It is impossible for this page to illustrate all the events and festivals of India. Given below are some that may be of interest to a visitor. You can combine these with other tours, or you can let us assist you design a visit that includes your selection.

Republic Day: January 26th. Commemorates India's becoming a republic. Celebrations are held all over the nation, the largest and most colorful one being the military parade in New Delhi.

Holi: February or March. Marks the end of winter. Predominantly a North Indian festival, it's celebrated by people dousing friends, and strangers, with colored water & powders. You're advised to wear clothing that you consider disposable.

Baisakhi: April or May. The Sikh community rejoices at the anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's founding of the Khalsa (The Sikh Brotherhood). It is also the Hindu celebration of the solar new year.

Buddha Jayanti: May or June. The Buddhists celebrate their belief that, on this day (in different years), Lord Buddha was born, gained enlightenment, and attained nirvana.

Independence Day: August 15th. The entire nation celebrates the anniversary of it's independence from British rule in 1947. 

Dussehra: September. A ten day festival celebrating, among other things, Lord Rama's defeat of Ravana and his armies, and Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Processions and prayers, as well as other celebrations go on under different names and guises all over India. 

Diwali: November. The most widely celebrated Hindu festival in India. People exchange gifts and sweets; Special prayers are offered  to Goddess Lakshmi. On Diwali night, the facade of almost every home across the nation is adorned by a profusion of candles and oil lamps. Firecrackers of every sort imaginable are let off by the people to celebrate Lord Rama's return from his Sanyas. 

Pushkar Camel Fair: October or November. Possibly the most colorful gathering of people in the world. This small pilgrimage destination receives more than a quarter million human visitors during this festival. Added to that are over 50,000 camels and cattle. The livestock is decorated for trade; there are camel races, tourists gaping at the wonder of it all, and pilgrims quietly going about their business. 

Feast of St. Francis Xavier: (GOA) December 3rd. This festival draws tens of thousands of Christians from all over India. There is a colorful fair, among a host of festivities, and High Mass is conducted with much pomp and pageantry.   

Kumbh Ka Mela: (held every three years, in one of four holy cities) This is the grandest of all fairs, drawing a sea of humanity from across India and the rest of the world. Hotel rooms in the surrounding areas are reserved years before the event itself.

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