The best parties 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.

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.