Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WARNING: BHANG LASSI
Although it's rarely printed in menus, some restaurants in popular tourist centres will clandestinely whip up
bhang lassi, a yoghurt and iced-water beverage laced with cannabis (occasionally other narcotics). Commonly
dubbed 'special lassi', this often-potent concoction can cause varying degrees of ecstasy, drawn-out delirium, hal-
lucination, nausea and paranoia. Some travellers have been ill for several days, robbed, or hurt in accidents, after
drinking this fickle brew. A few towns have legal (controlled) bhang outlets.
Public Holidays
There are officially three national public holidays. Every state celebrates its own official holidays, which cover bank
holidays for government workers as well as major religious festivals. Most businesses (offices, shops etc) and tourist
sites close on public holidays, but transport is usually unaffected. It's wise to make transport and hotel reservations well
in advance if you intend visiting during major festivals.
Republic Day
26 January
Mahavir Jayanti
(Jain) February
Holi
(Hindu) March
Easter
(Christian) March/April
Buddha Jayanti
(Buddhist) April/May
Independence Day
15 August
Eid al-Fitr
(Muslim) August/September
Dussehra
(Hindu) September/October
Gandhi Jayanti
2 October
Diwali
(Hindu) October/November
Guru Nanak Jayanti
(Sikh) November
Christmas
(Christian) 25 December
Safe Travel
Travellers to India's major cities may fall prey to petty and opportunistic crime but most problems can be avoided with a
bit of common sense and an appropriate amount of caution. Women and solo travellers should read
Click here
; for
scams,
Click here
. Also have a look at the India branch of Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree Travel Forum
(
www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree
), where travellers often post timely warnings about problems they've encountered on
the road. Always check your government's travel advisory warnings.
