Right Place at Right Time – Festivals of India you must not miss while travelling in 2020

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Photo of Right Place at Right Time – Festivals of India you must not miss while travelling in 2020 by Mastane Musafir

Festivals, the time which marks breaking out of the monotony of everyday life, they signify the time of celebration, pomp and gaiety. For a country as diverse as India, you get to break free at least 12 times a year, kudos to the vivid cultural diversity of our country. And why shouldn’t we celebrate festivals, remember, All work & No Play, Makes Jack a dull Boy!!

So if you are travelling in India, these are the festivals you should not miss if you happen to be in that region.

January

1. Uttaryan –

When – 14th & 15th Jan

Where – Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Why – Kite flying is the USP of the festival and it is an absolute treat to get up on the terrace and indulge in kite flying. A sight to behold, as the blue skies fill with colourful kites in various shapes and sizes, families & friends get-together and have fun over food & kite-fights.

source: Gujarat Tourism

Photo of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Kambala

When – Mid-January

Where – Udupi, Karnataka

Why – Experience an enchanting atmosphere as the farmers race their buffaloes in ploughed field with slushy waters. Be amazed to see the lightning speed of the buffaloes in riveting contest between two teams.

source: .drkrishi.

Photo of Udupi, Karnataka, India by Mastane Musafir

February

1. Theyyam

When – 14th Feb to 20th Feb

Where – Kasargod/Wayanad/Kannur, Kerala

Why – Witness the dance performances of the Theyyam, considered as Dance Gods, decked up with Ornamental decorations, performing gracious moves with music & mime.

source: The Hindu

Photo of Kasaragod, Kerala, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Mahashivratri –

When – 21st Feb –

Where – Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Why – A week long festival where in more than 200 Gods & Goddesses are carried in decorated palanquins from nearby villages in a procession which ends at the Bhoothnath Temple in Mandi.

source: ndtv

Photo of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India by Mastane Musafir

3. Goa Carnival

When – 22nd to 25th Feb

Where – Panjim, Goa

Why – Colorful parades with bands and dances and evenings marked with the tagline of eating, drinking and merry-making. The highlight of the festival is the concluding red-and-black dance performed by Clube Nacional in Panjim.

source: viva carnival

Photo of Panjim, Goa, India by Mastane Musafir

March

1. Lathmar Holi

When – 9th & 10th March

Where – Barsana & Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh

Why – A 2-day festival where women carry a Lath (traditional staff/stick) and playfully beat the men who try to put colours on them while singing some folk songs and remembering Radha and Krishna!

source: Dna India

Photo of Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Chapchar Kut

When – 6th & 7th March

Where – Mizoram

Why – Have tete-a-tete with the culture of Mizoram, as the natives celebrate to thank the Gods for their blessings and a good harvest. Enjoy local dances where women dance in the sync of the bamboo beats.

source: bananivista

Photo of Mizoram, India by Mastane Musafir

April

1. Aoling Festival

When – 1st to 10th April

Where – Nagaland

Why – A celebration of harvest where one can enjoy during this festival are dance and music performances, feasts and ancient rituals.

source: india someday

Photo of Nagaland, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Mopin Festival

When – 5th April

Where – Arunanchal Pradesh

Why – The people celebrate Mopin as a harvest festival and a measure to keep the evil spirits away. It involves a folklore dance “popir dance” performed by some very skilful local tribes’ women. The locally made rice wine (apong) during the festival is a pleasure that comes once in a while.

source : global glallivting

Photo of Arunachal Pradesh, India by Mastane Musafir

3. Shad Suk Mynsiem

When – 10th & 11th April

Where – Meghalaya

Why – This festival is celebrated to thank Mother Nature for providing a good harvest. You can enjoy tribal dance performances, musical instruments performances, and many others.

Source: Desicomment.com

Photo of Meghalaya, India by Mastane Musafir

May

1. Thrissur Pooram

When – 3rd May

Where – Thrissur, Kerala

Why – A resplendent festival celebrated with a grand display of caparisoned elephants, dazzling parasols, and percussion music. Involving swift and rhythmic changing of brightly coloured and sequined parasols, the ceremony is one among the highlights and is a keenly watched event.

Source: Kerala Culture

Photo of Thrissur, Kerala, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Madurai Meenakshi Kalyanam

When – 4th May

Where – Madurai, Kerala

Why – This festival marks the celestial wedding of Meenakshi Amman and Lord Sundareswarar. Special rituals, car festivals, processions, and other cultural activities take place during this celebration. Many stalls are erected around the temple during this festival for souvenir shopping.

Source: The Hindu

Photo of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India by Mastane Musafir

June

1. Hemis Festival

When – 30th June

Where – Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Why – Throughout the festival the locals get dressed in their bright and colourful traditional attire. And the sacred masked dance is performed along with long horns, musical drums and cymbals. Hemis Festival is a must attend festival and it is joyously enjoyed by everyone

source: Times of India

Photo of Hemis Gompa, Hemis by Mastane Musafir

July

1. Shikara Festival

When – 1st Week of July

Where – Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir

Why – Witness various events including Shikara Race, Dragon Boat Race and Canoe Polo Match besides cultural programmes depicting traditional heritage and culture of Kashmir.

source: sify

Photo of Srinagar by Mastane Musafir

August

1. Onam

When – 22nd August to 31st Aug

Where – Alleppey, Kerala

Why – A festival that is Kerala’s identity, experience the celebration of harvest with grand feasts which promotes community dining. Snake boat races are the blue eyed events as hundreds of boat men paddle their boats in visually appealing sight.

source: oyo

Photo of Alleppey, Kerala, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Ganesh Chaturthi

When – 22nd August to 2nd September

Where – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Why – When God arrives as a guest, it is a grand occasion. Get ready to get amazed as Lord Ganesh resides with you for 10 days amidst the rumble of conchs and beating of the percussion. Get blessings from the renowned Lalbaug Cha Raja and get mesmerised by the aura of the surroundings.

Source: DNA India

Photo of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India by Mastane Musafir

September

1. Abhaneri Festival

When – 17th to 19th September

Where – Dausa, Rajasthan

Why – A unique festival that is celebrated to offer thanks to a 2500 year old Step Well, for conserving water in the arid regions of Rajasthan. The celebrations include folk dances like Kalbeliya, Kachi Ghodi & Bhavai along with puppet shows and vibrant cultural performances.

Source: Holidify

Photo of Dausa, Rajasthan, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Ziro Music Festival

When – 26th to 30th September

Where – Ziro Valley, Arunanchal Pradesh

Why – Hosted by the local Apatani Tribes, this outdoor music festival is one of the most vibrant music festivals in India and showcases independent music talent from all over India and outside of India.

source: curly tales

Photo of ZIRO VALLEY TOURISM - ARUNACHAL PRADESH, Laxmi Nath Bezbaruah Path, Beltola Tiniali, Guwahati, Assam, India by Mastane Musafir

October

1. Navratri

When – 17th to 24th October

Where – Vadodara, Gujarat

Why – Get into the groves of Garba and be ready for 9 nights of revellery, as the music sets the tone in the evening which continues till the wee hours in morning. Be a part of Guinness World Record at United Way of Baroda, along with 50000 fellow players dancing to one beat of Garba. *Goosebumps*

Source: United Way Worldwide

Photo of Vadodara, Gujarat, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Durga Pooja

When – 22nd to 24th October

Where – Kolkata, West Bengal

Why – Prepare to be awestruck as the city of Joy adorns itself to welcome Goddess Durga and celebrate the victory of good over evil in their unique style. Go Pandal Hopping and feast on some great food in the celebration lasting long into the night.

Source: India.com

Photo of Kolkata, West Bengal, India by Mastane Musafir

3. Dusshera

When – 17th to 27th October

Where – Mysore, Karnataka

Why – Elaborately decorated Mysore Palace exhibits luminescence in every nook and corner as equally ornate elephants carry out the procession of Lord Chamundeshwari in a Golden Palanquin, a treat to the eyes.

Source: Mysore Dasara

Photo of Mysuru, Karnataka, India by Mastane Musafir

November

1. Diwali

When – 14th November

Where – PAN India

Why – Diwali needs no introduction, the festival of lights is celebrated across India with great joy and festivities, each region having its own folklore on the celebration of the festival.

Source: Times of India

Photo of Right Place at Right Time – Festivals of India you must not miss while travelling in 2020 by Mastane Musafir

2. Dev Deepawali

When – 30th November

Where – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Why – The gods are said to descend to Varanasi, the ghats along the Ganges glow in the flames of thousands of tiny oil lamps, thousands more of which are launched on the river each night. It’s an incredible and fitting spectacle for the so-called ‘City of Light’.

Source: Amar Ujala

Photo of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India by Mastane Musafir

December

1. Hornbill Festival

When – 1st to 10th December

Where – Kohima, Nagaland

Why – Claimed to be the “Festival of Festivals”, the week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display.

Source: Travel & Leisure

Photo of Kohima, Nagaland, India by Mastane Musafir

2. Christmas

When – 25th December

Where – Goa

Why – Christmas in Goa is all about the smell of scented candles, the sound of Christmas carols, and exchange of a lot of gifts! Plan a night out with friends, listening to the ringing sound of church bells, and watch out for fireworks.

Source: Travel Triangle

Photo of Goa, India by Mastane Musafir

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