Festival planning calendar

The harvest festival marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn — celebrated as Pongal, Uttarayan, Lohri and Bihu across India.

The festival of colours celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

The celebration of the birth of Lord Rama, observed with prayers, processions and readings of the Ramayana.

The most important Jain festival — the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara.

The two great Islamic festivals — Eid al-Fitr (after Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (the festival of sacrifice).

The festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, tied with a sacred rakhi thread.

The birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated at midnight with bhajans, jhankis and dahi-handi.

The ten-day festival welcoming Lord Ganesha, ending with grand visarjan processions.

Kerala’s grand harvest festival, famous for the Onam Sadhya feast, pookalam and boat races.

Nine nights of Garba and Dandiya, Durga Puja pandals, and Dussehra marking good over evil.

India’s biggest festival of lights — diyas, rangoli, Lakshmi puja, sweets, gifting and fireworks.

The peak Indian wedding window, packed with auspicious muhurat dates and back-to-back celebrations.

The Christian festival of the birth of Jesus — carols, midnight mass, trees, feasts and gifting.

Ring in the new year with parties, countdowns, live music and fireworks.