Restaurant |
Date-Day |
Festival |
Events |
Food |
Karim
New Delhi India
|
10
January
Thursday |
Bakr-Id |
The feast of Bakr-Id is an occasion to give and to sacrifice. It is a day to thank the Almighty for one's good fortune and to share it with the less fortunate brethren. |
Biryani
Ghost
Kheer |
Daawat Dubai
|
10
January
Thursday |
Muharram |
Muharram, or the sacred month, marks the beginning of the Muslim year. |
Kheer
Chiken
Dry Fruit Halwa |
|
13
January
Sunday |
 |
Lohri celebrates fertility and the spark of life. puja, involving parikrama (rotating) around the fire, symbolizes a prayer to Agni, the spark of life, for abundant crops and prosperity. Lohri is a joyous celebration, prasad of til, gazak, gur, moongphali, phuliya and popcorn, singing songs and share the warmth with family
|
Ganee Ki Kheer
Coconut Chikki
Dry Fruit Chikki
Gajak
Pinnie
Shengdana Chikki
|
Patang
Ahmedabad India
|
14
January
Monday |
Makar
Sankranti |
On January 14 the sun enters the rashi Capricorn. This is known as Makar Sankranti. Sankranti means the entry of the sun from one zodiac to another. Adults, children, even aged men and women, spiritedly fly kites all day. Kites dot the sky |
Til Ladoo
Singdhana Chikki
Murmure Chikki |
|
14
January
Monday |
Magh Bihu
Bhogali Bihu
Assam |
Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu (derived from the word 'Bhoga' meaning eating or enjoyment)
is celebrated when the harvesting is over. On the eve of Bihu day, called "Uruka",
women prepare rice cakes. The most significant part of this day is the building of 'Meji' and
feasting at night. The whole night is spent in feasting, merry - making dancing and singing |
Rice Cake
(Pitha)
Laru |
Pongal
New York USA
|
14-16
January
Tue-Thu |
Pongal |
A three-day harvest festival and one of the most joyful events in the South. Newly harvested rice is ceremonially cooked and cows and bullocks are gaily decorated and fed and are led out in procession to the beat of drums and music.
| Ven Pongal
Sarkkarai Pongal
Aval Payasam |
Taste of India
Netherlands
|
26
January
Saturday |
Republic
Day |
January 26 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution in 1950 and is India's National Day. Celebrations in the State capitals are colourful. The celebrations in New Delhi, a magnificent parade of the armed forces and civilians, is followed by an impressive cultural pageant and a colourful folk-dance festival.
| Sweets |
Vasant Bhavan
Dubai
|
11
February
Monday |
Vasant
Panchmi |
It is a festival of colour, marking the change from the sombre, dark and cold winter to the pleasant and warm spring. Spring stands for regeneration, and Vasant Panchami worships life and all the happy things that come along with it. | Milk Sweets
|
Shiva
Houston USA
|
06
March
Thursday |
Maha
Shivaratri |
Colours vie with each other in the fairs on shores and riverbeds, to which thousands of pilgrims flock. For the Smartas, the time has come for the making of holy ash, but for the rest, it is an expression of their desire to join with Shiva
| Sabudana Wada - Khichdi
Sweet Potato
Rajgira Sheera, Morio |
|
|
19
March
Monday |
Cheti Chand |
Cheti Chand is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month known as Chet in Sindhi. Celebrates the festival of Cheti Chand in honour of the birth of Ishtadeva Uderolal, popularly known as Jhulelal, the Patron Saint of the Sindhis | |
|
20
March
Thursday |
ID-E-Milad |
The prophet was born on the twelfth day of the third month of the Muslim year and his death anniversary also falls on the same date. During the twelve days of sickness of the Prophet which ended in his death, sermons are delivered in mosques. Also a ceremony "Sandal Rite" is performed over the symbolic foot-prints of the Prophet in stone | |
 |
21
March
Friday |
Good
Friday |
After a period of rejoicing over the birth of Christ, His followers observe a time of penance and fasting. This period, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Good Friday, is known as Lent. Jesus taught the need of prayer and fasting to overcome the Evil One. A day of prayer and penance, the bells of the churches remain silent.
| |
Rang Mahal Bangkok
|
22
March
Saturday
23
March
sunday |
Dhuleti |
The most boisterous of all Hindu festivals, observed all over the North. It heralds the end of winter. Men, women and children revel in throwing coloured powder and squirting coloured water on each other. Greetings and sweets are exchanged.
|
Bhang, Thndai
Shrikhand
Purna Poli, Jalebi
Mewa ka Gujiya
Dahi Vada, Gujjia
Shakkarpara |
 |
06
April
Sunday |
Gudi
Padwa |
The Hindu Year begins on the first day of the month of Chaitra, Shuddha Pratipada". New Year is celebrated in different states of India under various names, for e.g. Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Gudi Padava in Maharashtra. The Sindhis celebrate it as Cheti chand. The Prasad of neem leaves and jaggery is common to all the three.
| Gol Papdi
Soonth Pank
Chana Usal |
Banana Leaf
Chicago USA
|
07
April
Monday |
Yugadi
(Ugadi) |
The end of winter and beginning of spring is an eternal symbol of new life. Ugadi, while representing this, also has the sanction of both religion and science.
| Idly
Dosai |
Ramayana
Sofia Bulgaria
|
14
April
Monday |
Ram
Navmi |
Lord Ramachandra incarnated on Chaitra sud 9 at 12 noon and established Dharma and the ideals of character, worth emulating by mankind. "Wherever four Hindus live, Rama and Sita will be there" so said Swami Vivekananda | Gol Keri |
Baisakhi
Bangalore India
|
14
April
Monday
|
Baisakhi |
The Hindu Solar New Year Day. People bathe in rivers and go to temples to offer puja (worship). Baisakhi is of special significance to the Sikhs. On this day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh organised them into the 'Khalsa', brotherhood of man. farmers start harvesting on this day with great fanfare. Villagers perform the 'Bhangra' folk-dance | Makkeki Roti
Sarsokasag |
|
15
April
Tuesday
|
Bohag Bihu
Rangali Bihu
Assam |
Dance Festival of Merriment marks the beginning of the New Year, the seeding time.
Group of young boys and girls, dancing with drums beats and pipes.
Womenfolk clean the clothes and prepare special Bihu delicacies.
Menfolk collect necessary items like 'Tara Pogha' (ropes for the cattle) | Chira
Pitha |
 |
18
April
Friday |
Mahavir
Jayanti |
Mahavir Jayanti is special in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The ancient Jain shrines at Girnar and Palitana, attract a large number of Jains. The festival is also celebrated at Parasnath temple in Calcutta, the place where Mahavira is said to have got enlightenment, and at Pawapuri in Bihar. In the souuth Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, attracts pilgrims at this time | Raab
Shrikhand
Moong |
 |
19
April
Saturday |
Hanuman
Jayanti |
In order to destroy Ravan Vishnu took birth as Rama. At the same time Brahmadev commanded all the gods, gandharvas and rishis to take birth (avatar) to help Rama. So all the gods and goddesses and rishimunis decided to take avatar in the form of "vanaras" (monkeys). The avatar of Vayu (wind) was Hanuman, who was of all the monkeys the cleverest and the most powerful. He had the ability of flying with the speed of the eagle. |
|
 |
20
May
Tuesday |
Buddha
Jayanti |
One of the greatest spiritual teachers of mankind which Bharat has produced is undoubtedly, Buddha. Marks the birth and enlightenment of Buddha.
| Milk Sweets |
Guru Krupa
Mumbai India
|
18
July
Friday |
Guru
Purnima |
A festival with a truly spiritual meaning and relevance, Guru Purnima celebrates the might of one's teacher or guru through respect and reverence | Bundi Ladoo |
 |
15
August
Friday |
Indepen-
dence Day |
August 15 marks the anniversary of Independence in 1947 and is celebrated with due solemnity. The national flag is hoisted and the occasion marked as a day of dedication
| Mawa Sweets |
Nagina
Ottawa Canada
|
18
August
Monday |
Naga
Panchami |
It is on the fifth day of the bright half of the Shravan that Naga Panchami, or the festival of snakes, is celebrated | Khichadi
|
Parsee
London UK
|
19
August
Tuesday |
Pateti |
It is the New Year's Day for the Parsi community. It goes back to the time of ancient Persia and how the kings of Persia celebrated their own and nature's glory and springtime. They don their traditional kustis and caps made of gold and silver brocade and visit the fire temple(agiary), to perform a thanksgiving or Jashan.
| Dhan Shak
Brown Rice
Pudding
Falooda |
Coconut Lagoon
Kenilworth UK
|
28
August
Tuesday |
Nariyeli
Purnima |
On the full moon day of Sravan is celebrated the Narli Purnima to appease the fury of the Sea-god Varuna. It also marks the end of monsoon, and is primarily observed by sailors, fishermen and others living in the coastal areas. They offer coconut to the sea on this occasion. | Coconut Ladoo
Coconut Barfi |
Krishna Belgium
|
24
August
Sunday |
Krishna
Janmastami |
The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu and the author of the Bhagavad Gita , is observed all over. It is celebrated at Mathura and Brindavan where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Night-long prayers are offered and religious hymns are sung in temples. Scenes are enacted from Lord Krishna's early life
| Shrikhand
Seedai
Curd Matho
Potato |
 |
19
Auguat
Tuesday |
Khardad
Sal |
The birth anniversary of the Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), who was born at the beginning of the first millennium BC. It is one of the most important Parsee festivals | Dhan Shak
Brown Rice
Pudding
Falooda |
Dancing Ganesha
Milwaukee USA
|
03
September
Wednesday |
Ganesh
Chaturthi |
Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati is widely worshipped as the munificent god of wisdom
| Modak
Peda
Ladoo |
 |
12
September
Friday |
Onam |
Kerala's most popular festival, celebrated with great enthusiasm, it is primarily a harvest festival. The most exciting part of the festival is the snake-boat race held at several places in the palm-fringed lagoons. |
Murukku
Rice Appam
Rice Payasam
Injithair |
Sri Ganesh
Lombard USA
|
25
September
Tuesday |
Anant
Chaturdashi |
The 14th day of the bright half of Bhadrapad is the day of the immersion of Ganpati. The installed Murti's of Lord Ganpati are taken to a lake, river or a sea in great processions to be immersed in the waters. Thus Lord Ganesha is departed, only to be welcomed the next year with equal excitement.
| |
Gandhi
Berlin Germany
|
2
October
Thursday |
Gandhi
Jayanti |
The birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Special prayers are offered at the Gandhi Samadhi at Rajghat, Delhi and celebrations are held all over the countr |
|
Khan's
London UK
|
02
Ooctober
Thursday |
Id Ul
Fitter |
Celebrates the end of Ramzan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion of feasting and rejoicing. The faithful gather in mosques to pray; friends and relatives meet to exchange greetings
| Biryani
Haleem
Malpooda
Sheer Khurma
Badam Firni |
|
Mid
Ooctober |
Kati Bihu
Kangali Bihu
Assam |
Celebrated at the time when paddy seedlings begin to grow. In the evenings,
offerings are made to the 'Tulsi' plant. Little earthen lamps ('Diyas') are lighted at its feet and puja's are offered
to God for improved yield of crops | Pitha |
Utsav London UK
|
29
September
Monday
To
09
October
Thursday |
Navaratri |
Navratri festival commences on the 1st day of Aso till the 9th. Devotees celebrate the victory of Lord's Shakti - power, over evil. There are several names attached to this Shakti, such as Amba, Ambica, Bhavani, Chamunda and Durga. Festival of Dance, Dandia Raas and Garba around Goddess Amba | |
 |
09
October
Thursday |
Dusshera |
It symbolises the triumph of good over evil. In the North, 'Ram Lila' recitations and music recall the life of the legendary hero, Rama. Large fire cracker--stuffed effigies of Ravana, symbolising evil, explode to the cheers of thousands of spectators. In Karnataka, Dussehra is celebrated with magnificent pomp and pageantry. |
Malpua
Gulab Jamun
Rasgoola
Gol Papdi
Jalebi |
 |
09
October
Thursday |
Durga
Puja |
Durga Puja , the festival of Bengalis is the worship of 'Shakti'or the divine power.
Most of the religious celebrations in the world have legends surrounding them. Images of Goddess Durga are worshipped for four days and, on the last day, taken out in a procession and immersed in a river or the sea.
| Rashogolla, Sondesh
Luchi, Cholar Dal, Neemki, Narkoler Naru, Patishapta, Payesh, Prawns Malai Curry, Fish Paturi, Ghugni |
Aarti
Berlin Germany
|
18
October
Saturday |
Karva
Chauth |
Hindu married women observe a fast on Krishna Chaturthi of Kartik (October-November) for the welfare of the husband, his health and long life. The fast is a rigourousone as the wife does not ven drink water on this dya. In the evening, all married women, dressed in gorgeous wedding garments and jewellery, undertake worship. As the moon rises, they bow down at the feet of their husbands. The fast is broken only after seeing the moon.
| Carrot Halwa
Vermicilli Kheer
Rice Kheer
Dum Aloo
Aloo Tikki
Badam Puri
|
Chandni
Newark USA
|
25
October
Thursday |
Sharad
Purnima |
The Full Moon Night of the month of Aswin is known as the Sharad Purnima or Ras Purnima.This is the night when Krishna would play the Ras Leela the entire night. The Bhagvad Gita, is recited throughout the night, and the devotees observing a fast keep awake through the night. Young women may undertake the fast considering Krishna as their consort.
| Ghari |
Laxmi
Huddersfield UK
|
26
October
Sunday |
Dhan
Teras |
Worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and fireworks and festivities are an essential part of the occasion. The sentiment underlying Lakshmi pujan is that the Lakshmi-'wealth' we have acquired is ultimately the result of God's grace.
| Lapsi
Kansar
Motichoor ladoo
Gujia
Malpua
|
Puja Nigata Japan
|
27
October
Monday |
Kali
Chaudas |
This festival occurs on Aso vad 14, also known as 'Narak Chaturdashi' because Lord Krishna vanquished Narkaasur. Devotees pray and ofter pujan to Hanumanji to remove inauspiciousness and fear of evil spirits and beings. Worship of Kali Mata,
| Kheer
Basundi
Rabdi
Burfi |
Diva Costa Blanca Spain
|
28
October
Tuesday |
Diwali |
The festival of lights is one of the most beautiful of Indian festivals. It comes 21 days after Dussehra and celebrates the return of Rama to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile. Countless flickering oil lamps and lights are lit in houses all over the country making it a night of enchantment.
| Vermicilli Kheer
Kaju Roll
Kala Jamun
Ras Malai
Gram Dhal Vada
Chilled Curds Idlis
|
|
29
October
Wednesday |
Hindu
New Year |
'Nutan Varsh' literally means 'dawn of the New Year', also called 'Bestu Varsh'. The Hindu New Year's day, of the Vikram era is Kartik sud 1. This auspicious day represents joy and happiness during the whole year.
| Vermicilli Kheer
Carrot Halwa
Khandvi
Patra |
Rangoli
Milan Italy
|
30
October
Thursday |
Bhaibeej |
The day is celebrated by all the sections of Hindu society as the day dedicated to love of sister for her brothers.
|
Basundi
Shrikhand
Ghughra
Dhokla
|
Nanak
Fukuoka Japan
|
13
November
Thursday |
Guru
Nanak
Jayanti |
Also known as 'Gurupurab', it is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak who founded the Sikh faith. For two days and nights preceding the festival, the 'Granth Sahib' (Holy Book) is read and on the day of the festival, taken out in a grand procession.
| Jalebi
Sweet Khichadi |
 |
25
December
Thursday |
Christmas |
Celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike with special enthusiasm. The bigger cities like Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta wear a festive look as Christmas bazaars and festivities are organised | Christmas Pudding,
Fruit Cake
Christmas Cake
Christmas Candy
Christmas Cookies
Roast Chicken |
Dinner
Com
