JANUARY

Kerala Village Fair (Kovalam, Kerala):
Come mid-January, the villages around Kovalam come alive with cultural events. The traditional thatch houses are decorated during the 10-day long festival and an entire village is recreated on the beach, displaying folk dances, music and festivities.

Bikaner Festival (Bikaner, Rajasthan):
A fair in Rajasthan that starts off with a procession of decorated camels. The enchanting desert city comes alive with music and dance. There are displays and competitions with all the color, music, and rhythm and the visitors find an opportunity to see some unusual folk performances.

Kolkata Festival (Kolkata, West Bengal):
Held every year in the centrally located maidan area of the city of Calcutta. Ethnic food stalls displaying Bengali cuisine and cultural events make this a lively occasion.

The Great Elephant March (Kerala):
This festival witnesses around a 100 tuskers, decked up in the festive style parade before tourists in the villages of Trissur and Kovalam. You can take elephant rides and feed the elephants as well. Simultaneously, boat races are held on the backwaters of Kerala’s major towns, and cultural shows and martial art performances are also staged.

International Kite Festival (Ahmedabad, Gujarat):
On Makar Sankranti, the state of Gujarat and especially the cities of Ahmedabad and Baroda become the city of the kite flyers. Kites of various shapes, sizes, colours and patterns soar high into the sky. You also get to see special kites with paper lamps. Gujarati cuisine along with exhibitions of handicrafts and folk art enhance the festive spirit. This festival marks the end of winters.

Float Festival (Madurai, Tamil Nadu):
This magnificent festival is celebrated in Madurai. The festival is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Thirumala Nayak. On the night of the full moon, ornamented icons of goddess Meenakshi and Sundereswarar are taken out in a colorful procession to the huge Mariamman Teppakulam. The icons are floated in the tank on a raft decked with flowers and flickering lamps.

Mamallapuram Dance Festival (Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu): Initially the ancient port of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram plays host to a vibrant festival of dance. The internationally acclaimed and the globally renowned “Mamallapuram Dance Festival” is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. Dancers from India and the rest of the world perform various dances like Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi and Kathak against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures.

Pongal (Tamil Nadu):
A celebration of the harvest - Pongal is observed for three days in January, in Tamil Nadu. Bhogi Pongal - the first day, is an occasion for festivities at home. Flavoured rice is offered to the Sun God on the second day. Mattu Pongal, the next day, is celebrated in a more boisterous fashion. Village cattle are bathed and decorated and cattle races are held in various parts of the village.

Republic Day (All over India):
Commemorating the day India became a Republic on 26th January, the Republic Day is celebrated in Delhi with a splendid parade a colorful affair with soldiers marching in unison, followed by folk dancers, school children and floats from various states. The Beating Retreat which marks the end of the celebrations on 29th January, is a grand ceremony with military bands playing at Vijay Chowk.

Pattadakkal Dance Festival (Pattadakkal, Karnataka): Delicately carved temples rich in detail, stand still at Pattadakkal, the ancient capital of the Chalukyan kings. A festival of dance celebrates this marvelous heritage.
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FEBRUARY

Vasant Panchami (North India and West Bengal):
This is the ceremonial welcome to spring when people, colorfully dressed, especially in bright shades of yellow, dance and sing. In West Bengal, 'Saraswati' - the goddess of learning is worshipped. The festival is celebrated in a grand manner in the university town of Shantiniketan.

Deccan Festival (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh):
Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, quawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays beautiful creations in pearl and multi-hued bangles, that are local specialities. A food festival serves the best of Hyderabad's famous cuisine to visitors.

Chapchar Kut (Mizoram):
A lively festival in Mizoram celebrates the arrival of spring. It is an occasion for dance, music and feasting.

Rose Festival (Chandigarh, Punjab):
The biggest Rose Show in the country is held at the famous Rose Gardens at Chandigarh. varieties of magnificent roses are on display during this two-day festival.

Desert Festival (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan):
A three-day long extravaganza of color, music and festivity at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Fire dancers sway to traditional tunes and there is a turban-tying competition that you can try your hand at. Camel rides and folk dances at the sand dunes are an added attraction. Held in the months of January-February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit. For three days, the otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and is clustered with hordes of colorfully dressed people.

Elephant Festival (Mumbai, Maharashtra):
This festival is held across the Mumbai harbour, on the Elephanta Island, near the world renowned Elephanta Caves (A World Heritage Site). This feast of music and dance, celebrated under the stars, transforms the entire island into a large auditorium.

The Elephanta Festival is a festival of Music and Dance organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). This festival is held annually in the month of February.

The Elephanta caves are a showcase of legends created around Lord Shiva, beautifully presented here in all his splendor in the rock cave temples. The festival also involves a boat ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to the Elephanta Islands. During the festival renowned dancers and musicians perform outside the caves, beneath a star-studded sky, to a select and appreciative audience. Special launch services and catering arrangements are provided for visitors.

Taj Mahotsav (Agra, Uttar Pradesh):
A ten day event that starts on 18th February each year in Shilpgram, the Taj Mahotsav showcases India's extensive arts, crafts and culture. There are festivities all around and Agra truly puts on the colors of joy and gets transformed into one non stop carnival. Organised by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, this annual event is held at the Shilpgram, right next to the Taj Mahal. The festivities commence with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor - elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and mastercraftsmen. You can also be a part of the Food Festival and relish the cuisine of the interiors of Uttar Pradesh.

Goa Carnival (Goa):
The exuberant Goa Carnival is an annual feature that is held in mid- February, just before Lent. The week-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars and graceful dances. Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of color, song and music, providing a healthy entertainment for all, young and old.

Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands): This is a ten day long festival of dance, drama and music. The festival projects the island’s eco-friendly image, holding exhibitions that display arts and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life. This fortnight long festival organized by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration every year during the months of December - January, and is the main festival of the islands. The festival comprises an exhibition, cultural programs and competitions.
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MARCH

Khajuraho Dance Festival (Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh):
The Khajuraho Festival of Dance is a week long event, that attracts the best of India’s classical dancers who perform in the midst of the thousand year old temples at Khajuraho, built by the Chandella Kings. Every year in March, these splendid temples are floodlit and become a wonderful backdrop for the dances.

Shivratri (All over India):
All over the country, Shivratri is observed as the night, when Lord Shiva danced the 'Tandav' - his cosmic dance. Fasts and prayers mark the day and devotees throng the temples.

Maha Shivaratri is celebrated throughout the country; it is particularly popular in Uttar Pradesh. Maha Shivratri falls on the 14th night of the dark half of 'Phalgun' (February-March). Devotees offer prayers all through the night. It is believed that on this day Lord Shiva was married to Parvati.

The major Shaivite temples at Varanasi, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu) are noted for their special celebrations.

Shivratri Natyanjali Festival (Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu):
Shivratri is the occasion for a five day long festival of classical dance and music at Chidambaram. The magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built a thousand years ago, provides a beautiful backdrop for the event.

Holi (All over North India):
In March, during spring, comes Holi - the festival of colors. It marks the end of winters and beginning of summers. Celebrated all over North India, Holi is a time when people smear each other with colored powder. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion.

Holi, the festival of colors is celebrated in the capital on the full moon in the month of 'Phalguna'. From morning till noon people smear 'Gulal' or colored powder often mixed with water on one another.

In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a special festival Hola Mohalla on the day after Holi. The display of ancient martial arts and mock battles, are part of this unique Sikh festival. The Holi celebrations in Mathura and the small towns of Braj Bhoomi - the land of Sri Krishna, are spectacular. The Rang Gulal Festival is celebrated for over a week with exuberant processions, songs and music. Especially famous is the Lathmaar Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon.

Elephant Festival (Jaipur, Rajasthan):
A three-day extravaganza of colour, music and festivity at the golden city of Jaisalmer. A festival where elephants are the centre of attraction. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses, followed by lively folk dancers. Elephant races, elephant-polo matches and a most interesting tug of war between elephants and men, are all part of this spectacular event.

Jhansi Festival (Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh):
This lively week-long annual event is a display of the arts, crafts and dance of the city of Jhansi. The cultural programmes include folk songs, dances, mushairas and ghazals.

Good Friday (All over India):
Good Friday is observed in the month of April as the day when Lord Christ was crucified. Special prayer services are held in the Churches.

Ellora Festival (Aurangabad, Maharashtra):
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Ellora Caves, surrounded by hundreds of sculptural and architectural splendors, is the Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music. Usually in March, this festival showcases the best talents and is a unique and charming way to experience the magnificent caves, imbibing centuries of history and culture.
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APRIL

Gangaur (Rajasthan):
The most important local festival in Rajasthan, Gangaur celebrations last for eighteen days. It is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of goddess Parvati. The festival is celebrated by girls and married women throughout Rajasthan. Young girls dress up and pray for a spouse of their choice, and married ladies pray for the happiness of their husbands. The images of Gauri are beautifully dressed and taken out in a procession.

Baisakhi (All over India):
Baisakhi on April 13th, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated throughout India. Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab are spectacular, as this is a very special day for the Sikhs. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa. Farmers perform their own prayers and rejoice, and on this day, they commence cutting their harvest. Robust revelry and feasting mark the celebrations and dancers dressed in their traditional folk attire, perform the vigorous Bhangra to the rhythmic beat of the drums.

In Kerala, the festival is known as Vishu. ‘Vishu Kani’ - a display of grain, fruits, gold, flowers, new cloth and money, is viewed early in the morning to ensure a prosperous year ahead. Firework displays and the buying of new clothes are a part of the festivities.

Known as Rongali Bihu in Assam, the festival is celebrated with lively dances, music and feasting.

Mahavir Jayanti (All over India):
The birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, is observed by the Jain community. Special prayers are offered at temples and shrines.

Ramnavami (All over India):
The anniversary of Lord Rama’s birth is celebrated as Ramnavami by the Hindus. The epic ‘Ramayana’ is read and performed for eight days prior to the festival.
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MAY

Akshaya Tritiya (All over India):
It is well known that Indians believe passionately in the theory of muhurts or auspicious times to perform sacraments, to make major purchases or to begin new ventures. Inspite of modern technology and changing lifeviews, this dedication to auspicious time is a prominent feature of Indian life. Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh, is considered one of the four most sacred days of the year.

Buddha Purnima (All over India):
The Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya has stood for centuries as a reminder of the Buddha's attainment of enlightenment. Gaya is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Each year, the tree is venerated and the viharas nearby resound to the chants of Buddhist monks. The great celebration of the month of Vaishakh falls on the full moon day on which Gautama, the Buddha, was born.
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JUNE

Ganga Dussehra (Uttar Pradesh):
In this festival ten days are devoted to the worship of the River Ganga. According to the legends, Gangavataran or the descent of the Ganga, happened at this time. Devotees touch the river water, bathe in it, and take the river clay home to venerate. In Haridwar, aratis are performed at twilight and a large number of devotees meditate on her serene banks.

Hemis Festival (Jammu & Kashmir):
Is celebrated at Hemis, the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Ladakh to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava . Splendid masked dances are performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. A colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special highlight of the festival.
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JULY

Rath Yatra (Puri, Orrisa):
This spectacular chariot festival is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri. It commemorates the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. Images of Lord Jagannath - the Lord of the Universe, is taken out in procession in an elaborately decorated chariot. The journey can take several days and thousands of devotees pull these chariots to Gundicha Mandir, a temple 1.5 km away.

Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id) (All over India):
This Muslim festival is celebrated all over the country. Prayers are offered in mosques and special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends.

Id-Ul-Zuha, the feast of sacrifice popularly known as Baqra Id, is celebrated on the tenth day of the Zilhijja. The sacrifice offered on the day is in honor of Abraham's (Hazrat Ibrahim) willingness to sacrifice his only son Ishmael at the behest of God.

International Mango Festival (Delhi):
Savor a huge variety of mangoes - the king of fruits, at the unique Mango Festival in Delhi. Cultural programs make this a lively event. Held during July , it draws people from all over the country.
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AUGUST

Janmashtami (All over India):
The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated all over the country. In Mathura and Brindavan - where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and youth, the Janmashtami celebrations are quite elaborate. The Krishna Leela or stories of Lord Krishna’s youth, is enacted, and plays are staged at local neighbourhoods.

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

Teej (Rajasthan and Chandigarh):
Teej is essentially a women’s festival. On this day goddess Parvati was united with Lord Shiva after a penance of a hundred years. This swing festival welcomes the arrival of the monsoon. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Colorfully attired women swing on them and sing songs in celebration.

Independence Day (All over India):
Commemorating the day India attained freedom (15th August), Independence Day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs in the state capitals. The Prime Minister’s speech at the Red Fort in Delhi is the major highlight.

Raksha Bandhan (North India):
Brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection on this day. Sisters tie colorful threads or rakhis on their brothers’ wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts.

Amarnath Yatra (Jammu and kashmir):
In the month of Shravan, thousands of pilgrims make an arduous trek up to the Amarnath cave in the Kashmir Himalayas. They take the journey to worship the sacred ice lingam - a symbol of Lord Shiva.

Nag Panchami (West Bengal, Maharashtra and whole of Southern India): This festival, which is usually celebrated in West Bengal, Maharashtra and South India, venerates snakes.

Onam (Kerala):
Kerala’s most important festival is celebrated in the honour of the ancient Asura king Mahabali. The occasion marks the harvest season. People decorate their houses with carpets of flowers, prepare a sumptuous lunch and sing songs in praise of the golden reign of Mahabali. A major attraction of the Onam celebrations are the famed snake boat races along the backwaters at Champakulam, Aranmula and Kottayam.

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

Urs (Ajmer, Rajasthan): 
The Urs are held every year at the dargah of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims from all over the world gather here to pay their homage. Qawaalis (poems) are sung in the Saint’s honour.
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SEPTEMBER

Tarnetar Mela (Saurashtra):
An exciting and unique fair held annually at Tarnetar in Saurashtra. The fair coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar Temple, celebrating the wedding of the legendary Mahabharat hero, Arjuna with Draupadi. The fair is a kind of marriage market for the local tribals - the Kolis, Bharwads and Rabaris.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka): This day is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God who brings good beginnings and success. Held annually, this festival is a ten day long event. The images of Lord Ganesha are installed and worshipped. On the last day, the idols are taken in processions and immersed in flowing water. You see hordes of people at the sea front at Mumbai immersing thousands of idols in all shapes and colors. 

Ganesh Festival (Pune, Maharashtra):
Celebrated with a lot of merrymaking and gaiety, the Ganesh Festival is dedicated to the Lord Ganesha - the symbol of good fortune and success. This cultural feast is held to coincide with Ganesh Chaturthi. With classical dance and music performances, a theatre and film festival and folk dances, this is the most popular festival in Pune.
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OCTOBER

Dussehra (All over India):
Celebrated to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama, Dussehra symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The Ram Lila - an enactment of the life of Lord Rama, is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, larger than life effigies of Ravana, his son and brother - Meghnath and Kumbhakarna, are set on fire.

In West Bengal, puja pandals have beautifully decorated images of the goddess Durga and people gather here in large numbers to enjoy the festivities.

In South India, houses are decorated with displays of toys and clay images of Gods.

In Gujarat, the exuberant Navaratri celebrations include dancing the lively garba and dandiya ras.

In Himachal Pradesh, a week-long fair in the hill town of Kullu, is a part of the Dussehra celebrations. From the little temples in the hills, deities are brought in procession to the 'maidan' in Kullu, to pay homage to the reigning deity, Raghunathji.

Mysore - the city of palaces, celebrates the ten day Dussehra in a royal style. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with lights; you see majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events, bringing the whole city to life.

Muharram (All over India):
Commemorates the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussein. Tazias, glittering replicas of the martyr's tomb, are carried in procession through the streets. The tazias of Lucknow and Hyderabad are noted for their splendor.

Marwar Festival (Marwar, Rajasthan):
The festival celebrates the 'Maand' style of folk music - an evolved classical style that describes the romantic life of Rajasthan's rulers. Held during Sharad Purnima, the folk artistes bring alive the legends and folklore of earlier times.

Diwali (All over India):
This festival of lights is the prettiest and the most eagerly awaited occasion in India. It celebrates the return of Lord Rama, the hero of the epic Ramayana, to Ayodhya after a fourteen year exile. The lights of the traditional clay lamps or 'diyas' illuminate houses and fireworks are lit through the night. The goddess of wealth and prosperity - Lakshmi, is worshipped on this day. Gifts and sweets are exchanged among friends and relatives.

Gandhi Jayanti (All over India):
The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi - the 'Father of the nation' falls on 2nd of October. The President and Prime Minister, along with other eminent political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat - the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. This day is a national holiday and all schools and offices remain closed.

Rajgir Mahotsav (Rajgir, Bihar):
This colourful festival of dance and music is held at Rajgir, the ancient capital of the Magadha kings - the land where the Buddha meditated and preached.
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NOVEMBER

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem (Shillong, Meghalaya):
The most important festival of the Khasis in Meghalaya. This five day long festival, held annually near Shillong, is an occasion for thanksgiving for a good harvest and the time to pray for peace and prosperity. Khasi men and women, dressed in traditional splendor, perform the famous Nongkrem dance.

Lucknow Festival (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh):
This festival celebrates Lucknow's living culture. This capital city of Uttar Pradesh is alight with excitement during this ten day long event. Colorful processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of the famous Lucknow gharana, sarangi and sitar recitals alongwith ghazals, quawalis and thumri create a festive atmosphere. Traditional village games are played that recreate an atmosphere of Avadh's nawabi days.

Sonepur Mela (Sonepur, Bihar):
The festival coincides with Gita Jayanti, signifying the birth of theAsia's biggest cattle fair is held at Sonepur, on the banks of the River Ganga. During this month-long fair, cattle, decorated for the occasion, throng the venue.

Pushkar Mela (Pushkar, Rajasthan):
Tranquil Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground for twelve days in the month of Kartik. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters are the major attractions of this colorful event. Devotees come in their thousands to take a ritual dip in the lake on the day of the Kartik Purnima and to worship at the Brahma temple.

Guru Purab (All over India):
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs, is celebrated with great fervor. The 'Akhand Path' - recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurudwaras all over the country. Taking the holy book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations.

Hampi Festival (Hampi, Karnataka):
The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, comes alive once again during this lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.
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DECEMBER

Shilpgram Crafts Mela (Udaipur, Rajasthan):
Some of the magnificent crafts of Rajasthan are on display at a colorful festival, held in the royal city of Udaipur.

Vishnupur Festival (Vishnupur, West Bengal):
The festival celebrates the rich heritage of the town of Vishnupur, known for its beautiful terracotta temples and elegant silk sarees.

Kurukshetra Festival (Kurukshetra, Haryana):
The festival coincides with Gita Jayanti, signifying the birth of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Pilgrims gather here to take a dip in the sacred tanks of Brahma Sarovar and Sannehit Sarovar. There is a week-long Bhagwad Katha, dance, dramas and 'deep daan' are part of the religious festivities.

Konark Dance Festival (Konark, Orissa):
The Sun Temple - a magnificent structure designed as the chariot of the Sun God, drawn by seven exquisitely carved horses, stands in solitary splendour on the beach at Konark.

This is the venue of a joyous festival of classical dance and music which is held annually. A host of celebrated dancers from all over the country perform in the open air auditorium. The sound of ghungroo bells, flute and pakhauj fill the air and a marvelous crafts mela, with a variety of handicrafts and delectable cuisine, adds to the festive mood.

Christmas (All over India):
Christmas is celebrated in honour of the birth of Christ. Shops and markets are brightly lit up and decorated for the occasion and offer attractive bargains. Carol singing, parties and the exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas spirit.
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