festivals

Most Hindu and Buddhist festivals are celebrated in Gaya; some major ones include the following:

• Chhath puja – The main festival of Bihari Hindus.
• Makar Sankranti – A harvest festival, celebrated in January.
• Buddha Poornima– On this occasion, the three most important stages of Gautama Buddha's life, namely - Birth (Buddha Jayanthi), Enlightenment, and Death - are celebrated.
• Pitrapaksha Mela (Fair).
• Navratri and Dussehra – A 10-day festival where goddess Durga is worshipped, and lots of fairs and rituals are carried out.
• Diwali – The festival of lights (usually celebrated in October/November).