India — Events
Tarnetar Mela
August 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010
The Tarnetar Mela is one of the most colorful events in the state of Gujarat. The fair celebrates the wedding of Arjuna with Draupadi, heroes of the legendary epic ‘Mahabharatha’. The popular festival draws unmarried men and women from miles around who come in the hope of finding a partner. The event includes singing, dancing and feasting and there’s also and arts and crafts fair â a great place to pick up a souvenir.
Urs
August 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010
The annual Urs pilgrimage is a religious ceremony during which thousands upon thousands of Muslims and Hindus congregate at the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisht, a revered Sufi saint. Millions of pilgrims travel to Ajmer each year to pay homage and offer prayers to the saint. During its peak, it’s not unusual to see queues of devotees several miles long making their way slowly towards the shrine.
Champakkulam Boat Race
August 14, 2010
The first race of the season in Kerala, the Champakkulam Boat Race is thought to be one of the oldest events of its type which dates back several hundred years. The elaborately-decorated Chundans or ‘snake boats’ which line the water are an incredible sight. Coupled with the rhythmic chanting of the oarsmen, the race is a fantastic spectacle and a great highpoint of any trip to the region.
Bikaner Festival
January 8, 2012 - January 9, 2012
The Bikaner Festival is held annually in celebration of the ‘ship of the desert’, the camel. Colorful processions, camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed competition, camel acrobatics and camel bands entertain the crowds. Music and fire-dancing combine with dazzling fireworks to light up the fortified Desert City.
Kite Festival
January 14, 2012
January 14th is known as Makara Sankranti, the day of the equinox. Hindus believe that those who die on this day escape from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Thousands of kites fill the sky, some with flickering lanterns. Local cuisine, folk art and handicrafts add to the cultural experience.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
February 5, 2012 - February 7, 2012
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival showcases the stunning culture of the region and is held against the striking backdrop of the Jaisalmer fort. Snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats, musicians, dancers, camel races and turban tying competitions all vie for your attention and the festival closes with a light and sound display set against the moonlit sky.
Goa Carnival
February 18, 2012 - February 22, 2012
This three day festival is an extravaganza of color, noise and excitement held annually in the state of Goa. With a distinct Portuguese flavor the streets are filled with music, dancing, food, drink, theater, floats and processions.
Thrissur Pooram
April 1, 2012 - April 30, 2012
Dubbed the ‘festival of all festivals’, the annual Thrissur Pooram is a spectacular event that attracts revelers from miles around. The event dates back to the reign of Sakthan Thampuran (1775-1790) and was a means for the two main geographical regions of the town - Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi - to display their strength. To this day, the festival still includes two teams of richly-adorned elephants, live music, processions, lots of food and drink and huge fireworks display.
International Flower Festival
May 1, 2012 - May 31, 2012
Usually held over the month of May when the gardens are in full bloom, visitors are invited to the Gardens of Gangtok to enjoy the visual feast of flowers and plants. The gardens are famed throughout India for their beauty and attract thousands of visitors from across the neighboring states. At this time of the year the gardens explode into a riot of color and smells as the many plants and flowers enter full bloom including vibrant orchids, gladioli, roses, cacti, herbs, creepers and ferns. A popular food festival also promises visitors many delectable treats.
Buddha Jayanti Festival
May 4, 2012
Buddha Jayanti celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautam Buddha in different years. Buddhist sites in Delhi, most notably the Buddha Jayanti Park, celebrate with prayer meetings and colorful events. Gautam Buddha, also known as the enlightened one, is believed to be the creator and first practitioner of Buddhism. Buddha Jayanti or Buddha Purnima is a major festival for the Buddhist community across South East Asia. On this day, mortal remains of Buddha are also brought out for public viewing by the National Museum in Delhi.
