The 2017 chapter is coming to an end, and if you've been too addicted to your job, the couch or your comfort zone, there's one last chance to redeem yourself. The next long weekend, December 23-25, 2017 is one of the most happening ones of the year, with numerous exciting fests and events happening all around the country. This gives you the perfect excuse to pack your bags and travel to a new destination to experience something new. Let's have a look at all the places in India that you can visit for the most unique experience of your life.
Taalbelia Music Festival
Making the list of must-attend music festivals in Rajasthan even longer is the Taalbelia music festival that will be held in the royal Castle Mandawa, Rajasthan. With the rich culture and heritage of Shekhawati as the backdrop, Taalbelia seeks to give its audience a comprehensive musical experience where genres change by the passing hour. Some of the best musicians of the country will be adorning the various stages of the festival and be performing an eclectic mix of music like Sufi, jazz and pop by the day, and EDM by night. Artists to look forward to are Namit Das +Anurag Shanker, Mojojojo, Monica Dogra, Mohit Chauhan, and Filter Coffee.
Where: Castle Mandawa, Shekhawati, Rajasthan
When: December 23-25, 2017
Tickets: ₹3,000- ₹40,000
Kochi Carnival
One of the major ports of Kerala, Kochi is defined by its unmatched coastal beauty. Adding to its vibrancy, this December, the world-renowned Kochi Carnival is the best excuse to take a trip down south. The entire city comes alive as Fort Cochin gets adorned in colour, glitter and lights, attracting thousands from India and abroad. The carnival is the perfect setting to celebrate and revel in the festivities leaving all worries behind. There are exciting beach games and fancy dress competitions that everyone sportingly participates in. One can witness a host of north and south Indian dances along with a procession of beautifully decorated elephants. The festival spans over a period of ten days, and ends ringing in the new year.
Where: Fort Cochin, Kochi
When: December 25, 2017 - January 1, 2018.
Tickets: Free Entry
Chennai December Season
Chennai Music Season is one of India's highly coveted music festivals, and it is back with its December season of music. The festival has been claimed as the biggest music festival of the world which spans over a period of one month and gives a platform to around 2,000 artists to showcase their music. It hosts the country's best Carnatic music artists who perform their music throughout the day. Audiences and artists who are passionate about Indian classical music from around the world, flock to this festival every year. If you're a music lover and want to widen your understanding of music, a visit to this festival is essential.
Where: Meenakshi College for Women, KRS Auditorium, Hamsadhwani, Indira Nagar Youth Hostel, Narada Gana Sabha, Vidya Bharti
When: November 29, 2017-January 17, 2018.
Tickets: Available at respective menus
Poush Mela
Organised in the famous Santiniketan in West Bengal, the Poush Mela is one of the most important festivals of the district Birbhum where rural artisans and performers meet urban artists. Rife with Bengali cultural and festivities, the fair witnesses a range of performances like Bengali folk music, dances and even tribal sports. If you have an anthropological perspective of things, the Poush Mela is sure to give you a comprehensive insight into the culture of Bengal. This fair too, witnesses a footfall of about 15,000 tourists, making it the perfect melting pot where you can interact with different types of people, and learn with every interaction you have.
Where: Santiniketan, Birbhum
When: December 23-26, 2017.
Tickets: Free entry
Rann Mahautsav
The largest salt desert of India, Rann of Kutch witnesses the Rann Mahautsav, a cultural extravaganza that is reflective of Gujrat's rich culture and tradition. Folk music, dance performances, adventure sports, Kutch's folk textiles, exquisite embroidery and traditional ornaments have made Rann Mahautsav the most remarkable winter festival in India. Enjoy the unbelievable beauty of the Kutch, superfluity of colours and other celebrations all in one place! The long weekend is the perfect time to attend the festival as hundreds of tourists will fly in to add to the festival's zest.
Where: Rann of Kutch
When: November 1, 2017 - February 20, 2018.
Tickets: You can choose a festival package that start as low as ₹3,000.
Christmas in Goa
There is no doubt that Christmas in Goa is something that everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime. When India's party hub is decorated all around with Christmas trees, lights and stars, the vibe of Goa becomes even more happening! With some of the most beautifully historical churches, you are sure to be enveloped in the Christmas zeal at every step of your way. Enjoying Christmas carols, and at the same time, heading to a pub or the beach for the most happening night-out of your life, are some of the perks only a magical place like Goa can offer during December.
Where: All of Goa
When: December 21 - 31, 2017
Tickets: Free Entry into the best Christmas of your life!
Now that you've been through this list, don't waste away your last weekend of 2017 watching Netflix. Get out into the world, and have fun in a completely new environment.
Know of more exciting festivals and events in India? Share your story with us on Tripoto!
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