SURAJKUND CRAFTS MELA

Time : February
Place : Surajkund (Haryana)

A delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually at Surajkund. Skilled artisans from all over the country display the rich crafts tradition of India in the typical setting of a rural Indian marketplace. Cultural programmes and rural cuisine are also a part of this colourful fair.Surajkund Crafts Mela is an embodiment of spirits that runs through the people of India and its rich culture.

From 1st' to 15'th February every year, over 300 craftsperson, many of them winners of the highest order of national recognition that of master craftsperson, make Surajkund their temporary home and display their exquisite handicraft works.

KUMBH MELA

Time :
Place : Prayag, Hardwar, Nasik, and Ujjain

The Kumbh Mela is one of the greatest Indian fairs. The forces of creation are said to be collected in a vessel (the Kumbh). A fair (Mela) that follows is known as the Kumbh Mela or Pot Festival. Prayag, Hardwar, Nasik, and Ujjainare the primary centers of the festivities.

Pilgrims take a holy dip in the Ganges. The confluence of the three holy rivers, Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati at Prayag attracts innumerable devotees from across the country. It is believed that during the month of Kumbh Mela, these rivers turn into purifying nectar. The devotees bathe in the rivers to cleanse their souls of their sins.

INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL

Time : January
Place : Gujarat

On Makara Sankranti, Ahmedabad is at its colourful best as kites of all colours, patterns and dimensions soar into the sky. Special kites with little paper lamps fill the night sky with a myriad flickering lights. Special Gujarati cuisine, exhibitions of handicrafts and folk art enhance the festive spirit.

PONGAL

Time : January
Place : Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu

A celebration of the harvest - Pongal is observed for three days in January, in Tamil Nadu. Bhogi Pongal - the first day, is an occasion for festivities at home. Flavoured rice is offered to the Sun God on the second day. Mattu Pongal, the next day, is celebrated in a more boisterous fashion. Village cattle are bathed and decorated and cattle races enliven village festivities.

ONAM

Time : September
Place : Kerala

Kerala's most important festival is celebrated in the honour of the ancient asura king Mahabali. The occasion also heralds the harvest season. The decorating of houses with carpets of flowers, a sumptuous lunch and songs in praise of the golden reign of Mahabali, mark the ten day long festivities. A major attraction of the Onam celebrations are the famed snake boat races along the backwaters at Champakulam, Aranmula and Kottayam.

ID-UL-ZUHA

Time :
Place : Andhra Pradesh

This Muslim festival is celebrated all over the country. Prayers are offered in the mosques and special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.Id-Ul-Zuha,is also known as bakr-id. The festival commemorates the ordeals of Prophet Ibrahim.

On the day of the festivals, devout Muslims visit the mosques and offer their prayers to Allah and remember the Prophet Ibrahim. Animals, usually goats, are sacrificed. The meat is divided into three portions. One portion is for the poor. The other is distributed among dear friends and relatives. The remaining portion is meant for oneself and the immediate family.