1. Diwali:

Diwali is a five day festival that represents the start of the Hindu New Year. It honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom of Ayodhya, following Rama and monkey god Hanuman’s defeat the demon King Ravana and rescue of Sita from his evil clutches (celebrated on Dussehra).

When is Diwali Celebrated:

In October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. In 2013, Diwali starts with Dhanteras on November 1. Each day of the festival has a different meaning. The main festivities take place on the third day (this year, on November 3), while the the fourth day is celebrated as new year’s day. Merchants open fresh accounts for the new year, and offer prayers. On the fifth and last day, brothers and sisters get together and share food, to honor the bond between them.
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Where is Diwali Celebrated:

Throughout the whole of India. However, the festival isn’t widely celebrated in the state of Kerala. The question is often asked as to why this is. The answer seems to simply be that the festival has never really evolved there, as it’s not part of the state’s social fabric and distinctive culture. An alternative explanation that’s offered is that Diwali is a festival of wealth for merchants, and the Hindus of Kerala have never freely engaged in trade as the state is a Communist ruled one. However, Diwali dates back to long before this. The main festival that’s celebrated in Kerala, and which is specific to the state, is Onam.

How is Diwali Celebrated:

On the third day, lots of small clay lamps (called diyas) and candles are lit and placed in houses, and fireworks are let off everywhere, giving Diwali its name of “Festival of Lights”. People also clean and decorate their homes with Rangoli (Hindu folk art), buy new clothes, gamble, and give each other gifts and sweets during the festival.If you’re wondering about the best places to experience Diwali in India and what to do for the occasion, these 6 India Diwali Destinations and Ideas will give you some inspiration.

What Rituals are Performed During Diwali:

The rituals vary according to region. However, special blessings are given to Laxshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. The Goddess Laxshmi is believed to have been created from the churning of the ocean on the main Diwali day, and that she’ll visit every home during the Diwali period, bringing with her prosperity and good fortune. It’s said that she visits the cleanest houses first, therefore people make sure their houses are spotless before lighting lamps to invite her in. Small statues of the Goddess are also worshiped in people’s homes.

What to Expect During Diwali:

The candlelight makes Diwali a very warm and atmospheric festival, and it’s observed with much joy and happiness. However, be prepared for lots of loud noise from the fireworks and firecrackers going off. The air also becomes filled with smoke from the firecrackers, which can add to breathing difficulties.

Diwali Safety Information:

It’s a good idea to protect your hearing with ear plugs during Diwali, especially if your ears are sensitive. Some crackers are extremely loud, and sound more like explosions. The noise is very damaging to hearing.

2. Ganesh Chaturthi Festival :

This spectacular festival honors the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha, popularly worshiped for his ability to remove obstacles and bring good fortune.

When is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated:

Late August or early September, depending on the cycle of the moon. It falls on the fourth day after new moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. In 2013, Ganesh Chaturthi is on September 9. It is celebrated for 11 days (ending on September 19), with the biggest spectacle taking place on the last day called Ananta Chaturdasi day.
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Where is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated:

Mostly in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. One of the best places to experience the festival is in the city of Mumbai. Celebrations take place in a special way at the towering Siddhivinayak temple, located in the central suburb of Prabhadevi, which is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. An incalculable number of devotees visit the temple to join in prayers and pay their respects to the God during the festival. In addition, around 10,000 statues of Lord Ganesh are displayed at various locations in the city. Guide to Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai.

How is Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrated:

The festival begins with the installation of huge elaborately crafted statutes of Ganesha in homes and podiums, which have been especially constructed and beautifully decorated. Artisans put months of effort into making the statues. It’s forbidden to look at the moon on this first night as legend had it the moon laughed at Lord Ganesha when he fell from his vehicle, the rat. On Ananta Chaturdasi (the last day), the statues are paraded through the streets, accompanied by much singing and dancing, and then immersed in the ocean or other bodies of water. In Mumbai alone, more than 150,000 statues are immersed each year!

What Rituals are Performed During Ganesh Chaturthi:

Once a statue of Lord Ganesh is installed, a ceremony is undertaken to invoke his holy presence into the statue. This ritual is called the Pranapratishhtha Puja, during which a number of mantras are recited. Following this a special worship is performed. Offerings of sweets, flowers, rice, coconut, jaggery and coins are made to the God. The statue is also anointed with red chandan powder. Prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha every day during the festival. Temples devoted to Lord Ganesha also organize special events and prayers. Those who have a Ganesha statue in their house treat and care for him as a much loved guest.

Why are the Ganesh Statues Immersed in Water at the End of the Festival:

Hindus worship idols, or statues, of their gods because it gives them a visible form to pray to. They also recognize that the universe is in a constant state of change. Form eventually gives away to formlessness. However, the energy still remains. The immersion of the statues in the ocean, or other bodies of water, and subsequent destruction of them serves as a reminder of this belief.

What to Expect During Ganesh Chaturthi:

The festival is celebrated in a very public manner. Local communities compete with each other to put up the biggest and best Ganesha statue and display. Expect very crowded streets, filled with boisterous devotees, and lots of music.

3. Holi Festival :

The Holi festival commemorates the victory of good over evil, brought about by the burning and destruction of the demoness named Holika. This was enabled through unwavering devotion to the Hindu god of preservation, Lord Vishnu.Holi got its name as the “Festival of Colors” from Lord Krishna, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who liked to play pranks on the village girls by drenching them in water and colors.
The festival marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season.

When is Holi Celebrated:

The day after the full moon in March each year. In 2013, Holi will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 27. It will happen a day earlier in parts of eastern India, such as West Bengal.
Find out when is Holi in future years.

Where is Holi Celebrated:

You’ll find Holi festivities taking place in most areas of India. However, they’re more exuberant in some places than others. Check out these 6 places to celebrate the Holi festival in India (and one region that should be avoided).

How is Holi Celebrated:

People spend the day smearing colored powder all over eachother’s faces, throwing colored water at each other, having parties, and dancing under water sprinklers. Bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants) is also traditionally consumed during the celebrations.

What Rituals are Performed During Holi:

The emphasis of Holi rituals is on the burning of the demoness Holika. On the eve of Holi, large bonfires are lit to mark occasion and to burn evil spirits. This is known as Holika Dahan.

What to Expect During Holi:

Holi is a very carefree festival that’s great fun to participate in if you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. You’ll end up saturated in water, with color all over your skin and clothes. Some of it doesn’t wash out easily, so be sure to wear old clothes. It’s also a good idea to rub hair oil or coconut oil into your skin beforehand, to prevent the color from absorbing.

Holi Safety Information:

Single women should avoid going out alone in public places during Holi, as inebriated young Indian males often pose a safety threat. These males, who have consumed excessive amounts of bhang and other intoxicants, will inappropriately touch women and make a nuisance of themselves. Incidents of rape also do occur, which makes it important to take proper care during Holi.

4. Navaratri, Dussehra, and Durga Puja:

he first nine days of this festival are known as Navaratri, and are filled with dance in honor of the Mother Goddess. The tenth day, called Dussehra, is devoted to celebrating the defeat of the demon king Ravana by Lord Rama. It also coincides with the victory of the revered warrior Goddess Durga over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.
In eastern India, the festival is observed as Durga Puja. Huge statues of the Goddess are made and immersed in the holy Ganges River. The festival is an extremely social and theatrical event, with drama, dance, and cultural performances held throughout the country.

5. Krishna Janmashtami Festival:

The festival of Janmashtami commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is also referred to as Gokulashtami, or Govinda in Maharastra. Lord Krisha is revered for his wisdom about how to live life on Earth.

When is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated:

August/September, depending on the cycle of the moon. The festival runs for two days. In 2013, it will take place on August 27-28.

Where is Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated:

Throughout India. One of the best places to experience the festival is in the city of Mumbai. Celebrations take place at hundreds of locations throughout the city. The huge ISKCON temple complex, in the beach side suburb of Juhu, also runs a three day cultural program. In Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna in northern India, temples are brightly decorated for the occasion, many with displays depicting important scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.
Where to Stay in Mathura and Vrindavan

How Krishna Janmashtami is Celebrated:

The highlight of the festival, which takes place on the second day, is the Dahi Handi. This is where clay pots containing butter, curd, and money are strung up high from buildings and young Govindas form a human pyramid and compete with each other to reach the pots and break them open. This celebration represents Lord Krishna’s love for butter and curd, which were the foods he most often enjoyed eating. Lord Krishna was quite mischievous and would take curd from people’s houses, so the housewives hung it up high out of his way. Not to be deterred, he gathered his friends together and climbed up to reach it.

What Rituals are Performed During Krishna Janmashtami:

Fasting is observed on the first day of the festival until midnight, when Lord Krishna was believed to have been born. People spend the day at temples, offering prayers, singing, and reciting his deeds. At midnight, a traditional prayer is offered. Special baby cradles are installed in temples and a small statue placed in them. The most elaborate rituals are performed at Mathura, where Lord Krishna was born and spent his childhood.

What Can Be Expected at Krishna Janmashtami:

Lots of chanting, with huge crowds at temples devoted to Lord Krishna. Children get dressed up as Lord Krishna and his companion Radha, and people play games and people perform dances depicting the various events in Lord Krishna’s life. The Dahi Handi festivities, while fun to watch, can get quite intense for Govinda participants, sometimes resulting in broken bones and other injuries.

6. Kerala Temple Festivals :

Kerala Temple festivals are elaborate and exotic. The main attraction at these festivals is the elephants.The festivals form part of each temple’s annual rituals. They’re often a tribute to the temple’s presiding god, who emerges from inside the temple once a year. Each festival has a different set of legends and myths behind it, depending on the temple god.

When are the Kerala Temple Festivals Celebrated:

From February to April, with each festival running for around 10 days.

Where are the Kerala Temple Festivals Celebrated:

At temples throughout the state of Kerala, in south India. The biggest and most colorful festival takes place at Vadakkumnathan temple in Thrissur and is called Thrissur Pooram. It happens during the Malayalam month of Medam (April/May). Another important temple festival not far from Thrissur is the Arattupuzha Pooram, which has around 60 elephants in attendance.

How are the Kerala Temple Festivals Celebrated:

While everyday temple rituals are modest, temple festivals take place on a grand scale and are a highlight on the social calenders of Kerala’s population. The festivals feature large processions of bejeweled elephants, drummers and other musicians, colorful floats carrying gods and goddesses, and fireworks.

What Rituals are Performed During the Kerala Temple Festivals:

Detailed temple rituals are conducted by a tantri (the main temple priest) according to the temple god. Rituals involving the god statue in a Pallivetta (Royal Hunt) and Arattu (Holy Bath) are the focus of the festivals of some Kerala’s major temples. During the Thrissur and Arattupuzha Poorams, gods from surroundings temples make their annual visit on elephant back to pay their respects to the presiding temple god.

What to Expect at the Kerala Temple Festivals:

Plenty of crowds, elephants, noise, and processions. Music is an important part of the temple celebrations and the frenetic percussionists, of which there are plenty, manage to whip up quite a sound. Cultural programs, including classical music and dance performances, are also on offer.

Find Temple Festivals Dates in Kerala

7. Onam Festival in Kerala :

Onam is a traditional ten day harvest festival that marks the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. It’s a festival rich in culture and heritage.

When is Onam Celebrated:

Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham). In 2013, the most important day of Onam (known as Thiru Onam) is on Monday September 16. Rituals commence 10 days before Thiru Onam, on Atham.
There are actually four days of Onam. First Onam will be on September 15, the day before Thiru Onam, while fourth Onam will be on September 18. Onam festivities continue throughout these days.
Find out when is Onam in future years.

Where is Onam Celebrated:

Onam is celebrated in the state of Kerala, in southern India. It’s the biggest festival of the year there. The most spectacular celebrations take place in Kochin, Trivandrum, Thrissur, and Kottayam.
The state government celebrates Tourism Week in Kerala during Onam. Much of Kerala’s culture is showcased during the festivities.

How is Onam Celebrated:

People strikingly decorate the ground in front of their houses with flowers arranged in beautiful patterns (pookalam) to welcome the King. The festival is also celebrated with new clothes, feasts served on banana leaves, dancing, sports, games, and snake boat races.
Join in the celebrations at these 5 Kerala Onam festival attractions.

What Rituals are Performed During Onam:

On Atham (10 days before Onam), people start the day with an early bath, perform prayers, and start creating their floral decorations on the ground in front of their houses. The floral decorations (pookalams) continue during the 10 day lead up to Onam, and pookalam competitions are organized by various organizations.

A lot of cooking takes place during Onam, with the highlight being a grand feast called Ona Sadya. It’s served on the main Onam day. The cuisine is elaborate and varied. Try it for yourself at one of the quality hotels in Trivandrum, which have specials for the occasion.

8. Pushkar Camel Fair :

An astonishing 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar, in India’s state of Rajasthan, for the annual Pushkar Fair. It’s a fascinating and peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival.
The original intention behind the Pushkar Camel Fair was to attract local camel and cattle traders to do business during the holy Kartik Purnima festival, held in Pushkar around the full moon in the Hindu lunar month of Kartika. The fair has now also become a major tourist attraction.

When is the Fair Celebrated?:

Usually in November, depending on the cycle of the moon. The camel action takes place early in the festival, after which time the focus shifts to heightened religious celebrations. In 2013, the dates for the Pushkar Fair are November 9-17. Camel trading and other activities will start from November 9 and will wind up by November 12. Be sure to come early to see the fair in full swing!
Find out future Pushkar Fair dates.

Where is the Fair Celebrated?:

In the small town of Pushkar, near Ajmer, located on the edge of the Thar Desert in the state of Rajasthan.

How is the Fair Celebrated?:

For five days, the camels are dressed up, paraded, shaved, entered into beauty contests, raced, and traded. A huge carnival is held, with an array of musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and carousel rides to entertain the crowd.

What Rituals are Performed During the Fair?:

Pilgrims come to this festival to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar’s lake and be absolved of their sins. The two days around the full moon are considered to be the most auspicious time of the year for bathing in the lake. Those who bathe on the day of the full moon are said to receive special blessings.

What Can Be Expected at the Fair?:

The sand dunes appear infested with camels as far as the eyes can see and the population of Pushkar swells to over 200,000 people, with an inflow of pilgrims, camel traders, and tourists. It’s a fascinating and peculiar sight, and a great opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival. The highlight is definitely the camel races, although the comical beauty contests featuring elaborately adorned and shaved camels are also amusing.

Seeing the Pushkar Camel Festival from a Hot Air Balloon:

It’s possible to witness the spectacle of the camel fair from above, in a hot air balloon. SkyWaltz offer exhilarating balloon flights over Pushkar for $400 per person.

Pushkar Camel Fair Accommodations:

The influx of visitors during the camel fair causes the demand for accommodations to skyrocket, and prices increase accordingly. There are two main options for organizing a place to stay — either arrive a couple of days before the fair starts and find somewhere (which is the cheaper option), or book in advance. Accommodations include simple guest houses, desert tents, heritage hotels, and farm stays. Here are some of the best options for staying in Pushkar.

Getting to Pushkar:

The train line linking Ajmer and Puskhar opened in early 2012. Otherwise, if you go by road, it’s a windy 30 minute drive through the aptly named Snake Mountain (Nag Parbat) to Pushkar. The local buses are dilapidated and crowded but the fare is a mere 20 cents, and the journey very authentic. Auto rickshaws are also available but getting the drivers to use the meter is a challenge! The fare should be around 100 rupees ($2.50), but can easily be more during the camel festival. Alternatively, the nearest airport is in Jaipur, around two and a half hours away. Taxi fares to Pushkar can double during the festival, so expect to pay between $30-$60.

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