March

International Yoga Week (Rishikesh, Uttar Pradesh) March 1 – 7

A must for every Yoga votary! Rishikesh, a picturesque town by the side of the gurgling Ganges and Himalayan foothills, hosts lectures and demos by well-known gurus. (By the way, Rishikesh is one of the best places to raft in the country and February-March is a good time to indulge in some adventures on the mighty Ganga)

Elephant Festival (Jaipur, Rajasthan) March 10

In true Rajput style, this is a royal procession – bedecked elephants, camels and horses march down followed by lively folk dancers. There are elephant races, elephant polo matches and the very interesting tug-of-war between elephants and men.

Holi (Across North India) March 11

Spring is the time to play with water and colours. With song and dance, people smear each other with coloured powder. The Holi celebrations in Mathura and the small towns of Braj Bhoomi, Lord Krishna’s home-town, are spectacular.

International Flower Festival (Gangtok, Sikkim) March 14 – 16

Since Sikkim is home to many exotic flowers, it’s not surprising that it hosts this Festival. And guess what? There’s rafting on the gurgling Teesta, Yak rides through mountains, and much more…

Mewar Spring Festival (Udaipur, Rajasthan) March 29 – 31

This is a treat with Rajasthani songs, dances and fireworks to welcome spring. The romantic city of Udaipur sees women in their colourful best carrying idols of goddess Gauri to Lake Pichola. What follows is an unusual procession of boats on the lake.