REPUBLIC DAY
Delhi and state capitals: Commemorating the day India became a
republic ( 26th January ), the Republic Day
is celebrated in Delhi with a splendid
parade, a colorful affair with soldiers
marching in unison, followed by folk
dancers, school children and floats from
various states.
On 29th January Beating Retreat marks the
end of the celebration. This is a very
moving ceremony with massed military band
playing at Vijay Chowk.
FLOAT FESTIVAL
Madurai, Tamil Nadu:This magnificent festival is celebrated
in Madurai. On the night of full moon,
ornamented icons of goddess Meenakshi and
her consort are taken out in a colorful
procession to the huge Mariammam Teppakulam.
The icons are then floated in the tank on a
raft decked with flowers and flickering
lamps.
BIKANER FESTIVAL
Bikaner,
Rajasthan: Dedicated to the indispensable ship of
the desert, the festival starts off with a
magnificent procession of bedecked camels.
There are displays and competitions together
with all the color, music and rhythm unique
to a fair in Rajasthan.
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 marvelous
heritage.
FEBRUARY
VASANT PANCHAMI
North India and West Bengal:
The ceremonial welcome to spring when
people, colorfully attired, especially in
bright shades of yellow, sing, dance and
make merry. In West Bengal, Saraswati the
goddess of learning is worshipped. The
festival is celebrated with great fervor in
the university town of Santinikatan.
SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA (FESTIVAL)
Surajkund, near Delhi: Surajkund comes alive with this
delightful handloom and handicraft fair held
annually here. Skilled artisans from all
over the country display the rich crafts
tradition of India in the typical setting of
a rural Indian marketplace. Cultural
programme and rural cuisine are also a part
of this colorful fair.
INTERNATIONAL YOGA WEEK
Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh:
A week long event to promote Yoga is held
in Rishikesh, a picturesque town in the
foothills of the Himalayas. Detailed
lectures and demonstration of various asanas
by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major
highlights of the Yoga week.
DESERT FESTIVAL
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan:
Three days, extravaganza of color, music
and festivity, at the golden city of
Jaisalmer. Gair and fire dancers swaying to
traditional tunes, a turban tying
competition and a Mr. Jasalmer contest are
part of the fun of the occasion. Camel rides
and folk dances at the sand dunes at Sam are
plus attraction.
NAGAUR FAIR
Nagaur, Rajasthan:
Nagaur bustles with life during its
annual cattle fair, one of the largest in
the country. Exciting games, camel races and
much other kind of festivities are part of
this fair. You can enjoy the experience of
staying in tented camp accommodation, fully
furnished as a hotel room with attached
bathroom.
ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL
Mumbai, Maharastra:
This festival is held on the Elephanta
Island across the Mumbai harbor, 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.
DECCAN FESTIVAL
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh:
Once a year, gracious Hyderabad comes
alive during the Deccan Festival. There are
cultural program with ghazal nights, qawalis
and mushiras, 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 Hyderabadis cuisine to visitors.
Dont forget to sample the BIRYANI.
TAJ MAHOTSAV
Agra, Uttar Pradesh:
This is a ten days event starting on 18th
February every year at the shilpgram in the
city of world famous Tajmahal. Countrys
arts, crafts and culture are on display
extensively. Folk music, shayari and
classical dance performances along with
elephant and camel rides, games and a food
festival, all add to the excitement of this
mahotsav.
GOA CARNIVAL
Goa: Goas 100 km coastline has some of the
worlds best and most beautiful beaches. The
exuberant Goa Carnival is an annual feature
here. Held in mid February, just before
Lent, the week long event is a time for
lively processions, floats, the strumming of
guitars and graceful dances.
GARDEN FESTIVAL
Delhi: Varieties of flowers and exotic plants
are on display at this spectacular flower
show held in Delhi. This annual event is
indeed a horticulturists dream come true.
CHAPCHAR KUT
Mizoram: A lively festival in Mizoram celebrates
the arrival of spring. It is an occasion for
dance, music and feasting.
ROSE FESTIVAL
Chandigarh:The biggest Rose Show in the country is
held at the famous Rose Gardens at
Chandigarh. Varieties of magnificent roses
are on display during this two-day festival.
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, telegames
and parasailing are added attractions.
MARCH
KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL
Khajuraho, Madhaya Pradesh:
Build by the Chandella kings, the
thousand year old temples at Khajuraho, are
majestic structures sculpted in stone. Only
22 of these temples remain today, to bear
testimony to the craftsmanship of Chandella
builders. Every year in March, these
splendid temples come alive during the week
long festival of classical dances.
SHIVRATRI NATYANJALI FESTIVAL
Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu:
Shivratri is the occasion for a five day
long festival of classical dance and music
at Chidambaram. The magnificent temple
dedicated to Lord Shiva, build a thousand
years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop for
the event.
HOLI
All over North India:In March, during spring, comes Holi- thje
festival of color. Celebrated all over North
India, Holi is a time to make merry, People
smear each other with colored powder.
Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the
occasion.
In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a
special 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 celebrated in Mathura and
small towns of Brij Bhoomi- the land of Sri
Krishana, 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.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL
Jaipur, Rajasthan:
A festival where elephants are the center
of attraction, The festival begins with a
procession of elephants, camels and horses,
followed by lively folk dancers. Elephant
races, elephant- polo matches and most
interesting tug of war between elephant and
man, are all part of this spectacular event.
HOYALA 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 the
cultural feast.
GOOD FRIDAY
All Over India:
Good Friday is observed by Christians
nationwide with special services in the
churches.
ELLORA FESTIVAL
Aurangabad, Maharastra:
The magnificent rock-cut caves at
Ellora-34 in number were excavated between
600 and 1000 AD. They include Buddhist,
Hindu, and Jain caves. Every March, a
festival of dance and music is organized
here with the caves forming a splendid
backdrop.
APRIL
GANGAUR
Rajasthan:
The most important local festival in
Rajasthan, Gangaur celebrations last for
eighteen days. It is dedicated to Gauri, a
manifestation of goddess Parvati. The
festival is celebrated by girls and women
throughout Rajasthan. The images of Gauri
are ornamented and offerings are made. This
is also an auspicious day for young people
to select their life partners. Colorful
processions with town band playing, horses
and elaborate palanquins make it a
fascinating spectacle.
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 colorfully
attired women carrying 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.
BAISAKHI
All Over India:
The Hindu New Year finds expression in
this exuberant festival, celebrated
throughout India. Baisakhi celebrations in
Punjab are spectacular, as this is a very
special day for the Sikhs. It was on this
day that Guru Gobind Singh founded the
Khalsa. Robust revelry and feasting mark the
celebrations and dancers perform the
vigorous Bhangra To the rhythmic beat of the
drums.
In Kerala, the festival is known as
Vishu. Vishu kani- a display of grain,
fruits, flowers, gold, new cloth and money,
is viewed early in the morning to ensure a
prosperous year ahead. Firework displays and
the buying of new clothes are a part of the
festivities.
Known as Rangali Bihu in Assam, the
festival is celebrated with lively dances,
music and feasting.
RAMNAVAMI
All over India:
The anniversary of Lord Ramas birth is
celebrated as Ramnavami by the Hindus. The
epic Ramayana is read for eight days
preceding the festival.
MAY
POORAM
Thrissur: The colorful Pooram festival is held in
Thrissur at its fine Vadakkumnathan Temple.
Processions of beautifully caparisoned
elephants provide a magnificent spectacle.
The festival is rounded off at night by
dazzling firework displays.
URS
Ajmer, Rajasthan:
The Urs is held every year at the dargah
of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti,
commemorating his symbolic union with God.
Pilgrims from all over the world gather here
to pay homage. Qawalis and poems are
presented in the honour of the saint. At the
huge fair that springs up at this time,
religious objects, books, rosaries,
embroidered carpets and silver ornaments are
on sale.
INTERNATIONAL FLOWER FESTIVAL
Gangtok, Sikkim:
A rare show of exotic verities of
flowers, orchids and other plants native to
the state of Sikkim. Held every summer
during the peak flowering season, this is a
spectacular event, attracting people from
all over India. River rafting and a Yak
safari are added attractions
ID-UL-FITR
All Over India:
The festival marks the end of Ramzan- a
month when Muslims fast throughout the day
and eat at night. Prayers, family get-
togethers and feasts are the major
highlights of the celebrations.
BUDDHA PURNIMA
North India:
This festival commemorates the birth of
Lord Buddha the enlightened one.
SUMMER FESTIVAL
Major Hill
Stations: The advent of summer in the major hill
resorts ushers in colorful festivities.
Lively cultural events, flower shows,
regattas and exhibitions brighten the summer
season at the picturesque hill stations of
Ooty, Shimala, Darjeeling, Mount Abu etc.
JUNE
HEMIS FESTIVAL
Leh, Ladakh:
The courtyard of Hemis- the biggist
Buddhist Monastery in Ladakh, is the stage
for the famous Hemis Festival, that
celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru
Padmasambhava. Splendid masked dances are
performed to the accompaniment of cymbals,
drums and long horns. A colorful fair,
displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is
the special highlight of the festival.
JULY
RATH YATRA
Puri, Orissa:
This spectacular chariot festival is held
at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri.
Images of Lord Jagannath- the Lord of the
Universe, his sister Subhadra and brother
Balbhadra are taken out in procession in
three immense chariots. The main chariot is
14 meters high and 10 meter square with 16
wheels. Thousands of devotees pull these
chariots to Gundicha Mandir, a temple 1.5 km
away.
ID-UL-ZOHA (BAKR-ID)
All Over India:
This Muslim festival is celebrated all
over the country. Prayers are offered in the
mosques and special delicacies are prepared
and served among family and friends on the
occasion.
INTERNATIONAL MANGO FESTIVAL
Delhi: Savor innumerable verities of mango- the
king of fruits, at the unique Mango Festival
in Delhi. Cultural programmes make it a
lively event.
AUGUST
JANAMASHTAMI
All Over India:
The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated
with great fervor all over the country. In
Mathura and Bridavan- where Lord Krishana
spent his childhood and youth, the
Janamasthmi celebrations are quite
elaborate. The Krishna Leela- stories of his
eventful youth are enacted.
In Maharastra, earthen pots of curd and
butter are hung high up over the street.
Young men enacting an episode from Krishnas
childhood form human pyramids by climbing on
each others shoulders and try to break these
pots.
TEEJ
Rajasthan & Chandigarh:
This swing festival welcomes the advent
of the monsoon. Swings are hung from trees
and decorated with flowers. Women,
colorfully attired swing on them and sing
songs in celebration.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
All Over India:
Commemorating the day India attained
freedom (15th August). Independence Day is
celebrated with flay hoisting ceremonies and
cultural programmes in the state capitals.
The Prime Ministers speech at the Red Fort
is the major highlight.
RAKSHA BANDHAN
North India:
Brothers and sisters reaffirm their
bounds of affection on this day. Sisters tie
colorful threads on their brothers wrists.
The brothers in turn promise to protect
their sisters and give them gifts.
AMARNATH YATRA
Jammu & Kashmir:
In the month of Shravan, thousands of
pilgrims make an arduous trek to the
Amernath cave in the Kashmir Himalayas. They
come to worship the sacred ice lingam- a
symbol of Lord Shiva, which is a natural
phenomenon.
NAG PANCHAMI
West Bengal, Maharashtra and South India:
This festival, which is usually
celebrated in West Bengal, Maharashtra and
South India, venerates snakes.
ONAM
Kerala: Kerals most important festival is
celebrated in the honor of the ancient asura
king Mahabali. The occasion also heralds the
harvest season. The decorating of houses
with carpets of flowers, a sumptuous lunch
and songs in praise of the golden reign of
Mahabali, mark the ten day long festivities.
A major attraction of the Onam celebrations
is famed snake boat races along the
backwaters at Champakulam, Aranmula and
Kottayam.
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 snake boats,
with crews of over a hundred men vying to
win the coveted trophy, attract spectators
from all over.
SEPTEMBER
TARNETAR MELA
Sauraashtra, Gujrat:
An exciting and unique fair held annually
at Tarnetar in Saurashtra. The fair
coincides with the festval at the
Trineteshwar Temple, celebrating the wedding
of the legendary Mahabharat hero, Arjuna
with Draupadi. The fair is a kind of
marriage market for the local tribals- the
Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris. The traditional
costumes, exquisite jewellery and lively
folk dances- garba, ras, haro, are the
special attractions of the fair, not
forgetting the wonderful Tarnetar Chhatris-
umbrellas with intricate embroidery and
mirror work.
GANESH CHATURTHI
Maharastra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka: Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant
headed god of all good beginnings and
success. Held annually, this festival is a
ten day long event. The images of Lord
Ganesha are installed and worshipped and on
the last day these are taken in processions
to be immersed in flowing water. The sea
front at Mumbai, packed with people, is
spectacular sight.
GANESH FESTIVAL
Pune, Maharastra:
Celebrated with lot of gaiety, the Ganesh
Festival is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha-
the harbinger of good fortune and success.
This cultural feast is held to coincide with
Ganesh Chaturthi. With classical dance and
music performance and film festival and folk
dances, this is the most popular festival in
Pune.
OCTOBER
DUSSEHRA
All Over India: Dussehra is celebrated to mark the defeat
of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra symbolizes
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 Kumbhkarena are set to fire.
In west Bengal, puja pandals have
beautifully decorated images of the goddess
Durga and people gather here in large number
to enjoy the festivities.
In South India, houses are decorated with
displays of toys and clay images of gods.
Relatives and friends visit each other and
exchange greetings.
In Gujrat, the exuberant Navaratri
celebrations include dancing the lively
garba and dandiya ras.
In Himachal Pradesh, a week long fair in
the hill town of Kullu, is a part of the
Dussehra celebrations. From the little hill
temples, deities are brought in procession
to the maidan in Kullu, to pay homage to the
reigning deity, Raghunathji.
Mysore- the city of palaces celebrates
the ten day Dussehra in a royal style. The
Mysore Palace is illuminated with a myriad
lights. Majestic processions, a torch light
parade and dance and musical events enliven
the tranquil city.
MUHARRAM
All Over India:
Muharram commemorates the martyrdom of
Imam Hussein, Prophet Mohammeds grandson.
Tazias, glittering replicas of the martyrs
tomb, are carried in procession through the
street.
MARWAR FESTIVAL
Jodhpur, Rajasthan: The festival celebrates the Maand style
of folk music- an evolved classical style
that describes the romantic life of
Rajasthans rulers. Held during Shard
Purnima, the folk artists bring alive the
legends and folklore of earlier times.
DIWALI
All over India:
This festival of lights is the prettiest
and most eagerly awaited occasion in India.
It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, the
hero of the epic Ramayana, to Ayodhya after
a fourteen year exile. The flickering lights
of the traditional clay lamps illuminate the
houses and fireworks resound through the
night. The goddess of wealth and prosperty-
Lakshmi, is worshipped on this day. Houses
are white washed and elaborate designs drawn
at the thresholds to welcome the goddess.
The exchanging of gifts and sweets among
friends and relatives and playing of games
of chance at night, are all a part of the
celebrations.
RAJGIR MAHOTSAV
Rajgir, Bihar:
This colorful festval of dance and music
is held at Rajgir, the ancient capital of
the Magadha kings- the land where the Budda
meditated and preached.
NOVEMBER
KA POMBLANG NONGKREM
Shillong, Meghalaya:
This is the most important festival of
the Khasis in Maghalaya. This five day long
festival, held annually near Shillong, is an
occasion for thanksgiving for good harvest
and prosperity. Khasi men and women, perform
the famous Nongkrem dance.
LUCKNOW FESTIVAL
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh:
This festival celebrates Lucknows living
culture. The capital city of Uttar Pradesh
is alight with excitement during ten day
long event. The celebrations are marked by
colorful processions, traditional dramas,
Kathak dances in the style of the famous
Lucknow gharana, sarangi and sitar recitals
alongwith ghazals, qawalis and thumari creat
a festival atmosphere. Exiting events like
Ekka races, kite flying, cock fighting and
other traditional village games recreate an
atmosphere of Avadhs nawabi days.
SONEPUR MELA
Sonepur, Bihar:
Asias biggest cattle fair is held at
Sonepur, on the banks of the river Ganges.
During this month long fair, cattle,
decorated for the occasion throng the vanue.
PUSHKAR FAIR
Pushkar, Rajasthan: Tranquil Pushkar is transformed into a
spectacular fair ground for twelve days in
the month of Kartik. Trading of cattle,
camel races and dazzling display of bangles,
brassware, clothes, saddles and halters are
the major attractions. Devotees come in
their thousands to take a ritual dip in the
lake on the day of the Kartik Purnima and to
worship at the Brahma temple.
GURU PURAB
All over India:
The birth anniversary of Guru Nana the
first guru of the Sikhs, is celebrated with
great fervour. The Akhand Path- recitation
of Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurudwaras
all over the country. Taking the holy book
out in procession, is also an integral part
of the celebrations.
HAMPI FESTIVAL
Hampi, Karnataka:
The magnificent ruined city of Hampi,
once the capital of the Vijaynagar Empire,
comes alive once again during this lively
festival of dance and music, held in the
first week of November.
DECEMBER
SHILPGRAM CRAFTS MELA
Udaipur, Rajasthan: Magnificent crafts of Rajasthan are on
display at a colorful festival held in the
royal city of Udaipur.
VISHNUPUR FESTIVAL
Vishnupur, West Bengal:
The festival celebrates the rich heritage
of the town of Vishnupur, noted for its
beautiful terracotta temples and elegant
silk sarees.
KURUSHATRA FESTIVAL
Kurushatra, Haryana: The festival coincide with Gita Jayanti,
signifying the birt of the Srimad Bhagvad
Gita. Pilgrims gather here to take a dip in
the sacred tank of Brahma Sarover and
Sannehit Sarover. Week long Bhagwad Katha,
dance, drama and deep daan are part of the
religious festivities.
KONARK DANCE FESTIVAL
Konark, Orissa: TheSun Temple of Konark is a magnificent
structure designed as the chariot of the Sun
God, drawn by seven exquisitely carved
horses, stands on the beach at Konark.
This is the venue of a joyous festival of
classical dance and music which is held
annually. A host of celebrated dancers from
all over the country perform in the open air
auditorium. The sound of ghungroo bells,
flute and pakhauj fill the air and a
marvelous crafts mela, with a verity of
handicrafts and delectable cuisine, adds to
the festival mood.
CHRISTMAS
All Over India:
Christmas is celebrated in India with
great fervor. All the major Indian cities
wear a festival look. Shops and bazaars are
decorated for the occasion and offer
attractive bargains. Carol singing,
get-to-gathers and 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.
