Pongal :  This Tamil festival marks the end of the harvest season.It is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai, which is in the middle of January .The festivities last four days and include activities such as the boiling over of a pot of pongal (a mixture of rice,sugar,dal and milk), symbolic of prosperity and abundance.On the third day,cattle are washed,decorated and even painted,and then fed the pongal. In all over India the festival is known as Makar Sankranti.

Basant Panchami :  The most notable feature of this spring festival ,held on the 5th of Magha (in January),is that many people wear yellow clothes. In some places ,however, especially in west Bengal, Saraswati, the goddess of learning is honoured. Books, musical instruments and other objects related to the arts and scholarship are placed in front of the goddess to receive her blessings.

Id-ul-Fitr (Ramzan Id) :  Coming with the new moon, this festival marks the end of Ramzan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. It was during this month that the holy Koran was revealed. Muslims observe a dawn to dusk fast daily during this month and on completion, which is decided by the appearance of the new moon, Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated with great eclat. Prayers are offered in mosques and elaborate festivities are held. The dates for this vary every year.

Maha Shiva Ratri :  Held in Feb/Mar, this day of fasting is dedicated to the Anniversary of Lord Shiva's tandav dance, and his wedding anniversary. On this day devotees observe Fasts, visit temples and offer prayers before the Lingam.

Holi :  This is one of the most exuberant Hindu festivals, with people throwing coloured water and powder (gulal) at one another. Holi is now a symbolic commemoration of a legend from Hindu Mythology. The story centers around an arrogant king who resents his son worshipping Lord Vishnu. He attempts to kill his son but fails each time. Finally, the king's sister Holika who is said to be immune to burning, sits with the boy in a huge fire. However, the prince Prahlad emerges unscathed, while his aunt burns to death. Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation

Gangaur :  This festival is celebrated in Rajasthan in honour of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The women offer prayers, observe fasts and there is general gaiety and colour marking it.

Ramnavami :  In temples all over India the birth of Lord Rama is celebrated on this day. In the week leading up to Ramanavami, the Ramayana is widely read and performed.

Easter

Baisakhi :  One of the most colourful festivals celebrated in Punjab to mark the beginning of the new Harvest season. The occasion is celebrated in the fields with Bhangra and Giddha dances all over Punjab.

Mahavir Jayanti :  The birth of 'Lord Mahavir' is celebrated with prayer and processions by Jains all over the country. Discourses and skits on his teachings are enacted on this day.

Buddha Jayanti :  This day is celebrated as the day of birth, enlightenment and attainment of Nirvana or Salvation of Lord Buddha.

Id-ul-Azha or Id-ul-Zuha (Bakri-Id) :  The Id-ul-Azha commemorates the ordeal of Hazrat Ibrahim, who had been put to a terrible test by God when he was asked to sacrifice whatever was dearest to him and he decided to sacrifice the life of his son. As he was on the verge of placing the sword to his son's throat, it was revealed to him that this was meant only to test his faith, and it was enough, if instead he sacrificed only a ram in the name of Allah. This is celebrated on the tenth day of Zilhijja, when the Haj celebrations at Mecca are rounded off by the sacrifice of goats or camels. In India, too, goats and sheep are sacrificed all over the country and prayers are offered.

Moharram :  Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the Grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The 10-day festival is observed with Tazias symbolic of the martyr's tomb at Karbala, are carried in mourning processions.

Rath yatra of Puri :  On this day, the idols of Lord Jagannath's ( one of the incarnations of Lord Krishna), his brother (Balarama) and sister (Subhadra) are taken around in their giant Raths (Wooden Carriage with wheels). It is observed to commemorate Lord Krishna's journey from Gokul to Mathura. Hundred of pilgrims from all over the country flock to Puri for this occasion.

Naag Panchami :  This festival is dedicated to Ananta, the serpent upon whose coils Vishnu rested between universes. People offer milk to snakes on this day and worship snake images in temples.

Raksha Bandhan :  On the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Sravana (July/August),girls fix amulets known as Rakhis to their brothers' wrists, offer sweets and seek his protection. The brothers undertakes to protect the honour of his sister against all evils.

Ganesh Chaturthi :  Started by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, it is now widely celebrated with particular enthusiasm in Maharashtra (the state of its origin).In every village, Pandals are erected and clay idols of Lord Ganesh are installed for a period of 10 days. Various activities are organised during these ten days. At the end of the ten days, the idols are ceremoniously immersed in a river, tank or the sea amidst song and dance. Traditionally prayers are offered to Lord Ganesh before the beginning of any new or auspicious ceremony or activity.

Janmashtami :  The anniversary of Krishna's birth is celebrated with happy abandon - in tune with Krishna's own mischievous moods. Devotees observe fast and sing Bhajans (holy chants) till midnight.

Pateti :  The New Year day of the older school of the Parsis. Wearing new clothes, the Parsis offer prayers at the firetemples, give alms and arrange sumptuous feasts at their homes.

Dussehra :  This is the most popular of all the Indian festivals and takes place for a period of 10 days, beginning on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashvina (Sept. / Oct .). It celebrates Durga's victory over the Buffalo – headed demon Mahishasura. In many places it culminates with the burning of huge images of the demon king Ravana and his accomplices, symbolic of the triumph of good over evil. In Delhi it is known as Ram Lila (life story of Rama). It is celebrated with fireworks and re-enactmentsof the Ramayana, while in Mysore and Ahmedabad there are great processions .In West Bengal the festival is known as Durga Puja and in Gujarat it is Navaratri (Festival of nine nights).

Diwali :  This is the happiest festival of the Hindu calendar, celebrated on the 15th day of Kartika( Oct./Nov.) At night, countless oil lamps are lit to show Lord Rama the way home from his period of exile. Today, the festival is also dedicated to Goddess Laksmi and Kali. In all the festival lasts for five days.On the first day, houses are thoroughly cleaned and doorsteps are decorated with with intricate rangolis (chalk designs). Day two is dedicated to Krishna's victory over Narakasura, a legendary tryant. In the south on this day a pre-dawn oil bath is followed by the donning of new clothes. Day three is spent in worshipping Lakshmi ,the goddess of fortune.

Traditionally this is the new financial year for companies. Day four commemorates the visit of the friendly demon Bali whom Vishnu put in his place. On the fifth day men visit their sisters to have tika put on their forehead. Diwali has also become the festival of sweets ,with families exchanging sweets at this time. This has become as much a part of the tradition as the lighting of oil lamps and firecrackers.

Nanak Jayanti :  The birth anniversary of Saint Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, is celebrated with prayers and processions at Gurudwaras all over the country, especially North India.

Pushkar Mela :  Ajmer, in the state of Rajasthan is the venue of this famous festival. It is a Camel and cattle fair attended by people from all over. Camels races, acrobatics and folk dances are organised.

Christmas :  The birth anniversary of Jesus Christ is celebrated with offering prayers in the Church, exchange of greetings and gifts spreading the message of peace and goodwill.