindu families pray at home.

August

• Raksha Bandhan, celebrated in India in the month of Shravana (July-August), is an age-old festival, which strengthens the bond of love between brother and sister. Raksha Bandhan is an integral part of the Hindu family structure whereby a woman ties a rakhi or decorative thread on the wrist of her brother to remind him to protect her if the need arises. The festival is celebrated as Coconut Day in Maharashtra as coconuts are thrown to Varuna, the god of waters, calm the monsoon seas.

• Independence Day India attained independence on 15th August 1947. It is celebrated as the anniversary of India's independence. The prime Minister delivers an address from the ramparts of Delhi's Red Fort. The national flag is hoisted on the red fort. It is celebrated all over the country with meetings and flag-hosting ceremonies.

September

• Janamashtami The birth of lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation on earth of Lord Vishnu, is celebrated throughout India. Devotees celebrate it by fasting and prayers, which is followed by feasting and merriment. The temples remain open throughout the night and birth of lord krishna is celebrated at midnight. Scenes of lord Krishna's childhood are enacted in Mathura and Vrindavan. On the next morning Nand utsav is celebrated. people distribute prasad (holy offerings) and dance with joy. Earthen pots filled with butter, favourite of lord krishna are tied to several places at certain heights. People try to break this pot by forming pyramids. It is also commonly known as 'DAHI HANDI". If you are in Bangalore don’t miss the ISKON temple celebration.

• Bakri-id The festival of Bakri Id is also known as Id-ul-Azha. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Muslim month Zil-Haj. Bakrid celebrates the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. To celebrate the event Muslims sacrifice one animal per family or group of families. There are prayers in mosques, feasting, and rejoicing. New clothes are worn and visits and greetings are exchanged.

• Onam is Kerala's notable festival. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is primarily a harvest festival observed not only in every home but also out in the open, against the backdrop of lush green tropical vegetation in which the region abounds. Onam is also celebrated Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The lawns in the houses are decorated with floral motifs, swings are tied, and delicious food is cooked. Processions of caparisoned elephants are taken out and snake boat races are held. People get together for various games, which is followed by dance and music. The main attraction of Onam is a boat race on rivers swollen by the monsoon. At Arnamulla the long boats compete in speed on the Pamba River where water jousts are held. Each boat painted in the colors of its proprietor or village is manned by a hundred oarsmen, who chant in rhythm to speed up the beat of the paddles.

• Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated in the honor of lord Ganesha. This festival is dedicated to the popular elephant headed God, Ganesha. This festival is celebrated all over India. The elephant-headed god who is worshipped is believed to be the remover of obstacles. In Maharashtra, huge images of Ganesha are carried in procession. On specific dates in the following ten days, these images are immersed in the sea or rivers with thousands of worshippers dancing and singing after them.

• Ladakh Festival The blend of various cultures of Central Asian, Tibetan, Northern India are found in Ladakh. The duration of Ladakh festival is of 15 days i.e From the 1st to the 15th of September. Various sports such as polo and archery are conducted. Folk dances and songs, its age-old social And cultural ceremonies, its art and handicrafts, all come alive in a colorful kaleidoscope.

October-November

• Gandhi Jayanthi- Gandhiji is rightly called the father of the nation. Gandhi jayanti is celebrated on the 2nd of october every year. Prayer meetings are held at Raj Ghat where he was cremated. He was a great freedom fighter and the founder of non violence as a means of protest.

• Navaratri/Dussehra/Durga Pooja. Navaratri, the Festival of Nine Nights, is celebrated in honor of goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. In Gujarat people wear traditional outfits like ghagra choli and play garba and dandiya ras. The tenth day, Dussehra, commemorates the victory of Rama, of the epic Ramayana, over Ravana. In many places it culminates with the burning of huge images of Ravana and his accomplices, celebrating the victory of the good over evil. Re-enactments of the epic Ramayana takes place in various places.it is also known as Vijayadashami in south India. In Mysore Dussera is a picturesque festival. The hilltop Chamundi temple which is the godess is the erstwhile Maharaja's family deity a procession of elephants, courtiers and court symbols attracts tourists by the thousands as it wends its circuitous way to the temple, decorated splendidly for the festival. If you are around Mysore you cannot miss this. This is celebrated with equal fewer in Coorg too with a carnival on the streets of Coorg.

• Diwali or Deepawali, is the beautiful and most important of all Hindu festivals. It is dedicated to Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity It is believed that it was on this day that Rama entered Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. This is perhaps the happiest of Hindu festivals. Diwali is an occasion of great excitement and rejoicing all over the country. Every city, town and village is turned into a fairyland with thousands of flickering oil lamps and electric lights illuminating homes and public buildings. Countless numbers of lamps are lighted at night, giving the impression that the stars have descended on earth. These lights are symbolic of the spiritual light dispelling evil and the darkness of ignorance. Deepavali is also celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day when the demon of darkness and dirt, Narakasura, was destroyed by Krishna. The celebrations commence with a purifying oil bath and the lighting of lamps, symbolic of the spiritual light pervading the earth and the destruction of darkness and ignorance. Laxmi pooja is done. People burst crackers and distribute sweets and greet each other. If you do not want noise pollution you should give this a miss.

• Gurupurab or Guru Nanak jayanti is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak who founded the Sikh faith. For two days and nights preceding the festival the Granth Saheb (Scriptures) is read. On the day of the festival, the Granth Saheb is taken out in a grand procession. The celebrations at Amritsar are the most impressive. Prayer meeting and processions are carried out particularly in Punjab. Sikh conduct 'langer' {distribution of food }in the Guru Dawara November: Govardhan Pooja A Hindu festival dedicated to the cow the holiest of animals for the Hindus

December

• Christmas is widely celebrated all over India and is especially interesting in Goa and Kerala, where some of the local culture has been absorbed into the festivities. Christians and non-Christians alike, with special enthusiasm in big cities like Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta, celebrate the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ where shops and homes take on a festive air. Families’ get together around decorated trees and gifts are exchanged. On Christmas Eve, midnight services are held in churches.

Alphabetical description of festivals of India

Amarnath Yatra - Jammu & Kashmir
In the month of Shravan, thousands of pilgrims make an arduous trek up to the Amarnath cave in the Kashmir Himalayas. They come to worship the sacred ice lingam - a symbol of Lord Shiva, which is a natural phenomenon.Â

Baisakhi - Punjab (April 14th)
A rural festival of North India, marking the beginning of the solar year (New year), celebrated in Punjab with great fervour. For the Sikhs the day is a collective celebration of New Year along with the commemoration of the founding of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh brotherhood) by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.

It also signifies the end of harvest of the main crop. During Baisakhi the farmers give 'thanks' to the Lord Almighty for their fortune and pray for a better crop the next year. Baisakhi involves a lot of socialising where friends and relatives are invited and delicious meals are served.

The holy book of the Sikhs, 'Granth Sahib' is taken in a procession, led by the 'Panj Pyaras' (five senior Sikhs) who are symbolic of the original leaders. The occasion is celebrated with great gusto at Talwandi Sabo, where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib and in the Golden temple in Amritsar. On Baisakhi day, water is drawn from all the sacred rivers of India and poured in to the huge tank surrounding the golden temple.Â

Bihu - Assam
Bihu or Bohag Bihu is the biggest festival of the people of Assam. It is a festival that transcends all religious and class barriers bringing people together in a free and uninhabited manner. The Assamese observe not one but three Bihus. Bohag Bihu, which is celebrated in mid-April, the Magh Bihu, which is held in mid-January, and the Kati Bihu which is celebrated in mid-October. The three are connected with the spring, winter and autumn seasons respectively.

The first day of Bohag Bihu is known as the 'Goru Bihu' and is reserved for cattle rites. Household is cleaned, the cows feet are washed, oil rubbed on their horns and hooves and some times they are decorated with garlands.

The next day is 'Manuh Bihu' day; on this day homage is paid to elders, relatives and friends. The Bihu meal is a special one consisting of Chira, curds and sweets.

The third day of Bihu is sometimes called the 'Gosain Bihu' and is set apart for religious services. Games and sports, special Bihu songs and dances, Fairs etc are a part of the Bihu celebrations. These Bihu songs are beautiful specimens of folk poetry set to lilting music and swinging rhythm. The Bihu dance is a vigorous, captivating dance reflecting the spirit of youth and vitality.Â
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Bikaner Festival - Bikaner - Rajasthan
Dedicated to the indispensable ship of the desert, the festival starts off with a magnificent procession of bedecked camels. It is a colourful spectacle of the beautifully decorated camels that fascinates the onlookers with their charm and grace. Several competitions are held, marked with typical Rajasthani colour, joyous music and lilting rhythms and gay festivities.Â

Budh Purnima - All over India
Buddha Poornima, which falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha (either in April or May), commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism, one of the oldest religions in the world. Notwithstanding the summer heat (the temperature routinely touches 45 degrees C), pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the Buddha Poornima celebrations. The day is marked with prayer meets, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, religious discourses, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions, worship of the statue of Buddha and symposia. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with colourful flags and flowers. Celebration of this festival has been recorded by the Chinese scholar, Fa-Hien.Â
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Champakkulam Boat Race - Kerala
The traditional annual boat race of Kerala begin in July at Champakulam. This festival is known as ' Moolam Vallamkali'. Moolam signifies a Malayalam asterism (star or Nakshathram), Moolam of the month Mithunam.Â
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Chapchar Kut - Mizoram
In local Mizo parlance, kut means festival. The three Kuts are Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut. All the three festivals are connected with agricultural activities. The festivals are celebrated with feasts and dances. Chapchar Kut celebrates the arrival of spring. The festival begins with Kut Puipate or the inauguration ceremony followed by the Then Katna or the time when the dance groups arrange themselves in the stadium. Once the Then Hnihna begins, the elderly members of the society come dressed in their traditional costumes, representing the individual tribes of the region and take part in a fantastic procession called the Kut rore. This is followed by the various tribal dances, the most important being the Cheraw or the bamboo dance. The function ends with the Then Thumna or the event where the local singers once again present the traditional popular numbers and are joined by the cheering crowd.Â
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Chennai Dance & Music Festival - Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai music and dance festival is a celebration of classical music and dance of South India (Carnatic Music) held during mid December to mid January in the capital city of Chennai. The festival is held at a number of venues around the city by various sabhas or organizations.

The 'Margazhi festival of dance and music' started early back in 1927, to commemorate the anniversary of Madras Music Academy every December was later adopted by various organizations which held art festivals in different parts of the city.

The city comes alive with the festival which has now developed into a cultural extravaganza with more than 2000 participants. Performances include Vocal and Instrumental music, Dance - solo and group, both by junior and senior artistes. Even upcoming artists get a chance to perform along with well-established artists. The music includes songs in various South Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu and Kannada and instruments like Flute, 'Veena' (a large string instrument) 'Goottuvadyam' (similar to Veena but without frets), 'Nagaswaram' (pipe), 'Thavil' (percussion instrument), 'Mridangam' (drum), and even 'Ghatam' (a mud pot). Information about the tickets and the venues can be had from the tourist office, Chennai.Â

Christmas - All Over India
Christmas the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, is celebrated in India with great fervor all over India by the Christians.

People decorate their houses, erect Christmas trees, make cribs with figures of baby Jesus, Mother Mary, Joseph, the three kings who come to visit the baby and shepherd boys and their herds grazing around depicting the scenes of Jesus's Birth in the Bible. They decorate the Christmas tree, hang stars, gifts and illuminate them. On the Christmas day, people enjoy a sumptuous Christmas lunch. Christmas cakes and wine are served to visitors and exchanged as gifts among friends and relatives.

Christmas celebrations vary in different parts of India. In some parts, small clay oil-burning lamps, mango leaves etc are used as Christmas decorations and mango and banana trees are decorated. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion and offer attractive bargains.

Carol singing, get-togethers and the exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas spirit. Christmas parties launch off celebrations for the New year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a week.

Deccan Festival - Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh
Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to visitors.Â

Desert Festival - Jaisalmer - Rajasthan
The Desert Festival is a 3-day extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and Fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban tying competition and a Mr. Desert Contest are a part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to the Sam Dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and even watch the folk dancers and musicians perform.
Desert Festival

Durga Puja - West Bengal
In West Bengal Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja where beautifully decorated images of the goddess are worshipped in specially erected Puja Pandals. Community pujas in Bengal are organised in every locality. Families visit each other to share feasts. On the final day the idols are taken in elaborate processions to be immersed in the river or the sea.Â

Dussehra - All over India
This Hindu festival is celebrated all over India to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil. The 'Ramlila' - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother -Meghnath and Kumbhakarna, are set alight.

In Himachal Pradesh, a week -long fair in the hill town of Kullu, is a part of the Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills, deities are brought in procession to the 'maidan' in Kullu, to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji. In Mysore, South India the Mysore palace is illuminated for a whole month during Dusshera and caparisoned elephants lead a colourful procession through the gaily-decorated streets of the city. A torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city.Â

Diwali
Diwali, or Deepavali, perhaps the best-known Hindu festival, marks the end of the season that opens with Dussehra. Diwali is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the diaspora. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera in October/November. Diwali is called the "festival of lights", and the name itself means an array of lamps (Deep = Lamp, Vali =Array). Indeed, illumination is characteristic of Diwali. The array of lamps are symbolic of welcoming Lord Rama back to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile, and the common practice is to light small oil lamps, diyas, and place them around the house.

Diwali is celebrated for five continuous days and each day has its significance with a number of myths, legends and beliefs.

The first day is Dhanteras. The word dhan means wealth, and as such, this day has special significance for the rich mercantile community (especially of Western India). Believing this day to be auspicious, women purchase some gold or silver or new utensils.

The second day is Narka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali. This commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon king Narakasur, or the divine over the mundane. A traditional oil bath before sunrise is a must, especially in Maharashtra.

The third day is the most important day of Lakshmi Puja or Chopda Puja. This day is regarded as the most auspicious. It is believed that on this day Lakshmi walks around and showers her blessings on man for plenty and prosperity. One of the most curious customs, especially in North India, is the practice of gambling on a large scale. It is believed that goddess Parvati played dice with her husband, Lord Shiva, on this day and she decreed that whoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuring year.

The fourth day is Padwa or Varshapratipada, which marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya. Vikram Samvat, the Hindu calender, was started from this day. This day is regarded as the start of a new year according to the Hindu calendar. This day is looked upon as the most auspicious day to start any new venture.

The fifth and final day is called Bhaiya Duj in the Hindi-speaking belt and Bhau Beej in the Marathi-speaking community. Like Raksha Bandhan, it is a day for brothers and sisters, and on this day, brothers go to their sisters' houses for a special meal.

In South India and in the business community, Diwali is more associated with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and the consort of Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu pantheon. In rural areas, it is celebrated mainly as a harvest festival.

If there is one occasion that is full of joy and jubilation for all, it is Deepavali. Homes are spring-cleaned and decorated. Even the humblest of huts is lit by a row of earthen lamps. Celebration is invariably accompanied by the exchange of sweets and the explosion of fireworks. Multi-coloured rangoli designs and floral decorations adorn the entrance of most homes. South Indians start their day with an oil bath.

Diwali has the same importance for Hindus as Christmas does for Christians.Â

Eid-Milad-ul-Nabi - All over India
The birthday of Prophet Mohammad, is celebrated all over India with traditional festivity and religious fervour. The Quran is read and religious discourses are arranged in the mosques.Â
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Elephanta Festival - Elephanta Island - Mumbai
This festival is held across the Mumbai harbour, on the Elephanta Island, near the world-renowned Elephanta Caves (A World Heritage Site). This feast of music and dance, celebrated under the stars, transforms the entire island into a large auditorium.Â
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Ellora Festival - Maharashtra
It is a festival of dance and music held every March in the splendid surroundings of the world-heritage listed cave temple of Ellora, about 30 km from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. There are 34 caves cut out of the sloping side of the Chamadri hills. Excavated between 600-1000 AD, the caves belong to Buddhists, Jain and Hindu faiths. Ellora represents some 300 years of experiments carried out by different faiths with their very different iconography and structural compulsions. The archeological Survey of India has discovered another 28 caves later. The masterpiece of Ellora is the Kailash Temple. It is the world's largest monolithic sculpture, sculpted out of a rock by 7000 labourers over a 150-year period.

This festival showcases the best talents and is a unique and charming way to experience the magnificent caves, imbibing centuries of history and culture. This Festival is organised by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) where India's renowned artists perform their talents in music and dance with the caves forming a splendid backdrop.Â

Float Festival - Madurai - Tamil Nadu
This magnificent festival is celebrated in Madurai on the night of the full moon. The ornamented icons of the goddess Meenakshi and her consort are taken out in a colourful procession from the Meenakshi Temple to the Huge Mariamman Teppakulam. The icons are floated in the tank on a raft decked with flowers and flickering lamps.Â
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Ganesh Chaturthi - Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala
Ganesh or Vinayaka Chaturthi is dedicated to Lord Ganesh (son of Shiva), the elephant -headed god of all good beginnings and success. The festival celebrated as the birth day of Lord Ganesha, held annually in South India especially with great fervor in Maharashtra, is a ten day long event.

On the occasion of the Ganapati festival, a large number of idols are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes sometimes even up to twenty feet. People buy them and install them in their houses and worship the idol for one to ten days, after which the idol are taken out ceremoniously, carried in a procession through the streets of the town (especially in Maharashtra) and immersed into the river, sea or well. The sea front at Mumbai, packed with people, is a spectacular sight.

A cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra especially at Pune. Classical dance, music performances, poetry recitations, folk dances, theatre and film festival are the main features of this festival.Â
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Ganga Dussehra - North India
During this festival ten days of the month are devoted to the worship of holy river Ganga venerated by the Hindus as a mother as well as a goddess. Places such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Garh-Mukteswar, Prayag, Varanasi etc where Ganga flows hold special significance on this day. Devotees flock to these places and Varanasi with its numerous ghats situated on the west bank of the Ganga, to touch the river water, bathe in it and take the river clay home to venerate. In Haridwar, 'aratis' are performed at twilight and a large number of devotees meditate on riverbanks.Â

Gangaur Festival - Rajasthan
This festival is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati; consort of Lord Shiva, which commences on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and lasts for eighteen days. Gangaur Festival is the most important local festival of Rajasthan and is observed throughout the state with great fervour. The festival is celebrated by girls and married women throughout Rajasthan. The images of Gauri are ornamented and offerings are made. Gauri is worshipped by unmarried women for blessing to get a good husband and by married women for the welfare, health and long life of their husbands. This is also an auspicious day for young people to select their life partners. Colourful processions with the town band playing horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle.Â
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Garden Festival - Delhi
A spectacular flower show held in Delhi, where varieties of flowers and exotic plants are on display. Organised by Delhi Tourism this annual event is indeed a horticulturist's delight.Â
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Goa Carnival - Goa
February heralds the carnival at Goa. For three days and nights the streets come alive with colour. Held in mid February the weeklong event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and of non-stop festivity. One of the more famous of the Indian Carnivals the Goa Festival is a complete sell out in terms of tourism capacities.Â
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Good Friday & Easter - All over India
Good Friday is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and the Christians offer prayers and services in the Churches. Easter is another important festival for Christians. On this day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are a major attraction during Easter, the festival of rejuvenation of life and living.Â
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Gudi Padwa Or Ugadi - Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka
This festival marks the beginning of new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. This festival is known as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It has become a custom to hold Kavi Sammelans (Poetry recitals) this day.

Gudi Padva is considered one of the four most auspicious days in the year when people start new ventures. It is believed that Lord Brahma, created the world on this day and so he is worshipped specially at this time. Lord Vishnu too is said to have incarnated as Matsya, the fish, on this day. A gudi (banner) with a swastika -marked metal pot and silk cloth is raised to announce victory and joy. It is reminiscent of the valiant Marathas returning home from their successful expeditions of war.Â
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Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday
Celebrated by the Sikhs, the birth day of their tenth and last guru, this day witnesses large processions and special prayer gatherings at all Gurudwaras.Â

Guru Parab - Punjab
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev - the first or the founder guru of the Sikhs, is celebrated with great fervour on the full moon day of Kartika. Guru Parab, also known as Jyototsava is one of the most sacred festivals of the Sikhs.

At Nankana Sahib (the birth place of Guru Nanak now in Lahore), there is a beautiful Gurudwara, and a holy tank or sarovar. On Guru Parab, a grand fair and festival is held here, and Sikhs in thousand congregate here from India and abroad. Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture, is continuously read and recited in the Gurudwaras ('Akhand path') all over the country, lamps are lighted, processions are taken out, free langars (meals) are arranged and prasad (holy food) is distributed. Pandals are set up in various places and 'prasad' is distributed. Guru Purab celebrations at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab is impressive.

Guru Purnima - All over India
Guru Purnima or Asadh Purnima is a special day celebrated on the full moon (purnima) day of the month of Ashadh, to pay homage to all teachers (Guru's). It dates back to the time of 'gurukuls' or 'ashrams' of ancient India where students used to get their education. It is also known as Vyas purnima in remembrance of the great sage Ved Vyasa, the guru who wrote the great epic, 'Mahabharatha', the 18 'Puranas' and classified the 'Vedas' of the Hindu Dharma. The great sage is worshipped and pujas performed on this day. Discourses are held in community gatherings to hear the readings of the holy book, 'Bhagawad Gita'. Lamps are lit and meals served to everyone.Â
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Hampi Festival - Hampi, Karnataka
The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, Karnataka once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire (One of the greatest empires in the history of India), comes alive during the lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.

Hampi holds many delightful surprises. The most famous is the King's Balance where kings were weighed against gold or money, which was then distributed to the poor. Also worth a visit are the Queen's Bath with its arched corridors, projecting balconies and lotus shaped fountains, the two storeyed Lotus Mahal, the huge Elephant Stables, the splendid Vitthal Temple with its musical pillars and the Stone Chariot, the Virupaksha Temple, Ugra Narasimha, the 6.7 meters tall monolith, the Pushkarini Tank, the Mahanavami Dibba, etc. Virupaksha temple is still in use.

Organized by the Government of Karnataka, the Hampi festival includes Dance, drama, music, fireworks, puppet shows and spectacular processions, all combine to recreate the grandeur of the bygone era.Â
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Hemis Festival - Ladakh, Jammu Kashmir
The courtyard of Hemis Gompa-the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, is the stage for the famous 'Hemis' festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The colourful two-day pageant falls on the 10th day (Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar month. The local people are seen dressed up in their finest traditional garb for the occasion. Lamas called 'chhams' perform splendid masked dances and sacred plays to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. The head lama presides over the function. The festival takes an auspicious turn every 12 years in the Tibetan Year of the Monkey, when the two-storey high 'Thanka' depicting Padmasambhava is displayed. This famous 'Thanka', richly embroidered with pearls and semi-precious stones, is due to be displayed at this years festival. A colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special highlight of the festival.Â
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Holi - All over India
Holi, the most lively of all Hindu festivals is observed all over North India, which falls on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun (March) according to the Hindu Lunar calendar. It heralds the end of the winter and the beginning of the spring and marks the rekindling of the spirit of life. It is a festival of joy when all is forgiven and it is a time to break free.

The night before full moon, crowds of people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of the winter. People throw coloured powders at each other and make merry. People, young and old are drenched with colours being poured from atop the houses, bursting balloons, or long pistons. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion.

In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a special festival Hola Mohalla on the day after Holi. The display of ancient martial arts and mock battles, are part of this unique Sikh festival.

The Holi celebrations in Mathura and the small towns of Braj Bhoomi - the land of Sri Krishna, are spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated for over a week with exuberant processions, songs and music.

Especially famous is the Lathmaar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon.Â

Hoysala Mahotsava - Belur-Halebid, Karnataka
The dance festival held at Belur and Halebid is a magnificent event. The splendid Hoysala temples with their sculptural extravaganza, make the perfect venue for this cultural feast.Â

Id-ul-Fittr - All over India
This festival celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion of feasting and rejoicing. The faithful gather in the mosques to pray, friends and relatives meet and exchange greetings. Prayers, family get-togethers and feasts are the major highlights of the festival.Â

Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id) - All over India
This Muslim festival of sacrifice, Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) or Bakrid in India is celebrated all over the country. On this day Muslims sacrifice a goat or Bakr (Urdu) to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who willingly agreed to kill his son at the behest of God. This festival coincides with the Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. Prayers are offered in the mosques and the sacrificial meat is then distributed after the Id prayers. Special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.Â

Independence Day - All over India
Commemorating the day India attained freedom (15th August), Independence Day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes in the state capitals. The Prime Minister's speech at the Red Fort in Delhi is the major highlight. The Delhi skylinen gets dotted with thousands of kites taking to the sky this very day.Â

International Flower Festival - Sikkim
A rare show of exotic varieties of flowers, orchids and other plants native to Sikkim, a north east state. Held every summer during the peak flowering season, this is a spectacular event attracting people from all over India. The tiny state of Sikkim, famous for its flora which is in full bloom during March-May has around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns, 150 varieties of gladioli, 46 types of rhododendrons along with a variety of magnolias and many other foliage plants. The main displays in the flower show are orchids, gladioli, roses, cacti, alpine plants, creepers, climbers, ferns, herbs etc. Experts in the various fields hold seminars and lectures. A food festival with Sikkimese delicacies is organised during the show. River rafting and Yak Safari are added attractions.Â
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International Mango Festival - Delhi
Savour innumerable varieties of mango - the king of fruits, at the unique Mango Festival in Delhi. Cultural programmes make this a lively event.Â

International Yoga Week - Rishikesh - Uttaranchal
Yoga literally means "union". It is a union of breath and the body, the mind and muscles and most importantly union of the self to the divine. What better place to become "united" than on the sacred banks of Mother Ganga, in a land to which sages have flocked for millennia? To promote the ancient science of Yoga, a weeklong event is organised by the State Tourism Department in Rishikesh (Himalayan Foothills) during the first week of February. Detailed lectures, demonstrations of various asanas by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major highlights of the Yoga Week.Â
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Island Tourism Festival - Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
A ten-day long festival of dance, drama and music. Exhibitions, displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life, are part of the event. Aqua sports and parasailing are added attraction.Â

Janmashtami - All over India
The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu is celebrated with great fervour all over India especially at Mathura and Brindavan where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated and lit. Nightlong prayers are offered and religious hymns are sung in temples. The priests chant holy mantras and bathe the idol with Gangajal (water from the holy Ganges river), milk, ghee (clarified butter), oil, and honey pouring all these from a conch shell.

In Maharashtra, earthen pots of curd and butter are hung up over the streets. Young men enacting an episode from Krishna's childhood form human pyramids by climbing on each other's shoulders and try to break these pots.

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, has about 400 temples dedicated to him. The main celebrations are held at the Dwarkadhish temple, Banke Bihari, Rangaji, Shri Krishna Balram temple and Gopinath temple.

In South India, Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is celebrated with prayers, devotional renditions and offering of fruits and special prasadams to Lord Krishna. In some houses, a typical setting of 'Gokulam' is arranged with mud images of Devaki, Vasudeva with little Krishna perched in a basket on his head, a cow, besides other things related to Krishna's legends.

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem - Shillong, Meghalaya
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem or Shad Nongkrem is the most important and elaborate festival of the Khasis. This five day long colourful festival, is held annually in November at Smit, the capital of the Khyrem Syiemship near Shillong for thanksgiving to the Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich harvest and prosperity of the people.

An important part of this festival is Pomblang (decapitation of goats) Ceremony, at which goats are sacrificed and offerings are made to the ancestor and ancestress of the ruling clan and the deity of Shillong peak (U-Lei Shillong). A sanctification ceremony of the Tangmuri (pipes) as queen of the musical instruments, form part of the ritual. After the religious rituals, on the fourth day, Khasi men and women, dressed in traditional splendour, perform the famous Nongkrem dance.

For the Nongkrem dance, young lads brilliantly clad in colourful silk dhotis, coat and a plumed turban, adorning glittering ornaments dance around with a sword or spear in one hand and usually a white Yak hair whisk in their left hand, keeping time to the changing beats of drums and playing of the Tangmuri (pipes). Pretty maidens in magnificent silk-robes and elaborately decked in priceless intricately designed ornaments of gold and silver and wearing a silver crown move in an inner circle in two's and three's in tiny steps while the lads form a protective ring around them flashing their weapons. The men's dancing is more vigorous and energetic. The festival ends on the Fifth day with the ' Syiem' offering a prayer of thanks giving to the Creator.
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Kerala Village Fair - Kovalam - Kerala
Mid January is the time for cultural events in the lush villages around Kovalam every year. Traditional thatched houses are decorated during this ten day long festival and are the venue for folk dances, music and festivities.Â

Khajuraho Dance Festival - Khajuraho, Bundalkhand, Madhya Pradesh
Once the religious capital of Chandela dynasty, one of the powerful Rajput dynasties of Central India, Khajuraho is now famous for it's enchanting temples and it's legendary Khajuraho dance festival. The week- long festival of classical dances is held every year in February/March against the spectacular backdrop of the magnificently lit temples. This cultural festival highlights the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali with performances of some of the best exponents in the field. Modern Indian dance has also been added recently. The dances are performed in an open-air auditorium, usually in front of the Chitragupta Temple dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, belonging to the western group.

Along with the renowned performers, a number of craftsmen display their crafts to the visitors. There is an open market where local articles are there for sale. Khajuraho Dance Festival is conducted as a celebration of the cultural heritage of Khajuraho temples and preserving it for the coming generation.Â
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Konark Dance Festival - Konark, Orissa
The sun temple in Konark is famed as a world heritage site. The exquisite 'Natyamandir' or the 'dancing hall' of this 700-year old shrine is an architectural wonder with well-adorned sculptures in Odissi dance poses.

This is the venue of a joyous festival of classical dance and music which is held annually on December. A host of celebrated dancers from all over the country perform in the open air auditorium. The festival is a celebration of the much appreciated Odissi, Bharathnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chau Dance - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears. The sound of Ghungroo bells, flute and Pakhauj gives it a festive mood. There is also a crafts mela, with a variety of handicrafts and tasty cuisine during the festival. The festival is jointly organised by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Centre.Â
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Kurushetra Festival Haryana
The festival in Kurushetra, Haryana coincides with the Gita Jayanti, signifying the birth of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. A visit to Kurukshetra during the festival is an exhilarating and spiritual experience.

Bhagavat Gita, the holy book of the Hindus. Bhagavat Gita comprises the basic truths and declares that whatever way of life, whatever mode of worship man has and shall adopt, so long as it is guided by an earnest desire for betterment, they are to be deemed worthy of recognition and respect.

It is the ancient holy land where the essence of Hinduism originated. It is also the land where the sage Manu penned his 'Manusmriti' and where learned 'rishis' compiled the Rig Veda and Sama Veda. It has been graced with the visits of Lord Krishna, the Buddha and the Sikh gurus.

Pilgrims gather to take a dip in the sacred tanks of Brahma Sarovar and Sannehit Sarovar. Week -long Bhagwad katha (presenting stories in Bhagwad Gita, sacred book of the Hindus), Shloka recital, dance, dramas and 'deep daan' at Brahma Sarovar are part of the religious festivities. Free medical camps, book exhibitions and 'bhajan' recitals in classical tradition are organized.Â
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Lohri - Punjab, Delhi
In the North Makar Sankranti is called Lohri. Lohri is the time after which the biting cold of the winters begins to taper off. On this day children go from door to door to collect funds for community bonfires which are lit up in the evening. Lohri is more of a community festival as people gather around the bonfires and offer sweets, crisp rice and popcorn to the flames.Â

Lucknow Festival - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
This festival is celebrated between 25th November and 5th December in Lucknow, the capital city of U.P. It captures the undying elegance and splendours of ancient city Awadh, now known as Lucknow. This festival celebrates Lucknow's living culture, which provides an insight into the old, cultured, atmosphere of the city. Colourful processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of the famous Lucknow Gharana, Sarangi and sitar recitals along with ghazals, qawalis and thumri create a festive atmosphere. Exciting events like ekka races, kite flying, cock fighting and other traditional village games recreate an atmosphere of bygone Nawabi days. There is a display of crafts and one can have a taste of the famous Nawabi cuisine.Â
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Mahashivratri - All over India
On this day, the great night of the Lord Shiva, devotees stay awake throughout the night offering prayers to Lord Shiva. They offer special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconut to the Lord. Special celebrations are held in some of the major Shiva temples at Varanasi, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu)Â
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Mahavir Jayanthi - All over India
The Jain community celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara, Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism. On Mahavir Jayanthi, Jain temples are decorated with flags. In the morning the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek'. It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the neighbourhood. The devotees make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the Tirthankar. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain Temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on this day.Â

Makar Sankranti - Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh
Makara Sankranti is celebrated in the month of 'Magh' and is a harvest festival. It is a celebration of spring on the occasion of the 'ascent' of the sun to the north (Uttarayana). In Maharashtra, Karnataka as well as parts of Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and friendship.Â

Mamallapuram Dance festival - Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu
Once the ancient port of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram plays host to a vibrant festival of Dance. Exponents of Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali performed against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava Rock Sculpture.Â

Marwar Festival - Jodhpur,Rajasthan
It is a festival devoted to the music and dance of Marwar region. The festival was originally known as Maand Festival. Held for two days on full moon - sharad purnima, folk artists bring to life the myths, legend and folklore of the area.
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Mewar Festival - Udaipur, Rajasthan
An exhilarating welcome to spring, this festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. It is celebrated in the romantic city of Udaipur during the Gangaur Festival. A procession of colourfully attired women carrying the images of the goddess Gauri make their way to the Lake Pichola. An unusual procession of boats on the lake offers a fiting finale to this splendid celebration.Â
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Modhera Dance Festival - Sun Temple Modhera, Gujarat
The sun temple at Modhera in Mehsana district is dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun god, has its outer walls covered with sculptures in which the figures of Lord Surya are prominent. The beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the festival of Indian classical dances held every year in January for three days. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organizes this annual festival of dance. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.

Muharram - All over India
The festival commemoratesthe martyrdom of the prophet Mohammed's grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussein. It is celebrated with great fervour by the Muslims especially the Shia community. Tazias, glittering replicas of the Martyr's tomb, are carried in procession through the streets. The Tazias of Lucknow and Hyderabad are noted for their splendour. In places like Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, grand scale processions are held. People beat their chest in mourning to the tune of beating drums and chants 'Ya Hussain'. Devotees beat themselves and inflict wounds on their own bodies.Â
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Nagaur Fair - Nagaur - Rajasthan
Nagaur bustles with life during the annual cattle fair, which is one of the largest in the country. The Nagaur bulls are renowned for their fleet footedness and attract buyers from all over. Exciting games, tug of war, camel races and strains of ballads create a joyful atmosphere.Â
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Nag Panchami - West Bengal, Maharashtra and South India
On this day, Snakes the symbols of energy and prosperity are worshipped. Milk and cooked rice is offered to snakes carried by snake charmers. Clay snakes are brought home to be worshipped and immersed in the sea / river in the evening.

In Southern India, particularly in Kerala, snake temples are crowded on this day and prayers are offered to the stone or metal icons of the eternal cosmic serpent Ananta or Shesha.Â
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National Kite Festival - Ahmedabad - Gujarat
On Makar Sankranti Ahmedabad is at its colourful best as kites of all colours patterns and dimensions soar in to the sky. Special kites with little paper lamps fill the night sky with myriad flickering lights. Special Gujarati cuisine, exhibitions of handicrafts, and folk art enhance the festive spirit.Â

Natyanjali Festival - Chidambaram - Tamil Nadu
The ancient Nataraja temple of Chidambaram pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja - the dancing Shiva. The temple has carved pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses of Bharathanatyam classical dance in the eastern tower. The Natyanjali festival dedicated to Lord Shiva is celebrated every year for five days in the temple premises. It begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. During this time leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. Natyanjali festival is jointly organised by The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, The Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and The Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram. It is designed to promote a universal message of 'Unity in Diversity' conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.Â
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Navaratri - All over India
Navaratri is the longest Hindu festival celebrated all over India for nine consecutive nights in praise of Lord Rama (Hero of the Epic Ramayana) and Goddess Durga. Continuous chanting from the great epic 'Ramayana', along with evening performances from the episodes of his life are held for nine days. On the 10th day falls Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Navaratri is a combination of many concepts, with the common theme of the victory of good over evil. One concept is that Vijayadashami or Dusshera is celebrated on the day Rama kills Ravana. Another concept is that, Durga, goddesses of power and vitality who is believed to have nine forms called Navadurga, takes a new form on each of the nine days (celebrated as Durga Puja) with the arsenal of weapons to ride a lion and fight the demon Mahishasura. The 10th day on which the goddess kills Mahishasura, is celebrated as Dusshera or Vijayadashami as the victory of good over evil. Lord Rama is said to have worshipped the goddesses, seeking her blessing in order to overpower the evil force of Ravana, the abductor of his beloved Sita.

The most joyous celebration of Navaratri is seen in Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bengal. In Gujarat, every night people gather in courtyards to dance the Garba and Dandiya Raas, a community dance in which men and women dressed in festive clothes dancing in pairs with Dandiya or painted wooden sticks.Â

Nehru Trophy Boat Race - Kerala
Alappuzha is famous for its annual boat race, held on the second Saturday of August every year. The long elegant snakeboats, with crews of over hundred men vying to win the coveted trophy, attract spectators from all over.

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Nishagandhi Dance Festival - Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The Nishagandhi open-air theatre in the palace compound holds a dance festival every year. Renowned dancers perform Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk forms. Artist and connoisseurs of dance from all over India come to enjoy this cultural treat. The festival organised by the Tourism Development Corporation is free and is usually accompanied with music. It gives a fascinating glimpse of India's rich dance heritage.Â
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Onam - Kerala
Onam, Kerala's most important festival heralds the harvest season. Onam lasts ten days and welcomes King Mahabali's spirit from eternal exile once every year. Main celebrations are held for four days and People wear new clothes, visit temples and offer prayers. Girls perform the Kaikottikkali (Thiruvathirakkali) in the open, dancing around the traditional brass lamp. A major attraction of the onam celebrations are the famed snake boat races along the backwaters at Champakulam, Aranmula and Kottayam. About a hundred oarsmen in each boat row huge and graceful odee (snake boats) to the rhythm of drums and cymbals and songs praising Mahabalis reign. Cultural festivities are held throughout the state at different venues with displays of the famed Kathakali , kaikottikali, Mohiniyattom dances etc.

A spectacular procession in Trichur is followed by a magnificent display of fireworks. At Shoranur appreciative crowds gather on the greens where colourfully dressed Kathakali Dancers re-enact the well-loved stories of the epic heroes and virtuous women.Â
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Pattadakkal Dance Festival - Pattadakkal - Karnataka
Delicately carved temples rich in detail stand still at Pattadakkal, the ancient capital of the Chalukyan kings. A festival of dance celebrates this marvellous heritage.Â

Pongal - Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh
In South Sankranti becomes Pongal. It is a celebration of the harvest, which is observed for three days in January. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal, are the three days of Pongal festivities on successive days. In certain parts cattle races still enliven the village festivities. Pongal is a colourful and traditional festival with many a ceremony devoted to various deities.

In Madurai, Tiruchirapalli and Tanjore a kind of bull fight called the Jellikuttu is held. Bundles containing money are tied to the horns of the ferocious bulls, and unarmed men try to wrest the bundles from them.

With ingredients provided by freshly gathered harvest, community meals are held at many a place.Â

Pooram - Thrissur, Kerala
Pooram is the most colourful of all the temple festivals of Kerala. It is celebrated in Thrissur at Vadakkumnathan temple in the month of Medam (April) where the regaining deity is Lord Shiva. Situated on a hillock right in the centre of the city, the spaciously laid out 'kshetram' or temple, attracts thousands of devotees from all over the land during the Pooram festival.

It is a magnificent spectacle with fireworks, umbrella showing competition and a splendid elephant procession. The best elephants of the state from the various temples in Kerala are sent to Thrissur to participate in the Pooram festival.

At 3' 0 Clock in the night spectacular display of fireworks begins. It lasts till 6' 0 clock in the morning. By afternoon the festival ends.Â
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Pushkar Fair - Pushkar, Rajasthan
This fair is held at Pushkar town, 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan for twelve days annually. This cultural and trade cum religious fair is an attractive and lively spectacle with Rajasthani men and women in their colourful traditional attire, saffron-robed and ash smeared Sadhus (holy men) and thousands of bulls, cows, sheep, goats, horses and camels in richly decorated saddles. Perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world, it attracts more than one lakh people, from all over Rajasthan as well as tourists from different parts of India and abroad.

Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters make the fair colourful. Necklaces of glass beads from Naguar, pottery, printed textiles from Jodhpur and Ajmer are all on sale here. Farmers, cattle traders and breeders buy and sell their animals, leather whips, saddles etc. There are facilities for camel rides also. This livestock fair coincides with the climaxing of a religious celebration. Pushkar is among the five main places of pilgrimage mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. It has a large number of temples including one of the only two temples dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Hundreds of thousands of devotees take a ritual dip in the holy Pushkar lake on the day of the Kartik Purnima (full moon night of the Kartika month) and worship at the Brahma temple (Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir). Pilgrims flock from all over India to be in Pushkar at this auspicious time. They also believe that all the 330 million Gods and Goddesses are present at Pushkar Lake during the occasion.

Apart from the religious rituals and trading, people participate in a number of cultural and sporting events. The sweeping expanse of the desert becomes dotted with thousands of camels, stalls and camping families. The Rajasthan tourism Development Corporation has taken adequate measures to facilitate convenient access of the fair site and to accommodate the fairgoers.
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Rajgir Dance Festival - Rajgir, Bihar
Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadhan empire in Bihar is held sacred by both Buddhists and Jains for its association with the Buddha and Mahavir. Department of Tourism, Bihar holds a colourful festival of dance and music, Rajgir Mahotsav or Dance Festival every year in Rajgir. Be it instrumental music, devotional songs, opera, folk dance, ballet or the many schools of classical dance and music, geniuses in their own realms of accomplishments, create an almost ethereal atmosphere. This festival held during last week of October attracts tourists in large numbers.Â
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Raksha Bandhan - North India
Sravani is an ancient Vedic festival traditionally associated with the Brahmins on which day they change their sacred thread. Both Raksha Bandhan and Sravani are celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shravan (August).

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi the more popular of the two festivals, is a Hindu sister's day when brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affections. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brother's wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts. Raksha Bandhan is celebrated in different forms in different areas and it is also known by the names like rakhi, rakhri and saluno.Â

Ramnavami - All over India
The birthday of Lord Rama, the celebrated hero of the famous epic, 'Ramayana', is enthusiastically celebrated on the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Chiatra, all over India. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in his human incarnation as Rama, the divine ruler of Ayodhya. Celebrations begin with a prayer to the Sun early in the morning. At midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special prayer is performed. People sing devotional songs in praise of Rama and rock, images of him in a cradle to celebrate his birth. Rathyatras or chariot processions of Ram, his wife Seeta, brother Lakshman and devotee Hanuman are held from many temples. People gather in thousands on the banks of the sacred river Sarayu for a dip. Some observe a strict fast on this day.

Ayodhya is the focus of great celebrations. Devotees throng the temples of Ayodhya and Pondicherry, two places closely connected with the events of the Ramayana to participate in Ramnavami festivities.Â
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Rathyatra - Chariot Festival - Orrisa
This spectacular chariot festival celebrated for 8 days is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri (Orissa). Thousands of devotees flock to Puri during the occasion, as they believe that a glimpse of Lord Jagannath in his chariot gives salvation. Images of Lord Jagannath - the Lord of the Universe, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out in a procession in three immense chariots. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels. Thousands of devotees pull these chariots to Gundicha Mandir, a temple 3 km away. After a week, on 'Ashadha Sukla Dasami', the 10th day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (June-July), return journey or 'Bahuda Yatra' of the deities commences in the same manner from Gundicha temple to the main temple like Rath Yatra. When two months of Ashadha fall in one year, Rath Yatra is observed as the festival of 'Nabakalebar' the old deities are buried within the temple premises ('Koilibaikuntha') and are replaced by new deities, carved out of Margosa trees for which there are set procedures. Double Ashadha occurs at intervals of 8 to 19 years. Construction of the chariots begin as early as April.Â
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Republic Day - All over India
Commemorating the day India became a republic, 26th of January every year is witness to a colourful affair with soldiers marching in unison, followed by folk dancers, school children and floats from different states.

The beating retreat that marks the end of celebrations on the 29th of January is a moving ceremony with military bands playing at Vijay Chock.Â

Rose Festival - Chandigarh
The biggest Rose Show in the country is held at the famous Rose Garden at Chandigarh. Varieties of magnificent roses are on display during this two-day festival.Â
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Sindhu Darshan Festival - Leh
The Sindhu Darshan Festival is organised annually at Leh. People travel for a Darshan and Puja of the River Sindhu (Indus) which originates from the Mansarovar in Tibet. The festival is a celebration of this river. The Festival aims at projecting the Sindhu river as a symbol of multi-dimensional cultural identity, communal harmony and peaceful co-existence in India. It is also an opportunity for people from around the country and overseas to visit the beautiful regions of Leh and Ladakh.

As part of the celebrations, various groups from different states in India bring water from the other mighty rivers in the country in earthen pots and immerse these pots in the Sindhu river, thereby mingling the river water with other waters of the land.

The Sindhu Cultural Center was inaugurated a few years back as well as the new office complex of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. This complex will be helpful in bringing out the unique culture of the Ladakh region and its people. The facilities proposed at the complex include an auditorium for seating 500 people, an open air theatre, an exhibition gallery, a music room, a small library and a souvenir shop where Ladakh handicrafts could be available to visiting tourists.Â

Sonepur Mela - Sonepur, Bihar
The famed cattle fair is held at Sonepur, in Northern Bihar on the banks of the River Ganga. The full moon day of the month of Kartik (November) is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus. Sonepur situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak, has the reverence of a blessed ground. A bath at the confluence and a visit to the Hariharnath temple here is the aim for thousands of devotees on the Kartika Purnima day.

The sprawling mela ground here with the pulsating market has the widest possible range of cattle and commodities. The array of shops sells all sorts of merchandise. Sonepur Fair is the only one of its kind where a large number of elephants are sold. These are purchased mainly by forest departments and people involved with logging operations. Apart from elephants, a large number of cattle and horses are also brought to the fair for sale. Various folk shows, games and jugglers can be seen in the fair.Â

Surajkund Crafts Mela - Surajkund - Haryana
In order to promote the traditional Indian Handicrafts, a delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled artisans from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical rural setting. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also part of this colourful fair.Â
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Taj Mahotsav - Agra - Uttar Pradesh
A ten day event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together the finest Indian Crafts and cultural nuances. Starting on 18th February each year in Shilpgram, the Taj Mahotsav is a much awaited event. It is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. India's extensive arts, crafts and culture are on display. Folk music, shayari (poetry) and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all form a part of the festivities.Â
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Tarnetar Mela - Saurasthra, Gujarat
An exciting and unique three day fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra, Gujarat. The Tarnetar fair is one of the most colourful events in the state of Gujarat. The fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar temple (three-eyed god Shiva), celebrating the wedding of the legendary 'Mahabharatha' (epic) hero, Arjuna with Draupadi.

Villagers from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery throng Tarnetar during this fair. The fair is a kind of marriage market for the local tribals - the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris who visit Tarnetar to find suitable brides. Tradition holds that if the girl stops to talk to one of the men, it is a sign that she has found the man of her choice.

Lively folk songs and dances-garba, ras, hudo and the Rasada, the captivating folk dance performed by hundreds of women moving gracefully in a single circle, dancing to the accompaniment of drums and flutes are the special attractions of the fair, besides the wonderful Tarnetar "Chhatris" -umbrellas with intricate embroidery and mirror work. There are also exhibitions of rural handicrafts, a cattle show, and competitive sports.Â
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Teej - Rajasthan and Chandigarh
This swing festival welcomes the advent of the monsoon. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Women, colourfully attired, swing on them and sing songs in celebration.Â

Thai Pusam - Tamil Nadu
This festival usually takes place in the temples dedicated to the Kartikeya or Mariamman. Trenches of burning coal are laid out for the devotees to walk over. People who volunteer to undertake this experience with faith, come away unharmed and unscathed.Â

Urs - Ajmer, Rajasthan
The Urs are held at Ajmer, Rajasthan every year at the tomb of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims from all over the world gather to pay homage. Qawalis (poems) are presented in the saint's honour and religious assemblies (mehfils) and 'fatihas' (mass prayers) are held. The lakeside town of Ajmer also called Ajmer Sharif (holy) comes alive during the Urs which attracts thousands of devotees irrespective of caste, religion etc. At the huge fair the largest Muslim fair in India that springs up at this time, religious objects, books, rosaries, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments are on sale.Â
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Vasant Panchami, Saraswati Puja - North India and West Bengal
Vasant Panchami is the ceremonial welcome of the spring season in the month of Magh from the Hindu Lunar Calendar. This is a special day of worship for Hindu deities Saraswati, Shiva-Durga, Vishu-Lakshmi. People wear colourful attires, especially in bright shades of yellow and they dance, sing and make merry.

In West Bengal "Saraswati" - the goddess of learning is worshipped. The festival is celebrated with fervour in the University town of Shanti Niketan.Â
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Vishu - Kerala
Vishu is one of the important festivals of Kerala. It comes in the month of April usually on the 14th. According to the traditional Malayalam calendar, it is the 1st day of the first month Medam of the New Year. Traditional rituals are followed to bring in another year of prosperity.Â

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