Pongal
This Tamil Festival Mark the end of  the harvest season. It is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai, which is in the middle of January. The festivities last for four days and include such activities as the boiling-over a pot of Pongal (a mixture of rice sugar, pulses and milk) symbolic of prosperity and abundance. On the third day, cattle are washed, decorated and and even painted, and then fed the Pongal. In Andhra Pradesh the festival is known as Makar Sankranti.

Vasant Panchami
The most notable of the spring festival, held on the fifth of Magha (January), is that many people wear yellow clothes. In some places especially in West Bengal, Saraswati, Goddess of wisdom, is honored. Books, musical instruments and other objects related to arts and scholarship are placed in front of the Goddess to receive her blessing. 

Sivaratri
Held in February/March, this day of fasting is dedicated to Lord Siva, who danced the Tandava on this day. Temple processions are followed by the chanting of mantras and anointing of Lingams.

Holi
This is one of the most exuberant Hindu festivals, with marking the end of winter by throwing colored water and powder at one another. It will be unwise to wear good clothes on this day, on the night before Holi bonfires are made. To symbolize the destruction of the evil demon Holika. Holi is held in February/March and is mainly a Northern festival and is not prevalent in the South India.

In Maharashtra, the festival is known as Ranga Panchami and is celebrated with dancing and singing.

Gangaur
This Rajasthani festival honors Siva and Parvathi. The Rajasthani women are at their most colorful, and can be seen dancing, praying and singing near any Siva idol. The festival is held in March.

Rath Yatra
Festival held at Puri to commemorate Lord Jaggannath's (Krishna) journey to Mathura.

Raksha Bandhan
Festival to honour Varuna - the sea god. Sisters tie a thread (Rakhi) to their brother's wrist and exchange gifts.

Ganesh Chaturdhi
Festival dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Huge processions carrying images of the god to be immersed in the sea. A major event in Maharashtra.

Onam
Kerala's harvest festival. Celebrated with Snake Boat races and traditional feast.

Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna's birthday. Celebrations all over the country, especially at at Mathura and Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh)

Dussehra
The Ten day festival associated with vanquishing demons. Celebration of Rama's victory over Ravana in the epic Ramayana and Durga's over Mahishasura (a buffalo headed demon). The former is celebrated in West Bengal as Durga Puja. Performances of Ram Lila (Life of Rama) is a highlight.

Diwali
Five day festival to celebrate Rama and Sita's home coming in Ramayana. Lighting of oil lamps and firecrackers form part of celebrations.

Kumbh Mela
A major festival held at one of the 4 holy cities once in three years. Nasik (Maharashtra), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Allahabad and Haridwar (Uttar Pradesh).

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