Festivals in March

Festivals in March in India are an integral part of the cultural fabric of the country. People in different parts of the country celebrate the festivals together and at other times certain festivals become unique feature of a particular place. Despite the religious or traditional aspects of the festival these festivals make for colorful events that are endowed with a great deal of fun and enthusiasm.

Festivals in March

There are different festivals in India that are celebrated in each month of the year. The following are the events that are scheduled for the month of March.

• Holi (1^st March) - This is better known as the 'festival of colors' that is celebrated by the people of the entire country. People play with each other by sprinkling colors of different hues called ‘gulal’. It signifies an end of evil and a commencement of happier days.
• Uthralikavu Pooram (2^nd March) - This temple festival of Kerala is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is marked by rituals in the evening coupled with performances in folk art. The ambience is captivating in the light of the traditional glow of temple lamps. A special feature of this festival is a night long performance by elephants that is supported by the traditional beat of the drums.


• Paripally Gajamela (7^th March) - This is another festival of Kerala where a procession of 50 richly decorated elephants is taken out. It is part of an offering that is made to the Goddess of Paripally Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakali temple.


• Thirunakkara Arattu (15^th March)- One of the many temple festivals of Kerala this goes on for ten days at the Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. Elephant processions and the beat of the traditional drum sound are the characteristics of this festival. There are also traditional Kathakali performances and the peacock dance called Mayilattom in the course of the festival.
• Gangaur Festival (18^th March) - This is a festival of Rajasthan that worships Goddess Gauri who personifies purity and austerity. It is observed by women who gather in processions marked by the traditional colour, gaiety and music of Rajasthan.


• Mewar Festival (18^th March) - This is a celebration to mark the beginning of the spring season in Rajasthan. Celebrated on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur this festival is also accompanied by cultural programs, music and dance. Impressive fireworks are also an attraction here.


• Attuvela Mahotsavam (19^th March) - This is a water carnival in Kerala. Illuminated canoes carrying temple replicas cruise through the waters up to the temple premises. Traditional temple percussion music is also played.


• Ram Navami (24^th March) - This festival marks the birth of Lord Rama. This is an event that is celebrated all over India. The celebration is a combination of rituals and musical performances.


• Arattupuzha Pooram (28^th March) - This is among the oldest temple festivals and the largest elephant festival in Kerala. A procession of 60 richly decorated elephants is taken out in traditional grandeur.

Last Updated on 1/3/2011