Bhakti Festival: if you are in Delhi in April you won’t want to miss the hypnotic sufi festival known as Bhakti. The city’s Nehru Park transforms into a playground for three days of devotional performances by traditional sufi dancers and musicians. It’s one of the best chances to experience the unique subculture of sufism in India.

Maharashtra Day celebrations of India’s statehood are held across the country, but one of the best places to enjoy the festivities is at Mumbai’s central Shivaji Park. A colourful parade, music, dancing and food all take place here.

Buddha Purnima: one of Buddhism’s most sacred days celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. As India has a large contingent of Buddhists every Buddhist temple in the country is inundated with pilgrims and interesting rituals.