Events in India

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Durga Puja

The most important Bengali festival, the puja ('worship') of Durga, goddess of power, takes place throughout the city over 10 days in September/October. The festival is marked with colourful, exuberant processions where handmade Hindu idols some over 20 feet tall are carried aloft to... see full details

Republic Day Parade

The impressive Republic Day Parade is held every year on the anniversary of the formation of the Indian Republic and serves to showcase the country's military might. Marching columns represent the armed forces accompanied by armoured vehicles, military bands, decorated floats and folk dancers.... see full details

Festival of Holi

Delhi puts on a colourful face in March for the light-hearted Festival of Holi, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The exuberant spring festival starts on the night of full moon when bonfires are lit on street corners to clear the air... see full details

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

India's most popular traditional festival, with its origins in Hindu mythology, turns the streets of Delhi, and in fact all major cities in India, into a carnival each year. Traditionally all houses are decorated with earthenware lamps and candles for the occasion, and the... see full details

Elephanta Festival

A motor launch carries visitors from the Gateway of India Monument to Elephanta Island, a small island about an hour and a half's journey from the city, to enjoy the very special annual experience of the Elephanta Festival. A selection of renowned Indian dancers... see full details

Kala Ghoda Bazaar

Street musicians and performers add to the colourful atmosphere of the Sunday street bazaars held near the Jehangir Art Gallery in the pedestrian plaza, which becomes a hive of activity with stalls selling a variety of handcrafts, art and food. ... see full details

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav celebrates the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of Wisdom and Prosperity. Celebrations are held throughout India and this is one of the highlights of the year for tourists visiting the country. The festival culminates in the murti of... see full details

Goa Carnival

A throwback of 18th century Portuguese colonialism, the Goa Carnival is celebrated in mid-February each year and encompasses three days of music, dancing and general merriment. Though primarily a Christian custom, the carnival is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the local Hindu people and... see full details

International Film Festival of India

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) runs for 10 days at the end of each year, and is on a par with the Cannes, Berlin, Venice and Toronto film festivals. This festival was first held in 1952 and has been hosted in... see full details

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