Ka Pomblang Nongkrem (Shillong, Meghalaya)

The most important festival of the Khasis in Meghalaya. This five day long festival, held annually near Shillong, is an occasion for thanksgiving for a good harvest and the time to pray for peace and prosperity. Khasi men and women, dressed in traditional splendour, perform the famous Nongkrem dance.

Lucknow Festival (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)

This festival celebrates Lucknow's living culture. This capital city of Uttar Pradesh is alight with excitement during this ten day long event. Colourful processions, traditional dramas, Kathak dances in the style of the famous Lucknow gharana, sarangi and sitar recitals alongwith ghazals, qawalis and thumri create a festive atmosphere. Exciting events like ekka races, kite flying, cock fighting and other traditional village games recreate an atmosphere of Avadh's nawabid days.

Sonepur Mela (Sonepur, Bihar)

Asia's biggest cattle fair is held at Sonepur, on the banks of the River Ganga. During this month-long fair, cattle, decorated for the occasion, throng the venue.

Pushkar Mela (Pushkar, Rajasthan)

Tranquil Pushkar is transformed into a spectacular fair ground for twelve days in the month of Kartik. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters are the major attractions of this colourful event. Devotees come in their thousands to take a ritual dip in the lake on the day of the Kartik Purnima and to worship at the Brahma temple.

Guru Purab (All over India)

The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs, is celebrated with great fervour. The 'Akhand Path' - recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurdwaras all over the country. Taking the holy book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations.

Hampi Festival (Hampi, Karnataka)

The magnificent ruined city of Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, comes alive once again during this lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.