Events calendar North India

Easter is celebrated all over the country, not only in Christian homes but also in the many churches and cathedrals. Chocolate eggs and marzipan jesus are sold in candy stores, and everyone, no matter what their faith, wants them. In some cities, the way of the cross and the crucifixion of Jesus are staged. It is in Kerala, and in the small state of Goa which is home to nearly 60% of the country's Catholics, that the celebrations are the most demonstrative.

Ramadan, or Ramzam, occurs in the ^9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims pray and fast all day for 28 days. Charity is de rigueur towards the needy during this holy month. At nightfall, the mobile kitchens are set in motion, stalls offer special snacks, the streets are scented with a thousand and one perfumes, the fast is over until the early morning. Ramadan is followed by all Muslim communities. It is an opportunity to visit the markets in the Muslim neighborhoods at the end of the day.

The Nagaur cattle fair is one of the most important in India. It gathers cows, horses, goats, sheep and dromedaries. In total, more than a hundred thousand heads of cattle are gathered. Without counting the owners. The city lives under a cloud of dust for 3 days, where there are firm discussions about prices. Much less touristic than the Pushkar camel fair, the one in Nagaur is not less colorful.

Gangaur is a unique festival, which Rajasthan has the secret. It has its origin in the religious calendar. Gangaur is the local name given to Parvati, the wife of Shiva. For 16 days, women celebrate marital happiness. Single women pray to the goddess to grant them a good husband, while married women thank her for their marital bliss. Women dress in red (the color of marriage), wear their best jewelry and smear their feet and hands with henna. They parade with an effigy of Parvati.

The festival is dedicated to Raghuvira, the avatar of Rama, and celebrates the harvest and the bounties of nature. The festivities last one week and take place on the banks of the Ravi river. People make offerings (corn or minjar) to Varuna, the god of rain, and take deities in processions, accompanied by bands and drummers, through the streets of the city. Traditional dances and classical music are also performed.