Here's the best of what's on in November in India.
Ganga Mahotsav
- When: October 29–November 1, 2009.
- Where: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Kolayat Fair (Kapil Muni Fair)
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- When: October 29-November 7, 2009.
- Where: Bikaner, Rajasthan.
Soorya Arts Festival
Billed as the longest arts festival in the world, this mammoth 111 day cultural extravaganza runs from September 21, 2009 to January 10, 2010. Different activities are held every couple of weeks and include films, dance, music, folk arts, theater, and workshops.- When: November 1-30, 2009.
- Where: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), and various other locations across Kerala.
Guru Nanak Jayanti
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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 2, 2009.
- Where: Amritsar, Punjab.
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 2, 2009.
- Where: Puri and Cuttack, Orissa.
Hampi Festival (Vijaya Utsav)
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Note: The Hampi Festival is not being held this year. It has been rescheduled for January 27-29, 2010, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the coronation of Sri Krishna Devaraya, an emperor of the Vijayanagar empire.
Dance, drama, music, puppet shows, fireworks, and spectacular processions all take place against the ruins of Hampi at this lively festival. The idea behind the festival is to recreate the grandeur of the time when Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India’s history.
- When: November 3-5, every year.
- Where: Hampi, Karnataka.
Bundi Utsav
http://bundi.nic.in
- When: November 5-7, 2009.
- Where: Bundi, Rajasthan.
Prithvi Theater Festival
Handpicked plays, performances, poetry, and music are all on offer at the annual Prithvi Theater Festival. It's a must for lovers of arts and fine theater! Tickets are available on-line.- When: November 7-20, 2009.
- Where: Prithvi Theatre (in Juhu), Karnataka Sangha (in Matunga, central Mumbai), and Horniman Circle Garden (in south Mumbai), Mumbai, Maharastra.
- Cost: 200 rupees for adults. 100 rupees for students and seniors.
Congo Square Jazz Festival
The Congo Square Jazz Festival is hosted by a non profit society for the promotion of jazz and blues in India. The festival promises an eclectic blend of artists and world music, all for a very reasonable price!- When: November 19-22, 2009. 6 p.m. onwards.
- Where: Dalhousie Institute, 42 Jhowtolla Road, Ballygunj, Kolkata, India.
- Cost: Tickets cost 120 rupees ($3) and are available at the venue.
Ellora Ajanta Festival
This charming festival, which takes place in an historic 17th century palace not far from the Ellora caves, showcases an eclectic mix of classical and folk music and dance from India's most talented musicians and performers.
- When: November 27-30, 2009. (To be confirmed. Festival was canceled last year).
- Where: Soneri Mahal, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
