Fairs of India

India is famous for its kind of festivals and fairs, most of the fair held in India are either religious fairs or celebration of change of seasons. Kolkata Book Fair is the world’s third largest annual conglomeration of books and world’s largest non-trade book fair. The famous Sonepur Cattle Fair near Patna is the biggest cattle fair in Asia and world’s largest animal fair. India is a land of fairs and festivals, every month there is festival with fair held at different regions of India, Some of the big religious fairs in India are Pushkar Fair, Baneshwar Fair Gangasagar Fair, Tarnetar Mela, Chaitre Chaudash mela, Nagaur fair, and many monsoon festivals or fairs.

All Indian fair and festivals have lots of diversity according to the culture, life style, language, religion of each states and region, like Durga Puja (Navaratri) is major festivals of West Bengal, Ganapati in Maharashtra, also in the western and eastern parts of India, Pongal in Tamilnadu, Onam in Kerala, Goa 

Few of the major fairs of India are discussed below:

1.Urs Ajmer Sharif Fair

2. Kumbh Mela Fair

3.Gangasagar Mela

4.Jaydev Kenduli Mela at Kenduli West Bengal- January

5. Kerala Village  Fair,Kovalam, Kerala- January

6.Nagaur Fair, Rajasthan – January/February

7. Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan – October/November

8. Sonepur Mela, Bihar – October/November

9. Tarnetar Mela, Saurasthra, Gujarat – August/September

10. Surajkund Crafts Fair

11.Goa Carnival

Ajmer Sharif Fair
Urs Ajmer Sharif Fair: 
So after rebirth, one day the crocodile saw the silent elephant drinking water. He vengefully, caught the leg of the Elephant. Seeing this, lord Vishnu himself came to earth and killed the Crocodile. This transformed both of them to their original forms. Today, the same river bank is known as Kaun Hara Ghat. It is in this Ghat that the Sonepur Fair is held.
So after rebirth, one day the crocodile saw the silent elephant drinking water. He vengefully, caught the leg of the Elephant. Seeing this, lord Vishnu himself came to earth and killed the Crocodile. This transformed both of them to their original forms. Today, the same river bank is known as Kaun Hara Ghat. It is in this Ghat that the Sonepur Fair is held. So after rebirth, one day the crocodile saw the silent elephant drinking water. He vengefully, caught the leg of the Elephant. Seeing this, lord Vishnu himself came to earth and killed the Crocodile. This transformed both of them to their original forms. Today, the same river bank is known as Kaun Hara Ghat. It is in this Ghat that the 

Sonepur Fair is held.Tarnetar, a small village in Gujarat, about 75 kms from Rajkot, celebrates the Tarnetar Fair for three days. Tharnetar meaning the ceremony of marriage is the auspicious fair which involves young girls who have the option of choosing their grooms. Celebrated during the months of August - September, this fair is also known as the Trineteshwar Mahadev Fair. About Tarnetar Fair Tarnetar, the village where the fair is held is a small village in Surendarnagar District of Gujarat. Held near the Trinettreshwar Temple in involves tribes like Rabari, Kathi, Charan, Bhardwas and Kolis.  According to the legend, it was here in Tarnetar that the Pandava Prince Arjuna pierced the eye of the rotating fish at the end of the pole by looking at its reflection in the ponds water to win the contest called Swayamvar arranged to find a suitable match for princess Draupadi. The Tarnetar Fair held each year showcases this legend, year after year, generations after generations. In addition to this, a dip in the Holy Kund is supposed to be auspicious on this day of Bhadrapad ( The Holy Hindu Date). Today the Tarnetar Mela takes place in the Tarneshear Temple. The main tribe which takes part in this Mela is the Koli Tribe. The main attraction of the Tarnetar Fair after the Swayamvar is Tarnetar Chattris or the Umbrellas under which to be Grooms sit. Moreover the hairstyles of the boys are also looked at, these are haywired, often off the roots and have a distinct charm in them with the added colors. There are peculiar to the Tarnetar Fair. As the sun rises the tarnetar fair catches its height. There is dance, music, folklores, merry making and different plays. The plays involve games like 100 meters race, 200 meters race, 800 meters race, long jump. Then there are the poem recitation, bullock cart race, rass dance competition and horse cart race to add spice to the fair. Apart from these, there are also the eateries or food joints. The food served here is typical gujarati cuisine which involves foods like Dhokla, Khamn, Khakhri, Pani Puri, Faffada, Gol Chaakri and various types of chutnies ( Indian Sauces). There are around 300 stalls which have the refreshments and other eateries. Apart from these, there are the stalls which have the Gujarati Embroidery stuff like lehngas, kurtis, embroided bed and cushion covers, handbags, ethnic jewellery, jootis and other stuff which are peculiar to Gujarat. However the main attraction remains the same - the Swamyavar, for thousands of people who come from worldover to see this exciting fair called the Tarnetar Fair of Gujarat.About Surajkund Crafts Fair Surajkund Mela is about the rural arts and crafts. To help out the dying art and craft of the Rural India, an annual fair is held in Surajkund. People from all over the country come here with their Arts and Crafts to see this fabulous fair. The months of the Fair are kept when the weather of India is the most pleasant. With all the colors under one roof, the Surajkund Mela becomes of the most attractive fairs of India. Being here is a altogether experience. Surajkund Fair is the fair which represents things made from hands - be it paintings, pottery, jewellery, clothes, wall hangings, showpieces, cushion covers, kitchenwares, furniture and so on. It takes months for the artists to make this art form. Once made these are brought to the Surajkund Mela to be put on Fair There is not only the exhibition but also the various arts forms are also shown. Mehandi making, musicians, dancers, painters, weavers, sculpturers, craftsmen all of them make a part of the fair. Surajkund Mela is also a place for buying the souvenirs of India. All are at an exhibit here. Since they are a part fair, they are also priced low than the normal market price. In all Surajkund Crafts Fair is a good place to spend the entire day being in the midst of the Indian Culture. Goa, famous for its beaches is a happening city which welcomes people round the year. It in the streets of this ever happening city that the Goa Carnival is celebrated. Its a 3 days, non - stop frolic called the Goa Carnival. Goa carnival originated in the Portuguese Society of Goa in the year 1961. The word Go Carnival came from the Latin word Carrus Navalis. Crane meaning Meat and Navalis meaning good bye. So for the three days before carnival there is total abstinance from Meat Eating (though there are discrepencies to this ideology). Some believe that Carrus Navalis is the name of the boat shaped carraige which paraded during Roman festival Saturnalia, in the Honour of the Saturn. The Goa Festival is held in the month of February. The Goa Carnival is unique in the sense its not celebrated elsewhere in India. Fun, frolic, song, dance and music are the main attractions of the Goan Carnival.x
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Urs the small city in Ajmer of Rajasthan celebrates the death of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty is the most famous Sufi Saint of the Chisti Order of Asia. He claimed his progeny to Muhammad through sixth Shi Imam - Jafar al-Sadiq. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty is one of the most outstanding figures in the annals of Islamic Mysticism. He is also the founder of Chystiyya order of India.

The Dargah (resting place) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty is placed in Ajmere Sharif. This Dargah is also the site of largest Muslim Fair called the Urs Ajmer Sharif Fair. This fair goes on for six consecutive days.

Urs Ajmer Sharif Fair

Kwaja Moinudeen Chishty came from Persia and established Chystiyya Order in India. He is also known as Gharib Nawaz or the protector of poor. Khawajah came from a wealthy family but gave up everything to serve the poor. And so he is called the Messiah of Poor. The Pilgrims who come here to seek the blessings of Khwajah make rich offerings called Nazrana at the holy spot of Ajmere Sharif. Outside the sanctom sanctorum of Dargah, professional singers sing quwallis in the praise of Khwajah. Pilgrims stand around them, listening to then attentively. 

The Urs or the fair is initiated with hoisting of a white flag on the Dargah by Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It is done 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month) with Quvallis being sung in the background. On the last day of the sixth month, is is supposed the gates of Heaven or Jannati-Darwaza (gateway of heaven). It is supposed that people who have died yet whose ruhs ( souls ) have not rested in peace, get an entry to these gates, thus getting solace forever. On the first day of Rajab, tomb of Khwaja Sharif is washed with rose water and sandalwood water. Then perfume is sprayed on it. This ritual is called Ghushal. The tomb is then covered with a embroided silk cloth called the Sajjadah Nashin.

After the entire ritual is done, Pious Kheer which is cooked in two large cauldrons called degs is distributed amongst the pilgrims. This process solmenises the Urs Ajmer Sharif fair. Through all the days of Urs, Quwallis are sung, mehfils are arranged and attended by thousands of pilgrims who attend the fair. There are also thee big markets which are especially made for this Fair. People especially girls and ladies purchase things of their choice like shawls, handbags, jewellery. After the entire ritual is done, Pious Kheer which is cooked in two large cauldrons called degs is distributed amongst the pilgrims. This process solmenises the Urs Ajmer Sharif fair. Through all the days of Urs, Quwallis are sung, mehfils are arranged and attended by thousands of pilgrims who attend the fair. There are also thee big markets which are especially made for this Fair. People especially girls and ladies purchase things of their choice like shawls, handbags, jewellery. Kumbh Ka Mela is the day of Naga Sadhus. For them, the gates of the Ghats (river bank) opens in the wee hours. Special permissions have to be taken to see the unique and revered procession of these naked sadhus. The procession is called the Royal Procession as Sadhus come on the backs of Elephants and specially made Rathas. Thousands of Sadhus walk after these Rathas to the bank of Ganges. As soon as they each the bank all of them raise their voices in the praise of almighty. Millions of voices make one voice and this voice resounds in whole of the Prayag. Then they all plunge in the holy waters.About Nagaur Fair Known as the second largest fair of Rajasthan, the Nagaur Fair bring out the best selling ways out of the merchants as they bargain to buy the cattle - be it the horse, cow or the Desert Ship - Camel. The whole of the Fair is nothing less than a fan fare with numerous antic being done - from the cattle races to the ethnic jewellery being sold. Being here you will find what is not likely to be found in the Street Markets of Nagaur - the Culture and Tradition of Rajasthan admits the colors of the Nagaur Cattle Fair. Apart from these, Nagaur Fair is also known for one more thing - the Red Chillies. This place is the Hub of Chillies from where is goes to entire India. Chilli Merchants from all over come here to buy the best Chillies. From Rs 500 per kilo it can reach Rs 3000/-. Its in the hands of the merchant to make a difference of the best and not the best. There is more in the Nagaur Fair to do. Nagaur fair is an open market. Here you can find the most exquisite and ethnic Rajasthani Jewelley, the colorful Rajasthani Dresses, the pottery and the Mehandi work. Keep watching for the new attractions of the fair which keep coming up each year. The Fair is held on the day of Kartik Poornima; the day when it is supposed that Lord Brahma on There is also the Spiritual Walk or the Pushkar Parikrama. This Parikrma usually held in the early hours of the day is done amongst the traditional songs of Rajasthan. It takes around an Hour to complete this walk around the Pushkar Lake. Apart from this there is a lot in Pushkar to Shop. There are hundreds of souvenirs to shop like the leather goods, brass utensils, rajasthani embroided clothes, miniature paintings, pottery, puppets, ethnic rajasthani jewellery and more. All these you can find in the various markets of Pushkar known by various names like the Sarafa Bazar, Bada Bazar and the Kedalgunj Bazar. Apart from these, there are the people who do the fanfare. Musicians, dancers, artificial jewellery sellers, mehandi designers, ethnic indian dress sellers all have their range here. Its the one of the most happening place during the Kartik Poornima or the Sonepur Fair. Its the best place to see the Indian Culture in its original forms. The waters of the Gantek rivers are also the place for taking a traditional boat tide without the gimmicks. Set foot on the boat and be there in the midst of the waters, go under the over-bridge, see through the Indian life as people walk on the banks of the river and be back to enthrall yourself with the experience you had. But long before this, during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya used to buy elephants and horses across the banks of river Ganges. From that time, Sonepur Fair is known as the largest Cattle Fair of Asia. Today, it takes place annually for 21 days every year, in the same place in the month of November.Legend The Sonepur Fair is held at the Ghat or the Bank called the Kaun Hara - Who Lost ? The Legend behind the Ghat tells the story of two Brothers who were transformed into a Honest Elephant and a Dishonest Crocodile. Jai the elephant and Vijai the crocodile were two devotees of Lord Vishnu. Once they quarreled over the proceeds of the receiving after the completion of a Yagna. Angry, both of them cursed each other and so got transformed into elephant and the crocodile.

The Urs or the fair is initiated with hoisting of a white flag on the Dargah by Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It is done 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month) with Quvallis being sung in the background. On the last day of the sixth month, is is supposed the gates of Heaven or Jannati-Darwaza (gateway of heaven). It is supposed that people who have died yet whose ruhs ( souls ) have not rested in peace, get an entry to these gates, thus getting solace forever. On the first day of Rajab, tomb of Khwaja Sharif is washed with rose water and sandalwood water. Then perfume is sprayed on it. This ritual is called Ghushal. The tomb is then covered with a embroided silk cloth called the Sajjadah Nashin.

2.Kumbh Mela  (Largest peaceful gathering in the world.)

Kumbha means a pitcher and Mela means fair in Sanskrit. On important bathing dates, millions of pilgrims take bath on the banks of the holy Sangam. Mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which Hindus gather to bathe in a sacred river.It is held every third year at one of the four places by rotation.The site of the observance rotating between four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers: at Haridwar on the Ganges River, at Ujjain on the Shipra, at Nasik on the Godavari, and at Prayag (Allahabad) at the confluence of the Ganges, Jamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati.

The major attractions of this biggest religious fair are the procession of Naga Sadhu “Holy Men of India” and procession of Akharas marching.

About Kumbh Fair

As per Hindu legend, once it was decided by Gods and Demons that they will churn out Amrit - the nectar of immortality together. Once its taken out from the Garbh of Sagar - centre of Sea, it will be distributed equally amongst the Gods and the Demons. However, when the Kumbh (urn) containing Amrit came out, the demons ran away with it. Gods chased them for twelve days and twelve nights. In this chase, Amrit got split at four places on earth, namely Nasik, Prayag, Ujjain and Haridwar. It is in these places, four times in twelve years, the Kumbh Fair is held.

As per Hindu ideology, Kumbh Ka Mela is the most important Fairs of all. It is the day of saints. Kumbh ka Mela occurs after every 12 years. Or its a fair which occurs four times every twelve years and rotates among four locations. There are two types of Kumbh Melas - the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela. Maha Kumbh Mela occurs on the 12 th year and is held at Prayag. This Mela is attended by millions of people, making it the largest gathering in the world. Ardh Kumbh Mela is held on the 6th year and can be at any of the four holy locations.

Kumbh Ka Mela involves taking a dip in the holy Ganges waters. It is supposed that whosoever takes a dip in the holy waters at any of the four places - Nasik, Prayag, Haridwar and Ujjain, he is sure to attain Moksha and so overcomes the cycle of birth and death forever. It is also the day when people pray for their place in heaven. Thousands of Pandits and Pujaris ( holy men), do the puja for the common folk on this day. People also believe, if prayers are done for those who have died and have not yet reached heaven, if a cow is donated on this day and place, then gates of heaven are open for them.

After this procession is over, the Ghats are opened for the common folks. Here they can see the various antics of Sadhus like walking on the water, talking with a snake, magic, tantras - all of them are here. A huge ground is open where millions of people come and stay in tents. Arrangments for their stay and food is done by the Indian Government but foreigners are not allowed to stay in these Tents.

3.Gangasagar Mela – January

Gangasagar Mela is a celebrated occasion in Bengal on the eve of Makar Sankranti and is held at the confluence of the Ganga andBay of Bengal. This is the biggest fair inBengal. A dip in the ocean where theGangadrains into the sea at the auspicious hour is considered to be of great religious significance.

4.Joydev Kenduli Mela at Kenduli, West Bengal – January

January 15-16. This mela attracts a lot of Bauls. Held on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and attracts a large number of tourists who throng the place only to hear the Bauls, who pour their soulful renditions to packed houses.

A fair is organized in memory of Jayadeva on the occasion of Poush Sankranti or Makar Sankranti.It starts on the last day of the Bengali calendar month, Poush and continues up to 2 Magh.The start of the fair commemorates the auspicious day on which Jayadeva is claimed to have taken a bath at the Kadaambokhandi ghat of the Ajay river at Jaydev Kenduli.In 1982, the district authorities took control of the fair to provide a better environment, a good sanitation system, drinking water, lighting and security.

Several thousand bauls, a community of wandering minstrels who sing devotional songs to the music of the ektara (one stringed instrument), assemble for the fair and as such it is also referred to as Baul Fair. The bauls stay in 160 temporary hermitages at Jaydev Kenduli for around a month. These bauls appear to have inherited the legacy of Jayadeva songs.

However, in recent years, the greatest baul fair in the state is gradually losing its character, as the bauls have been outnumbered by kirtanias, who perform in the mela to gain popularity. In 2008, around 2,000 kirtanias came to attend the mela and they obtained contracts worth Rs. 20 million

5.Kerala Village Fair, Kovalam, Kerala – January

Mid January is the time for cultural events in the lush villages around Kovalam every year. Traditional thatched houses are decorated during this 10-day festival and are the venue for folk dances, music and festivities. A typical Kerala village -’gramam’– is recreated replete with the traditional Nalukettu houses, local teashops, etc. In the evenings, almost every dance, art and martial art form of Kerala is performed in the open-air auditorium of the gramam

6.Nagaur Fair, Rajasthan – January/February

Nagaur bustles with life during the annual cattle fair, one of the largest in the country, usually held from 30 January to 2 February. Nagaur a small yet beautiful town near the Capital of Rajasthan Jodhpur, holds one of the most famous and largest Cattle Fair. The whole of the area is filled with cows, camels and horses which are traded by the well known and the lesser known traders of the country. Be here to see the heard of 70, 000 animals playing games with the sun and shadow in the Desert of Rajasthan.The Nagaur bulls are renowned for their fleet footedness and attract buyers from all over; however, livestock such as camels, goats and cows are also on display. A highlight of the fair is performances by folk dancers and musicians and exciting games such as tug of war, camel races, horse races, etc.It is known for the fleetness of its animals. With a huge Cattle ground of more than 70,000 animals this is one thing which attracts the people to its place. But there are other things too other than the normal selling and buying procedure - the fanfare. A number of competition go on here like the Turban Tying, Longest Moustache., Best dressed Rajasthani Men and Women , Children Competition, Tug - of - War. Then there are other like the jugglers, the puppetries, story - tellers, dancers, musicians, artists, painters, ethnic rajasthani jewllery sellers, cock fights, camel race and so on.  Nagaur Fair is held each year in the months of January and February end for 10 days. Nagaur District near Jodhpur is the location of the fair.   As the Nagaur Fair is held by the Govt. of Rajasthan there is no ticket fees. Its open for everyone. Nagaur Fair is also the best place to buy the Rajasthani Souvenirs at the nominal price. As a number of Merchants from all over Rajasthan come to sell their products, they are priced less than the market prices.

Rajasthani Food is known world over. So if you are in Nagaur then do not forget to taste the Rajasthani Delicacies like Dal Bati Choorma and Kheer.

7. Pushkar Fair, Rajasthan  (Largest cattle fair in world)

This fair is held at Pushkar town on the banks of the Puskar Lake, 11 km from Ajmer, for 12 days annually in the month of October-November. This cultural, trade and religious fair is an attractive and lively spectacle with Rajasthani men and women in their colorful traditional attire, saffron-robed and ash smeared Sadhus (holy men) and thousands of bulls, cows, sheep, goats, horses and camels in richly decorated saddles. Perhaps the largest cattle fair in the world, it attracts more than 1, 00,000 people, from all over India and abroad. Apart from the religious rituals and trading, people participate in a number of cultural and sporting events.To the world, Pushkar is known as the land where the World’s Largest Camel Fair is held every year. For the Indians Pushkar is known as the place which is one of the four most important Tirths. Both the reasons are held true for the reason, Pushkar fair is held on the date of the Tirth. So Pushkar plays an important role for both - Indians and Foreigners.this day sprung up the Pushkar Lake. It is supposed that a dip in this lake once, takes away all the bad deeds of a person and so the person achieves Moksha - Immortality.Pushkar fair is known as the place where the best breeds Camels are sold and bought. These camels in the herds are traded by various merchants who come from all over Rajasthan to make fortune. The Fair goes on for 10 days at a length where apart from selling and buying the camels are number of other plays too go on. On the day of Full Moon or Kartik Poornima, almost 200,000 people flock to Pushkar , bringing with them around 50, 000 cattles. The fanfare involves camel racing and other colorful festivals.

The fairs includes programs like cricket match, football match, classical and devotional musical songs, horse dance competition, camel race, camel dance, folk songs.

8. Sonepur Mela, Bihar – October/November

The famed cattle fair is held at Sonepur, situated on the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga and Gandak. Sonepur Fair is the place a variety of Birds and Cattles are sold and bought by the merchants. This Cattle Trading Centre, has the animals like Elephants, Horses, Buffalos, cows. The birds are the pigeons, parrots, parrakeets and others of the same breeds. Besides this, there is a lot of fanfare going on in the Sonepur Fair. Ash smeared, saffron clad men blow their conches. Its the beginning of the holy day - the kartik poornima for them. A dip in the holy waters of the Gandek River is the second holy things to do. For those who believe in the religion, this one is the place which takes them away from the cycle of birth and death. Amongst the thousands of people who come here are the ones who solely come here for taking a dip in the holy waters.It was in Sonepur that the first meeting of Indian Association of Cow Protection took place. It was in this Sonepur Mela that the Freedom Fighter Veer Kunwar Singh took the place for inspiring Indians to stand against the Britishers. Its the place which led to the launch of Struggle Movement against the Britishers in Bihar.Sonepur is the place in Bihar where this huge Fair takes place. Just like the Pushkar Fair of Rajasthan, the Sonepur Fair too is held on the Full Moon Day or Kartik Poornima, one of the most auspicious days of Hindus.

9. Tarnetar Mela, Saurasthra, Gujarat – August/September

The three-day fair, held annually in Tarnetar, coincides with the festival at the Trineteshwar temple (three-eyed god Shiva. Villagers from all over Saurashtra, dressed in their traditional costumes and exquisite jewellery, throng Tarnetar during this fair. The fair is a kind of marriage market for the local tribals who visit Tarnetar to find suitable brides. Lively folk songs and dances — garba, ras, hudo and the Rasada — are the special attractions of the fair, besides the wonderful Tarnetar Chhatris, umbrellas with intricate embroidery and mirror work. There are also exhibitions of rural handicrafts, a cattle show, and competitive sports.There is more to Gujarat then the International Kite festival which calls people from all over the World - The Tarnetar Fair. Tarnetar Fair which is held in Sauarashtra ( Gujarat is divided into two parts geographically - Gujarat and Saurashtra, both of them combine to make Gujarat) - the Southern part of Gujarat.

10. Surajkund Crafts Fair

The first time Surajkund Mela was kept by the Haryana Govt. was in the year 1981. It was the first time that the various artistants from all over Haryana came to show their art. Gradually the Surajkund Mela became famous throughout the country and so more artists were added from various parts of the country. Today artists from all over the country participate in this Fair.Surajkund Fair is held every year from 1 st February to 15th February in Surajkund of Haryana. The Surajkund was opened with the idea to promote the Culture and Tradition of Haryana. Today, it has reached to the people in its own way. Thousands of people come here every year to see the Surajkund Mela. Surajkund - the Sun Pool every, each year holds the largest Crafts Mela Surajkund is a small village, just 8 kms from New Delhi in Haryana. It  is known for the natural arts and crafts which are shown here. Every year a different theme is kept presenting a particular part of India. The idea is to draw attraction for a particular rural art. The crafts men who have especially travelled from far lands of the Country exhibit their art and display their works. like lehngas, kurtis, embroided bed and cushion covers, handbags, ethnic jewellery, jootis and other stuff which are peculiar to Gujarat. However the main attraction remains the same - the Swamyavar, for thousands of people who come from worldover to see this exciting fair called the Tarnetar Fair of Gujarat.

11. Goa Carnival-February

It’s an open invitation for all those who can come - for the grand party which goes on for 3 days - 24 * 7. The huge Carnival moves from one part of Goa to another, making merryment in midst of dancers and musicians. The clowns, the local people, children, young and aged all particiapte in this drink and dine party which invites all to come out of their homes, in the streets to dance, play, eat and have fun. It’s as if the whole of Goa is on a party. Goa Carnival originated in hedonistic feasts of ancient Greece and Rome. From there it went to Spain and Portuguese colonies. From the Portuguese people it came to India. Huge parades throughout the city are organised with bands, floats, dances and balls. Big and huge patries loaded with a variety of mouthwatering meat and delicious wines are held throughout Goa. On the final day there is the Red and Black Dance which concludes the Goa Carnival.