The rainy months are a period of spiritual retreat, especially significant for Buddhists. Traditionallv, the itinerant monks come to Sarnath during the monsoons to stay in the temples and monasteries there.

This is also the time Hindus perform Prayaschita. the rites of atonement for the sins of the past year at the Ghats, followed by a cleansing dip in the river. 

Then come festivals of two of the most loved gods of the Hindu pantheon. On Ganesh Chaturthi the benign elephant-headed god of prosperity is worshipped, while Janamashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna. On this day, temples resound to chants and people decorate their homes with tableaux depicting scenes from  Krishna's life. 

Bakr Id, the feast of sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims with great fervour usually in this season. After prayers at the mosques people go to each others homes and celebrate the occasion with joyous feasting.