Ananya

Ananya means peerless. This week-long festival held in August, true to its name, showcases the unparalled cultural heritage of India. Renowned artistes are invited to perform, in a celebration of India's music and dance history, against the backdrop of Delhi's Purana Qila.

Baisakhi

A rural festival celebrated in Punjab on 13 th April, Baisakhi signifies the beginning of a New Year for the Punjabi community. It was on this day in 1699 that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa Panth (the Sikh brotherhood) and gave the “5 Ks” (emblems of purity and courage) to his followers: kesh (unshorn hair), kangha (wooden comb), karra , (iron / steel bangle), kirpan (sword) and kachha (underwear). Sikhs therefore, celebrate this festival as a collective birthday with all-night revelries, Baisakhi Di Raat (night of feasting) or fairs, Baisakhi Da Mela. Prayer meetings and kirtans (singing of devotional songs) are organized in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) across the country. After the prayer, karah prasad is served to the congregation. The function ends with langar , the community lunch made and served by volunteers. The holy book of the Sikhs, 'Granth Sahib' is taken in a procession, led by the 'Panj Pyaras' (five senior Sikhs) who are symbolic of the original leaders. The main celebration takes place in the gurdwara at Anandpur Sahib, where the order was formed. Other major celebrations take place at Talwandi Sabo (where Guru Gobind Singh stayed for nine months and completed the recompilation of the Guru Granth Sahib) and at the Golden Temple in Amritsar (where water drawn from all the sacred rivers of India is poured into the huge tank surrounding the temple).

In the rural areas, Baisakhi signifies the harvest of the (main) wheat crop. Farmers give thanks for Mother Nature's bounty and pray for a better crop next year.

Bihu

Actually a collection of 3 festivals, Bihu marks distinctive stages in the cultivation of paddy, the principal crop of the state of Assam.

Bohag Bihu is also called Rongaali Bihu, the Festival of Merriment. True to its name, it ushers in a period of enjoyment. The festival lasts for several days. The first day, Goru Bihu, is reserved for cattle – cows' feet are washed, their horns and hooves are rubbed with oil, and they are garlanded. The next day, Manuh Bihu, sees homage paid to elders, relatives and friends, with a special meal of chira, curds and sweets. The third day, Gosain Bihu, is dedicated to religious services. Games, sports, special Bihu songs, dances, “ Bihu Kunwori” contests (dancing competitions) and fairs are all part of Bihu celebrations.