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India is a nation of numerous societies and religions. It praises celebrations of different religions and particular interest groups. A couple of celebrations are normal to most parts of India, however numerous states and districts likewise have neighborhood celebrations relying upon pervasive religious and etymological demographics.
Festivals in India are pretty much as dynamic as its social fabric. They are bright, loaded with life and above all else touch the very soul of its people. The whole country is lit up with the diyas of Diwali and all edges of it hear the chimes of the Christmas bell. What's more, if Holi drenches the country in its shifted tones, the luxuries of Id are appreciated by every last one. The people of this nation are ever prepared to celebrate the delight called life.
Recorded underneath are probably the most adored festivals of India. However, given the differing qualities of this nation, there are celebrations throughout the entire year and it will be our pleasure to plan an extraordinary visit around a specific festival, or showcase a festival which may be occurring around the same dates of your travel to India.
In the south, Sankranti gets to be Pongal. It is a festival of the harvest, which is watched for three days in January. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal, are the three days of Pongal celebrations on progressive days. In specific parts steers races still breathe life into the town festivities. Pongal is a vivid and conventional celebration with numerous a function dedicated to different gods.
Jaipur Literature Festival is Asia-Pacific's biggest scholarly celebration, and will be held in Jaipur at Diggi Palace. The Festival is a celebration of national and universal scholars and includes a scope of readings, talks, literary lunches, debates, performances, children's workshops and interactive activities. Entering its fifth year, the festival has as of now facilitated a percentage of the best-known national and worldwide writers and personalities.
Mid January is the ideal opportunity for social occasions in the lavish towns around Kovalam consistently. Conventional thatched houses are improved amid this ten day long festivals and are the venue for folk dances, music and festivities.
Honoring the day India turned into a republic, 26th of January consistently is witness to a bright undertaking soldiers marching in unison, followed by folk dancers, school children and floats from diverse states. The beating retreats that denote the end of festivities on the 29th of January is a moving function with military bands playing at Vijay Chock.
On Makar Sankranti, Ahmedabad is taking care of business as kites of all hues examples and measurements take off into the sky. Exceptional kites with little paper lights fill the night sky with heap glimmering lights. Exceptional Gujarati cooking, displays of crafted works, and folk art enhance the festive spirit.
Makar Sankranti is praised in the month of "Magh" and is a harvest festival. It is a festival of spring on the event of the "climb" of the sun toward the north (Uttarayana). In Maharashtra, Karnataka and in addition parts of Andhra Pradesh, Makar Sankranti is a day of goodwill and fellowship. In western India, this festival is checked by the flying of beautiful kites, and seeing the sky loaded with splendid, radiant kites is an interesting one! In Maharashtra, desserts made of sesame seeds and jaggery are served to one and all.
Devoted to the key boat of the desert, the celebration begins off with a glorious parade of festooned camels. It is a bright scene of flawlessly designed camels, interesting spectators with their charm and grace. A few rivalries are held, checked with run of the mill Rajasthani shading, upbeat music, lilting rhythms and gay merriments.
Chennai music and dance festival is a celebration of traditional music and dance of South India (Carnatic Music) held amid mid December to mid January in the capital city of Chennai. The celebration is held at various venues around the city by different sabhas or associations.
This heavenly celebration is commended in Madurai on the night of the full moon. The ornamented symbols of the goddess Meenakshi and her consort are taken out in a beautiful procession from the Meenakshi Temple to the Huge Mariamman Teppakulam. The symbols are skimmed in the tank on a flatboat decked with blossoms and gleaming lights.
Nagaur clamors with life amid the yearly dairy cattle reasonable, which is one of the biggest in the nation. The Nagaur bulls are famous for their armada footedness and draw in purchasers from everywhere. Energizing games, tug of war, camel races and strains of songs make an euphoric environment.
Gently cut sanctuaries rich in point of interest stop at Pattadakkal, the ancient capital of the Chalukyan rulers. A festival of dance celebrates this heavenly legacy.
Once the antiquated port of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram plays host to a dynamic celebration of Dance. Types of Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali performed against the grand setting of the Pallava Rock Sculpture
Celebrated by the Sikhs, the conception day of their tenth and last master, this day witnesses huge processions and exceptional prayer gatherings at all Gurudwaras.
In the North Makar Sankranti is known as Lohri. Lohri is the time after which the gnawing chilly of the winters starts to decrease. On this day kids go from door to door to gather funds for group blazes which are lit up at night. Lohri is all the more a group celebration as individuals accumulate around the campfires and offer desserts, fresh rice and popcorn to the flares.
The sun temple at Modhera in Mehsana district is committed to Lord Surya, the sun god, has its external dividers secured with models in which the figures of Lord Surya are noticeable. The wonderful Sun Temple goes about as the setting amid the celebration of Indian established dances held each year in January for three days. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat sorts out this yearly celebration of dane. The thought is to present traditional dance forms in a climate they were initially exhibited in.
The Nishagandhi outside theater in the royal residence compound holds a dance festivals consistently. Prestigious artists perform Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, present day expressive dance and other society frames. Artist and specialists of dance from all over India come to appreciate this social treat. The festival sorted out by the Tourism Development Corporation is free and is typically went with music. It gives a captivating look of India's rich dance legacy.
A ten-day long celebration of dance, dramatization and music. Presentations, showing arts and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life, are a piece of the occasion. Water games and parasailing are included fascination.
Vasant Panchami is the stylized welcome of the spring season in the month of Magh from the Hindu Lunar Calendar. This is an extraordinary day of love for Hindu gods Saraswati, Shiva-Durga, Vishu-Lakshmi. Individuals wear beautiful clothing types, particularly in brilliant shades of yellow and they dance, sing and make happy. In West Bengal "Saraswati" - the goddess of learning is worshipped. The celebration is praised with intensity in the University town of Shanti Niketan.
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a yearly celebration, for the most part around nine days in length, held in late January or early February, in the Kala Ghoda territory of South Mumbai, India. The sub-celebrations highlight the visual arts, dance, music, theater, film, literature, lectures, seminars and workshops, heritage walks, special events for children, and a lively street festival. Venues incorporate The Jehangir Art Gallery, The National Gallery of Modern Art, the David Sassoon Library, Max Mueller Bhavan, Elphinstone College, the K R Cama Institute, the M C Ghia Hall, and the road territory of Rampart Row.
Once the religious capital of Chandela dynasty, one of the intense Rajput lines of Central India, Khajuraho is presently popular for it's charming temples and it's fanciful Khajuraho dance festival. The week-long celebration of traditional moves is held each year in February/March against the staggering scenery of the superbly lit temples. This social celebration highlights the wealth of the different Indian traditional dance styles, for example, Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Kathakali with exhibitions of a portion of the best types in the field. Advanced Indian dance has additionally been included 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 devoted to Lord Shiva, having a place with the western gathering.
The sun temple in Konark is renowned worldwide as a world legacy site. The flawless "Natyamandir" or the 'dancing hall' of this 700-year old holy place is a compositional marvel with all around embellished models in Odissi dance postures. This is the venue of a happy celebration of established dance and music which is held yearly on December. A large group of commended artists from everywhere throughout the nation perform in the open air auditorium. The celebration is a festival of the tremendously refreshing Odissi, Bharathnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chau Dance - an extravagant dining experience for the eyes and ears. The sound of ghungroo bells, flute and Pakhauj gives it a happy state of mind. There is likewise a crafts mela, with an assortment of painstaking work and divine cooking amid the festival.
The Desert Festival is a 3-day spectacle of shading, music and celebration, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and Fire artists influencing to customary tunes, a turban tying rivalry and a Mr. Desert Contest are a piece of the fun and frolic. The terrific finale is an outing to the Sam Dunes where one can appreciate the delight of a camel ride and even watch the folk dancers and musicians perform.
A ten day occasion, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a socially dynamic stage that unites the finest Indian Crafts and social subtleties. Beginning on eighteenth February every year in Shilpgram, the Taj Mahotsav is an abundantly anticipated occasion. It is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. India's extensive arts, crafts and culture are in plain view. Folk music, shayari (poetry) and established dance exhibitions and also elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all form a part of the festivities.
This celebration more often than not happens in the temples devoted to the Kartikeya or Mariamman. Trenches of blazing coal are laid out for the devotees to walk over. Individuals who volunteer to attempt this involvement with faith, leave away unharmed and unscathed.
The McDowell Indian Derby is a stallion hustling occasion hung on the first Sunday of February at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse in Mumbai, India. It is one of the premier sporting activities in the city. It was first started in the year 1943. The occasion of Indian Derby Weekend claims the credit of being one of the greatest occasions on the Mumbai social timetable. The occasion is fun stuffed wearing one, which draws in around 25,000 individuals. There are many attractions to this event other than only the horse racing, like international aerial ballet, professional salsa dancing, and live bands playing tributes to The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Cliff Richard.
A charming amalgam of regal legacy and the profound intensity of the Sufi saints, Nagaur developed into a city with an extremely uncommon character, that is the center of its rich tradition. The Nagaur Sufi celebration highlights the examples of uncommon living customs of Sufi expressions from across India and beyond, at the magical fort of Nagaur Ahichhatragarh.
The antiquated Nataraja temple of Chidambaram pays extraordinary tribute to Lord Nataraja - the dancing Shiva. The Natyanjali celebration committed to Lord Shiva is commended each year for five days in the temple premises. It starts on the auspicious event of Maha Shivaratri. At this time driving artists from all parts of India gather and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. Natyanjali celebration is intended to advance a general message of ' Unity in Diversity', passed on in the all inclusive dialect of music and dance.
Mahabalipuram plays host to a dynamic celebration of dance. Types of Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali perform against the heavenly setting of the Pallava Rock Sculpture. Noticeable individuals from their regarded fields accumulate for this social occasion that is likewise advanced by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department as one of the major social fascination in these parts of India.
Consistently benevolent Hyderabad wakes up during the Deccan Festival. There are social projects with ghazal evenings, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle reasonable presentations manifestations in shiny pearls and multi-toned bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's extremely popular cuisine to guests.
February heralds the carnival at Goa. For three days and evenings the boulevards wake up with shading. Held in mid February, the weeklong occasion is a period for energetic processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, effortless dances and of constant celebration. One of the more celebrated of the Indian Carnivals the Goa Festival is a finished offer out as far as tourism limits.
Yoga truly signifies "union". It is a union of breath and the body, the mind and muscles and in particular union of the self to the divine. What better place to end up "united" than on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, in an area to which sages have flocked for millennia? To advance the antiquated study of Yoga, a weeklong occasion is sorted out by the State Tourism Department in Rishikesh (Himalayan Foothills) amid the first week of February. Detailed lectures, demonstrations of different asanas by unmistakable types of Yoga are the real highlights of the Yoga Week.
With a specific end goal to advance the conventional Indian Handicrafts, a delightful handloom and handiworks reasonable is held every year at Surajkund. Gifted artisans from everywhere throughout the nation show the rich artworks custom of India in the normal rural setting. Social projects and rural food are likewise some portion of this bright fair.
On this day, the immense night of the Lord Shiva, , devotees stay awake for the duration of the night offering prayers to Lord Shiva. They offer exceptional sustenance produced using the products of the season, root vegetables and coconut to the Lord. Extraordinary festivals are held in a many of the significant Shiva temples at Varanasi, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu).
The Elephant Festival is held each year during Holi, in Jaipur (Rajasthan). Here, as you would anticipate from the name of the festival, elephants are the focal point of fascination. During the celebration, Jaipur wakes up with elephants, dancers, and musicians, and draws guests from everywhere throughout the world. The elephants stride majestically parading their decorated trunks and tusks. The festival starts with a parade of elephants, camels, and stallions, painted and tastefully attired with sparkling trimmings and weaved velvets, trailed by exuberant folk dancers. The elephants welcome the guests, offer garlands to the visitors and stroll past the incline before a jury of specialists and voyagers to choose the best amongst them for the "Best decorated Elephant" Shield.
Elephanta Festival - Elephanta Island – Mumbai (March)
This festival is held over the Mumbai harbor, on the Elephanta Island, close to the incredibly famous Elephanta Caves (A World Heritage Site). This feast of music and dance, celebrated under the stars, changes the whole island into a large auditorium.
Ellora Festival – Maharashtra (March)
This is a festival of dance and music held each March in the splendid surroundings of the world-legacy recorded cavern temples of Ellora, around 30 km from Aurangabad, Maharashtra. There are 34 caves cut out of the inclining side of the Chamadri hillis. Excavated between 600-1000 AD, the caves belong to Buddhists, Jain and Hindu faitss. This celebration showcases the best abilities and is a special and beguiling approach to encounter the wonderful caves, imbibing centuries of history and culture.
This celebration is devoted to Gauri, a sign of Goddess Parvati; consort of Lord Shiva, which begins on the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi and goes on for eighteen days. Gangaur Festival is the most critical nearby celebration of Rajasthan and is watched all through the state with incredible enthusiasm. The celebration is commended by girls and wedded ladies all through Rajasthan. The pictures of Gauri are ornamented and offerings are made. Gauri is loved by unmarried ladies for gift to get a decent spouse and by wedded ladies for the welfare, wellbeing and long existence of their spouses.
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. 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 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
Easter is an 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.
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 Sita, 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.
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.
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. 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.
Hoysala Mahotsava - Belur-Halebid, Karnataka (Around March / April)
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.
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 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.
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 fitting finale to this splendid celebration.
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.
A rural festival of North India, marking the beginning of the solar 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. 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.
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. 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.
During the Chithirai the celestial marriage of Meenakshi to Sundareswarer is celebrated. The highlight is the procession of Lord 'Kallazhagar' (Lord Vishnu) the elder brother of Goddess Meenakshi, who proceeds from his abode - Azhagarmalai 30-km from Madurai, to give away his sister in marriage to Lord Sundareshwar. One can witness an ancient legend unfold right before your eyes as Lord Vishnu rides to his sister's wedding on gleaming real-gold horse chariot. The 'Kallazhagar' entering the river Vaigai is indeed a spectacular sight.
Pooram is the most colourful of all the temple festivals of Kerala. It is celebrated in Thrissur at Vadakkumnathan temple, where the regaining deity is Lord Shiva. 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.
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.
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.
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.
delightful locales of Leh and Ladakh.
The traditional annual boat race of Kerala begins in July at Champakulam. This festival is known as ' Moolam Vallamkali'. Moolam signifies a Malayalam asterism (star or Nakshathram), Moolam of the month Mithunam.
Guru Poornima or Asadh Poornima is a special day celebrated on the full moon (Poornima) 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. Discourses are held in community gatherings to hear the readings of the holy book, 'Bhagawad Gita'. Lamps are lit and meals served to everyone.
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 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.
On this day, snakes are worshipped as the symbols of energy and prosperity. Milk and cooked rice are 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.
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.
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 skyline gets dotted with thousands of kites taking to the sky this very day.
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.
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. 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.
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.
An exciting and unique three day fair, held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra, 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.
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 birthday of Lord Ganesha, is a ten day event. A large number of Ganesh idols are made of clay in all possible sizes, and worshipped for one to ten days, after which the idols are taken out in a procession through the streets and immersed into the river or sea. The sea front at Mumbai, packed with people, is a spectacular sight.
The Ladakh Festival highlights the sports and culture of the region, in a weeklong extravaganza of dances, music, handicrafts and sports. The festival begins with a long procession of local leaders, schoolchildren and dancers, which makes its way through Leh. What follows is seven days of lion dances, yak dances, craft stalls, excellent local food and plenty of the heady barley beer known as chang! Archery contests are held at Skara (near Leh), and polo matches, white-water rafting expeditions and treks are organised as well. All in all, it's one of the best times to visit Ladakh- a time when you can get a really good feel, at close quarters, of this wildly beautiful cold desert.
This 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 Poornima, folk artists bring to life the myths, legend and folklore of the area.
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.
Dussehra - All over India (Around October)
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 Dussehra 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.
Navaratri is the longest Hindu festival celebrated all over India for nine consecutive nights in praise of Lord Rama 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. 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.
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.
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 Dussehra in October/November. Diwali is called the "festival of lights", and the name itself means an array of lamps. 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 magnificent ruins of the 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. 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.
The fair is held at Pushkar town, 11 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan for twelve days annually. This cultural, trade and 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 a hundred thousand 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 Nagaur, pottery, printed textiles from Jodhpur and Ajmer are all on sale here. Hundreds of thousands of devotees take a ritual dip in the holy Pushkar lake on the day of the Kartik Poornima (full moon night of the Kartika month) and worship at the Brahma temple (Jagat Pita Shri Brahma Mandir). Pilgrims believe that all the 330 million Gods and Goddesses are present at Pushkar Lake during the occasion.
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi, 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.
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 Poornima day.
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.
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.
Dev Deepavali is celebrated on the occasion of Kartik Poornima when the Ghats of Varanasi come alive with thousands of Diyas (earthen lamps). Dev Deepavali, celebrated on the fifteenth day of Diwali, is a tribute to river Ganga by the people of Varanasi. Dev Deepavali is observed with great fanfare and feasts. It is believed that on the day of Dev Deepavali, the Gods descend on Earth. To mark the occasion and also to showcase the cultural heritage of Varanasi, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism department organizes a four-day Ganga Mahotsav around this period. The official celebration is usually held on the Dasaswamedh Ghat. On the occasion of the Ganga Mahotsava, reputed artists and performers from all over the country come and perform, making the celebrations more eventful.
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.
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.
The festival in Kurukshetra, 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. 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.
Bihu or Bohag Bihu is the biggest festival of the people of Assam. 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 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.
This festival celebrates the end of Ramadan, 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.
This Muslim festival of sacrifice, Id-ul-Zuha (Arabic) or Bakri-Id 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.
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.