Pongal
Pongal is celebrated on the 13th January. But Pongal stretches over four days. The word Pongal literally means 'boiling over' and celebrates the bounteous crops in the fields. This festival is the biggest event of the year for the Tamils as well as for the people of Andhra Pradesh. The first day, Bhogi-Pongal is devoted to Bhogi or Indran, the rain god. The day is linked with the famous mythological tale about Krishna lifting Gobardhan parbat on his little finger. The day begins with a til oil bath and in the evening there is a bonfire made of old cloths, files, mats and rugs. The second day, Surya-Pongal, is dedicated to the Sun. On this day, pongal (rice cooked in milk and jaggery) is boiled by women who offer it to the Sun.

Lohri
Lohri marks the culmination of winter, and is celebrated on the 13th day of January. For Punjabis, this is more than just a festival, it is also an example of a way of life. Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. People gather round the bonfires, throw sweets, puffed rice and popcorn into the flames, sing popular songs and exchange greetings. It is also the one day when the womenfolk and children get attention. The first Lohri of a bride is extremely important. The first Lohri of a newborn baby, whether a girl or a boy, is also equally important.

Baisakh
Baisakh, is New Year's Day in Punjab. It falls on April 13. It was on this day that the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa (the Sikh brotherhood) in 1699. The Sikhs, therefore, celebrate this festival as a collective birthday. Sikhs visits 'gurdwaras' (Sikh temple) and listen to 'kirtans' (religious songs) and discourses. After the prayer, 'kada prasad' sweetened semolina) is served to the congregation. The function ends with 'langar', the community lunch served by volunteers. Then processions are taken out, at the head of which are the 'panj piaras'. Mock duels and bands playing religious tunes are part of the processions. School children also enthusiastically take part in them.

Deepawali
Deepawali or Diwali, is a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness. The word 'Deepawali' literally means rows of diyas (clay lamps). A family festival, it is celebrated 20 days after Dussehra on the 27 October. This festival commemorates Lord Rama's return to his kingdom Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. Oil lamps or diyas light up every home and firework display are common all across the country. The goddess Lakshmi, who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity, is also worshipped on this day. Another view is that Deepawali is meant to celebrate the destruction of the arrogant tyrant Bali at the hands of Vishnu when the latter appeared in his Vamana (dwarf) avatar.

Christmas
Christians in India celebrate their festivals broadly on the pattern adopted worldwide. However some influence of local Indian tradition is evident among Syrian Christians who use elephants, umbrellas and traditional music as accessories to their festivities and celebrations. Christmas is a major event in all Indian Christian households and one can see Catholic Goa come to life at this time of the year. The Carnival, preceding the Lenten period of penance is the most important event at Goa. Similar to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it is an extravagantly colorful occasion. A carnival parade, full of color and zest, it is virtually a celebration of life itself.