Alluring Winter Festivals & Events of India

India is a land of diverse culture and jocund festivals. Every year the country is visited by millions of holidaymakers but the call for cheap tickets to India rises in winter owing to the mild temperature and festive atmosphere. Date : Friday, October 14, 2011

Diverse cultures, stupefying traditions and jovial India festivals have kindled the imaginations for centuries. Owing to the astonishing diversity of cultures and religions, India celebrates happiness and festivals in more than one way!

It's hard to resist the radiance of Indian festivals and fairs. Booking tickets to India for Indian festivals that are mostly held in winter is the perfect way to rejoice the country's glory. During this time, the visitors are welcomed with mild weather and cheerful ambience of gaiety. Here is the sampling of astonishing festivals of India which makes winter an ideal time to visit India.

Dusshera

Dusshera holds a noteworthy place in the list of Indian festivals. The festival is celebrated for the triumph of light over darkness. An enactment of the life of Lord Rama, called as Ram Lila is held nine days before the Dusshera. On the tenth day, an effigy of Ravana symbolising evilness is set alight. The festival is all about enjoying victory of good over evil. People observe the festival by praying and paying tributes to the gods at home or in temples. Country celebrates the occasion in different ways. Himachal Pradesh, a northern Indian state holds a month long fair to celebrate the festival, while the southern Indian city of Mysore revels with torch light parades, and dance and musical events.

Deepawali

Deepawali or Diwali is one of the popular Hindu festivals and it is celebrated after eighteen days of Dusshera in October/November. The festival flaunts the extraordinary melange of religious fervour, extreme fun and social merry-making. It's the time when the land of India shines with gleaming diyas (lamps) and fireworks illuminates the sky. Diwali is revered as the festival of lights and holds high mythological and historical importance in Hinduism. Popularity of this mesmerizing festival prompts many holidaymakers to lay hands on cheap air tickets to India. Diwali is a great opportunity to behold the splendour of joy and immerse into the cultural crescendo of the country.

Pongal

India's southern state of Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal in January. Agriculture holds special place in the country and harvest seasons are of great importance to farmers. Pongal is one such celebration of the harvest. On this day, farmers bring newly harvested rice at home, and feed their cattle with a rice dish called Pongal - which is why the festival is named as Pongal. During the festival, people adorn their house with designs drawn with white paste of newly-harvested rice called as Kolam and outline it with red mud. Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal and Mattu Pongal are the three days of the festival and people celebrate each day in a unique way.

Pushkar Fair

Come November, the little town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India comes alive with a riot of colours and frenzied flurry of activities. Pushkar Fair is one of the not-to-be-missed Indian events. Pushkar fair is admired as the important event in Hindu Mythology. People across the country visit Pushkar for a holy dip in the Pushkar Lake. The exceptional fair which takes place in Rajasthan beguiles millions around the world and prompts them to hunt for cheap flights to India. It is the biggest camel fair in India that offers the witness to the largest congregation of camels in the world. Apart from camel trade, catch the glimpse of camel races, folk music, dance, colourful costumes and other entertainment stalls at the famous Pushkar fair. Grab the magnificent Rajasthani handicrafts - a fad among many foreign holidaymakers!

Christmas

Indian nation comprises many religions and Christianity is one of them. Christmas has the same importance for India as it is for the Christian-dominated countries. The festival holds the significance in everyone's life. However, it's hard to find the jovial atmosphere of Goa at any other part of the country. Many travellers descend upon the shores of Goa to taste the flavour of joy. As the south-western state of India, Goa boasts ample of churches and cathedrals. All the churches host mass prayers, great feasts, incredible wining and dining. Sparkling lights of the church glistening on the Christmas Eve offers a great spectacle of illuminated Goa. At night, parties of the festivities overwhelm the visitors.

New Year Celebrations

New Year is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. There is no dearth of options for those who consider having good time in India during New Year's Eve as the country euphorically celebrates the last day of the year. One can see lively colours and distinctive features of the country. People decorate their house with auspicious flowers, leaves and lights and also present traditional New Year gifts to their dear ones. Tourist can head to great parties, gorge on scrummy food and dance till the dawn. No wonder, Indian holidays is one of the most sought after travel packages during December since hordes of tourists wish to embark on the shores of Goa!