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HINDU FESTIVALS

Pongal:  This Tamil festival marks the end to the harvest season. It is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai, which is in the middle ol January. The festivities last (our days and include such activities as the boiling-over of a pot of pongal(a mixture of rice, sugar, dhal and milk), symbolic of prosperity and abundance. On the third day, cattle are ashed, decorated and even painted, and then fed the pongal. In Andhra Pradesh the festival is known as Makar Sankranti. 

Vasant Panchami The most notable feature of this spring festival, held on the 5th of Magha (in January), is that many people wear yellow clothes. In some places, however, especially in West Bengal, Saraswati, the goddess of learning, is honoured. Books, musical instruments and other objects related to the arts and scholarship are placed in front of the goddess to receive her blessing.  Sivaratri Held in February/March, this day of fasting is dedicated to Lord Siva, who danced the tandava on this day. Temple processions are followed by the chanting of mantras and anointing of lingams.  Holi This is one of the most exuberant Hindu festivals, with people marking the end of winter by throwing colored water and powder (gulal)  at one another. Unfortunately, in tourist places it is seen by some as an opportunity to take liberties with foreigners; don't wear good clothes on this day, and be prepared to duck. On the night before Holi, bonfires are built to symbolise the destruction of the evil demon Holika. Held in February/March, it's mainly a northern festival; in the south, where there is no real winter to end, it is not widespread. 

In Maharashtra, this festival is known as Rangapanchami and is celebrated with dancing and singing.  Gangaur This Rajasthani festival honours Siva and Parvati. The Rajas thani women are at their most colourful, and can be seen dancing, praying and singing near any Siva idol. The festival is held in March. 

Ramanavami In temples all over India the birth of Rama is celebrated on this day (in March/April). In the week leading up to Ramanavami, the Ramayana is widely read and performed.

HOLY HINDU CITIES A handful of India's many holy cities are of particular holiness. Sites like Varanasi and Kanchipuram are famous, while others such as Dwarka are relatively unknown outside India. The cities are usually dedicated to Siva or Vishnu. They include Rameswaram and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, Puri in Orissa and Badrinath and Haridwar in Uttar Pradesh. A pilgrimage to Badrinath, Puri, Rameswaram and Dwarka covers the four comers (north, east, south and west) of India. See more: Festivals in our site.