Andhra Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh | Assam | Bihar | Chhattisgarh | Delhi | Goa | Gujarat | Haryana | Himachal Pradesh | Jammu and Kashmir | Kerala | Maharashtra | Meghalaya | Mizoram | Orissa | Punjab | Rajasthan | Sikkim | Tamil Nadu | Tripura | Uttar Pradesh | Uttaranchal | West Bengal

Andhra Pradesh

Antarvedi Fair - Jan - Feb
Antarvedi is 10-km from Narasapur (West Godavari district) by boat and 24-km from Razole by road. The Shrine of Sri 'Lakshminarasimhaswami' at this place is of religious importance. The Lakshminarasimhaswami Kalyanam celebrated on the Bhishma Ekadasi day during January-February. A fair is held on this occasion and lakhs of people attend the celebrations. Stalls are put up and people enjoy shopping variety of sweets, bangles, clothes etc. Devotees come here to have a holy dip in the 'Sapta Sagara Sangama Pradesam' (the confluence of the sea and the 'Vasishta Godavari', one of the seven branches of Godavari), as it is believed that all their sins will be washed away by a single dip in the holy river.

Car Festival of Vanamalleshwara Swami
'Maddikera' derived its name from the temple of 'Maddamma'. The car festival of Vanamalleswaraswamy conducted during January-February attracts a large congregation of about 10,000 devotees. Maddikera is situated to the extreme south of Pattikonda Taluk.

Kotappa Konda Fair
Kotappakonda, the abode of Trikoteswara Swamy, is a village, 15-km southwest of Narsaraopet in Guntur district. Mahasivaratri is the important festival celebrated here with great devotion and fervour. Kotappakonda comes alive this day, which falls during February-March every year. Devotees and tourists occupy every inch of the space on and around the hill.
Accommodation facilities are available and there are many nearby attractions like the artificial Jurassic Park, meditation center etc around Kotappakonda and thus the place is a major tourist attraction, providing "Rakthi, Bhakthi and Mukthi" (entertainment, devotion and salvation) to the visitors.

Deccan Festival
The Deccan festival highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and cuisine. The main highlight is on a variety of festival also includes Pearls and Bangles and cuisine. Cultural programs also form an important part of the fair. It is a five-day affair and begins on February 25 each year.

Lumbini Festival
This festival is organized to celebrate the Buddhist heritage of Andhra Pradesh. The festival is celebrated in Nagarjunasagar and Hyderabad for three days from 2nd Friday of December every year.

Visaka Utsav
The festival is organized to bring together the arts, crafts and cuisine of Visakahapatan district. The festival is celebrated from the 3rd Sunday of January every year and lasts for three days.

Rayalaseema food and dance festival
Organised in October to highlight the arts and cuisine of Rasyalaseema area of Tirupati, Chitoor district.

Arunachal Pradesh

Losar Festival
Losar festival is also known as the Monpa festival and is one of the important festival of Monpas. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the advent of New Year. Before the commencement of Losar, they make arrangement for a feast with local drinks where all the relatives and friends are entertained and all wish each other happy New Year. On the 15th day of the same month they bid good bye to Losar festival with merry making.

Jomu Festival
A religious festivals of the Monpas, this is a get together sort of festival which is observed after the completion of sowing of seeds between the 5th and 6th months of Monpa i.e. the Lunar calendar. In this festival the villagers go to the Gompa in their traditional dress. The function is graced by the oldest member of the village.

Chosker Festival
In this religious festival of Monpas, the Lamas read religious scriptures in the Gompa for a number of days. Thereafter the villagers carry the religious books on their back in a procession under the guidance of senior Lama. The procession goes round the cultivated fields which fall within the jurisdiction of the village. The significance of this performance is to ensure better cultivation and protect the grains from the insects and wild animals and also for the prosperity of the villagers. Normally this festival is performed during the months of April-May, after the Jhum (cultivated) fields are prepared. The ritual involves the suspension of all outside activities for a definite period.

Ojiyale Festival
The wanchos celebrate their most popular festival, Ojiyale during March - April, for a period of six to 12 days interspersed with prayer, songs and dance. Villagers exchange bamboo tubes of rice beer as a mark of greeting and goodwill. Pigs' skin is offered to the village chief as a mark of respect.

Assam

Ali-al- Lvigang
The spring descends to rejuvenate life again. Ali-Ai-Lvigang, the spring festival of the Mishing tribe is the most colourful festival held every year on the first Wednesday of the month of 'Ginmur Polo' (February - March). This festival begins the ceremonial sowing of paddy. Dance performed by the young boys and girls reflects youthful passions. Dance is followed by a feast. No feast is complete without rice beer and dried fish. The festival continues for five days and during this festival certain taboos in respect of cutting trees, fishing, ploughing, burning jungles, etc. are strictly observed.

Bohaggiyo Bishu -- April
The most fascinating spring festival of the Deoris is known as the Bohaggiyo Bishu. The term 'Bishu' can be divided as "Bi" meaning extreme and "Su" meaning 'rejoicing'.
Like all other springtime tribal festivals, Bohagiyo Bishu, is also observed during mid-April at a stretch for seven days with unrestricted joy and merrymaking. A 'Than Puja' is performed during this time.

Dosa Thoi ! Long Nai - mid April
A religious dance performed at the "Bathou Puja" or worshipping of God Shiva. In this dance the priestess called Deodhani dances with a bowl on her head in which the blood of a sacrificed fowl is kept.
It is believed that while the Deodhani performs this dance in a condition of trance Lord Bathou (Shiva) will snatch away the bowl and drink the blood.

Heleibambe - April
This festival is celebrated by each Zemi village. According to the convenience of the villagers prior to the starting of 'Jhum' cultivation some time in mid April the village priest, sacrifices a buffalo for the appeasement of 'Suhprai', the God of crops. The meat of the sacrificed animal is then distributed among all.
After a feast, the villagers dance and sing, which continues throughout the night. On the second day young boys and girls sing and dance in village streets stopping for sometime in front of each household. Prior to the village street singing and dancing, the boys and the girls collect wild leaves from the nearby forest and distribute to all households in the villages. The main purpose of holding this festival is to appease the crop God 'Suhprai' so that they could have a bumper crop

Nyada
This festival is held in the early part of December month. Celebration of this festival marks the end of the agricultural year. This festival continues for eight days and each day has its own significance.
On the first day, rice beer is brewed. On the second day, the graves of the ancestors are repaired by their descendants by cutting the jungles around the graves and by replacing the fallen stone slabs on the graves. On the third day, the women offer rice beer on the graves of their forefathers. On the fourth day, the young boys and girls sing and dance in memory of the ancestors. On the same day, the young boys and girls collect foodstuff from the families of the village to be taken in a feast on the last day of the festival. On the sixth day, rice beer is drunk by one and all. On the seventh day, men go out to gather thatch for repairing their own houses. On the last day that is on the eighth the young men of the 'Rensi' arrange a feast for them.

Pi-Pe
The Pi-Pe festival is held by the Rengma Naga at the beginning of January month. This festival continues for three days and its main purpose is to get rid of all the evils of the preceding year. During these three days all persons have to keep themselves neat and clean by taking bath everyday. Married couples refrain from any sexual contact during these three days. Only after the observance of this ceremony new jungles for cultivation are cleared.

Ambubasi Mela
This mela is held every year during monsoon in the Kamakhya temple at Guwahati. This mela is associated with the legend of menstrual cycle of the Goddess Kamakhya. During Ambubasi, the temple remains closed for three days during which the devotees accumulate in the temple premises and wait for the auspicious fourth day when they are allowed to worship the Goddess inside the temple. The accumulation of sadhus and pandas from all over the country and the locally available art and craft items for sale on the roadside make it an interesting place to visit and witness the festivities involved. The pandits chanting mantras on behalf of the devotees, pilgrims performing puja, all these make the fair an interesting affair.

Daranga mela
This mela is a big bazaar held annually for about a month, situated about thirty miles from Rangiya in northern Kamarupa. From the start of autumn till spring is over, dried-up Daranga becomes an international trade centre. Bhutanese also participate in this fair by trading agricultural produce like oranges, Kasturi, butter, cloth, cattle, horses, and dogs. They take back kerosene, coconut-oil, salt, yarn, utensils etc. The Bhutanese through this fair have established friendly contact with the local people.

Jonbeel Mela
Held every year during winter at Jonbeel, a township near Guwahati, which is only 32-km from the city, Jonbeel Mela is host to one of the most spectacular and popular fairs in Assam. Few days before the mela, tribes and communities like Tiwa, Karbi, Khasi, and Jaintia come down from hills with their various products for this mela. On the occasion of the mela a big bazaar or market is held here where these tribes exchange their products with local people in barter system, which is very rare in a civilized modern society.
Before the mela they perform 'Agni Puja' for the well being of the mankind. It is to be noted that during this mela the 'Govaraja' or the King of the Tiwa Tribes along with his courtiers visit this mela and collect taxes from his subjects. The significant point of this mela is its theme of harmony and brotherhood amongst various tribes and communities. During the mela these tribes and communities perform dance and music and celebrate the mela in a befitting manner.

Bihar

Pataliputra Mahotsava
Every year, in the month of March, Patna celebrates Pataliputra Mahotsava. During this festival, Patna comes alive with colourful parades, sports, dance and musical events.

Pind-daan
The Pind-daan is performed by the Gayawals in Gaya, it is considered to be an obligation of all devout Hindus to visit this place after the death of their parents, a mandatory rite believed to bring salvation to the departed souls. Though the pind-daan can be performed almost any time of the year, people prefer to do it during Pitrapaksha, which is the period just before Navratri and generally falls in September.

Saurath Sabha
In the summer month of June, the people of Mithila in the village of Saurath organize a unique marriage mart in a mango grove. It is a unique gathering of Mithila brahmins from all over India. During this fair, parents of marriagable children come here and negotiate and settle a record number of marriages for their offsprings.

Sonepur Cattle Fair
Sonepur is the venue of a two week long grand cattle fair held in the month of October/November. The fair is ranked, perhaps, as the largest cattle fair in Asia. Even elephants are changed hands. In addition to animal trade numerous shows and performances are also conducted. Visitors also pay homage at the nearby temple of Hariharnath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Chhattisgarh

Rajim Lochan Mahotsav
This Mahotsav is celebrated from 16th February till 1st March every year and people from far & wide come to Rajim at this time. People are attracted to Rajim Utsav as this place is also known as the city of temples. People from far and wide come to witness the rich Chhattisgarhi heritage of folk music, dance and drama.

Bhoramdeo Mahotsav
Bhoramdeo Mahotsav takes place in the last week of March every year. Bhoramdeo temples have a special attraction for lovers of history and archaeology. The temples were built by the celebrated King Ramachandra of the Nag dynasty, who married Princess Ambikadevi of the Haiya dynasty. The temples are superb examples of contemporary architecture and have much historical, religious and archaeological importance.

Chakradhar Festival
Celebrated during Durganavmi (September or October) This festival is celebrated every year during Durganavmi at Raigarh. This festival contains cultural programmes like music and folk dances.

Goncha Festival
This festival is celebrated during the month of July on the occasion of Rath Yatra at Jagdalpur. In this festival tribes from various part of Bastar take part These tribes use tukki and goncha. Tukki is made of bamboo and goncha is a kind of a fruit. They use goncha as a bullet ad tukki as pistol to hit each other.

Narayanpur Mela
One of the most famous festival of Bastar after Jagdalpur Dusshera is Narayanpur Mela. It is celebrated during the last week of February. Tribal people come with their deities, establish them, worship them and enjoy with their famous dances.

Fagun Madai
This is a 10day long festival which starts generally 7-8 days prior to Holi and ends after a couple of days after Holi. This is a very colourful and vibrant festival in which tribes from all over Bastar assemble to celebrate it. These tribes bring with them their local deities and establish them at the Dantewada temple. This is followed by a number of cultural and religious activities. A number of dances are specially performed on this occasion like Cheetal dance, mask dance and relo dance. Ending of this fair is the most grand event of the entire festival.

Sheorinarayan
Sheorinarayan is a place that is situated 94 kms from Bilaspur in Janjgir district on the confluence of Mahanadi, Sheonath and Jonk rivers. A fair is held every year on Magh Purnima i.e. in the month of February and is attended by thousands of devotee.

Delhi

Kite-flying Festival
This festival is held in the month of January basically on the Makar Sankranti day on the green lawns above Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place. This colourful extravaganza attracts national as well as international participants

Thyagaraja Festival
An enthusiastic display of South Indian music and dance, is held opposite Jawaharlal Nehru University at Vaikunthnath temple and is held in the month of February.

Amir Khusrau's anniversary
His anniversary is held in April with a fair in Nizamuddin dargah and prayers and qawwali singing. The event also sees the National Drama Festival which is mostly staged at the Rabindra Bhawan.

International Mango Festival
A very interesting event, with over five hundred varieties of mango available. This show is hosted in Talkatora Stadium in the month of July. All the 500 varieties of mangoes are available for the tourists to try.

Phoolwalon-ki-sair
In early October, a festival specific to Mehrauli, in Delhi, takes place. This is the Phulwalon-ki-Sair or the Flower Sellers Procession, which originated in the 16th century. The highlight is a procession of people carrying decorated floral fans, which are blessed at the shrine of the 13th century Sufi saint, Khwaja Utb-ud-din Bakhtyar Kaki and at the Hindu temple of Jogmaya, both in Mehrauli. The procession ends with a formal ceremony at the Jahaz Mahal, a 16th century pleasure resort by the side of a lake.

Qutub Festival
Delhi Tourism organises the popular Qutub Festival in October. Musicians and dancers perform at night by the city's 12th century landmark, the Qutub Minar. This festival gives tourists a glimpse of the cultural grandeur of India.

Goa

Carnival
Carnival in Goa is a three-day non-stop festival of colour, song and music. Adopted from the Portuguese, carnival with grand parades, floats, singing and dancing are organised by the Government and the tourism industry. Every year, carnival is held from 12th to 15th February. Colourful processions - music and dance shows, parades, floats etc., makes carnival a great spectacle. Carnival is one of the most awaited summer festivals in Goa that also heralds the time of Lent for the Goan Christian community.

Shigmo Festival
Shigmo festival is Goa's version of Holi. It is celebrated in the month of March during the full moon period from the 11th to 15th moon day that marks the beginning of spring. People irrespective of caste, religion or creed gather to watch the Shigmo parade held in Panjim.

Zatra
Zatra is another Hindu festival of temple feast and processions. This is celebrated in the early part of May, every year, in the town of Shirgao in Bicholim. Thousands of devotees gather and indulge in rituals and pujas to Goddess Shree Lairai. A thrilling and exciting fire walking is performed early in the morning.

Feast of the passion of Christ
This feast is celebrated on the Sunday following Easter. The festival attracts thousands of people from all over Goa. The feast is celebrated in Siridao, a small village in Tiswadi.

Fontainhas Festival of the Arts
It is a unique festival in which private houses turn into art galleries for eight days every year and showcase work of Goan artists, artists from all over the country and abroad. Art froms range from paintings, sculpture, pottery and are priced to suit all budgets. This festival is organised during January and sometimes spread till February.

Bonderam Festival
The feast of Bonderam is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August every year at Divar Island, 12-km from Panjim.
On this day, Divar, away from the hustle and bustle of Panjim, is agog with excitement. Melodious music drift from the village to mainland Old Goa. At noon people begin trickling into the village. By the evening the trickle is a deluge. People engage in merry making and feasting.

Sao Joao Festival
Sao Joao is the feast of St. John the Baptist observed all over Goa on 24th June. Newly wed sons-in-law celebrate at their mothers-in-law's house. On this occasion the mother presents the daughter a basket full of fruits like jackfruits, mangoes, pineapples, etc. to be taken home. A procession of village youth wearing crowns of leaves, carrying bottles of Feni is carrying through the villages.

Gujarat

Bhavnath Mahadev Fair -- February
The city of Junagadh, situated at the foot of Mount Girnar, is famous as the site of many historical events. The Bhavnath Mahadev Temple is located at the foot of Girnar. The Bhavnath temple is surrounded by many equally ancient and holy places.

The fair during Mahashivaratri is held for five days and takes place during February, and the events associated with it are colourful indeed. The mahapuja of Load Shiva takes place at midnight in the temple, on 14th day of the dark half of the month of Maga. When the puja starts, Naga sadhus living nearby move towards the fair seated on elephants, holding flags, and blowing conch shells, sounding tungis and turis. It is firmly belived that Lord Shiva himself visits the shrine on this occasion. Girnar is said to be the abode of the nine Nathas, who are immortal, and eighty-four siddhas or spiritually elevated souls all of whom also visit the temple, in their invisible spiritual bodies.

Visitors are served free meals by the organisers. Special stalls sell idols, rosaries brought by vendors from Ayodhya and Mathura, utensils of brass and copper, sweets and fruits.

Dharang Fair
About 40 Kms from Bhuj, the Dhrang fair is held on the eve of Mahashivratri (February - March) every year. It is held in the memory of Saint Mekan Dada, who spent all his life serving the cause of humanity, the fair attracts people from Gujarat and Rajasthan to participate in the religious rituals.

At Dhrang, Saint Mekan Dada gave up his life, where the fair is held every year for three days.

Poshina's Chitra Vichitra Mela
Two weeks after Holi in the month of March/April, the Chitra Vichitra Fair is held at the confluence of three rivers near the village of Poshina. The fair is attended by tribals in great numbers. The site is believed to date from the time of the Mahabharata, when Chitraveer and Vichitraveer are said to have repented at the Shiva temple, around which the fair is centred. This fair, purely 'Adivasi' (tribal) fairs, is attended by thousands of tribal people. It takes place every year in the village of Gunbhakhari in Sabarkantha district and is held a fortnight after Holi.

The fair begins with mourning at the 'Triveni Sangam' (confluence) at night, which rapidly gives way to rejoicing, dancing and singing, with stalls selling food and produce. This fair is considered a place to find a suitable bride.

The dancing and drumming continue for hours. Stalls of food and drink, and sweets of various kinds dot the fair. Silver ornaments can be bought and household articles as well.

Shamlaji Mela
The Shamlaji Mela, also called the Kartik Purnima fair is held in the month of November every year and lasts for about two weeks. It is attended by thousand of people from adjoining districts and even from Rajasthan.
The Shamlaji Temple is a renowned Vaishnav Shrine and the deity housed here is known by various names included 'Gadadhar' and 'Shaksi Gopal'. Apart from a darshan of the deity in the temple, the pilgrims consider a bath in the river Meshwo essential.
Devotees belonging to various castes and communities throng this festival. These pilgrims come in groups, singing devotional songs and carry religious banners to have an audience of the deity at the Shamlaji Temple. The fair is also popular with the Bhil tribes, who have great reverence for Shamlaji, the dark divinity.

Tarnetar Fair
The small hamlet of Tarnetar, about 75 kilometres from Rajkot is the site for one of Gujarat's most well known annual fairs, the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar Mela.
In the first week of 'Bhadrapad' (August-September) Tarnetar is transformed into a whirl of colour and excitement. This three-day fair is held at the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar.
The special feature of the fair is that matrimonial alliances are struck here. The temple courtyard resounds with devotional music. This fair is also known as 'Swayamvar' as tribal youth visit Tarnetar, to find them suitable brides.
The most thrilling sight of the fair is the 'rasada', the folk dance performed by women.
Another distinctive feature of the fair is the 'Tarnetar Chhatri' (umbrella). These umbrellas are a delightful treat for the connoisseur of art. The umbrellas meticulously embellished with mirror work, intricate embroidery and enchanting lacework are worth seeing.

Vautha Fair
The magnificent Vautha Fair is held every year at Vautha, where two rivers, the Sabarmati and the Vatrak meet. Like most fair sites in India, this also has both mythological and contemporary religious associations. The Vautha Mela site is 3 square miles in area. Legends hold that Kartik Swami or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, visited the site. This is why the fair is held during Kartika Purnima, the full moon night of the month of Kartik. The site, also known as Saptasangam, is at the confluence of seven rivers. The most important Shiva temple here is the temple of Siddhanath.
What is most significant about this fair is that it is the only major animal trading fair in Gujarat.
Donkeys and camels are well decorated to suit the occasion. On the day of the full moon night, pilgrims take dip in the holy river confluence give offerings and pray God Kartik and his divine family. Handicraft and food stalls with tented pastoral settlements come up during the fair. Kartika Poornima is also celebrated with a camel fair at Sidhpur, a religious fair at Somnath and a tribal fair at the historic temple of Shamlaji.

Haryana

Gangore
It is celebrated between March-April. Idols of Ishar and Gauri are beautifully dressed and bejeweled are taken out in procession and songs in their praise are sung till they are immersed into water. This spring festival is held in honor of Gauri, the Goddess of abundance. Girls dress up in their finest clothes and pray for a spouse of their choice, while married ladies do the same for the happiness of their husbands. Girls worship the goddess throughout the preceding fortnight. Thousands of people take part in the procession.

Guggapir
This festival is celebrated on the next day of Janamashtami. Gugga Pir is worshipped by both Hindus and Muslims. A dance procession is taken out in which Panch Pirs are the main dancers. They sing songs in praise of Gugga.

Mansa Devi Mela
It is held in Bilaspur village near Mani Majra. There are two temples dedicated to the Goddess here. This fair is held twice a year in March-April and September-October.

Chetar Chaudas Mela
This mela is annually held in Pehowa, which has the holy Saraswati tank also called 'Saraswati Teertha' or 'Prithudak Teertha'. This Teertha also finds mention in the ancient Hindu texts. Here in this place the Chetar Chaudas Fair is held in the spring season. Pilgrims, both Sikhs and Hindus, flock to this place to offer 'pind-daan' for their ancestors. It is claimed that here in this holy spot, Yudhister had offered 'pind-daan' in memory of all their relatives killed in the Mahabharat war. Pilgrims take bath in the Saraswati tank during this fair.

Suraj Kund Crafts Mela
The fortnight long fair celebrates the rhythms of folk dance, song and theatre apart from highlighting art and craft from different parts of India. Held in the month of February from 1st-15th. The fun-filled mela celebrations every year, come as a mini food festival.

The Kartik Fair
The Kartik Cultural Festival was held at the Nahar Singh Mahal that lies in Ballabgarh town. It is at these grounds that Haryana Tourism and the Ballabgarh Beautification Society celebrate the Nahar Singh Mahal Kartik Cultural Festival, every November.
This fair is basically to promote the fort ambience, both Indian classical music and dance and a rich variety of folk theatre.

Himachal Pradesh

Lavi Fair -- November
With winter just a hop and skip away, the age-old Lavi fair fills Rampur with a burst of activity. The town was once a major spot on the old trade routes to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan.
The fair is famous for providing a wide range of native handicrafts, 'Pashmina' wool, agricultural produce and dry fruits. The surefooted 'Chaumkhi' horses are also brought here from the tribal areas for sale.
Hundreds of tribals camps here during the fair to sell their woollen 'pattoos', dry fruits, 'kala zira' since the restoration of trade links with China via Tibet. Few years' back, many Chinese articles are also available here for sale that includes Chinese jackets, track suits, crockery etc.

Minjiar Fair
This is an event that people in the Chamba Valley wait for all year. This is celebrated each year in August. The fair lasts for one week.
Thousands of tribal people and tourists congregate in the Chamba Chaugan. On the final day, a procession starts from the 'Akhand Chandi' Palace and goes to the bank of the Ravi River.
The Minjar is offered to the river Ravi. Minjar consists of a coconut, a coin, a fruit, and a few sherfs of paddy are tied in a piece of red cloth.
The fair started in 935 A. D. when the Raja of Chamba defeated the ruler of "Trigarta," now known as Kangra. On his return, a celebration was held, and he was greeted by people with sherfs of paddy and maze.

Summer Fairs -- June
A wide spectrum of national talent, a variety of programmes and a splendid setting make Shimla's Summer Festival a memorable event. Shimla also hosts the Red Cross Fair, sport tournaments, flower shows, photograph and poster exhibitions and a fashion show based on folk costumes.
The Kangra Festival is held in June at Kangra. Hand Gliding Rally at Kangra is a major attraction.

Jammu and Kashmir

Dosmoche Festival -- February
This is an ancient tradition started by the Kings of Ladakh, popularly known as Dosmoche. It is still celebrated every year in February with great pomp and fervour. The courtyard of the chapel below the gates of the Leh Palace comes alive with the music of drums and the thumping steps of the masked Lamas from different monasteries performing the sacred dance - drama. The Lamas prepare, consecrate and eventually destroy the sacrificial offerings as the climax.

Ten other kinds of offerings, of different shapes and sizes, complement the main offering. These are brought down from the main venue and carried through the main bazaar. Black Hat dancers, followed by the Lamas in their religious costumes and the local people in their resplendent best, make this a spectacular procession. Musicians and the monastic orchestra lead the way. Outside the town, the offerings are burnt and destroyed with great fanfare to wish away all evil spirits and guard against natural calamities and disasters in the coming year. Dosmoche celebrations are also held in the Likir and Deksit monasteries. In Deksit, a number of folk dances are performed as interludes to the 'Chhams'.

Galdan Namchot Festival -- December
This socio - religious event is celebrated to observe the birthday and the Buddhahood of Tsongkhapa - The Tibetan saint- scholar who founded the Gelukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism during the 14th century. The Gelukpa school later developed as the dominant monastic order in Central Tibet.
The festivities include illumination of all monastic, public and residential buildings throughout Ladakh. Namchot heralds the beginning of the New year celebrations which continue till the festival of Dosmoche. During this festival, it is customary to prepare various varieties of the traditional dish, Thukpa' in every home to be served to visiting friends and relatives to mark celebration of the festival.

Gu-Stor Festival
Gu-Stor literally means ' Sacrifice of the 29th day'. It is traditional to the monasteries of the reformist Geluk-pa order of Tibetan Buddhism. This two - day long festival is held mainly in the Spituk, Thiksay and Karsha (Zanskar) monasteries, at different times every year.

The celebration ends with the dismemberment and dispersal of the 'Storma' (sacrificial cake) by the leader of the Black Hat dancers in a ceremony called 'Argham' or ' Killing', This symbolises the destruction of all forms of evil. And also re-enacts the assassination of the Tibetan apostate King Lang-dar-ma, by a Buddhist monk in the mid 9th century. In some monasteries, an effigy symbolising the stronger forces of evil is burnt at the end of the festival. The masks worn by the dancers represent the guardian divinities (Dharmapalas) of the Buddhist pantheon, and the patron divinities of the Geluk-pa order.

Matho Nagrang Festival -- February

On the 15th day of the 1st Tibetan month, a 2-day festival is held at the Matho Monastery - the only Saskyapa monastic establishment in Ladakh. During this festival, the two oracles of the monastery make a public appearance in their full spiritual form. These oracles, actually monks of the monastery, meditate in complete isolation for a full month.

On the day of the festival, they invoke and receive the deities and come into their full spiritual trance. They run over the high rise ramparts of the monastery, jump from one balcony to another and execute a number of acrobatic feats, all while blindfolded ! People from far and wide come to hear the oracles predict key future events and to seek answers about their own future.

Phyang Tsedup Festival - July-August
Phyang is one of the two Dringungpa Monasteries in Ladakh. This monastery. 17 km west of Leh, holds its festival in July / August, Like other monastic festivals, sacred dance - dramas or 'Chhams' form the core of this festival. But the main attraction for the devotees is the pilgrimage to the huge Thangka of Skyabje Jigten Gombo, founder of the Dringungpa monastic order, which is kept on exhibition during the two-day festival.

Sindhu Darshan Festival --June
The Sindhu Darshan or Sindhu Festival aims at projecting the Indus as a symbol of India's unity and communal harmony. Whilst promoting tourism to this area, this festival is also a symbolic salute to the brave soldier of India.
Sindhu stands for peaceful coexistence and communal harmony. Sindhu is a symbol of our country's identity and civilisation. The 'Sindhu Yatra' will help forge a bond of unity with those who live in far-flung corners of the country; thus providing them an opportunity to visit the beautiful region of Ladakh.

Stok-Guru Tse Chu Festival -- February - March
Yet another festival of oracles, this is held in Stok, the present seat of royal residence. The two Stok oracles - unlike those at Matho are laymen, spiritually cleansed and prepared to receive the spirit of the deities.
As in the case of Matho, people repose abiding faith in the predictions made by Stok oracles.

Yuru Kabgyat Festival
This 2-day festival is celebrated during July, in the spectacularly situated monastery of Lamayuru, about 127 kms west of Leh.
The masks worn by the Lamas during the dances represent guardian divinities from the Dringungpa pantheon. As in the case of other monastic festivals, the sacred dance - drama concludes with the destruction of the sacrificial offerings. Devotees come by the hundreds to witness the celebration.

Kerala

The Village Fair
An entire village of the bygone days of rural Kerala is recreated with artisans, Nalukettu (traditional house), temple, astrologer etc., so that the visitors will be able to see and visualize how people of Kerala in those days lived. The festival lasts for a week from 3rd January. The village is set near Kovalam with displays of cultural performances like Kathakali, Koodiyattam, Kalaripayattu, Theyyam etc.

The great Elephant Race
It is a four day long extravaganza arranged by the Tourism Department of Kerala. 101 caparisoned elephants march from Thrissur on the 17th of every January reaching Thiruvananthapuram on the fourth day with stopovers at Kochi and Alappuzha. Boat races and folk art performances are arranged during this period where tourists can have glimpses of Kerala culture. The festival is concluded on the fourth day at Kovalam Beach with cultural programs and seaside barbecue.

Food Festival
The festival is conducted at Thiruvananthapuram during the 2nd week of February. Spread through seven evenings, one can taste almost all types of delicacies of Indian cuisine from various regions of India.

Nishagandhi Dance Festival
The Tourism Development Corporation organises the dance festival. Leading artists of Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk form will perform at the open-air theatre of Nishagandhi in the Kanakakunnu Palace compound at Thiruvananthapuram. Admission is free and the festival usually is accompanied with music.

Vetta & Arattu
This festival is celebrated twice in a year, once in Oct.-Nov. and other in March-April. Vetta represents Lord Vishnu who is believed to hunt down the demon of evil in the forest. On an auspicious afternoon in Oct-Nov and March-April, Arattu procession begins. Images of Lord Padmanabha, Lord Krishna and Lord Narasimha are carried to the Arabian Sea at Sangumugham beach (Thiruvananthapuram), escorted by the members of the royal family. At sunset the images are ritually bathed in the sea. The images are then carried back in a procession to the Padmanabhaswamy temple concludes the event. Several cultural programs including all-night Kathakali are performed during the festival.

Thrissur Pooram
Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful temple festival of Kerala. The festival attracts large masses of devotees and tourists from all parts of over the world. Celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medom (April-May) procession of caparisoned elephants are taken out from Krishna and Devi temples and proceeds till the Vadakunathan Temple. Saktan Tampuran, the ruler of the erstwhile princely state of Kochi introduced this festival. Best of elephants are displayed with panchavadyam (music by five percussion and wind musical instruments) followed by magnificent display of fireworks.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race
One of the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race that began in 1952 when the erstwhile Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, visited Alappuzha. The race is held every year on the second Saturday of August. Many gigantic snake boats with 100 rowers in each representing different villages take part in the race. Another Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in mid-January to promote tourism

Athachamayam
It is a spectacular procession accompanied by caparisoned elephants and floats making the beginning of Onam Festival. Conducted at Thripunithura and Piravam, it displays folk and temple arts of Kerala.

Cochin Carnival
Celebrated in Kochi, the origin of the carnival is traced to the New Year celebration of the Portuguese during the colonial days. Noted for the unique games and competitions, the feast is observed during the last week of December with a grand procession on the New Year day.

Indira Gandhi Boat race
The race is conducted in the Vembanad Lake (Kochi) during the last week of December to coincide with the tourism fair. Several snake boats representing different villages participate in this race.

Maharashtra

Changdeo Fair
Changdeo is the place where the well-known sage Markandeya is believed to have practised penance. The place is also deemed holy because of the confluence of the Purna and Tapi rivers and so pilgrims visit this place once a year to have a holy bath. A fair is held at this place during the month of Magha (January-February) and thousands of pilgrims attend it every year.

Kala Ghoda Festival
The Kala Ghoda Fair is a celebration of arts and crafts held on every Sunday from November to January. This fair is held in Mumbai near the Jehangir Art Gallery. Kala Ghoda, the much touted art district of the city, brings together the works of artistes in the fields of music, dance, theatre, film, and of course art offering an interactive cultural mélange for Mumbaites.
The area is transformed into a pedestrian plaza where one can treat oneself to a rare experience.
One can treat oneself to the varied cuisine that Maharashtra offers, savor a traditional Parsi breakfast or walk into the famous Max Mueller Bhavan and feast one's senses on a collection of award winning Indian films. The venues for the activities are the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), the David Sasson Library Garden, the Jehangir Art Gallery, among others within the area. The sights, sounds, rhythm, beat and love of rural India take centre-stage.

Khuldabad Urs
Khuldabad is called the "Valley of the Saints" because of a large-scale Sufi migration to this spot several hundred years ago. It is a holy shrine for the Muslims and contains the tomb of the last Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. The Urs celebrated here for five days is a very famous fair and gathers a large number of Muslims.

Navaratra Mahalaxmi Fair
The Navaratra Mahalaxmi temple is situated in the heart of Jalgaon town. It is a storeyed stone building with a 'Kalash' at the top. On all the four sides brass bars have been fitted instead of walls to allow sufficient light to enter the temple. The back of the deity's throne is plated with silver sheets 41x41 in size bearing fine engraving. At the back of the Goddess there is a 'Pindi' of Lord Shiva and an image of Ganapati and in the rear is installed an idol of God Hanuman three and half inches high facing the west. A fair is held at the temple for 10 days during the month of Ashvina.

Shrirama Rathotsava Fair - Oct - Nov
The Shrirama mandir near Jalgaon is an ancient temple belonging to the Peshwa period. Excepting the shrine of the temple the other parts of the temple including the auditorium and seating room were built about 70-80 years back by Appa Maharaj, a devotee of Rama with the financial help of his disciples.
In veneration of the deities in the temple an annual fair is celebrated on the Kartika. On that day the images of Rama, Laxmana and Sita are carried in a palanquin to the river Girna for a bath. After the bath the images are decorated with ornaments and garlands. Scores of devotees visit the temple during the days of the fair.

Snake Festival
Nagapanchami, the festival of snakes attracts tourists to the small town of Battis Shirala, 50-km from Kolhapur. Battis Shirala town is located in a hilly area covered with thick forests having a wide species of snakes right from the deadliest King Cobra to the rare species of Pythons.
The festival falls during the onset of the monsoons and is believed to counter the increased possibility of snakebite during this time, especially since the rivers are in spate.
A week before the festival, young men venture into nearby forests and persuade snakes out of snake-hills. A snake show is arranged that attracts thousands of tourists, from foreign countries too. After a period of 8-10 days these snakes are freed into the forests.

Meghalaya

Nongkrem Dance
Celebrated during Autumn at Smit, the cultural centre of the Khasi Hills, to essentially commemorate the evolution of Khasi indigenous democratic states called HIMA, which are still functioning today under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution when these states, earlier acceded to the Indian Union by signing the Instrument of Accession during 1947-48.

Shad Suk Mynsiem
A colourful thanksgiving festival celebrated during springtime (April) all over Khasi Hills. Virgins dressed in traditional finery and menfolk in colourful costumes participate in the dance to the accompaniment of drums and pipes called tangmuri, the queen of musical instruments.

Behdienkhlam
Celebrated during monsoon in July at Jowai and Tuber in Jaintia Hills. The festival features religious ceremonies and dancing at a pool called 'eit nar', including a football game called 'datlawakor'. The ball in this case is a wooden ball. The festival is essentially to invoke the blessings of the Creator for a bountiful harvest and to chase away disease and plague.

Wangala
Garo tribe celebrate their annual two-day Wangala festival that marks the end of the period of
working in the fields. It also signifies the onset of winter (October end-November early). Wangala is also known as a 100 drums festival where the tribals offer sacrifices to please their main deity Saljong - the Sun God.

Doregata Dance
Doregata Dance festival is another interesting dance where, while dancing the women try to knock off the turbans of their male partner using their head. If the women succeed, it is followed by peals of laughter.

Lahoo Dance
The Lahoo Dance is performed by both male and female for entertainment. Attired in their best finery, usually two young men on either side of a woman, holding arms together dance in step. In place of the usual drum and pipe, a cheer leader, usually a man gifted with the talent of impromptu recitation, recites couplets to the merriment of the audience.

Mizoram
In Mizoram, there are three main festivals in a year. Festivals are called Kut in Mizo language. The three Kuts are Chapchar Kut, Mim Kut and Pawl Kut. All the three festivals are connected with agricultural activities. The festivals are celebrated with feasts and dances.

Chapchar Kut
It is celebrated after completion of the cutting of jhums (cultivated land)(. It was a thanksgiving festival. The villagers faced many dangers and difficulties in cutting down dense forests with their simple Daos and axes. They would organise a big feast in the month of March to celebrate the success in jhum cutting. The festival continued for seven days and even beyond if the villagers would afford it. A few days before the day is fixed for the festivities, hunting parties from the village would go out in the forests and rivers for hunting wild animals, trapping birds and catching fish. On this occasion Zu would be brewed in a large quantity.

On the first day of the festival, pigs would be killed by the members of the chief's clan for the feast. Pork in big quantities would be eaten and lot of Zu would be consumed. This day was called Lushai Vawk Tlah Ni, which literally means the day on which the Lushias kill pigs. On the second day, members of the other clans in the village would kill their pigs for the village feast. On the third day, which was known as Kut day, Zu would be taken in the houses in which someone had died during the year. On this day before sunset in the evening people particularly mother and children dressed in their best would gather in the open space in the village at the Lungdawh, which is a stone platform put up as a memorial to the dead, bringing with them rice, boiled eggs and meat. One would try to force the food down the throat of one's friends. This was known as Chhawnghnawt. After sunset the young boys and girls would get together in the houses of well-to-do-villagers. They would spend the night in drinking, singing and dancing.

The next day was known as Zupui Ni, which was the day of drinking a particular type of liquor called Zupui which was brewed from well husked rice. In the evening before sunset, young men and girls dressed in their best would gather in the open space of the village for singing and dancing. They formed a circle in which the young men would have their arms across girls who would alternate between the boys. Within the circle would be the drummer or gong beater, who would chant while the young people would sing and move slowly keeping time with the song. This dance was known as Chai dance. During the dance, the children of the village would go on serving the dancing boys and girls Zu of the best variety in bamboo cups.

The next day was called Zuthingni or the day of drinking a special type of Zu. On this day there would be a general dance in the village. Zu drinking would go on. The dance would continue day and night until the Zu supply would run short. The last day of the festival was known as Ziapur ni or the day of rest after eating and drinking. On this day people would relax after hectic days of festivals. They would not go out to the jungle which was believed would bring bad luck.

Mim Kut
The Mim Kut was a festival celebrated before the hard work in the jhum (cultivated area) was over. It would take place in September. The festival lasting for one or two days would be in memory of someone who had died during the previous year. Fresh vegetables, maize bread, necklaces and cloth would be placed on the memorials of the dead as offerings to them. It was believed that their spirits would revisit their house during the Mim Kut. Zu would be taken in houses in which someone had died during the year. On the second day everybody would have a meal of bread.

Pawl Kut
Pawl Kut was the harvest festival which was celebrated after the village had gathered its harvest. Lasting for one to two days, the villagers would feast and dance in thanksgiving for the harvest.

There is a legend regarding the origin of this festival. In the olden days when the Mizos were living to the east of the Tiau river in the Chin Hills, which is now in Burma, there was famine for three consecutive years. In the fourth year the people had a bumper crop. The people believed that this was a blessing of the supreme God and as a thanksgiving they celebrated Pawl Kut.

It was customary for everyone to eat meat and eggs during Pawl Kut. A few days before the day is fixed for the feast, the men would go out hunting wild animals, trapping birds or fishing. One would get as much meat as one's means would permit. Even the poorest would kill at least a fowl for the household feast. As in Chapchar Kut, mothers and children would gather together at the Lungdawh bringing with them plates of rice, boiled eggs and meat and feed one another performing Chhawnghnawt. The youngmen and girls would also attend the Chhawnghnawt. The men would gather in the houses of well-to-do persons and Zu would be drunk. The festivities were followed by Eipuar Awm Ni or the day of rest. As Christianity spreads in Mizoram these festivals gradually faded out.

Orissa

Bali Jatra or Yatra - November - December
Exactly on the dates of Karam Festival, the tribal people of Koraput observe the festival of Bali Jatra. Beginning from the eleventh day of the bright half of the month of 'Bhadrab' it continues upto the full-moon.
The beginning of the festival begins with 'Nuakhia' or feasting. On this day new rice is eaten. The festival takes the name for planting of various grains in the wet sand (Bali) brought from a nearby stream and is placed on a structure called 'Bali Jatra' or sand house.
This is an occasion for a number of other celebrations too. Men and women put on fancy dresses and rejoice with drinking, feasting, dancing and singing. In some areas a swing is set up with its seat studded with sharp nails and on this a 'Bejju' (witch doctor) is made to swing. Goats, fowls and pigeons are sacrificed. The Bejju then walks on the bed of live charcoal. He dances in trance for all the three days with intermittent rest.

Joranda Mela - February
Popularly known as 'Mahima Mela', it is celebrated at Joranda in Dhenkanal district on 'Magha Purnima' day. People from far and near congregate here and a big fair takes place for three days. 'Mahima Sanyasis' worship "Mahima Gosain's Samadhi Pitha" on this occasion. It is during this period that the initiation for promoting "Bairagi" to "Apara Sanyasi" (superior caste of disciples in Mahima Sect) takes place.

Makar Mela
'Makar Sankranti' is celebrated with gusto in mid-January when the Sun enters the orbit of Capricorn. Sun God is worshipped with great fervour and enthusiasm by one and all.
The festival can be best enjoyed at Kalijai (an island in Chilika), Atri, Ghatgaon, Keonjhar, Jashipur and Jagatsinghpur.

Taratarini Mela
The 'Taratarini Mela' one of Orissa's biggest fairs, takes place on each Tuesdays of the month of 'Chaitra' i.e. from around mid-March to mid-April at Taratarini Pitha, 30-km from Berhampur. A grand congregation takes place on the 3rd Tuesday.

Chandrabhaga Fair
The Chandrabhaga Fair is one of the most popular and colorful fairs of Orissa. It is held on the seventh day of Magha (January-February) at a beach close to Konark in Orissa for seven days. The fair is held in honor of the Sun God, who is said to have cured Sri Krishna's son Shambhu from leprosy. Pilgrims from various parts of India and abroad congregate here every year to take a dip in the holy waters and offer their prayers to the Sun God.

Punjab

Hola Mohalla, (National Fair) Anandpur Sahib
Anandpur Sahib is 90 km from Chandigarh. Hola Mohalla is a very big occasion at this place. It is celebrated in mid-March immediately after the festival of Holi. The 10th Prophet of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh had started this fair in 1700-AD. The fair begins a few days before Holi & is marked by the congregation of Sikh from all over the country and abroad. A large number of 'Langars' (community kitchen) offer free food to the poor and the rich alike.

Baisakhi National Fair (April), Talwandi Sahib, Bathinda
It is another unique Punjabi fair. Men and women from villages engage in dancing and singing on the day of Baisakhi carrying a portion of the first harvest of wheat to Talwandi Sahib. Everyone is seen to be proceeding to the historical gurudwara to make an offering of it. Devotees from far off places run free kitchens here. The next day is taken over by the Nihangs and their awe-inspiring feats of the martial arts.

Chhapaar Mela Village Chhapaar ( Ludhiana)
It is celebrated every September to propitiate, Guga or Goga-the Zahir Pir. He is described as the Lord of the snakes. Snake poison is neutralised by his grace and barren women are blessed with off springs. Thousands of devotees take Guga Pir in a procession, common participation of the people of different sects in this fair works it out as a unifying force.

Harballabh Sangeet Sammelan, Jalandhar
This sammelan is celebrated every December. Started by Baba Harballabh in the memory of his Guru Swami Tulja Giri in 1875. It is the only music fair of its type in India and even, abroad. The best of the country's exponents of instrumental and vocal music deem their careers incomplete unless they come and perform here.

Rural Sports meet every February in Kila Raipur, 6Km from Ludhiana
This meet epitomises the special Punjabi bonhomie and the spirit that never says die, for finding competition and pleasure from ordinary things of life. Bullock carts and other animal races, awe inspiring feats of strength and danger, the traditional wrestling, cock-fighting, kabbadi and jumps and races form an important segment of the rural sports meet. The meet is wound up with electrifying dances of the Punjab-- Gidha and Bhangra.

Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev & Rajguru Fair
A fair to honour their memory is held on March 23rd every year at the site of the memorial in Ferozepur. Large gathering of people, here, is then addressed by freedom fighters and the leaders of Punjab and India who highlight the sacrifices these patriots have made to free India from the yoke of the British.

Prof. Mohan Singh Mela, Ludhiana
It is a unique fair of cultural confluence of Punjabi artists, writers and folk performers- kind of a feast which may be called typically Punjabi. Alongside this cultural extravaganza noted writers and artists are honoured for their contribution to the promotion of Punjabi literature, language and culture.

Rajasthan

Desert Festival
Held in the months of January-February, the Desert Festival exudes a delightful spirit. For three days, the otherwise barren land of Jaisalmer comes to life and is clustered with hordes of colourfully dressed people
In fact during these days, Jaisalmer gets a chance to parade its exuberant charm to the world. Some chosen and cherished moments of the glorious and illustrious past and affluent culture are on display. The traditional dances backed by high pitched music take the folk dancers and the audience on an euphoric trip. The turban-tying competition and Mr. Desert Contest add a touch of excitement to the festive celebrations.
The famous Gair dancers and the traditional fire-dancers leave the crowds enchanted whenever they perform. The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and at times also view the musicians and dancers performing on the dunes.

Nagaur Fair
The quaint town of Nagaur, one of the most picturesque of Rajput townships, stirs to life during the Nagaur Fair. The cattle fair here is the second largest in Rajasthan and is held every year during the month of Magh (Jan-Feb)
The fair is renowned for trading in cows, bullocks, camels and horses. Their owners are seen wearing colourful turbans and flaunting long moustaches. The bullocks of Nagaur are renowned for their fitness and attract a large number of buyers.
Mirchi Bazaar (Red Chilly Market) is the main attraction and wooden items, iron crafts and leather accessories are available in abundance during the fair. Various games are organised during this four-day festival. Tug-of-war, camel races, cock fights etc. provide entertainment to the tourists and visitors. As the sun goes down, a joyous atmosphere is created by the folk musicians, whose voices echo far and wide across the tranquil desert sand.

Camel Festival, Bikaner
A lively and colourful event, the Camel Festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Art & Culture, Rajasthan in Bikaner every year. January is just the right month for a desert spree, and Bikaner just the right place to see the Ships of the Desert.
The Camel Festival begins with a colourful procession of bedecked camels against the red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort, the festivity advances to the open sand-spreads of the grounds, followed by the best breed competition, the tug-of- war contest, camel dance and acrobatics, etc.
The camels display amazing footwork, dancing gracefully to the slightest direction of their trainers. Bridal bridles, bejewelled necks, jingling anklets and long, lanky camel shadows on dusky sands cast a magical spell. The jubilant skirt-swirling dancers, the awe inspiring fire dance, and the dazzling fireworks light up the fortified desert city of Bikaner.

Gogaji Fair, Goga Medi - February
Gogaji Fair is held in the memory of a popular hero of the area who is known as Goga Veer among the Hindus and Jahar Peer among the Muslims. The Kayam Khani Muslims claim descent from him and regard him as a peer (saint).
However, Gogaji is also popular as a snake-God and almost every village in Rajasthan has a 'Than' (sacred place) dedicated to him. Staunch believers have faith that invoking Gogaji will help to cure a snake bite or other diseases and many visit the Gogaji Fair to make a wish or for expressing their gratitude when their wishes come true.
The main mode of worship is rubbing incense at the samadhi. Offerings of coconuts, 'batashas' (sugar drops) and cash are made at the samadhi. Priests are engaged by the devout for conducting special prayers in which praises of Gogaji are sung.

Baneshwar Fair -- February
The name 'Baneshwar' is derived from the revered Shivlinga, which is kept in the Mahadev Temple in Dungarpur. "Baneshwar means the 'Master of the Delta' in the local Vagdi language and this name was given to the Shivlinga. The Baneshwar fair is held at a small delta formed by the river Som and Mahi, from Magh Shukla Ekadashi to Magh Shukla Purnima.
Baneshwar fair in its present form is actually one of two fairs: one which used to be held in of Baneshwar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) and another fair, which started after the construction of the Vishnu Temple by Jankunwari, daughter-in-law of Mavji, a highly revered saint considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The temple of Baneshwar Mahadev remains open from 5.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. during the fair. In the morning, saffron is applied to the Shivlinga after it is bathed and an 'aarti' of burning incense is waved before it. In the evening, 'bhabhut' (ash) is applied to the Linga and an 'aarti' with a fine-wick lamp is waved. Devotees offer wheat flour, pulses, rice, jaggery, ghee, salt, chillies, coconut and cash. Prayers are offered five times a day in the temples of Lakshmi -Narayan and Brahma. During the fair, 'aarti' of Mathadhish is also performed and Raslila takes place at night in the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Offerings, similar to those at the Baneshwar Temple, are made at these shrines too.
Cultural shows are arranged. The fair resounds with the gaiety of songs, folk dances, magic shows, animal shows and acrobatic feats. Adding to the excitement are the joy rides on merry-go-rounds and swings. The large number of shops in the fair provides an opportunity for buying and selling of essential goods and fancy articles.

Shekhawati Festival
The Shekhawati Festival held on 10th and 11th February every year is organised jointly by the State Department of Tourism, District administration of Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu, and the M.R. Morarka- GDC Rural Research Foundation Shekhawati. Travelling on horse back, the tourists get a closer view of the countryside and the people. For a broad-based discovery of Shekhawati's culture, the festival is spread over a number of venues - Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The programmes include a one day tour of the region, camel and jeep safaris, farm visits, rural games, cultural programmes, havelis competitions and fireworks.

Jambeshwar Fair
The Jambheswar Fair is held in Bikaner district, twice a year on Phalgun Budi Amavasya and Ashvin Budi Amavasya in memory of the founder of the Bishnoi sect Jambheswar. A large fair is held in February-March on Phalgun Budi Amavasya every year. It is attended by people from Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, apart from the local visitors. The second fair which is a smaller, localised affair, is attended by people coming in from neighbouring villages on camels, bullock carts and even on foot. The number of shops is lesser and comprises mostly of sellers from Nokha, Himmatsar and Bikaner. They sell general merchandise, which caters to the needs of the rural people-foodstuff, hides, cloth etc.
The visitors go to the temple at Mukam and the sand dune at Samarthal (where Jambhaji used to preach) and take part in the worship and rituals. It is customary to take some sand from the tank called Talai at Mukam and deposit it at the foot of the dune at Samarthal. Worship is performed at both these shrines by a priest or Sanyasi belonging to the Bishnoi community. A Deepak (an earthen lamp) is kept lit round-the-clock at both the temples. Havans are held to the accompaniment of Ved mantra and Sabdas of Jambheswar. Aarti is sung in his praise that is followed by sanyasis delivering sermons

Elephant Festival, Jaipur
The Elephant Festival gets underway in the month of Phalgun (March) on the eve of Holi, the festival of colors. The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels, horses and folk dancers.
The mahavats or owners proudly decorate their elephants with bright colors, jhools (saddle cloth) and heavy jewellery. Female elephants are made to wear payals or anklets which tinkle as they walk. Prizes are given for the most beautifully decorated elephant. Even more exciting is the polo match, the Elephant race, the tug-of-war between elephant and 19 men & women. The most colourful being the playing of Holi on elephant back.

Brij Festival
The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi in the month of March. Held in honour of Lord Krishna, this festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be seen singing and performing the Raslila dance-the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna. All of Bharatpur comes alive to the sound of folk melodies on this festival held on the eve of Holi.

Kaila Devi Fair -- April
The fair of Kaila Devi, popularly known as Mahalakshmi, holds an important place among the celebrated fairs of Rajasthan. The fair is held at the village Kaila in Karauli district in the month of Chaitra and lasts for a fortnight. The devotees bring with them cash, coconuts, kajal, tikki, sweets and bangles as offerings to the Goddess. The ritual of Kanak-Dandoti is observed by staunch devotees. They cover a distance of 15 to 20 kms. to reach the temple, not on foot but by lying prostrate and repeating this procedure till they reach the temple. While some eat food and take rest during the journey, others endure the rigours of the ritual without these.
The fair is visited by a large number of traders who set up their shops and sell a variety of indigenous products. Groups of Mina tribesmen arrive in a spirit of gaiety-dancing, singing and creating a lively atmosphere. The spacious courtyard becomes the venue for dances and songs sung in praise of the deities.

Mewar Festival (March - April)
The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur, and has a unique charm about it. The festival of Gangaur is very significant for women of Rajasthan. It is a time for them to dress up in their best clothes and participate in the festival. They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity. Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display.

Mallinath Fair, Tilwara
Mallinath Fair is one of the biggest cattle fairs of Rajasthan held annually near Tilwara in Barmer during March-April. It lasts for a fortnight wherein the highly popular breeds of cows, camels, sheep, goats and horses attract people not only from Rajasthan but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The fair is believed to have originated from transactions, which took place among admirers of Rawal Mallinath, a local hero, who used to travel to Tilwara on well-bred animals to meet him. A shrine dedicated to Mallinathji is located here and people make offerings of 'batashas' and 'laddoos'. When their wishes are fulfilled, they offer miniature horses at the shrine. Traders from Mathura, Agra and Aligarh bring horses made of wood, brass and bronze to sell at the fair.
Bullock, camel and horse races are organised at the fair and thorough bred animals compete against each other on the dry river bed. The prize-winning animals sport white badges on their heads and command high prices at the fair. Apart from shops selling normal utility items and agricultural implements, there is a separate market for fodder at the fair.

Sheetla Mata Fair, Chaksu
Sheetla Mata Fair is held in March-April in the village Seel-Ki-Doongri (Jaipur). Doongri is a hillock on top of which the shrine of Sheetla Mata stands. The fair is held in her honour every year. The fair attracts hordes of visitors from far and wide. People believe that epidemics spread because of the wrath of Sheetla Mata and hence they worship her and make offerings so that she may be pacified. The deity is represented by a red stone.
It is customary to cook one's own food at the site, and eat it only after it has been offered at the shrine. A temporary market comes up at the fair and the rural folk can be seen trading in wares such as shoes, clothes, food stuff, utensils and agricultural implements. A cattle fair is also organised during the fair. It is a small affair and lasts for about a week. Bullocks, camels and horses are sold at the fair and prizes are awarded to the best breeders.

Karni Mata Fair, Deshnok
Karni Mata Fair is held twice a year at Deshnok, a small town near Nokha in Bikaner district. The first and larger fair is held in March-April during the Navratras from Chaitra Shukla Ekam to Chaitra Shukla Dashmi. The second fair is held in September- October, also during the Navratras, from Ashvin Shukla Ekam to Ashwin Shukla Dashmi.
The temple is thrown open to the public early in the morning at 4.00 am. Charan priests perform Mangla -Ki-Aarti and offer 'bhog' (special food) as worship. A peculiar characteristic of the temple is the legion of brown rats roaming about in large numbers in the temple. They are considered to be auspicious and the devotees make offerings to these rats.

Shri Mahavirji Fair
The Shri Mahavirji Fair is held from Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi to Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya (March-April) to commemorate the memory of Shri Mahavir Swami in Chandan Gaon. Among the visitors to the fair are the principal followers of Mahavir Swami - the Digambar Jains.
The image of Mahavirji is washed early in the morning, the ritual being called 'prakshalan'. This is followed by 'pujan' and 'ashta-argha' (eight oblations). In the evening, 'aarti' is performed. Ghee lamps are lit and the offerings comprise of rice, white and yellow flowers, sandalwood, camphor, saffron, 'mishri' (crystallised sugar), and dry fruits.
The fair of Mahavirji reaches its peak on Baisakh Krishna Dwitiya when the image of the deity is taken to the bank of river Gambhiri in a grand procession for 'Kailash Abhishek'.

Banganga Fair
The Banganga Fair is held annually near a rivulet 11 kms from the historical township of Bairath in Jaipur district, on the full moon day of Vaishakh (April- May). The stream is believed to have been created by Arjun, one of the Pandavas. This area is identified with the settlement of Virat Puri of the epic days. At the site is the Radha-Krishnaji Temple which was built by Shri Nandram Bakshi of Jaipur more than 200 years ago. For the Hindus, Purnima (full moon day) in the month of Vaishakh holds a lot of significance Visiting the Banganga Fair, taking a bath and paying homage to the holy sites in the vicinity at this time is therefore considered very auspicious by the pilgrims who come from Alwar, Behror, Jaipur, Bharatpur and many other places.
Apart from those who come to the fair for pilgrimage, traders of different communities arrive at the fair to sell their wares. The articles sold range from simple rural ornaments to toys and household items.
Devotees gather at the Shri Radha Krishnaji's temple and sing bhajans to glorify the deities. In the morning, they take a bath at the ghats of the Banganga river with the belief that it has powers to purify the soul. The people then proceed to the nearby shrines of Hanuman and Ganga Bihari and also visit the Mahadev temple and the Math of Goswamiji.

Summer Festival
The Summer Festival is held every year in the month of Aashadh (June). The steep rocks, tranquil lakes, picturesque locations and the pleasant climate of Mount Abu make it an ideal location for the festival. The three-day festival is a feast of folk and classical music and a window to the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festival begins with the singing of a ballad, which is followed by Gair, Ghoomar and Daph folk dances, which enthrall the spectators.
Sporting events such as the boat race on the Nakki Lake add variety to the festival. The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much-awaited musical extravaganza, as renowned qawwals regale the audience. The grand finale of the festival is a display of dazzling fireworks, which adds to the tourist's delight.

Kajli Teej
Teej is the festival of swings. It marks the advent of the monsoon month of Shravan (August). Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. This festival is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvati is worshipped by seekers of conjugal bliss and happiness. An elaborate procession is taken out in Jaipur for two consecutive days on the festive occasion, which is watched by people in large numbers. Teej festival is celebrated all over the state with each region having its own unique touch. Kajli Teej of Bundi is different in several ways- while Teej is celebrated on the third day of the month of Shravana, in Bundi it is celebrated on the third day of the month of Bhadra. The festival starts with the procession of Goddess Teej in a decorated palanquin from the beautiful Naval Sagar. It passes through the main bazaars and terminates at Azad Park. The procession has decorated elephants, camels, bands, performing artists and colourfully dressed people. Though the main function of Teej is held only on two days, the celebrations continue upto Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna.

Urs fair, Ajmer -- August
Ajmer, the city where the Dargah of the great sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti stands, is a sacred centre of pilgrimage. As a result of this reason, Ajmer has earned the epithet of "Madinat- ul- Hind or the Madina of India". Each year devotees congregate here from all parts of the world on the occasion of the annual festival of Urs to pay their obeisance and to seek the saint's blessings for fulfillment of wishes. The Urs festival begins with the sighting of the moon Rajab each year. The beginning of the festivities is heralded by the melodious sounds of shehnai alongwith scintillating rhythmic accompaniment of naggaras. Urs is celebrated from the 1st to the 9th of Rajab annually. The festival comes to an end with the culmination of the first "Qul" on the 6th Rajab and the second "Qul" on 9th Rajab.

Ramdevra Fair, Pokhran
Situated about 12 kms to the north of Pokhran, the village of Ramdevra known after Baba Ramdev, a Tanwar Rajput and a saint who took 'Samadhi' in 1458 AD.
He had miraculous powers and his fame reached far and wide. Legend goes that five pirs from Mecca came here to test his power and after being convinced paid their homage to him. Since then he is venerated by Muslims also as Ram Shah Pir. The Hindus regard him as incarnation of Lord Krishna. Near the village, there is a tank known as Ramsar tank, which is believed to have been constructed by Baba Ramdev himself.
Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner constructed a temple around the Samadhi in 1931 AD. Rice, coconuts, 'churma' and wooden horses (toys) are offered to Ramdevji by the devotees. A large fair is held here during August - September, which is attended by lakhs of devotees.

Marwar Festival
Marwar Festival is held every year in the memory of the heroes of Rajasthan. The festival is held in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in Jodhpur, for two days during the full moon of Sharad Poornima. Originally known as the Maand Festival, this festival features folk music centred on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. This festival is devoted to the music and dance of the Marwar region. These folk artists provide a glimpse of the days of yore, of battles and valiant heroes who still live on in their songs.
Other attractions at the festival are the camel tattoo show and polo. The impressive Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort, which are symbols of might and valour, provide the ideal venue for the cultural extravaganza.

Kota Dussehra
More than 75 feet tall effigies of the demons of Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnath are burnt on Dussehra day to symbolise the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated all over the country but the Kota Dussehra is quite unique for it marks more than just the beginning of a festive period. Villagers gather here dressed in multicoloured clothes to offer prayers to Lord Rama and to celebrate his victory over Ravana.
Rich in courtly splendour and age old traditions, the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession, which attracts thousands Prominent artists from all over the country are invited to participate in cultural programmes who enthrall huge audience with their performances. The fair lasts for about a fortnight.

Pushkar Fair - October - November
Pushkar is a sacred town for the Hindus, situated 11 kms. to the north-west of Ajmer. About 400 temples and shrines are located at Pushkar around its holy lake. Legend has it that Lord Brahma in search for a spot to hold his 'yagna' (religious ritual), dropped the lotus from his hand, the three spots touched by this flower were turned into lakes. These are today known as the 'Jyeshtha Pushkar' (main Pushkar), the 'Madhyam Pushkar' (medium Pushkar) and the 'Kanishtha Pushkar' (little Pushkar). A temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is located at Pushkar; the other important temples are those of Gayatri, Savitri, Shiv and Badri Narayan.
There is a steady flow of pilgrims throughout the year to Pushkar. It is, however transformed into a bustling fair-ground in the month of Kartik (October-November) when the annual Pushkar Fair and a cattle fair are held simultaneously. The fair goes on for 12 days till Kartik Purnima.
The holy dip is most auspicious on Kartik Poornima. Even before sunrise, people descend the ghats, aided by the 'pandas' (Brahmin priests) to take the sacred bath. Offerings of coconut, flowers, and cash are made to the lake and the priests.

Chandrabhaga Fair, Jhalarapatan
The Chandrabhaga Fair is held every year at Jhalarapatan 6 kms from Jhalawar in the month of Kartik (October-November). The river Chandrabhaga runs here and is considered holy by the people residing in this part of Rajasthan. On the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, thousands of pilgrims take a holy dip in the river. The fair held on the last day of Kartik, attracts devotees who bathe in the holy waters at this spot, which is known as Chandravati.
A big cattle fair is also held here on this occasion. Livestock like cows, horses, buffaloes, camels, and bullocks are brought from distant parts for sale. Traders from various parts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra converge here and brisk trading takes place. The fair provides an opportunity for the tourists to acquaint themselves with the people of this region and