Festivals and fairs are held for many different reasons as you will read on this page. However, a fair is always an occasion for enjoyment and fun!

• Kumbh Mela- this `mela’ takes place every three years, once at each of these four cities- Nasik (Maharashtra) , Ujjain( Madhya Pradesh), Prayag (Allahabad-Utter Pradesh) or Harddwar (Utter Pradesh).. It is attended by millions of people who take a holy dip in the sacred waters.
• Ladakh festival- this festival of the northernmost state of India, is held every year from the 1st to 15th of September. There are sports competitions (like polo and archery), dance, songs, social events, and craft exhibitions.
• Rath Yatra - this famous festival is held in Puri-Orissa, where the Jagannath temple is situated. Lakhs of pilgrims gather to pull the images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra which are placed on three huge chariots. The English word `Juggernaut’ comes from this event.
• Sonepur Mela – this huge fair is held in Bihar on the banks of the Ganges. It is the only fair where elephants are sold. Horses and cattle are sold as well. In the olden days, people would come here from as far as central Asia.
• Pushkar Mela- this is the world’s largest camel fair. Of course, horse and cattle trading also takes place. The fair takes place in a temple town in Rajasthan. There are many other events like camel racing and tug war, giant wheels and food stalls-all a welcome break from the tough desert life!
• Urs Ajmer Sharif- this festival is held at the dargah (or tomb) of the Sufi saint, khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, in Ajmer. People of all faith come here, for it is said that the wishes of people who pray here are surely answered. Special prayers are offered during the festival, huge amounts of food are distributed and qawwlais are sung in praise of God.