February

Nagaur Fair (Nagaur, Rajasthan) February 2 – 5

Also called as the Cattle Fair, is the 2nd largest animal fair of India. Thousands of animals are gathered at the cattle fair for trading. Traders come to buy and sell cows, bullocks (Nagauri breed is renowned), oxen and camels.

Desert Festival (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan) February 7 – 9

Jaisalmer exercise immense charm, but with the staging of the annual Desert Festival (January – February), it has also become one of the more important events on the annual calendar. Essentially, it is a showcase of the performing arts of the region on the stretching sands around this desert citadel. A number of amusing turban tying competitions and camel races

Surajkund Crafts Mela (near Delhi) February 1 – 15

The Surajkund Crafts is an annual event that highlight some of the finest handloom and handicraft traditions of the country. From 1st to 15th February rural India basks in the warmth of admiration at Surajkund mela village that lies some 8 km from South Delhi. The Mela also celebrates the rhythms of folk theatre- and a theme State that makes each visitor marvel

Taj Mahotsav (Agra, Uttar Pradesh) February 18 – 27

Much awaited by tourists and locals, the event displays India’s extensive crafts and culture – folk music, classical dance, elephant and camel rides, games and food. All this in the company of the Taj!

Konark Dance Festival (Konark, Orissa) February 19 – 23

After the Taj, this clearly makes for some big draws. The Sun Temple, a World Heritage Site, is a magnificent structure designed as the chariot of the Sun God. It’s drawn by 7 exquisitely carved horses standing in solitary splendour on the beach of Konark. Against this backdrop takes place an annual festival of classical dance and music. The best names from the world of classical dance perform in an open-air auditorium to the sounds of ghungroo bells, flutes and drums. An occasion not to be missed.

Maha Shivaratri (Across India) February 23

A major Hindu festival, this is when Lord Shiva is said to have danced the Tandav, a cosmic dance. Devotees observe a fast and pray all day long. The major Shaivaite temples at Varanasi, Kalahasti (Andhra Pradesh) and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu) have large-scale celebrations.

Goa Carnival (Goa) February 21 – 24

A 100-km coastline with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches celebrates this annually. Held in mid-February, before Lent, the days-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars and dances.

Deccan Festival (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) February 25 – 28

Hyderabad, the old capital of the Nawabs comes alive during the Deccan Festival. Remember that Hyderabad is the place for pearls and colourful bangles. And, one can savour the yummy Hyderabadi cuisine with some traditional music strumming in the background.

Elephanta Festival (Mumbai) February (dates to be declared)

It’s held across the Mumbai harbour on the Elephanta Island, near the World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves. The island turns into an open-air stage for music and dance functions.