Ka
Pomblang Nongkrem
(Shillong, Meghalaya)
The most important festival
of the Khasis in Meghalaya. This five day long festival,
held annually near Shillong, is an occasion for thanksgiving for a
good harvest and the time to pray for peace and prosperity. Khasi
men and women, dressed in traditional splendour, perform the famous
Nongkrem dance.
Lucknow
Festival
(Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
This festival celebrates Lucknow's
living culture. This capital city of Uttar Pradesh is alight
with excitement during this ten day long event. Colourful processions,
traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of the
famous Lucknow gharana, sarangi and sitar
recitals alongwith ghazals, qawalis and thumri create
a festive atmosphere. Exciting events like ekka races, kite
flying, cock fighting and other traditional village games recreate
an atmosphere of Avadh's nawabid days. 
Sonepur
Mela
(Sonepur, Bihar)
Asia's biggest cattle fair
is held at Sonepur, on the banks of the River Ganga. During this month-long
fair, cattle, decorated for the occasion, throng the venue.
Pushkar
Mela
(Pushkar, Rajasthan)
Tranquil Pushkar is
transformed into a spectacular fair ground for twelve days in the
month of Kartik. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling
displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters
are the major attractions of this colourful event. Devotees come in
their thousands to take a ritual dip in the lake on the day of the
Kartik Purnima and to worship at the Brahma temple.
Guru Purab
(All over India)
The birth anniversary of Guru
Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs, is celebrated with great
fervour. The 'Akhand Path' - recitation of the Guru Granth
Sahib, is held in gurdwaras all over the country. Taking
the holy book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations.
Hampi Festival
(Hampi, Karnataka)
The magnificent ruined city
of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire,
comes alive once again during this lively festival of dance and music,
held in the first week of November.
