There is perhaps not a single day in the Indian calendar when in some part of the vast country a festival is not celebrated or a fair held- some so big that almost the entire country participates, and some so small that it is confined to a little community in a remote village. But the spirit is the same - replete with rituals, colour, music, feasting, pageantry, fun and frolic. And given India's vast diversity. Ofter the same festival is celebrated differently. In different parts, all adding to the richness of the Indian way of life.

The New Year, the advent of new seasons, harvest time, the birthdays of gods and goddesses, saints and prophets, mythological and historical events… all find expression in innumerable festivals and fairs spread over the length and breadth of the country.

Apart from their religious mythological or historical significance, these festivals and fairs are basically occasions for families and communities to get together and participate in rituals, feasting, music and dance- they are occasions to buy new clothes and household articles, re-paint houses, distribute sweets and gifts. And above all many of these festivals and fairs are a testimony to the adage that 'India's unity lies in its diversity', as celebrations break all barriers of religion, caste, creed and economic standing.