Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Sahibabad, Distt Ghaziabad (U.P.)

This Hindu holiday, also referred to as the Festival of Lights, takes place over five days in October or November...

This Hindu holiday, also referred to as the Festival of Lights, takes place over five days in October or November (depending on the calendar.) In the evenings, participants illuminate their homes with oil lamps to welcome the Lord Rama home after his defeat of the Ravana, as depicted in the Ramayana. Each day of the festival has a different tradition. Day one is for cleaning and decorating the home. On day two South Indians wear new clothes to celebrate Krishna's victory over the tyrant Narakasura. Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune is worshipped on day three. Bali, the friendly demon and the king of "good times" is commemorated on day four. The final day is when men visit their sisters for a ritual crowning with a tilak.

Hours: Mon, Nov 12, 2012 Tue, Nov 13, 2012 Wed, Nov 14, 2012 Thu, Nov 15, 2012 Fri, Nov 16, 2012

This joyous festival is held each January 13 to mark the end of winter and celebrate the coming to life of the earth....

This joyous festival is held each January 13 to mark the end of winter and celebrate the coming to life of the earth. Children go door-to-door collecting coins and snacks. In the evening, bonfires are lighted and people dance, exchange gifts and generally make merry.

Hours: Sun, Jan 13, 2013

Both the Vedas and the Upanishads mention the mango, so it is considered a symbol of never ending joy and life. For two...

Both the Vedas and the Upanishads mention the mango, so it is considered a symbol of never ending joy and life. For two days each July, Delhi-ites celebrate this auspicious fruit. There are tastings of hundreds of varieties of mango, songs about mangoes, mango-eating contests and other mango-themed cultural events. There is also a mango auction when the general public can watch the merchants trade their fruits.

Hours: Sat, Jul 7, 2012: 9:30am - 4:30pm Sun, Jul 8, 2012: 9:30am - 4:30pm

This cultural festival is held each October using the striking Qutub Minar as a backdrop. The complex is illuminated,...

This cultural festival is held each October using the striking Qutub Minar as a backdrop. The complex is illuminated, and the evening is marked by performances of traditional music and dance.

Hours: October 2012

Ramnavami celebrates the birth of Rama, the god reported to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On the ninth day of the...

Ramnavami celebrates the birth of Rama, the god reported to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On the ninth day of the Hindu lunar calendar, Hindus fast and attend temple. Theaters throughout the city stage enactments of the Ramayana, which tells Rama's story.

Hours: Sun, Apr 1, 2012

This festival falls on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh who founded the Sikh brotherhood in 1699. Punjabis wear...

This festival falls on the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh who founded the Sikh brotherhood in 1699. Punjabis wear traditional yellow garments and feast on dishes that are prepared specially each year -- similar to the American Thanksgiving. The day also marks the beginning of the harvest season in North India. Punjabis attend temple on this day, perform traditional dances and then party all night long.

Hours: Fri, Apr 13, 2012

This festival is celebrated over eight days during September or October. The literal meaning of Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair is...

This festival is celebrated over eight days during September or October. The literal meaning of Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair is \"Procession of the Flower Sellers.\" The city's flower merchants march through the streets carrying fans decorated with a riot of colorful blossoms. It is said that this tradition was begun in the 16th century. The parade begins with a musical recital, followed by a blessing of the fans at a Hindu temple. Finally the marchers arrive at Jahaaz Mahal where the procession closing takes place.

Hours: September 2012

This kite festival is held each January on Makar Sankranti day. The green next to Connaught Place is the location of an...

This kite festival is held each January on Makar Sankranti day. The green next to Connaught Place is the location of an international kite flying competition, but all around town you'll see folks gleefully displaying their colorful kites and flying skills.

Hours: Mon, Jan 14, 2013

Many Indians eagerly await March's full moon, because the following day is the rowdy celebration, Holi. This Hindu...

Many Indians eagerly await March's full moon, because the following day is the rowdy celebration, Holi. This Hindu festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. This victory is marked by throwing colored paint, water and powders on each other. Everyone participates and no one is spared! Things usually quiet by noontime and then it is on to friends' and relatives' homes for wining and dining.

Hours: Wed, Mar 27, 2013