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Indian Fairs & Festivals In March

Holi (All over North India) - 3rd Mar 2007

It heralds the end of winter and the beginning of the Spring. The night before the full moon, crowds of people gather together and light huge bonfires to burn the residual dried leaves and twigs of winter. People throw coloured water and powders (gulal and kumkum) at each other and make merry.

Gangaur (Rajasthan) - 21st - 23rd Mar 2007

Is dedicated to Gauri, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and lasts for 18 days. The festival is celebrated by girls and married women throughout Rajasthan. This is also an auspicious day for young people to select their life partners. Colourful processions with the town band playing, horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle.

Jamshed-e-Navroz

The Parsis don their new clothes and decorate their homes with rangoli patterns drawn with metal moulds and flowers. Sweets are exchanged and later Parsis visit the fire temple where thanksgiving is performed.

Ramnavami (All over India) - 27th Mar 2007

The birthday of Lord Rama, the hero of the famous epic, the Ramayana, is enthusiastically celebrated. Temples are decorated, religious discourses are held and the Ramayana is recited for ten days.

Id-ul-Zuha (All over India)

Is a muslim festival celebrated all over India. Prayers are offered in the mosques and special delicacies are prepared and served among family and friends on the occasion.

Elephant Festival (Jaipur, Rajasthan) - 3rd Mar 2007

The festival begins with a procession of elephants, camels and horses, followed by lively folk dancers at their entertaining best. Elephant races and elephant-polo matches are special features. The most hilarious highlight of the festival is a tug of war between elephants and men.

Hoysala Mahotsava (Karnataka)

Is a dance festival held at the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebid in Karnataka.

Ellora Festival

(Ellora caves, Maharashtra) Is a festival of dance and music organised in the splendid surroundings of the magnificent Ellora caves.

Khajuraho Dance Festival - 25th Feb - 3rd Mar 2007

(Khajuraho. Madhya Pradesh) Is a week-Iong festival of classical dances held at the Khajuraho Temples. built by the Chandella Kings.