Makar Sankranti

This is celebrated in the month of Magh , on 14th January, when the sun enters Makar Rashi ( the zodiac sign of Capricorn, the goat ), starting its northward journey. Makar Sankranti is the day of the equinox, when day and night are equally long. Hindus believe that those who die on this day attain moksha , escaping from the cycle of birth and re-birth.

In Maharashtra, people eat til-gul , sweets made of til (sesame) and jaggery. In Gujarat, t housands of colourful kites dot the skies as people vie with each other to win community kite-flying competitions. In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is celebrated as Lohri, and in South India as Pongal. In West Bengal, the devout converge at the Ganga Sagar Island in the Ganges delta, to take a holy dip at the confluence of the sea and the river Ganga. A large fair is held for three days during this period.

Mamallapuram Dance Festival

Dancers and musicians from across the country participate in this festival held at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, in December-January, with Arjuna's Penance as its backdrop.

Marwar Festival

Originally known as Maand Festival, this is held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and is devoted to the music and dance of the Marwar region. Folk artists bring the myths, legend and folklore of the area to life. The festival is held for 2 days on Sharad Purnima , the full moon, in October.

Mewar Festival

The city of lakes, Udaipur, in Rajasthan, is the venue for this festival, celebrated in April during the Gangaur Festival. An exhilarating welcome to spring, it is an audio-visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. A procession of colourfully attired women carrying images of the goddess Gauri make their way to Lake Pichola. A procession of boats on the lake offers a fitting finale to the splendid celebrations.

Modhera Dance Festival

The Sun Temple at Modhera in Mehsana district, Gujarat, dedicated to Lord Surya, the sun god, acts as the backdrop for this festival of Indian classical dances, held every year in January for three days. The festival seeks to present classical dance forms in a milieu that is as close as possible to that in which they were originally performed.

National Kite Festival

This takes place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Makara Sankranti (14 th January), the day when t he Sun enters the Makar Rashi (the zodiac sign of Capricorn, the goat), starting its northward journey. Makar Sankranti is the day of the equinox, when day and night are equally long. Hindus believe that those who die on this day attain moksha , escaping from the cycle of birth and re-birth. T housands of colourful kites dot the skies as people vie with each other to win community kite-flying competitions. Special kites have little paper lamps attached and these fill the night sky with flickering lights. Special Gujarati cuisine, exhibitions of handicrafts, and folk art enhance the festive spirit.

National Theatre Festival

Held in Kolkata in December, this is one of the largest theatre festivals in India. Drama troupes come from all over the country, and neighbouring countries too, to participate.

Natyanjali Festival

This 5 day festival which takes place in the premises of the ancient Nataraja temple of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, pays special tribute to Lord Nataraja, the dancing Shiva. It is held in Feb / March and begins on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. Leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja, while the carved pillars depicting Lord Nataraja in 108 poses of Bharatanatyam look silently on. The festival promote the message of "Unity in Diversity", conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.

Nehru Cup Boat Races

Kerala's backwaters at Aranmula and Kottayam, are the picturesque setting for the annual snake-boat races held on the second Saturday of August every year. T ranquil lake fronts are transformed into a sea of humanity, as over 100 oarsmen in each huge ( over 100 feet long) snake boat vie for the prestigious Nehru Trophy, named after independent India's first Prime Minister. An estimated 2 lakh people watch, while the beating of drums and cymbals, and songs add to the festive mood. Preparations for the event begin several weeks in advance, and celebrations continue long after, for the winning teams.

Nishagandhi Dance Festival

The Nishagandhi open-air theatre in the palace compound at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is the venue for this classical dance festival held every April. Renowned dancers perform Bharathanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathak, Odissi, modern ballet and other folk forms. Artist and connoisseurs of dance come from all over India to enjoy this cultural treat.