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Fairs & Festivals


February Fairs & Festivals

MAHASHIVRATRI

(All over India)
On the 14th night of the dark half of Magh occurs the festival of Mahashivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva. The devotes stay awake throughout the night offering their prayers to Lord Shiva. They offer special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts to Lord Shiva. Having observed the requirements of the all night fast, devotes eat the prasad offered to Shiva. Special celebrations are held in some of the major Shaivite temples at Varanasi, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu).

DESERT FESTIVAL

(Jaisalmer)
The Desert Festival is a three days long extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Gair and fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest are part of the fun and frolic. The grand finale is a trip to the sand dunes at Sam where one can enjoy the pleasure of a camel ride and even view the folk dancers and musicians perform at the sand dunes.

GOA CARNIVAL

(Goa)
February heralds the carnival at Goa. For three days and nights, the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with colour. The week long event is a time of festivity.

NAGAUR FAIR

(Nagaur)
Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of the largest in the country. The Nagaur bulls are renowned for their fleetfootedness and attract buyers from all over. The day begins with earnest bargaining between the buyers and the sellers. Once the price of a horse, bullock or camel has been settled, the day draws to a close followed by exciting games, tug of war, camel races and strains of ballads which create a joyful atmosphere.

INTERNATIONAL YOGA WEEK

(Rishikesh)
Yoga sessions are held along the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh. Organised by U.P. Tourism, lectures and demonstrations are held by prominent exponents of yoga throughout the week.

ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL

(Elephanta Island)
This festival is held across the Mumbai harbour, on the Elephant Island, near the world renowned Elephanta Caves. This feast of music and dance, celebrated under the stars, transforms the entire island into a large auditorium.

DECCAN FESTIVAL

(Hyderabad)
Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival . Cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas are held. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous perals and mult-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food festival serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to the visitors.

TAJ MAHOTSAV

(Agra)
A ten days event, the Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a culturally vibrant platfrom that brings together the finest Indian crafts and cultural nuances. It is a festive introduction to India and Uttar Pradesh. Folk music, Shayari (Poetry), and classical dance performances as well as elephant and camel rides, games and food festival-all form part of the festivites.

SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA

In order to promote the traditional Indian handicrats, a delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled artisans and craftmen display their skills and crafts in a rural setting. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also a part of this colourful fair.

CHAPCHAR KUT

(Mizoram)
A lively festival in Mizoram which celebrates the arrival of spring. It is an occasion for dance, music and feasting.

ISLAND TOURISM FESTIVAL

(Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Is a ten day long festival of dance, drama and music. Exhibitions displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna nd marine life, are part of the event. Aqua sports, tele-games and parasailing are added attractions.