Festivals of India 2012

Indian Festivals celebrated by varied cultures and through their special rituals add to the colours of Indian Heritage. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India, however they are celebrated differently in different parts of the country.... Read More

January (Paush / Magh):

The first day of January 2012 itself is a huge celebration, with the first ray of the Sun welcoming the New Year 2012! This month marks the beginning of a new period in our lives, a new hope and renewed energy in life. The New Year's Eve is celebrated across the World and right at midnight, the New Year is welcomed with Fireworks!

Particularly chilly in most parts of India, January is also host to a number of Festivals celebrated across the length and breadth of India.

The month starts with the New Year's Day celebrated across India with great fervor. The birth of Guru Gobind Singh is also celebrated on January 5 every year. The highlight of January is Makar Sankranti - celebrated in different fashions all over India on January 14. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, it is Kite Flying Day on Makar Sankranti! Families on roof top, loud music, hot snacks, flying kites - a truly mouth watering experience! The International Kite Festival is also held on this day.

The two other important highlights of January are the Republic Day - January 26 - the day when India adopted its Constitution and the much awaited festival of Lohri which falls on January 13, 2012. Martyrs' Day marks the death anniversary of the Father of Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was assassinated on Jan 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse. The entire nation remembers Bapu's love for India and his principles of non-violence.