India is the kaleidoscope of people of every faith and religion. Festivals thus abound throughout the year. From the colourful Pushkar fair to the vibrant Goa carnival, every festivity provides an insight into the true spirit and the rich traditions of India.

Packed with fun and excitement, festivals serve as an occasion to decorate houses, to get together with friends and relatives and to exchange gifts. New attire, dance, music, rituals - all add to their joyful rhythm. It is a time for prayer and procession, a time to rejoice and celebrate life.

Dussehra, on the 10th day of the bright half of Ashvin (in the month of September / October), celebrates the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravana, and the rescue of his wife Sita. The nine days that precede Dussehra, are celebrated as Navratri dedicated to praise, worship and dances to the Goddess Durga. Diwali, the 'festival of lights', takes place eighteen days after Dusshera in October / November. The lighting of lamps, symbolic of welcoming Lord Rama back to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile. Christmas is celebrated by the Christians on 25th December. Celebrations are accompanied by the exchange of sweets and explosion of fireworks.

To experience the culture, colour and handicrafts of India visiting the fairs held in various parts of India are a must. The Surajkund Crafts Mela held annually at Surajkund in Haryana; the Camel Festival held in January at Bikaner in Rajasthan; the Pushkar Mela held at Pushkar town in Rajasthan for twelve days in November; the grand Taj Mahotsav held from 18th to 27th February in Agra; the Khajuraho Dance Festival held from 25th February to 2nd March at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh with classical dance performances in front of the intricately carved temples; and many other fairs and festivals are an ode to the rich cultural heritage of India. The people, local music, array of cuisine, dazzling handicrafts make these events an attractive and lively spectacle.