FEBRUARY

Vasant Panchami (North India and West Bengal)

The ceremonial welcome to spring when people, colourfully attired, especially in bright shades of yellow, dance, sing and make merry. In West Bengal, 'Saraswati' - the goddess of learning is worshipped. The festivals is celebrated with great fervour in the university town of Shantiniketan.

Surajkund Crafts Mela (Surajkund, near Delhi)

A delightful handloom and handicrafts fair is held annually (1st Feb. to 15th. Feb. this year) 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 part of this colourful fair.

International Yoga Week (Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh)

A week-long event to promote Yoga is held in Rishikesh, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Himalayas. Detailed lectures and demonstration of various asanas by prominent exponents of Yoga are the major highlights of the Yoga Week.

Desert Festival (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan)

A three day long extravaganza of colour, music and festivity at the golden city of Jaisalmer. Fire dancers swaying to traditional tunes, a turban-tying competition and a Mr. Desert contest are part of the fun of the occasion. Camel rides and folk dances at the sand dunes are an added attraction.

Nagaur Fair (Nagaur, Rajasthan)

Nagaur bustles with life during its annual cattle fair which is one of largest in the country. Exciting games and camel races are part of the festivities.

Elephant Festival (Mumbai, Maharashtra)

This festival is held across the Mumbai harbour, on the Elephanta Island, near the world renowned Elephanta Caves (A World Heritage Site). This feast of music and dance, celebrated under the stars, transforms the entire island into a large auditorium.

Deccan Festival (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh)

Every year gracious Hyderabad comes alive during the Deccan Festival. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to visitors.

Taj Mahotsav (Agra, Uttar Pradesh)

A ten day event that starts on 18th February each year in Shilpgram, the Taj Mahotsav is a much awaited event. India's extensive arts, crafts and culture are on display. Folk music, shayari and classical dance performances along with elephant and camel rides, games and a food festival, all add to the excitement of the occasion.

Goa Carnival (Goa)

Goa's 100 km coastline has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The exuberant Goa Carnival is an annual feature here. Held in mid- February, just before Lent, the week-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars and graceful dances.

Garden Festival (Delhi)

A spectacular flower show held in Delhi, where varieties of flowers and exotic plants are on display. This annual event is indeed a horticulturist's delight.

Chapchar Kut (Mizoram)

A lively festival in Mizoram celebrates the arrival of spring. It is an occasion for dance, music and feasting.

Rose Festival (Chandigarh , Punjab)

The biggest Rose Show in the country is held at the famous Rose Gardens at Chandigarh. varieties of magnificent roses are on display during this two-day festival.

Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

A ten day long festival of dance, drama and music. Exhibitions, displaying arts and crafts, flora and fauna and marine life, are part of the event. Aqua sports, telegram.