Fairs & Festivals in India: February 2019
February, in India, is the last month of winter and thus, the month of celebration of various festivals across the nation. Here is a list of some of the popular festivals and fairs held in the month of February every year. Plan your vacation in India in February and enjoy the vivid cultures and colors of celebrations.
Baneshwar Festival
The festival is celebrated in Rajasthan and is dedicated to Lord Shiva; the name too has been derived from him. The tribals gather in the fair to pay their homage to the lord. This fair is popular amongst the Bhills community and is organized at the delta formed by river Som and Mahi.
Devotees visit Baneshwar Mahadev temple and apply saffron to the Shivalinga; in the evening bhabut is applied. There are many rituals that are performed during this festival. Folk dance and music performances, multiple stalls, animal shows, magic shows, acrobatic programs can be witnesses during the fair.
When: 16 Feb 2019 - 19 Feb 2019
Where: Rajasthan
On the Mumbai social calendar, Indian Derby Weekend is one of the major events to be celebrated in the month of February. This is a massive lifestyle sporting weekend, which is attended by about 25000 people.
Some of the major highlights of the festival are horse racing, professional salsa dancing and international aerial ballet. There will also be live bands performing and playing tributes to Rolling Stones, Cliff Richard and The Beatles.
When: First weekend in February, Each year. January 31 February 1, 2019.
Where: Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai.
The 33rd Surajkund Crafts Mela is one of the popular fairs to be attended in Delhi/NCR. In the fair, finest handicrafts, handlooms and delicious Indian cuisines are showcased. About 400 artists from all across India participate in the fair and exhibit their amazing work.
Thus, to make the fair interesting, there also are cultural programs and special kids’ zone organized. Every year, the fair has different theme and Goa has been chooses as the theme state for 2019. Additionally, Sri Lanka is the partner nation, thus, visitors can expect variety in handlooms & handicrafts, which will be unique to India.
When: February 1-15, each year.
Where: Surajkund, in the Faridabad district a short distance from South Delhi.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
Jaisalmer Desert Festival is one of the lovely festivals that help in exploring the best of the sandstone Jaisalmer city. The festival features vibrantly dressed locals and camel parade.
There also are polo matches, camel races, turban tying competitions, acrobats, the finest facial hair, jugglers and puppeteers featured in the festival.
When: February 17-19, 2019.
Where: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
India International Leather Fair
This is a major platform for global manufacturers and exporters engaged in leather industry.
The fair showcases expansive variety of leather products such as fashion accessories, travel-ware, shoes, gloves, harness, belts, saddler etc. Other than leather products, chemicals, machinery and other equipments can also be found.
When: February 01-3, 2019.
Where: Chennai Trade Center
If you are fascinated about old painted mansions (havelis), Shekhawati Festival is one of the must-enjoyed festivals. The Shekhawati region is popular for such havelis.
During the festival, 1-day excursion of Shekhawati which has farm visits and jeep & camel safari as major highlights. Additionally, competitions, fireworks and cultural programs are also organized during the festival.
When: February 12-15, 2019.
Where: Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The main location is Nawalgarh.
Sufi Sutra International Sufi Music Festival
Indulge into the Sufi music, which is regarded as ‘soul music’, this February with Sufi Sutra International Sufi Music Festival. The festival will feature popular Sufi & traditional folk musicians from West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, Denmark, Spain, Iran, Sweden and Portugal. The music is used to transcend from physical realms into the spiritual one. In this festival there will be music workshops throughout the day along with exhibition and concerts in the evening.
When: February 6-8, 2019.
Where: Mohar Kunj, Kolkata.
India Surf Festival
The India Surf Festival makes the sleepy seaside town in Odisha come to life. The festival also doubles as music and arts festival, thus inviting visitors from all across India and abroad.
The major highlights of the festival are surfing & paddling workshops, eclectic electronic music, yoga sessions and photography workshops.
When: February 6-8, 2019.
Where: Ramachandi Beach, Konark, Odisha.
Attakkalari India Biennial Festival
This is a festival of contemporary dance, digital art and research. Bangalore acts as a platform for the performance of art by different diversities in South Asia.
Attakkalari India Biennial is considered to be South Asia’s largest international contemporary dance and movement arts festival. The lovers of dance must attend this event at least once in their lives.
When: February 6-15, 2019.
Where: Multiple venues in Bangalore, Karnataka.
Enjoy the 9-day Kala Ghoda Arts Festival and witness the Kala Ghoda Arts Precinct of Mumbai getting transformed into stage show and open air exhibition space. The street festival features arts & crafts, seminars, theater, exhibitions, music, dance, and heritage walks. There also are special events organized for kids.
When: February 7-15, 2019.
Where: Mumbai.
SulaFest Festival
The 7th SulaFest is going to celebrated in a much bigger and better way ever. The festival will feature a perfect mix of music, drinks, wine, food, shopping and fashion. The major attraction is new cool, edgy fashion.
In the festival, VERO MODA will also be launching their high street, young denim brand ‘Noisy May’. Fashion Show is also another major attribute of the festival.
When: February 2-3, 2019.
Where: Nashik, Maharashtra.
Neralu: Bangalore Tree Festival
Parks, greenery and gardens are a few attributes that built the identity of the city of Bangalore. Neralu is the festivals celebrated in Bangalore to appreciate the trees and natural heritage of the city.
The festival also includes various activities such as interactive storytelling events, nature walks, art walks, photography, and nature workshops.
When: February 7-8 and 14-15, 2019.
Where: Bangalore, Karnataka.
World Sufi Spirit Festival
World Sufi Spirit Festival, held in Rajasthan, is organized with 2 beautiful forts on its backdrop. The motive of the festival is to take visitors on “amazing spiritual & musical journey” in course if the Sufi traditions from Asia, East, India and Africa.
In this 6th World Sufi Spirit Festival there will be almost 100 artists participating from India and abroad collectively.
When: February 18-23 & February 18-20, 2019.
Where: Nagaur and Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Natyanjali Dance festival
Natyanjali is an Indian Classical dance form and as Lord Shiva is also known as Lord of Dances, this festival is dedicated to him. The festival also holds great significance in Chennai’s traditions and history.
The venue of the festival, Chidambaram Temple is about thousand years old. Its ceilings are adorned with gold and pillars have sculptures of Lord Nataraja performing 108 postures of Bharatnatayam. Dancers coming from different parts of the country exhibit their talent and spread the message of “Unity in Diversity”.
When: 13th February to 17th Feb 2019
Where: Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Tamil Nadu.
Ragasthan Festival
If you love music, Ragasthan is the craziest music festival to be attended this February. The festival is organized in the sand dunes near Jaisalmer. There will be 4 music stages and desert camping with all night open-air movie screenings. Various adventure sports are also included in the festival as a major highlight.
There will be more than 50 artists, across all genres, performing in the festival. Enjoy some of the exclusive rock, alternative, pop, world, electronic, classical, and experimental music, complemented with full moon.
When: February 12-15, 2019.
Where: Khuri sand dunes, near Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
Goa Carnival Festival
Started in the year 1961, Goa Carnival is initially celebrated by King Momo, one of the legendary Chao Kings of the state and a major Portuguese festival.
During the festival, the street comes alive with parades, floats, musical performances and masked dances. The festival culminates with a formal ball dance performance in Panaji, where the dress code is red and black.
When : March 2 - 5, 2019
Where : Goa.
Mahindra Blues Festival
The 4th Mahindra Blues Festival is the Asia’s largest and finest blues festival.
The major highlights of the festivals are The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Lil' Ed, Zac Harmon, Jimmie Vaughan, Doyle Bramhall II, and Blackstratblues and Soulmate, the homegrown talent.
When: February 14 and 15, 2019.
Where: Bandra West, Mumbai.
Maha Shivratri Festival
Maha Shivratri is one festival that is celebrated with grace throughout India. Legends say the day marks as the day when Lord Shiva performed cosmic Tandava dance, which is regarded as the origin of the creation, preservation, and destruction cycle.
On this day, devotees pray to Lord Shiva to get relief from the cycle of death and rebirth. Various events are organized throughout the day.
When: March 4, 2019.
Where: Shiva temples all over India.
Taj Mahotsav Festival
Held at Shilpgram in Agra, the Taj Mahotsav majorly focuses on art, craft and Indian culture. Additionally, the festival also features the aura of magnificent Mughal era.
There also is spectacular procession held which includes camels, elephants, and drummers. Visitors can also enjoy camel and elephant rides.
When: February 18-27 each year.
Where: Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Pariyanampetta Pooram Festival
The last day of the 7-day celebration at the Pariyanampetta temple (Kerala) is called the Pariyanampetta Pooram. On this day, a procession of 21 beautifully decorated elephants is held.
On other days of the festival, there are various highlights such as shadow puppetry, and folk & religious arts.
When: February 19, 2019.
Where: Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple, Kattukulam, Palakkad district of Kerala.
Khajuraho Dance Festival
Khajuraho Dance Festival has entertained visitors since 1975. The festival is held in Khajuraho with the Khajuraho temple complex in the backdrop. During this festival, classical dance styles from all across India are showcased.
These performances are held in the Western group of temples, majorly in the Vishwanatha Temple (devoted to Lord Shiva) and Chitragupta Temple (devoted to the Sun God, Surya).
When: February 20-26, 2019.
Where: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam Festival
Theyyam is indeed one of the most flamboyant ways to worship lord, and we thank Kerala for its invention. Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam is a temple festival brimming with vibrant colors and pageantry.
Mime, dance and music combine to make Theyyam so graceful and engaging. There are many forms of Theyyam and Theyyam Festivals, but Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam is amongst the most notable ones.
When: February 23-26, 2019.
Where: Kuttikkol Thampuratty Bhagavathy Temple at Kuttikkol, Kasaragod district of Kerala.
Uthralikavu Pooram Festival
Uthralikavu Pooram is the Kerala temple festival, which is devoted to the Goddess Kali. In the evening, there are varied rituals and folk art performances held under the light of traditional temple lamps.
Some of the major highlights of the festival are all night elephant pageantry along with loud traditional drumming.
When: February 24, 2019.
Where: Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple in Vadakkancherry, Thrissur, Kerala.
Konkan Turtle Festival
Konkan Turtle Festival is one of the fascinating festivals as it features newly hatched, endangered Olive Ridely turtles marching into the sea.
In addition to this, visitors can enjoy traditional Indian village life as they can stop over at local home stays in the region.
When: February - March, 2019.
One of the most impressive festivals in Kerala, the Paripally Gajamela features around 50 richly decorated elephants. They form part of a ritual as they have the privilege of escorting the numerous gods and goddesses. The people of Kerala keenly observe elephant pageants during this festival. 
This is a temple festival and brims with colors and tuskers. Chinakkathoor Pooram is held annually at the Shree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple in Palakkad of North Kerala. Performances of Panchawadyam, poothanum thirayum, kaalavela, kuthiravela, aandi vedan, karivela etc fill the festival with magnetism and zeal. One of its biggest highlights is Tholpavakoothu, a traditional shadow puppetry.
Organized
by Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, the annual International Yoga
Festival is a one week festival. More than 400 people from far-off
places partake in this world’s largest yoga gathering. The festival
offers world class yoga classes from world class yoga teachers, evening
discussions with some leading spiritual leaders and vegetarian cooking
classes among others
Organized
by the royal family of Mewar, The World Living Heritage Festival
promotes the cultural diversity of the Mewar region. The four day long
festival comprises of arts and crafts workshops, photo exhibition,
musical concerts, food festivals and various technical conferences. This
year a food festival called Rangoli will be organized with colorful
food and beverages.
Organized on the eve of Holi, the Jaipur Elephant Festival is the best event to witness groomed and decorated elephants enjoying a parade around the city. One can also catch a glimpse of Elephant Polo Game. Adding to the entertainment is the tug of war game between elephants and human beings.
An opportunity to dine in some of the best and finest restaurants in India at a fraction of normal fare, India Restaurant Week is the best place to treat your bellies with great and lip-smacking food. Three course meals are served.
