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 festivals is celebrated
with great fervour in the university town of Shantiniketan.
Surajkund
Crafts Mela
(Surajkund, near Delhi)
A delightful handloom and handicrafts
fair is held annually (1st Feb. to 15th. Feb. this year) 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 part of this colourful
fair.
International
Yoga Week
(Rishikesh, Uttaranchal)
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.
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 are an added attraction.
Nagaur
Fair
(Nagaur, Rajasthan)
Nagaur bustles with
life during its annual cattle fair which is one of largest in the
country. Exciting games and camel races are part of the festivities.
Elephant
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 week-long 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 , Punjab)
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, telegram
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