The festivals of Indian Union Territories depict cultural diversity as vibrantly as those of the different states of the country, as well as cosmopolitan unity.
Festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The festivals of Andaman and Nicobar Islands depict cosmopolitan culture of the region vividly. The Island Tourism Festival is the premier attraction, a 10-day annual event held in Port Blair, to promote tourism and entertainment for islanders. Beach Festival is a 3-day festival held in April, initiated by the Tourism department for beach lovers, involving activities like beach volleyball, tug of war, kabaddi etc. Ossuary Feast (Pig Festival) is the most important ceremonial event amongst the Nicobarese community. It honours the spirits of the dead and a great many pigs are killed for this feast.
Festivals of Chandigarh
The festive highlights of Chandigarh include Baisakhi, Rose Festival, Teej, Chandigarh Carnival and Chrysanthemum Show. The Festival of Gardens, also known as Rose Festival, is celebrated in February end or March beginning. Teej is celebrated with much enthusiasm by women in the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. The Chandigarh Carnival is a 3-day elaborate festive event organised in the second week of November at the Leisure Valley, promoting talent of youngsters and adults through numerous creative competitions. Chrysanthemum Show is a popular flower show conducted in December at the Terraced Garden area of Leisure Valley, exhibiting innumerable varieties of chrysanthemum flowers in addition to other kinds of flora.
Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Festivals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are Barash Festival, observed with much pomp and gaiety particularly by the Kokna and Varli tribes, and the Villianur Temple Car Festival celebrated in mid May, a popular event where people usher the adorned car belonging to the Thirukameswarar Kokilambal Temple in a grand procession, accompanied by innumerable devotees.
Festivals of Daman and Diu
Garba Festival is celebrated for 9 days preceding Dussehra in Daman and Diu, wherein youngsters participate by dancing in elegant costumes, worshipping Goddess Amba through various songs and devotional dances. Diu Festival is a cultural food and dance festival held for 3-4 days in December.
Festivals of Puducherry
Festivals at Puducherry reflect the age-old traditions and influences on the territory. They include International Yoga Festival organized every year by the Government to keep the science of Yoga alive among people, Masquerade Festival where people don fancy dresses and unique masks and perform gimmick dance on the streets and Bastille Day, celebrated on 14th July to honour the martyred soldiers, aptly showcasing influence of French cultural heritage.
Festivals of Lakshadweep
The majority of population in Lakshadweep follow Islam; hence most of its festivals are Islamic, being Eid-ul-Fitr, Bakrid, Milad-Ul-Nabi and Muharram which bring the islands alive.
