Festivals & Events in India in February 2012

The Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place against the alluring backdrop of one of India's top historical destinations -- the Khajuraho erotic temples. The festival, which has entertained audiences since 1975, showcases classical dance style from all over India. The dances are performed in the Western group of temples, mainly at the Chitragupta Temple (dedicated to Surya the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva).

• When: February 1-7, 2012.
• Where: Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanatha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

• Khajuraho Travel Guide
• Top 5 Khajuraho Hotels for All Budgets

Into its 25th year this year, the Surajkund Crafts Mela showcases the finest handloom, handicrafts, and Indian cuisine. Over 400 artisans display and demonstrate their crafts from all over India. There are also cultural programs, and an amusement zone for children.

The mela has a different theme from a different state of India every year.

• When: February 1-14, each year.
• Where: Surajkund, in the Faridabad district a short distance from South Delhi. It's around 35 minutes drive from Delhi airport.

Back for the second year, this Sufi music festival is set to feature top Sufi musicians from seven countries. Sufi music is qualified as "soul music" for Muslim mystics. It's often used to transcend the physical realm into the spiritual one. There will be music workshops all day and free concerts all evening, as well as an exhibition.

• When: February 3-5, 2012. Workshops 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Concerts: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Where: Mohar Kunj, Kolkata.
• Cost: Free, but passes need to be obtained. Contact: Banglanatak, 58/114 Prince Anwar Shah Road. Ph: (33) 2417 8516/18.

• Kolkata Travel Guide
• Kolkata Photo Gallery
• Top 5 Kolkata Hotels for All Budgets

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: First weekend in February, each year.
• Where: Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai.

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 4-12, 2012.
• Where: Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct, Fort, Mumbai.

This exuberant desert festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the sandstone city of Jaisalmer at its magical best. A parade of camels and fancily dressed locals, camel races and polo matches, turban tying competitions, competitions for the finest facial hair, acrobats, puppeteers, and jugglers are all part of the festival. You're sure to be amused!

• When: February 5-7, 2012.
• Where: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

• 6 Remarkable Rajasthan Tourist Places
• Romantic Jaisalmer Hotels
• Explore the Desert on a Camel Safari

The Kila Raipur Rural Olympics is a rural sports festival that's grown over six decades, to become a sports bonanza that attracts competitors from around the globe. Bullocks, camels, dogs, mules, and other animals competing in highly professional events must be seen to be believed! The adrenaline-pumping bullock cart race is the main attraction.

• When: February 9-12, 2012.
• Where: 15 kilometers south of Ludhiana, in the Punjab.

• Top 5 Punjab Tourist Places

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 9-12, 2012.
• Where: Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The main location is Nawalgarh.

• Shekhawati Region Travel Guide

February is a festive month at Isha Yoga Center. Yaksha promises to be a celestial feast of music and dance, held over seven days and featuring some of the most renowned artists in India. Yaksha culminates in the celebration of Maha Shivaratri. A night long satsung with Sadhguru will be held to take advantage of the upsurge of energy in the human system from the planetary positions.

• When: February 13-20, 2012.
• Where: Isha Yoga Center, Velliangiri Foothills, Semmedu Post Coimbatore.

Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day in India with a new love, or simply living happily ever after, there are plenty of ways to make it a memorable occasion.

• When: February 14, each year.
• Where: All over India.