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With many Events, Festivals and Fairs happening thorough out the year in different states of India you can plan your tour. You will find all the information regarding the popular Festivals & Fairs in month and state wise to assist you to plan it.
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Popular Festivals |
PONGAL (January)
This festival of Pongal falls in the month of January after the winter solstice and as such this Pongal festival marks the favorable course of the Sun. It is a three-day festival and the fourth day is a day for outdoors and excursions.
The first day is celebrated as the BHOGI PONGAL and is usually meant for domestic activities and of being together with the family members.
The second day of Pongal is known as SURYA PONGAL and is dedicated to the Sun God. On this day the granaries are full, sun shines brightly, trees are in full bloom, bird-songs resound in the air and hearts overflow with happiness that get translated into colorful and joyous celebrations.
The third day is MATTU PONGAL , which is the festival of cattle. To the village people cow, the giver of milk and the bull that draws the plough in the fields are very valuable and therefore the farmers honor their dumb friends by celebrating it as a day of thanks giving to them..
HOLI (March)
Holi is a spring festival. Though originated in the northern part of India, Holi has assumed a national flavor over the ages. Despite being a Hindu festival, it is now regarded as a secular event. For, the entire nation takes the day off, as people, irrespective of race, culture and ethnic background, enjoy the spirit of Holi. Cities and suburbs, towns and villages all come alive to catch the frenzy of the March - madness in a range of colours. This is where the celebration with colours comes in. Holi is supposed to be an exuberant show of goodwill and cheer.
RATH YATRA at Puri (July)
A monumental festival held in July at Puri, Orrisa (a similar, smaller but equally impressive celebration is held at Mahesh, Bengal) that commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath from his temple to his summer retreat and back. The Jagannath (Krishna) idol is pulled in a giant wooden chariot that is pulled by hundreds of thousands of people participating in the festivities.
ONAM (August / September)
Celebrated in Kerala, with decorated swings, flower decoration, motifs and a celebratory-style cuisine, Onam is the time to visit these states. Processions of caparisoned elephants & snake boat races add a mark to southern festivity.
DUSSEHRA (October)
Celebrated all over India, Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over Ravana and the rescue of his wife Sita. All institutions are closed for the days of the festival. In North India gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers are set aflame with a bursting of crackers. Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy and enjoy.
DEEPAVALI (October / November)
Deepavali is a festival where people from all age groups participate. They give expression to their happiness by lighting earthen 'diyas' (lamps), decorating the houses, bursting firecrackers and inviting near and dear ones to their households for partaking in a sumptuous feast. The lighting of lamps is a way of paying obeisance to god for attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, valor and fame.
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Popular Fairs |
NAGAUR FAIR (January)
A major camel & cattle trading fair held in Nagaur, Rajasthan. This is a trading event with cattle and camels being sold or bought. The campfire evenings are an extremely exciting component. Traditionally, women do not participate.
ALLEPPEY BOAT RACES (August)
Kerala's backwaters are the picturesque setting for snake-boat races held in the second week of August. This annual event is very attractive for oarsmen who practice all round the year. The prestigious Nehru Trophy is presented on this occasion.
PUSHKAR FAIR (September-October)
The largest camel-trading fair in the world is held in this small town in Rajasthan, which manages to attract world attention during this three-day period. Women participate in the religious festivities associated with this event, praying at India's sole temple dedicated to the god Brahma and taking a holy dip in the waters of the Pushkar Lake. The fair has been held for as long as anyone can remember and the scene is evocative of biblical times. Special accommodation and activities for tourists are organized for this fair.
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National Celebrations |
REPUBLIC DAY (26 th January)
The anniversary of attaining Republic hood, in 1950, is celebrated nation wide with official pomp and grandeur. All state capitals parade the nation's cultural and military wealth, among other things.
INDEPENDENCE DAY (15 th August)
As a reminder that the country was under foreign rule just about half a century back, Independence Day is marked by a number of patriotic events all over the country, all celebrating the spirit of freedom.
MAHATMA GANDHI JAYANTI (2 nd October)
The birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, celebrated as a National Holiday. All banks and government offices are closed on this day.
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