Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
February
The weather is comfortable in most nonmountainous areas, with summer heat start-
ing to percolate in the south. It's still peak travel season.
Tibetan New Year
Losar is celebrated by Tantric Buddhists all over India for 15 days. Losar is usually in
February or March, though dates can vary between regions.
Shivaratri
This day of Hindu fasting recalls the
tandava
(cosmic victory dance) of Lord Shiva.
Temple processions are followed by the chanting of mantras and anointing of
linga
(phallic
images of Shiva). Shivaratri can also fall in March.
Carnival in Goa
The four-day party kicking off Lent is particularly big in Goa. Sabado Gordo, Fat Saturday,
starts it off with elaborate parades, and the revelry continues with street parties, concerts
and general merrymaking.
LUNAR CALENDAR
Many festivals follow the Indian lunar calendar (a complex system based on astrology) or the Islamic calendar
(which falls about 11 days earlier each year), and therefore change annually relative to the Gregorian calendar.
Contact local tourist offices for exact festival dates.
