India

India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: Bhārat Gaṇarājya),[21] is a country in South Asia. It is

the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by area, and the most
populous democracy in the world.

Population: 1.353 billion (2018)

Capital ; New Delhi

Currency: Indian rupee

Traditional Indian clothing for women in the north and east are saris worn with choli tops; a long skirt
called a lehenga or pavada worn with choli and a dupatta scarf to create an ensemble called a gagra
choli; or salwar kameez suits, Saris made out of silk are considered the most elegant.

Dhoti is the national dress of India. A dhoti is from four to six feet long white or colour strip of cotton.
This traditional attire is mainly worn by men in villages. [46] It is held in place by a style of wrapping and
sometimes with the help of a belt, ornamental and embroidered or a flat and simple one, around the
waist.[47]

Holi

Holi, often referred to as the "Festival of Colors", is one of the best known festivals outside of India. The
festival is centered around the burning and destruction of the demoness Holika, which was made
possible through unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.

 Dates: March 9-10, 2020.

Ganesh Festival

The spectacular 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival honors the birth of the beloved Hindu elephant-
headed god, Lord Ganesha. The start of the festival sees huge, elaborately-crafted statutes of
Ganesh installed in homes and public podiums, which have been beautifully decorated.

 Dates: August 22-September 1, 2020.

Navaratri, Durga Puja and Dussehra

The nine days of the Navaratri festival honor the mother goddess Durga in all her incarnations. The tenth
day, called Dussehra, celebrates the defeat of the demon king Ravan by Lord Ram and monkey god
Hanuman.

 Dates: October 17-26, 2020.

Diwali

Diwali honors the victory of good over evil and brightness over darkness. It celebrates Lord Ram and his
wife Sita returning to their kingdom of Ayodhya, following the defeat of Ravan and rescue of Sita on
Dussehra. It's known as the "Festival of Lights" .

 Date: November 14, 2020.

Onam

Onam is the biggest festival of the year in the south Indian state of Kerala. This lengthy harvest festival
marks the homecoming of mythical King Mahabali, and it showcases the state's culture and heritage.

 Dates: August 22-September 2, 2020. The main day is August 31, 2020.