Festivals & Events in India in February 2010

What's On in India in February

The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. This ancient northern Indian festival is a meeting of mystical minds. It brings Hindu holy men together to discuss their faith and disseminate information about their religion, and is attended by millions of people each day. An important part of the festival is taking a holy dip in the water to wash away sins.

• When: January 14 to April 28, 2010.
• Where: Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

This week long Kerala temple festival is devoted to the deity of the Shiva Temple in Ernakulum. It features a flag hoisting ceremony, parading and bathing of the temple god, fireworks, and numerous decorated elephants. Temple arts are also promoted during the festival and you'll be able to see music and dance performances, as well check out as local handicrafts.

• When: January-February, 2010.
• Where: Shiva Temple in Ernakulam, Kochin, Kerala.

The Grape Escapade presents some of the best food and wine that India has to offer. Wine makers, hoteliers, restaurants, professionals from the food and beverage industry -- you'll find them all at the festival. In addition to free wine tastings and attractive discounts on purchases, you'll also be able to enjoy cultural programs, fashion shows, and live music.

• When: February 5-8, 2010
• Where: Inox Courtyard, Panaji, Goa.

The Kala Ghoda arts festival is a nine day extravaganza that sees Mumbai's Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct transformed into an open air exhibition space and stage show. This vibrant street festival includes arts and crafts, exhibitions, seminars, dance, music, theater, heritage walks, and special events for children. The great thing about it is that it's all free!

• When: February 6-14, 2010.
• Where: Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct, Fort, Mumbai.

If you're interested in admiring the old painted havelis (mansions) that the Shekhawati region is famous for, the Shekhawati Festival is the perfect time to do so. A one-day tour of the Shekhawati region is organized during the festival. It includes camel and jeep safaris, and farm visits. Cultural programs, competition, and fireworks also take place.

• When: February 10-11 each year.
• Where: Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The main location is Nawalgarh. It's best reached from Rajasthan.

Maha Shivaratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is when Lord Shiva is believed to have performed his cosmic Tandava dance -- the source of the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. Devotees worship Lord Shiva on this occasion to gain release from this cycle of death and rebirth. Most of the festivities take place throughout the night, when vigils are maintained at Shiva temples. Devotees fast from sunrise, swim in the holy Ganges river, offer prayers at the temples, and chant devotional songs. Many people also consume bhang, a substance derived from cannabis.

• When: February 12, 2010.
• Where: Shiva temples all over India, particularly in Delhi and in the state of Uttar Pradesh, such as Varanasi.

The colorful Goa Carnival, which started as a local feast by the Portuguese in the 18th century, has developed into the state's most famous event. During the festival, the streets come alive with parades, floats, music, and masked dances. It culminates with the Red and Black Dance, a formal ball in Panaji, where the dress code is red and black.

• When: February 13-16, 2010.
• Where: The carnival moves from city to city (Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa) in Goa.

The Taj Mahotsav takes place at Shilpgram in Agra, right near the Taj Mahal. The focus of this festival is on arts, crafts, Indian culture, and recreating the Mughal era. It gets underway with a spectacular procession that includes elephants, camels, and drummers. Elephant and camel rides are on offer, and there are also games for the kids, and a food festival. The venue has special significance, as it's apparently located on the site where the artisans who built the Taj Mahal once lived. A full program of events is available on the website.

• When: February 18-27 each year.
• Where: Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
• Cost: 10 rupees (20 cents). All foreign visitors allowed free entry to the Taj Mahal.

The Pariyanampetta Pooram falls on the last day of the seven day festival at Pariyanampetta temple. It features a procession of 21 decorated elephants. The remainder of the temple festival includes shadow puppetry every evening, and religious and folk arts.

• When: February 19, 2010.
• Where: Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple, Kattukulam, Palakkad district of Kerala.

Indian Derby Weekend is one of the biggest events on the Mumbai social calendar. A huge lifestyle sporting weekend, it attracts around 25,000 people. In addition to horse racing, there's international aerial ballet, professional salsa dancing, and live bands playing tributes to The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Cliff Richard.

• When: February 20-21, 2010 (to be confirmed).
• Where: Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai.