Durga Puja, West Bengal (October 7-11)
The last five days of Dussehra hold special significance in West Bengal. In honor of warrior goddess Durga, beautifully handcrafted idols are installed in ‘pandals’ in almost every lane of the city. People flock to the streets to view these amid light shows, drumming and aromatic food stalls. On the last day of the festival, the idols are paraded around the city before being submerged in the river.
Garvana Sankranti, Odisha (Oct. 18)
A harvest festival, it is especially considered sacred for farmers. They celebrate bounty of nature, good harvest and pray to Goddess Lakshmi for magnanimity in the coming year. A variety of rituals are performed and samples from harvest are offered to the deity.
Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, West Bengal & Odisha (Oct.15)
Celebrated on the full moon day after Durga Puja , this is a festival propitiating Goddess Lakshmi. Festivities and treats accompany the festival and houses are decorated, but most important part is the alpana, intricate floor patterns painted by the households.
Garba Fest, Vadodara(Oct. 1- 11)
Navaratri and Garba are most colorful and vibrant in Gujarat but if one has to witness garba it has to be in Vadodara, especially the extravaganza organized by United Way at Alembic Ground. An estimated 30,000 people young and old, turn up each night to dance away and it’s a treat to watch and participate.
India Art Festival, Mumbai (Oct. 6-9)
Get a glimpse of the latest art, art trends and emerging talent at the immensely popular Indian Art Festival( Nehru Centre, Worli) which has over 400 artist expected to participate this year. The art fair is designed to provide a cultural bridge between Indian artist, art galleries, art collector, and on display will be array of exhibits ranging from the traditional to cutting edge.