Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
August
It's still high monsoon season: wet wet wet. Some folks swear by visiting tropical
areas, like Kerala or Goa, at this time of year: the jungles are lush, bright green and
glistening in the rain.
Independence Day
This public holiday on 15 August marks the anniversary of India's independence from Bri-
tain in 1947. Celebrations include flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and patriotic cultural
programs.
Celebrating the Buddha's Teaching
Drupka Teshi commemorates Siddhartha Gautama's first teaching, in which he explained
the Four Noble Truths to disciples in Sarnath. The festival may also fall in July.
Snake Festival
The Hindu festival Naag Panchami is dedicated to Ananta, the serpent upon whose coils
Vishnu rested between universes. Women return to their family homes and fast, while ser-
pents are venerated as totems against flooding and other evils. Falls in July or August.
Krishna's Birthday
Janmastami celebrations can last a week in Krishna's birthplace, Mathura; elsewhere the
festivities range from fasting to
puja
(prayers) and offering sweets, to drawing elaborate
rangoli
(rice-paste designs) outside the home. Held around 17 August 2014, 5 September
2015 and 25 August 2016.
Parsi New Year
Parsis celebrate Pateti, the Zoroastrian new year, especially in Mumbai (Bombay). Houses
are cleaned and decorated with flowers and
rangoli
, the family dresses up and eats special
fish dishes and sweets, and offerings are made at the Fire Temple.
