VENDREDI SAINT & PÂQUES
Read moreEaster 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
Read moreRamadan, 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.
EID-UL-FITR
Ajmer is the best place to celebrate the Eid festival which marks the end ...Read more
MAKAR SANKRANTI
Hindu festival paying homage to the deity Surya (the sun) and taking place ...Read more
MAHA SHIVARATRI
Maha Shivaratri, "The Great Night of Shiva", is a festival symbolizing the ...Read more
BUDDHA PURNIMA (VESAK)
Buddha's birthday is celebrated on the full moon of Vaishak. His ...Read more
GANGAUR
Read moreGangaur 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.
DURGA PUJA
This four-day Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga is Kolkata's ...Read more
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI
Krishna's birth is celebrated all over the country, especially in the ...Read more