India is the land of festivals celebrating the spirit of joy, togetherness, human bonding through the festival of lights as in Diwali or the coming of spring. The time of harvest is another occasion for festivities and it comes in the form of Biasakhi. The rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan comes alive through the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer and the kite flying festival blots out the seemingly endless sky by the riot of colors flying breezily in the wind.

Diwali

Diwali is the most important festival of the Hindus and celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest. The festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is also associated with wealth and prosperity. It is celebrated during the month of October or November according to the Indian calendar.

Baisakhi

Baisakhi,is the harvest festival celebrated in the northern state of Punjab.

The charm of the festival lies in the Bhangra and the Gidda dances performed by the men and women respectively. A combined birthday of all the Sikhs they celebrate the day by visiting the gurudwaras and distributing kadah prasad among all.

Jaisalmer Desert Festivals

Once every winter, the desert sands of Jaisalmer come alive with the vibrant colors and the enthralling dances of the Desert Festival. Other exciting features of the fair include the snake charmers, the puppeteers, acrobats and the folk performers whose kaleidoscopic activities add a sense of enchantment to the fair, which is after all a joyful celebration of the traditional performing arts and creative crafts of the state of Rajasthan

Getting There

Jodhpur is the nearest big city and you can reach there by air and then use road transport. The city is well connected by roads and trains.

Durga Puja

The major festival of West Bengal, the entire state comes to a standstill for the weeklong celebrations, as the people set aside their worriers and drown themselves in the color and gaiety that surround them. It is the time of the Durga Puja, celebrating the victory of the ten-armed goddess who vanquished the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Places to Visit

The best place to witness the gaiety and splendor of the festival would be Kolkatta, the capital of West Bengal.

Dusshera

Another important festival of the Hindus, the festival marks the victory of good over evil. It comes about 20 days before Diwali, the day when Lord Rama vanquished Ravana. The day is marked with festivities and a procession highlighting the important events of the Ramayana, is taken out. In the evening colossal effigies of Ravana , his brothers Kumbhkarna and Meghnad are burnt symbolizing the victories of good over evil.

The Elephant Festival

The Elephant Festival, a unique event held in Jaipur, in Rajasthan, leaves the audience enthralled as they witness the smartly groomed elephants catwalk in front of them in their colorful finery. The animals move gracefully in procession, run races, play the regal game of polo, and finally participate in the spring festival of Holi, the day on which the festival is held.

How to Reach There

Jaipur is well connected to all major destinations with air, road and rail.

Holi

This festival too symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and at the same time it also marks the advent of spring and the people celebrate it joyously with a splash of color. People throw colored water with pichkaris, balloons, and apply gulal on each other. Singing and dancing add to the gaiety of the occasion.

Where to See

The best place to witness the festival would be in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Otherwise you can be a part of this celebration in any part of the country.

International Kite Festival

Beginning just a few years ago, the festival celebrated in Jodhpur in Rajasthan and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, it is fast catching the imagination of the people. Colorful kites rent the air on Makar Sakranti, and the best kite fliers form all over the country vie with each other to bring the kites down which seem to blot out the sky by their infinite numbers.

How to Reach There

Both Jodhpur and Ahmedabad are well connected by rail and road with the other major destinations of the country.

The Konark Dance Festival

Started with a bid to promote Indian classical dances, the Konark Dance Festival takes place every year with the captivating Sun Temple as the backdrop to this enthralling event. The air is filled with the music of the ghungroo bells, with the flute and the pakhavai adding to the well-orchestrated sounds. The dances performed with special illuminations and set-up transform the mesmerizing temple into a structure of fantasy. A marvelous crafts Mela, with a variety of handicrafts and delectable cuisine from various states, adds to the festive mood of this weeklong celebration of Indian classical dance.

How to Reach There

Konark is well connected to other major tourist destination with rail and road.