Final Gaurav Fairs

1.
Festivals in Assam
2. Festivals in Andra Pradesh
3. Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh
4. Festivals in Bihar
5. Festivals in Chhattisgarh
6. Festivals in Dadra and Nagar Haveli
7. Festivals in Goa
8. Festivals in Gujarat
9. Festivals in Haryana
10. Festivals in Himachal Pradesh
11. Festivals in Jharkhand
12. Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir
13. Festivals in Karnataka
14. Festivals in Kerala
15. Festivals in Madhya Pradesh
16. Festivals in Maharashtra
17. Festivals in Manipur
18. Festivals in Meghalaya
19. Festivals in Mizoram
20. Festivals in Nagaland
21. Festivals in Orissa
22. Festivals in Pondicherry
23. Festivals in Punjab
24. Festivals in Rajasthan
25. Festivals in Sikkim
26. Festivals in Tamil Nadu
27. Festivals in Tripura
28. Festivals in Uttranchal
29. Festivals in Uttar Pradesh
30. 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 festival
4. Pola
5. Mati Puja
6. Navakhana
7. 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
• 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
• 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 Nritham
2. Asthami Rohini
3. Thrikarthiaka
4. Thiruvathira
5. Onam
6. Aranmula Vallamkali
7. Manarcad Perunnal
8. Navrathri Music Festival
9. Neelamperoor Pooram
10. Payippad Boat Race
11. Vallarpadam Perunnal
12. Koratty Muthy
13. Kalpathi Ratholsavam
14. Parumala Perunnal
15. Vaikathashtami Festival
16. Kerala Village Fair
17. Thai poosam
18. Chinakkathoor Pooram
19. Pariyanampetta Pooram
20. Arattupuzha_pooram
21. Attuvela_Mahotsavam
22. Paripally Gajamela
23. Thirunakkara Arattu
24. 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:
• 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 offive 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
• 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
• 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
Du
rati
Fairs / Locatio Mo
State District on
Melas n nth
(da
ys)
Assa Raas Bilasip No
Dhubri 30
m mela ara v
Netaji KarimgKarimg
Jan 15
Mela anj anj
Rash
Harima No
mahot Nalbari 11
ndir v
sav
And
Braha Sep
hra Tirupat
motsa Chitoor/Oc 10
Prad i
vam t
esh
Netaji KarimgKarimg
Jan 15
Mela anj anj
Pyditt
Apr
halla
Vijaya Vijaya il/
mma NA
nagram nagram Ma
Utsav
y
am
Sonep
Biha Sonepu No
ur Patna 30
r r v
Mela
Sorat
Madhu Jun
h Sorath 15
bani e
Mela
Vaisa Apr
kh Bodh il/
Gaya 15
Purni Gaya Ma
ma y
Shivr Sayal Hazari Feb 15
atri bagh
Mela
2
Guja Vauth Ahmed No
Vautha day
rat a Fair abad v
s
Somn
Junaga No
ath Patan 6
rh v
Fair
Rajim
Rajim Raipur Feb 30
Mela
Dasse
Jagdalp
ra Bastar Oct 7
ur
Mela
Narsi
GomitpAhmed No
nghji 1
ur abad v
Fair
Bhav
Junaga Junaga
nath Feb 1
rh rh
Fair
Navra
Bansak
tri Ambaji Sep 10
antha
Fair
Lilipa
ri Junaga Junaga No
5
Kram rh rh v
a Fair
Mane
kthari
Poona Dakor Kheda Sep 1
m
Fair
Gokul
astha Au
Surat Surat 7
mi g
Fair
Bhadr
apada Ambaji
NA Sep 1
ambaj Village
i mela
Mane Dakor Kheda Sep 1
ktari
Puna
m
Fair
Shaml 5
Shamla Sabark No
aji day
ji antha v
Fair s
Pihow
Hary Kuruks
a Pihowa Mar 30
ana hetra
Mela
Pathri
Mar
Mata
Pathri Panipat /Jul 30
Ka
y
Mela
Gang
Apr
or Sirsa Sirsa 3
il
Mela
Kapal
moch BilaspuYamun No
5
an r anagar v
Mela
Suraj
Surajk Faridab
kund Feb 15
und ad
Mela
Kisan
Karnal Karnal Sep 9
Mela
Dehat
Ladana Kaithal Oct 7
i Mela
Him
acha
Minja Chamb Chamb
l July 9
r Fair a a
Prad
esh
Dussh
Kullu Kullu Oct 10
erra
Kinnau
Phulai Kinnau
r Sep 1
ch fair r
Valley
Sair Shimla NA Sep 1
Fair
Hamir HamirpNo
Utsav ur v
4
Lavi Rampu No
day
Fair r v
s
Renu 3
No
ka_fai Sirmur day
v
r s
Jhiri No
J&K Jhiri
Mela v
Jhar Kolha
No
khan iya
v
d Mela
Kundr No
i Mela v
Kund Pratapp
chatra Feb 1
a Fair ur
Karn
Dassa
atak MysoreMysoreOct 10
ra
a
Sanga
mesw Chitrad
Harihar Mar 7
ara urga
Jatra
Maha
deshw Kolleg No
Mysore 5
ara al v
Mela
Hava
Havan Dharw
noor Jan 3
oor ad
Mela
Dasar
MysoreMysoreSep 28
a Fair
Yella Saunda Belgau Oct 1
mma tti m
Devi
Fair
Goda
Godac Belgau No
chi
hi m v
Fair
Hamp
3
i No
Hampi day
Festiv v
s
al
Poora
Kera m Apr
Trichur Trichur 21
la Festiv il
al
Trivan Trivan Au
Onam 10
drum drum g
Koratt
y Koratty
KorattyOct NA
Muth Village
y
Maka
ra MalappMalapp
Mar NA
Vilak uram uram
ku
No
Chira Kottay Kottay
v/D NA
ppu yam yam
ec
Feast
Of St Chertal Ernaku
Jan NA
Sebas a lam
tain
Shivr
Feb
atri Ernaku
Aluva /Ma NA
Vilak lam
r
ku
Omall
Omallo Ernaku
or Mar NA
r lam
Fair
Maga
Sabari
ra Idukki Jan 10
mala
Jyoti
Sri
Sunda Apr
Kannur Kannur NA
reswa il
r
Utsav Vadak Malapp
Mar NA
am kekara uram
Aran
mula Aranm
NA Sep 1-2
Valla ula
mkali
Keral Kovala
10
a m&
NA Jan day
Villag Ernacu
s
e Fair lam
Mad
hya Kartik No
Ujjain Ujjain 30
Prad Mela v
esh
Kada
Kharag Tikam No
m 15
pur garh v
Mela
Gwali
or Gwalio Gwalio
Jan 30
Trade r r
Fair
Make
r Barma
Ujjain Jan NA
Sankr n
anti
3
Nimar Mahes No
day
Utsav hwar v
s
Onc
Mah Kumb
e In
aras h Nashik Nashik NA
12
htra Mela
Yrs
Shard Oct
a Nagpur Nagpur /No 10
Utsav v
Ganes
Au
h
Sangli Sangli g/S NA
Festiv
ep
al
Oris Rath
Puri Puri July 10
sa Yatra
Joran
Jorand Dhenk
da Feb 7
a anal
Mela
Dhan
Bargar Bargar
u Jan 11
h h
Jatra
Bali Cuttac Cuttac
Oct 5
Yatra k k
Chata
Kalaha Kalaha
r Oct 2
ndi ndi
Yatra
Rural
Punj Quila Ludhia Jan/
Olym 7
ab Raipur na Feb
pics
Holla
Anand
h
Pur Ropar Mar 5
Mohll
Sahib
ah
Talvan
Baisa Bhatin Apr
di 5
khi da il
Sahib
Mag Muktsa Faridk
Jan 3
Mela r ot
Ramt Kaler
Amrits No
eerth Purnim 5
ar v
Mela a
Sahidi Fatehg
Jan/
Jod arh Patiala 4
Feb
Mela Sahib
Sodal JalandhJalandh
Sep 2
Mela ar ar
Chap
ChappaLudhia
par Sep -
r na
Mela
Raja Khatu
stha Shya Sikar Sikar Feb 3
n m ji
Urs Ajmer Ajmer Oct 10
Pushk
Pushka No
ar Ajmer 10
r v
Fair
Ramd Ramde Jaisalm
Oct 10
evra ora ar
Dussh
erra Kota Kota Oct 10
Mela
Benes
Benesh Dunger
hwar Jan 5
war pur
Fair
Chan
derbh Jhalaw Jhalaw No
5
aga ar ar v
Fair
Khetl
Au
aji Bundi Bundi 3
g
Fair
Ranis
Jhunjh Jhunjh Au
ati 20
unu unu g
Mela
Maha Sawai Sawai
No
vir Madho Madho 7
v
Mela pur pur
Gopin
athjik
Gopina Bansw
a Sep 1
thjika ara
Gara
Mela
Sawai
Kaila
Kaila Madho Mar 15
Devi
pur
Kaila Sawai
Devi Karauli Madho Mar 3
Fair pur
Kallaj
Bansw
i Ka - Sep 1
ara
Mela
Karni
Deshno
Mata - Sep 1
k
Mela
Kota
dusser - Kota Sep 1
a
Sitaba Sitabar
- Sep 1
ri fair i
Marw
ar Jodhpu Jodhpu
Oct 2
Festiv r r
al
Naga
ur
Fair(
Ramd Nagaur Nagaur Jan 8
eoji
Cattle
Fair )
Tam
Peria Truppa Truppa Oct
il
Kirthi rankun rankun /No NA
Nad
gal dram dram v
u
Panim
aya
Tuticor Tuticor Au
Matha 10
in in g
Festiv
al
Eallaz Bannar Bannar Apr NA
hagar al al il/
Ma
y
Chikka Chikka
Mar
Kund ram- ram-
/Ap NA
am sampal sampal
ril
ayam ayam
Utta Bemo
r li Bemoli Au
Agra 1
Prad Katra Katra g
esh Mela
Kailas
Au
h KailashAgra 30
g
Mela
Maka
r Allaha Allaha Jan/
7
Sankr bad bad Feb
anti
3
Mo
Kumb Jan/
Haridw nth
h Apr
ar 14
Mela il
day
s
Barab Feb 10
Baraba
anki Deva /OC day
nki
Mela T s
Bates 3
Batesh OC
hwar Agra we
war T
Fair eks
Ramn
Ayodh Faizab Apr
avami 4
ya ad il
Mela
Sharv
July
an Ayodh Faizab
/Au 7
Jhool ya ad
g
a
Nauc Mar
handi Meerut Meerut /Ap 30
Mela ril
Ramli Varana Varana Oct 10
la /No
si si
Mela v
Chitra
koot Chitrak Chitrak Mar
7
Ramli oot oot ch
la
Shiva
Kalaha Kalaha
ratri Feb 4
sti sti
Mela
Maha LucknoLucknoNo
10
utsav w w v
Nauc
Muzaff Muzaff Apr
handi 30
arnagar arnagar il
Mela
Nauc
handi AligarhAligarhJan 30
Mela
7,
Ramli Ramna
Sep 14,
la gar
31
Ramb
Agra Agra Ocp 1
arat
2
Cattle No
Dadri Balia we
Fair v
eks
Wes
Gokul
t Gokulp Medini Dec
anand 5
Ben ur pur /Jan
Mela
gal
North
Sankr
Ganga 24
anti Jan NA
nagar Pargan
Mela
as
Gokul
Gokulp Medini Jan/
anand 5
ur pur Feb
Mela
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
• Mid January
• January 20 - Thursday
• January 23 - Sunday
• January 25 - Tuesday
• January 26 - February 6
• January 30 - Sunday
FEBRUARY
Festivals Name
1. Surajkund Crafts Mela
2. Brij Festival
3. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

4. 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
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
31. Yamuna Jayanti (Mathura)

Day / Date
• March 1 - March 7
• March 1 - Tuesday
• March 3 - Thursday
• March 5 - Saturday
• March 7 - Monday
• March 9 - Wednesday
• March 13 - Sunday
• March 19 - Saturday
• March 20 - Sunday
• March 25 - Friday
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 13 - Wednesday
• April 14 - Thursday
• Middle of April Every Year
• April 16 - Saturday
• April 16 - April 23
• April 17 - Sunday
• April 18 - Monday
• April 18 - Monday
• April 22 - Friday
• April 22 - Friday
• 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 Tithi

24. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Death Anniversary
25. Veer Savarkar Jayanti

26. 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 21 - Saturday
• May 22 - Sunday
• May 25 - Wednesday
• May 27 - Friday
• May 29 - Sunday
JUNE
Festivals 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 Baptist

22. Champakulam Boat Race
23. Hazrat Ali’s Birthday

Day / Date
• June 1 - Wednesday
• June 1 - June 30
• June 4 - Saturday
• June 5 - Sunday
• June 10 - Friday
• June 12 - Sunday
• May 8 - Sunday
• June 14 - Tuesday
• June 15 - Wednesday
• June 16 - Thursday
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
• 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 24 - Sunday
• July 28 - Thursday
AUGUST
Festivals 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 14 - Monday
• August 17 - Wednesday
• August 19 - Friday
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. Mahanavami
5. Jai Prakash Naraian Death Anniversary
6. 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 4 - Tuesday
• October 5 - Wednesday
• October 6 - Thursday
• October 8 - Saturday
• October 14 - Friday
• October 15 - Saturday
• Middle of October Every Year
• October 24 - Monday
• October 24 - Monday
• Ocober 28 - Friday
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 10 - Thursday
• November 19 - Saturday
• November 25 - Friday
• November 29 - Tuesday
DECEMBER
Festivals 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 Gujarat

11. Ch. Charan Singh Jayanti (Kissan Divas)
12. Shanishchari Amavasya
13. Kalbadevi Yatra
14. Christmas Day
15. Winter Festival (Mt. Abu)
16. New Year Eve

17. 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
• 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 whenIndia 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
National Youth Day
Engineers Day
Childrens Day
Valentine Day
Central Excise Day
National Science Day
World Forestry Day

World Meteorological Day
World TB Day
World Water Day
Aadiperuku
Amarnath Yatra
Anant Chaturthi
Akshaya Tritiya
Ambedkar Jayanti
Amongmong Festival
Aranmula Vallamkali
Ayudha Mela
Aanvla Navami
Autumn Festival
Autumn Flower show
Agni Utsav
Army Day
Alwar Festival
Arattupuzha pooram
Attuvela Mahotsavam
B
Baisakhi
Bandi Festival
Baneshwar Fair
Bhai Dooj
Bhogali Bihu
Bihu
Bikaner Festival
Brahmotsavam
Buddha Purnima
Bera Utsav
Bhadrapada ambaji mela
Birthday Guru Ramdassji
Barabanki Mela
Bateshwar Fair
Bhai Dooj
Bada Osha
Bali Yatra
Bundi Utsav
Brij Festival
C
Champakkulam Boat Race
Chapchar Kut
Chaliho
Chandrabhaga Fair
Cheti Chand
Chennai Dance Festival
Christian Fair
Christmas
Chaitra – Navratri
Coconut Day Festival
Cochin Carnival
Chappar Mela
Cape Festival
Cattle Fair
Chandigarh Carnival
Chhath Puja
Children's day
Charta Festival
Chrysanthemums Show
Chennai Dance Festival
Chumpha Festival
Chandigarh Garden Festival
Chinakkathoor Pooram
Central Excise Day
Deccan Festival
Desert Festival
Dhan Teras
Diwali
Durga Puja
Dussehra
Dasara Fair
Dala Chhath
Dev Uthani Ekadashi
Desh prem Diwas
Dr. Sampoornanand Jayanti
Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
Delhi Garden Festival
E
Easter
Elephant Festival
Elephanta Festival
Ellora Festival
Engineers day
Elephant Festival
Feast of Purim
Float Festival
Flower Festival
Fulaich Festival
Elephant Festival
G
Gandhi Jayanti
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Festival
Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Mahotsav
Ganga Sagar mela
Gangaur
Garden Festival
Goa Carnival
Good Friday
Goverdhan Puja
Gudi Padwa Or Ugadi
Gugga Naumi
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti
Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti
Guru Purab
Guru Purima
Guru Ravidas Jyanti
Guruvayur Festival
Gajalaxmi Puja
Geeta Jayanti Samaroh
Godachi Fair
Guru Gorakhnath Jayanti
Goa Carnival
Grape Festival
Guru Ramdas Jayanti
Hampi Festival
Hanuman Jayanti
Hemis Festival
Holi
Holla Mohalla
Hornbill Festival
Hoysala Mahotsava
Hazarat Ali's Birthday
Heikru Hitongba
Hamir Utsav
Hindu New Year
Id-ul-Fitr
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakr-Id)
Independence Day
International Yoga Week
Island Tourism Festival
Installation of Guru Granth Sahibji
International Literacy Day
International Kite Festival
Indian Derby Weekend 2010
International Yoga Week
Island Tourism Festival
International Women’s Day
Jamshed-e-Navroz
Janmashtami
Jhansi Festival
Jamat-ul-Vida
Jhiri Mela
Jaipur Literature festival
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Jhullelal Jayanti
K
Kali Puja
Ka Pomblang Nongkrem
Kandoori
Kalahasti Temple Festival
Kartika Purnima
Karthigai Deepam
Kerala Village Fair
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Kolayat Fair
Kolkata Festival
Konark Dance Festival
Kumbha-Mela
Kulu Dussera
Kurukshetra Festival
Karva Chauth
Kallaji Ka Mela
Karni Mata Mela
Kisan Mela
Kota dussera
Koratty Muthy
kalidas festival
Kalpathi Ratholsavam
Kolayat Fair
Kolhaiya Mela
Kundri Mela
Kurukshetra Festival
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khatu Shyamji
Konark Dance&Music Festival
Kaila devi Fair
Lakshmi Puja
Lohri
Lucknow Festival
Lili Parikrama Fair
Lavi Fair
Losar
M
Mahashivratri
Mahavir Jayanti
Makara Sankranti
May Day
Mamallapuram Festival
Mango Festival
Marwar Festival
Mahamasthabhisheka
Milad-Un-Nabi
Mewar Festival
Modhera Dance Festival
Muharram
Manarcad Perunnal
Manektari Punam Fair
Mim Kut
Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti
Majuli Festival
Mati Puja
Mondei Festival
Magh Bihu (Assam, Bengal)
Mahatma Gandhi’s Assassination Day
Mamallapuram Festival
Martyr’s Day
N
Naga
Nagaur Fair
Nag Panchami
Naga Festivals
Natyanjali Festival
Navratri
Navroze
Nanda Devi Fair
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
New Year's Day
Nishagandhi Dance Festival
Navakhana
Navrathri Music Festival
Neelamperoor Pooram
Novidade
Ngada Festival
Nimar Utsav
Ningol Chakouba
Nongkrem Dance Festival
National Youth Day
National Science Day
Navchandi Fair
No Smoking Day
Onam
Pattadakkal Dance Festival
Palm Sunday
Pandharpur Temple festival
Pious Pachyderms
Pongal
Pooram
Pori Festival
Pushkar Mela
Pitr Paksha
Paryushan
Payippad Boat Race
Phulaich fair
Phoolkwalon ki Sair
Pinjore Heritage Festival
Pomblang Lewduh
Parab Tribal Festival
Parumala Perunnal
Puri Beach Festival
Pariyanampetta Pooram
Paripally Gajamela
Qutub Festival
Rajgir Dance Festival

Raksha Bandhan
Ram Navami
Raslila
Rath Yatra
Republic Day
Rose Festival
Ramlila
Ram Barat
Rayalaseema Festival
Rajyotsava Day
Renuka Fair
Rashtriya Suraksha Divas
S
Sabarimala Temple Festival
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsava
Saptak Music Festival
Sindhu Darshan Festival
Shigmotsav Festival
Shivaji Jyanti
Sonepur Mela
Summer Festival
Surajkund Crafts Mela
St. Francis Xavier Day
Shabbe Mirag
Solar Eclipse
Sair Fair
Sitabari fair
Sodal mela
Sharad Purnima
Sri Vithappa Fair
Seng Kut Snem
Shamlaji Fair
Shekhawati Festival
Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa Jayanti
Sai Baba Puja Utsav
Sheetla Asthami
Taj Mahotsav
Tamil New Year
Tarnetar Mela
Teej
Teacher's Day
Thai Pusam
Tihar Festival
Thimithi Festival
Tsokum Festival
Tulsi Vivah
Thalfavang Kut
Tokhu Emong
Thirunakkara Arattu
Ugadi
Urs
Uthralikavu Pooram
Vasant Panchami
Vishnupur Festival
Viswakarma Puja
Vishu
Vallarpadam Perunnal
Vaikathashtami Festival
Vautha Fair
Valentines Day
World Ozone Day

Wangala Festival
World Forestry Day
World Meteorological Day
World TB Day
World Water Day
X-Mas
Yoga Wseek
Yellamma Devi Fair
Yamuna 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 Easter

Originally 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 Celebrations
The 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 Ceremony
After 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 BUDHDHIST
Buddhists 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.
558
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 Festivals
Parsi 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

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Descrizione originale:

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Final Gaurav Fairs

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

1.

List of Festivals in Assam

List of Festivals in Arunachal Pradesh

List of Festivals in Bihar

List of Festivals in Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Festivals of Himachal Pradesh

List of Festivals in Himachal Pradesh

List of Festivals in Goa

Festivals of Madhya Pradesh

List of Festivals in Pondicherry

List of Festivals in Sikkim:

Festivals of Tamil Nadu

2. New Year's Day

3. Dr. Sampoornanand Jayanti

4. Rashtriya Balika Diwas

5. Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

7. Island Tourism Festival

8. National Youth Day

10. Makara Sankranti / Uttarayan

11. International Kite Festival

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

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

• Dec 25, 2010 to Jan 25, 2011

1. Surajkund Crafts Mela

3. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

6. Baneshwar Fair (Dungarpur, Raj)

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

• Last Week of February

• Last Week of February

• Last Week of February

• Last Week of February

1. International Yoga Week