Fairs and festivals in India are colorful commemorations of religious or historical events or celebrations of the change of seasons and harvesting. They reflect the vigor and lifestyle of its people. Vibrant colors, music and festivities make the country come alive throughout the year.

The festival of lights is one of the most beautiful of Indian festivals, it celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit in houses all over the country making it a night of enchantment. Worship of 'Laksmi', the Goddess of wealth and fireworks are an essential part of the festivities marking the occasion.

The most boisterous of all Hindu festivals, observed all over the North. It heralds the end of winter and the beginning of the Spring. The night before, people gather and light huge bonfires .The next morning , people throw coloured water and powders (gulal and kumkum) at each other and make merry. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion. It is a joyous celebration of the rejuvenation of nature, and renewed hope of happiness and peaceful coexistence.

Celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion of feasting and rejoicing. Prayers, family get-togethers and feasts are the highlight of the celebrations.

Christmas is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians with special enthusiasm. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Carol-singing, get-togethers and exchanging of gifts enhance the Christmas spirit

A celebration of harvest lasting three days. The first day is the 'Bhogi Pongal' which is celebrated as a family festival. The second day 'Surya Pongal' is dedicated to the Sun. 'Mattu Pongal' the third day is dedicated to the worship and veneration of cattle.

February heralds the carnival at Goa, For three days and nights, the legendary king Memo takes over the state and the streets come alive with colour. The week long event is a time of gaiety and festivity.

A colorful event lasting twelve days, it is held annually in November at Pushkar. Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters are the major attractions.

Onam is Kerala's most popular festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is primarily a harvest festival celebrated to welcome the spirit of the pious King Mahabali from eternal exile and to assure him that his people are happy and wish him well. The Vallumkali (boat race) is one of the main attractions. About a hundred oarsmen row huge and graceful odee (boats).

A ten day event in February, the Taj Mahotsav is a culturally vibrant platform that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances. Folk music, shayari (poetry), and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and food festival are a part of the festivities.

Ten days of battle between Lord Rama and King Ravana, are celebrated throughout India ,with theatrical enactment's of the dramatic encounters. On the tenth day, huge effigies of the vanquished Ravana and his brothers and sons, made of paper and stuffed with firecrackers are set afire amidst a lot of festivity and gaiety.

Note: Choose any of the festivals and come to India. We'll make it happening and an unforgettable event of your lifetime.

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