FESTIVAL VACATIONS

About Festival Vacations

It is said that there are more festivals in India than days in a year. It actually does not come as a surprise, considering that this kaleidoscope of cultures is home to a myriad regions and communities with each having its special occasions marked by colorful celebrations and perpetual festivities. The fervor and excitement generated by the electric atmosphere accompanying these occasions can be overwhelming, and the frequency will make sure you get a dose of it anytime of the year. There are festivals meant to mark daily events, as special days for fasting, buying new clothes, marking the birth of a child, bride's home coming, full moon night etc. Moreover, the festivals act as occasions strengthening the family bonds, a fact which somewhat explains the joint family culture in India.

The preparation leading to these ardent affairs is also much hyped and interesting. A festive atmosphere grips the entire area days before, there is singing and dancing, people buy new clothes and exchange gifts with their loved ones. Houses are coated new and auspicious oil lamps lit up at the entrance.

A number of festivals are subject to varying dates determined by the lunar calendar. The month long Moslem Ramadan fasting comes to a close on the auspicious occasion of Eid-Ul-Fitr, similarly the jews observe their new year on the 7th of September. Festivals are opportunities to make new acquaintances and renew the old ones. The party environment brings a new and much sought zeal into the peoples' lives....and every moment is celebrated with the same ebullience.

The List Goes On....

A countless number of festivals adorn the length and breadth of this huge country, all round the year. However, a few important festivals binds the entire country together and festivities are observed across all the realms and communities.

Holi
Marked by a symphony of colors, the vibrant festival of Holi is celebrated across the country with a great deal of rejoicing. Celebrated during the spring season, people hurl colorful powder and water on each other painting the entire nation into a bond of love and companionship.

Goa Carnival
The Goa carnival has been setting the entire city on fire since the 18th century, when the festival was celebrated for the first time. For three days in February (or March), the legendary King Momo takes over the place and the streets go vibrant with colors. The three days of feasting, drinking and merrymaking sweeps the entire state into a festive trance.

Khajuraho Dance Festival
The festival of dances is celebrated each year with the enchanting backdrop of the Khajuraho temples. Dancers from all over the country gather at this tiny village and bring alive the entire region with their fabulous performances. The festival is especially popular among foreign tourists.

Diwali
The festival of lights is one of the most important occasions adorning the Indian festival calendar. The entire country decorated with lights presents a truly enchanting sight. People exchange gifts and buy new clothes. There is feasting and merrymaking, which begins days before the actual occasion.

Pushkar Fair
Pushkar in Rajasthan is the venue for one of the world's oldest religious and commercial fair. Also known as the camel fair, the occasion witnesses thousands of camels of all shapes, sizes and colors being bought and sold in a unique extravaganza. There are song and dance performances displaying the culture of Rajasthan. Shopping and eating options abound.