Your Guide to Traveling India

There are a great number of magnificent festivals in India, each of which last up to several days.

A few of the festivals are:

• January 26- Republic Day Festival
• February/ March- Holi, Muharram
• June/ July- Rath Yatra
• August/ September- Ganesh Chaturthi
• September/ October- Dussehra Festival
• October/ November- Camel Fair
• October- Diwali
• Takes place every three years (date varies)- Kumbh Melha

A spectacular Republic Day parade takes place every year in New Delhi. The holiday is in honor of the anniversary of the Indian Republic. India's government spends several months every year planning this remarkable festival. There is no school or work on the day of the parade.

Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated differently around the country based on local traditions. Generally, on the day of Holi, men and women of all different castes join together to celebrate. Celebrations are chaotic and rowdy. People spray each other different colors.

Rath Yatra is celebrated in early July each year. The festival is celebrated across India when the deities of Jagannath Mandir- Lord Krishna, Balaram, and Subhadra- parade across the country in huge chariots pulled by devotees.

Ganesh Chaturthi honors Lord Ganesh, the patron deity is the God of wisdom. This eleven day festival begins with intricately made Ganesha idols in people's homes. The Genesha idols are colorfully decorated and depict religious themes and current events. On the last day of the festival, everyone says goodbye to the beloved God.

The Dussehra Festival is celebrated on the day that it is believed Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana, and won over his kingdom, Lanka. It signifies the triumph of good over evil. The legendary triumph is reenacted on the day of the festival. Huge effigies of Ravana and his brother Kumbhkarna and son Neghnad are exploded with fireworks and crackers.

Diwali (festival of lights) is one of the biggest festivals of the Hindus, and it is celebrated with enthusiasm by everyone. It is a five day festival, and the third day is celebrated as the "Festival of Lights." Fireworks are launched and people light diyas and candles all around their houses. Gifts are exchanged between all.