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.
Dussehra
(All over India)
Celebrated to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama, Dussehra symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The Ramlila - 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 alight. |  | | 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. Relatives and friends visit each other to exchange greetings. |  | 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 a myriad lights. Majestic processions, a torch light parade and dance and musical events enliven the tranquil city. |  | 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 splendour. | 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 flickering lights of the traditional clay lamps or ‘diyas’ illuminate the houses and fireworks resound through the night. The goddess of wealth and prosperity – Lakshmi, is worshipped on this day. |  | Houses are white washed and elaborate designs drawn at the thresholds to welcome the goddess. The exchanging of gifts and sweets among friends and relatives and playing of games of chance at night, are all an integral part of the celebrations. | Gandhi Jayanti
(All over India)
The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi - the 'Father of the nation' (2nd October). The President and Prime Minister, along with other eminent political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat - the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. All the offices and schools, throughout the country, remain closed on this day. |  | 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. Khajuraho Dance Festival
(Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh)
The thousand year old temples at Khajuraho, built by the Chandella kings, are majestic structures sculpted in stone. Only 22 of these temples remain today, to bear testimony to the craftsmanship of Chandella builders. Every year in March, these splendid temples come alive during the week-long festival of classical 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. 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 colours. Celebrated all over North India, Holi is a time to make merry. People smear each other with coloured powder. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion. |  |
In Anandpur Sahib, Sikhs celebrate a special festival Hola Mahalla 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 Lathmarr Holi of Barasan and Nandgaon.
| Elephant Festival
(Jaipur, Rajasthan)
A festival wehre elephants are the center 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. |  | Hoysalal Mahotsava
(Belur-Halebid, Karnataka)
The dance festival held at Belur and Halebid is a magnificient event. The splendid Hoysala temples with their sculptural extravaganza, make the perfect venue for this cultural feast. | Pataliputra Mahotsava
(Patna, Bihar)
Patna, an ancient city with a glorious past, celebrates its rich heritage with this lively festival. | Jhansi Festival
(Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh)
This week-long annual event is a display of the arts, crafts and culture of a splendid city Jhansi. The cultural programme include folk songs, dances, mushairas and ghazals. | Good Friday
(All over India)
Good Friday is observed by Christians nationwide with special services in the churches. | Ellora Festival
(Aurangabad, Maharashtra)
The magnificient rock-cut caves at Ellora-34 in number, were excavated between 600 and 1000 AD. They include Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves. Every March, a festival of dance and music is organized here with the caves forming a splendid backdrop.
Vasant Panchami
(North India and West Bengal)
The ceremonial welcome to spring when people, colourfully attired, especially in bright shades of yellow, dance, sing and make merry. In West Bengal, 'Saraswati' the goddess of learning is worshipped. The festival is celebrated with great fervour in the university town of Santiniketan. | Surajkund Crafts Mela
(Surajkund, near Delhi)
A delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled artisans from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical setting of a rural Indian marketplace. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also a part of this colourful fair. | International Yoga Week
(Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh)
A week-long event to promote Yoga is held in Rishikesh, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Himalayas. Detailed lectures and demonstration of various asanas by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major highlights of the Yoga Week. |  | Desert Festival
(Jaisalmer, Rajasthan)
A three day long extravaganza of colour, music and festivity at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest are part of the fun of the occasion. Camel rides and folk dances at the sand dunes at Sam are an added attraction. | Nagaur Fair
(Nagaur, Rajasthan)
Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of the largest in the country. Exciting games and camel races are part of the festivities. |  | Elephanta 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. | Deccan Festival
(Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh)
Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to visitors. | Taj Mahotsav
(Agra, Uttar Pradesh)
A ten day event that starts on 18th February each year in Shilpgram, the Taj Mahotsav is a much awaited event. India's extensive arts, crafts and culture are on display. Folk music, shayari and classical dance performances along with elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all add to the excitement of the occasion. |  | Goa Carnival
(Goa)
Goa's 100 km coastline has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The exuberant Goa Carnival is an annual feature here. Held in mid February, just before Lent, the weeklong event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars and graceful dances. | Garden Festival
(Delhi)
A spectacular flower show held in Delhi, where varieties of flowers and exotic plants are on display. This annual event is indeed a horticulturist's delight. | 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)
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. | Island Tourism Festival
(Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
A ten day long festival of dance, drama and music. Exhibitions, displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life, are part of the event. Aqua sports, telegames and parasailing are added attractions. |
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Thanks for posting.Great festival information.Wish you n all a Happy Diwali ahead.
Cheers!!
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