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Indian Fairs & Festivals in April

Good Friday (All over India) - 6th Apr 2007

Is observed all over India by the Christians who offer special prayer services in the churches

Baisakhi (Punjab) - 13th Apr 2007

Is celebrated in Punjab with great fervour. It was on this day Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa (Sikh brotherhood). The holy book of the Sikhs, Granth Sahib is taken in a procession, led by the Panj Pyaras (five senior sikhs) who are symbolic of the original leaders. The occasion is marked by lot of feasting and merry making. In Kerala the festival is known as Vishu. A display of grain, fruits, flowers, gold, new cloth and money, is viewed early in the morning to ensure a prosperous year ahead. In Assam it is known as Rangali Bihu, and is celebrated with lively dances, music and feasting.

Easter (All over India) - 8th Apr 2007

Is a festival of rejuvenation of life and living. On this day, Lord Christ rose again after his death. Chocolate eggs, small chicks of cotton wool and almond sweets are bought for children, symbolising new life. Prayer services are held in the churches to end the mourning period.

Mahavir Jayanti (Allover India) - 11th Apr 2007

The birth anniversary of the 24th Tirthankara of the Jains, Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, is celebrated by the Jain community. Lectures are held to preach the path of virtue. People meditate and offer prayers.

Gudi Padva or Ugadi (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka)

Marks the beginning of a new year in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka. A gudi (banner) with a swastika- marked pot and silk cloth is raised to announce victory and joy.

Pooram (Trichur, Kerala)

At the beginning of April, the people of Kerala begin their search for the best elephants in the state. Each temple in Kerala sends a procession of decorated elephants to Trichur to participate in the Pooram festival. The decorated elephant groups face each other while drums and nadaswarams create a crescendo of music.

Muharram (All over 1ndia)

Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the holy Prophet Mohammed, and is observed by the Shi'ite Muslims, who take out processions of colourfully decorated 'Tazias', which are paper and bamboo replicas of the martyr's tomb at Karbala in Iraq.

Buddha Purnima (North India)

This festival commemorates the birth of Lord Buddha. Also it was on this day Lord Buddha achieved Nirvana or the extinction of self and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.

Mewar Festival (Rajasthan)

Is celebrated in Udaipur to welcome Spring. A procession of colourfully attired women carry images of the Goddess Gauri to Lake Pichola. Festivities include joyous singing, dancing, devotional music concerts and firework displays.