INDIAN FESTIVALS IN: Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Colorful and lively, THE FAIRS AND FESTIVALS OF INDIA are major attractions of the country. Indian festivals speak of India's rich cultural and traditional background.

1. New Year Day: New Year symbolizes the rejuvenation time, coming year brings with it new dreams to be accomplished, goals to be achieved and wishes to be fulfilled. People around the globe celebrate New Year with lots of joy and excitement all around. Everyone bids farewell to the current passing year and welcomes the arriving New Year. It is an occasion when rejoicing bids farewell to the passing year with a grand welcome to the New Year.

Celebrations for the occasion start from 31st December eve only and blast to the zenith at the stroke of 12 midnight. People enjoy together with family and friends, having great time together in relishing lip-smacking food or dancing to the beats.

The New Year comes with many traditions associated with it. Different regions of the world follow different practices on the day. The most commonly followed practices are adopting New Year’s resolution, exchanging gifts, lighting crackers at midnight and of course to wish luck and happiness to everyone by three magical words “ HAPPY NEW YEAR!”



2. Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id) - All over India:  Also called Bakrid, Id-ul-Zuha, is a festival of great rejoice. Special prayers and exchange of greetings and gifts marked the Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid), the festival of sacrifice, celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety in India.

Id-ul-Zuha is a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son for God's sake. It also marks the completion of Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca). On this day, special `Dua' is recited by thousands of Muslims for peace and prosperity. The day also coincides with the day when the holy Quran was declared complete.



3. Bikaner Camel Festival - Bikaner, Rajasthan: The festival starts with a vibrant procession of beautifully decorated camels that march gracefully against the backdrop of the massive Junagarh Fort. The procession goes till the open grounds of desert sands and then begins the various activities that include tug-of-war contests, camel dance competitions, puppet shows, acrobats, etc. There isalso a competition where the best breed of camel is chosen. All activities are enjoyable and are worth a visit.






4. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti - Tenth Sikh Guru, All over India: Celebrated by the Sikhs, the birthday of their tenth and last guru, this day witnesses’ large processions and special prayer gatherings at all Gurudwara.










5. Makara Sankranti - North India: Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun-God beginsits ascendancy and entry into the Northern Hemisphere and thus it signifies an event wherein the Sun-God seems to remind their children that 'Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya', may you go higher & higher, to more & more Light and never to Darkness.








6. Pongal - All over South India: Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over or spill over." The boiling over of milk in the clay pot symbolizes material abundance for the household. Thai Pongal, celebrated at harvest time, is traditionally intended to thank the Sun God and farmstead livestock that helped create the material abundance.










7. International Kite Festival - Ahmedabad, Gujarat State: International Kite Festival is held at Ahmadabad on January 14 every year, to coincide with the festival of Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti. The festival of Uttarayan is a uniquely Gujarati phenomenon, when the skies over most cities of the state fill with kites from before dawn until well after dark. The festival marks the days in the Hindu calendar when winter begins turning to summer, known as Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan. On what is usually a bright warm sunny day with brisk breezes to lift the kites aloft, across the state almost all normal activity is shut down and everyone takes to the rooftops and roadways to fly kites and compete with their neighbors.




8. Pattadakkal Dance Festival - Pattadakkal, Karnataka State: The Pattadakal dance festival is held every year during the month of January. Famous dancers from all over India come here to participate in this festival. It provides a musical treat to all admirers of dance and music and is a must visit if you like Indian classical dance and music. The event is organized by the Government of Karnataka and attracts many spectators as well as performers. Another added attraction at Pattadakkal dance festival is the crafts Mela that is organized for various craftsmen to showcase their works of art.






9. Modhera Dance Festival - Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat: The Sun Temple at Modhera is positioned in such a manner that the sun's first rays illuminate the deity in the innermost sanctum through the main entrance. The incredibly beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the romantic fete of classical dance. The beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the festival of Indian classical dances held every year in January for three days. The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat organizes this annual festival of dance. The idea is to present classical dance forms in an atmosphere they were originally presented in.




10. Republic Day Parade - New Delhi: Republic Day, celebrated on January 26th every year, is one of India’s most important national events. It was on January 26th, 1950 that the constitution of India came into force and India became a truly Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state.

On this day -India finally enjoyed the freedom of spirit, rule of law and fundamental principle of governance. The patriotic fervor of the Indian people on this day brings the whole country together even in her embedded diversity.

Photo Gallery