Festivals In November Month

Sharad Purnima (All Over India)

Is a harvest festival when Laxmi, the Goddess of prosperity, visits all homes to bring fortune and good luck to all. Kojagiri, the special night, is celebrated with ice-cold, saffron-flavoured sweet milk, shared in the cool moonlight. The newly harvested rice is offered to the gods and lamps are lit before the full moon.

Diwali (All Over India)

Celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Homes are decorated, sweets are distributed by everyone and thousands of lamps lit in houses allover the country making it a night of enchantment. Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and fireworks and festivities are an essential part of the occasion.

Guru Purab (North India)

Celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak -the first guru of the Sikhs who founded the Sikh faith. The `Akhand Path` -recitation of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, is held in gurdwaras allover the country. Taking the holy book out in procession, is also an integral part of the celebrations. Langars (community feasts) are organised.

Ka Pomblang Nongrem (Meghalaya)

This five day long festival, held annually near Shillong, is an occasion for thanksgiving for a good harvest and the time to pray for peace and prosperity. Khasi men and women, dressed in traditional splendour, perform the famous Nongkrem dance.

Sonepur Fair (Sonepur, Bihar)

Asia`s biggest cattle fair is held at Sonepur, on the banks of the River Ganga. During this month-long fair, cattle, decorated for the occasion, throng the venue.

Pushkar Fair (Pushkar, Rajasthan)

Thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the holy waters of the Pushkar Lake. Trading of cattle, camel races and dazzling displays of bangles, brassware, clothes, camel saddles and halters are the major attractions of this colourful event, which lasts for twelve days.

Hampi Festival

Is a lively festival of dance and music, held in the first week of November.