"Each one prays to God according to his own light. " ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Festivals in India are commemorated with great passion, seemingly as a celebration of life itself. Rich in its cultural inheritance, festivals are an intrinsic part of the Indian ethos. They reflect the diversity of celebrations in a multi-cultural nation which values sentiments, respects traditions and fosters community living. Every occasion from the harvesting of crops, to welcoming the seasons or marking the full moon is a reason to celebrate.

Festivals are characterised by folk music and dances, feasts, prayers and rituals. Travellers are always amazed by the scale and multiplicity of festivities that add colour to the Indian calendar. Indian festivals are celebrated according to the solar and lunar calendars. Consequently, dates can vary from the Gregorian calendar.