JANUARY

While caparisoned elephants go out in procession, boat races on the backwaters and cultural events lend colour to the festivities. The festival takes place in some of Kerala's major towns - Thrissur, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram.

Mamallapuram Dance Festival (Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu)

Once the ancient port of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram plays host to a vibrant festival of dance. Exponents of Bharata Natyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak and Kathakali perform against the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures.

Pongal (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.

International Kite Festival (Ahmedabad, 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.

Republic Day (Delhi and state capitals)

Commemorating the day India became a Republic (26th January), the Republic Day is celebrated in Delhi with a splendid parade a colourful affair with soldiers marching in unison, followed by folk dancers, school chiildren and floats from various states. The Beating Retreat which marks the end of the celebrations on 29th January, is a moving cermony with massed military bands playing at Vijay Chowk.

Float Festival (Madurai, Tamil Nadu)

This magnificent festival is celebrated in Madurai. On the night of the full moon, ornamented icons of goddess Meenakshi and her consort are taken out in a colourful procession to the huge Mariamman Teppakulam. The icons are floated in the tank on a raft decked with flowers and flickering lamps.

Kerala Village Fair (Kovalam, Kerala)

Every year, in the lush villages around Kovalam (18 km from Thiruvananthapuram), mid January is the time for cultural events. The traditional thatch houses are decorated during this ten day long festival and are the venue for folk dances, music and festivities.

Bikaner Festival (Bikaner, Rajasthan)

Dedicated to the indispensable 'ship of the desert', the festival starts off with a magnificent procession of bedecked camels. There are displays and competitions together with all the colour, music and rhythm unique to a fair in Rajasthan.

Calcutta Festival (Calcutta, West Bengal)

Held every year in the centrally located maidan area of the city of Calcutta. Ethnic food stalls displaying Bengali cuisine and cultural events make this a lively occasion.

Pattadakkal Dance Festival (Pattadakkal, Karnataka)

Delicately carved temples rich in detail, stand still at Pattadakkal, the ancient capital of the Chalukyan kings. A festival of dance celebrates this marvellous heritage.