Varanasi Travel Guides and Tours

Despite the fact that many tons of pollution are dumped into the river each year, Hindus in India continue to believe in the restorative power of the Ganges River and bathe in it to wash away sins. Now, during the time of Kumbh Mela, where millions of devotees will bathe in the water, the situation has become critical in many areas.

This week in India, head to Jaisalmer, the golden city, to witness the annual Desert Festival in which performers and camels parade through the town before heading to the outskirts for performances as well as camel races and camel polo games.

The Jaipur Literature Festival kicked off today, with over 200 speakers and performers slated to attend. This week in India, the Adoor Gajamela at the Parthasarathy Temple takes place on the 26th. Brightly costumed elephants are the highlight of the festivities. Also on the 26th, India celebrates the anniversary of the founding of its independent Republic. In New Delhi, the day is celebrated with a military parade, Air Force flyovers, dancing, and music from around the country.

India named the critically endangered river dolphin (only 2,000) remain in the wild, which resides in the highly polluted Ganges, the country's national aquatic animal. The river dolphin is blind and catches its prey using ultrasonic rays.

This week in India, the Shiva Temple known as Ernakulathappan, in Kochi, India, celebrates the namesake deity: Ernakulathappan Uthsavom. The celebration includes a parade with elephants, fireworks, and traditional dances. This weekend marks one of the last opportunities this year to visit the annual Kala Ghoda fair in Mumbai. This giant crafts, food, and cultural fair takes over an entire plaza every Sunday in January.

Thousands of worshipers at the Kumbh Mela festival in Madurai fell silent to watch the rare annular solar eclipse which was visible throughout parts of the country. Those who didn't see the phenomenon meditated silently. It is unclear whether the majority of Hindus view the sign as one of fortune or misfortune.

At another religious festival this week, the Gangasagar Mela in Sagar Island, seven revelers were killed in a stampede. Five were women and two were children.

Avid runners from around the world will flock to the Mumbai Marathon which takes place this year on January 17th. It is part of the "Greatest Race on Earth" which also has legs in Singapore, Nairobi, and Hong Kong and which raises money for charity.

This week in India, the government is urging the population to be mindful of the environmental impact of pollution in the sacred Ganges River, as millions of Hindus flock to the River as part of the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Ash covered devotees bathe in the Ganges to symbolize the cleansing of their sins. This year, it offers a prime opportunity to raise awareness of the staggering river pollution problem in India. According to a new government report, over 25 billion liters of sewage are contaminating the country's rivers.

The International Kite Festival also kicks off this week throughout the region. Colorful kites take to the skies throughout India and neighboring countries, with fliers knocking others out of the sky courtesy of strings coated in glass bits. Notable Indian cities celebrating this week include: Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Jaipur. The Pongal Festival in Tamil Nadu also starts this week, celebrating the harvest and is dedicated to the rain god.

This week in India, enjoy the Feast of Three Kings in Goa. The local version of Epiphany celebrations includes costumes, fireworks, and the arrival of the three wise men on white horses at the churches.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebration kicks off this week in Delhi, where prominent Indians from politics, social activism, business, and more gather to discuss and gain understanding on the Indian diaspora.

The Chennai Open kicks off at the SDAT Tennis Stadium on January 4th and runs through the 10th. This is India's only ATP World Tour tennis tournament.

Celebrate the end of the year this week in India at a variety of festivals. The Bikaner camel festival kicks off on the 31st and includes camel races, dancing acrobatics, and even a camel beauty pageant. If large animals aren't your thing, head to Mount Abu for a cultural winter festival complete with water sports, dancing, and classical music. Or head to the festive Cochin Carnival, in Fort Cochin, Kerala. It features bejeweled elephants, performers, and drums.

Handloom Week kicked off this week in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan. The festival is part of a larger handicrafts event which is taking place throughout the country, and represents the government's efforts to revive the industry, which has struggled in recent years. If you're in India this week, try to make it to Goa, which is unique in India for its large Christmas celebrations, including midnight masses.

New Delhi, India's capital, continues to struggle with pollution in the holy Yamuna River, said to be the manifestation of a Hindu goddess.

The Bonjour France cultural event kicks off in India in a couple of days. This 18-city tour will strengthen ties between India & France and take place over the next two months.

India's first ultra luxury train, the Maharajas Express, is launching in January. The 84 passenger train will have 23 coaches, two gourmet restaurants, and an Observation Lounge.