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India's festivals unite diverse backgrounds, showcasing rich culture and unity in diversity. The country boasts a plethora of thrilling celebrations, with October to January being a prime period. Discover India's festivals, their significance, and 2023 dates.
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, held annually in February, is a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan's folk traditions amid its sandy dunes. Attendees can enjoy folk performances, camel polo, camel decorations, races, and exciting events like Tug of War and Matka Phod Run, creating a colourful and culturally rich experience. Explore Jaisalmer's attractions with our guide to the 20 Best Places to Visit in Jaisalmer.
The Khajuraho Dance Festival in Madhya Pradesh is a splendid celebration of art and culture, set against the backdrop of 11th-century temples adorned with intricate sculptures.
Distinguished dance troupes and classical dancers from around the world showcase mesmerising performances of various classical dance forms. Explore the wonders of Khajuraho Temple further with our guide to the Top 10 Facts About Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh.
The Bihu Festival in Assam consists of three celebrations: Bohag Bihu, Kongali Bihu, and Magh Bihu, each corresponding to different agricultural phases. Bohag Bihu, the Assamese New Year, spans 7 days in April, marking the start of ploughing. Kongali Bihu, in mid-October, prays for crop health. Magh Bihu in January marks the end of harvest, ushering in a season of abundance and leisure. Explore Assam further with our guide to the Best Places to Visit in Assam.
The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, held in December, united Naga tribes and global travellers in a week-long celebration featuring games, folk dances, music, sports, and ceremonial rituals. It showcases traditional Nagaland art, including paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures, and offers culinary delights for food enthusiasts. Explore Nagaland's cultural richness with our guide to the 11 Most Famous Festivals Celebrated in Nagaland.
Onam, Kerala's grand festival, spans four days and holds the most significance on the second day, Atham, following elaborate preparations with floral arrangements. The festival features unique attractions like Puli Kali, a folk art form combining dance, music, and drama, as well as the Aranmula Snake Boat Race, sumptuous feasts, performances, and diverse dance styles. Explore Kerala's vibrant cultural scene further with our guide to the 10 Most Famous Festivals and Events of Kerala.
The Pongal Festival in Tamil Nadu is a four-day celebration from January 15th to 18th, dedicated to giving thanks for the abundant harvest. A key ritual involves boiling fresh milk in a new clay pot at sunrise to honour the Sun's role in crop prosperity.
Explore the rich traditions and celebrations of this South Indian harvest festival further with our comprehensive guide: Pongal Festival 2024 – Harvest Celebrations in South India.
The Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata is a 4-5-day extravaganza celebrated regardless of caste or creed, uniting people in profound worship of Goddess Durga. While traditionally worshipped in April, this festival commemorates the time when Lord Rama revered Durga to vanquish Ravana.
Bengalis worldwide come together for vibrant celebrations featuring thematic pandals and ornate Durga idols. Delve deeper into this grand event with our detailed guide: Durga Puja in Kolkata; Why You Should Never Miss.
The Goa Carnival has its roots in Portuguese heritage, preceding the worldwide Mardi Gras celebration and ending on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the 40-day fasting period leading to Easter.
This vibrant event fuses diverse cultures, religions, and beliefs through street displays and culminates in a spectacular parade akin to South American festivities. Explore more details in our article on Sunburn Festival Goa, covering dates, tickets, attractions, music, and dance.
The Losar Festival in Ladakh is a significant celebration and marks the Tibetan New Year. It is the largest festival of its kind in Tibet, attracting a multitude of local people who fill the streets with prayers, fire torches, dance, and song.
This three-day celebration sees monasteries adorned with fresh paint, newly-built structures, new attire, and delectable new culinary delights. To delve deeper into the vibrant cultural tapestry of Ladakh, explore the article on the 10 Most Popular Festivals and Events of Ladakh.
The Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha draws Hindu pilgrims and global travellers to witness the grand procession of elaborately adorned chariots carrying idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
This sacred pilgrimage moves from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha Temple, passing through the Mausi Maa Temple. The deities stay in Gundicha temple for nine days before returning in the Bahuda Jatra, retracing the same path. Explore more about Odisha's beauty in our guide to the 20 Best Places To Visit In Orissa (Odisha).
The Thaipusam Festival in southern India commemorates the moment when Parvati gave Murugan a divine spear to defeat the demon Soorapadman. Devotees partake in 48-day fasting, carry offerings on their heads, and participate in the iconic Kavadi Attam procession. The most distinctive feature is body piercing with lances, symbolising deep devotion.
The Pushkar Camel Festival in Rajasthan is a week-long extravaganza celebrated in one of Hinduism's holiest sites. It facilitates livestock trading, including camels, and offers visitors a unique experience with camel safaris, local music, and cultural activities. Explore this grand celebration further in our article on the Pushkar Camel Fair.
The International Kite Festival is a global congregation for enthusiasts of kite flying. It draws people from all corners of the world to various locations in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kutch, Ahmedabad, and more.
Kutch, renowned for its handcrafted kites, stands as a prominent hub for passionate kite enthusiasts. To further explore the cultural and historical richness of Gujarat, refer to the List of Historical Places in Gujarat.
Rann Utsav, also known as the Kutch Mahotsav, is a captivating winter festival that unfolds in the pristine white sands of the Kutch Desert every four years. During the Rann Utsav, the government offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the desert's local culture, cuisine, and entertainment through pre-settlement camps.
The Kutch region is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, with local women and girls creating an array of exquisite handicrafts, including Rabari, Ahir, Sindhi, Banni, Mutwa, Ari, and Soof products. In addition to cultural experiences, the festival features other major tourist attractions such as kite flying, camping, and desert safaris.
When is the best time to visit India for pleasant weather and lower prices?
March, October, and November are considered the optimal months for a balance between pleasant weather and lower prices in India. During these months, you can avoid extreme heat and enjoy more affordable travel options compared to the peak season.
What is the least favourable time to visit popular cities in India?
The least favourable time to visit popular cities in India like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur is during the scorching hot months of April to June. It's also advisable to avoid August due to heavy monsoon rains. Additionally, May and June are not ideal for desert camping in Rajasthan, but city accommodations remain suitable. Swimming is discouraged in Goa during June to August due to strong sea currents.
When should I visit Ladakh and the Indian Himalayan region for mountain hiking?
The best time for mountain hiking in Ladakh and the Indian Himalayan region is from November to February, which is the driest period. However, keep in mind that January and February can be quite chilly at higher altitudes.
What are the best months to enjoy festivals in India?
If you're interested in experiencing festivals in India, Holi is typically observed in March (occasionally late February), and Diwali falls between October and November. These months are ideal for celebrating these colourful festivals.
When is the best time to visit the Indian Himalaya?
The best time to visit the Indian Himalaya is from November to February, which is the driest period. However, January and February can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes.
What is the best time to visit Delhi for pleasant weather?
The best time to visit Delhi for pleasant weather is from November to February, during the mild, sunny winter season. This period avoids the scorching summer heat and the monsoon season.