Up north, Surajkund hosts the 27th annual Crafts Mela for a period of 2 weeks starting Feb 1st. The event offers plenty of color and excitement (and good shopping!) as only an Indian fair can. Skilled artisans come from all across the country to display and sell their wares – embroideries, folk art, pottery, metalware, handmade furniture and much more. Since you buy directly from the producers, you get terrific prices too. There’s also a bustling food fair and plenty of live entertainment. Surajkund is a convenient commute from Delhi, so you can stay in Delhi if you so prefer. --- is the theme state this year.

In the West, Goa will host its annual Carnival just before Lent. Huge colourful parades, with floats, dancing and lots of lively music will be the order of the day, while the evenings will mean serious partying. Try not to miss the final day's festivities, which conclude with the famous red-and-black dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panjim.