One of the largest peaceful religious gatherings in the world happens once every 12 years at one of the four places in India- Haridwar on the Ganges in Uttarakhand, Ujjain on the Shipra in Madhya Pradesh, Nashik on the Godavari in Maharashtra or Prayagraj at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the Sarasvati in Uttar Pradesh. This Hindu pilgrimage sees tens of millions of saints, seekers, worshipers, sadhus and people from all walks of life.
Enjoy one of the most popular and once in a lifetime experience at the white sand, the Rann Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat. Adventurous, mystical, romantic, and meditative experiences all rolled in one at the full moon night when the desert shines under the moonlight. Go for a walk, meditate, sit with your partner or simply bask in the beauty of nature at Rann Utsav. .
Torgya Monastery is a three day monastic festival celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh every year on the 28th day of the 11th month of the lunar calendar. The festival begins with recitation of the religious texts and monastic dances. The festival is celebrated to welcome prosperity and chase out evil spirits..
The eighth lunar month (Kartik) of the Hindu calendar is considered as one of the holiest months and during this month takes place one the most exotic festivals of Rajasthan in the deserts of Pushkar, The Pushkar fair or the Pushkar camel fair. Each year approximately 200,000 people attend the fair bringing some 50,000 camels, horses and cattle.
One of the best musical festivals of India depicting the Indian Heritage and various folk dances is not to be missed by anyone who is fond of Indian Classical music. Held in Konark, Odisha every year the festival celebrates Indian classical music in its full form. The open auditorium wakes up in lights and flutes playing in the background just at the sunset creating an atmosphere of love, divinity and magic.
February comes with many festivals in India and one of them is the famous desert festival of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan held every year amidst the dunes of the Thar Desert in the Sam dunes. Activities like Camel polo, gymnastic stunts on camel back, tug-of-war, turban tying, folk music, crafts bazaar, processions from the Jaisalmer Fort, fire dance are few of the many activities that take place as a part of the festival.
Nagaland celebrates the diverse tribes and sub tribes of Nagas in the annual 10 days long Hornbill festival held in December at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The festival is a symphony of various cultural events, art and craft exhibitions, music events, games, motor sports, carnival, floral galleria and mouth watering food. Besides enjoying and learning about the culture of Nagland you also get to witness the beautiful views from Kisama.
Celebrated annually at end of winter and the beginning of spring this five day dance festival at Khajuraho in Madhya Pardesh is a treat to eyes. This dance festival celebrates the Indian diversity and heritage through centuries old dance forms which include Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri.
The Hampi festival celebrates the culture and the ancient prosperous city of Hampi through cultural dance and musical performances, carnivals, elephant safaris, puppet shows, traditional handicraft shopping markets and mouth watering food. The three day festival is celebrated in the ruins of the ancient city of Hampi. Activities like water ports, rock climbing, and rural native games have recently been included in the festival by the government to attract more tourists.
Consumed with vibrancy and energy, the Goa carnival is held annually in Panjim since 18th century right before the 40 days of Lent, exhibiting the colors, energy and spirit of Goa. Celebrated for three to four days, the lanes are decorated with colors, the streets are taken up by beautiful parades, and you can indulge in the delicious Goan cuisine while enjoying the various musical bands which lifts up the dullest of dull moods.