The colourful Pooram festival is held in Thrissur at its fine Vadakkumnathan Temple. Processions of beautifully caparisoned elephants provide a magnificent spectacle. The festival is rounded off at night by dazzling firework displays.

Urs (Ajmer, Rajasthan)

The Urs are held every year at the dargah of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims from all over the world gather here to pay homage. Qawalis and poems are presented in the saint’s honour. At the huge fair that springs up at this time, religious objects, books, rosaries, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments are on sale.

International Flower Festival (Gangtok, Sikkim)

A rare show of exotic varieties of flowers, orchids and other plants native to Sikkim. Held every summer during the peak flowering season, this is a spectacular event, attracting people from all over India. River rafting and a Yak Safari are added attractions.

Id-ul-Fitr (All over India)

The festival marks the end of ‘Ramzan’ - a month when Muslims fast throughout the day and eat only at night. Prayers, family get-togethers and feasts are the major highlights of the celebrations.

Buddha Purnima (North India)

This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Buddha - ‘the Enlightened one’.

Summer Festival (Major hill stations)

The advent of summer in the major hill resorts ushers in colourful festivity. Liverly cultural events, flower shows, regattas and exhibitions brighten the summer season at the picturesque hill stations of Ooty, Shimla, Darjeeling, Mount Abu, etc.