Tourist Attractions In Agra

Location : 58-km From Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
Founded By : Badal Singh
Established In : 1475
Main Attractions : Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort

Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction in Agra, and is open to all even on full moon nights, so that you can take your beloved by the hand and walk down the gardens as moon and its entourage of stars light your path on your tour to Agra under the Agra Travels by Adventure Tours of India. Besides Taj Mahal, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Agra that will keep your hands full on your tour to Agra.

Built in massive red sandstones on the bank of Yamuna, Agra Fort is another major tourist attraction in Agra. It is popular with tourists as a towering fort as well as for the many palaces and mosques build within its premises by Jahangir and Shah Jahan, after Emperor Akbar began its construction in 1565. Some of the prominent mosques within Agra's Red Fort include the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) and Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque). Upgraded as a palace under Shah Jahan's reign, Agra Fort is famous for Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal and Shish Mahal (Mirror Palace). Other places to see at this tourist attraction Agra include Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Am, Ladies' Bazaar, Amar Singh Gate and Musamman Burj.

Chini-Ka-Rauza (China Tomb) is another tourist attraction in Agra. A Persian style tomb, it is built of glazed tiles and is dedicated to the memory of Afzal Khan, prime minister in the court of Akbar. Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb, built by empress Nur Jahan (Jahangir's wife) in memory of her father, wazir in the Mughal Emperor's court is another tourist attraction Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Built from 1622 to 1628, the tomb makes use of pietra dura (the delicate marble work) that was later to become the hallmark of Taj Mahal.

Another popular tourist attraction in Agra is the dome-shaped Jama Masjid, located near Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb. Built by Shah Jahan in 1648 in the name of his daughter Jahanara, Jama Masjid is a distinct mosque for its minaret-less courts. Akbar's mausoleum, built of red sandstone and marble, combines the motifs and styles of Hindu, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Christian architecture. Supervised by Akbar himself, it is a must see on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

The Persian styled Mughal Gardens of Ram Bagh, Dayal Bagh and Soami Bagh are other tourist attractions in Agra that you can visit on your tour to Agra. Excursions to nearby tourist attractions such as Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura, Patna Bird Sanctuary and Sur Sarovar are popular diversions on your tour of tourist attractions in Agra.

Taj Mahal: The symbol of eternal love, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died at a young age of 38 while giving birth to their 14th child. Situated on the bank of Yamuna River, the Taj Mahal represents a fine blend of Mughal, Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. The most impressive and remarkable features of the Taj Mahal are its four tall minarets (162.5 feet high) at four corners of the structure, the black and white chessboard marble floor and the majestic dome (213 feet high and 58 feet in diameter) in the middle. Taj Mahal is one of the most visited and most photographed monuments in the world.

Agra Fort: The Mughal Emperor Akbar laid the foundation of the Agra Fort in 1565 AD. It took eight years to complete this massive fort at a cost of 3.5 million rupees at that time. After Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan also added some new features to the fort. The fort is known for its magnificent architectural styles reflected in its various features. Some of the main attractions in the fort include the Diwan-e-Aam, the Diwan-e-Khas, the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), the Nagina Masjid and the Palace of Mirrors.

Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah: Built by Noor Jahan - the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir -- in memory of his father, the white marble tomb represents a fine example of Indo-Persian architecture. Enjoying the privilege of being the first marble tomb of the Mughal period, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah must be visited to see its beautiful inlay designs and carvings, which are considered even superior to the Taj Mahal. The tomb is popularly known as the 'Baby Taj'.

Jama Masjid: Built by Jahan Ara Begum -- the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan who was also imprisoned with him -- in 1648, the mosque has a unique shaped dome with no minarets.

Akbar's Mausoleum: The mausoleum of Akbar is located at Sikandra at about 10 Km from Agra. Akbar himself designed and started its construction. The beautiful tomb enjoys a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain motifs.

Fatehpur Sikri: Located at a distance of about 37 Km from Agra, the Red Sandstone town of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Akbar as his capital during 1571 and 1585. The city represents a fine blend of Indo- Mughal architecture. The main attractions Fatehpur Sikri are the Buland Darwaza (54m high) - the largest gateway in the world and the tomb of famous Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti.

Hill Station in Kerala

General Information :

Area : 38,863 sq km.

Population : 31,838,619

Capital : Thiruvananthapuram

Language : Malayalam

Kerala - Inroduction :

Kerala, popularly regarded as 'God's own country', is probably the most beautiful, exotic and picturesque state of India. Flanked by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats (mountain ranges) in the east, Kerala abounds in exotic and beautiful Hill stations, lovely beaches and serene and calm backwaters. The unparallel natural beauty of Kerala attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world round the year. And rightly so, the National Geographic Traveler ranked it as One of the 50 'Paradise Found' on the earth.

The hill stations of Kerala are known for their exotic charm and beauty that can't be defined in words. Located amidst the lush green vegetation with numerous milky waterfalls, ravishing rivulets, splendid springs, lakes and hill-plantations, they provide an enthralling experience to tourists. One of the major advantages of holidaying in Kerala hill station is that they are relatively less crowded in comparison to hill stations of north India.Spice and tea plantations on the hill slopes provide you an enchanting sight. The fresh and pristine air filled with the fragrance of cardamom and pepper makes you spellbound. Amidst such surroundings you feel like as if you are in heaven.

The verdant vegetation around the hills supports a variety of wildlife too. There are numerous wildlife sanctuaries located in the region, which house some of the endangered species of wild animals and birds.Some of the most scenic and beautiful hill stations in Kerala, which offer a lifetime experience to its visitors, are Munnar, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Changanacheri, Ponmudi, Vagamon and Thiruvananthapuram. We welcome you to Kerala to explore and enjoy the beautiful moments of your life in a natural paradise which you would relish and remember all your life.

Most visitors come to Kerala for its magnificent beaches and backwaters. But less well known are the Southern Ghats, hills rich in cardamom, pepper and tea plantations, and which have the highest peak south of the Himalayas - Anaimudi - standing at 2,694 meters (8,839 feet). The main tourist offices will tell you that there are three hill stations in these hills - Munnnar, Pirmede and Ponmudi - as well as the hill wildlife sanctuary at Thekkady. In fact all but Thekkady are small settlements offering little in the way of tourist facilities. However, the views of the ghats and the plantations are a reward in themselves and especially worth seeing if you prefer to keep off the well-beaten tourist track. The hills are accessible throughout the year although very wet and misty during Kerala's two monsoons, the southwest and the northeast (late May-early November).

Golden City Of Rajasthan

Area: 126.27 Sq Km
Population: 2,324,319 (2001)
Altitude: 250 m above sea level
Languages: Marwari, Hindi, English
Religion: Hinduism, Islam
STD Code: 02992

Jaisalmer, popularly referred as the "golden city of India", is one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Rajasthan, India. Founded by a Rajput king, Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D Jaisalmer is also known as "the Jewel of the Desert," as the yellow sandstone city is located deep in the heart of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is popular for its centuries old magnificent forts, palaces havelis (mansions) and amber-hued houses. Jaisalmer is also known for its exotic sand dunes, offering exciting and unforgettable camel safaris. Jaisalmer is also famous for its rich cultural heritage and its vivid and colorful festivals are major attractions for tourists visiting the city. Visit and discover this fascinating city of Rajasthan on your Palace on Wheels Tour and get enchanted with its unique charm.

Tourist Attraction in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort: The 12th century Jaisalmer Fort has been regarded as one of the most magnificent and invincible forts in Rajasthan. Built over the Trikuta hill, Jaisalmer Fort is 250 ft tall structure surrounded by a 30 ft high sandstone wall with 99 bastions. The Fort houses the famous Jain Temple, a place worth visiting on your Jaisalmer tour.

Jaisalmer Havelis: Built by the wealthy merchants, the havelis (mansions) of Jaisalmer are famous for their exclusive cutwork, yellow and red stone treatment and the bracket-shaped decoration of peacocks. The splendid havelis like the Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim-Singh-ki-Haveli and Nathmalji ki haveli are major tourist attractions in Jaisalmer.

Gadsisar Sagar Tank: Gadsisar Sagar Tank is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jaisalmer. A famous picnic spot, the Tank attracts hundreds of migratory birds during the winter season.

Desert Cultural Center : Jaisalmer tours are near incomplete without a trip to this fascinating museum that showcases the culture of Rajasthan in an interesting and delightful manner.

Bara Bagh: Baba Bagh is an oasis on the bank of Gadsisar Sagar Tank. It has greenery all around to give a much-needed relief to the local people.

Tazia Tower: The Pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from the Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds). Each storey of this five-tiered tower has a beautifully carved balcony.

Gadsisar Lake : Gadsisar lake is a must visit site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer.

Desert National Park: Situated near Jaisalmer, The Desert National Park is one of the largest national parks in India, covering an area of 3,100 sq km. The Park is known for its fragile ecosystem and unique flora and fauna.

Sam Sand Dunes: Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, Sam Sand Dunes are major tourist attractions near Jaisalmer. Enjoying Camel safaris on the sand dunes are truly an unforgettable experience. Sam Sand Dunes is also famous for its breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

How to Reach

By Air: Jaisalmer is well linked by air with New Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. The Jaisalmer Airport, located at 5 km from the city center, is managed by the Indian Air Force and is operational only from September to March.

By Rail: Jaisalmer is well connected by rail with Jodhpur, which is well connected to many major cities of India including Agra, Jaipur, New Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road: Jaisalmer has a good network of roads and is well connected to major cities of Rajasthan including Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner.

Shopping In Agra

Shopping in Agra is nothing short of an excursion to tourist attractions in India. Agra has both traditional markets that have been in the trading business for centuries. Then, there are the modern shopping sites and complexes especially the state emporiums where you can purchase antique souvenirs to luxury items.

A miniature marble Taj Mahal is a popular souvenir that tourists prefer to walk home with after a day's shopping in Agra. Besides the pietra dura marble items that are inlaid with colorful stones, other popular items that are worth buying during your shopping in Agra are rugs, leather items, gemstones, ethnic handicrafts and jewelry.

Sadar Bazaar and south of Taj Gang are popular shopping areas in Agra. Shilpagram, a craft village on the eastern side of Taj Mahal in Agra, is a popular open-air emporium that is frequented by many tourists on their shopping in Agra. With number of expensive emporiums lining the street, these shopping areas have plenty of rest houses and restaurants to choose from on your tour to Agra, under the Golden Triangle Tours package offered by Adventure Tours of India.

The Kinari Bazaar, also known as the old marketplace, near Jama Masjid, has many small distinct trading areas that date back to the Mughal period. The Loha Mandi (Iron Market), Sabzi Mandi (Vegetable Market) and the Nai-ki-Mandi (Barber's Market) are the main markets though the latter no longer functions as a barber's area, rather it is famous for its textiles.

Agra Brassware
The main markets for shopping in Agra are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of brassware.

Agra Leather
Apart from clothing and accessories; you can also buy decorative pieces made entirely of leather. The skilled leather workers make beautiful animals like deer, tiger and the lingering symbol of maharaja's elephant are all made of leather. These items on the walls of your living room will surely invite appreciation from your peers.

Agra Marble
Returning from our visit to the Taj Mahal, we were guided to a marble factory by our guide, under the auspices of using the restroom. What a surprise, a guide who led us to a friend's or relative's shop! However, not to worry, as he assured us that this is the "best marble factory in Agra"--lucky us! At any rate, it was interesting watching how the designs we had just admired at the Taj Mahal were produced and continue to be manufactured for consumption around the world.

Agra Rugs
The main markets for shopping for rugs and carpets in Agra are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of rugs and carpets. The Shilpagram crafts village is another venue where rugs and carpets are on sale, directly by the craftsmen themselves.

South India Tour Packages

South India Tour Packages - The land with natural landscape, sceneries, highly educated people, amazing art and architecture, ayurveda yoga and meditation. The southern part surrounded with oceans and bays consist the breathtaking beauty and serene atmosphere recalls the tourist to stay under the nature laps. The South India Tour is complete and magnificent tour to spend a mysterious holidays.

Given here are just few of the suggested South India tour packages. We specialise in making customised itineraries and tour packages to South India. Send in your preferences and budget to enable us to provide your dream tour package.

South India Tour Package, a region of overwhelming grandeur and pristine beauty, is the region of India that includes the entire Indian Peninsula, south of the Vindhya ranges. The Narmada and Mahanadi rivers form the northern boundaries of the region, while the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal surround the peninsula in the west, south and east respectively. The southernmost point of the region (and of mainland India), is Kanyakumari.

South India Tour Packages are:

Culinary Tour In Kerala : Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, was founded by Raja Keshawadasan, Divan of Travanacore in 1762. Referred to as the Venice of the east, Alleppey is one of the most magnificent backwater sites of India. It's famous for its boat race. Dutch and the Portuguese were the initial rulers of Alleppey. Later, Maharaja Marthandavarma came to power and developed the infrastructure of the place. Alleppey is also famous for its coir factories.

South India Cultural Tour : Kerala has a rich and fascinating culture. With people from many communities and religions living in this small state along the west coast of South India, Kerala is a melting pot of cultural influences. Some of the major cultural events of Kerala are the Onam Festival, the Temple festival at Thrissur, the annual Snake Boat Races at Alleppey and the festivals of Id and Christmas. Depending on the time of year you can see some of these celebrations on tours of Kerala with Kerala Backwater.

Karnataka Wildlife Tour : Situated on the western peripheral of the Deccan plateau, Karnataka is the 8th largest state of India both in terms of area and population. Flanked by soaring Western Ghats in the east and the cool blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west, this state has a 320 km long coastline with unspoilt beaches, magnificent temples, lush green gardens, exquisite palaces, sparkling waterfalls.

South India Temple Tour : India's Great Divide is the Vindhya Mountains. They run from east to west, separating the fertile river valley of the Ganges called the Ganga, from the Deccan Plateau which occupies much of the peninsula of India. It also separates the north, where the predominant languages are Sanskrit - based (brought in by the Indo Iranian herds people about 3,500 years ago), from the Dravidian tongues brought in by a long headed race from the Mediterranean about a thousand years earlier.

Port Blair Tour Package : Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Port Blair has a number of beautiful sandy white beaches. Take a tour of these gorgeous beaches, relax and laze on them and forget your routine life. A tour of the Port Blair beaches is a short and perfect getaway from the hectic urban life.

Backwater Tour Of Kerala : Kerala is gifted with lovely beaches, hill stations, stunning backwaters, mindblowing greenery, wildlife, bird sanctuaries and rich culture. Kerala Backwaters are the most popular tourist attraction in India. From elephants to colourful butterflies, Kerala is overflowing with the wonders of nature. Throughout the world, Kerala beaches are renowned for their breathtaking beauty.

South India Panoramic Tour : The South Indian Hills stations are well recognized for their mighty rocks, milky waterfalls, hills plantations and lakes and no one can define the beauty in the plain words. Although, it is a very pleasant and rich experience for them who visited hills stations of South India recently. The limit of sky can be approached, by reaching the peaks of mighty hills. Admire the beauty and the surroundings of hills stations of South India with our "Best South India Hills Tour" that is 13 days tour of some most attracting destinations of South India like: Cochin, Munnar, Periyyar, Kumarakam, Alleppey, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Coonor, Coimbatore.

South India Beauty Of Andaman Tour : Explore the wild jungles and forests of India on India Wildlife Tours. Feel the excitement of seeing a majestic tiger prowling in a jungle, or elephants and rhinos trampling their way through the tall grass of a National Park in India. See amazing animals on wildlife safari tours in India. Spot wild creatures and explore nature tracts inhabited by rare birds on India Wildlife Tours.

»	Culinary Tour In Kerala	»	Madurai Temple Tour
»	India Golden Triangle Tour	»	Great India Tour
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»	Exclusive Beach Tour	»	Kovalam Ayurveda Tour
»	Heritage Kerala Tour	»	Goa Kerala Tour
»	Malabar Coast Tour	»	Coonoor Chennai Tour
»	Trivandrum Beach Tour	»	Kumarakom Culinary Tour
»	Tour To Tamil Nadu	»	Cochin Periyar Tour
»	Madurai Bangalore Tour	»	Ooty Kumarakom Tour
»	Trichy Mumbai Tour	»	Chennai Periyar Tour
»	Karnataka Wildlife Tour	»	Mysore Goa Tour
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»	Kerala Honeymoon Package	»	Kerala Spice Tour
»	Calicut Wayanad Tour	»	Cochin Heritage Tour
»	Beautiful Kerala	»	Tanjore Mararikulam Tour
»	The Land Of Backwaters	»	South India Temple Tour
»	Karnataka Cultural Tour	»	Kumarakom Delhi Tour
»	Mumbai Delhi Tour	»	Alleppey Trivandrum Tour
»	Chennai Pondicherry Tour	»	Goa Mumbai Beach Tour
»	Chennai Trichy Tour	»	Kerala With Exotic Goa
»	Cochin Holiday Tour	»	Cochin Spice Tour
»	Cochin Kovalam Tour	»	Mumbai Kerala Tour
»	Mumbai Chennai Tour	»	Bangalore Nagarhole Tour
»	Cochin Beach Tour	»	Classical Karnataka Tour
»	Karnataka Ancient Tour	»	Havelock Beach Tour
»	India Malabar & Western Ghats	»	South India Pilgrimage Tour
»	Andaman Adventure Vacation	»	South India Beauty Of Andaman Tour
»	South India Exotic Tour	»	Southern Splendors Tour
»	South India Kodaikanal Travel Tour	»	Best Of Karnataka Tour
»	Best Of South India Tour	»	Splendour Of South India Tour
»	South India Heritage Tours	»	Religious South India Tour
»	South India Ayurveda Tour	»	Spiritual Tours Of South India
»	South India Spice Tours	»	South Indian Healing Tour
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»	Peaceful South India Tour	»	South India Panoramic Tour
»	South India Classics Tour	»	Magnificient South India Tour Package
»	Kerala Yoga And Ayurvedic Tour	»	Fascinating South India Tour

Monuments In India

India is home to some of the greatest monuments ever made in the world including the seventh wonder of the world Taj Mahal in Agra. The monuments in India mark the presence of Mughal dynasty, Rajputana Empire and the Dravidian influence in the country. Most of the historic buildings took shape during the regime of these three powerful kingdoms.

The most important and the renowned one is the Monument of Love - The Taj Mahal - made of white marble signifying the eternal love between emperor Shahjahan and his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. The Forts and Palaces of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur; the monuments like Red Fort, Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri etc. in Agra; The large varieties of monuments in India reveal the ancient, medieval, colonial and contemporary architecture.

Taj Mahal is synonymous with India. A visit to the terrific Taj is like a visit to no other monument in the world. The beauty and grandeur make it the most visited, most photographed and most written about monument in India. Monument Tours to the Taj Mahal in India are a must check out for every visitor to India. In fact Taj Mahal is much more than a monument it is a symbol of love. The Taj is considered a must visited before death by many.

Humayun's tomb stands in testimony to the early Mughal architecture. It is often considered to be the predecessor of the magnificent Taj Mahal. This quiet but splendid edifice was the last resting place of the second Mughal emperor Humayun, who strived all his life to be in Delhi, the city he loved.

Often referred to as "The Arc de triomphe of the East", Charminar in Lucknow is a monument with a difference. Built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, the erstwhile Qutub Shahi Sultan of Golconda, in 1591 Charminar has been the centre of attraction of the magnificent capital city of Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah ever since it was built.

The Konark Sun Temple is not just one of the many temples in India dedicated to the Sun God it is the finest. The Konark Sun Temple is amongst the few World Heritage Sites in India. The temple acts as a backdrop for the annual Konark Dance Festival. The three-day cultural extravaganza is a celebration of Indian classical dance forms.

The Golden Triangle Tour that takes you to Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Konark are amongst the most often opted for monuments tours of India. Sinilarly, the Golden Triangle Tour where you visit Chennai, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram is another monuments tour of India you must look forward to. In order to check out the medieval heritage of India one must visit the temples of Khajuraho.

Monuments of India are amongst the most fascinating tourist attractions to visit and explore. Built over a period of 3000 years, these monuments in India tell the stories of valor, greatness, cultures, and civilizations that are no more or have altered. Monument tours not only take you to the monuments of India but also ensure that you get periods of recreations and the entire trip is in sync with the happy holidays mood.

We have the Monument Tours of India to make you aware of this amazing fact. The Monument Tour of India would increase your knowledge about the Indian heritage and legacy. The India Monument Tours give your travel a different shade with its element of acknowledgment from your side. You enjoy the India Monument Tours with a certain assurance and acceptance towards the rich traditions and architectural skills of India.

Festivals In India

India is a land of myriad festivals, in rhythm with the cycle of the seasons, with sowings and harvesting. and around them have grown legends, most depicting the victory of good over evil. These fairs and festivals lend color and gaiety to life and Indian calendar is marked by plethora of such big and small occasions. Some festivals are of religious nature, others are related more to, change of season and harvesting. They have a long past and many have undergone major modifications. Though the enthusiasm for some also seems to be fading, nevertheless they do bring about a change in the lifestyle of the people. Some festivals and fasts are religion specific protocols aiming towards communication with the divine. The liveliness of the people is reflected in the colorful vibrancy of the fairs and festivals. Processions, prayers, new attires, dance, music etc. are elements related to any such celebration.The Puri-Rath Yatra, Allahabad-Kumbha, Alleppey-Boat Race, Pushkar Camel Fair, Goa-Carnival so on and so forth all reflect the diversity of the land and its people but common emotion of revived vigour, joy and sharing.

Vasant beckons spring. Scattered amongst the ripening wheat are the bright yellow flowers of mustard. Tender blossoms appear on the mango tree and 'song is bestowed upon the bird'. On that day everyone wears a special shade of yellow. The festival is dedicated to Saraswati, goddess of learning and the arts. After about two months comes Holi , the very end of our cool season. It is a festival of colour, truly democratic and egalitarian. All barriers are down, all inhibitions shed. Boys and girls, men and women of all ages, all castes, and all classes participate. None is high and none is low. Anyhow, when a person is plastered with colour he is not easy to identify. On the eve of Holi bonfires are lit and Holi itself is celebrated by the throwing of colour, by gaiety and noise, one could even say, by wild abandon. In time the festival has also become associated with the 'Lila' of Radha and Krishna and has inspired some of our most sensuous poetry.

Of all the seasons it is the Sawan (Monsoon) which has evoked the largest number of songs. This is not strange, for summer in the plains of North India is long and hot. As months go by anxious eyes scan the sky. It is a time for renewal. Swings are hung at all likely places and women and children are seen swinging high into the branches overhead accompanied by joyous singing. Raksha Bandhan - the bracelet of protection - is a festival belonging to the old days of chivalry. If the gift of a bracelet sent by a girl was accepted by a man, he henceforth became her adopted brother, pledged to support her in times of stress or war. Today it is just a ritual, though a charming one.

Close on its heels comes Janmashtami , the birthday of Lord Krishna, and the most beloved of all gods. The Krishna legend has caught the imagination of our own people and now of many abroad. Krishna is intensely human. He's everybody's child, full of mischief. Stories of his pranks are recounted as recent happenings. As an ardent lover, he inspires our poets and artists, our music and dance.Ganesh is the god of wisdom as well as of good fortune. As a granter of boons he is worshipped at the beginning of every prayer and auspicious occasion. Ganesh's birthday (Chaturthy) falls at the end of the monsoon and is marked by special festivities after which is image is immersed in the nearest river or the sea.

Every year in autumn, at the time of the full moon the Rajputs gather to honour Lord Brahma, the god of creation at the temple of Pushkar. This is the only temple dedicated to the god in the country.The female as Shakti (Perennial Energy) has a central place in Indian tradition and Durga is its militant form. She is the Mother and at the same time the destroyer of evil forces. Her festival Dussehra heralds the new planting season and also celebrates her victory over the demon buffalo Mahishasura. These are also the days of the Ram Lila, an enactment of the story of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana. It is extraordinary how this ancient story written in Sanskrit by Sage Valmiki and the people's spoken Hindi by poet Tulsidas and in other languages by renowned poets has permeated the hearts of our people and is relived year after year.

On the day of Dussehra effigies of Ravana the king of Lanka are burnt at nightfall marking the celebration of the victory of Rama over Ravana symbolizing the victory of good over evil. 20 days later comes Diwali , the most beautiful of all festivals. It is dedicated to Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity. All buildings from the palatial to the humblest are illumined with millions of twinkling oil lamps, now being replaced by electricity, which though cleaner is not half-pretty. At dusk the sky is lit up and air reverberates with fireworks.States have special harvest festivals such as Bihu in Assam, Onam in Kerala and Pongal in Tamil Nadu. The main attraction of Onam is a boat race on rivers swollen by the monsoon. At Arnamulla the long boats compete in speed on the Pamba River where water jousts are held. Each boat painted in the colors of its proprietor or village is manned by a hundred oarsmen, who chant in rhythm to speed up the beat of the paddles.

Kerala is a land of strange beliefs and of all of India it is here that pre Aryan customs have best been preserved. North of Malabar, the feasts of Therayattam are held from January to March. Masked dancers execute what seems to be a synthesis of all the different cults rendered to Devi the Great Goddess and to the ancestors. From daybreak to dusk masked divinities dance without ceasing. At Trichur, Pooram the feast of the Shaivite temples is enthusiastically celebrated in April or early May. The festival attracts millions of spectators to watch the celebrated procession of elephants in battle formation. Musicians play all day. Beating their drums in frantic rhythm, clashing their cymbals or blowing their bugles.The Muslims celebrate Eid twice a year and is an occasion for functions of communal harmony. There is also the Prophet's birthday. Ramzan is a month of prayer and fasting.

The Sikhs observe the birthdays and days of martyrdom of their Gurus. The birthdays of Buddha and Mahavira are similarly observed.For official and work purposes we follow the Gregorian calendar, but Hindu and Muslim festivals are calculated according to the Lunar calendar, so the dates change every year. Different groups of observe different New Years. For the Gujaratis Diwali marks the eve of the New Year. The Parsis celebrate Nauroz on 21 March, the same as in Iran. The Kashmiri Hindus New Year is the same as the 'Gudi Padwa' of Maharashtra, the Ugadhi of Karnataka and Andhra. Everyone has a different type of celebration. The Punjabis have Baisakhi , which falls on 13 April. Bengal and Assam observe the 1st of Baisakhi , which falls around the same time.

Festivals In India

• New Year`s Day	• Lohri
• Pongal	• Makar Sakranti
• Mauni Amavasya	• Sankat Chauth
• Vasant Panchami	• Maghi Purnima
• Maha Shivratri	• Amalaka Ekadashi
• Holi	• Navroze
• Bihu	• Bhai Dooja
• Ramzan; Eid-ul-Fitr	• Muharaam
• Good Friday	• Easter
• Mahavir Jayanti	• Hanuman Jayanti
• Gangaur	• Chitrai Festival
• Ram Navami	• Baisakhi
• Akshya Triteeya	• Nrisimha Jayanti
• Buddha Purnima	• Nirjala Ekadashi
• Ganga Dussehra	• Rath Yatra
• Teej	• Hari Shayani Ekadashi
• Guru Vyas Poornima	• Raksha Bandhan
• Pitra-Paksha	• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Janmashathami	• Onam
• Ananta Chaturdashi	• Durga Puja
• Dussehra	• Pratyushan Parva
• Sharad Poornima	• Deepawali
• Karwa Chauth	• Skand Shashthi
• Surya Shashthi	• Kartik Festivals
• Guru Parba	• Christmas