A spectacular handloom and handicrafts fair is organised in their setting of SURAJKUND (Haryana State) in the vicinity of New Delhi. At annual week-long mela, crafts people from all over the country meet and bring alive the age-old living crafts tradition. Visitors can see them work and buy some of their exquisite handicrafts. This is the be occasion to see rural craftsmen at work.

As the name indicates, SHIVARATRI is celebrated by the devotees of Lord Shiva who, it is believed, danced the Tandav --- his celestial dance--on this night. Preceding the feast is a night of strict discipline. Orthodox devotees remain awake all night listening to sacred texts and hymns.Devotees throng the various Shiva temples all over the country and most temples become venues of fun filled fairs.

Set against the ancient erotic temples of KHAJURAHO in Madhya Pradesh, a week-long festival of classical dance is held ever year featuring the best artists of the country. It is an occasion to see various Indian dance forms in a setting one can never forget.

Popularly known as the COLOUR FESTIVAL, Holi is a spring festival celebrated normally over two days in North India. On the evening of the first day bonfires are lit to symbolise the destruction of evil but also seen as the end of winter in the north. On the second day, cold coloured water is thrown on people, even on strangers and passersby. The festival is great fun and later people visit each other and distribute sweets, affectionately hugging each other.

This is popular festival of Rajasthan when Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati are worshipped. One of the most colourful festivals held anywhere in India, it is the occasion for Rajasthani women to don their traditional costume of lehnga, choli and odhni. They congregate around the idols of Shiva and Parvati, sing, dance and offer prayers.