final gaurav fairs

1. Festivals in Assam2. Festivals in Andra Pradesh3. Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh4. Festivals in Bihar5. Festivals in Chhattisgarh6. Festivals in Dadra and Nagar Haveli7. Festivals in Goa8. Festivals in Gujarat9. Festivals in Haryana10. Festivals in Himachal Pradesh11. Festivals in Jharkhand12. Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir13. Festivals in Karnataka14. Festivals in Kerala15. Festivals in Madhya Pradesh16. Festivals in Maharashtra17. Festivals in Manipur18. Festivals in Meghalaya19. Festivals in Mizoram20. Festivals in Nagaland21. Festivals in Orissa22. Festivals in Pondicherry23. Festivals in Punjab24. Festivals in Rajasthan25. Festivals in Sikkim26. Festivals in Tamil Nadu27. Festivals in Tripura28. Festivals in Uttranchal29. Festivals in Uttar Pradesh30. Festivals in West Bengal

Festivals in Assam

Assam celebrates festivals of various religions and various tribes. It holds colourful festivals of all tribes with great gusto and enthusiasm. The major festival that Assam celebrates is Bihu in three forms - Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu in April, Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu in January and Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu in October/ November. The other festivals are Majuli Festival, Elephant Festival, Tea Festival, Dehing Patkai Festival and Brahmaputra Festival.

List of Festivals in Assam

Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu Kati Bihu or Kongali Bihu Majuli Festival Elephant Festival Tea Festival Dehing Patkai Festival Brahmaputra Festival Majuli Festival

Festivals in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is noted for its cosmopolitan nature and varied customs and culture prevalent in the state. Many festivals of various communities are celebrated here. Most of these festivals are organized by the government of Andhra Pradesh state. Pongal, the harvest festival is celebrated with gaiety and pomp. One of the most ancient festivals celebrated in Andhra Pradesh is Shivratri. Other popular festivals are Ugadi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Decaan Festivals, Lumbini festival and Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival.

Festivals:

Pongal Shivratri Ugadi Ganesh Chaturthi Diwali Deccan Festival Lumbini Festival Rayalaseema Food and Dance Festival Utsav Brahmotsavam

Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh

Festivals form an integral part of the socio-cultural life of the people of Arunachal. Most of their festivals are connected with agriculture as it is the main occupation of the people. Each tribe celebrates its own festival throughout the year. Some of the festivals are Solung, Mopin, Losar, Boori Boot, Dree, Nechi Dau, Khan, Kshyatsowai, Loku, Longte Yullo, Moi, Nyokum, Ojiale, Reh, Sanken, Si-Donyi and Tamladu. Animal sacrifices are also common in some of the festivals.

List of Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh

The Losar Festival The Reh Festival The Ojiyale Festival The Tamladu Festival The Khan Festival The Sanken Festival

The Mopin FestivalFestivals in Bihar

Bihar is steeped in history and has a rich tradition of festivals from time immemorial. Bihar as an ancient land has a long list of festivals and fairs which the people of Bihar actively take part in. The most famous festival of Bihar is Chatth Puja which is celebrated twice in a year, once in March and the other in November. Sama-Chakeva is another festival celebrated in

Bihar especially in Mithila. Ramnavami, Makar Sankranti, Nagpanchami, Bihula are some of the other festivals celebrated in Bihar.

List of Festivals in Bihar

Chatth Puja Sama-Chakeva Ramnavami Makar Sankranti Nagpanchami Bihula Basant Panchami Shivratri Raksha Bandhan Holi Buddha Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti Durga Puja Deepawali Id Sonepur Cattle Fair Bakrid Christmas Rajgir

List of Festivals in Chhattisgarh

1. Hareli festival 2. Madai festival 3. Bhagoriya festival4. Pola5. Mati Puja6. Navakhana7. Mati Puja

Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Dadra and Nagar Haveli loves celebrating festivals and this is evident from the fact that almost every month there is an important fair or festival in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Pongal, thanksgiving to the harvest season, Masimagam Festival where deities of sixty four temples are brought to the beach for a holy bath, Villianur Temple car Festival in May, Bastille Day on July 14th, French Food festival in august, Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo and Fete De Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

List of Festivals in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Pongal Masimagam Festival Villianur Temple car Festival Bastille Day French Food festival Christmas Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo

Festivals of Himachal Pradesh

People of Himachal Pradesh love their festivals and participate in all fairs and festivals with gusto and enthusiasm. Most of the festivals of Himachal Pradesh are associated with seasonal changes. The fairs display a glimpse of the lives of the people, their culture and custom. People from all strata of the society participate in these festivals. The tribal festivals have their own identity as well. Among the popular festivals celebrated in Himachal are the Pori festival at the temple of Triloknath, Kulu Dussera held in October in Dhalpur maidan of Kulu, festival of flower watching in Kinnaur valley and Holi.

List of Festivals in Himachal Pradesh

Pori Lohri Holi Kulu Dussera Fulaich Chaitti Chaitraul Basoa or Bishu Gugnaumi Losar Rakhi Diwali Khogal Sajo Gotsi or Gochi Karva Chauth Faguli Phulaich fair Sair Fair Hamir Utsav Lavi Fair Renuka Fair Chandigarh Garden Festival

Festivals in Haryana

Like its neighbors, Delhi and Punjab, Haryana too celebrates festivals with loads of fun, colour and zeal. People come out in the streets to celebrate various festivals of all communities. Diwali, Dusshrea, Teej, Holi are some of the important festivals celebrated in Haryana.

List of Festivals in Haryana:

Lohri Basant Panchami Baisakhi Diwali Dussera Holi Gugga Naumi Navratri Bathing at Sohna Kurukshetra Festival Pinjore Heritage Festival Festival of Gardens Teej Festival Pinjore Heritage Festival Geeta Jayanti Samaroh Kurukshetra Festival Surajkund Crafts Mela

Festivals of Jharkhand

Jharkhand is land of diverse culture and religions. It is visited by hundreds of tourists each year. It also celebrates a variety of festivals every year. Jharkhand also celebrates variety of fairs and festivals which are typical to the tribal culture of Jharkhand. Chatra Mela is an important festival of Jharkhand which is a cattle fair held during Durga Puja. There are other cattle fairs which involve sale and purchase of cattle.Other important festivals are Holi, Basant Panchami and Diwali.Dusshera,

List of Festivals in Jharkhand

Barura Sharif Bhadli Mela Itkhori Kolhaiya Mela Chatra Kunda Mela Pratappur Lawalong Mela Kolhua Mela Hunterganj Chatra Mela Belgada Mela Simaria

Holi Basant Panchami Diwali Kolhaiya Mela Kundri Mela

Festivals in Goa

Goa is a land of mixed culture and tradition. Goa celebrates a host of festivals each year. It has a sizeable number of Hindus and therefore almost all Hindu festivals are celebrated in Goa. The most popular festivals are Shivratri, Basant Panchami, Ramnavami, Gokul Ashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dusshera, Diwali and Govardhan Puja. Typical Goan festivals and feasts are also organized in the state like Shigmoutsav, Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria, Pop and Jazz Music Festival and Feast of Three Kings.

List of Festivals in Goa

Shivratri Basant Panchami Ramnavami Gokul Ashtami Ganesh Chaturthi Dusshera Diwali Govardhan Puja Shigmoutsav Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria Pop and Jazz Music Festival Feast of Three Kings Jatra Urs of Shah Abdullah Procession of All Saints Feast of Jesus of Nazareth Beach Bonanza Igitun Chalne Christmas Feast of St Francis Xavier Novidade Goa Carnival

Festivals of Karnataka

Karnataka has a multi-religious and a multi-cultural population. Hence a variety of festivals are held in the state. Karnataka like most of its southern neighbors has several temples which also account for a number of festivals being held each year. Dusshera, the most important

Hindu festival is celebrated with extravagance over a period of ten days. This festival was started by the rulers of the Vijaynagar Empire. Other festivals celebrated in Karnataka are Yugadi, Karaga celebrated at the Darmaraya Temple and Rajyotsava Day. Makara Samkramana, Sri Ramanavami, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi and Deepavali are the other festivals celebrated in Karnataka along with the rest of the country. The fairs which are held in Karnataka are Sri Vithappa Fair, the Godachi Fair, Shri Yellamma Devi Fair and Banashankari Devi Fair.

List of Festivals in Karnataka:

Dusshera Yugadi Rajyotsava Day Karaga Makara Samkramacna Sri Ramanavami Sri Krishna Janmashtami Ganesh Chaturthi Deepavali Sri Vithappa Fair s Godachi Fair Shri Yellamma Devi Fair Banashankari Devi Fair Dasara Fair Hampi Festival Rajyotsava Day Pattadakkal Dance Festival

Festivals in Kerala

1. Thitambu Nritham2. Asthami Rohini3. Thrikarthiaka4. Thiruvathira5. Onam6. Aranmula Vallamkali7. Manarcad Perunnal8. Navrathri Music Festival9. Neelamperoor Pooram10. Payippad Boat Race11. Vallarpadam Perunnal12. Koratty Muthy13. Kalpathi Ratholsavam14. Parumala Perunnal15. Vaikathashtami Festival16. Kerala Village Fair

17. Thai poosam18. Chinakkathoor Pooram19. Pariyanampetta Pooram20. Arattupuzha_pooram21. Attuvela_Mahotsavam22. Paripally Gajamela23. Thirunakkara Arattu24. Uthralikavu Pooram

Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

Like other India states, Madhya Pradesh too has its own share of festivities. The festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety. The adivasis of Madhya Pradesh have their own festivals and fairs which are colourful and full of life. One of the main festivals is Madai festival of Bastar. Dusshera of Bastar is also famous. Bhagoriya festival is a very interesting one which signifies love, romance and even marriage.

List of Festivals in Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho Festival of Dance, Khajuraho Tansen Music Festival, Gwalior Shivratri Mela, Pachmarhi Navratri Festival, Ujjain Chethiyagiri Vihara Festival, Sanchi Madai Dusshera Diwali Bahgoriya Fair of Nagaji Nimar Utsav

Festivals of Maharashtra

The Maharashtrians are vibrant people for whom celebrations is a part of their lives. Festivals form an integral part of the people of Maharashtra. All he festivals display their culture and tradition. They celebrate their festivals with all traditional rituals. Festivals in Maharastra also include dance and music which attract world-renowned artistes - musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who come together to pay tribute to Maharashtra's rich culture and legacy. The most important festival is Ganesh Chaturthi, the patron deity of Maharashtra.

List of Festivals in Maharashtra:

Ganesh Chaturthi Nag Panchami Gudi Padwa Gokul Ashtami Narali Purnima Pola Dusshrea Diwali Makar Sankranti Holi Pune Festival Banganga Festival The Elephanta Festival Ellora Festival The Kalidas Festival at Nagpur Thimithi Kalidas Festival Indian Derby Weekend 2010 Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Shivaji Jayanti Gudi Padwa

Festivals of Manipur

Manipur is a land of festivals and the state is best represented by different classical and folk dances. There is hardly a month which is devoid of festivals. It celebrates festivals of all religions like Id, Holi, Rath Yatra and Christmas.

List of Festivals in Manipur:

Lai-Haraoba Dol Jatra Rath Jatra Id-ul-Fitr KUT Gang-Ngai Chumpha Christmas Manipur New Year Ningol Chakouba Heikru Hidongba Ningol Chakouba

Festivals of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is dominated by the Garos and the Khasis. There are different festivals celebrated by the Garos and the Khasis. The most important festival celebrated among the Garos is the Wangala or the Hundred-drum Festival held in November and December. Another important festival is the Doregata Dance Festival where women try to knock off turbans of their male partners. The two important festivals of the Khasis are Nongkrem Dance held in October / November and Shad-Suk Mynsiem, held in April.

List of Festivals in Meghalaya:

Wangala Doregata Dance Festival Nongkrem Dance Shad-Suk Mynsiem Behdeinkhlam Autumn Festiva Autumn Flower show Pomblang Lewduh Nongkrem Dance Festival Seng Kut Snem Wangala Festival

Festivals of Mizoram

Mizos are agriculturalists and they practice Jhum cultivation. All their activities, celebrations and festivals revolve around agriculture and jhum cultivation. The main festival is Chapchar Kut or Spring Festival celebrated after jhum operations. Mim Kut is another festival celebrated in September while Pawl Kut is a harvest festival celebrated in December. These festivals however faded with the popularity of Christianity.

List of Festivals in Mizoram

Chapchar Kut Pawl Kut Christmas Mim Kut Thalfavang Kut

Festivals of Nagaland

The festivals of different sections of Nagas like the Angami, Sema, Lotha and Rengma Nagas are more or less similar. Most of their festivals are connected with different aspects of agriculture like reaping, sowing and harvesting. Moastu festival is organized by Ao Naga in the month of May, after the sowing. Among the Lotha, pithi is the sacred specialist who conducts all ceremonies and rituals.

List of Festivals in Nagaland:

Hornbill Festival Moatsu Festival Nazu Festival Sekrenyi Festival Tuluni Festival Yemshe Festival Amongmong Festival Tsokum Festival Ngada_festival Tokhu Emong

Festivals of Orissa

Orissa has a high influx of tourist for its marvelous and popular temple complexes, wonderful beaches, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. Festivals in Orissa are mesmerizing and celebrated with colour, enthusiasm and religious vigor. Suurounded by a vast number of temples, Orissa hosts several temple festivals especially dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The Rath Yatra or the Car festival in Puri is a very popular and famous festival. Since Orissa is also home to many tribal communities many tribal festivals like Chaita Parva and Bali Yatra are celebrated. Other festivals like Puri Beach Festival, Konark Festival and Kalinga Festival are also celebrating displaying Orissa folk tradition and culture.

List of Festivals in Orissa:

Rath Yatra Chaita Parva Bali Yatra Puri Beach Festival Konark Festival Kalinga Festival Holi Durga Puja Shivrartri Diwali Dusshera Gajalaxmi Puja Bada Osha Bali Yatra Mondei Festival Parab Tribal Festival Puri Beach Festival Konark Dance&Music Festival

Festivals of Pondicherry

Pondicherry loves celebrating festivals and this is evident from the fact that almost every month there is an important fair or festival in Pondicherry. Pongal, thanksgiving to the harvest season, Masimagam Festival where deities of sixty four temples are brought to the beach for a holy bath, Villianur Temple car Festival in May, Bastille Day on July 14th, French Food festival in august, Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo and Fete De Pondicherry.

List of Festivals in Pondicherry

Pongal Masimagam Festival Villianur Temple car Festival Bastille Day French Food festival Christmas Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo

Festivals of Punjab

The land of five rivers, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, Punjab has a rich cultural history of celebrating various festivals and fairs with grandeur and enthusiasm. Festivals in Punjab are famous for its vivacity and colour. Social interaction and rejoicement forms part of the festivals in Punjab.

Festivals are usually held in April and May when the harvest is ripe and ready. People come out to celebrate Baisakhi with zeal and religious fervour. Gurupurab, Lohri, Holi, Diwali, Bahidooj, Mehendi festival are some of the popular ones celebrated in Punjab.

List of Festivals in Punjab:

Baisakhi Lohri Holi Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Jayanti Gurudwara Fatehgarh SahibJor Mela Martyr Festival Diwali Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan at Devi Talab in Jalandhar Mukatsar Maghi Festival in Punjab Gurudwara Nanaksar Jagraon Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Hola Mohalla Anandpur Sahib Birthday Guru Ramdassji Installation of Guru Granth Sahibji Chappar Mela Sodal mela Guru Nanak Chandigarh Garden Festival Holla Mohalla

Festivals of Rajasthan

The people of Rajasthan enjoy several festivals with lots of gusto and fervor. Numerous fairs also keep the people occupied throughout the year. Animal fairs are part of the lives of the people of Rajasthan. Dancing, drama, singing and music enthrall all the visitors in Rajasthan. Some of the more important fairs and festivals are the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer (January- February), Pushkar Fair, held in Pushkar, near Ajmer (November), Gangaur Festival, Jaipur (March- April ), Elephant Festival, Jaipur (March- April ), Marwar Festival, Jodpur (October), Camel Festival, Bikaner (January), Mewar Festival, Udaipur.

List of Festivals in Rajasthan:

Desert Festival of Jaisalmer Pushkar Fair Elephant Festival Bikaner Camel Festival Mewar Festival Marwar Festival Baneshwar Fair Nagaur Fair Teej Diwali Karva Chauth Navratri Kallaji Ka Mela Karni Mata Mela Kota dussera Sitabari fair Bundi Utsav Chandrabhaga Fair Jaipur Literature festival Alwar Festival Brij Festival Elephant Festival Khatu Shyamji Shekhawati Festival Gangaur Festival

Festivals of Sikkim

The main religion for the people of Sikkim is Hinduism though a sizeable population follows Buddhism as well. Tibetans and Sikkimese Bhutias follow Buddhism while Hindusim is followed by the Nepalese. Some of the important Buddhist festivals are Saga Dawa, Lhabab Dhuechen, Phang Lhabsol and Drukpa Tsheshi. The Hindu festivals celebrated there are Durga Puja, Dusshera and Diwali.

List of Festivals in Sikkim:

Saga Dawa Lhabab Dhuechen Phang Lhabsol Drukpa Tsheshi Durga Puja Dusshera Diwali Janmastami Saraswati Kagyat Dance Holi Losar Phang Lhabsol

Festivals of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu celebrates probably the maximum number of festivals each year. Temple festivals are held in September-October and in the post-harvest months of March-June which last for to three days. These festivals are not only religious occasions but cultural landmarks as well. They have become part of life of the people with families, friends and relatives getting together on such occasions. The deities on every temple festival are decorated with bright costumes and rare and valuable jewellery. Some of the major festivals are Pongal, a festival of Thanks giving to the Sun, the Earth and the cow, Natyanjali Dance Festival, Kavadi Festival, Karthigai Deepam and Deepavali.

List of Festivals in Tamil Nadu

Pongal Natyanjali Dance Festival Kavadi Festival Karthigai Deepam Deepavali Saraswathi Pooja Chitri Rai Festival Mahamagam Festival Dance Festival – Mamallapuram Arubathimoovar Festival Summer Festival Velankanni Festivals Kanthuri Festivals Cape Festival Thai poosam Mamallapuram Festival Natyanjali Festival

Top 100 Melas of India

State Wise List

State

Fairs /

Melas

Location

District

Month

Duration (days)

Assam

Raasmela

Bilasipara

DhubriNov

30

Netaji Mela

Karimganj

Karimganj

Jan 15

Rashmahotsav

Harimandir

Nalbari

Nov

11

Andhra Pradesh

Brahamotsavam

Tirupati

Chitoor

Sep/Oct

10

Netaji Mela

Karimganj

Karimganj

Jan 15

Pyditthallamma Utsavam

Vijayanagram

Vijayanagram

April/May

NA

Bihar

Sonepur Mela

Sonepur

PatnaNov

30

Sorat Sorath Madhu Jun 15

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/mela/state.aspx

h Mela

bani e

Vaisakh Purnima

Bodh Gaya

Gaya

April/May

15

Shivratri Mela

SayalHazaribagh

Feb 15

Gujarat

Vautha Fair

VauthaAhmedabad

Nov

2 days

Somnath Fair

PatanJunagarh

Nov

6

Rajim Mela

Rajim Raipur Feb 30

Dassera Mela

Jagdalpur

Bastar Oct 7

Narsinghji Fair

Gomitpur

Ahmedabad

Nov

1

Bhavnath Fair

Junagarh

Junagarh

Feb 1

Navratri Fair

Ambaji

Bansakantha

Sep 10

Lilipari Krama Fair

Junagarh

Junagarh

Nov

5

Manekthari

Dakor Kheda Sep 1

Poonam Fair

Gokulasthami Fair

Surat SuratAug

7

Bhadrapada ambaji mela

Ambaji Village

NA Sep 1

Manektari Punam Fair

Dakor Kheda Sep 1

Shamlaji Fair

Shamlaji

Sabarkantha

Nov

5 days

Haryana

Pihowa Mela

Pihowa

Kurukshetra

Mar

30

Pathri Mata Ka Mela

PathriPanipat

Mar/July

30

Gangor Mela

Sirsa SirsaApril

3

Kapalmochan Mela

Bilaspur

Yamunanagar

Nov

5

Surajkund

Surajk Farida Feb 15

Mela und bad

Kisan Mela

Karnal Karnal Sep 9

Dehati Mela

Ladana

Kaithal

Oct 7

Himachal Pradesh

Minjar Fair

Chamba

Chamba

July

9

Dussherra

Kullu Kullu Oct 10

Phulaich fair

Kinnaur Valley

Kinnaur

Sep 1

Sair Fair

Shimla NA Sep 1

Hamir Utsav

Hamirpur

Nov

Lavi Fair

Rampur

Nov

4 days

Renuka_fair

SirmurNov

3 days

J&K

Jhiri Mela

JhiriNov

Jharkhand

Kolhaiya Mela

Nov

Kundri

No

Mela v

Kunda Fair

Pratappur

chatra Feb 1

Karnataka

Dassara

Mysore

Mysore

Oct 10

Sangameswara Jatra

Harihar

Chitradurga

Mar

7

Mahadeshwara Mela

Kollegal

Mysore

Nov

5

Havanoor Mela

Havanoor

Dharwad

Jan 3

Dasara Fair

Mysore

Mysore

Sep 28

Yellamma Devi Fair

Saundatti

Belgaum

Oct 1

Godachi Fair

Godachi

Belgaum

Nov

Hampi Festival

HampiNov

3 days

Kerala

Pooram Festival

Trichur

Trichur

April

21

Onam

Trivandrum

Trivandrum

Aug

10

Koratty Muthy

Koratty Village

Koratty

OctNA

Makara Vilakku

Malappuram

Malappuram

Mar

NA

Chirappu

Kottayyam

Kottayyam

Nov/Dec

NA

Feast Of St Sebastain

Chertala

Ernakulam

JanNA

Shivratri Vilakku

AluvaErnakulam

Feb/Mar

NA

Omallor Fair

Omallor

Ernakulam

Mar

NA

Magara Jyoti

Sabarimala

Idukki Jan 10

Sri Sundareswar

Kannur

Kannur

April

NA

Utsavam

Vadakkekara

Malappuram

Mar

NA

Aranmula

NA Aranmula

Sep 1-2

Vallamkali

Kerala Village Fair

NA

Kovalam & Ernaculam

Jan10 days

Madhya Pradesh

Kartik Mela

Ujjain UjjainNov

30

Kadam Mela

Kharagpur

Tikamgarh

Nov

15

Gwalior Trade Fair

Gwalior

Gwalior

Jan 30

Maker Sankranti

Barman

Ujjain JanNA

Nimar Utsav

Maheshwar

Nov

3 days

Maharashtra

Kumbh Mela

Nashik Nashik

Once In 12 Yrs

NA

Sharda Utsav

Nagpur

Nagpur

Oct/Nov

10

Ganesh Festival

Sangli SangliAug/Sep

NA

Orissa

Rath Yatra

Puri PuriJuly

10

Joranda Mela

Joranda

Dhenkanal

Feb 7

Dhanu Jatra

Bargarh

Bargarh

Jan 11

Bali Yatra

Cuttack

Cuttack

Oct 5

Chatar Yatra

Kalahandi

Kalahandi

Oct 2

Punjab

Rural Olympics

Quila Raipur

Ludhiana

Jan/Feb

7

Hollah Mohllah

Anand Pur Sahib

RoparMar

5

Baisakhi

Talvandi Sahib

Bhatinda

April

5

Mag Mela

Muktsar

Faridkot

Jan 3

Ramteerth Mela

Kaler Purnima

Amritsar

Nov

5

Sahidi Jod Mela

Fatehgarh Sahib

PatialaJan/Feb

4

Sodal Mela

Jalandhar

Jalandhar

Sep 2

Chappar Mela

Chappar

Ludhiana

Sep -

Rajasthan

Khatu Shyam ji

Sikar Sikar Feb 3

Urs Ajmer Ajmer Oct 10

Pushkar Fair

Pushkar

AjmerNov

10

Ramdevra

Ramdeora

Jaisalmar

Oct 10

Dussherra Mela

Kota Kota Oct 10

Beneshwar Fair

Beneshwar

Dungerpur

Jan 5

Chanderbhaga Fair

Jhalawar

Jhalawar

Nov

5

Khetlaji Fair

Bundi BundiAug

3

Ranisati Mela

Jhunjhunu

Jhunjhunu

Aug

20

Mahavir Mela

Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur

Nov

7

Gopinathjika Gara Mela

Gopinathjika

Banswara

Sep 1

Kaila Devi

KailaSawai Madhopur

Mar

15

Kaila Devi Fair

Karauli

Sawai Madhopur

Mar

3

Kallaji Ka Mela

-Banswara

Sep 1

Karni Mata Mela

Deshnok

- Sep 1

Kota dussera

- Kota Sep 1

Sitabari fair

Sitabari

- Sep 1

Marwar Festival

Jodhpur

Jodhpur

Oct 2

Nagaur Fair(Ramdeoji Cattle Fair )

Nagaur

Nagaur

Jan 8

Tamil Nad

Peria Kirthi

Trupparankun

Trupparankun

Oct/No

NA

u gal dram dram v

Panimaya Matha Festival

Tuticorin

Tuticorin

Aug

10

Eallazhagar

Bannaral

Bannaral

April/May

NA

Kundam

Chikkaram- sampalayam

Chikkaram- sampalayam

Mar/April

NA

Uttar Pradesh

Bemoli Katra Mela

Bemoli Katra

AgraAug

1

Kailash Mela

Kailash

AgraAug

30

Makar Sankranti

Allahabad

Allahabad

Jan/Feb

7

Kumbh Mela

Haridwar

Jan/April

3 Month 14 days

Barabanki Mela

Deva Barabanki

Feb/OC

10 days

T

Bateshwar Fair

Bateshwar

AgraOCT

3 weeks

Ramnavami Mela

Ayodhya

Faizabad

April

4

Sharvan Jhoola

Ayodhya

Faizabad

July/Aug

7

Nauchandi Mela

Meerut Meerut

Mar/April

30

Ramlila Mela

Varanasi

Varanasi

Oct/Nov

10

Chitrakoot Ramlila

Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot

March

7

Shivaratri Mela

Kalahasti

Kalahasti

Feb 4

Mahautsav

Lucknow

Lucknow

Nov

10

Nauchandi Mela

Muzaffarnagar

Muzaffarnagar

April

30

Nauchandi Mela

Aligarh

Aligarh

Jan 30

Ramlila

Ramnagar

Sep7, 14, 31

Rambarat

Agra AgraOcp

1

Cattle Fair

Dadri BaliaNov

2 weeks

West Bengal

Gokulanand Mela

Gokulpur

Medinipur

Dec/Jan

5

Sankranti Mela

Ganganagar

North 24 Parganas

JanNA

Gokulanand Mela

Gokulpur

Medinipur

Jan/Feb

5

FESTIVAL CALANDER-2011

JANUARY

Festivals Name

1. Mamallapuram Festival

2. New Year's Day

3. Dr. Sampoornanand Jayanti

4. Rashtriya Balika Diwas

5. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

6. Putrda Ekadashi

7. Island Tourism Festival

8. National Youth Day

9. Lohri

10. Makara Sankranti / Uttarayan

11. International Kite Festival

12. Pongal

13. Pattadakkal Dance Festival

14. Magh Bihu (Assam / Bengal)

15. Army Day

16. Kerala Village Fair

17. Bikaner Camel Festival

18. Agni Utsav (Orissa)

19. Thai Poosam

20. Mumbai Kabir Festival

21. Modhera Dance Festival

22. Jaipur Literature Festival

23. Netaji Subhash Chandra Jayanti

24. Desh Prem Diwas

25. Swami Vivekananda Jayanti

26. Republic Day

27. Kolkata Festival

28. Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti

29. Hampi Festival

30. Mahatma Gandhi's Assassination

Day / Date

Dec 25, 2010 to Jan 25, 2011

January 1 - Saturday


January 3 - Monday

January 5 - Wednesday

January 7 - Friday

January 5 - January 15


January 13 - Thursday

January 14 - Friday

January 14 - Friday

January 14 - Friday

January 14 - Friday



Mid January



January 20 - Thursday

January 21 - Friday



January 21 - Friday

January 23 - Sunday

January 25 - Tuesday


January 26 - February 6

January 28 - Friday

January 28 - Friday

January 30 - Sunday

FEBRUARY

Festivals Name

1. Surajkund Crafts Mela

2. Brij Festival

3. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival4. Vasant Panchami / Saraswati Puja

5. Alwar Festival

6. Baneshwar Fair (Dungarpur, Raj)

7. Valentine's Day

8. Milad-un-Nabi

9. Jaisalmer Desert Festival

10. Chandigarh Garden Festival

11. Guru Ravi Das Jayanti

12. Shivaji Jayanti

13. Pariyanampetta Pooram

14. Taj Mahotsav

15. Attuvela Mahotsavam

16. Thirunakkara Arattu

17. Konark Dance & Music Festival

18. Central Excise Day

19. Delhi Garden Festival

20. Goa Carnival

21. Grape Festival

22. Guru Ramdas Jayanti

23. Indian Derby Weekend

24. Khajuraho Dance Festival

25. National Science Day

26. Natyanjali Festival

Day / Date

February 1 - February 15



February 8 - Tuesday


February 14 - Monday


February 15 - Tuesday


Last Week of February

February 18 - Friday

February 18 - Saturday



February 19 - Sunday

February 19 - Sunday


February 24 - Thursday




February 26 - Saturday


February - March



MARCH

Festivals Name

1. International Yoga Week

2. Karni Mata Fair

3. Arattupuzha Pooram

4. Uthralikavu Pooram

5. Mahashivratri

6. World Book Day

7. Losar

8. Ramakrishna Paramhansa Jayanti

9. Chapchar Kut

10. International Women's Day

11. Mewar Festival

12. No Smoking Day

13. Dadu Dayal Jayanti

14. Elephant Festival

15. Khatu Shyamji Festival

16. Holi

17. Holla Mohalla

18. Saint Tuka Ram Jayanti

19. World Forestry Day

20. World Military Day

21. World Meteorological Day

22. World TB Day

23. Sheetla Asthami

24. Rajasthan Foundation Day

25. Kaila Devi Fair

26. Paripally Gajamela

27. Nav Chandi Fair

28. Kumbh Mela (Haridwar)

29. Konkan Turtle Festival

30. Thirunakkara Arattu

31. Yamuna Jayanti (Mathura)

Day / Date

March 1 - March 7

March 1 - Tuesday

March 1 - Tuesday

March 1 - Tuesday

March 3 - Thursday

March 3 - Thursday

March 5 - Saturday

March 7 - Monday

March 7 - March 9

March 8 - Tuesday

March 8 - Tuesday

March 9 - Wednesday

March 13 - Sunday

March 19 - Saturday

March 15 - March 17

March 19 - March 20

March 20 - Sunday

March 21 - Monday

March 21 - Monday

March 21 - Monday

March 23 - Wednesday

March 24 - Thursday

March 25 - Friday

March 30 - Wednesday

March 31 - Thursday

APRIL

Festivals Name

1. Chetti Chand

2. Ram Navami

3. Sai Baba Pooja Divas

4. Jallianwala Bagh Day

5. Ambedkar Jayanti

6. Tamil New Year

7. Vishu

8. Bohag Bihu

9. Mahavir Jayanti

10. Baisakhi

11. Railway Week

12. World Haemophilia Day

13. Hanuman Jayanti

14. World Heritage Day

15. Good Friday

16. Guru Teg Bhadur Jayanti

17. Earth Day

18. Manav Ekta Divas

19. Easter

20. Vallabh Acharya Jayanti

21. Tulip Day

Day / Date

April 5 - Tuesday

April 12 - Tuesday

April 12 - Tuesday

April 13 - Wednesday

April 14 - Thursday

April 14 - Thursday

April 14 - Thursday

Middle of April Every Year

April 16 - Saturday

April 16 - Saturday

April 16 - April 23

April 17 - Sunday

April 18 - Monday

April 18 - Monday

April 22 - Friday

April 22 - Friday

April 24 - Sunday

April 23 - Saturday

April 24 - Sunday

April 28 - Thursday

Annually in April

MAY

Festivals Name

1. World Labour Day

2. World Laughter Day

3. Moatsu Festival (Nagaland)

4. Parshuram Jayanti

5. Akshaya Tritiya

6. Ravindra Nath Tagore Jayanti

7. Parshuram Jayanti

8. Saint Surdas Jayanti

9. Mother’s Day

10. World Red Cross Day

11. Technology Day

12. International Nurse Day

13. Summer Festival

14. International Family Day

15. Shri Narsingh Jayanti

16. Guru Amar Das Jayanti

17. World Telecommunication Day

18. Buddha Poornima

19. Narad Jayanti

20. Rajiv Gandhi Death Anniversary

21. Anti Terrorism Day

22. Raja Ram Mohan Roy Jayanti

23. Saint Dadu Dayal Punya Tithi24. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Death Anniversary

25. Veer Savarkar Jayanti26. Ch. Charan Singh Death Anniversary

27. No Tobacco Day

Day / Date

May 1 - Sunday

May 1 - Sunday

First Week of May

May 5 - Thursday

May 6 - Friday

May 6 - Friday

May 6 - Friday

May 8 - Sunday

May 8 - Sunday

May 8 - Sunday

May 11 - Wednesday

May 12 - Thursday

May 15 - Sunday

May 15 - Sunday

May 16 - Monday

May 16 - Monday

May 17 - Tuesday

May 17 - Tuesday

May 17 - Tuesday

May 21 - Saturday

May 21 - Saturday

May 22 - Sunday

May 25 - Wednesday

May 27 - Friday

May 28 - Saturday

May 29 - Sunday

May 31 - Tuesday

JUNEFestivals Name

1. Saint Gyaneshwar Jayanti

2. Sindhu Darshan Festival

3. Maharana Pratap Jayanti

4. Haldighatti Festival

5. Urs Ajmer

6. World Environment Day

7. Maheshwari Jayanti

8. Nirjala Ekadashi

9. Vat Savitri Puja

10. World Red Cross Day

11. Blood Donation Day

12. Saint Kabir Jayanti

13. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

14. Vat Savitri

15. Guru Arjun Dev’s Punya Tithi

16. Guru Amar Das Jayanti

17. Goa Memorable Day

18. Father’s Day

19. Hemis Festival

20. Naag Panchami (Bengal)

21. Sao Joao Feast of St John the Baptist22. Champakulam Boat Race

23. Hazrat Ali’s Birthday

Day / Date

June 1 - Wednesday

June 1 - June 30

June 4 - Saturday

June 4 - Saturday

June 4 - Saturday

June 5 - Sunday

June 10 - Friday

June 12 - Sunday

June 12 - Sunday

May 8 - Sunday

June 14 - Tuesday

June 15 - Wednesday

June 16 - Thursday

June 16 - Thursday

June 16 - Thursday

June 16 - Thursday

June 18 - Saturday

June 19 - Sunday

June 20 - June 28

June 21 - Friday

June 24 - Friday

June 26 - Sunday

June 26 - Sunday

JULY

Festivals Name

1. Doctor’s Day

2. Jagannath Rath Yatra

3. Guru Hargobind Singh Jayanti

4. Sai Teun Ram Jayanti

5. Bhadlya Navami

6. World Population Day

7. Guru Purnima

8. Chaturmas Period

9. Shab-ae-Barat

10. Van Somvar Begins

11. Naag Panchami

12. Guru Harkishan Jayanti

13. Parents Day

14. Van Mahotsava Day (Forest Day)

15. Hairyali Amawasya

16. Jwalamukhi Fair

17. Mango Festival

18. Father’s Day

19. Sharif Bhagwati Fair (Kashmir)

Day / Date

July 1 - Friday

July 3 - Sunday

June 4 - Saturday

July 6 - Wednesday

July 9 - Saturday

July 11 - Monday

July 15 - Friday

July 15 - Friday

July 17 - Sunday

July 18 - Monday

July 20 - Wednesday

July 23 - Saturday

July 24 - Sunday

July 28 - Thursday

July 30 - Saturday

June 20 - June 28

AUGUSTFestivals Name

1. Teej Fair

2. Diggi Pad Yatra

3. Naina Mata Festival (Nainital)

4. Friendship Day

5. Quit India Day

6. Raksha Bandhan

7. World Youth Day

8. Independence Day

9. Bahulla Chauth (Madhya Pradesh)

10. Parsi New Year (Jamshed Roz)

11. Rajiv Gandhi Birthday

12. Krishna Janamashtami

13. Goga Navami

14. National Sports Day

15. Shyamaharan Jayanti

16. Hartalika Teej

17. Id-ul-Fitr

18. Metemneo Festival

19. Ramzan (Roza)

20. Doll Festival

21. Luv-Kuch Jayanti

22. Amar Nath Yatra

23. Gogamedi Fair

24. Sitabari Fair

25. Nehru Trophy Boat Race

Day / Date

August 2 - Tuesday

August 4 - Thursday

August 6 - Saturday

August 7 - Sunday

August 9 - Tuesday

August 13 - Saturday

August 14 - Monday

August 15 - Monday

August 17 - Wednesday

August 19 - Friday

August 20 - Saturday

August 22 - Monday

August 23 - Tuesday

August 29 - Monday



SEPTEMBER

Festivals Name

1. Amongmong Festival

2. Guru Granth Sabhib Day

3. Ganesh Chaturthi

4. Tarnetar Mela (Gujarat)

5. Gad Ganesh Fair (Jaipur)

6. Teacher’s Day

7. Radha Asthmi

8. Tal Navami (Orissa & Bengal)

9. Baba Ramdev Jayanti

10. Tejaji Fair

11. International Literacy Day

12. Charbhuja Nath Fair (Rajsamand)

13. Onam (Kerala)

14. Annant Chaturdashi

15. Engineers Day

16. World Ozone Day

17. Nav Ratra Sthapana

18. Shri Agrasen Jayanti

19. Aranmula Vallamkali

20. Bera Utsav

21. Bhadrapada Ambaji Mela

22. Manarcad Perunnal

23. Mim Kut

24. Navakhana

25. Novidade

26. Paryushan

27. Payippad Boat Race

28. Phoolkwalon ki Sair

29. Phulaich fair

30. Pitr Paksh

31. Sair Fair

32. Sati Puja

Day / Date

First Week of September

September 1 - Thursday



September 2 - Friday

September 5 - Monday

September 5 - Monday

September 6 - Tuesday

September 7 - Wednesday





September 11 - Sunday





OCTOBER

Festivals Name

1. Mahatama Gandhi Jayanti

2. Lal Bhadur Shashtri Jayanti

3. Durga Ashtami

4. Mahanavami5. Jai Prakash Naraian Death Anniversary6. Munshi Prem Chand Death Anniversary

7. Dusshera

8. Dussherra Fair Kota

9. Air Force Day

10. Winter Festival

11. Sharad Poornima

12. Valmiki Jayanti

13. Guru Ram Das Jayanti

14. Karwa Chauth

15. Kati Bihu

16. Guru Har Rai Punya Divas

17. Dhanwantri Jayanti

18. UNO Day

19. Deepawali

20. Mahaveer Nirwan Divas

21. Goverdhan Puja

22. Bhaiya Dooj

23. Vishwakarma Jayanti

24. Indira Gandhi Death Anniversary

25. Brahmotsavam

26. Rayalaseema Festival

27. Kallaji Fair

28. Manektari Punam Fair

29. Ayudha Mela

30. Jagaddhatri Puja

31. Tsokum Festival

32. Koratty Muthy

33. Rajgir Dance Festival

34. Autumn Festival

35. Autumn Flower Show

36. Barabanki Mela

37. Cape Festival

38. Pinjore Heritage Festival

39. Pomblang Lewduh

40. Yamdittya

41. Sri Vithappa Fair

42. Thimithi Festival

Day / Date

October 2 - Sunday

October 2 - Sunday

October 4 - Tuesday

October 5 - Wednesday



October 6 - Thursday


October 8 - Saturday

October 11 - Tuesday



October 14 - Friday

October 15 - Saturday

Middle of October Every Year


October 24 - Monday

October 24 - Monday




Ocober 28 - Friday

October 30 - Sunday

October 30 - Sunday

NOVEMBER

Festivals Name

1. Tulsi Marriage

2. Kalidas Jayanti

3. Id-Ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id)

4. Guru Nanak Jayanti

5. Childrens Day

6. World Diabetes Day

7. Indira Gandhi Jayanti

8. Guru Teg Bhadur Punya Divas

9. Shri Bala Jayanti

10. World Environment Day

11. Ram Janki Vivah

12. Jhiri Mela

13. Kalidas Festival

14. Kalpathi Ratholsavam

15. Kolayat Fair

16. Kolhaiya Mela

17. Kundri Mela

18. Kurukshetra Festival

19. Lavi Fair

20. Lucknow Festival

21. Majuli Festival

22. Mati Puja

23. Mondei Festival

24. Ngada Festival

25. Nimar Utsav

26. Ningol Chakouba

27. Nongkrem Dance Festival

28. Parab Tribal Festival

29. Parumala Perunnal

30. Puri Beach Festival

31. Rajyotsava Day

32. Renuka Fair

33. Seng Kut Snem

34. Shamlaji Fair

35. Sonepur Mela

36. Thalfavang Kut

37. Tokhu Emong

38. Vaikathashtami Festival

39. Vautha Fair

40. Ka Pomblang Nongkrem

Day / Date

November 6 - Sunday

November 7 - Monday

November 7 - Monday

November 10 - Thursday

November 14 - Monday

November 14 - Monday

November 19 - Saturday



November 25 - Friday

November 29 - Tuesday

DECEMBERFestivals Name

1. World AIDS Day

2. Hornbill Festival

3. Narsi Mehta Jayanti

4. World Handicap Day

5. Muharram

6. Geeta Jayanti

7. Lokranjan (M.P)

8. Dr. Ram Gopalacharya Jayanti

9. Human Rights Day

10. Rann Utsav Gujarat11. Ch. Charan Singh Jayanti (Kissan Divas)

12. Shanishchari Amavasya

13. Kalbadevi Yatra

14. Christmas Day

15. Winter Festival (Mt. Abu)

16. New Year Eve17. Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsava (Pune)

18. Karthigai Deepam

19. Lumbini Festival

20. Geeta Jayanti Samaroh

21. Tansen Samaroh

22. Tarpa Festival

23. Chrysanthemums Show

24. Chumpha Festival

Day / Date

December 1 - Thursday

December 1 - December 7

December 1 - Thursday

December 4 - Sunday

December 6 - Tuesday

December 6 - Tuesday

December 8 - December 12

December 9 - Friday

December 10 - Saturday

Annually




December 25 - Sunday


December 31 - Saturday Second Weekend of December every year

National Festivals of India

The multilingual land of India is considered as a land of colorful festivals where the air is filled with the fragrance of joy and celebrations, almost all around the year. The country celebrates various flairs of regional, spiritual, religious and social festivals. Apart from all above, the country also shares the moments of national celebrations, the time when whole nation come together and unanimously celebrate the occasion at the same time and date. Such magical occasions are reckoned as National Festivals.

National festivals are celebrated to commemorate the occurrence of great historical events of national importance. Such festivals inculcate a strong feeling of patriotism in the minds of Indians. India celebrates three National Festivals namely:

Aug 15 - Independence Day, the red-letter day in the Indian calendar when India achieved freedom from the British rule on this day in the year 1947.

Jan 26 - Republic Day, the day when India became a truly sovereign state as the constitution of India came into force on this day in the year 1950.

Oct 2 - Gandhi Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who was born on this day in the year 1869.

Important Days

Father's Day

Mother's Day

Women's Day

Teacher's Day

Gandhi Jayanti

Friendship Day

Youth Day

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/id/youth_day/

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/id/Friendship-day/

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/id/gj/index.asp

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/id/td

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/wd/

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/md/

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/fd/index.asp

National Youth Day

Engineers Day

Childrens Day

Valentine Day

Central Excise Day

National Science Day

World Forestry Day

World Meteorological Day

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/World_Meteorological_Day/

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/World_Forestry_Day/

http://festivalsofindia.in/National_Science_Day/

http://festivalsofindia.in/central_excise_day/

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/id/vday/

http://www.festivalsofindia.in/id/childrenday/

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/engineers_day/

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/National_Youth_Day/

World TB Day

World Water Day

A

AadiperukuAmarnath YatraAnant ChaturthiAkshaya TritiyaAmbedkar JayantiAmongmong FestivalAranmula VallamkaliAyudha MelaAanvla NavamiAutumn FestivalAutumn Flower showAgni UtsavArmy DayAlwar FestivalArattupuzha pooramAttuvela Mahotsavam

B

BaisakhiBandi FestivalBaneshwar FairBhai DoojBhogali BihuBihuBikaner FestivalBrahmotsavamBuddha PurnimaBera UtsavBhadrapada ambaji melaBirthday Guru RamdassjiBarabanki MelaBateshwar Fair

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/World_Water_Day/

http://festivalsofindia.in/id/World_TB_Day/

Bhai DoojBada OshaBali YatraBundi UtsavBrij Festival

C

Champakkulam Boat RaceChapchar KutChalihoChandrabhaga FairCheti ChandChennai Dance FestivalChristian FairChristmasChaitra – NavratriCoconut Day FestivalCochin CarnivalChappar MelaCape FestivalCattle FairChandigarh CarnivalChhath PujaChildren's dayCharta FestivalChrysanthemums ShowChennai Dance FestivalChumpha FestivalChandigarh Garden FestivalChinakkathoor PooramCentral Excise Day

D

Deccan FestivalDesert FestivalDhan TerasDiwaliDurga PujaDussehraDasara FairDala ChhathDev Uthani EkadashiDesh prem DiwasDr. Sampoornanand JayantiDayanand Saraswati JayantiDelhi Garden Festival

E

EasterElephant FestivalElephanta FestivalEllora FestivalEngineers dayElephant Festival

F

Feast of PurimFloat FestivalFlower FestivalFulaich FestivalElephant Festival

G

Gandhi JayantiGanesh ChaturthiGanesh Festival

Ganga DussehraGanga MahotsavGanga Sagar melaGangaurGarden FestivalGoa CarnivalGood FridayGoverdhan PujaGudi Padwa Or UgadiGugga NaumiGuru Gobind Singh JayantiGuru Nanak Dev JayantiGuru PurabGuru PurimaGuru Ravidas JyantiGuruvayur FestivalGajalaxmi PujaGeeta Jayanti SamarohGodachi FairGuru Gorakhnath JayantiGoa CarnivalGrape FestivalGuru Ramdas Jayanti

H

Hampi FestivalHanuman JayantiHemis FestivalHoliHolla MohallaHornbill FestivalHoysala MahotsavaHazarat Ali's BirthdayHeikru HitongbaHamir UtsavHindu New Year

Id-ul-FitrId-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id)Independence DayInternational Yoga Week

Island Tourism FestivalInstallation of Guru Granth SahibjiInternational Literacy DayInternational Kite FestivalIndian Derby Weekend 2010International Yoga WeekIsland Tourism FestivalInternational Women’s Day

J

Jamshed-e-NavrozJanmashtamiJhansi FestivalJamat-ul-VidaJhiri MelaJaipur Literature festivalJaisalmer Desert FestivalJhullelal Jayanti

K

Kali PujaKa Pomblang NongkremKandooriKalahasti Temple FestivalKartika PurnimaKarthigai DeepamKerala Village FairKhajuraho Dance FestivalKolayat FairKolkata FestivalKonark Dance FestivalKumbha-Mela

Kulu DusseraKurukshetra FestivalKarva ChauthKallaji Ka MelaKarni Mata MelaKisan MelaKota dusseraKoratty Muthykalidas festivalKalpathi RatholsavamKolayat FairKolhaiya MelaKundri MelaKurukshetra FestivalKala Ghoda Arts FestivalKhajuraho Dance FestivalKhatu ShyamjiKonark Dance&Music FestivalKaila devi Fair

L

Lakshmi PujaLohriLucknow FestivalLili Parikrama FairLavi FairLosar

M

MahashivratriMahavir JayantiMakara SankrantiMay DayMamallapuram FestivalMango FestivalMarwar FestivalMahamasthabhishekaMilad-Un-NabiMewar Festival

Modhera Dance FestivalMuharramManarcad PerunnalManektari Punam FairMim KutMaharishi Valmiki JayantiMajuli FestivalMati PujaMondei FestivalMagh Bihu (Assam, Bengal)Mahatma Gandhi’s Assassination DayMamallapuram FestivalMartyr’s Day

N

NagaNagaur FairNag PanchamiNaga FestivalsNatyanjali FestivalNavratriNavrozeNanda Devi FairNehru Trophy Boat RaceNew Year's DayNishagandhi Dance FestivalNavakhanaNavrathri Music FestivalNeelamperoor PooramNovidadeNgada FestivalNimar UtsavNingol ChakoubaNongkrem Dance FestivalNational Youth DayNational Science DayNavchandi FairNo Smoking Day

O

Onam

Pattadakkal Dance FestivalPalm SundayPandharpur Temple festivalPious PachydermsPongalPooramPori FestivalPushkar MelaPitr PakshaParyushanPayippad Boat RacePhulaich fairPhoolkwalon ki SairPinjore Heritage FestivalPomblang LewduhParab Tribal FestivalParumala PerunnalPuri Beach FestivalPariyanampetta PooramParipally Gajamela

Q

Qutub Festival

R

Rajgir Dance FestivalRaksha BandhanRam NavamiRaslilaRath YatraRepublic DayRose FestivalRamlilaRam BaratRayalaseema FestivalRajyotsava DayRenuka FairRashtriya Suraksha Divas

S

Sabarimala Temple FestivalSawai Gandharva Sangeet MahotsavaSaptak Music FestivalSindhu Darshan FestivalShigmotsav FestivalShivaji JyantiSonepur MelaSummer FestivalSurajkund Crafts MelaSt. Francis Xavier DayShabbe MiragSolar EclipseSair FairSitabari fairSodal melaSharad PurnimaSri Vithappa FairSeng Kut SnemShamlaji FairShekhawati FestivalSwami Ramakrishna Paramhansa JayantiSai Baba Puja UtsavSheetla Asthami

T

Taj MahotsavTamil New YearTarnetar MelaTeejTeacher's DayThai PusamTihar FestivalThimithi FestivalTsokum FestivalTulsi VivahThalfavang KutTokhu EmongThirunakkara Arattu

U

UgadiUrs

Uthralikavu Pooram

V

Vasant PanchamiVishnupur FestivalViswakarma PujaVishuVallarpadam PerunnalVaikathashtami FestivalVautha FairValentines Day

W

World Ozone DayWangala FestivalWorld Forestry DayWorld Meteorological DayWorld TB DayWorld Water Day

X

X-Mas

Y

Yoga WseekYellamma Devi FairYamuna Jayanti, Mathura

Religionwise Festivals - One India many Religions

India is considered to be a spiritual and holy land where several religions are followed and many deities are worshipped. In India, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Jainism are the main religions which are rigorously practiced and followed. The other native Indian religions include Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Parsism.

But in modern era, Hinduism is mainly practiced and obeyed. The other natively Indian religions include Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. More than nine-tenths of Indian state holds priority where religion plays very important role.

Moreover, Hinduism is considered to be the largest religion in India. Then comes Islam, which is a monotheistic religion centered around the belief in one God and following the example of Muhammad, then falls Christianity, which is centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in the New Testament. Then comes, Buddhism which is a , nontheistic religion and philosophy. Buddhists form majority populations in the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Then comes Jainism, which revolves as a nontheistic dharmic religion and philosophical system originating in Iron Age India. Sikhism which commenced in early 16th century in North India acquiring all the teachings of Nanak. Then finally comes Parsis religion which is quite popular.

Religion wise Festivals - One India many Religions

Hindu Festivals Christian Festivals

Muslim Festivals Buddhists Festivals

Sikhs Festivals Sindhis Festivals

Jains Festivals Parsi Festivals

Hindu Festivals

Hindus celebrate a number of festivals which include birth of gods, marriage of the gods, victory of the gods, death of asuras, harvests, the new-year, full moons, new moons, birthdays, initiations, marriages, deaths, anniversaries and the list goes on. Apart from festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Dusshera, Durga Puja, Navratri, there are festivals which are celebrated by specific tribes and communities in individual states as well. So almost every month, one festival or the other is being celebrated somewhere in India by the Hindus.

Hindus celebrate a number of festivals which include birth of gods, marriage of the gods, victory of the gods, death of asuras, harvests, the new-year, full moons, new moons, birthdays, initiations, marriages, deaths, anniversaries and the list goes on. Apart from festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, Dusshera, Durga Puja, Navratri, there are festivals which are celebrated by specific tribes and communities in individual states as well. So almost every month, one festival or the other is being celebrated somewhere in India by the Hindus.

Festivals

•Holi

•Makar Sankranti

•Lohri

•Pongal

•Maha Shivratri

•Vasant Panchami

•Ram Navami

•Guru Purnima

•Rath Yatra

•Ganesh Chaturthi

•Onam

•Janmashtami

•Raksha Bandhan

•Navratra

•Dusshera

•Karva Chauth

•Diwali

•Bhai Dooj

•Govardhan Puja

•Brahmotsavam

•Karni Mata Mela

•Pitr Paksh

•Ramlila

•Sitabari fair

•Aanvla Navami

•Dev Uthani Ekadashi

•Dhanteras

•Maharishi Valmiki jayanti

•Rambarat

•Beneshwar Fair (Dungarpur, Rajasthan)

•Kumbh Mela (Haridwar)

•Makara Sankranti / Uttarayan

•Thai poosam

•Chaitra_Navratri

•Gangaur Festival

•Hanuman Jayanti

•Mewar Festival

•RamNavmi

•Ugadi

•Mahavir Jayanti

•Holla Mohalla

Muslim Festivals

Muslims celebrate a number of festivals all round the year. An interesting thing of their festivals is that they are based on Hegira and follow the lunar calendar rather than the Georgian calendar. The festivals of the Muslims do not have months that correspond to the seasons. Muharram is one of their main festivals which fall on the first Muslim month. Other festivals are Bakri-id, Shab-I-Barat, Ramzan Id, and Milad-Ul-Nabi.

Festivals:

Muharram Id-ul-Zuha (Bakri-id) Shab-I-Barat Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) Milad-Un-Nabi Barawafat Giaravahin Sharif Hazarat Ali's Birthday Shabbe Mirag Barabanki Mela

Festivals of the Sikhs

The Sikhs celebrate their festivals in their own individual ways along with some of the major festivals of the Hindus like Holi, Dusshera and Diwali. The festivals unique to the Sikhs have little to do with worship of God. Instead, the events celebrate the achievements in the lives of the 10 Sikh gurus and their teachings who is the most important person in Sikhism. The birthdays of the first and the last gurus, Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh, are celebrated with all the pomp of festivals.

Bhakti is central to the religion and therefore most of their festivities are accompanied by lot of music and song. Its festivals are marked by the singing of gurbani or holy songs, and readings from the holy book.

Festivals:

Guru Nanak Jayanti Guru Purab Holla Mohalla Lohri Birthday Guru Ramdassji Installation of Guru Granth Sahibji Sodal mela Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

Festivals of the Jains

The Jains celebrate several festivals all round the year. The festivals are connected with the births and deaths of the Tirthankaras. The important festivals are Paryushana practiced by the Svetambara sect of the Jains, Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated the birth anniversary of Mahavir and Mahamastak Abhishek meaning 'the grand ceremonial head anointing of Bahubali’ celebrated in the town of Shravanabelagola in Karnataka.

Festivals:

Mahavir Jayanti Paryushana Mahamastak Abhishek Deep Diwali Paryushan

Mahavir Jayanthi - All over India

The Jain community celebrates the birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara, Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism. On Mahavir Jayanthi, Jain temples are decorated with flags. In the morning the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek'. It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the neighbourhood. The devotees make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the Tirthankar. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain Temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on this day.

The birth anniversary of the 24th and the last Tirthankara of the Jains, Vardhman Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, is celebrated by

the Jain community in March. Born a prince in 599 BC, Mahavir renounced worldly life at the age of 30 and undertook austere penance until he achieved realisation.

He spread the message of salvation to the world and had many followers. Mahavir preached non-violence, prohibited any kind of killing and taught his followers to seek salvation through penance and abstinence. They are also advised to donate money, clothes and grain to the poor. The Jains are divided into many sects of whom the main ones are Digambaras and Shvetambaras with the latter again divided into Deravasis and Sthanakvasis.

On Mahavir Jayanthi, Jain temples are decorated with flags. In the morning the idol of Mahavira is given a ceremonial bath called the 'abhishek'. It is then placed in a cradle and carried in a procession around the neighbourhood. The devotees will make offerings of milk, rice, fruit, incense, lamps and water to the tirthankar. Some sections of the community even participate in a grand procession. Lectures are held to preach the path of virtue. People meditate and offer prayers. Donations are collected to save the cows from slaughter. Pilgrims from all parts of the country visit the ancient Jain Temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat on this day.

Mahamasthakabhisheka Place or Community:

The Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava of Lord Bahubali, a festival of the Jains, is held once in every 12 years at Shravanabelagola.

Month: The latest edition of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava of Lord Bahubali was held

in the month of January and February, 2006.

Description:

Mahamasthakabhisheka or the head anointing ceremony is held once in 12 years. It takes place in the 57 feet high monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola. In the festival that was held in 2006, the head anointing ceremony took place for nine days instead of the usual one day. This event was held under the leadership of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Shravanabelagola.

Of all the numerous events and poojas that are performed during the festival, the Mahamasthakabhisheka of Lord Bahubali is the main attraction.

In 2006, 8th February on the first day of the abhishekha Lord Bahubali was anointed with 108 kalashas or pots.

The statue was bathed with 504 kalashas on the second day while 1008 kalashas were used for the rest of the days.

Each day started with the Panchamrutha abhisheka and was followed by the kalasha abhisheka. There were rest days in between when special poojas were performed at the Jain mutt.

Poojas and aradhanas:

Sarvatobadhra Mahapooja was performed on 11th Feabruary, 2006 in Bhandari Basadi. This pooja was performed by 24 Indras to the 24 Tirthankar idols simultaneously at the ancient Bhandari Basadi.

Things like 24 umbrellas, 24 arghyas and 64 chamaras were offered to the idols. Sahasrakoota Jinabimba Abhishekha Mahapooja comprises of 1008 idols of Jain Tirthankaras moulded into a single metal block.

It is also one of the main attractions for devotees to Shravanabelagola. During Saraswathi Jinavani Shastra Mahapooja, the original script of Dhavala, Jayadhavala, Mahadhavala, Tiloyapannatti, Samayasara, Gommatasara, Mahapurana and other religious works are kept on a silver altar. Some of the latest religious books are released during this occasion.

During the whole event many poojas and aradhanas are conducted. In the latest edition vidhanas such as the Chaturvimshati Tirthankara Aradhana, Aradhana, Kalyana Mandira Aradhana, Shanthichakra Aradhana, Rishi Mandala, Navagraha Aradhana, Bhaktamara Aradhana, Kalikundala Aradhana, and Shanthinatha vidhan were performed under the leadership of Acharya 108 Sri Vardhamanasagarji Muni Maharaj, Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and other Munis and Bhatarakas.

The Munis pray for world peace and harmony during all their poojas and aradhanas. The mahamasthakabhisheka gains impetus with the beginning of panchakalyanak. The rituals involved in panchakalyanak are Nandi Mangala, Kankana Bandhana, Indra Pratishta, and Vastu Vidhan.

Several cultural programmes and exhibitions were held during the mahamasthakabhisheka in 2006. The stalls in the exhibition were devoted to various themes related to Jainism. Different state and central government organizations also took part in this exhibition.

Paryushan

The Jain community like other communities throughout the world celebrates many social and religious functions annually. The superb Jain festival popularly known as ‘Paryushan Parva’ organized every year in the auspicious month ‘Bhadrapad’ (Mid-August to Mid-September) of the Hindu calendar extends from the fifth day to fourteenth day of the bright fortnight. The festival ordains the Jains to observe the ten universal supreme virtues in daily practical life.

Paryushan Parva I bow to the Arahants, the perfected human beings.

I bow to the Siddhas, liberated bodiless souls.

I bow to the Acharyas, the masters and heads of congregations.

I bow to the Upadhyayas, the spiritual teachers.

I bow to the spiritual practitioners in the universe,Sadhus.

This fivefold obeisance mantra,

Destroys all sins and obstacles,

And of all auspicious repetitions,

Is the first and foremost.

Besides assuring a blissful existence in this world and the other world for every living being, it aims at the attainment of salvation - the supreme ideal for mundane soul. The non-Jains also express high reverence for this Jain festival.

All members of Jain community- high and low, young and old, and males and females, participate with full vigor and zeal in the various religious rituals and cultural programs. They listen with rapt attention to the holy sermons of the saints and learned Jain scholars arranged during the ten-day festival.

In these celebrations lie dormant the seeds of the well being, peace and happiness of the common man. On the eve of this festival all activities, which add to social discord or bitterness are declared taboo from the temple pulpits. These celebrations harbinger social harmony and amity and preach the lofty Jain motto ‘Live and Let live’..

Christian Festivals

Festivals of Christians are celebrated in as much the way as other festivals. The Christians celebrate festivals like Easter, Christmas and Good Friday. They are colorful and full of religious sentiments. The areas which were under French and Portuguese rule like Goa adds distinct European flavor to the festivals. The churches all over India also hold regular masses and prayers to mark the occasions.

Festivals

Christmas

The term Christmas is a translation of the Old English version – ‘Cristes Maesse’ which literally means the “Mass of Christ”.

It is a traditional holiday in the Christian calendar and the most auspicious and holistic Christian festival observed across the globe on December 25th with much fanfare.

December 25th is celebrated as birth anniversary of Lord Jesus Christ, who is believed to be born on the same date at Bethlehem, the land of Jews. The festival is celebrated as a mark of respect to Lord Jesus, who is considered as the son of God and founder of the Christian religion.

Christmas is basically celebrated by the Christians; but it is also observed as a day of celebration by other communities around the globe.

Our modern Christmas is a product of hundreds of years of both secular and religious traditions from around the globe

Many of the most popular Christmas customs – including Christmas trees, mistletoe, Christmas presents, and Santa Claus – are modern incarnations of the most depraved pagan rituals ever practice on the earth.

Merry Christmas is a common phrase exchanged amongst Christians. As defined in the modern day, ‘Merry’ means cheerful or festive. However, the most widely accepted meaning of the word is peaceful or blessed.

Therefore, wishing someone Merry Christmas is truly wishing them a peaceful or blessed ‘Mass of Christ”.Merry Christmas is a common phrase exchanged amongst Christians. As defined in the modern day, ‘Merry’ means cheerful or festive. However, themostwidelyaccepted meaning of the word is peaceful or blessed. Therefore, wishing someone Merry Christmas is truly wishing them a peaceful or blessed ‘Mass of Christ”.

Easter Day

Easter is the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and the Christians offer prayers and services in the Churches. Easter is another important festival for Christians. On this day Jesus Christ rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Easter eggs and Easter bunnies are a major attraction during Easter, the festival of rejuvenation of life and living.

In the days of the early Christian church, only Easter Sunday was celebrated as a holy day. By the fourth century, each day of the week preceding Easter was established as holy days

including Good Friday. To most Christians, Good Friday is really a misnomer in that it was a "bad" Friday—the crucifixion day of Jesus. Some believe the term "Good" evolved from "God" or God's Friday. Others believe "good" represents the good gift of salvation brought forth by the martyrdom. Regardless, it is a holy day throughout the Christian world.

Ceremonial worship of the holiday follows closely to the events described in the scriptures. Some congregations still hold a three-hour service on Friday representing the three hours He hanged on the cross. A typical service includes seven distinct elements representative of Christ's seven utterances while on the cross.

Good Friday is a day of sincere reverence among Goan Catholics. It is the culmination of Lent, an important observance in the lives of devout Catholics. Lent is observed for 40 days from February to March, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on Good Friday followed by Easter Sunday.

The Legend Behind EasterOriginally known as 'God's Friday', the present expression is believed to have emerged in the 10th or 11th century. According to Christian legend,Jesus Christ was from Nazareth, a town in modern Israel. A well-loved and respected citizen, he was considered by many to be the Son of God.

Some high officials and Jewish priests, however, felt that he was trying to usurp their authority and mislead the people. They hatched a plot against Christ with the help of one of his 12 apostles, named Judas. On charges of misleading the people, of instigating them not to pay taxes to the emperor, and of claiming to be the messenger of God, they arrested Christ. The following day, he was produced before a council comprising priests, teachers of law and elders, and questioned about the charges against him.

Finding him guilty on all counts, they presented him before the Roman Governor, who saw no reason to condemn him. But the priests were adamant. They insisted that it was his teachings, which were responsible for all the riots in the city of Judea. At the same time, they pleaded for the release of one of their men, who had been imprisoned for the crime. The Governor appealed to them, reiterating that Christ had done no wrong. When the clergy did not agree, he handed Jesus Christ to them to do as they wished. The crowd asked for his crucifixion.

As he was led away by the soldiers, he was made to wear a crown of thorns and mockingly addressed as 'King of the Jews' by the jeering crowd. A huge wooden cross was placed on his shoulders, and he carried it to the place assigned for his crucifixion. In a show of solidarity, a group of his followers marched in a procession behind him. Two criminals were also led to the same place to be put to death with Jesus.

At the assigned place, the three men were nailed to the crosses and left to die. Before he breathed his last, Jesus asked God, his father, to forgive those who were responsible for his death, as they were unaware of the magnitude of their sin. Jesus is believed to have died at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, three hours after being nailed to the cross.

On Good Friday, a cross, symbolic of the one on which Jesus was crucified, is unveiled in many churches. It is believed that Jesus rose from his grave on the following Sunday, which is celebrated as Easter. The rituals for Good Friday begin on the preceding Thursday. A feast symbolizing the last supper of Christ is held on Thursday night. The end of this meal marks the beginning of the fast for Easter.

The CelebrationsThe Celebrations in Panjim, hundreds of devout Goan Catholics gather in the Panjim Church of Mary Immaculate Conception to listen to mass and participate in the Way of the Cross. During the afternoon sermon, the priests narrate the sufferings that Jesus Christ took upon himself for the sake of humanity.

The mass is in Konkani, Goa's state language, attracts a crowd too large for the church itself, and people stand in the doorways and in the premises, dressed in formal clothes with somber countenance.

The CeremonyAfter the mass, the crucifix, which until this time has been kept from view, is now uncovered before the crowd for veneration. A very somber ceremony, "the Way ofthe Cross " is a reenactment of the path Jesus took on Mount Calvary before the Crucifixion.

In Panjim, which draws the largest crowd, a large wooden cross-carried by an image of Jesus is taken from the church, down the steps, and through the streets of the town. It is carried by the clergymen while the crowd follows in two parallel lines in front of and in back of the statue, some weeping and all with very solemn faces.

Those not participating in the actual procession look on from the roadsides, both Hindus and Christians alike. Somber music played by a band accompanies the procession, which slowly winds its way through the main streets in Panjim before returning to the church. The mass and procession occur in every church in Goa, but the one in Panjim draws the largest crowd.

Good Friday

Good Friday is the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified. Jesus Christ was born to Marry in Nezareth – a small town in Israel. He was the founder of Christianity, one of the world’s largest religions. Christ is believed to be an incarnation of God and his teachings are described in the New Testament.

It is believed that on Good Friday, Christ was arrested by clergymen. Hence, Good Friday is believed to be the time when Christians keep fast and celebrate the day over the birth of Christ.

Some people believe that ‘Good’ in GOOD FRIDAY is referred to as ‘GOD’ and it is also a common belief that ‘GOOD’ is referred to the gift brought by martyrdom. And according to one of the views, on this day, it is Jesus who went to heaven. It is also celebrated as a festival of life and spirit. Some believe the term "Good" evolved from "God" or God's Friday.

FESTIVALS OF BUDHDHISTBuddhists have festivals centered on Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. It is said that most of the

festivals were started by Buddha himself. However, in India, one doesn’t see much of the hype centered on these festivals as in other religions. Festivals are more religious and spiritual than social in nature. The festivals are a way of reminding themselves of the

righteous path they need to follow.

Festivals

Buddha Poornima, which falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha (either in April or May), commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism. Notwithstanding the summer heat (the temperature routinely touches 45 degrees C), pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the Buddha Poornima celebrations. The day is marked with prayer meets, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, religious discourses, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions, worship of the statue of Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with colourful flags and flowers. The Chinese scholar, Fa-Hien has recorded celebration of this festival.

It is an important to give a summarized description on the Buddhist festivals in India, especially in the main places of worship. The principal annual ceremony for all the Buddhist is the Vaisaka Purnima known in Sri Lanka as Wesak festival and in India as Buddha Jayanti. Vaisaka Purnima day is fixed by the full-moon day of the month Vaisaka, which falls in May. Like all other Buddhist festivals it falls according to the Lunar year. It was of this day of the year, according to the year.

He attained Supreme Enlighten or Buddha hood, beneath the Bodhi-tree at Boddha Gaya. Forty-five years later at the age of eighty, he finally passed away in Parinivana on the same day of the year at Kushinagar. Vaisaka Purnima is celebrated especially in Boddha Gaya,

Lumbini and in Kushinara as they are the holy places that were connected with the blessed ones birth, enlighten and the Parinirvana. Buddhists in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Nepal, Japan and quite a number of western Buddhists participate 'Vaisaka' Purnima Day religious activities in a festive mood. Sarnath the capital of Buddhism too celebrates Vaisaka Purnima day in a grand way.

The great Buddhist festival 'Vaisaka' ,although is an occasion for rejoicing doesn't encourage hectic gaiety and abandon. The happiness that the Buddhists feel when they are celebrating it is a tranquil, peaceful joy. The festival has its gay side as well. In most of the Buddhist countries the villages, roads, streets, temples and houses are brightly illuminated with color Lanterns, electric lights and colorful decorations.

Hemis Festival

Hemis Festival - Ladakh, Jammu Kashmir

The courtyard of Hemis Gompa-the biggest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh is the stage for the famous 'Hemis' festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. The colourful two-day pageant falls on the 10th day (Tse-Chu) of the Tibetan lunar month. The local people are seen dressed up in their finest traditional garb for the occasion. Lamas called 'chhams' perform splendid masked dances and sacred plays to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums and long horns. The head lama presides over the function. The festival takes an auspicious turn every 12 years in the Tibetan Year of the Monkey, when the two-storey high 'Thanka' depicting Padmasambhava is displayed. This famous 'Thanka', richly embroidered with pearls and semi-precious stones, is due to be displayed at this years festival i.e in 2004. A colourful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special highlight of the festival.

HEMIS MONASTERY- 40 km from Leh, it is the wealthiest, best-known and biggest gompa of Ladakh. Its popularity stems from the major annual festival held here in summer. The festival is in honour of Guru Padma Sambhav's birth anniversary. It also has the largest Thangkha in Ladakh, which is unfurled, once in 12 years (next in 2004) Hemis was built in 1630 during the reign of Sengge Namgyal, an illustrious ruler of Ladakh. It flourished under the Namgyal dynasty for the royalty favoured the Drugpa sect, which managed the monastery.Hemis Festival

It is divided into two, the assembly hall on the right and the main temple on the left. The hall Dukhang is also used as "green room" by the dancers during the festival. The temple is known as Tshogkhang. The varandahs have a surfeit of frescoes, among them the Buddhist 'wheel of life' (Kalachakra) and the lords of the four quarters, besides the prayer wheel.

Splendid masked dances are performed to the accompaniment of cymbals, drums & long horns. A colorful fair, displaying some beautiful handicrafts, is the special highlight of the festival.

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Festivals of Sindhis

Name of the festival: Chaliho Sahib

Place and community: Chailo or Chailo Sahib is a festival of the Sindhu Community.

Month: Chailo Sahib is a forty day fast observed by the Sindhis in the months of July-August. They pray to Lord Jhulelal for forty days and after the fast is over they celebrate the occasion as Thanks Giving Day with lots of gusto and festivities.

Background: Mirkshah Badshah, a Muslim invader of Sindh was a tyrant and a religious fanatic. He troubled the people of Thatta and wanted them to convert to Islam. The Hindus prayed to Varun Devta or the God of Water by observing penance on the banks of the river for forty days. On the fortieth, Varun Devta heard their prayers and promised them to save them from the tyrant. The answer to the prayers of the Hindus was Jhulelal. Since majority of the population of Thatta was of SindhiCommunity, Chailo Sahib became a festival of the Sindhis.

Activities: In order to thank God for rescuing them from the hands of the tyrant, the Sindhis observe Chailo Sahib even today with all devotion and faith. During those forty days, the following rules are followed by all Sindhis:

• No sleeping on bed, but on floor• Avoiding consumption of white items like rice, curd or milk• No fried eatables• No shaving or cutting hair• Avoiding non-vegetarian food• Wearing simple clothes• No use of soap or oil• No wearing leather belts or shoes

The fast begins by tying a sacred thread by the Poojari. People lead a "brahmacharya” way of life and every morning Akho ie. rice and sugar are offered during morning prayers. During the evening devotees attend kirtan in the temples. One can keep a fast for the first 10 days, 21 days or 40 days according to one’s capacity. After completion of forty days, on the forty-first day BahiranaSahib is worshiped and a procession is taken out. Sindhis always greet each other with "Jhulelal Bera-Hee-Paar" signifying that with the blessings of Lord Jhulelal the boat they will overcome all challenges and hardships.

Name of the Festival: Cheti Chand

Place or Community: Cheti Chand is Sindhi New Year and celebrated by the Sindhis all around the world.

Month: Cheti Chand is observed on the first day of the month of Chaitra. Chaitra is known as Cheti in Sindhi, hence Cheti Chand.

Description: Cheti Chand is Sindhi New Year which falls on the same day as that of Gudi Padwa which is the New Year day in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra

Pradesh. Cheti Chand is celebrated in honor of the birth of Jhulelal, the patron saint of the Sindhis. It is celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the SindhiCommunity. Many people take Baharana Sahib consisiting of Jyot, Misiri, Phota, Fal, Akha to the nearby river. An idol of Jhulelal Devta is also carried along.

On Sindhi New Year day if you want to wish a Sindhu a Happy New Year, you can say "Cheti Chand jyon Lakh Lakh Wadayun Athav". In response the other person can wish you "Tohan khe bhi Cheti Chand jyon Lakh Lakh Wadayun Athav".

Parsi FestivalsParsi community is a relatively small community in India compared to Hindus, Parsis or Christians. They mostly are concentrated in Gujarat and Mumbai. It is precisely because of its small number thatParsi festivals are not visible. The Zoroastrian religion is founded on the three tenets of 'Good thoughts, good words and good deeds.' The Zoroastrians are particular and careful about their religion and their festivals are also structured to reflect the chief aims of Zoroastrianism.

Festivals

Gahambars Jamshed Navroz (Parsi New Year) Khordad Sal Zarthost No Dees

Jamshed-e-navroz

Place and community

Jamshed-e-Navroz is a festival celebrated by Parsis all round the world.

Month

Jamshed-e-Navroz is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Zoroastrian year. The new year of the Parsis corresponds with vernal equinox or with the advent of spring. The time is decided in Iran which is then passed on to the world of Zoroastrians.

Legend

Jamshed-e-Navroz is mentioned in the Persian ‘Book of Kings’ or Shah Nemeh by Firdausi. This festival was first celebrated by King Jamshed after whom the festival is named. It is celebrated to commemorate the ascent of the King on the day of Navroz. ‘Nav’ means ‘new’ and ‘roz’ means ‘day’.

The day coincided with that of vernal equinox meaning equal day and equal night. The day also marks the transition from winter to summer. Named after King Jamshed, Jamshed-e-Navroz is a pagan pastoral festivalcelebrated by the Parsis with lots of gusto. On this day it is customary for the king to be weighed in gold and silver which is later distributed among the poor.

Rituals and Traditions

Navroz is celebrated on a grand scale. Although Parsis are westernized, they are quite traditional when it comes in celebrating festivals. Parsis dress in new clothes and wear gold and silver kustis and caps. Jamshed-e-Navroz is a festival symbolizing the spirit of friendship, happiness and harmony. They decorate their houses with auspicious symbols like stars, butterflies, birds and fish. They welcome guests by sprinkling rose water and rice and by applying tilak.

Food forms an important part of their festivities. The most traditional drink during this time is falooda prepared from milk and flavored rose water. They also have ‘Ravo’ for breakfast which is prepared from suji, milk and sugar.

People visit Fire Temple or Agiary for a special thanks giving prayer called, 'Jashan'. After the ceremony people greet each other by saying, 'Sal Mubarak'.

Lunch is also special for the Parsis which consist of pulao. It is traditional for the people to keep a copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp, a bowl of water containing live fish, an afrigan, a shallow earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, a silver coin for wealth, flowers for colour, painted eggs for productivity, and sweets and rosewater in bowls for sweetness and happiness on a table. The spread should also contain seven foods beginning with ‘sh’ and‘s’ symbolizing creation.

People exchange gifts on account of Jamshed-e-Navroz. Parsi festivals bring people from all classes together which is a sign of equality.

final gaurav fairs

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