Even the nature of fairs and festivals illustrious in India fluctuate to quite an extent. Numerous festivities have a spiritual implication attached to them. Then, there are those that are associated to the changing seasons, mostly to the onset of the harvesting season. Lots of fairs and festivals of India are eminent to encourage tourism or to encourage the regional arts and crafts, music, dances, etc. Several of them are structured on a yearly basis to showcase the rich Indian culture and inheritance.
Amid the most significant celebration of India are Diwali, Dussehra, Raksha Bandhan, Bhaiya Dooj, Lohri, Baisakhi, Makar Sakranti, Shivratri, Janamashtmi, Pongal, Vishu, Onam, etc. Among the foremost fairs of the country are Kumbh Mela, Ardh-Kumbh Fair, Pushkar Fair, Nagaur Fair, Goa Carnival, Kutchh Mahotsav, Taj Mahotsav, Surajkund Crafts Mela, etc. These fairs and festivals produce eagerness amongst people and give them a reason to celebrate. If you want to be a part of these festivities, visit India during the months of October to March, when nearly all of these fairs and festivals are distinguished.
Popular Festivals and Description:-
• CATTLE FAIR (January/February / Rajasthan / Trading of animals)
• PONGAL (January 13-14 / Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu / Marking change of season)
• INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL (January 13-15 / Gujarat / Flying kites of varied colors)
• INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL (February 1-7 / Gujarat / Demonstration & experience of yoga)
• SURAJKUND MELA (February 1-15 / Haryana / Display art & craft)
• GANGAUR (February 12-15 / Rajasthan / Dedicated to Goddess Parvati)
• DESERT FESTIVAL (February 17-19 / Rajasthan / Camel races & dances)
• TAJ MAHOTSAV (February 18-27 / Uttar Pradesh / Dance & food festival in Agra)
• CARNIVAL (Feb-Mar / Goa / Fruiting of cashew & mango)
• ELLORA FESTIVAL (March / Maharashtra / Classical dances & music)
• HOLI (March / North India / Festival of colors)
• KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL (March / Madhya Pradesh / Classical Dances)
• BAISAKHI (April / North India / Celebration of harvest)
• POORAM (May 11 / Kerala / Festival with a famous elephant march)
• RATH YATRA (June/July / Orrisa / Carrying images of deities in chariots)
• HEMIS FESTIVAL (July 11-12 / Jammu & Kashmir / Age old plays performed by dancers)
• INTERNATIONAL MANGO FESTIVAL (July / Uttar Pradesh / Best mangoes are exhibited & sold)
• GANESH CHATURTHI (September / Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu / Dedicated to Lord Ganesh)
• ONAM (September 9-15 / Kerala / Famous for snake boat races)
• DURGA PUJA (September/October / West Bengal / Nine days celebrating Goddess Shakti)
• DUSSEHRA (September/October / Nationwide / Celebrating Lord Rama)
• DIWALI (October/November / Nationwide / Festival of lights in Lord Rama's honor)
• SONIPUR FAIR (November / Bihar / Cattle fair)
• SHEKHAVATI FESTIVAL (December / Rajasthan / Colorful festival)
• KONARK FESTIVAL (December 1-5 / Orrisa / Classical dances in konark)
• FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER (December 3 / Goa / Preserved remains of Francis are displayed)
• CHRISTMAS (December 25 / Nationwide / Celebrating birth of Jesus Christ)