India is a land of festivals and celebrations. Over the wide expanse
of the country, there are literally hundreds of festivals and
celebrations that Indians participate in. Although festivals like Holi
and Diwali are more popular amongst foreigners and locals alike, it's
the smaller and lesser known festivals that give one the true experience
of being in India.
NOTE: The information in this post was obtained from referring to the Illustrated Guide to India by Reader's Digest, Wikipedia, IMers and the Net.
Held in Kolkata, West Bengal
Started in 1968 as The Statesman Vintage Car Rally it was later modified as The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally. Today, the entry of vintage cars & bikes is restricted to those manufactured prior to 1940. The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally is not just a rally but a festival complete with fancy dress period costume, cultural program and food.
Ganga Sagar Festival (15th January 2017)
Celebrated in Sagar Island, West Bengal
About 200,000 to 300,000 pilgrims visit Sagar Island. Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela.
The Dover Lane Music Conference has been engaged in the promotion and propagation of Indian classical music since 1952. The annual program of classical music draws a music-loving crowd of more than 4,000 a night.
This Tribal exhibition and festival is organized every year in the Adivasi exhibition grounds, situated in the heart of the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar. This is considered to be the oldest and most colourful festival of the tribal people, where all the 62 tribes including 13 PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups), come to the exhibition ground to spread their ethnic mosaic.
Modhera Dance Festival
Celebrated in Modhera, Gujarat
An annual festival of Indian classical dances is held at the site of the Sun Temple during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttarayan. Modhera provides an impressive backdrop for this spiritual festival.
Jatra
Celebrated in Quepem, Goa
Jatra is the feast of the God in Goa, to whom this temple is dedicated. Jatra in Goa is best celebrated at the Shantadurga Temple at Fatropa in Quepem.
Pongal
Celebrated in Tamil Nadu – the Tamil New Year
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in South India at the end of the harvest season. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Tamils in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Sri Lanka. It is spread over 4 days.
Lohri (January 13th)
Celebrated in Punjab, North India
Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January, a day before Makar Sankranti. Friends and relatives get together on the day of Lohri and enjoy some special cuisine.
Makar Sankranti (January 14th)
Celebrated in Jaipur, Chilika Lake, Gujarat & all over India,
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasions for Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in a myriad of cultural forms, with great devotion, fervour, and gaiety. It is a harvest festival. Makar Sankranti is perhaps the only Indian festival where the date always falls on the same day every year, January 14th. There are however some exceptions, when the festival is celebrated on January 13th or January 15th. Makar Sankranti is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in India.
Republic Day (January 26th)
Celebrated all over India
The main ceremony is held at Rajpath, New Delhi where the flag hoisting is done by the President of India followed by the Republic Day Parade.
Beating Retreat (January 29th)
Held in Delhi
This ceremony symbolises the retreat after a day on the battlefield, and marks the official end of the Indian Republic Day celebrations. It is held every year on January 29 in the evening. The bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force perform at Raisina Hill and Vijay Chowk - flanked by the north and south block towards the end of Rajpath.
Jaipur Literature Festival
Held in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Asia's biggest literary festival, the Diggi Palace Hotel serves as the main venue of this literary festival. Festivities are usually held in the Hall of Audience and in the gardens of the Diggi Palace in the city centre. Jaipur Literature Festival celebrates excellence in Rajasthani, Indian and International writing.
Camel Festival
Held in Bikaner, Rajasthan
Every January, the small village of Ladera in Bikaner, becomes the venue of the two-day and night Bikaner Camel Festival. Camels fascinate tourists with their movement, charm and grace. People from all over the world come to India to attend the festival, where camel owners flock to show-off their camels. This festival is when the ships of the desert are seen at their best.
Feast of Three Kings
Celebrated in Reis Magos, Goa
Every year thousands of devotees congregate at the stone chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Reis to offer prayers of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception - a lighthouse of faith and courage to its people. High mass is offered on the day of Epiphany and it is a time for rejoicing and partying.
Flower Show
Held in Lalbagh, Bangalore, Karnataka
Paryaya
Celebrated in Udipi, Karnataka
Paryaya is a system in which the eight pontiffs of Udupi undertake the responsibility of worshipping Lord Krishna and manage the temple by turn, for a fixed period of time. The Swamiji who is in charge of the worship and other rituals is known as the Paryay Swamiji. His Mutt is then known as the Paryaya Mutt. The duration of the tenure is known as the paryaya period. The ceremony of handing over the charge of Sri Krishna Mutt to the new Swamiji is known as the Paryaya Festival.
Pattadakal Dance Festival
Held in Pattadakal, Karnataka
The Pattadakal Dance Festival is held every year to celebrate the temples of Pattadakal. It is organised by the Government of Karnataka. The 'Nrithyotsava' draws many famous dancers and is accompanied by a craft mela.
Bijapur Music Festival
Held in Bijapur, Karnataka
All sorts of top class music are displayed here. The fair is organized by Shri Siddheshwar temple during Makar Sankranti. The Shri Shiddeshwar Temple is situated at the heart of the city and is a holy place for Hindus, but is also a beautiful place to visit, for tourists. This fair is well known for its cattle market, which is organized outside the city limits. Farmers from neighboring villages and even some parts of Maharastra come to trade in cattle. During this period there is also a fireworks display.
Barddhaman Festival
Celebrated in Barddhaman, West Bengal
Kenduli Mela
Held in Shantiniketan, West Bengal
The Kenduli Mela in Birbhum is well known for the gathering of the Bauls, a group of mystic minstrels. They are the bearers of a unique musical tradition, who are identified by their saffron attire and distinctive musical instrument, the Ektara. They have the proud distinction of being included in the list of “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
Sadhu Convention
Held in the Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves, Odisha
Sazo
Celebrated in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
On this day people take their bath in the natural springs, and a few even go to Satluj river for bathing if they happen to live nearby. Poltus, rice, pulses, vegetables, meat, halva, chilta and pug are the principal dishes prepared on this occasion. In the morning the family god is worshiped with food (except meat). The hearth is also worshiped and near noon the deity is brought out and worshiped with wine and halwa. A fold dance is held. Thereafter the deity is believed to have gone to Kinner Kailash.
Winter Carnival
Held in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Among the other attractions of the Winter Carnival in Manali, is a variety of winter sports that draw a good number of enthusiasts from all over India. Contests like "Winter Queen" and "Mr. Manali" are also attractions of the festival.
Tyagaraja Aradhana is an annual Carnatic music festival held in January and February. Many exponents of Carnatic music come to perform and are watched by thousands of ardent fans of Indian classical music. It is associated with the world famous singer and saint Tyagaraja. Along with the Chembai Sangeetholsavam in Guruvayur, Kerala, this ‘aradhana’ is one of the two most important ones in South India.
Chariot Festival
Celebrated in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
The annual temple chariot festival, called Rathothsavam where the processional deity, Utsavar is taken around the temple in the temple car. Chitra Poornima is a festival based on the mythological incident of Gaj-graha (elephant crocodile). The elephant suffered in the jaws of crocodile and was rescued by god. Vasanthothsavam is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June), which according to inscriptions has been celebrated from 1444 AD.
Drama Festival
Held in Kottayam, Kerala
Makaravilaku
Celebrated in Sabarimalai, Kerala
Falls when a celestial light is seen on the horizon. Its sighting is considered auspicious.
This festival is celebrated across Gujarat, the main centres of activity being Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat.
Kite Flying Festival (January 14th)
Held in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The kites-with-lights flown add to the fanfare of the festival. If you like kite flying, this is the festival for you.
Epiphany (January 6th)
Celebrated in Thrissur, Irinjalakkuda, Palai, Kerala
The local name for the festival is Pindi Perunnal.
Banganga festival is one of the popular festivals in Mumbai (organised since 1992). The festival takes place annually in the month of January and lasts for two days. The festival celebrates the medium of music and rhythm and pays tribute to the heritage of Mumbai.
Brahmaputra Darshan Festival
Celebrated all over Arunachal Pradesh
This festival begins with the worship of the river followed by a variety of cultural events - traditional dance, music and sports. These include food festivals, local handicrafts, herbal medicines, a boat race and river rafting as well.
Torgya Festival
Celebrated in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
This is a three-day festival signifying the destruction of evil spirits and harmful forces.
International Yoga Festival
Held in Puducherry, Puducherry
The festival is unique as it brings to the fore discussions, an exchange of ideas, demonstration of techniques and yoga aficionados and practitioners from all over the globe. Classical Indian dance performances are scheduled in the evening, to grace the occasion.
Dehing Patkai Festival (January 16th - 18th)
Celebrated in Dehing, Assam
An annual festival held at Lekhapani in Tinsukia district of Assam. The festival is named after the majestic Patkai range and the mischievous Dehing River. The festival is organized by the Government of Assam - providing the tourists with boundless chances of fun and feast.
Brahmaputra Beach Festival
Held in Guwahati, Assam
This is a scintillating open-air festival held in Guwahati on the ravine beaches of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Netaji Mela
Celebrated in Karimganj, Andhra Pradesh
Netaji Mela is celebrated in Karimganj Andhra Pradesh as the birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Over the years Netaji Mela has turned into a cultural fare.
Dhanu Yatra (January 7th - 17th)
Celebrated in Balagarh, Uttar Pradesh
The festival starts at 6 am on January 7th and ends at 11.55 pm on January 17. Dhanu Yatra commemorates the visit of Lord Krishna to Mathura. Dhanu Yatra also commemorates the victory of Lord Sri Krishna over his uncle Kansa.
Adoor Gajamela
Celebrated in Pathanamthitta, Kerala
This is an annual ten-day celebration of Parthasarathy temple Adoor in Pathanamthitta district. The festival is famous for its elephant pageant.
It is the oldest and most popular vallam kali of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.
Kerala Village Fair
Held in Kovalam & Ernakulum, Kerala
Traditional thatched houses are decorated during this ten-day long festival and are the venue for folk dances, music and festivities. A typical Kerala village -'gramam' is recreated replete with the traditional nalukettu houses, 'chayakkada' local teashops etc. This fair recreates the bygone era of Kerala.
Kundam Festival
Celebrated in Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu
Organized every year at Bannari Amman temple, near Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu this Kundam Festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni.
On the second day of Pongal i.e. on Mattu Pongal day, Jalli Kattu or a bullfight takes place in villages. It is a traditional, spine-chilling fight. Alanganallur near Madurai & Tiruchirapalli are famous for this sport.
Purnagiri Fair
Celebrated in Purnagiri, Uttarakhand
Many people throng to the temple at Purnagiri, which is situated on the top of a mountain on the right bank of the river Kali near Tanakpur (District Champawat). The temple is crowded during the Navaratris of Paush and Chaitra. Every year a fair is held on Vishuwat Sankranti and this attracts a large number of pilgrims.
Kolhaiya Mela
Held in Chatra, Jharkand
This is one of the more popular cattle fairs in the state of Jharkand.
Garden Tourism Festival
Held in New Delhi
The Garden Tourism Festival features some of the most exotic varieties of flowers including roses, dahlias, potted plants, bonsai, home plants etc. Other attractions include painting competitions for children and a number of cultural shows. It is also an event where those interested in gardening meet and share ideas.
Jorethang Mela
Celebrated in Jorethang, Sikkim
This festival is celebrated to welcome the spring season after the harsh winter days.
Mukatsar Maghi Festival
Celebrated in Punjab
Mukatsar fair is one of the largest Sikh fairs held in Punjab. The fair is held in the middle of January i.e. on the Makar Sankranti day (Jan 14). The fair is organized in the Muktsar district of Punjab to pay tribute to Guru Gobind Singh and his followers.
Khogal Festival
Celebrated in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
To celebrate Khogal in Himachal Pradesh village people, essentially the male members of the family, unite for an exotic local drink, 'Chakti'. The process of visiting house after house continues until midnight. At midnight the drummers sit on the rooftop of a house and play drums and flutes. The sound of the drums and flutes mark the beginning of the Khogal celebrations.
This film festival celebrates both Indian and international filmmakers.
This festival celebrates folk art and traditions in a beautiful setting.
This festival celebrates the culture of Vizag with cultural programs, art exhibitions and of course, food.
This film festival in India focuses on short films and documentaries.
This is 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 an additional attraction.
By aarosh
Celebrated in West Bengal, West Bengal On
this day, the Goddess of knowledge and fine arts is worshipped with
great fervor. The Bengali community considers knowledge and fine arts as
an integral part of its life. People of all ages participate in
Saraswati Puja with unparallelled intensity. Tamilians celebrate this
during Navami of Dusshera. They keep books in front of Goddess
Saraswati.
Thousands of animals are gathered at this cattle fair for trading. Traders come to buy and sell cows, bullocks (the Nagauri breed is renowned) and camels. Various games are organized during this four day festival such as tug-of-war, camel races, cockfights etc. providing entertainment to the tourists and visitors.
The rathotsava or car festival is a major attraction of the fair.
This is a cultural exchange program between Indians and Japanese. Started as an annual event in 2005, it aims at showcasing Japanese culture to all students of Japanese language,and those interested in Japan and its culture under one platform. It is celebrated in Bangalore during spring (January-February) of every year.
Numaish Masnuaat-e-Mulki or Numaish is also known as an annual consumer exhibition held in Hyderabad.
This is one of the largest Book fairs held all in the world.
A wonderful opportunity to experience the sandstone city of Jaisalmer and surroundings at their magical best.
This festival lasts for a fortnight where highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only form Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. People of all castes and creeds participate freely in this fair.
The Vagad Festival is a beautiful amalgamation of folk music and local amusement like archery competitions.
This is a day especially set aside for the worship of the Sun God at Konark. Although the temple is now a ruin, today thousands of pilgrims flock to Konark every year on the Magha Sukla Saptami, the day of Spring Festivals, to celebrate the new birth of the Sun God.
Dargah beckons pilgrims from far and wide with Urs Mubarak celebrated joyously with Sufi abandon every year on the Saint's death anniversary. The WAKF Board makes the arrangements for this festival. The Dargah has a 'langar' on this day every year and also each Thursday. People of all religious denominations converge to pay obeisance to the Saint.
At Palani Periyanayaki temple, which is a famous temple, dedicated to Muruga, Thaipoosam is celebrated as a ten-day festival.
The Theppam Festival or Madurai Float Festival is a spectacular scene to behold. The deities are taken in golden palanquins, escorted by elaborately decorated elephants and horses, along with musicians and devotees who sing songs all the way from the main temple to the lake at the break of dawn.
This is an annual bullock cart race.
Organised every year to showcase the life of adivasis (tribals).
An annual two-day festival at the Spituk Monastery in Ladakh. A characteristic of this Spituk Gustor is the mask dance carried out by the priests.
This festival celebrates the birthday of Mohammad or the Prophet.
India’s largest Equestrian Event, ‘The Anand Delhi Horse Show’ is the country’s premier equestrian event and forms the backbone of the equestrian tradition in India.
Vasantahabba is India’s Woodstock. It's all about peace, love and music, and just for one night, all is well with the world.
The main highlights of this Mumbai festival are the illuminated Shiva-idol in the main cave of the island. Folk dances by the local fisher folk and ethnic local cuisine are also a highlight.
The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual celebration of dance, music and craft. The festival has been held since 1999 in the month of February at Kala Ghoda, South Mumbai. Kala Ghoda is an area between Flora Fountain and Colaba that has been made famous for the arts by the Jehangir Art Gallery and Rhythm House (Music Store).
The largest rose show in the country is held at the famous Rose Garden at Chandigarh.
During this one week Festival, you will have the opportunity to participate in over 70 hours of Yoga classes from world-class Yoga teachers practicing multiple styles of Yoga including Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Kriya Yoga.
A ten-day event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a cultural festival starting on 18th February. Arts, crafts and culture are on display here alongside performances in Folk music, shayari (poetry) and classical dances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival.
A showcase for the cultural and literary heritage of the region.
This Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of color, song and music. The Goa Carnival is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state. The carnival epitomizes the fun-loving culture which is the characteristic of Goa.
Surajkund Mela features handloom and handicrafts and promotes traditional Indian Handicrafts ever since its inception in 1981. Surjakund fair has grown in stature every year and is a platform for Indian artists and craftsmen to display their skilled crafts and artwork.
A three day festival of Sufi and traditional music.
A famous tribal festival celebrated in the Medaram Village in Warangal.
This is a religious festival for the Bhil community of tribals from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple of Baneshwar Mahadev remains open from 5.00 am to 11.00 pm during the fair. The other attractions of the fair include folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatics.
The anniversary of the death of saint Urs of Shah Abdullah.
This festival is celebrated at Gohar Mahal. Highlights of Bhopal Mahotsav are the food festival, crafts mela and cultural performances by tribal artists.
This six day event is meant for the appeasement of the deities who control the peace and prosperity of the locals.
The Mother’s Birth Anniversary on 21st February is where devotees queue at Sri Aurobindo Ashram early in the morning, to visit the Mother’s room and pay their homage to the Mother.
This is an assembly which is aimed at increasing eco-tourism amongst human beings. The main objective of the Kaziranga Elephant Festival is to find a solution to resolve the increasing man-elephant conflict.
Joranda Mela is a festival of the people belonging to the Alekh/Mahima Dharma religion. It is a three day fair, in which the Mahima sanyasis gather to worship Mahima Gosain's Samadhi Pitha. People who congregate here for the fair are taught how to achieve nirvana (salvation).
This festival is associated with the Chinakkathoor temple in Palakkad.
This is the grand elephant pageant which is held as part of the annual festival of Kodimoottil Sree Bhagavathi Temple, Parippalli.
A seven-day annual festival held at Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy temple situated at Kattukulam in Palakkad.
This annual ten-day Theyyam festival held at Kuttikkol, Thampuratty Theyyam is a grand affair showcasing an array of theyyams, where the colorful ritual dance of Kerala is recognized as one of the oldest folk art forms of India.
Roshni Fair (Fair of the Lights) is held in Jagravan, a town in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, from 14th to 16th day of Phagun month (February-March). It is held in the honor of a Muslim Pir (saint), Abdul Kader Jalani and people from all religions can participate in the fair. Circus, magic shows and swings are attractions of the fair.
Khatu Shyamji Temple is an important pilgrimage site in Rajasthan. Shyam is another name for ‘Krishna’. All year-round hoards of devotee stream in, but their numbers almost double during this fair. It is one of the most prominent festivals in Rajasthan.
Ramdeora Fair is held at Ramdeora (a few kilometers from Pokhran) and is attended by a large number of tourists from different parts of India. The fair pays homage to Baba Ramdeo.
This is a religious event held at Sangam, the holy confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati. Every twelfth year, the Magh Mela is converted into the Kumbha Mela, when millions of pilgrims congregate to celebrate this remarkable event. The entire state of Uttar Pradesh is full with tourists during this time.
To go with the cattle trade, food stuff and handicrafts are also sold by local sellers and there are programmes and other festivities as well.
The biggest rose show in the country, also known as 'Rose Festival' is celebrated in the last week of February. Zakir Rose garden, the venue of the Rose festival, displays huge varieties of roses. The festival includes flower shows, performances of music and dance; both classical and folk, exhibitions by local artists, photographers and craftsman.
Religious masked dances are performed on this occasion, welcoming the New Year as per Tibetian Calendar. This is held in monasteries of Rumtek, Pemayangtse and Phodong.
The Sangat Music festival, organized at the Tata Theatre in Mumbai in the month of December, provides an opportunity to Indian musical diaspora to showcase their talent. Festival features performances by non-resident Indian instrumentalists and vocalists. The festival provides an opportunity to interact with the renowned musicians.
Known as the Rural Olympics, this sports event includes cart races and rope pulling. There are many animals involved in the sports including bullocks, dogs and camels.
This is a cultural festival that showcases the skill of the local craftspeople and artists of the region.
Considered the first day of Spring.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
A week long event in Rishikesh.
This cultural festival highlights the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and modern Indian dance, with performances from some of the best performers in the field.
This festival commemorates the memory of Jambeswarji, the founder of the Bishnoi sect.
A five-day festival of Bhavnath is held at foothills of Mount Girnar in Junagadh at a temple called "Vastrapata Kshetra" during the Mahashivratri celebrations. Thousands of pilgrims from all over India converge here. Prior to the start of the Mahapuja, a huge procession led by “Naga Bavas” (ascetics with no clothes on) seated on decorated elephants and holding flags is held. Bhavai, folk songs and folk dances attract large audiences during the event.
This is an important day for Tamils. Idols of gods and goddess that are worshipped in Temples are carried in a procession to the sea shore. Pujas and rituals are held here and thousands of people gather to witness the auspicious event.
This is a dance festival at the Nataraja temple at Chidambaram. It is a homage paid by all the dancers to the cosmic dancer, Lord Nataraja. It is celebrated near the thousand-pillared hall of the temple where 108 dancing poses of Lord Siva are depicted. Dancers all over India come to pay tribute by performing dances like Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi and Kathak.
During these two days religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from all over Sikkim to watch them.
During this festival, the lamas of the monastery open the pot containing the Holy water to forecast weather conditions and natural calamities in the next year. A part of the holy water is also distributed amongst the gathering of devotees.
Every locality in urban and suburban Imphal has sporting competitions throughout the length of the Yaosang festival.
A ritual dance-mask festival that is held annually.
This is a week long festival, celebrated at the Kondotty Mosque, situated at Kondotty in the district of Malappuram.
To commemorate the tying of bonds by Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, winter garments, fashion accessories and gents’ costumes are on display and sale here at this mela.
This festival is held the day before Holi.
This is the popular Festival of Colors where people throw colored powder at each other.
Lathmaar and Laddu maar holi in Braj area are famous which are celebrations which must be attended. Kamalkalra has informed here the way to calculate the dates to know when these festivals are celebrated. He says that Laddu Maar Holi is on 8th day of bright half of Lunar just before Holi. It is around 8 days before Holi date. As per calculation, in 2017 Holi is on 13th March so Laddu-Maar is on 14th March. Lath-Maar Holi will be celebrated at Barsana on the next day of Laddu-Maar. i.e. on 15th March 2017. Lath-Maar at Nand Gaon (a village approximately 6-7 km from Barsana) will be celebrated on the next day of Lath-Maar at Barsana (on 16th March 2014). Kamalkalra says "Each temple in Vrindavan celebrates Holi at different days so you can enjoy the Holi in other festivals or visit other places in India as per your wish."
This is Parsi New Year.
Shigmo is a festival of the masses and commemorates the end of winter and the beginning of the lovely spring season. There are a number of cultural and entertainment programs that keep the crowd totally mesmerized. The fifth day is the big day called ‘Rang Panchami’ where people greet each other with the traditional ‘gulal’ or the red colour. A post harvest festival, Shigmo receives participation from all sectors of the society irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
This is a celebration of Indian culture and heritage. The splendid Hoysala temples with their sculptural extravaganza makes for the perfect venue for this cultural feast. Performing artists from classical streams from across India also participate in this one-day event.
The festoons of mangoe(torana) are tied to the doors and houses are decorated with fresh flowers. There is a special 'Chutney' called Ugadi pachadi that is made during the Ugadi festival which is kept in an earthen pot before the idol of the house. After puja is performed everyone takes the share of the chutney, and then feast together.
Held annually in praise of Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music to have survived in its original form, this melodious festival of Varanasi is well attended and very popular with aficionados of Indian traditional music.
This Desert Festival started as a way to enhance the tourism potential of this lovely town.
The Pataliputra festival is a 6-day festival held in the month of March in Patna, Bihar. It is a 6-day festival and a multi lingual drama and folk dance festival as well as a competition. Traditional Indian plays based on Indian mythology are performed regularly along with dances, song recitals and many more cultural events. There are various parades and sports activities held alongside music and dancing, thus bringing together the entire region.
An occasion to recall the entrepreneurial spirit practiced by Tata group founder Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata.
These ten day long celebrations are marked by the pulling of the rath (the chariot car) by devotees from the temple to the adjoining gardens.
This festival is the oldest and most extravagant of all the poorams celebrated in Kerala. The festival is celebrated at the famous Arattupuzha temple in Thrissur district of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
This annual festival is held at the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple.
This annual festival is held at the Chettikulangara temple at Mavelikkara in Alappuzha.
Lord Krishna is worshipped during this festival and Bharatpur becomes alive during this time.
During this festival local dance and folk song performances happen. Art and handicrafts can also be purchased during the fair.
The Jahan-e-Khusrau
Celebrated in Delhi, Delhi NCR
Jahan-e-Khusrau, directed and designed by Muzaffar Ali, an annual festival, was created to bring together artists from all over the country to share a platform. The festival gets its name from the Sufi poet Hazrat Amir Khusrau.
During this festival, big prayers and worships are organized in the Khecheopalri Monastery at Khecheopalri Village in order to save the people of the village from avert diseases and natural calamities.
The festival comprises “masked dances” by the priests of Spituk monastery in Ladakh.
Celebrated after one week of "Stok Guru Tsechu" on the 15th day of the 1st Tibetan month Monastery - the only Saskyapa monastic establishment in Ladakh. During this festival, the two oracles of the monastery make a public appearance in their full spiritual form.
This festival is focused on conservation of the Olive Ridley Turtles. Thousands of newly hatched turtles are released into the ocean as part of this festival.
This festival brings together the Rathva community to celebrate the harvest. It begins three days after the festival of Holi.
This is a prestigious music festival held every year in New Delhi. It is one of the first classical vocal and instrumental music events to be organized in independent India.
The tenth Sikh Guru - Guru Govind Singh who had tried to gather Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles after Holi, started the festival and it is now an annual feature held at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. The festival also marks the New Year as per lunar Nanakshahi calendar of Sikhs.
This festival is full of pomp and show, where most of the Jharkhand tribal people meet with extreme joy to share happiness in various dance forms.
Gangaur is colourful and the one of the most important festivals for the people of Rajastha. It is observed throughout the state with great fervor and devotion by women who worship Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva during March - April. It is the celebration of spring, harvest and marital fidelity. Gana is a synonym for Lord Shiva and Gaur, which stands for Gauri or Parvati, who symbolizes Saubhagya (marital bliss). The unmarried women worship her to be blessed with a good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of their husbands and a happy married life.
This Christian festival celebrates the day Christ was crucified.
This Christian festival celebrates the resurrection of Christ.
This day is also the first day of Chaitra Navratri and Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, is also done on this day.
This festival is held in honor of the great goddess Mahakali.
More than one lakh (one hundred throusand) devotees congregate here for the festival. Melkote is also famous for its handlooms.
This is the Jayanti (Day of Incarnation) of Lord Ayyappan. It is also an important festival day for Lord Subramanya (Muruga), as it is on this day that Sri Deivanai married Lord Subramanya. On this day Goddess Mahalakshmi incarnated on earth from the ocean of milk (after the ocean was churned by the Gods and the demons) and hence it is celebrated as Mahalakshmi Jayanti. On this day Goddess Parvati, in the form of Gowri, married Lord Siva in Kanchipuram and hence this day is also celebrated as the Gowri Kalyanam day.
Thousands of devotees pulled the Rukuna Rath of lord Lingaraj from the Lingaraj Temple to Mausima Temple. The Mangal arati begins early in the morning followed by Sahana Mela and Mahasnana later in the day.
Beema palli is a shrine dedicated to the hallowed memory of Beema Beevi, a pious and devoted Muslim lady gifted with divine powers.
Traditionally, this temple (especially during the Bharani festival) has been associated with animal sacrifices. The blood of the sacrificed animal is used to spilled over two stones in the prakaram (closed precincts of the temple), but these customs have been abolished in the 20th century. William Logan, a social historian of Kerala, noted in 1887 that Kodungallur Bharani could have been the most important celebration in Kerala (with the exception of Onam, the national festival of Kerala).
This festival is celebrated right after the sowing of millet when famers pray to Animist deities, Rang and Baurang, to protect their crop against the ravages of nature and to gift them a good harvest. The tribe’s chief, called Wangham or Wansa, and the main priest lead all the rituals and prayer during Ojiyale.
The department of Art & Culture and Government of Puducherry organizes Indian Classical music and dances in various places in Puducherry.
Chaitraul is a well-known festival of pictures in the Sirmour area in Himachal Pradesh. Food is distributed to the poor people. Houses are painted and decorated with figures of male animals and crops on this day. On this day the family deities are taken to the fields and offerings are made to the deity there.
A Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama who is the 7th incarnation of the Lord Vishnu.
This festival is for the bona fide fishermen community of Odisha who are popularly known as "Keuta" ('Kaivarta').
Celebrated to welcome the spring season.
Every year thousands of people flock from different parts of Goa and the world to the village of Goa-Velha to take part in the ‘world famous penitential procession of Saints’. The procession is lead by the ‘Tau’ and the crossed arms symbol of the Franciscan order is followed by other images. The procession ends with the ‘Veil of Veronica’ that is carried by the priest in his hands and covered by a canopy and guarded by the confraria members.
This festival re-enacts the wedding of Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi (Lord Vishnu's sister).
This is Malayali New Year.
This celebrates the arrival of spring.
This Harvest festival is where the farmers harvest the rabi crops and offer gratitude to the gods for bountiful harvest and pray for the same next year as well.
This is Bengali New Year.
This is Assamese New Year.
This Goan festival reflects the existing respect amongst the varied faiths, which are prevalent in this small state in India.
One of the oldest community festivals in the city, kicks off from the Dharmarayaswamy temple in Thigalarapet towards midnight.
In memory of princess Sui, who is known to have sacrificed her life for the cause of her people, the people of Chamba.
This is an occasion to bathe the images of Lord Buddha ceremoniously.
This festival is organized in the villages by the entire village community with the aim of offering supernatural protection to the crops sown, for good harvest and to drive away evil spirits.
This is the longest festival observed at Jagannath temple. Chandan Yatra meaning Sandalwood Voyage in Sanskrit, which continues for 42 days and is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana
This annual water carnival is held at the Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple, Vadayar in Kottayam.
This is a single fair for a cluster of almost two hundered temples.
This festival attracts a large number of Shaukas. However with the closure of the Indo - Tibet trade this fair has lost its former importance.
Sankat Mochan Music Festival is celebrated at Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi. It celebrates the birth of Hanuman. On the occasion of Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, classical music performances are held by the Indian Maestros.
People visiting the Mahu Nag Fair also visit nearby temples in the area.
Stretching for three days in April, Mansar Food and Craft Mela is celebrated at the Mansar Lake, 60 kms from Jammu.
This festival celebrates Bhagwan Mahavir's birthday, the founder of Jainism.
This is a thanksgiving dance.
Associated with Meiteis, this is celebrated to please traditional deities.
A two century old temple festival of spectacular processions of caparisoned elephants and enthralling percussion performances.
This Hyderabad Festival highlights the Deccan region's culture, arts, crafts and their famous cuisines.
This festival provides secular entertainment in the form of shops, rides and cultural events, and it also has religious religious, as its history suggests.
This festival in Kerala made an entrance in the year 2006 and attracts pilots from different parts of the world.
This is an international contest conducted every May at Billing.
This celebrates the birthday of Lord Buddha in the place where he attained Enlightment.
The festival is dominated by exotic Rhododendrons ranging from the gigantic to 2 inches in length. Whilst the flowers are the highlight, the show remains incomplete without displays of stunning varieties of bamboo.
This is a threefold festival that celebrates the birth, death and nirvana of Lord Buddha and is also considered the holiest day for Mahayana Buddhist. On this day people visit the monastery and light butter lamps with faith and belief.
This celebration pays respect to God Sip.
This annnual festival is held at Devi Hadimba temple to celebrate Hadimba's birthday.
The native tribals come in hundreds to celebrate their annual festival in the premises of this temple.
This festival attracts myriads of tourists to take part in sports and adventure activities. In this festival, people can see and take part in various sport programs and cultural activities such as boat race competitions, flowers exhibition, fruit shows and various other shows. Cultural programs are also a part of this summer festival.
The day when the two innocent sons of Guru Govind Singh were illegitimately taken by Wazir Khan and killed for refusing to embrace Islam.
Brahmothsavam or Chitthirai festival is the chief festival celebrated in all temples for 10 days. Every day 'urchavar' or the processional deity is carried in procession on different chariots. The Meenakshi Temple at Madurai and the Kapaleeswarar temple, Chennai, are renowned for this festival.
This famous festival is a riot of colors and festivity and is celebrated on a grand scale. The Summer Festival in Shimla is a beautiful amalgamation of various talented people of India who make it an event that is remembered for a long time to come.
This festival is celebrated for a period of 14 days.
A 15 metre high, beautifully decorated temple chariot is taken out in a procession during this car festival, which is then pulled by thousands of devotees.
A yearly festivity celebrating the powers of Lord Servaroyan.
A festival held at the Botanical Gardens in the Queen of the Hills to celebrate the beautiful flora and build awareness of horticulture in the region.
Held on Budh Poornima each year this festival includes a ceremonial procession, a skater's show and even a tug of war competition.
This is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) venerated as the Dance Performance at Hemis Monastery which is representative of the reincarnation of Buddha.
This includes the swallowing of small live freshwater fish called maral which is believed to bring great relief to asthma patients.
The main reason behind the celebration of Sindhu Darshan Festival is to endorse the Indus River (Sindhu River) as an icon of the communal harmony and unity of India. The festival is also a symbolic salutation to the courageous soldiers of the country, who endanger their life to save ours.
The festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of this hill station, who welcome tourists from the depth of their hearts.
As per mythology, Ambubachi is when the presiding deity Goddess Kamakhya is believed to have her menstrual period over these three days.
A variety of programmes and a splendid setting make Summer Festival a memorable event.
This festival is celebrated in homage to Guru Rimpoche. Guru Rimpoche established Buddhism in Sikkim and introduced a form of Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas after vanquishing ‘demons’ obstructing the growth of Buddhism in Tibet. The day commemorates his victory over these demons.
A two-day festival held at Lamayuru, 127 kms from Leh. Buddhists from all over the country come for this festival. A key feature of this festival are the Mask dances.
Famous for the use of a variety of spices, Chettinad dishes are hot and pungent and mainly Non-vegetarian. Chettinad cuisine is a diverse range of cuisine from the rest of Tamil Nadu and neighboring Kerala. The meal consists of fish, prawn, lobster, crab, chicken and lamb. Chettinad dishes are eaten with rice and rice based accompaniments such as Dosais, Appams, Idiyappams, Adais and Idlis.
Three richly decorated chariots, resembling temple structures called Badadanda, are pulled through the streets of Puri. This commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra to their aunt's temple, the Gundicha Temple which is situated at a distance of 2 km from their temple.
This is a bull worshipping festival celebrated by farmers mainly in the Indian state of Maharashtra, particularly in the Vidarbha region.
Rath Yatra similar to that celebrated in Puri, attracts thousands of tribal and non tribal devotees not only from Ranchi but also from neighbouring villages and towns, and is celebrated with much pomp and vigor.
This is a brilliant opportunity to taste the eleven hundred varieties of mangoes for free and relish the everlasting delicious experience.
A festival to mark the advent of the rainy season.
This is an annual tree planting festival in India.
A festival for the rainy season when the Idol of Lord Bankey Bihari together with Gopis are placed on a special swing of gold and silver.
This French festival in India commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place in Paris on 14 July 1789.
Shachukul monastery is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The Shachukul Gustor is centered around this monastery. The festival is marked by dance performances that depict the victory of good over evil.
During the festival men throng to the Monastery dressed in colorful costumes wearing a smile on their faces. Dance drama forms the core ceremony of the Phyang Tsedup festival, as well as the worship of the Thankha of Jigten Gombo. The Buddhist Lamas also dress up in colorful costumes and play the various characters in the dance drama.
Thousands of devotees from all over North India come to the spiritual city of Haridwar to collect the holy water from Ganga and offer it to Lord Shiva.
This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. On the occasion of Janmashtami, a large number of pilgrims from all over the country come to visit this Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura. Mathura and Vrindavan are in festive moods during Janmashtami.
This festival marks the triumph of the Raja of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta (now called as Kangra), in 935 AD and also celebrates the paddy and maize crops grown at this time of the year.
Women undertake 24 hour nirjala fasting (without water or fruit) for the wellness of their spouse and their married life whilst the unmarried women pray to find a nice husband.
This is essentially a thanksgiving to monsoon which fills the rivers – the lifeline of farmers.
A 75 day festival. Bastar Dussehra involves the participation of diverse tribes and castes. The festival includes rituals of extraordinary rigor like a girl swinging on a bed of thorns; a youth (jogi) sitting in vigil and being buried shoulder-deep for nine days.
This is New Year Day for Kutchh and Kutchhis.
The main ritual during this mela is the pilgrimage undertaken by scores of Lord Shiva devotees from Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath temple.
This festival is observed by Buddhists to mark the event when Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma (his first sermon to five disciples at Sarnath). This festival celebrates Buddha's first preaching of the four Noble Truths to his first five disciples in a deer park at Sarnath.
Locals worship Lord Trilokinath during this festival. The statue of the Lord is bathed in milk and yogurt. Devotees gather at the temple in the morning and go around the temple beating drums, blowing conch shells and bugles. A huge procession is then carried out on a horseback.
This is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar where a month of fasting is observed. It is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam.
This festival celebrates the breaking of the fast of Ramadan. People pray, give gifts and feast on delicacies.
This festival is a spiritual day that celebrates the wise saint Vyasa and is considered by farmers to be the beginning of the monsoon season. It is also the day that Buddhists celebrate celebrate when Buddha have his first sermon at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh.
The bond of protection or Rakhi is a Hindu festival primarily observed in India, Mauritius and Nepal, which celebrates the relationship between brothers, cousins and sisters.
This flower show showcases several varieties of potted plants and cut flowers, but the main attraction are the flora replicas, Ikebana, Jannur, Indian Floral Art, Bonsai, Thai Art, and vegetable carvings.
On the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh (two hundred thousand) people, including tourists from abroad, who come to watch it.
Celebrated by the fishing community of Maharashtra, this festival marks the end of monsoon and the beginning of fishing season in Maharashtra.
In the days of the Mallas all the idols worshipped in Bishnupur temples were exhibited here during the annual Rasa festival.
This three day annual Rouza Sharif Urs starts at the tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Ahmad Farooqui in Sirhind, considered one of the holiest places in Islam, second after Makka.
Exhibits a confluence of culture between traders of Spiti, Ladakh and Kinnaur and the Indian plains.
is a cultural show that showcases all the different aspects of Jammu and Kashmir's history and culture.
Famous chefs, cooks, recipe writers, food experts and even amateurs cook and bring dishes made by them. One can have both non vegetarian and vegetarian dishes here as well.
This annual Fair is held in memory of Baba Ramdev near the temple of Ramdev Ji, where his Samadhi also exists.
In memory of Gogaji (a Chauhan Rajput from Dadrewa Village in Churu District), thousands of devotees gather to pay homage at this memorial annually in the month of Bhadrapada during the Gogaji fair.
This fair takes its name from Rani Sati, the first of the series of thirteen Satis of the Jalan family, who immolated herself on Magh Krishna Navami day.
This is a cultural pageant, coinciding with Liberation Day and Independence Day.
An important Lepcha festival to mark the celebration of Tendong Hill. According to legend, the hill rose like a horn during a flood and saved many people. The ceremonies of the festival are held at Mount Tendong.
This festival worships Khangchendzonga for its unifying powers. This festival also marks the signing of the treaty of blood brotherhood between the local tribes Lepchas and Bhutias.
The Korzok Gustor (Tsomoriri Lake) is an ancient Buddhist festival. Held in the Korzok Monastery and known for its Black Hat Dance, a masked Dance performed to ward off evil forces from nature.
This is a pilgrimage, which starts from Lakshminarayan Temple in Chamba and ends at the Manimahesh Lake in Bundhil valley.
This fair is a celebration of ethnic Gujarat’s folk-dance, music, costumes and the arts, centered around young tribal men and women seeking marriage partners.
This festival is celebrated in the honor of snakes.
A large number of Lord Ganesha idols are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes, sometimes even up to twenty feet, and are installed within homes and communities. Community gatherings are organized around the idol and everyone celebrates with a sense of devotion to Lord Ganesha and there is a festive community spirit. At the end of the 5th, 7th or 10th day of the festival, the idols are decorated in a ceremonious procession filled with dance, color, lights and music and these idols are taken to the nearest beach, riverfront or lake and immersed.
The festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It is the state festival of Kerala.
This celebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster.
Kailash Fair is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Shiva in the form of a stone lingam.
This festival in Madurai is celebrated to mark the coronation of Lord Sundareswarar, the titular deity of the city. During the festival, the people of Madurai perform a play, which is popularly called 'Lila'.
The oldest river boat fiesta in Kerala, the south western State of India, this festival is held during Onam.
These races are held for the rolling Chief Minister's trophy.
This fair is held to pay tribute to the great soul of the Bab Sodal.
The celebration of this feast is an annual festival which lasts for 9 days and draws more than a million and a half pilgrims.
Celebrated in honor of the goddess by the same name who is a representation of the goddess Parvati.
This festival celebrates the monsoon with music, walks, food and design.
The main aim of this festival is to revitalize and bestow the spectacle of Ladakh's deep-rooted culture, traditions and heritage for the world to admire and enjoy.
The Bandra Fair is estimated to be around 300 years old. The fair started when a statue of Mother Mary was found floating in the Arabian Sea between 1700 and 1760, which, according to legend, a Koli fisherman had dreamt about a few years earlier.
The weapons from the martial race that produced two great Indian soldiers- Cariyappa and Thimmaiah - is worshipped.
The main attractions of Pune Festival are local language plays, local dance recitals, a painting competition and art Exhibition. There are also feature shows that attract locals in large numbers. Pune Festival is an excellent reason for guests from other metros and mini-metros to travel and experience the cultural side of Pune.
This festival offers a kaleidoscopic view of Odisha's cultural heritage and modern lifestyle.
The boat race commemorates the legend associated with the installation of the idol at the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Haripad.
People mainly worship snake embodiment of Guga in this fair.
The Goddess Durga is worshipped over 9 nights. In Gujarat it is celebrated with music and dance (garbas and dandiya raas) which much fervor and color.
From day 6 onwards Durga Puja is celebrated with grand fanfare in West Bengal, Odisha and many other places all over India that have a huge Bengali population.
Bathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, arranged with seasonal flowers, in seven concentric layers, of potter’s clay like a cone.
The annual festival at Tirumala Lord Venkateswara Temple is celebrated for nine days in the months of September and October.
This is a dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Ram, ending in ten-day battle between Lord Ram and Ravan, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayana.
This festival is held for a period of 13 days. During the Kalahasti Temple Festival, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara.
To commemorate the anniversary of Hazrat Sulthan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed Badhusha nayagam whose grave is in Ervadi.
This is a music festival that includes concerts and events all held around the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort. Traditionally this is held during Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year.
A 16 day festival where Hindus celebrate their ancestors.
This is the feast of the sacrifice, where people pray and also sacrifice an animal in memory of Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his own son.
This national holiday in India celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday.
This day commemorates the anniversary of the death of the Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, (founder of the Chishtiya Sufi order in India). It is held over six days and features night-long dhikr/zikr qawwali singing.
In the Bharatpur region, Dussehra is celebrated in the form of the Jaswant mela, which can be visited by those who don't have an aversion for crowds.
This festival is held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. Other attractions of the festival include horse riding and horse polo. Various other competitions are also held during the festival as well.
This festival celebrates the 'miraculous' favor granted by the Menino Jesus which resides within the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Colva.
Meaning "procession of the florists" is an annual celebration by the flowers sellers of Delhi. It is a three-day festival.
The birth anniversary of King Raja Raja Chola is celebrated as 'Sadhaya Vizha' at Tanjore Brahadeeswarar Temple every year during his birth star Sadayam which falls in the Tamil month of Iyppasi (October).
This dance festival is held for ten days every year in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Shrine of St. Theresa of Avila on the Kozhikode- Kannur Road is one of the oldest shrines in India and probably the oldest in Malabar. Large numbers of devotees will flow into the region during the main feast days.
This festival is held to bring to light the cuisine and culture of the Rayalseema region of the state.
Tea lovers from all over the world converge upon this famous hill station of South India.
This annual festival is held for three days and is celebrated with great enthusiasm
This fair is quite popular among the locals. The highlight of the festival comprise folk dances, music performances and fireworks.
This 3-day Marathi food festival (generally organized on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) includes thumka of Lavani by famous Lavani dancers. Thousands of people visit Jatra and taste the typical Marathi cuisine. The festival is very popular among the locals. The highlight of the festival is Lavani performances by famous Lavani dancers on all the three evenings.
This is the prominent festival of Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil. The elders of the family bless the young with Tika and Gratuities.
This is a 3 day music, arts and dance festival that is designed to be a celebration of the arts.
This film festival in India has both local and international feature productions.
This large dance and music festival is held in the town of Rajgir in Bihar, also famous for its Buddhist pagodas and proximity to the ancient university of Nalanda.
This is the largest festival in India celebrating the victory of good over evil.
This festival is celebrated at midnight on Diwali and is one of the largest celebrations in Kolkata.
This Sikh festival celebrates the release of the sixth guru from prison and is associated with freedom and liberation.
This is the annual five-day camel and livestock fair, held in the town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the world's largest camel fairs, and apart from buying and selling of livestock it has become an important tourist attraction. Highlights of Pushkar Fair include competitions such as the "matka phod", "longest moustache", and "bridal competition" that are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists.
This Sikh festival celebrates Guru Nanak's birthday.
Sacred dances such as the mask dance or Cham Dance are performed as a part of this ritual. Another special feature is the trade fair held at the base of the monastery, where villagers from all over Ladakh assemble to barter and trade items and socialize.
This festival is celebrated to promote Varanasi as the cultural capital of India and the Ganges as India’s lifeline. Ganga has always been an integral part of India and is considered as a thing of reverence by the Hindus.
An annual one-day festival celebrated by Hindu women where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands.
This marks the end of the four-month period of Chaturmas, when god Vishnu is believed to sleep. The end of Chaturmas, when marriages are prohibited, signifies the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.
Thousands of pilgrims, kalpwasis and devotees of Lord Rama have arrived in the city perform the Chaudah Kosi Parikrama of the city. The 45km long parikrama route encircles the twin townships of Ayodhya and Faizabad.
Celebrated annually as a large open fair near the Barabati Fort area, children float toy boats made of colored paper, dried banana tree barks, and cork in the Mahanadi, ponds and water tanks to commemorate the voyage of their ancestors to Indonesia.
A three day long, winter festival, organized by the Delhi Tourism.
The Ayilyam of Thulam had no speciality or importance. It was a regular custom for the Maharaja of Travancore to visit this temple on Ayilyam day in Kanni. On one occasion, the Maharaja could not reach the temple as usual and had to postpone the visit to the Ayilyam day in Thulam. The royal palace met all the expenses for the celebrations of that Ayilyam. Several landed properties were given away to the temple free of land tax in order to make the festival more attractive, as an expression of repentance. Thus the Ayilyam of Thulam came to secure a royal splendor and official glamour without difficulty. The Ayilyam days of Kanni and Kumbham are still celebrated with befitting grandeur.
Jhiri Mela is organized within the month of October-November to commemorate the martyrdom of Jitu Baba at Jhiri Village which is 14 kms from Jammu.
This is a livestock fair in which the locals and tribals from surrounding towns and villages participate. The camels and horses are decorated by their owners. The farmers bring in huge quantity of sugarcane, which are also sold along with various other local handicrafts items. The Kartikeya Temple opens for a week during this fair.
This festival celebrates the day that Lord Krishna defeated Indra.
Muharram is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by many with fasting and meditation.
This festival celebrates the beginning of Autumn with song, dance and food. It also has a focus on conserving the environment.
The largest trading event in the north Himalayas attracting traders from Kashmir, Ladakh, Yarkand, and the rest of India.
Held in honour of Goddess Renuka, this religious fair also includes music, street markets, exhibitions, dance performances and many other activities. According to an ancient ritual, people exchange their turbans, caps and even share water with each other to spread the message of brotherhood.
The festival of Chethiyagiri Vihara is celebrated on the last Sunday of November (this year on 15 December 2013 due to election in state on 25th November). The relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallena, Gautam Buddha's two early disciples, are displayed as a part of the rituals of the festival. These relics are brought out during the festival and the pilgrims from all over the country come to see the relics and pay their homage.
This festival is held in memory of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidas and his fabulous work in the field of poetry.
This is a cultural extravaganza which is been celebrated since the times of the Vijayanagar reign. The festival is celebrated with full of joy and happiness and the entire ambiance is lively and colorful. There is some doubt over whether this festival continues to be held in November, or if it is now only held in January.
This festival includes some of the greatest names in Indian music.
This folk music festival is held on the dunes of Jaisalmer.
Combining a huge cattle fair with a pilgrimage to the town’s holy lake, this festival is quite a spectacle as buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are traded, and pilgrims bathe and float clay lanterns in the lake.
A traditional harvest festival widely known for the variety of dances and folk songs which are performed on the day of the festival.
The largest animal fair held in Gujarat, which involves wholesome trading of camels, donkeys and other animals. Held on the grounds of Sangam Tirtha, it is considered very auspicious and important by many communities.
The Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya (the sun) for sustaining life on earth and to request certain wishes be granted.
The gods are believed to descend on earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day. The festival is also observed as Tripura Purnima Snan held on Full Moon day of Kartik month of the Hindu Calendar.
The largest animal fair in Asia is held in Bihar, which involves trading of every types of animals including elephants. It is held at the confluence of River Ganges and River Gandak which starts on Full Moon day of Kartik month of the Hindu Calendar and officially continues for 15 days but stretches to a month. It's great occassion to see a lot many elephants at one place in Haathi Bazaar (Elephant Market).
The Shamlaji mela is famous for the bath in the Nagdhara kund and the traditions that are centuries.
A major occasion for fasting by men.
This is the annual Chariot festival of Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple at Kalpathi.
This fair includes a huge cattle fair where livestock such as cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are purchased from various parts of the country and brought here for re-sale.
This fair is held at the confluence ofthe rivers Kali and Gori, which is a meeting place of three different cultures - the Shauka, the Nepali and the Kumaoni.
As per the belief of the people, taking a bath in Kapal Mochan sarovars washes away sins which are even as grave as ‘Braham Hatya’.
A Nepalese festival, which is celebrated during the month of November. During this festival, sisters offers gifts and special meals to their brothers.
This festival symbolizes the descent of Buddha from the heaven of the thirty-three gods after visiting his mother. It is believed that after attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha through spiritual powers, came to know about the whereabouts of his mother and at the age of forty-one ascended to the heavens along with thousands of his followers.
The fair starts with animal sacrifices and then the whole village gathers on a hilltop and looks for the 'Ladra' flower. People serve rice wine and food on a mound of bricks and it is later also served to the poor.
This festival includes cultural performances, dance, music and a beautiful ceremony where everyone dresses in brightly colored costumes and women light diyas and float them in the river.
This 2 day festival is held at the Chemrey Monastery about 45 kilometres from Leh.
A great event for food connoisseurs, from Thandai to Kesaria doodh, Kabab parathas and other mouth watering non-veg exotic dishes are served here. The Mahotsava offers mouth-watering delicacies at affordable prices.
This event is held in honor of the great classical musician Tansen.
A huge fire lamp is lit up on the hill, visible for several kilometers around the hill.
An annual groundnut fair held in Bangalore.
This festival is celebrated with the intention of promoting tourism and the heritage of this region.
This Rajasthan fair is held to promote the arts and crafts of Rajasthan.
Although the origins of this ancient fair are religious, and of immense significance in the Hindu religious calendar, the fair is also of great commercial importance and is renowned as the 2nd largest animal fair in the country (Sonepur in Bihar being the largest).
This fair is held in the honour of Shri Veerabhadra.
This fair is regarded as a very sacred event for the local people of Kollegal. Mahadeshwara Mela is basically celebrated by the people in honor of Lord Mahadeshwara.
During these festive celebrations cattles are washed and worshipped. Other attractions of this fair are the bullfights that are organized.
This is one of the most popular cattle fairs in the state of Jharkand.
A three day event that is a comprehensive feast of music, dance, drama, boating and canoeing. It is organized by the state government of Madhya Pradesh and is celebrated on the banks of the holy river Narmada.
Spanning some six weeks, thousands of large and small kutcheris (Carnatic music concerts) are performed by highly competent musicians. The traditional role of the Music Season is to allow aficionados of Carnatic music to appreciate performances by renowned artists, and to allow promising young artists to display their talent and skill. Audiences and artists come from across India and from the international Indian diaspora to be part of the event.
A festival of dance and music held in the splendid surroundings of this world-heritage listed cave temple.
Takes place in the first week of December in Kohima district, at the Kisama heritage village, situated about ten kilometres from Kohima town. All the tribes of the North East congregate to celebrate their traditions. It has become quite popular and attracts crowds. You will need to book accommodation at least six months beforehand if you wish to attend.
A dance festival held every year in December with the backdrop of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha in India. The exquisite 'Salamander' or the 'dancing hall' of this shrine is an architectural wonder. Every inch of its walls have been covered with fine artistic designs of the ancient times. Musicians playing drums, cymbals and other musical instruments adorn the sculptures in Odissi dance poses. Many celebrated dancers come from all over the country perform at this venue. Since 1989, this festival has been organized in the state jointly by Odisha Tourism and Odissi Research Centre to promote the diverse Indian dance heritage as well as the popularity of the Konark Temple and Odisha as a tourist destination.
This festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Offers non-stop music, party and fun on the sandy beaches of Goa
Tribal sports, folk songs and dances including songs by bauls, the itinerant singers, are a part of the fair and festivities. Some sort of "bhanga mela" or broken fair, continue until the end of December.
Guru Gobind Singh attained martyrdom on 26 December 1705 at a very young age. This is known as Saka Sirhind. Every year on 26 December, Shaheedi Jor Mela is organised at Fatehgarh Sahib, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice at the place of his martyrdom.
This festival is held for three days in the second weekend of December and draws thousands of tourists from across the country and other parts of the world.
This Theyyam festival held at Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy is a grand affair showcasing an array of theyyams, where the colorful ritual dance of Kerala is recognized as one of the oldest folk art forms of India.
Carnival of Cochin is held in Fort Cochin between the 25th and 31st December. Many competitions are held during the festival such as the beach bike race, sea swimming, beach football and beach volleyball.
The first Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan was organized in 1875. Since then, it continues to be one of the most widely visited concerts in India. This three-day concert attracts audience as well as artists from all over the country. Both vocalists as well as the instrumentalists perform during the Sammelan.
Rash Yatra Festival is celebrated In North Bengal in the memory of Lord Krishna and Radha and the days that he spent in Vrindavan. The Rajbari or the palace of Cooch Behar is decked out during the Rash Yatra Festival.
Bishnupur festival celebrates the tribal culture of the Bishnupur area. Music and vocal performances are held from Bishnupur Gharana and are generally the highlight of the festival.
The Pinjore Garden is lit up and forms the backdrop for this festival. Pinjore Gardens are one of the oldest Mughal gardens and a popular tourist spot. There are number of cultural programmes held during the festival. Visitors to the festivals can also enjoy local cuisine.
Kurukshetra was visited by divine personalities like Lord Krishna, Gautama Buddha and some eminent Sikh Gurus and therefore it is an important pilgrimage stopover. Pilgrims from all over gather here. A normal ritual observed is to take a bath in holy water of the sacred tanks - Sannihit Sarovar and Brahma Sarovar.
This dance is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, usually around December. This dance is performed symbolizing the destruction of the evil forces.
Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year. Celebrating a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by Chaam dancing's at the monasteries at Palace, Phodong and Rumtek.
Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held on an open-air stage near some of the famous sculptures of this town. This is a spectacular dance festival in a beautiful surrounding that brings everlasting joy to onlookers. Renowned artists perform classical dance forms such as Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi.
This festival is a cultural extravaganza organized at different locations within Kutch in Gujarat. The fair is like a mirror to the traditional art forms and culture of the region. This annually organized festival offers an opportunity for visitors to attend and experience folk dances, camel safaris and even musical evenings. Guests also have an opportunity to visit the bird sanctuaries in the region, watch artisans at work, shop for handicrafts and visit different monuments and places of interest.
A five-day festival on Indian classical dance forms to commemorate the birth anniversary of Kalakshetra founder Rukmini Devi.
This is the birthday of the tenth Guru of the Sikh community.
NOTE: The information in this post was obtained from referring to the Illustrated Guide to India by Reader's Digest, Wikipedia, IMers and the Net.
Festivals in JANUARY
The Statesman Vintage and Classic Car RallyHeld in Kolkata, West Bengal
Started in 1968 as The Statesman Vintage Car Rally it was later modified as The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally. Today, the entry of vintage cars & bikes is restricted to those manufactured prior to 1940. The Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally is not just a rally but a festival complete with fancy dress period costume, cultural program and food.
Ganga Sagar Festival (15th January 2017)
Celebrated in Sagar Island, West Bengal
About 200,000 to 300,000 pilgrims visit Sagar Island. Gangasagar pilgrimage and fair is the second largest congregation of mankind after the holy Kumbha Mela.
Dover Lane Music Festival (22nd to 25th January)
Held in Kolkata, West BengalThe Dover Lane Music Conference has been engaged in the promotion and propagation of Indian classical music since 1952. The annual program of classical music draws a music-loving crowd of more than 4,000 a night.
Tribal Mela
Held in Bhubaneshwar, OdishaThis Tribal exhibition and festival is organized every year in the Adivasi exhibition grounds, situated in the heart of the capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar. This is considered to be the oldest and most colourful festival of the tribal people, where all the 62 tribes including 13 PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups), come to the exhibition ground to spread their ethnic mosaic.
Modhera Dance Festival
Celebrated in Modhera, Gujarat
An annual festival of Indian classical dances is held at the site of the Sun Temple during the third week of January every year, after the festival of Uttarayan. Modhera provides an impressive backdrop for this spiritual festival.
Jatra
Celebrated in Quepem, Goa
Jatra is the feast of the God in Goa, to whom this temple is dedicated. Jatra in Goa is best celebrated at the Shantadurga Temple at Fatropa in Quepem.
Pongal
Celebrated in Tamil Nadu – the Tamil New Year
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in South India at the end of the harvest season. It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Tamils in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Sri Lanka. It is spread over 4 days.
Lohri (January 13th)
Celebrated in Punjab, North India
Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January, a day before Makar Sankranti. Friends and relatives get together on the day of Lohri and enjoy some special cuisine.
Makar Sankranti (January 14th)
Celebrated in Jaipur, Chilika Lake, Gujarat & all over India,
Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasions for Hindus, and is celebrated in almost all parts of India in a myriad of cultural forms, with great devotion, fervour, and gaiety. It is a harvest festival. Makar Sankranti is perhaps the only Indian festival where the date always falls on the same day every year, January 14th. There are however some exceptions, when the festival is celebrated on January 13th or January 15th. Makar Sankranti is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in India.
Republic Day (January 26th)
Celebrated all over India
The main ceremony is held at Rajpath, New Delhi where the flag hoisting is done by the President of India followed by the Republic Day Parade.
Beating Retreat (January 29th)
Held in Delhi
This ceremony symbolises the retreat after a day on the battlefield, and marks the official end of the Indian Republic Day celebrations. It is held every year on January 29 in the evening. The bands of the three wings of the military, the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force perform at Raisina Hill and Vijay Chowk - flanked by the north and south block towards the end of Rajpath.
Jaipur Literature Festival
Held in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Asia's biggest literary festival, the Diggi Palace Hotel serves as the main venue of this literary festival. Festivities are usually held in the Hall of Audience and in the gardens of the Diggi Palace in the city centre. Jaipur Literature Festival celebrates excellence in Rajasthani, Indian and International writing.
Camel Festival
Held in Bikaner, Rajasthan
Every January, the small village of Ladera in Bikaner, becomes the venue of the two-day and night Bikaner Camel Festival. Camels fascinate tourists with their movement, charm and grace. People from all over the world come to India to attend the festival, where camel owners flock to show-off their camels. This festival is when the ships of the desert are seen at their best.
Feast of Three Kings
Celebrated in Reis Magos, Goa
Every year thousands of devotees congregate at the stone chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Reis to offer prayers of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception - a lighthouse of faith and courage to its people. High mass is offered on the day of Epiphany and it is a time for rejoicing and partying.
Flower Show
Held in Lalbagh, Bangalore, Karnataka
Paryaya
Celebrated in Udipi, Karnataka
Paryaya is a system in which the eight pontiffs of Udupi undertake the responsibility of worshipping Lord Krishna and manage the temple by turn, for a fixed period of time. The Swamiji who is in charge of the worship and other rituals is known as the Paryay Swamiji. His Mutt is then known as the Paryaya Mutt. The duration of the tenure is known as the paryaya period. The ceremony of handing over the charge of Sri Krishna Mutt to the new Swamiji is known as the Paryaya Festival.
Pattadakal Dance Festival
Held in Pattadakal, Karnataka
The Pattadakal Dance Festival is held every year to celebrate the temples of Pattadakal. It is organised by the Government of Karnataka. The 'Nrithyotsava' draws many famous dancers and is accompanied by a craft mela.
Bijapur Music Festival
Held in Bijapur, Karnataka
All sorts of top class music are displayed here. The fair is organized by Shri Siddheshwar temple during Makar Sankranti. The Shri Shiddeshwar Temple is situated at the heart of the city and is a holy place for Hindus, but is also a beautiful place to visit, for tourists. This fair is well known for its cattle market, which is organized outside the city limits. Farmers from neighboring villages and even some parts of Maharastra come to trade in cattle. During this period there is also a fireworks display.
Barddhaman Festival
Celebrated in Barddhaman, West Bengal
Kenduli Mela
Held in Shantiniketan, West Bengal
The Kenduli Mela in Birbhum is well known for the gathering of the Bauls, a group of mystic minstrels. They are the bearers of a unique musical tradition, who are identified by their saffron attire and distinctive musical instrument, the Ektara. They have the proud distinction of being included in the list of “Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.
Sadhu Convention
Held in the Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves, Odisha
Sazo
Celebrated in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
On this day people take their bath in the natural springs, and a few even go to Satluj river for bathing if they happen to live nearby. Poltus, rice, pulses, vegetables, meat, halva, chilta and pug are the principal dishes prepared on this occasion. In the morning the family god is worshiped with food (except meat). The hearth is also worshiped and near noon the deity is brought out and worshiped with wine and halwa. A fold dance is held. Thereafter the deity is believed to have gone to Kinner Kailash.
Winter Carnival
Held in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Among the other attractions of the Winter Carnival in Manali, is a variety of winter sports that draw a good number of enthusiasts from all over India. Contests like "Winter Queen" and "Mr. Manali" are also attractions of the festival.
Thyagaraja Music Festival
Held in Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil NaduTyagaraja Aradhana is an annual Carnatic music festival held in January and February. Many exponents of Carnatic music come to perform and are watched by thousands of ardent fans of Indian classical music. It is associated with the world famous singer and saint Tyagaraja. Along with the Chembai Sangeetholsavam in Guruvayur, Kerala, this ‘aradhana’ is one of the two most important ones in South India.
Chariot Festival
Celebrated in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
The annual temple chariot festival, called Rathothsavam where the processional deity, Utsavar is taken around the temple in the temple car. Chitra Poornima is a festival based on the mythological incident of Gaj-graha (elephant crocodile). The elephant suffered in the jaws of crocodile and was rescued by god. Vasanthothsavam is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June), which according to inscriptions has been celebrated from 1444 AD.
Drama Festival
Held in Kottayam, Kerala
Makaravilaku
Celebrated in Sabarimalai, Kerala
Falls when a celestial light is seen on the horizon. Its sighting is considered auspicious.
International Kite Festival
Held in GujaratThis festival is celebrated across Gujarat, the main centres of activity being Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat.
Kite Flying Festival (January 14th)
Held in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The kites-with-lights flown add to the fanfare of the festival. If you like kite flying, this is the festival for you.
Epiphany (January 6th)
Celebrated in Thrissur, Irinjalakkuda, Palai, Kerala
The local name for the festival is Pindi Perunnal.
Banganga Festival
Celebrated in Mumbai, MaharashtraBanganga festival is one of the popular festivals in Mumbai (organised since 1992). The festival takes place annually in the month of January and lasts for two days. The festival celebrates the medium of music and rhythm and pays tribute to the heritage of Mumbai.
Brahmaputra Darshan Festival
Celebrated all over Arunachal Pradesh
This festival begins with the worship of the river followed by a variety of cultural events - traditional dance, music and sports. These include food festivals, local handicrafts, herbal medicines, a boat race and river rafting as well.
Torgya Festival
Celebrated in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
This is a three-day festival signifying the destruction of evil spirits and harmful forces.
International Yoga Festival
Held in Puducherry, Puducherry
The festival is unique as it brings to the fore discussions, an exchange of ideas, demonstration of techniques and yoga aficionados and practitioners from all over the globe. Classical Indian dance performances are scheduled in the evening, to grace the occasion.
Dehing Patkai Festival (January 16th - 18th)
Celebrated in Dehing, Assam
An annual festival held at Lekhapani in Tinsukia district of Assam. The festival is named after the majestic Patkai range and the mischievous Dehing River. The festival is organized by the Government of Assam - providing the tourists with boundless chances of fun and feast.
Brahmaputra Beach Festival
Held in Guwahati, Assam
This is a scintillating open-air festival held in Guwahati on the ravine beaches of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
Netaji Mela
Celebrated in Karimganj, Andhra Pradesh
Netaji Mela is celebrated in Karimganj Andhra Pradesh as the birth Anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Over the years Netaji Mela has turned into a cultural fare.
Dhanu Yatra (January 7th - 17th)
Celebrated in Balagarh, Uttar Pradesh
The festival starts at 6 am on January 7th and ends at 11.55 pm on January 17. Dhanu Yatra commemorates the visit of Lord Krishna to Mathura. Dhanu Yatra also commemorates the victory of Lord Sri Krishna over his uncle Kansa.
Adoor Gajamela
Celebrated in Pathanamthitta, Kerala
This is an annual ten-day celebration of Parthasarathy temple Adoor in Pathanamthitta district. The festival is famous for its elephant pageant.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
Celebrated in Alappuzha, KeralaIt is the oldest and most popular vallam kali of the installation of the deity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple.
Kerala Village Fair
Held in Kovalam & Ernakulum, Kerala
Traditional thatched houses are decorated during this ten-day long festival and are the venue for folk dances, music and festivities. A typical Kerala village -'gramam' is recreated replete with the traditional nalukettu houses, 'chayakkada' local teashops etc. This fair recreates the bygone era of Kerala.
Kundam Festival
Celebrated in Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu
Organized every year at Bannari Amman temple, near Sathyamangalam in Tamil Nadu this Kundam Festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni.
Jali Kattu (January 16th)
Celebrated in Tiruchirapalli & Alanganallur, Tamil NaduOn the second day of Pongal i.e. on Mattu Pongal day, Jalli Kattu or a bullfight takes place in villages. It is a traditional, spine-chilling fight. Alanganallur near Madurai & Tiruchirapalli are famous for this sport.
Purnagiri Fair
Celebrated in Purnagiri, Uttarakhand
Many people throng to the temple at Purnagiri, which is situated on the top of a mountain on the right bank of the river Kali near Tanakpur (District Champawat). The temple is crowded during the Navaratris of Paush and Chaitra. Every year a fair is held on Vishuwat Sankranti and this attracts a large number of pilgrims.
Kolhaiya Mela
Held in Chatra, Jharkand
This is one of the more popular cattle fairs in the state of Jharkand.
Garden Tourism Festival
Held in New Delhi
The Garden Tourism Festival features some of the most exotic varieties of flowers including roses, dahlias, potted plants, bonsai, home plants etc. Other attractions include painting competitions for children and a number of cultural shows. It is also an event where those interested in gardening meet and share ideas.
Jorethang Mela
Celebrated in Jorethang, Sikkim
This festival is celebrated to welcome the spring season after the harsh winter days.
Mukatsar Maghi Festival
Celebrated in Punjab
Mukatsar fair is one of the largest Sikh fairs held in Punjab. The fair is held in the middle of January i.e. on the Makar Sankranti day (Jan 14). The fair is organized in the Muktsar district of Punjab to pay tribute to Guru Gobind Singh and his followers.
Khogal Festival
Celebrated in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
To celebrate Khogal in Himachal Pradesh village people, essentially the male members of the family, unite for an exotic local drink, 'Chakti'. The process of visiting house after house continues until midnight. At midnight the drummers sit on the rooftop of a house and play drums and flutes. The sound of the drums and flutes mark the beginning of the Khogal celebrations.
Pune International Film Festival
Held in Pune, MaharashtraThis film festival celebrates both Indian and international filmmakers.
Kumbhalgarh Classical Dance Festival
Held in Kumbhalgarh near Udaipur, RajasthanThis festival celebrates folk art and traditions in a beautiful setting.
Visakha Utsav
Celebrated in Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra PradeshThis festival celebrates the culture of Vizag with cultural programs, art exhibitions and of course, food.
Mumbai International Film Festival
Held in Mumbai, MaharashtraThis film festival in India focuses on short films and documentaries.
Festivals in JANUARY / FEBRUARY
Island Tourism Festival
Celebrated in Port Blair, Andaman IslandsThis is 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 an additional attraction.
Saraswati Puja
By aaroshNagaur Cattle Fair
Celebrated in Nagaur, RajasthanThousands of animals are gathered at this cattle fair for trading. Traders come to buy and sell cows, bullocks (the Nagauri breed is renowned) and camels. Various games are organized during this four day festival such as tug-of-war, camel races, cockfights etc. providing entertainment to the tourists and visitors.
Banashankari Temple Festival
Celebrated in Badami, KarnatakaThe rathotsava or car festival is a major attraction of the fair.
Japan Habba
Celebrated in Bangalore, KarnatakaThis is a cultural exchange program between Indians and Japanese. Started as an annual event in 2005, it aims at showcasing Japanese culture to all students of Japanese language,and those interested in Japan and its culture under one platform. It is celebrated in Bangalore during spring (January-February) of every year.
Numaish
Celebrated in Hyderabad, Andhra PradeshNumaish Masnuaat-e-Mulki or Numaish is also known as an annual consumer exhibition held in Hyderabad.
Kolkata Book Fair
Celebrated in Kolkata, West BengalThis is one of the largest Book fairs held all in the world.
Desert Festival
Celebrated in Jaisalmer, RajasthanA wonderful opportunity to experience the sandstone city of Jaisalmer and surroundings at their magical best.
Tilwara Cattle Festival
Celebrated in Barmer, RajasthanThis festival lasts for a fortnight where highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only form Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. People of all castes and creeds participate freely in this fair.
Vagad Festival
Celebrated in Dungarpur, RajasthanThe Vagad Festival is a beautiful amalgamation of folk music and local amusement like archery competitions.
Monlam Chenmo Prayers
Celebrated in Bodh Gaya, BiharMagha Saptami
Celebrated in Konark, OdishaThis is a day especially set aside for the worship of the Sun God at Konark. Although the temple is now a ruin, today thousands of pilgrims flock to Konark every year on the Magha Sukla Saptami, the day of Spring Festivals, to celebrate the new birth of the Sun God.
Urs of Qalandar Shah
Celebrated in Panipat, HaryanaDargah beckons pilgrims from far and wide with Urs Mubarak celebrated joyously with Sufi abandon every year on the Saint's death anniversary. The WAKF Board makes the arrangements for this festival. The Dargah has a 'langar' on this day every year and also each Thursday. People of all religious denominations converge to pay obeisance to the Saint.
Thaipoosam
Celebrated in Coimbatore / Palani / Murugan Temples, Tamil NaduAt Palani Periyanayaki temple, which is a famous temple, dedicated to Muruga, Thaipoosam is celebrated as a ten-day festival.
Theppam Festival
Celebrated in Madurai, Tamil NaduThe Theppam Festival or Madurai Float Festival is a spectacular scene to behold. The deities are taken in golden palanquins, escorted by elaborately decorated elephants and horses, along with musicians and devotees who sing songs all the way from the main temple to the lake at the break of dawn.
Bullock Race
Celebrated in Chettinad, Tamil NaduThis is an annual bullock cart race.
Parab Adivasi Mela
Celebrated in Koraput, OdishaOrganised every year to showcase the life of adivasis (tribals).
Spitok Gustor Zanskar
Celebrated near Leh, Jammu & KashmirAn annual two-day festival at the Spituk Monastery in Ladakh. A characteristic of this Spituk Gustor is the mask dance carried out by the priests.
Milad-un-Nabi
Celebrated by the Islamic community across IndiaThis festival celebrates the birthday of Mohammad or the Prophet.
Festivals In FEBRUARY
Delhi Horse Show
Celebrated in Delhi, Delhi NCRIndia’s largest Equestrian Event, ‘The Anand Delhi Horse Show’ is the country’s premier equestrian event and forms the backbone of the equestrian tradition in India.
Vasantahabba
Celebrated in Bangalore, KarnatakaVasantahabba is India’s Woodstock. It's all about peace, love and music, and just for one night, all is well with the world.
Elephanta Festival
Celebrated on Elephanta Island, Mumbai, MaharashtraThe main highlights of this Mumbai festival are the illuminated Shiva-idol in the main cave of the island. Folk dances by the local fisher folk and ethnic local cuisine are also a highlight.
Kala Ghoda Festival
Celebrated in Mumbai, MaharashtraThe Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual celebration of dance, music and craft. The festival has been held since 1999 in the month of February at Kala Ghoda, South Mumbai. Kala Ghoda is an area between Flora Fountain and Colaba that has been made famous for the arts by the Jehangir Art Gallery and Rhythm House (Music Store).
Rose Festival
Celebrated in Chandigarh, ChandigarhThe largest rose show in the country is held at the famous Rose Garden at Chandigarh.
International Yoga Week
Celebrated in Rishikesh, UttarakhandDuring this one week Festival, you will have the opportunity to participate in over 70 hours of Yoga classes from world-class Yoga teachers practicing multiple styles of Yoga including Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Kriya Yoga.
Taj Mahotsava
Celebrated in Agra, Uttar PradeshA ten-day event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a cultural festival starting on 18th February. Arts, crafts and culture are on display here alongside performances in Folk music, shayari (poetry) and classical dances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival.
Jhansi Festival
Celebrated in Jhansi, Uttar PradeshA showcase for the cultural and literary heritage of the region.
Maner Urs
Celebrated in Maner, BiharGoa Carnival
Celebrated in Panaji, GoaThis Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of color, song and music. The Goa Carnival is an integral part of the Portuguese heritage of the state. The carnival epitomizes the fun-loving culture which is the characteristic of Goa.
Surajkund Crafts Mela (February 1st - 15th)
Celebrated in Surajkund, HaryanaSurajkund Mela features handloom and handicrafts and promotes traditional Indian Handicrafts ever since its inception in 1981. Surjakund fair has grown in stature every year and is a platform for Indian artists and craftsmen to display their skilled crafts and artwork.
Sufi Sutra (February 1st - 3rd)
Celebrated in Kolkata, West BengalA three day festival of Sufi and traditional music.
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara
Celebrated in Warangal, Andhra PradeshA famous tribal festival celebrated in the Medaram Village in Warangal.
Baneshwar Festival
Celebrated in Dungarpur, RajasthanThis is a religious festival for the Bhil community of tribals from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who join to offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple of Baneshwar Mahadev remains open from 5.00 am to 11.00 pm during the fair. The other attractions of the fair include folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatics.
Urs of Shah Abdullah
Celebrated in Ponda, GoaThe anniversary of the death of saint Urs of Shah Abdullah.
Chariot Festival
Celebrated in Hampi, KarnatakaNumaish
Celebrated in Aligarh, Uttar PradeshBhopal Mahotsav
Celebrated in Bhopal, Madhya PradeshThis festival is celebrated at Gohar Mahal. Highlights of Bhopal Mahotsav are the food festival, crafts mela and cultural performances by tribal artists.
Basant
Celebrated in Patiala, PunjabReh Festival
Celebrated in Roing, Arunachal PradeshThis six day event is meant for the appeasement of the deities who control the peace and prosperity of the locals.
The Mother's Birth Anniversay (February 21st)
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryThe Mother’s Birth Anniversary on 21st February is where devotees queue at Sri Aurobindo Ashram early in the morning, to visit the Mother’s room and pay their homage to the Mother.
Elephant Festival (February 11th - 17th)
Celebrated in Kaziranga, AssamThis is an assembly which is aimed at increasing eco-tourism amongst human beings. The main objective of the Kaziranga Elephant Festival is to find a solution to resolve the increasing man-elephant conflict.
Joranda Mela (February 28th)
Celebrated in Dhenkanal, OdishaJoranda Mela is a festival of the people belonging to the Alekh/Mahima Dharma religion. It is a three day fair, in which the Mahima sanyasis gather to worship Mahima Gosain's Samadhi Pitha. People who congregate here for the fair are taught how to achieve nirvana (salvation).
Chinakkathoor Pooram
Celebrated in Palakkad, KeralaThis festival is associated with the Chinakkathoor temple in Palakkad.
Parippally Gajamela
Celebrated in Kollam, KeralaThis is the grand elephant pageant which is held as part of the annual festival of Kodimoottil Sree Bhagavathi Temple, Parippalli.
Pariyanampetta Pooram
Celebrated in Palakkad, KeralaA seven-day annual festival held at Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy temple situated at Kattukulam in Palakkad.
Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam (February 23rd - 26th)
Celebrated in Kasaragod , KeralaThis annual ten-day Theyyam festival held at Kuttikkol, Thampuratty Theyyam is a grand affair showcasing an array of theyyams, where the colorful ritual dance of Kerala is recognized as one of the oldest folk art forms of India.
Roshni Fair (February 14th - 16th)
Celebrated in Ludhiana, PunjabRoshni Fair (Fair of the Lights) is held in Jagravan, a town in the Ludhiana district of Punjab, from 14th to 16th day of Phagun month (February-March). It is held in the honor of a Muslim Pir (saint), Abdul Kader Jalani and people from all religions can participate in the fair. Circus, magic shows and swings are attractions of the fair.
Khatu Shyam Ji
Celebrated in Sikar, RajasthanKhatu Shyamji Temple is an important pilgrimage site in Rajasthan. Shyam is another name for ‘Krishna’. All year-round hoards of devotee stream in, but their numbers almost double during this fair. It is one of the most prominent festivals in Rajasthan.
Ramdeora Fair
Celebrated in Pokaran, RajasthanRamdeora Fair is held at Ramdeora (a few kilometers from Pokhran) and is attended by a large number of tourists from different parts of India. The fair pays homage to Baba Ramdeo.
Magh Mela
Celebrated in Allahabad, Uttar PradeshThis is a religious event held at Sangam, the holy confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the Saraswati. Every twelfth year, the Magh Mela is converted into the Kumbha Mela, when millions of pilgrims congregate to celebrate this remarkable event. The entire state of Uttar Pradesh is full with tourists during this time.
Kunda Mela
Celebrated in Pratappur, JharkandTo go with the cattle trade, food stuff and handicrafts are also sold by local sellers and there are programmes and other festivities as well.
Festival Of Gardens
Celebrated in Chandigarh, ChandigarhThe biggest rose show in the country, also known as 'Rose Festival' is celebrated in the last week of February. Zakir Rose garden, the venue of the Rose festival, displays huge varieties of roses. The festival includes flower shows, performances of music and dance; both classical and folk, exhibitions by local artists, photographers and craftsman.
Guru Daknar Chaan
Celebrated in Gangtok, SikkimReligious masked dances are performed on this occasion, welcoming the New Year as per Tibetian Calendar. This is held in monasteries of Rumtek, Pemayangtse and Phodong.
Sangat Music Festival
Celebrated in Mumbai, MaharashtraThe Sangat Music festival, organized at the Tata Theatre in Mumbai in the month of December, provides an opportunity to Indian musical diaspora to showcase their talent. Festival features performances by non-resident Indian instrumentalists and vocalists. The festival provides an opportunity to interact with the renowned musicians.
Kila Raipur Sports Festival
Held in Kila Raipur near Ludhiana, PunjabKnown as the Rural Olympics, this sports event includes cart races and rope pulling. There are many animals involved in the sports including bullocks, dogs and camels.
Shekhawati Festival
Held in Shekhawati, RajasthanThis is a cultural festival that showcases the skill of the local craftspeople and artists of the region.
Festivals in FEBRUARY / MARCH
Basant Panchami (February 1st 2017)
Celebrated North IndiaConsidered the first day of Spring.
Shivratri (February 25th 2017)
Celebrated Mandi, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh and all over IndiaDedicated to Lord Shiva.
Delhi Drupad Samaroh
Celebrated in Delhi, Delhi NCRFour Square White Water Rafting Challenge
Celebrated in Rishikesh, UttarakhandA week long event in Rishikesh.
Dance Festival
Celebrated in Khajuraho, Madhya PradeshThis cultural festival highlights the richness of the various Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak, Bharathanatyam, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and modern Indian dance, with performances from some of the best performers in the field.
Losar
Celebrated Bomdila, Tawang, and all over India regions where there are significant Buddhist populations.Jambeshwar Festival
Celebrated in Bikaner, RajasthanThis festival commemorates the memory of Jambeswarji, the founder of the Bishnoi sect.
Falgun Suth
Celebrated in Palitana, GujaratBhavnath Fair
Celebrated in Junagadh, GujaratA five-day festival of Bhavnath is held at foothills of Mount Girnar in Junagadh at a temple called "Vastrapata Kshetra" during the Mahashivratri celebrations. Thousands of pilgrims from all over India converge here. Prior to the start of the Mahapuja, a huge procession led by “Naga Bavas” (ascetics with no clothes on) seated on decorated elephants and holding flags is held. Bhavai, folk songs and folk dances attract large audiences during the event.
Ramalinga Temple Chariot Festival
Celebrated in Aihole, KarnatakaMasimagam
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryThis is an important day for Tamils. Idols of gods and goddess that are worshipped in Temples are carried in a procession to the sea shore. Pujas and rituals are held here and thousands of people gather to witness the auspicious event.
Dance Festival
Celebrated in Chidambaram, Tamil NaduThis is a dance festival at the Nataraja temple at Chidambaram. It is a homage paid by all the dancers to the cosmic dancer, Lord Nataraja. It is celebrated near the thousand-pillared hall of the temple where 108 dancing poses of Lord Siva are depicted. Dancers all over India come to pay tribute by performing dances like Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi and Kathak.
Pemyangste Festival
Celebrated in Pelling, SikkimDuring these two days religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from all over Sikkim to watch them.
Bumchu Festival
Celebrated in Tashiding, SikkimDuring this festival, the lamas of the monastery open the pot containing the Holy water to forecast weather conditions and natural calamities in the next year. A part of the holy water is also distributed amongst the gathering of devotees.
Yaosang
Celebrated in Imphal, ManipurEvery locality in urban and suburban Imphal has sporting competitions throughout the length of the Yaosang festival.
Stok Monastic Festival
Celebrated in Stok, Jammu & KashmirA ritual dance-mask festival that is held annually.
Annual Matho Festival
Celebrated in Matho, Jammu & KashmirValiya Nercha
Celebrated in Malappuram, KeralaThis is a week long festival, celebrated at the Kondotty Mosque, situated at Kondotty in the district of Malappuram.
Purmandal Mela
Celebrated in Purmandal, Jammu & KashmirTo commemorate the tying of bonds by Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, winter garments, fashion accessories and gents’ costumes are on display and sale here at this mela.
Festivals In MARCH
Elephant Festival
Celebrated in Jaipur, RajasthanThis festival is held the day before Holi.
Holi (March 13, 2017)
Celebrated all over India (except a few pockets of South India) Celebration in Mathura / Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh is the most famous.This is the popular Festival of Colors where people throw colored powder at each other.
Lathmaar Holi
Celebrated in Mathura (Barsana), Uttar PradeshLathmaar and Laddu maar holi in Braj area are famous which are celebrations which must be attended. Kamalkalra has informed here the way to calculate the dates to know when these festivals are celebrated. He says that Laddu Maar Holi is on 8th day of bright half of Lunar just before Holi. It is around 8 days before Holi date. As per calculation, in 2017 Holi is on 13th March so Laddu-Maar is on 14th March. Lath-Maar Holi will be celebrated at Barsana on the next day of Laddu-Maar. i.e. on 15th March 2017. Lath-Maar at Nand Gaon (a village approximately 6-7 km from Barsana) will be celebrated on the next day of Lath-Maar at Barsana (on 16th March 2014). Kamalkalra says "Each temple in Vrindavan celebrates Holi at different days so you can enjoy the Holi in other festivals or visit other places in India as per your wish."
Jamshed e Navroz
Celebrated all over IndiaThis is Parsi New Year.
Shigmo
Celebrated all over GoaShigmo is a festival of the masses and commemorates the end of winter and the beginning of the lovely spring season. There are a number of cultural and entertainment programs that keep the crowd totally mesmerized. The fifth day is the big day called ‘Rang Panchami’ where people greet each other with the traditional ‘gulal’ or the red colour. A post harvest festival, Shigmo receives participation from all sectors of the society irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
Hoysala Mahotsava
Celebrated in Belur, Halebid, KarnatakaThis is a celebration of Indian culture and heritage. The splendid Hoysala temples with their sculptural extravaganza makes for the perfect venue for this cultural feast. Performing artists from classical streams from across India also participate in this one-day event.
Ugadi
Celebrated as Telugu New Year, all over Andhra PradeshThe festoons of mangoe(torana) are tied to the doors and houses are decorated with fresh flowers. There is a special 'Chutney' called Ugadi pachadi that is made during the Ugadi festival which is kept in an earthen pot before the idol of the house. After puja is performed everyone takes the share of the chutney, and then feast together.
Yaaosan
Celebrated in Manipur, ManipurDhrupad Mela
Celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar PradeshHeld annually in praise of Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music to have survived in its original form, this melodious festival of Varanasi is well attended and very popular with aficionados of Indian traditional music.
Thar Desert Festival
Celebrated in Barmer, RajasthanThis Desert Festival started as a way to enhance the tourism potential of this lovely town.
Urs
Celebrated in Gulbarga, KarnatakaPatliputra Mahostav
Celebrated in Patna, BiharThe Pataliputra festival is a 6-day festival held in the month of March in Patna, Bihar. It is a 6-day festival and a multi lingual drama and folk dance festival as well as a competition. Traditional Indian plays based on Indian mythology are performed regularly along with dances, song recitals and many more cultural events. There are various parades and sports activities held alongside music and dancing, thus bringing together the entire region.
Founder's Day
Celebrated in Jamshedpur, JharkandAn occasion to recall the entrepreneurial spirit practiced by Tata group founder Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata.
Panchkosi Yatra
Celebrated in Maheshwar, Madhya PradeshRath ka Yatra
Celebrated in Vrindavan, Uttar PradeshThese ten day long celebrations are marked by the pulling of the rath (the chariot car) by devotees from the temple to the adjoining gardens.
Teppakulam Float Festival
Celebrated in Trichy, Tamil NaduArattupuzha Pooram
Celebrated in Thrissur, KeralaThis festival is the oldest and most extravagant of all the poorams celebrated in Kerala. The festival is celebrated at the famous Arattupuzha temple in Thrissur district of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Uthralikavu Pooram
Celebrated in Thrissur, KeralaThis annual festival is held at the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple.
Chettikulangara Bharani
Celebrated in Alappuzha , KeralaThis annual festival is held at the Chettikulangara temple at Mavelikkara in Alappuzha.
Brij Fair
Celebrated in Bharatpur, RajasthanLord Krishna is worshipped during this festival and Bharatpur becomes alive during this time.
Kailadevi Fair
Celebrated in Karauli, RajasthanDuring this festival local dance and folk song performances happen. Art and handicrafts can also be purchased during the fair.
The Jahan-e-Khusrau
Celebrated in Delhi, Delhi NCR
Jahan-e-Khusrau, directed and designed by Muzaffar Ali, an annual festival, was created to bring together artists from all over the country to share a platform. The festival gets its name from the Sufi poet Hazrat Amir Khusrau.
Khecheopalri Festival
Celebrated in Khecheopalri, SikkimDuring this festival, big prayers and worships are organized in the Khecheopalri Monastery at Khecheopalri Village in order to save the people of the village from avert diseases and natural calamities.
Stok Guru Tse Cue
Celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu & KashmirThe festival comprises “masked dances” by the priests of Spituk monastery in Ladakh.
Matho Nagrang
Celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu & KashmirCelebrated after one week of "Stok Guru Tsechu" on the 15th day of the 1st Tibetan month Monastery - the only Saskyapa monastic establishment in Ladakh. During this festival, the two oracles of the monastery make a public appearance in their full spiritual form.
Konkan Turtle Festival
Celebrated in Velas, MaharashtraThis festival is focused on conservation of the Olive Ridley Turtles. Thousands of newly hatched turtles are released into the ocean as part of this festival.
Kavant Fair
Celebrated in Kavant, GujaratThis festival brings together the Rathva community to celebrate the harvest. It begins three days after the festival of Holi.
Festivals In MARCH / APRIL
Shankarlal Sangeet Sammelan
Celebrated in Delhi, Delhi NCRThis is a prestigious music festival held every year in New Delhi. It is one of the first classical vocal and instrumental music events to be organized in independent India.
Hola Mohalla
Celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, PunjabThe tenth Sikh Guru - Guru Govind Singh who had tried to gather Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles after Holi, started the festival and it is now an annual feature held at Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab. The festival also marks the New Year as per lunar Nanakshahi calendar of Sikhs.
Sarhool
Celebrated in Jharkand, JharkandThis festival is full of pomp and show, where most of the Jharkhand tribal people meet with extreme joy to share happiness in various dance forms.
Jatra
Celebrated in Jharkand, JharkandGangaur
Celebrated in Rajasthan, RajasthanGangaur is colourful and the one of the most important festivals for the people of Rajastha. It is observed throughout the state with great fervor and devotion by women who worship Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva during March - April. It is the celebration of spring, harvest and marital fidelity. Gana is a synonym for Lord Shiva and Gaur, which stands for Gauri or Parvati, who symbolizes Saubhagya (marital bliss). The unmarried women worship her to be blessed with a good husband, while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of their husbands and a happy married life.
Good Friday
Celebrated all over India.This Christian festival celebrates the day Christ was crucified.
Easter
Celebrated all over India.This Christian festival celebrates the resurrection of Christ.
Gudi Padwa
Celebrated all over Maharashtra.This day is also the first day of Chaitra Navratri and Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, is also done on this day.
Jagannathji Fair
Celebrated in Alwar, RajasthanMahakali Festival
Celebrated in Champaner, GujaratThis festival is held in honor of the great goddess Mahakali.
Vairamundi Festival
Celebrated in Mysore / Melkote, KarnatakaMore than one lakh (one hundred throusand) devotees congregate here for the festival. Melkote is also famous for its handlooms.
Panguni Uthiram Festival
Celebrated in Kanchipuram, Tamil NaduThis is the Jayanti (Day of Incarnation) of Lord Ayyappan. It is also an important festival day for Lord Subramanya (Muruga), as it is on this day that Sri Deivanai married Lord Subramanya. On this day Goddess Mahalakshmi incarnated on earth from the ocean of milk (after the ocean was churned by the Gods and the demons) and hence it is celebrated as Mahalakshmi Jayanti. On this day Goddess Parvati, in the form of Gowri, married Lord Siva in Kanchipuram and hence this day is also celebrated as the Gowri Kalyanam day.
Ashokashtami
Celebrated in Bhubaneshwar, OdishaThousands of devotees pulled the Rukuna Rath of lord Lingaraj from the Lingaraj Temple to Mausima Temple. The Mangal arati begins early in the morning followed by Sahana Mela and Mahasnana later in the day.
Chandanakuda
Celebrated in Trivandrum, KeralaBeema palli is a shrine dedicated to the hallowed memory of Beema Beevi, a pious and devoted Muslim lady gifted with divine powers.
Bharani Festival
Celebrated in Kodungallur, KeralaTraditionally, this temple (especially during the Bharani festival) has been associated with animal sacrifices. The blood of the sacrificed animal is used to spilled over two stones in the prakaram (closed precincts of the temple), but these customs have been abolished in the 20th century. William Logan, a social historian of Kerala, noted in 1887 that Kodungallur Bharani could have been the most important celebration in Kerala (with the exception of Onam, the national festival of Kerala).
Ojiyale Festival
Celebrated in the Tirap District, Arunachal PradeshThis festival is celebrated right after the sowing of millet when famers pray to Animist deities, Rang and Baurang, to protect their crop against the ravages of nature and to gift them a good harvest. The tribe’s chief, called Wangham or Wansa, and the main priest lead all the rituals and prayer during Ojiyale.
Summer Festival
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryThe department of Art & Culture and Government of Puducherry organizes Indian Classical music and dances in various places in Puducherry.
Chaitraul Festival
Celebrated in Sirmaur, Himachal PradeshChaitraul is a well-known festival of pictures in the Sirmour area in Himachal Pradesh. Food is distributed to the poor people. Houses are painted and decorated with figures of male animals and crops on this day. On this day the family deities are taken to the fields and offerings are made to the deity there.
Festivals in APRIL
Ramnavmi
Celebrated all over IndiaA Hindu festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama who is the 7th incarnation of the Lord Vishnu.
Chaitra Praba
Celebrated in Baripada, all over OdishaThis festival is for the bona fide fishermen community of Odisha who are popularly known as "Keuta" ('Kaivarta').
Mewar Festival
Celebrated in Udaipur, RajasthanCelebrated to welcome the spring season.
All Saints Procession
Celebrated in Velha, GoaEvery year thousands of people flock from different parts of Goa and the world to the village of Goa-Velha to take part in the ‘world famous penitential procession of Saints’. The procession is lead by the ‘Tau’ and the crossed arms symbol of the Franciscan order is followed by other images. The procession ends with the ‘Veil of Veronica’ that is carried by the priest in his hands and covered by a canopy and guarded by the confraria members.
Chitrai
Celebrated in Madurai and all over Tamil NaduThis festival re-enacts the wedding of Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi (Lord Vishnu's sister).
Vishu
Celebrated all over KeralaThis is Malayali New Year.
Aoeling Monyu Festival
Celebrated in Mon, NagalandThis celebrates the arrival of spring.
Baishaki (April 13th)
Celebrated Punjab, Haryana and North IndiaThis Harvest festival is where the farmers harvest the rabi crops and offer gratitude to the gods for bountiful harvest and pray for the same next year as well.
Poila Baisakh (April 14th)
Celebrated all over West BengalThis is Bengali New Year.
Bihu (April 14th)
Celebrated all over AssamThis is Assamese New Year.
Feast of Our Lady of Miracles
Celebrated in Mapusa, GoaThis Goan festival reflects the existing respect amongst the varied faiths, which are prevalent in this small state in India.
Karaga
Celebrated in Bangalore, KarnatakaOne of the oldest community festivals in the city, kicks off from the Dharmarayaswamy temple in Thigalarapet towards midnight.
Sui
Celebrated in Chamba, Himachal PradeshIn memory of princess Sui, who is known to have sacrificed her life for the cause of her people, the people of Chamba.
Chaitra Purnima
Celebrated in Kanyakumari, Tamil NaduSanken Festival
Celebrated in the Lohit District, Arunachal PradeshThis is an occasion to bathe the images of Lord Buddha ceremoniously.
Choekhor
Celebrated by the Monpa Tribe (Tawang), Arunachal PradeshThis festival is organized in the villages by the entire village community with the aim of offering supernatural protection to the crops sown, for good harvest and to drive away evil spirits.
Chandan Yatra
Celebrated in Puri, OdishaThis is the longest festival observed at Jagannath temple. Chandan Yatra meaning Sandalwood Voyage in Sanskrit, which continues for 42 days and is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana
Attuvela Mahotsavam
Celebrated in Kottayam, KeralaThis annual water carnival is held at the Elankavu Bhagavathy Temple, Vadayar in Kottayam.
Jageshwar Fair
Celebrated in Jageshwar, UttarakhandThis is a single fair for a cluster of almost two hundered temples.
Thal Fair
Celebrated in Thal, UttarakhandThis festival attracts a large number of Shaukas. However with the closure of the Indo - Tibet trade this fair has lost its former importance.
Sankat Mochan Music Festival
Celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar PradeshSankat Mochan Music Festival is celebrated at Sankat Mochan Temple in Varanasi. It celebrates the birth of Hanuman. On the occasion of Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh, classical music performances are held by the Indian Maestros.
Mahu Nag Fair
Celebrated in Mandi, Himachal PradeshPeople visiting the Mahu Nag Fair also visit nearby temples in the area.
Food & Craft Mela
Celebrated in Mansar, Jammu & KashmirStretching for three days in April, Mansar Food and Craft Mela is celebrated at the Mansar Lake, 60 kms from Jammu.
Festivals in APRIL / MAY
Mahavira Jayanti
Celebrated Gujarat, Rajasthan and all over IndiaThis festival celebrates Bhagwan Mahavir's birthday, the founder of Jainism.
Weiking Dance
Celebrated in Shillong, MeghalayaThis is a thanksgiving dance.
Lai Haraoba
Celebrated in Imphal, Moirang, AssamAssociated with Meiteis, this is celebrated to please traditional deities.
Thrissur Pooram
Celebrated in Thrissur, KeralaA two century old temple festival of spectacular processions of caparisoned elephants and enthralling percussion performances.
Nageshwara Temple Festival
Celebrated in Kumbakonam, Tamil NaduDeccan Festival
Celebrated in Hyderabad, Andhra PradeshThis Hyderabad Festival highlights the Deccan region's culture, arts, crafts and their famous cuisines.
Pyditthallamma Utsavam
Celebrated in Vijayanagram, Andhra PradeshThis festival provides secular entertainment in the form of shops, rides and cultural events, and it also has religious religious, as its history suggests.
International Paragliding Festival
Celebrated in Vagamon, KeralaThis festival in Kerala made an entrance in the year 2006 and attracts pilots from different parts of the world.
Festivals In MAY
Himachal Hang Gliding Rally
Celebrated in Kangra, Himachal PradeshThis is an international contest conducted every May at Billing.
Buddha Jayanti
Celebrated in Bodh Gaya, BiharThis celebrates the birthday of Lord Buddha in the place where he attained Enlightment.
International Flower Festival
Celebrated in Gangtok, SikkimThe festival is dominated by exotic Rhododendrons ranging from the gigantic to 2 inches in length. Whilst the flowers are the highlight, the show remains incomplete without displays of stunning varieties of bamboo.
Saga Dawa
Celebrated in Gangtok, SikkimThis is a threefold festival that celebrates the birth, death and nirvana of Lord Buddha and is also considered the holiest day for Mahayana Buddhist. On this day people visit the monastery and light butter lamps with faith and belief.
Sipi Fair
Celebrated in Mashorba (Shimla), Himachal PradeshThis celebration pays respect to God Sip.
Dhungri Mela
Celebrated in Manali, Himachal PradeshThis annnual festival is held at Devi Hadimba temple to celebrate Hadimba's birthday.
Shevaroyan Temple Festival
Celebrated in Yercaud, Tamil NaduThe native tribals come in hundreds to celebrate their annual festival in the premises of this temple.
Summer Festival
Celebrated in Kodaikanal, Tamil NaduThis festival attracts myriads of tourists to take part in sports and adventure activities. In this festival, people can see and take part in various sport programs and cultural activities such as boat race competitions, flowers exhibition, fruit shows and various other shows. Cultural programs are also a part of this summer festival.
Flower Show
Celebrated in Kodaikanal, Tamil NaduGurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib Jor Mela (May 14th)
Celebrated in Fatehgarh Sahib, PunjabThe day when the two innocent sons of Guru Govind Singh were illegitimately taken by Wazir Khan and killed for refusing to embrace Islam.
Chithairai Dance Festival
Celebrated in Chennai and Madurai, Tamil NaduBrahmothsavam or Chitthirai festival is the chief festival celebrated in all temples for 10 days. Every day 'urchavar' or the processional deity is carried in procession on different chariots. The Meenakshi Temple at Madurai and the Kapaleeswarar temple, Chennai, are renowned for this festival.
Festivals in MAY / JUNE
Summer Theatre Festival
Celebrated in Delhi, Delhi NCRSummer Festival
Celebrated in Shimla, Himachal PradeshThis famous festival is a riot of colors and festivity and is celebrated on a grand scale. The Summer Festival in Shimla is a beautiful amalgamation of various talented people of India who make it an event that is remembered for a long time to come.
Brahmotsava
Celebrated in Kanchipuram, Tamil NaduThis festival is celebrated for a period of 14 days.
Villianur Temple Car Festival
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryA 15 metre high, beautifully decorated temple chariot is taken out in a procession during this car festival, which is then pulled by thousands of devotees.
Summer Festival
Celebrated in Yercaud, Tamil NaduA yearly festivity celebrating the powers of Lord Servaroyan.
Ooty Flower Show
Held in Ooty, Tamil NaduA festival held at the Botanical Gardens in the Queen of the Hills to celebrate the beautiful flora and build awareness of horticulture in the region.
Mt Abu Summer Festival
Held in Mt Abu, RajasthanHeld on Budh Poornima each year this festival includes a ceremonial procession, a skater's show and even a tug of war competition.
Festivals in JUNE
Hemis Festival
Celebrated in Hemis, Jammu & KashmirThis is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) venerated as the Dance Performance at Hemis Monastery which is representative of the reincarnation of Buddha.
Mrigasira
Celebrated in Hyderabad, Andhra PradeshThis includes the swallowing of small live freshwater fish called maral which is believed to bring great relief to asthma patients.
Sindhu Darshan (June 23-26th 2016)
Celebrated in Leh, Jammu & KashmirThe main reason behind the celebration of Sindhu Darshan Festival is to endorse the Indus River (Sindhu River) as an icon of the communal harmony and unity of India. The festival is also a symbolic salutation to the courageous soldiers of the country, who endanger their life to save ours.
Summer Festival
Celebrated in Mount Abu, RajasthanThe festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of this hill station, who welcome tourists from the depth of their hearts.
Ambubachi
Celebrated in Guwahati, AssamAs per mythology, Ambubachi is when the presiding deity Goddess Kamakhya is believed to have her menstrual period over these three days.
Summer Festival
Celebrated in Dharamshala / Dalhousie, Himachal PradeshA variety of programmes and a splendid setting make Summer Festival a memorable event.
Guru Rimpoche's Trungkar Tshechu
Celebrated in Gangtok, SikkimThis festival is celebrated in homage to Guru Rimpoche. Guru Rimpoche established Buddhism in Sikkim and introduced a form of Tantric Buddhism to the Himalayas after vanquishing ‘demons’ obstructing the growth of Buddhism in Tibet. The day commemorates his victory over these demons.
Yuru Kabgyat
Celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu & KashmirA two-day festival held at Lamayuru, 127 kms from Leh. Buddhists from all over the country come for this festival. A key feature of this festival are the Mask dances.
Chettinad Food Festival
Celebrated in Chettinad, Tamil NaduFamous for the use of a variety of spices, Chettinad dishes are hot and pungent and mainly Non-vegetarian. Chettinad cuisine is a diverse range of cuisine from the rest of Tamil Nadu and neighboring Kerala. The meal consists of fish, prawn, lobster, crab, chicken and lamb. Chettinad dishes are eaten with rice and rice based accompaniments such as Dosais, Appams, Idiyappams, Adais and Idlis.
Festivals In JUNE / JULY
Ratha Yatra (July 6th 2016)
Celebrated in Puri, OdishaThree richly decorated chariots, resembling temple structures called Badadanda, are pulled through the streets of Puri. This commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra to their aunt's temple, the Gundicha Temple which is situated at a distance of 2 km from their temple.
Pola
Celebrated all over MaharashtraThis is a bull worshipping festival celebrated by farmers mainly in the Indian state of Maharashtra, particularly in the Vidarbha region.
Rath Yatra
Celebrated in Ranchi, JharkandRath Yatra similar to that celebrated in Puri, attracts thousands of tribal and non tribal devotees not only from Ranchi but also from neighbouring villages and towns, and is celebrated with much pomp and vigor.
Ramalinga
Celebrated in Rameshwaram, Tamil NaduAnnual Temple Festival
Celebrated in Tirunelveli, Tamil NaduFestivals In JULY
International Mango Festival
Celebrated in Delhi, Delhi NCRThis is a brilliant opportunity to taste the eleven hundred varieties of mangoes for free and relish the everlasting delicious experience.
Harela Mela (July 16th - 21st)
Celebrated in Uttarakhand, UttarakhandA festival to mark the advent of the rainy season.
Van Mahotsav
Celebrated all over IndiaThis is an annual tree planting festival in India.
Urs
Celebrated in Nizamuddin Complex, Delhi NCRHaryali Teej
Celebrated in Vrindavan, Uttar PradeshA festival for the rainy season when the Idol of Lord Bankey Bihari together with Gopis are placed on a special swing of gold and silver.
Bastille Day (July 14th)
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryThis French festival in India commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place in Paris on 14 July 1789.
Shachukul Gustor
Celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu & KashmirShachukul monastery is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The Shachukul Gustor is centered around this monastery. The festival is marked by dance performances that depict the victory of good over evil.
Phyang Tsedup
Celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu & KashmirDuring the festival men throng to the Monastery dressed in colorful costumes wearing a smile on their faces. Dance drama forms the core ceremony of the Phyang Tsedup festival, as well as the worship of the Thankha of Jigten Gombo. The Buddhist Lamas also dress up in colorful costumes and play the various characters in the dance drama.
Festivals in July / August
Kanwar Mela (July 20-August 18, 2016)
Celebrated in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, Deoghar, JharkhandThousands of devotees from all over North India come to the spiritual city of Haridwar to collect the holy water from Ganga and offer it to Lord Shiva.
Janmashtami (August 25, 2016)
Celebrated all over India but particularly in Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar PradeshThis festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. On the occasion of Janmashtami, a large number of pilgrims from all over the country come to visit this Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura. Mathura and Vrindavan are in festive moods during Janmashtami.
Minjar
Celebrated in Chamba, Himachal PradeshThis festival marks the triumph of the Raja of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta (now called as Kangra), in 935 AD and also celebrates the paddy and maize crops grown at this time of the year.
Teej
Celebrated in Rajasthan, RajasthanWomen undertake 24 hour nirjala fasting (without water or fruit) for the wellness of their spouse and their married life whilst the unmarried women pray to find a nice husband.
Adi Perukku
Celebrated all over Tamil NaduThis is essentially a thanksgiving to monsoon which fills the rivers – the lifeline of farmers.
Bastar Dussehra (July 28th - October 11th 2016)
Celebrated in Bastar, ChhattisgarhA 75 day festival. Bastar Dussehra involves the participation of diverse tribes and castes. The festival includes rituals of extraordinary rigor like a girl swinging on a bed of thorns; a youth (jogi) sitting in vigil and being buried shoulder-deep for nine days.
Ashadhi Bij
Celebrated in Bhuj, GujaratThis is New Year Day for Kutchh and Kutchhis.
Shravan Mela (July 20-August 18, 2016)
Celebrated in Deoghar, JharkandThe main ritual during this mela is the pilgrimage undertaken by scores of Lord Shiva devotees from Sultanganj to Baba Baidyanath temple.
Karsha Monastery Festival
Celebrated in Zanskar, Jammu & KashmirDrukpa Tsheshi
Celebrated in Gangtok, SikkimThis festival is observed by Buddhists to mark the event when Buddha first turned the Wheel of Dharma (his first sermon to five disciples at Sarnath). This festival celebrates Buddha's first preaching of the four Noble Truths to his first five disciples in a deer park at Sarnath.
Pori Festival
Celebrated in the Lahaul Valley, Himachal PradeshLocals worship Lord Trilokinath during this festival. The statue of the Lord is bathed in milk and yogurt. Devotees gather at the temple in the morning and go around the temple beating drums, blowing conch shells and bugles. A huge procession is then carried out on a horseback.
Ramadan
Observed by Islamic communities across IndiaThis is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar where a month of fasting is observed. It is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam.
Eid-Al-Fitr
Celebrated by Islamic communities across India. Some good places to celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr include Delhi, Hyderabad and Lucknow.This festival celebrates the breaking of the fast of Ramadan. People pray, give gifts and feast on delicacies.
Guru Poornima
Celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists across India.This festival is a spiritual day that celebrates the wise saint Vyasa and is considered by farmers to be the beginning of the monsoon season. It is also the day that Buddhists celebrate celebrate when Buddha have his first sermon at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh.
Festivals in AUGUST
Raksha Bandhan (August 18th 2016)
Celebrated all over IndiaThe bond of protection or Rakhi is a Hindu festival primarily observed in India, Mauritius and Nepal, which celebrates the relationship between brothers, cousins and sisters.
Bangalore Flower Show
Celebrated in Bangalore, KarnatakaThis flower show showcases several varieties of potted plants and cut flowers, but the main attraction are the flora replicas, Ikebana, Jannur, Indian Floral Art, Bonsai, Thai Art, and vegetable carvings.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August 13, 2016)
Celebrated in Alappuzha, KeralaOn the day of this fiercely fought boat race, the tranquil lake front is transformed into a sea of humanity with an estimated two lakh (two hundred thousand) people, including tourists from abroad, who come to watch it.
Narali Poornima (August 18th, 2016)
Celebrated all over MaharashtraCelebrated by the fishing community of Maharashtra, this festival marks the end of monsoon and the beginning of fishing season in Maharashtra.
Independence Day (August 15th)
Celebrated all over IndiaFlower Show
Celebrated in Lalbagh, KarnatakaFeast of St. Philomina
Celebrated in Mysore, KarnatakaChariot Festival
Celebrated in Udipi, KarnatakaRasa Festival
Celebrated in Bishnupur, West BengalIn the days of the Mallas all the idols worshipped in Bishnupur temples were exhibited here during the annual Rasa festival.
Enchey Monastery Festival
Celebrated in Gangtok, SikkimUrs at Rauza Sharif
Celebrated in Sirhind, PunjabThis three day annual Rouza Sharif Urs starts at the tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh Ahmad Farooqui in Sirhind, considered one of the holiest places in Islam, second after Makka.
Ladarcha Festival
Celebrated in Spiti, Himachal PradeshExhibits a confluence of culture between traders of Spiti, Ladakh and Kinnaur and the Indian plains.
Jammu Festival
Celebrated in Jammu, Jammu & Kashmiris a cultural show that showcases all the different aspects of Jammu and Kashmir's history and culture.
Golden Chariot Festival
Celebrated in Tuticorin, Tamil NaduBirth Anniversary Of Sri Aurobindo (August 15th)
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryFrench Food Festival
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryFamous chefs, cooks, recipe writers, food experts and even amateurs cook and bring dishes made by them. One can have both non vegetarian and vegetarian dishes here as well.
Ramdeora Fair
Celebrated in Pokaran, RajasthanThis annual Fair is held in memory of Baba Ramdev near the temple of Ramdev Ji, where his Samadhi also exists.
Gogamedi Fair
Celebrated in Goga Veer, RajasthanIn memory of Gogaji (a Chauhan Rajput from Dadrewa Village in Churu District), thousands of devotees gather to pay homage at this memorial annually in the month of Bhadrapada during the Gogaji fair.
Rani Sati Mela
Celebrated in Jhunjhunu , RajasthanThis fair takes its name from Rani Sati, the first of the series of thirteen Satis of the Jalan family, who immolated herself on Magh Krishna Navami day.
Fete De Puducherry (August 15th)
Celebrated in Puducherry, PuducherryThis is a cultural pageant, coinciding with Liberation Day and Independence Day.
Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat
Celebrated in Tendong Hill, SikkimAn important Lepcha festival to mark the celebration of Tendong Hill. According to legend, the hill rose like a horn during a flood and saved many people. The ceremonies of the festival are held at Mount Tendong.
Pang Labhsol
Celebrated all over SikkimThis festival worships Khangchendzonga for its unifying powers. This festival also marks the signing of the treaty of blood brotherhood between the local tribes Lepchas and Bhutias.
Korzok Gustor Festival
Celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu & KashmirThe Korzok Gustor (Tsomoriri Lake) is an ancient Buddhist festival. Held in the Korzok Monastery and known for its Black Hat Dance, a masked Dance performed to ward off evil forces from nature.
Festivals in AUGUST / SEPTEMBER
Manimahesh Yatra
Celebrated in Bharmour, Himachal PradeshThis is a pilgrimage, which starts from Lakshminarayan Temple in Chamba and ends at the Manimahesh Lake in Bundhil valley.
Tarnetar Fair
Celebrated in Tarnetar, GujaratThis fair is a celebration of ethnic Gujarat’s folk-dance, music, costumes and the arts, centered around young tribal men and women seeking marriage partners.
Naga Panchami
Celebrated all over IndiaThis festival is celebrated in the honor of snakes.
Ganesh Chaturthi (September 5, 2016)
Celebrated Maharashtra and all over IndiaA large number of Lord Ganesha idols are made of clay or metal in all possible sizes, sometimes even up to twenty feet, and are installed within homes and communities. Community gatherings are organized around the idol and everyone celebrates with a sense of devotion to Lord Ganesha and there is a festive community spirit. At the end of the 5th, 7th or 10th day of the festival, the idols are decorated in a ceremonious procession filled with dance, color, lights and music and these idols are taken to the nearest beach, riverfront or lake and immersed.
Onam
Celebrated all over KeralaThe festival commemorates the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the legendary Emperor Mahabali. It is the state festival of Kerala.
Khordad Sal
Celebrated all over IndiaThis celebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster.
Kailash Fair
Celebrated in Agra, Uttar PradeshKailash Fair is celebrated to commemorate the appearance of Lord Shiva in the form of a stone lingam.
Avanimoolam
Celebrated in Madurai, Tamil NaduThis festival in Madurai is celebrated to mark the coronation of Lord Sundareswarar, the titular deity of the city. During the festival, the people of Madurai perform a play, which is popularly called 'Lila'.
Onam Boat Regatta
Celebrated in Arunmula, KeralaThe oldest river boat fiesta in Kerala, the south western State of India, this festival is held during Onam.
Kamdasakadavu Boat Races
Celebrated in Thrissur, KeralaThese races are held for the rolling Chief Minister's trophy.
Sodal Mela
Celebrated in Jalandhar, PunjabThis fair is held to pay tribute to the great soul of the Bab Sodal.
Velankanni Festival
Celebrated in Velankanni , Tamil NaduThe celebration of this feast is an annual festival which lasts for 9 days and draws more than a million and a half pilgrims.
Nandadevi Fair
Celebrated all over Uttar PradeshCelebrated in honor of the goddess by the same name who is a representation of the goddess Parvati.
The Monsoon Festival
Held in Delhi, Delhi NCRThis festival celebrates the monsoon with music, walks, food and design.
Festivals in SEPTEMBER
Ladakh Festival (September 1st - 5th)
Celebrated in Leh and Kargil, Jammu & KashmirThe main aim of this festival is to revitalize and bestow the spectacle of Ladakh's deep-rooted culture, traditions and heritage for the world to admire and enjoy.
Feast of St. Xaviers (September 3rd)
Celebrated in Old Goa, GoaBandra Fair
Celebrated in Bandra in Mumbai, MaharashtraThe Bandra Fair is estimated to be around 300 years old. The fair started when a statue of Mother Mary was found floating in the Arabian Sea between 1700 and 1760, which, according to legend, a Koli fisherman had dreamt about a few years earlier.
Keil Poldu
Celebrated in Kodagu, KarnatakaThe weapons from the martial race that produced two great Indian soldiers- Cariyappa and Thimmaiah - is worshipped.
Asar Mahal Urs Festival
Celebrated in Bijapur, KarnatakaShey Stubla (September 1st Week)
Celebrated in Shey, Jammu & KashmirPune Festival
Celebrated in Pune, MaharashtraThe main attractions of Pune Festival are local language plays, local dance recitals, a painting competition and art Exhibition. There are also feature shows that attract locals in large numbers. Pune Festival is an excellent reason for guests from other metros and mini-metros to travel and experience the cultural side of Pune.
Puri Beach Festival
Celebrated in Puri, OdishaThis festival offers a kaleidoscopic view of Odisha's cultural heritage and modern lifestyle.
Payippad Boat Race
Celebrated in Alappuzha, KeralaThe boat race commemorates the legend associated with the installation of the idol at the Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Haripad.
Chappar Mela
Celebrated in Chappar, PunjabPeople mainly worship snake embodiment of Guga in this fair.
Udupi Festival
Celebrated in Udupi, KarnatakaFestivals in SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
Navratri (October 1, 2016 to October 10, 2016)
Celebrated across India but it is the best in Gujarat.The Goddess Durga is worshipped over 9 nights. In Gujarat it is celebrated with music and dance (garbas and dandiya raas) which much fervor and color.
Dusshera (October 11, 2016)
Celebrated in Kullu, Mysore, West Bengal Odisha, Gujarat and all over India.From day 6 onwards Durga Puja is celebrated with grand fanfare in West Bengal, Odisha and many other places all over India that have a huge Bengali population.
Bathukamma
Celebrated in Warangal, Telengana region of Andhra PradeshBathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, arranged with seasonal flowers, in seven concentric layers, of potter’s clay like a cone.
Brahmotsavam
Celebrated in Tirumala, Andhra PradeshThe annual festival at Tirumala Lord Venkateswara Temple is celebrated for nine days in the months of September and October.
Jatar Fair
Celebrated in Patan, GujaratRamlila
Celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar PradeshThis is a dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Ram, ending in ten-day battle between Lord Ram and Ravan, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayana.
Kalahasti Temple Festival
Celebrated in Srikalahasti, Andhra PradeshThis festival is held for a period of 13 days. During the Kalahasti Temple Festival, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kalahasteeswara.
Urs at Erawadi Dargah
Celebrated in Ramnathapuram, Tamil NaduTo commemorate the anniversary of Hazrat Sulthan Syed Ibrahim Shaheed Badhusha nayagam whose grave is in Ervadi.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival
Held in Jodphur, RajasthanThis is a music festival that includes concerts and events all held around the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort. Traditionally this is held during Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year.
Pitru Paksha
Celebrated across India.A 16 day festival where Hindus celebrate their ancestors.
Eid-Al-Adha
Celebrated by Islamic communities across India.This is the feast of the sacrifice, where people pray and also sacrifice an animal in memory of Abraham who was willing to sacrifice his own son.
Festivals in OCTOBER
Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd)
Celebrated in all over IndiaThis national holiday in India celebrates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday.
Urs
Celebrated in Ajmer, RajasthanThis day commemorates the anniversary of the death of the Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti, (founder of the Chishtiya Sufi order in India). It is held over six days and features night-long dhikr/zikr qawwali singing.
Jaswant Mela
Celebrated in Bharatpur, RajasthanIn the Bharatpur region, Dussehra is celebrated in the form of the Jaswant mela, which can be visited by those who don't have an aversion for crowds.
Marwar Festival
Celebrated in Jodhpur, RajasthanThis festival is held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. Other attractions of the festival include horse riding and horse polo. Various other competitions are also held during the festival as well.
Meera Utsav
Celebrated in Chittorgarh, RajasthanFama de Menino Jesus
Celebrated in Colva, GoaThis festival celebrates the 'miraculous' favor granted by the Menino Jesus which resides within the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in Colva.
Haridwar Festival
Celebrated in Haridwar, UttarakhandPhoolwalon ki Sair
Celebrated in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, DelhiMeaning "procession of the florists" is an annual celebration by the flowers sellers of Delhi. It is a three-day festival.
Urs at Akbar's Tomb
Celebrated in Sikandara, Uttar PradeshRajaraja Chola's Birth Anniversary
Celebrated in Thanjavur, Tamil NaduThe birth anniversary of King Raja Raja Chola is celebrated as 'Sadhaya Vizha' at Tanjore Brahadeeswarar Temple every year during his birth star Sadayam which falls in the Tamil month of Iyppasi (October).
Soorya Dance Festival
Celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram, KeralaThis dance festival is held for ten days every year in Thiruvananthapuram.
St. Theresa's Feast
Celebrated in Mahe, PuducherryThe Shrine of St. Theresa of Avila on the Kozhikode- Kannur Road is one of the oldest shrines in India and probably the oldest in Malabar. Large numbers of devotees will flow into the region during the main feast days.
Rayalaseema Food & Dance Festival
Celebrated in Tirupati, Andhra PradeshThis festival is held to bring to light the cuisine and culture of the Rayalseema region of the state.
Tea & Tourism Festival
Celebrated in Ooty, Tamil NaduTea lovers from all over the world converge upon this famous hill station of South India.
Cape Festival
Celebrated in Kanyakumari, Tamil NaduThis annual festival is held for three days and is celebrated with great enthusiasm
Dehati Mela
Celebrated in Kaithal, HaryanaThis fair is quite popular among the locals. The highlight of the festival comprise folk dances, music performances and fireworks.
Jatra
Held in Indore, Madhya PradeshThis 3-day Marathi food festival (generally organized on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) includes thumka of Lavani by famous Lavani dancers. Thousands of people visit Jatra and taste the typical Marathi cuisine. The festival is very popular among the locals. The highlight of the festival is Lavani performances by famous Lavani dancers on all the three evenings.
Dasain
Celebrated all over SikkimThis is the prominent festival of Hindu Nepalese in Sikkim. This festival signifies the victory of good over evil. The elders of the family bless the young with Tika and Gratuities.
GoMAD Festival
Held in Ooty, Tamil NaduThis is a 3 day music, arts and dance festival that is designed to be a celebration of the arts.
Mumbai Film Festival
Held in Mumbai, MaharashtraThis film festival in India has both local and international feature productions.
Rajgir Dance Festival
Celebrated in Rajgir, BiharThis large dance and music festival is held in the town of Rajgir in Bihar, also famous for its Buddhist pagodas and proximity to the ancient university of Nalanda.
Festivals in OCTOBER / NOVEMBER
Diwali (Festival of Light) (October 30, 2017)
Celebrated all over IndiaThis is the largest festival in India celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Kali Puja
Celebrated in Kolkata, West Bengal.This festival is celebrated at midnight on Diwali and is one of the largest celebrations in Kolkata.
Bandi Chhor Divas
Celebrated in Amritsar, PunjabThis Sikh festival celebrates the release of the sixth guru from prison and is associated with freedom and liberation.
Puskhar Fair
Celebrated in Pushkar, RajasthanThis is the annual five-day camel and livestock fair, held in the town of Pushkar in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the world's largest camel fairs, and apart from buying and selling of livestock it has become an important tourist attraction. Highlights of Pushkar Fair include competitions such as the "matka phod", "longest moustache", and "bridal competition" that are the main draws for this fair which attracts thousands of tourists.
Guru Parab (November 14, 2016)
Celebrated Punjab, Haryana, all over IndiaThis Sikh festival celebrates Guru Nanak's birthday.
Thikse Festival
Celebrated in Thikse, Jammu & KashmirSacred dances such as the mask dance or Cham Dance are performed as a part of this ritual. Another special feature is the trade fair held at the base of the monastery, where villagers from all over Ladakh assemble to barter and trade items and socialize.
Ganga Festival
Celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar PradeshThis festival is celebrated to promote Varanasi as the cultural capital of India and the Ganges as India’s lifeline. Ganga has always been an integral part of India and is considered as a thing of reverence by the Hindus.
Karwa Chauth (October 19, 2016)
Celebrated in North IndiaAn annual one-day festival celebrated by Hindu women where married women fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands.
Kartik Mela
Celebrated in Junagadh, GujaratKartik Ekadashi Fair
Celebrated in Pandharpur, MaharashtraThis marks the end of the four-month period of Chaturmas, when god Vishnu is believed to sleep. The end of Chaturmas, when marriages are prohibited, signifies the beginning of the Hindu wedding season.
Kartik Purnima (November 14, 2016)
Celebrated in Ayodhya, Uttar PradeshThousands of pilgrims, kalpwasis and devotees of Lord Rama have arrived in the city perform the Chaudah Kosi Parikrama of the city. The 45km long parikrama route encircles the twin townships of Ayodhya and Faizabad.
Bali Yatra
Celebrated in Cuttack, OdishaCelebrated annually as a large open fair near the Barabati Fort area, children float toy boats made of colored paper, dried banana tree barks, and cork in the Mahanadi, ponds and water tanks to commemorate the voyage of their ancestors to Indonesia.
Qutb Festival
Celebrated in Qutb Complex, Delhi NCRA three day long, winter festival, organized by the Delhi Tourism.
Bodh Festival
Celebrated in Dharamshala, Himachal PradeshMonastery Festival
Celebrated in Tabo, Himachal PradeshThulam
Celebrated in Mannarsala, KeralaThe Ayilyam of Thulam had no speciality or importance. It was a regular custom for the Maharaja of Travancore to visit this temple on Ayilyam day in Kanni. On one occasion, the Maharaja could not reach the temple as usual and had to postpone the visit to the Ayilyam day in Thulam. The royal palace met all the expenses for the celebrations of that Ayilyam. Several landed properties were given away to the temple free of land tax in order to make the festival more attractive, as an expression of repentance. Thus the Ayilyam of Thulam came to secure a royal splendor and official glamour without difficulty. The Ayilyam days of Kanni and Kumbham are still celebrated with befitting grandeur.
Chariot Festival
Celebrated in Palakkad, KeralaJhiri Mela
Celebrated in Near Jammu, Jammu & KashmirJhiri Mela is organized within the month of October-November to commemorate the martyrdom of Jitu Baba at Jhiri Village which is 14 kms from Jammu.
Siddhapur Cattle Fair
Celebrated in Siddhapur, GujaratThis is a livestock fair in which the locals and tribals from surrounding towns and villages participate. The camels and horses are decorated by their owners. The farmers bring in huge quantity of sugarcane, which are also sold along with various other local handicrafts items. The Kartikeya Temple opens for a week during this fair.
Govardhan Puja
Celebrated in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and BiharThis festival celebrates the day that Lord Krishna defeated Indra.
Muharram
Observed by Islamic communities across India.Muharram is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by many with fasting and meditation.
Autumn Festival
Celebrated in Shillong, MeghalayaThis festival celebrates the beginning of Autumn with song, dance and food. It also has a focus on conserving the environment.
Festivals in NOVEMBER
Prithvi International Theatre Festival
Celebrated in Mumbai, MumbaiLavi Fair
Celebrated in Rampur, Himachal PradeshThe largest trading event in the north Himalayas attracting traders from Kashmir, Ladakh, Yarkand, and the rest of India.
Renuka Fair
Celebrated in Nahan, Himachal PradeshHeld in honour of Goddess Renuka, this religious fair also includes music, street markets, exhibitions, dance performances and many other activities. According to an ancient ritual, people exchange their turbans, caps and even share water with each other to spread the message of brotherhood.
Chaityagiri Vihara Festival
Celebrated in Sanchi, 46 kilometers, East of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, IndiaThe festival of Chethiyagiri Vihara is celebrated on the last Sunday of November (this year on 15 December 2013 due to election in state on 25th November). The relics of Sariputta and Mahamogallena, Gautam Buddha's two early disciples, are displayed as a part of the rituals of the festival. These relics are brought out during the festival and the pilgrims from all over the country come to see the relics and pay their homage.
Kalidasa Festival
Celebrated in Nagpur, MaharashtraThis festival is held in memory of the great Sanskrit poet Kalidas and his fabulous work in the field of poetry.
Hampi Festival
Celebrated in Hampi, KarnatakaThis is a cultural extravaganza which is been celebrated since the times of the Vijayanagar reign. The festival is celebrated with full of joy and happiness and the entire ambiance is lively and colorful. There is some doubt over whether this festival continues to be held in November, or if it is now only held in January.
Festival of Andhra Pradesh
Celebrated in Hyderabad, Andhra PradeshThis festival includes some of the greatest names in Indian music.
Ragasthan (November 16th - 18th)
Celebrated in Jaisalmer, RajasthanThis folk music festival is held on the dunes of Jaisalmer.
Kolayat Fair
Celebrated in Bikaner, RajasthanCombining a huge cattle fair with a pilgrimage to the town’s holy lake, this festival is quite a spectacle as buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are traded, and pilgrims bathe and float clay lanterns in the lake.
Huthri
Celebrated in Kodagu, KarnatakaA traditional harvest festival widely known for the variety of dances and folk songs which are performed on the day of the festival.
St. Andrews Day
Celebrated in St. Andrews Kirk, Tamil NaduNishiganda Dance Festival
Celebrated in Trivandrum, KeralaSai Baba Birthday (November 23rd)
Celebrated in Puttaparthi, Andhra PradeshTea Festival
Celebrated in Jorhat, AssamVautha Fair (November 10th)
Celebrated in Vautha, GujaratThe largest animal fair held in Gujarat, which involves wholesome trading of camels, donkeys and other animals. Held on the grounds of Sangam Tirtha, it is considered very auspicious and important by many communities.
Chhat (November 6, 2016)
Celebrated in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and all over India where there is a significant Bihari and UP populationThe Chhath Puja is performed in order to thank Surya (the sun) for sustaining life on earth and to request certain wishes be granted.
Dev Diwali (November 14, 2016)
Celebrated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and all over IndiaThe gods are believed to descend on earth to bathe in the Ganges on this day. The festival is also observed as Tripura Purnima Snan held on Full Moon day of Kartik month of the Hindu Calendar.
Hariharkshetra Mela (Sonepur Cattle Fair)
Held at Sonepur (around 25 kms from Patna), BiharThe largest animal fair in Asia is held in Bihar, which involves trading of every types of animals including elephants. It is held at the confluence of River Ganges and River Gandak which starts on Full Moon day of Kartik month of the Hindu Calendar and officially continues for 15 days but stretches to a month. It's great occassion to see a lot many elephants at one place in Haathi Bazaar (Elephant Market).
Shamlaji Fair (November 6th - 10th)
Celebrated in Shamlaji, GujaratThe Shamlaji mela is famous for the bath in the Nagdhara kund and the traditions that are centuries.
Bada Osha
Celebrated in Cuttack, OdishaA major occasion for fasting by men.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam
Celebrated in Pallakad, KeralaThis is the annual Chariot festival of Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple at Kalpathi.
Chandrabhaga Fair
Celebrated in Jhalawar, RajasthanThis fair includes a huge cattle fair where livestock such as cows, horses, buffaloes, camels and bullocks are purchased from various parts of the country and brought here for re-sale.
Jauljibi Fair
Celebrated in Jauljibi, UttarakhandThis fair is held at the confluence ofthe rivers Kali and Gori, which is a meeting place of three different cultures - the Shauka, the Nepali and the Kumaoni.
Kapalmochan Mela
Celebrated in Bilaspur, HaryanaAs per the belief of the people, taking a bath in Kapal Mochan sarovars washes away sins which are even as grave as ‘Braham Hatya’.
Tihar
Celebrated all over SikkimA Nepalese festival, which is celebrated during the month of November. During this festival, sisters offers gifts and special meals to their brothers.
Lhabab Dhuechen
Celebrated all over SikkimThis festival symbolizes the descent of Buddha from the heaven of the thirty-three gods after visiting his mother. It is believed that after attaining enlightenment, Lord Buddha through spiritual powers, came to know about the whereabouts of his mother and at the age of forty-one ascended to the heavens along with thousands of his followers.
Phulaich Fair
Celebrated in Kinnaur valley, Himachal PradeshThe fair starts with animal sacrifices and then the whole village gathers on a hilltop and looks for the 'Ladra' flower. People serve rice wine and food on a mound of bricks and it is later also served to the poor.
Bundi Utsav
Celebrated in Bundi, RajasthanThis festival includes cultural performances, dance, music and a beautiful ceremony where everyone dresses in brightly colored costumes and women light diyas and float them in the river.
Chemrey Angchok Festival
Celebrated in Ladakh, Jammu & KashmirThis 2 day festival is held at the Chemrey Monastery about 45 kilometres from Leh.
Festivals in NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
International Seafood Festival
Celebrated in Miramar Beach, GoaLucknow Mahostava
Celebrated in Lucknow, Uttar PradeshA great event for food connoisseurs, from Thandai to Kesaria doodh, Kabab parathas and other mouth watering non-veg exotic dishes are served here. The Mahotsava offers mouth-watering delicacies at affordable prices.
Tansen Music Festival
Celebrated in Gwalior, Madhya PradeshThis event is held in honor of the great classical musician Tansen.
Karthigai
Celebrated in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil NaduA huge fire lamp is lit up on the hill, visible for several kilometers around the hill.
International Trade Fair (November 14th - 21st)
Celebrated at Pragati Maidan, Delhi NCRKadalekaye Parishe
Celebrated in Bangalore, KarnatakaAn annual groundnut fair held in Bangalore.
Ulsavam
Celebrated in Kochi, KeralaTeesta Tea & Tourism Festival
Celebrated in Darjeeling, SikkimThis festival is celebrated with the intention of promoting tourism and the heritage of this region.
Shilp Gram Crafts Mela
Celebrated in Udaipur, RajasthanThis Rajasthan fair is held to promote the arts and crafts of Rajasthan.
Bateshwar Fair
Celebrated in Bateshwar, Uttar PradeshAlthough the origins of this ancient fair are religious, and of immense significance in the Hindu religious calendar, the fair is also of great commercial importance and is renowned as the 2nd largest animal fair in the country (Sonepur in Bihar being the largest).
Godachi Fair
Celebrated in Ramdurg, KarnatakaThis fair is held in the honour of Shri Veerabhadra.
Mahadeshwara Mela
Celebrated in Kollegal, KarnatakaThis fair is regarded as a very sacred event for the local people of Kollegal. Mahadeshwara Mela is basically celebrated by the people in honor of Lord Mahadeshwara.
Sohrai Festival
Celebrated all over JharkhandDuring these festive celebrations cattles are washed and worshipped. Other attractions of this fair are the bullfights that are organized.
Kundri Mela
Celebrated in Pratappur, JharkandThis is one of the most popular cattle fairs in the state of Jharkand.
Nimar Utsav
Celebrated in Nimar, Madhya PradeshA three day event that is a comprehensive feast of music, dance, drama, boating and canoeing. It is organized by the state government of Madhya Pradesh and is celebrated on the banks of the holy river Narmada.
Festivals in DECEMBER
Madras Music
Celebrated in Chennai, Tamil NaduSpanning some six weeks, thousands of large and small kutcheris (Carnatic music concerts) are performed by highly competent musicians. The traditional role of the Music Season is to allow aficionados of Carnatic music to appreciate performances by renowned artists, and to allow promising young artists to display their talent and skill. Audiences and artists come from across India and from the international Indian diaspora to be part of the event.
Ellora Festival
Celebrated in Ellora, MaharashtraA festival of dance and music held in the splendid surroundings of this world-heritage listed cave temple.
Hornbill Festival
Celebrated in Kohima, NagalandTakes place in the first week of December in Kohima district, at the Kisama heritage village, situated about ten kilometres from Kohima town. All the tribes of the North East congregate to celebrate their traditions. It has become quite popular and attracts crowds. You will need to book accommodation at least six months beforehand if you wish to attend.
Konark Dance Festival (December 1st - 5th)
Celebrated in Konark, OdishaA dance festival held every year in December with the backdrop of the Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha in India. The exquisite 'Salamander' or the 'dancing hall' of this shrine is an architectural wonder. Every inch of its walls have been covered with fine artistic designs of the ancient times. Musicians playing drums, cymbals and other musical instruments adorn the sculptures in Odissi dance poses. Many celebrated dancers come from all over the country perform at this venue. Since 1989, this festival has been organized in the state jointly by Odisha Tourism and Odissi Research Centre to promote the diverse Indian dance heritage as well as the popularity of the Konark Temple and Odisha as a tourist destination.
Christmas (December 25th)
Celebrated all over IndiaThis festival celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
Sunburn Festival (December 25th - 27th)
Celebrated in GoaOffers non-stop music, party and fun on the sandy beaches of Goa
Feast of Holy Spirit
Celebrated in Panaji, GoaNeeratu Utsavam
Celebrated in Triplicane, Tamil NaduPoush Mela
Celebrated in Shantiniketan, West BengalTribal sports, folk songs and dances including songs by bauls, the itinerant singers, are a part of the fair and festivities. Some sort of "bhanga mela" or broken fair, continue until the end of December.
Enchey Monastery Festival
Celebrated in Gangtok, SikkimAssam Tea Festival
Celebrated in Guwahati, AssamUrs
Celebrated in Nizamuddin Complex, Delhi NCRShaheedi Jor Mela
Celebrated in Sirhind, PunjabGuru Gobind Singh attained martyrdom on 26 December 1705 at a very young age. This is known as Saka Sirhind. Every year on 26 December, Shaheedi Jor Mela is organised at Fatehgarh Sahib, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice at the place of his martyrdom.
Winter Festival
Celebrated in Kodaikanal, Tamil NaduBabayya Fair
Celebrated in Penukonda, Andhra PradeshLumbini Festival (December 9th)
Celebrated in Nagarjunasagara, Andhra PradeshThis festival is held for three days in the second weekend of December and draws thousands of tourists from across the country and other parts of the world.
Perumthitta Kottamkuzhy (December 7th - 16th)
Celebrated in Tharavad , KeralaThis Theyyam festival held at Perumithitta Tharavad Kottamkuzhy is a grand affair showcasing an array of theyyams, where the colorful ritual dance of Kerala is recognized as one of the oldest folk art forms of India.
Cochin Carnival (December 25th - 31st)
Celebrated in Kochi, KeralaCarnival of Cochin is held in Fort Cochin between the 25th and 31st December. Many competitions are held during the festival such as the beach bike race, sea swimming, beach football and beach volleyball.
Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan
Celebrated in Jalandhar, PunjabThe first Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan was organized in 1875. Since then, it continues to be one of the most widely visited concerts in India. This three-day concert attracts audience as well as artists from all over the country. Both vocalists as well as the instrumentalists perform during the Sammelan.
Rash Mela
Celebrated in Cooch Behar, West BengalRash Yatra Festival is celebrated In North Bengal in the memory of Lord Krishna and Radha and the days that he spent in Vrindavan. The Rajbari or the palace of Cooch Behar is decked out during the Rash Yatra Festival.
Bishnupur Festival
Celebrated in Bankura, West BengalBishnupur festival celebrates the tribal culture of the Bishnupur area. Music and vocal performances are held from Bishnupur Gharana and are generally the highlight of the festival.
Pinjore Heritage Festival
Celebrated in Pinjore, ChandigarhThe Pinjore Garden is lit up and forms the backdrop for this festival. Pinjore Gardens are one of the oldest Mughal gardens and a popular tourist spot. There are number of cultural programmes held during the festival. Visitors to the festivals can also enjoy local cuisine.
Geeta Jayanti Samaroh
Celebrated in Kurukshetra, HaryanaKurukshetra was visited by divine personalities like Lord Krishna, Gautama Buddha and some eminent Sikh Gurus and therefore it is an important pilgrimage stopover. Pilgrims from all over gather here. A normal ritual observed is to take a bath in holy water of the sacred tanks - Sannihit Sarovar and Brahma Sarovar.
Kagyed Dance
Celebrated in Gangtok / Darjeeling, Sikkim / West BengalThis dance is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Calendar, usually around December. This dance is performed symbolizing the destruction of the evil forces.
Losoong
Celebrated in Gangtok / Darjeeling, Sikkim / West BengalLosoong marks the end of the harvest season and also the end of the tenth month of the Tibetan Year. Celebrating a good harvest and praying for even better prospects for the next crop, the festival is marked by Chaam dancing's at the monasteries at Palace, Phodong and Rumtek.
Festivals In DECEMBER / JANUARY
Mamallapuram Dance Festival
Celebrated in Mamallapuram, Tamil NaduMamallapuram Dance Festival is held on an open-air stage near some of the famous sculptures of this town. This is a spectacular dance festival in a beautiful surrounding that brings everlasting joy to onlookers. Renowned artists perform classical dance forms such as Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi.
Rann Utsav
Celebrated in the Great Rann of Kutch, GujaratThis festival is a cultural extravaganza organized at different locations within Kutch in Gujarat. The fair is like a mirror to the traditional art forms and culture of the region. This annually organized festival offers an opportunity for visitors to attend and experience folk dances, camel safaris and even musical evenings. Guests also have an opportunity to visit the bird sanctuaries in the region, watch artisans at work, shop for handicrafts and visit different monuments and places of interest.
Gotipua Dance Festival
Celebrated in Raghurajpur, OdishaKalakshetra Dance Festival
Celebrated in Kalakshetra, Tamil NaduA five-day festival on Indian classical dance forms to commemorate the birth anniversary of Kalakshetra founder Rukmini Devi.
Arudhara
Celebrated in Chidambaram, Tamil NaduVaikunta Ekasadhi
Celebrated in Srirangam, Tamil NaduArudhra Festival
Celebrated in Suchindram, Tamil NaduMandalam
Celebrated in Sabarimalai, KeralaGuru Gobind Singh Sahib's Birthday
Celebrated by the Sikh community in India, primarily at Patna Saheb, the bithplace of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, and in Amritsar, PunjabThis is the birthday of the tenth Guru of the Sikh community.
