The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great fervour all over the country (3rd Sept. this year). In Mathura and Brindavan - where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and youth, the Janmashtami celebrations are quite elaborate. The Krishna Leela - stories of his eventful youth are enacted.

In Maharashtra, earthen pots of curd and butter are hung high up over the streets. Young men enacting an episode from Krishna’s childhood form human pyramids by climbing on each others’ shoulders and try to break these pots.

Teej (Rajasthan and Chandigarh)

This swing festival welcomes the advent of the monsoon. Swings are hung from trees and decorated with flowers. Women, colourfully attired, swing on them and sing songs in celebration.

Independence Day (All over India)

Commemorating the day India attained freedom (15th August), Independence Day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes in the state capitals. The Prime Minister’s speech at the Red Fort in Delhi is the major highlight.

Raksha Bandhan (North India)

Brothers and sisters reaffirm their bonds of affection on this day. Sisters tie colourful threads or rakhis on their brothers’ wrists. The brothers in turn promise to protect their sisters and give them gifts.

Amarnath Yatra (Jammu & Kashmir)

In the month of Shravan, thousands of pilgrims make an arduous trek up to the Amarnath cave in the Kashmir Himalayas. They come to worship the sacred ice lingam - a symbol of Lord Shiva, which is a natural phenomenon.#logo

Nag Panchami (West Bengal, Maharashtra and South India)

This festival, which is usually celebrated in West Bengal, Maharashtra and South India, venerates snakes.

Onam (Kerala)

Kerala’s most important festival is celebrated in the honour of the ancient asura king Mahabali. The occasion also heralds the harvest season. The decorating of houses with carpets of flowers, a sumptuous lunch and songs in praise of the golden reign of Mahabali, mark the ten day long festivities. A major attraction of the Onam celebrations are the famed snake boat races along the backwaters at Champakulam, Aranmula and Kottayam.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Kerala)

Alappuzha is famous for its annual boat race, held on the second Saturday of August every year. The long elegant snakeboats, with crews of over hundred men vying to win the coveted trophy, attract spectators from all over.