Festival of the Gods

September/October is the time to head for the hills to see the delightful Festival of the Gods in Kullu. This is part of the Dussehra Festival, which is at its most spectacular in Mysore and Ahmedabad.

Kumbh Mela

Maha Kumbh Mela is traditionally celebrated every 12 years. Kumbh Mela is held annually, usually on the banks of the Ganga & other holy rivers like Yamuna and Saraswati, Ksipra and Godavari where large numbers of Sadhus and Pilgrims gather. The massive Kumbh Mela festival commemorates an ancient battle between gods and demons for a pitcher (kumbh). During the fight for possession, four drops of nectar fell from the pitcher and landed in Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. The Mela is held every three years rotating through these four cities. A dip in the river during this period is considered very auspicious.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti has a special significance in the list of Hindu Festivals. On this day, the duration of the day as well as night is equal according to the solar calendar. This day is marked by the beginning of journey of sun towards northwards. Moreover, Makar Sankranti is traditionally celebrated as a festival of harvest. This festival usually falls in the midst of month of January.

Nagaur Fair

Nagaur Fair in January is a major camel & cattle trading fair held in Nagaur, Rajasthan. This is known as a trading event cattle & camels being sold or bought in it . The campfire evenings are an extremely exciting component. In this fair women do not participate.

Pongal

Pongal is the major festival celebrated in southern parts of India, particularly Tamil Nadu. This auspicious festival is marked by the journey of Sun-God towards northwards. Celebrated in the midst of January every year, the festival of Pongal lasts for only four days. This festival marks the withdrawl of monsoon and the reaping of harvest. A festival of harvest and thanksgiving, Pongal is celebrated by Tamils by drawing of Kolam & cooking scrumptious dishes and delicacies.

Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra is monumental festival held in the month of June - July at Puri, Orissa. The festival is associated with Lord Jagannath (Krishna). The chariots of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra are pulled by thousands of eager devotees participating in the festivities. The chariots used in the procession are of big magnitude and is pulled only by the devotees. No other force is used for the Yatra.

Republic Day Festival

Another special day that has a national importance in the history of Indian national festivals is Republic Day. It is celebrated on 26 th January every year as on this very day the constitution of India was framed by Constituent Assembly of India. The spectacular celebrations of this day include marches and parade by Indian armed forces, folk dances from different states in various picturesque costumes and many more.

Surajkund Crafts Mela

Suraj Kund Crafts Mela from 1st- 15th February held at Suraj Kund, Haryana. Here visitors can see the heritage & skill of the Indian craft world and award-winning crafts-men at work & purchase directly from them. Cultural programmes & fashion shows are also held here during this period.

Vasant Panchami

Vasant Panchami is the festival celebrated in the honor of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, learning, music and art according to Hindu tradition. Specially celebrated in Northern India, it is the celebration of spring. The festival is observed with the offering of the mustard flowers in bloom. Most of the people dress in yellow to celebrate this day.

Hindu Festivals

Muslim Festivals