Festivals are essential threads woven in the fabric of Indian society. These are special occasions for social get-together with family, friends and neighbors to forge new bonds and strengthen the existing ones. And they come ever so often. There are probably more festivals and occasions for celebrations than there are days in a year.

Major events defined in religious scriptures; birthdays of gods, goddesses, saints and prophets; bride's homecoming; birth of a child etc. are some examples of reasons for celebration.

The culture and traditions of vibrant Indian festivals have been handed down for generations. All these celebrations have religious, seasonal and social elements to them. Though the same festival may be celebrated differently in various parts of the country- the enthusiasm, spirit and gaiety have still remained the same after hundreds of years (and in some cases thousands of years)

Here are 2006 dates for some of the main Indian festivals which are celebrated with equal fervor all over the country. This is intended as a starting point to understanding the vast culture and heritage of India