Festival Trips

Desert Festival - Rajasthan (Jaisalmer)
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival happens in the yellow sands of the Great Thar Desert every year in winters.
Full of vibrant colors, folk music and laughter right in the middle of the Desert. The festival is organized by the Department of Tourism around January-February and is an yearly event.

Some of the higlights of the Desert Festival:
=> Camel Mounted band and Camel Show by the Border security Force
=> Indian Air Force show
=> Renowned folk artists from Rajasthan
=> Folk performances of other States & cultural center
=> Fashion Shows showcasing the tradional wear of Rajasthan
=> Camel Race
=> Camel Polo Match
=> Kite Flying on Sand Dunes and more..

When: January/February
Organized by: Department of Tourism

Camel Festival - Rajasthan (Bikaner)
The city of Bikaner is surrounded by harsh desert. Situated right on what used to be the Caravan route between Northern India and West/Central asia in ancient times.
The town is magically rich in its culture and is untouched still.

Some of the higlights of the Camel Festival:
=> Camel Safari & Camel Riding
=> Ceremonial Procession
=> Army Bagpiper Band Performance
=> Camel Decoration Competition
=> Camel Fur Cutting Competition
=> RAC Band Performace
=> Camel Dance
=> Rajasthani Cultural Program
=> Fireworks
=> Sports competitions
=> Cultural Programmes

When: January
Organized by: Department of Tourism

Thimphu/Paro Tsechu Festival - Bhutan (Thimphu/Paro)
One of the most important Bhutanese festival, Paro Tsechu Festival is a buddhist dance & culture festival. The festival is to commemorate Guru Rinpoche who brought Tibetan Buddhism to Bhutan.
It is the festival of color, dance, music and the ancient Bhutanese culture.

Some of the higlights of the Camel Festival:
=> Sacred dances and rituals performed by monks in authentic costumes
=> Unfurling ceremony of the sacred 'thongdroel' scroll
=> Explore the ancient buddhist monasteries in Bhutan
=> Hike through the beautiful countryside and Rhododendron forests in the Phobjikha Valley
=> Experience the Lamperi Rhododendron Festival
=> Explore the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor
=> Meditations & more

When: March/April (Paro) September/October (Thimphu)

Hemis Festival - Ladakh
Hemis Festival is an yearly event at the richest and larget Monastry in Ladakh, the Hemis Gompa. It is a 2 day festival showcasing the ancient Ladakh culture. Lamas perfrom the sacred dance with their faces covered with maskes. Both men and women wear traditional clothes and jewellery. The ceremony takes place inside the monasteries.
Ladakh has so much more to offer to a tourist.

Some of the higlights of the Camel Festival:
=> Spellbinding performance are dressed in vibrant costumes and bright masks
=> Sounds of drums, trumpets and cymbals
=> Cultural celebrations
=> Traditional food and clothes
=> Ladakhi culture
=> Art fair
=> Meditations and more

When: July
Organized by: Ministry of Tourism

Pushkar Fair - Rajasthan (Pushkar)
The small and beautiful town of Pushkar is set in a valley just about 14 km off Ajmer in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. Surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other, Pushkar forms a fascinating location and a befitting backdrop for the annual religious and cattle fair which is globally famous and attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world. The only Brahma temple in the world is located here in Pushkar.

Some of the higlights of the Pushkar Camel Festival:
=> Camel festival - Selling of livestock
=> Camel Race
=> Mustache competition
=> Music and Dance
=> Traditional artworks
=> Cultural festivals
=> City tour with sightseeing

When: November
Organized by: Ministry of Tourism

Hornbill Festival - Nagaland (Kisama)
The Hornbill festival is the most important festival for the people of Nagaland. It is a celebration that takes place in December every year. It is famous as "Festival of Festivals" The Hornbill festival showcases the melange of cultural displays. Hornbill festival takes its name from the large and colorful forest bird which is displayed in folklore. The festival focuses on revival and protection of the rich cultural feature of the state of Nagaland. It is a weeklong festival and generally happens on the 1st or the 7th of December every year near Kohima

Some of the higlights of the Hornbill Festival:
=> Traditional paintings, sculptures and wood art
=> Food stalls
=> Flower shows
=> Traditional Archery
=> Music and Dance competitions
=> Folk songs and traditional dances
=> Tribal culture (all Naga tribes)

When: December
Organized by: Goverment of Nagaland

Rann Mahotsav / Rann Utsav - Gujarat (Kutch)
The Rann Mahotsav is an annual carnival of Music & Dance and takes place right in the white sand desert, the mighty rann of kutch. It is a celebration of the tradition of Kutch as well as Gujarat.
Picturesque "white desert - rann of kutch" is all together a different experience at the time of Rann Mahotsav. Through various forms of Art, the century old traditions are revived.
The colorful fairs held near the beach or the banks of a lake swings one with the spirit of festivity.

Some of the higlights of the Rann Mahotsav Festival:
=> Horse/Camel riding
=> Musical performances
=> Dance performances
=> Camel Safaris
=> Bird Watching
=> Paramotoring
=> Archery
=> Art Stalls
=> Food Stalls and much more..

When: November-February
Organized by: Gujarat Tourism

Khajuraho Dance Festival - Madhya Pradesh (Khajuraho)
Known as the festival of dance, Khajuraho dance festival is an extremely famous indian traditional dance festival. It is a week long extravenganza and is a feast to the eyes of the visitors who come from around the world Renowned dancers from all over India participate in the exclusive Khajuraho festival covering all traditional dance form of India. The glorious temples of Kahjuraho in the backdrop make it a lifetime experience for the visitor.

Some of the higlights of the Khajuraho Dance Festival:
=> Various Dance forms
=> Musicals
=> SDance shows
=> Art and Culture
=> Khajuraho Sight Seeing and more..

When - February
Organized by: The Goverment of Madhya Pradesh, Department of Culture

Holi - Uttar Pradesh (Mathura/Vrindavan)
While Holi (the festival of colors) is celebrated in almost every part of India, Holi in Braj is exclusive. The areas of Vrindavan, Mathura and some others combine together to become Braj area.
Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna and Vrindavan is where he grew up. Tourists from all over the country and the world come here to celebrate Holi. The place is very colorful and the atmosphere joyous.

Some of the higlights of the Holi Festival:
=> Various local traditions
=> Lathmar Holi (Beating men in a playful manner)
=> Festival of color
=> Various celebrations in temples of Mathura and Vrindavan
=> Indian delicacies/sweets
=> City tours and attractions
=> Art stalls and more

When: February/March
Organized by: Local associations

Goa's most famous festival, the Goa Carnival is celebrated since the 18th century.
Right before the 40 day Lent period, the festival is about feasting, drinking, merrymaking and about togetherness.
Parades through the cities are organised with bands, floats and dances and balls in the evenings. The final day concludes with the famous Red-and-Black dance held by the Clube Nacional in the city of Panjim.
The festival is truly international. With tourists from all over the world participating/attending the festival.

Some of the higlights of the Goa Carnival:
=> Colossal procession headed by King Momo
=> Parade procession from Panaji
=> Dance, Music and Ballats
=> Red & Black Dance
=> Wine Festival
=> Food and more

When: February
Organized by: Goa Tourism

Ajanta Ellora Festival - Maharashtra (Aurangabad)
There can't be anything better than celebrating a mega dance & music festival at a world heritage site. The festival takes place at the Soneri Mahal in traditional city of Aurangabad.
The festival showcases the renowned Musicians and Dancers from all over. The ceremony of Indian classical art features some of the world-renowned performers of the country, who with their talents have mesmerised the audience across the world.

Some of the higlights of the Ajanta Ellora festival:
=> Traditioanl Dancers from all over the country
=> Classical Musicians froms all over the country
=> Art and Culture
=> City tour
=> Experience the world heriage site, Ajanta & Ellora

When: January
Organized by: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation

Rongali Bihu Festival - Assam
Known as the most famous assamese festival, the festival takes place in mid-april every year. It is to celebrate the Assamese New Year. The word "Rongali" comes from the word "Rong" which means Colors and Celebrations.
The festival is about Happiness, Colors, Dance and Music. The festival is a three day festival and is celebrated all over the state. The first day is dedicated to Cattles. The second day special dishes and sweets are made and on the third day, tradional dances are performed in open areas where men and women wearing traditional dresses participate.

Some of the higlights of the Bihu festival:
=> Cattle ceremony
=> Assameses delicacies and sweets
=> Cultural stalls and exhibitions
=> Traditional Dance performances
=> Music performances
=> City attractions and more

When: April
Organized by: Local associations & Ministry of tourism

Saga Dawa Festival - Sikkim
Famous for masked dances and the festivals that exhibit rare and elegant colors that taint the carnival with a richness and diversity. The celebration specially belongs to the Mahayana Buddhists.
Buddhists of Sikkim gather in temples and light up lamps, medidate and chant. Traditional masked dances are organized along with drums and cymbals. The peagent consisting of Monks chanting hyms travels through the city of Gangtok starting from Tsuklakhang Monastery.

Some of the higlights of the Saga Dawa festival:
=> Masked traditional dances
=> Prayers in the Monasteries
=> Meditations and Chantings
=> Music performances
=> Food/Delicacies

When: June
Organized by: Local associations & Ministry of tourism

Losar Festival - Sikkim (Gangtok)
Losar is the most famous Sikkim festival which marks the tibetan new year. A harvest festival, Lossar is a significant day among the Tibetans. Also known as Gyalpo Lossar it is celebrated by visiting the monastery and after performing the rituals the people visit relatives and friends.
Lossar Festival is celebrated in the month of February. It is celebrated by the Tibetans as a day of gaiety and celebration.

Some of the higlights of the Losar Festival:
=> Dance of the deer
=> King and the ministers interaction
=> Offerings to the gods
=> Staged dance Dramas
=> Musical performances
=> Monks chanting
=> Food and drinks

When: January/February
Organized by: Local associations & Ministry of tourism

Urs fair - Rajasthan (Ajmer)
The six day long Urs festival is celebrated by the followers of Saint Khawaja Moinddin Chisti. The whole city of Ajmer is beautifully decorated to celebrate this fair. During these six religious days, pilgrims gather and offer prayers on the Dargah for prosperity and peace in their lives.
Famous musicians (Qawwals) from all over the country come here to sing and play music. It is believed that God fulfills wishes of all those who pray at the shrine with pure hearts.
During nights 'Mehfil Khana' gets packed by the visitors to enjoy religious assemblies (Mehfils), where mass prayers are also conducted for the eternal peace of the Saint and the mankind.

Some of the higlights of the Urs Festival:
=> Flag Ceremony
=> Jannati Darwaza Opens (Opening of the gates)
=> Namaz-e-Zumma (Prayers at the Shrine)
=> Qawwali Festival
=> Music and Food
=> Lights and color all over the City of Ajmer

When: May
Organized by: Dargah (Shrine) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti

The festival celebrates the warmth and cheerfulness of the people of hill station, their colorful life and vivacious nature.
The hospitality of the people, their lively culture and exotic location make this festival a memorable experience during your tours to Rajasthan. This festival is one of the most popular fairs and festivals of Rajasthan.
Mount Abu Summer Festival commences with the singing of a ballad which is followed by folk dances which mesmerize the spectators. Exciting boat race is organized on the Nakki Lake add variety to the festival.

Some of the higlights of the Mount Abu Summer Festival:
=> CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) Show
=> Boat Race
=> Horce Race
=> Skater's show
=> Arts and Cultural show
=> Music and Dance performances
=> Food and Delicacies

When: May
Organized by: Rajasthan Tourism

Pongal - Tamil Nadu
Pongal is a four-days-long harvest festival celebrated in the sourthern state of Tamil Nadu. The four day festival is the festival of Thanks-giving to nature. Traditionally this is also the time for Weedings in this region. Mid-January is an important time in the Tamil calendar. The harvest festival, Pongal, falls typically on the 14th or the 15th of January and is the quintessential 'Tamil Festival'.
Tamilians say 'Thai pirandhaal vazhi pirakkum', and believe that knotty family problems will be solved with the advent of the Tamil month Thai that begins on Pongal day.

Some of the higlights of the Pongal Festival:
=> Prayers on all the four days
=> Traditional prayers at temples and homes
=> South indian Cusine and sweets
=> Traditional music and more
=> City tour

When: January
Organized by: Local administrations, Ministry of tourism

Onam Festival - Kerala
Taking place in the month of August-September, Onam, the Harvest festival is a traditional and most famous festival of Kerala. The Carnival lasts for 10 days and showcases the decorated Pookalam, ambrosial Onasadya, breathtaking Snake Boat Race and exotic Kaikottikali dance.
Onam is one of the most ancient Hindu festivals which is still celebrated with a great devotion. Onam marks the homecoming of King Mahabali, a legendary king, who ruled Kerala in ancient times.
That period was believed to be the golden age of Karala, people were happy, free from harm and complete harmony and prosperity was there.

Some of the higlights of the Onam Festival:
=> Pookalam (Pookkalam refers to making designs with different types of flowers in front of the gate of house)
=> Ambrosial Onasadya (This the grand meal prepared at the day Thiruonam. Onasadya meal is served on a Banana leaf and is a nine course meal having at least four to five vegetables)
=> Onakalikal (This refers to all the games played at the festival of Onam)
=> Vallamkali Boat Race (Also known as the snake boat race, this is one of the most entertaining events of the Onam festival)
=> Elephant Procession (The majestic animal is decorated with flowers, ornaments in gold and other metals)
=> Folk dances

When: September
Organized by: Ministry of Tourism, Kerala

Puri Beach Festival (Odisha)
A festival of different classical and folk dances of India, it is a great festival to interact and understand the rich and old Odiyan culture. he festival is also marked by an exhibition of Handicrafts, Handloom and Sand Art.
To add more fun to the festival, events like fashion shows and rock shows are also made a part of it that leaves every present soul extremely happy and delighted. In recent years, the beach festival has gained popularity as tourists from all over the country visit here during the Festival. Lots of entertaining events like exhibitions, fashion shows, cultural programs, delicious cuisine, etc are organized for the visitors. As per tourism prospects the Puri Beach Festival has always had a good response.

=> Cultural Programmes
=> Sand Art
=> Folk Dances
=> Music shows
=> Fashion shows
=> Exhibitions
=> Arts & Crafts
=> Cusines
=> City tours and nmore

When: November
Organized by: Ministry of Tourism, Odisha