India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (20 page)

MAHARASHTRA

Mumbai

SOUTH INDIA

Panjim, Goa

Cochin, Kerala

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Bengaluru, Karnataka

DELHI, RAJASTHAN & CENTRAL INDIA

Delhi

Agra

Jaipur

EAST INDIA

Kolkata

CaLENDAR OF Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check
http://events.frommers.com
, where you’ll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what’s happening in cities all over the world.

Indians love to celebrate, and there is no end to the list of festivals that are held in honor of the gods, gurus, and historical figures that make this such a spiritually saturated and colorful destination. Festivals usually coincide with the lunar calendar, with dates published only a year in advance, so check with the local tourism office about exact dates (some may move into another month). India has relatively few national holidays when attractions, government offices, and banks are closed: Republic Day, January 26; Independence Day, August 15; Gandhi’s Birthday, October 2; and Christmas.

J
ANUARY/
F
EBRUARY

Basant Festival,
countrywide. The onset of spring
(basant)
is marked by various celebrations. Citrus-colored clothes are worn, and there is a profusion of dancing and singing coupled with great dinner spreads and feasts to mark the season of agricultural plenty.

Carnival,
Goa. It may not be on quite the same level as celebrations in Rio, but the riot of colorful costumes and processions, as well as the exuberant dancing and music, make this an especially fun time to visit the tiny state and its beautiful beaches.

Desert Festival,
Rajasthan. With camel races, camel polo, a Mr. Desert competition, and even prizes for the best-looking camel, this festival is a highlight in the Jaisalmer social calendar.

Muharram.
Best experienced in the city of Lucknow, the 10-day Shiite festival commemorates the martyrdom of the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed; during a parade of religious fervor, penitents scourge themselves with whips—often with nails or blades attached.

M
ARCH

Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music,
Maharashtran interior. This festival draws some of the country’s top artists to the ancient caves at this World Heritage Site.

Holi,
northern India.
Celebrated predominantly in the north, this joyous Hindu festival is held during the full moon—expect to be bombarded with colored water and powder.

International Yoga Festival,
Rishikesh. Spiritually inclined visitors head here to take classes with
Yogacharyas
from all over the world teaching a variety of yogic disciplines.

Khajuraho Dance Festival,
Madhya Pradesh. Get a glimpse of all of India’s great classical dance forms.

J
UNE/
J
ULY

Rath Yatra,
Puri. In Orissa’s seaside temple town of Puri, this
is one of the largest annual gatherings of humanity; thousands of devotees come together to help pull the Lord of the Universe and his two siblings through the streets on massive cars.

Hemis Tsechu,
Ladakh. Although it’s become overly-commercial in recent years, this remains the region’s most spectacular monastic celebration, scheduled for June 21 and 22, 2010, when the birthday of the founder of Tibetan Buddhism is celebrated with lamaistic masked dances
(chaams),
chanting, and music at Hemis Monastery. If you’d prefer to catch a Buddhist festival without the flea market atmosphere and touristy vibe, consider disappearing off the beaten track and joining the locals at the smaller, but far more authentic festivals at monasteries such as Lamayuru,
where the
Yuru Kabgyat
attracts mostly villagers who arrive on foot, having traveled for miles to join in the spiritual celebrations (June 10–11, 2010; and June 28–29, 2011).