There are many cultural festivals celebrated in India that may be considered unusual or unique to outsiders. Some examples include:
Thaipusam: a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of the deity Murugan, in which devotees perform acts of self-mortification such as piercing their skin with needles or carrying heavy objects as an offering.
Holi: a spring festival that is also known as the "festival of colors," in which people playfully throw brightly colored powder at each other.
Navaratri: a nine-day festival in which Hindus pay tribute to the goddess Durga and her various incarnations. The festival culminates in the celebration of Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil.
Bani Festival: a festival celebrated by the Baniya community in which the goddess Laxmi is worshipped and young boys are initiated into manhood.
Pushkar Camel Fair: an annual fair held in the town of Pushkar, which is known for its camel trading and racing, as well as its religious significance as a Hindu pilgrimage site.
These are just a few examples of the many diverse cultural festivals that are celebrated in India.