Here's the best of what's on in November in India.
Diwali
www.flickr.com user dhondusaxena
Diwali represents the start of the Hindu New Year and is celebrated as the victory of light over darkness. Lots of small clay lamps (called diyas) and candles are lit and placed in houses, and fireworks are let off everywhere, giving Diwali its name of "Festival of Lights". People also clean and decorate their homes with Rangoli (Hindu folk art), buy new clothes, gamble, and give each other gifts and sweets during the festival.
- When: November 13, 2012.
- Where: Throughout India, except in the southern state of Kerala.
Kolayat Fair (Kapil Muni Fair)
www.flickr.com user foxypar4
The largest fair of Bikaner, in India's desert state of Rajasthan, the Kolayat Fair combines a huge cattle fair with a pilgrimage to the town's holy lake. It's quite a spectacle as buffaloes, camels, horses and cattle are traded, and pilgrims bathe and float clay lanterns in the lake.
- When: November 17-26, 2012.
- Where: Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Chhath Puja
This north Indian festival, traditionally celebrated by the people of Bihar, has grown to be a big occasion in Mumbai as well. Chhat Puja is devoted to worshiping the sun. People flock to Juhu beach to offer prayers to the Sun God at sunset. Hymns and folk songs are sung, and women fast and pray for the wellbeing of their family and friends.
- When: November 19, 2012. (Chhath Sandhya Argh evening prayers).
- Where: Juhu Beach, Mumbai, Maharastra. The banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi are also another excellent tourist place to see it.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Sharell Cook
This traditional Indian style festival sees an astonishing 50,000 camels converge on the tiny desert town of Pushkar. The camels are dressed up, shaved, entered into beauty contests, paraded, raced, and traded. An entertaining sight indeed!
- When: November 20-28, 2011. The focus of the festival shifts to religious celebrations from November 25-28, 2012.
- Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan.
Ganga Mahotsav
Held along the banks of the holy Ganges River, this unique and mystical festival features cultural programs of classical music and dance. However, the highlight of the festival is on the last day, when more than a million clay lamps are floated down the river at dusk amidst chanting of Vedic hymns as part of Dev Deepavali.
- When: November 25-28, 2012.
- Where: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Kartik Purnima and Bali Yatra
In a celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kartik Purnima (the full moon day in the Hindu month of Kartika) is marked with great fanfare in the state of Orissa. The women make eye-catching flower designs out of colored powder, sing, and offer prayers at temples. People also remember the state's maritime glory at this time by floating tiny boats filled with flowers and incense in the water. A huge fair, known as Bali Yatra, is held in the city of Cuttack as well.
- When: November 28, 2012.
- Where: Puri and Cuttack, Orissa.
Guru Nanak Jayanti
www.flickr.com user appaji
This event is a commemoration of Guru Nanak's birthday (he was the founder of the Sikh religion), and is widely celebrated throughout Punjab but especially so at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the main shrine of the Sikhs. The day of the festival sees the holy book carried out of the temple in a huge procession, accompanied by music and drummers. The beautifully illuminated temple is an incredible sight to behold at this time.
- When: November 28, 2012.
- Where: Amritsar, Punjab.
India Art Festival
India Art Festival
This modern and contemporary art fair aims to provide a cultural bridge between Indian artists, art galleries, art collectors and connoisseurs. The artworks on display will include paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs, and video and digital art by over 400 artists. Entry is free, and various workshops will also be offered.
- When: November 28-December 2, 2012.
- Where: Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai.
Puri Beach Festival
Orissa Tourism
The annual Puri Beach Festival is one of the most popular cultural festivals in Orissa. The activities include classical and folk dances of India, handicrafts, fashion shows, rock music, fireworks, and a sand art competition.
- When: Date to be confirmed.
- Where: Puri, Orissa.
Hay Festival
Hay Festivals
If you love books, you'll enjoy the second installment of the Hay Festival. The three day program of events hosts authors and guests from India and across the world. International writers include Jung Chang, Rukmini Nair, Germaine Greer, K. Satchidanandan, Simon Armitage, Anita Nair.
- When: Date to be confirmed.
- Where: Kanakakunnu Palace, Trivandrum, Kerala.
