India, the land of colors and celebrations, has a festival or holy occasion almost every time of the year. These festivals are marked by celebrations, decorations, prayers and festive shopping. Although there is no particular time of the year that can be separately categorized as the festive season, the holidays and festive shopping in general starts from the month of August, beginning with Rakshabandan.

Rakshabandhan or Rakhi is the celebration of the relationship of brother and sister. Although a Hindu festival, Rakhi is more or less enjoyed by all Indians irrespective of religious differences. According to the custom when a sister ties Rakhi or the holy thread on the brother’s wrist, the brother gives her a gift or money as a token of his love. Traditionally boys gave their sisters money, but lately Rakhi gifts have become very popular. Some of the most popular Rakhi gifts include mobile phones, iPods, jewelry, watches etc.

The month of September marks Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the major festivals in western India. Again the whole country joins Maharashtrians in their holy occasion. A 10 day long celebration, Ganesh Chaturthi is fun, colorful and very festive. This also marks the beginning of the great Indian Shopping mania which continues till the month of December.

The month of October celebrates Navratra, a nine day festival in honor of Goddess Durga. Also known as Kaali Pooja, Navratre is the most holy accession for devotees of Goddess Durga, Bengalis. The whole country celebrates this festival with zeal, but West Bengal in particular can be seen in colors and celebrations. The tenth day of Navratre is Dussera, the festival that celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the Demon king Ravana, the victory of good over evil. And 21 days after this comes Diwali, the most important festival of Hindus. Diwali celebrates the home coming of Lord Rama. Around this time of the year only Muslims celebrate Id, the most important Muslim Festival. This is the time when every Indian rejoices in festive spirit. For shopaholics, this time of the year is the best time to buy what they want. The markets are flooded with attractive offers and discounts. Every thing from consumer durables to automobiles to jewellery is purchased during this time of the year.

Diwali is succeeded by the month of December, a month that is considered the festive month the world over. The country joins Indian Christians and the whole world in celebrating Christmas.

Indians for get the religious and cultural differences and join each other in fervor and festivities. This also defines the spirit of India, or a practical example of the much said phrase – unity in diversity.