Fairs and Festivals in India in month of February

Khajuraho Festival: 01-07 February 2012: Khajuraho Dance Festival is organised every year. The best classical dancers from all across india give their performances in the open air corridors of the Khajuraho group of temples. Here you can enjoy the popular dances of India such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri and many more. The dance festival is being orgainised infront of chitragupt and vishwanath temples, located in the western group of temple complex .The Tourism board of Madhya Pradesh is organising and promoting the Indian Heritage Khajuraho as well as the dances of India , and provides platform to the young dancers to show their talent infront of the visitors from all around the globe. It is important cultural event that fascinates aficionados of traditional asian performing art.. Dancers from abroad give their performance during this week long dance festival. The Khajuraho dance festival is internationally recognized by International dancers and academies. A large number of visitors come to see the popular dances of India in this festival. Along with this dance festival, art & craft work is also displayed by the local villages.

Surajkund Crafts Mela, Surajkund, Haryana: 01 -15 February 2012- Surajkund is the annual fair held at Surajkund (near New Delhi) that showcases the finest handlooms, handicrafts, authentic fragrances & flavours of rich Indian cuisines. As winter turns briefly into spring, a caravan of more than 400 National and State awardee craftpersons from every corner of India wind their way to Surajkund. The craftpersons from SAARC Nations are also participating in the Surajkund Crafts Mela. At Surajkund Mela, the artisans' delicate hands create the most beautiful pieces which have fascinated many through ages. It is a weeklong fair where artisans and craftsmen come together and demonstrate their skills.

Brij Festival, Bharatpur, Rajasthan: 02-04 February 2012: Brij Festival is held in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The Brij Festival takes place a few days before Holi, the festival of colours. Held in honour of Lord Krishna, this festival is marked by verve and zest. Villagers, in gay, multihued attire, can be seen singing and performing the Raslila dance the immortal love-story of Radha and Krishna. All of Bharatpur comes alive to the sound of folk melodies on this festival held on the eve of Holi. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor-all are touched by the spirit of this festival. Boisterous revelers spare no one during this festival and delight in splashing colour on everyone around. Bharatpur is situated on the Delhi - Mumbai main railway line and also on National Highway no. 11 (Bikaner - Agra). Agra being the nearest Airport (56 kms.).

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai: 04-12 February 2012: Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual celebration of dance, music and other art forms held every year since 1999 in the month of February at Kala Ghoda, Mumbai. The Kala Ghoda Association hosts the weeklong Kala Ghoda Arts Festival named after the black equestrian statue of Edward VII that used an attraction point for tourists to stand in the Fort area of Mumbai. The festival Ghoda is a crowd-puller for creative talent and also an attraction point for tourists. People with Creative bent of mind from all round the country participate and showcase their talent. Tourists from India and abroad come here to have fun and enthusiasm. The fstival is created to draw attention towards the development by physically improving the area, restoring buildings and porticos, building people-friendly street furniture and improving the amenities. The festival features Gallery and pavement shows, exhibitions of paintings and sculptures, literary events, film screenings, music concerts, dance performances, theatre shows, workshops, heritage walks and food fiesta. The participants range from the modern urban sellers with designer goods to sell, to village artists selling their traditional craftwork.

Baneshwar Fair, Dungarpur: 03-07 February 2012: Baneshwar, a small delta around 50 km from the town of Dungarpur. Baneshwar means 'master of the delta', which refers to the Shivalinga in the Mahadev temple. The fair is a major occasion for the tribal people of the region, especially Bhils, who come in large numbers not only from Rajasthan but also from the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. During this time, devotees take a dip at the confluence of rivers Mahi and Som and worship the Shivalinga in the Baneshwar Mahadev Temple and also worship a silver idol of Mavji, a well regarded saint also thought to be an incarnation of Vishnu is worshipped. At night, bonfires are lit and Bhils can be seen singing folk songs. Other events at the Baneshwar Fair include magic shows, folk dances, animal shows etc. Merry-go-rounds and swings are also set up as part of the festivities.

Jaisalmer Desert Festival: 05-07 February 2012: -The exquisite fort of Jaisalmer forms the backdrop to the spectacular desert festival. On the full moon night of February, as the cold dry wind blows across, the desert comes alive with a unique show of music and lights. The main attractions are traditional Rajasthani puppet theatre and original folk rhythms on traditional instruments.

Alwar Festival: 13-15 February 2012: Alwar located in the foothills of the Aravallis, is the Gateway of Rajasthan. Alwar is also known as the land of tigers. The most popular festival of Alwar is the Alwar Festival. Alwar festival is an occasion to have lots of fun and enjoyment for three-days. The festival provides the best opportunity to showcase the folk culture, music, handicrafts and colourful traditions of the region. This festival also focuses a lot on the rural activities of the local people thus providing a true picture of the place. Alwar festival holds a variety of events. These events include elephant polo, fancy dress and sketching competitions for children and flower show. The exotic, rare and antique items of the region are exhibited here.

Taj Mahotsav, Agra: 17-26 February 2012: This festival is held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Taj Mahotsav, one of the most eagerly awaited festivals, is celebrated in every February every year at Shilpgram near the Eastern gate of "Taj Mahal". This 10 days long carnival is actually a vibrant platform that gives you information of India where you can find India's rich arts, crafts, cultures, cuisine, dance and music. Taj Mahal is the most beautiful historical place of India which tells about incredible India. Taj Mahotsav is organized by UP Tourism and it is a source to increase Indian Tourism. Performance By Various Artist At Taj Mahotsav 2012.

Mahashivratri : 20 February 2012: Mahashivratri is celebrated with great devotion and religious fervor by Hindus, in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu Gods forming the Trinity. The festival falls on the moonless, 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun (in the month of February - March, according to English Calendar). On the festival of Maha Shivaratri, devotees observe day and night fast and worship Shiva Lingam, to appease Lord Shiva. Worshippers dutifully follow all the traditions and customs related to Shivaratri festival, as they strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva, on the auspicious day, releases a person of his sins and also liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. As Shiva is regarded as the ideal husband, unmarried women pray for a husband like Him, on Shivaratri. On the other hand, married women pray for the well being of their husbands, on this auspicious day. Devotees visit the nearest Shiva temple, to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingum (with milk, honey, water etc). The worship continues the whole day and whole night. Jaagran (nightlong vigil) might also be observed in Lord Shiva temples, where a large number of devotees sing hymns and devotional songs, in praise of Lord Shiva. The Temple of Bhutnath at Mandi in Himachal Pradesh is said to host the biggest Shivaratri Puja in the country. Other temples for Shivratri celebrations are Sri Kalahasteshwara Temple at Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh , the Bharamarambha Malikarjunaswamy Temple at Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh, Umananda Temple in Assam, Matangeshwar Temple in Madhya Pradesh, Lingaraj Temple , Hakateswar Temple Atri & Loknath Temple in Orissa

Konark Dance Festival: 19 -23 February 2012: -The enthralling Konark Dance Festival is held every year, in Konark, in the backdrop of the mammoth Sun Temple. The festival has made the famous tourist destination that the Konark is even more attractive in the eyes of the tourists. The mega event is held in an open Natya Mandir (Dance Hall), on the Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark. The Konark Dance Festival which showcase different forms of dances all over India. The leading exponents and dance enthusiasts of almost all main classical dance forms of India--including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kathakali, and Chao--take part in the five-day classical dance carnival much adding to the appeal of the event that has few parallels elsewhere. A wonderful Crafts Mela is held at the time of the Konark Dance Festival which much adds to the magic of the festival.

Goa Carnival, Panjim: 18-21 February 2012. Goa Carnival is a non-stop 3-Day festival of fun- 'n' -frolic, song, music and dance. Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for more than 400 years and they are the one who introduced carnival to Goa. Carnival the most awaited festival of Goa is held on the month of February every year. This carnival is primarily celebrated by the Christian community in Goa but it displays a mix of Portuguese as well as Hindu traditions. Goa Carnival is being celebrated since 1961 which is meant for feasting, celebrating, drinking and rejoicing.Carnival is a Latin word which means "to take away meat''. That's the reason during the carnival, it's a strict rule to abstain from meat. . The Carnival of Panjim is the most popular compare to others that follow in Margoa, Vasco, Mapusa etc. The cultural blend of the Portuguese and local people created a unique Culture of Goa. So plan your holiday and be a part of the Goa Carnival.

Natyanjali Festival-Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu; 20-24 February 2012:Natyanjali Festival is dedicated to the Cosmic Dancer (Lord Shiva) Lord Shiva is celebrated every year during February-March for five days in the Nataraja temple of Chidambaram premise. It begins on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. During this time leading dancers from all parts of India congregate and dance in the temple as an offering to Nataraja. This festival is jointly organised by The Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, The Ministry Of Tourism, Government of India and The Natyanjali Trust, Chidambaram to promote a universal message of 'Unity in Diversity' conveyed in the universal language of music and dance.

Deccan Festival, Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad: 24-28 February 2012: Organised by the Department of Tourism, Andhra Pradesh, the Deccan Festival is celebrated at Qutub Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad every year in February/March. This five-day festival reflects the culture of the Deccan and highlights Hyderabad's arts, crafts, culture and the famous Nawabi cuisine. There are cultural programmes with ghazal nights, qawalis and mushairas, typical of the city. A pearl and bangle fair displays creations in lustrous pearls and multi-hued bangles that are local specialities. A food fest serves the best of Hyderabad's famed cuisine to visitors.

Garden Festival, Delhi: February 2012: The event is organised by Delhi Tourism for three days at the Garden of Five Senses, Said-Ul-Ajaib was a rare visual treat for gardening enthusiasts. The venue is close to the Mehrauli Heritage Area. Delhi Tourism has been organising the Garden Tourism Festival for the last 23 years. In 1988, the first festival was held in a DDA Park at Greater Kailash and since then societies, nurseries, associations and individuals have come together under one umbrella towards making this festival a resounding success. New Delhi's annual Garden Tourism Festival showcases thousands of variety of flower like dahlias, roses, potted plants, bonsai, home plants and others. Flower enthusiasts and horticulturists find it a great place during festival. Apart from flower display, painting competitions for children, art camp for budding artists and thematiccultural shows to entertain the visitors are also held here.

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