Different religions in India have a different set of festivals, which are significant and pertinent to them. One of the important festivals of North India is the Holi. This is the festival of colours. Hole is one the festivals of India that is celebrated with gaiety and exuberance.

Holi marks the end of winter and greets the advent of spring. Holi is also considered to be a day to forgive and forget and to repair ruptured relationships. It is largely associated with the romantic frolicking of the cowherd God Krishna.

Diwali is definitely one of the most prominent festivals of India. In the literal sense, Diwali means a garland of lamps. It is an apt description of this festival which is characterized by lights. Traditionally diwali is meant to be signified by the lighting of lamps in order to keep alive the memory of Prince Rama's return to Ayodhya after he had managed to conquer the tyrant Ravana.

Undoubtedly, one of the favorite festivals of India is Dussehra. It is the principle celebration in many parts of the country. This festival is celebrated with great fanfare in Kullu, Varanasi, Mysore. It is celebrated in a slightly different manner as Durga puja in West Bengal. Dussehra marks the climax of nine day long festivities during the Navaratri.

Baisakhi marks the first day of the Hindu new year. This is primarily a harvest festival of India. It is celebrated with great gusto in Punjab. The Bhangara dancers dance in an energetic and vigorous manner.

Pongal is a festival during which rice is cooked as a ritual. It is allowed to boil over. This symbolizes the ushering in of plenty. The day after Pongal, the cattle are bathed, fed and decorated. They cattle are then paraded down the village streets.

Onam is one of the most prominent festivals of India in the southern part - Kerala. This festival is linked with the legend of the mythological king Mahabali. This festival also marks the time for the fantastic boat races at Alapuzha.

The most important festival for Muslims is the Eid. It is celebrated to commemorate the conclusion of the whole month of fasting. Eid is celebrated with a ritual Namaz. This is a prayer that is offered in a mosque. Festive eating, exchange of gifts, and the donning of new clothes and dabbing of attar - rose essence, also mark this festival.