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Festivals in India
August
Janmashtami celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, by lighting up temples and homes and nightlong singing of hymns in His praise. This festival, though celebrated all over India, is most exuberant in Gujarat.

Kerala's most popular festival, Onam, is the harvest festival. Elephant processions, flower arrangements, feasts and fireworks are an integral part of this festival.

Ganesh Chathurti is dedicated to the elephant-headed God, Ganesh. This ten-day festival is marked by ornately decorated idols of the well-loved deity (known as the remover of all obstacles), classical dances and thrilling music. Sisters tie colorful threads on their brothers' wrists, who in turn promise to protect them, in this festival known as Raksha Bandhan.

September
The Tarnetar Mela is a three-day annual fair held in Saurashtra. Locals dress in traditional costumes and jewelry and visit the Temple of Shiva or Trinetreshwar (Three Eyed God).

October
Navratri, celebrated over nine days, is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Absorbing rituals are performed and vibrant hymns are sung. This festival is also devoted to Lord Ram.

The Goddess of Strength, Durga, is worshipped for five consecutive days during the festival of Durga Puja. New clothes, elaborately decorated idols, music, feasts and rituals are part of the festivities.

Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Huge effigies of Ravana (representing evil) are burnt to celebrate Ram's conquest of the demon. Fireworks is an essential part of the celebrations.

November
The festival of lights, Diwali, is in celebration of Lord Rama's return to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. Gifts and sweets are exchanged, new clothes are worn and firecrackers are burst as part of the merry-making.

Gur Purab is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the first "guru" of the Sikhs. Processions and community feasts add to the fervor. Hymns are sung and prayers are recited.

Asia's biggest cattle fair, Sonepur Fair, is held in Bihar. Pilgrims take a dip in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake during the Pushkar Fair in Rajasthan.

December
Christmas is celebrated with as much enthusiasm in India as it is anywhere else in the world. Decorated Christmas trees, plum cakes, carols add to the zeal. Shops and restaurants are decorated for a week before this festival.

Konark Dance Festival is held in the amphitheater at Konark with the famous Sun Temple in the background. The best dancers from India perform classical dances amidst the magnificent temples in Orissa.