Fair & Festivals in India in August 2019

Festivals are the mirrors of society! And with a bucketful of them available for every month, it’s not hard to guess India’s love for celebration. To teach you more about the country’s propensity, here is a list of wonderful festivals and events in August 2019:

Krishna Janmashtami

Making Pyramid of Humans for breaking the Dahi Handi.  CR Shelare/Getty Images.

It is the birthday of the Hindu Lord, Krishna (the blue-skinned incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in the whole of India, but in different forms. When the northern part of India (especially Mathura and Vrindavan) wakes up before dawn, decorates their Vaishnava temples and events including Kirtan (devotional songs), drama, dance become the part of the celebrations which continue till midnight, It is the other half of India, which gets resonated with an epic show of devotion towards the Lord.

Coming on top of the cities with celebrations of these kinds is Mumbai. Its major highlight being the ‘Dahi Handi’, represents Lord Krishna’s love for curd and butter. An earthen pot containing curd, money and butter is tied up high and young ‘Govindas’ (as they like to call themselves) make human pyramids of themselves to reach the Handi. Well, this use to be the story of Mumbai, and several other parts of Maharashtra during the Krishna Janmashtmi.

Do enjoy specially made for the occasion, delicious peda and buttery lassi, if you happen to visit Mathura (Lord Krishna’s birth place) and Gokul at this time of the year in India. Read More   

When: 24th August 2019

Places to be during this time: To witness the festivities of Krishna Janmashtmi in India, make a visit to Mathura. The birth place of Lord Krishna is known to celebrate this festival with elaborate rituals. Other than this, the city of Mumbai throws the best bet. The ‘Dahi handi’ ritual along with celebrations at the famous ISKCON temple complex in Mumbai brings a gala time.    

The Monsoon Festival

  

With monsoons, comes fertility; and fertility is not only limited to crops, but has its wings spread over the art of expression as well. Some Indian minds have come with a unique way of celebrating the multi-faced monsoons.

And it happens in the capital city, Delhi. Since a decade, Delhi has been celebrating the much awaited monsoon season with a cultural festival that includes everything from music to drama, and art to poetry. The main essence of the monsoon festival is to revive this king of seasons in India.

With contemporaries of visual art, the festival tends to depict the love, nature has towards monsoons and how it connects to the human soul.  By banishing the atrocities of the urban life, it works with the richness of human emotions to contemplate over the awakenings of Indian monsoons.

In other words, the monsoon festival with a plethora of activities like workshops, theater, visual art and fashion walks, welcome the lovely monsoons.

It is going to be the 10th edition of it this year and will be flaunting the ethnic theme of Lord Krishna.

When: August 20-28, 2019
Where: Delhi

10 Best Places to Visit During Monsoon in India

Independence Day

  

This is the day when India gained freedom. Amongst the most popular events in August, Independence day is celebrated all over India, with a special program in Delhi. It all starts a day before, President of India, addresses the whole nation with a patriotic speech.

Then comes the D-Day and it starts with hoisting of the Indian tricolor by the Prime Minister on the historic Red Fort, which is followed by twenty-one gun shots of honor. As a tribute to the national heroes of Indian freedom struggle, various divisions of the Indian Armed Forces along with the paramilitary put a march past show.

Well, this happens officially in New Delhi. Similar processions are carried on by chief ministers of different states. Not just in Government quarters and premises, the celebrations make home at schools and educational institutions also. As it is marked as a National holiday, cultural events and performances are held for the students a day before.

For some, it is also an excuse to fly kites all day long. Days before the auspicious day, skies of the city get dotted with colorful kites of different sizes. To catch the best kite flying action, visit Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi.

When: August 15, 2019. Starting from 2 pm
Where: Jain Mandir to Fatehpuri Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

Teej Festival

The thing about Indian festivals is they have a religious or a mythological angle attached to almost everyone of them. Now the civilization has a festival attached to monsoons as well, and that too named after a small red insect, Teej, which emerges out in the rainy season.

But why it is celebrated? Well, the answer is no where related to the insect. Rather, the festival is a mark of reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

It is not a festival that pans all over India, but in the parts of Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. And primarily, its Rajasthan that devotes itself to it in a massive scale. It happens in the form of a fair, known as Sawan Mela.

Lots of singing, dancing, and feasting, followed by a convoy of decorated elephants, horses and chariots. All this is done in honor of Goddess Teej (a form of Goddess Parvati). Tripolia Gate, Gangauri Bazaar and Chhoti Chaupar in Jaipur must be your ideal place to be during Teej. Read More

When: 1st September, 2019
Where: Rajasthan, particularly in Jaipur

Nag Panchami

  

Lucky are the snakes of India!. Here, these reptiles are not just a wildlife show, but divine like the Lords. Visit the southern states of India during Nag Panchami and you will see the country’s love for the serpent.

Although different regions of India have their own set of traditions and rituals to celebrate this unique festival. A treat of milk and honey to the snake, particularly a cobra, is one of the main aspects of Nag Panchami. People worship temples of Lord Shiva to worship and seek blessings during the festival, as snakes are dear to the Lord. Don’t panic, if someone comes to you asking for milk or alms, carrying a dormant cobra. They won’t bite!

When to visit: 5 August 2019
Where: Rural areas of Maharashtra, particularly Battis Shirala Village. Adisha temple in Andhra Pradesh, Nagathamman temple in Chennai, Hardevja temple in Jaipur and Nagaraja temple in Kerala are the popular places to visit during NagPanchami.

Bonderam Festival

  

Removing the animosity between two communities, which is in existence since the Potuguese era, Bonderam festival is one such event Goa waits eagerly. In the company of thousands-locals and tourists, this harvest festival is held every year at the Divar island in old Goa.

As per the merry making spirit of Goa, the festival becomes a paradise of melodious music and dance. Parades and processions by different villages in the vicinity, and continuous recitation of Viva Bonderam keeps alive the carnival ambience of the festival.

When:  Bonderam Festival  is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August every year.

Where: Divar island in Goa

Raksha Bandhan

The much awaited festival for sisters in India, Raksha Bandhan celebrates the love they share with their brothers. It is one of the prime festivals in Indian societies and is celebrated all over the country.

Some states call it Nariyal Poornima, Kajari Poornima, while for most, its Rakhi Poornima. As a mark of the chaste love, sisters tie beautifully crafted ‘Rakhis’ on the wrists of their brothers. It is not only confined to brothers and sisters.

Above than the deep blood bonds, Rakhi can be tied by a wife to her husband or a disciple to his guru.

When: August 15, 2019.
Where: All over India.

Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race

One of the major events that take place in God’s own country is the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat race. Piercing the silence of the exotic Punnamada lake in Alappuzha, the snake boats put the blue tracks on fire.

It has been like this since 1952, and every year a great show, infront of an huge audience is put forth.  The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race is a prestigious event and features ceremonial water processions, that is like no other in the world. Read More

When: 10 August 2019
Where: Lake Punnamada, Alappuzha, Kerala

Shravani Mela

Celebrated through out the monsoon months in India, Shravani Mela is a festival dedicated to the almighty Shiva. In an attempt to pay obeisance to Baba Baidyanath Shiva, thousands of Saffron clad devotees march for more than 100 km.

The tradition says it starts on the Amavasya (No moon) day in the month of monsoon and ends by the Purnima (Full moon) day. In between all this, devotees have to fetch the holy waters of Ganga and shower it at Deoghar Baidyanath temple.

When: 28 July to 26 August 2019
Where: All over India.

Related  Post: 
Fair and Festivals in India in January
Fair and Festivals in India in February
Fair and Festivals in India in March
Fair and Festivals in India in July
Fair and Festivals in India in October
Fair and Festivals in India in November
Fair and Festivals in India in December

Read More

Fair & Festivals in India in July 2019

Monsoons are the reason to go out and holiday after a scorching spell of the summers. July being the prime month of rains in most parts of India, brings with itself hefty opportunities, not just to enjoy the bliss of nature, but also explore the varied shades of incredible India.

These shades are depicted through different festivals, which are celebrated across boundaries of castes and community. Mentioned below is a list of some of the popular festivals in India that will certainly make your July 2016 memorable.

1. Amarnath Yatra

An experience that is bound to change the way you value any religion, Amarnath Yatra is an annual affair for lakhs of pilgrims, wishing to pay their obeisance to Lord Shiva. Since times immemorial, Amarnath cave has been a place of worship for the Hindus. Legends has it that Lord Shiva used the Amarnath cave to narrate the secrets of immortality to his consort, Goddess Parvati.

There are many epics revolving about the discovery of the cave by humans. Some say that a shepherd named Buta Malik accidentally discovered it, while others stick to the tale of Bhrigu Rishi  being the founder of Amarnath shrine. Whosoever is the founder, Amarnath cave is one of the most sacred shrines for Hindus in this whole world. It is the place where pilgrims avail eternal happiness in the shadow of the almighty Shiva.

The high altitude cave shrine has an iced stalagmite Lingam, which Hindus believe to be a part of the lord. Adjacent to the Shiva Lingam, there are other two more ice Lingams, which belong to Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. The sacred shrine remains snow covered for most part of the year, but during a brief period in summers, it opens  its doors for the pilgrims.

Every year during the months of Shravan of the Hindu calendar (July and August), Amarnath Yatra is organized, which lasts for approx two months. The holy Amarnath cave resides at an altitude of around 12,756 ft which has to be trekked on foot. The journey is tough as it goes through undulated terrains and grounds. But with the spirit of the almighty in one’s heart, no route feels difficult. There are two routes made available from Jammu. One goes through Pahalgam, while the other is via Baltal.

In between the journey, various spiritual sites, like the Sheshnag lake, Mahaganesh mountain and Bail Gaon, all linked to the legends of Lord Shiva, will be coming your way. If you are lucky, you might catch the sight of a pair of pigeons at the doorstep of Amarnath. Some connect it to the immortal pair of birds, the description of which is mentioned in the mythological story of the shrine.

But before heading on to the spiritual journey, one must get himself registered for the Yatra, which is done by Jammu and Kashmir Government.

[ Check out the list of Amarnath Yatra Packages ]

2. Rath Yatra

In Puri, it is a carnival like festival. Its that occasion, which is marked by three mammoth like chariots being pulled on the streets by devotees.

But what makes these men participate in such a huge procession? (can be tough lover for some).

Locals of Puri call it their immense devotion and love for Lord Jagannath, that drive them to celebrate in this fashion. The city, which is world renowned for the Jagannath temple, makes it a duty to completely devote itself in the celebrations of its favored deity, Lord Jagannath. And  they show it the best through the Rath Yatra or Car Festival, as the foreigners would say.

It all starts on the second day of the Shukla Paksha in the 3rd month of the lunar calendar.  Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother, Lord Balabhadra and sister Subhadra is worshipped in the famous Jagannath temple.

The tradition forbids some castes to enter into the temple, so for them the Rath Yatra or the Chariot journey is the only mean to seek blessings from the three Lords. The chariots start their journey from Jagannath temple and ends at Gundicha Mandir.

As per Hindu mythology, Gundicha is the place of their aunt, so after staying there for 9 days, the return trip of the chariots back to Jagannath temple takes place.

The Rath Yatra festival is amongst the most sacred festivals in India, thus, it draws pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.  This year the Ratha Yatra is going to be little more auspicious than the usual.

The tradition says that after every 19 years, the idols of the deities get a new avatar, and the Rath Yatra gets named as Nabakalebar. Thus, this year it’s going to be Nabakalebar Rath Yatra which will be commencing in the second half of July 2019.

When: 14 July 2019

[Read more about Rath Yatra]

3. Karsha Gustor Festival

A Masked Dancer At The Karsha Gustor Festival

If you are planning a trip to Ladakh in the month of July, then you have your chances to witness its cultural’s anatomy saved. As in July, Ladakh celebrates Karsha Gustor festival at its very famous Karsha monastery.

The Gompa resides on a mountain slope in Zanskar, thus you have to climb all  the way to the site. . No doubt, this Himalayan region enthralls visitors with captivating sights that look so impossible to be scheduled in the urban mundane.

From the top its like a picture perfect paradise, and with the friendlies (Lamas) in their disarming best, do not hesitate in submerging yourself in their festivity.

Ladakhis, being highly grounded to their roots,  very well know how to celebrate. But certainly not like the merrymaking affairs of Goa or down south. They dance in their traditional way, narrating a story and during the Gustor, its the victory of good over evil. If you have been to any festival in Ladakh before, then watching the masked dance performances of the chums won’t be a new thing for you.

However, the festival also features a special black hat dance performance by the monks, that is highly delightful to watch. The monastery has a lot to explore and every nook and corner of it narrate a different tale.

4. Eid-Ul-Fitr

Ed-Ul-Fitr is a very popular festival for Muslims all over the world. It is an annual affair for the community and is also known as ‘Breaking of the Fast’ festival. Here fast is in context of the month long Ramadan festival, in which Muslims keep fasts and are abstained from doing any unlawful activity described by Islam.

A tough ordeal, but surely in the right faith of religion.

Coming back to Eid-Ul-Fitr. The festival depends on the sighting of the moon, and the night before it holds great significance. As a mark of celebration, Muslims go for special Eid shopping, offer prayers at mosques, invite friends and families for grand feasts.

And the feasts are just not the usual ones. If you haven’t been into one, now it’s the time. These feasts highly speak of lip-smacking Sheer Korma, which is a traditional dish, that has vermicelli, milk, sugar served with sprinkles of dates, pistachios and almonds.

Plus, it is customary for Muslim households to serve this yummy dish to whosoever turns up on their doorstep.

When: 7 June 2019

5. Guru Purnima

The Indian version of ‘Teacher’s Day’ of the west, Guru Purnima is a festival in honor of spiritual and academic teachers. In India, the festival is celebrated by followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.

Hindu scholars and ascetics prefer to call it Vyas Purnima also, in a sense of gratitude to one of the most spiritual gurus of all time, Maharisi Veda Vyasa. As per Hindu traditions, the auspicious Guru Purnima festival is celebrated on a full moon day of the Ashad month i.e the months of July and August.

For the year 2016, The festival is scheduled to take place on 31st July. As the day  is dedicated to the spiritual gurus, rather than modern day academic teachers, it is celebrated with austerity in the various Yogic ashrams of India.

Move  to the Himalayan ashrams in Rishikesh on this day to see the colors of Guru Purnima. It is more of a worship occasion to the Guru rather than a celebration over there. However, spiritual organizations also organize cultural performances and programs especially for the day.  

When:  16 July 2019

6. Splash

India’s answer to the water festivals of Europe and the West, Splash, is the new way to celebrate monsoons in the country. And what better way than the evergreen, monsoon host of India, Kerala, to mark this occasion. To be precise, the Splash festival in India is celebrated in the Wayanad region of Kerala.

Facts say that Wayanad, being one of the most beautiful spots in Kerala, attracts a lot of tourists. True, but now you have one more reason to travel to this part of India. The three day Splash event is a  mix of both indoors as well as outdoor activities, and it will bring back your childhood days.

River rafting, crab catching, splash football, splash volleyball, paddy transplantation, treasure hunt and climbing the slippery pole are some activities that will keep you busy, even if you are a spectator.

You can also try your hand in other activities like cycling, bamboo rafting, river crossing, archery and trail walking. Splash also helps in promoting the traditional art forms of Kerala. ‘Keraleeyam’, which is an indoor program at the Splash event, showcases dance and musical performances.  

7. Dree Festival

Far from the mainstreams of India, lies an unexplored beauty, Arunachal Pradesh, which celebrates a festival known as the Dree festival. As the state has agriculture as its main occupation, most of its festivals are based on it.

Dree, being one of them, is celebrated in the month of July, when the state is under the spell of the monsoons. The Dree festival at the ritual level belongs to the Apatani tribe of Arunachal and involves certain sacrifices to be done in the name of the Gods.

For the rest of the population, Dree is a festival of joy where celebrations are in the form of folk music and dance competitions. The festival takes place every year in the month of July.

When: 5 July 2019

8. International Mango Festival, Delhi

Mango is the king of all fruits, and as the spring comes, we just can’t have enough of this pulpy fruit. But imagine a festival dedicated to this tropical delight. Yes, you heard it right! The capital of India, Delhi, every year celebrates its love for Mango with an International festival.

The Mango festival invites specialties of mangoes from all corners of the country. Be it, Alphonso, Dasheri, Falsa or Bombay green, the festival has it all. This one of a kind opportunity to relish so many flavors of the super fruit, bring mango lovers from far off distances.

Interesting fact about the International Mango Festival is, besides, sucking on the mangoes, recreational events and activities like mango eating competition, mango folk performances, mango slogan writing and mango carving are also the highlights of the festival. Mango products like Aam Papad, Aam Panna, Mango Pulp, pickles and jam are also put on sale.

So what are you waiting for?, the festival is only for two days.

When: 09 Jul 2018 to 10 Jul 2019
Where: Delhi Haat, Janak Puri, Delhi, India

[Read More about Champakulam Boat Race]

Related Post: 
Fair and Festivals in India in January
Fair and Festivals in India in February
Fair and Festivals in India in March
Fair and Festivals in India in October
Fair and Festivals in India in November
Fair and Festivals in India in December 

Read More

Top Colorful Mahotsav in India

India is popular all around the world as the land of celebrations. The fairs and festivals of India are a display of the rich heritage, tradition and culture of the country, which attract a huge number of travelers from all around the globe. Apart from these yearly fairs and festivals, India also plays host a number of Mashotsav that are again a splendid celebration of diverse art and crafts, religion, cuisine and culture of India. The blog enlists top 12 famous and colorful Mahotsav in India:

Rann Mahotsav

3-day annual festival of Gujarat, the Rann Mahotsav is a cultural event that is a wonderful display of the authentic culture and feel of the mighty Rann of Kutch.  Also known of Rann Utsav of Kutch, it has a number of highlights such as traditional folk dance and song performances, Thar Desert safari and so on. 

This mahotsav is organized in the month of December and is one of the main attractions of Gujarat. This carnival is the celebration of the cultural ethnicity of the Kutch region and offers opportunity to the craftsmen, artisans and other artists to show their talent.

When- On full moon nights in December
Where- Kutch, Gujarat

[ Read More about Rann Utsav in Gujarat ]

Ganga Mahotsav

 

The 5-day annual event of Ganga Mahotsav is organized in Varanasi or Banaras, the oldest inhabited city of India, which is located on the banks of the holy river of Ganga. This festival is a reflection of cultural heritage, tradition, cuisine, art and customers of the holy city of Varanasi. All the Ganga ghats/banks in Varanasi are lit with numerous lamps during magnificent festival that is celebrated at the time of Kartik Poornima

A Shilp Mela is also organized at the time of Ganga Mahotsav. Visitors take a dip in the holy waters and soak-in the divinity flowing in the air. Performances of Indian classic music and dance by top-shots of the field as well as activities like boating, swimming, wrestling are the prime highlights.

When- November
Where- Sant Ravi Das Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow Mahotsav

The very popular Lucknow Mahotsav, also known as Lucknow Festival is a 10-day long event, which is organized to encourage art, culture and tourism of Uttar Pradesh. 

This festival is a sparkling showcase of Awadhi splendor through traditional Indian classical Kathak dance performances, art and crafts, performances by musical Gharanas, theatre, and more. Visitors can binge on vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies of Lakhnawi cuisine, served in a huge variety.

When-November-December
Where- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Raas Mahotsav

Held yearly in the month of November, Raas Mahotsav, also called Majuli Raas Mahotsav is nice experience of knowing the cultural heritage of the region.  Organized in Howly town of Majuli Island, this mahotsav offers the visitors a chance to witness the traditions of the people of Majuli and the culture around the mighty Brahmaputra River. This is the best time to observe the folk dances, art and crafts and the culture of Assam. 

This 4-day festival starts on the Raas Purnima Day. Raas Leela of Lord Krishna is performed by the local artists who start preparing for its several days for it. The stories of Krishna’s life are depicted through dance, chants, songs, puppets, masks and more. This festival is a show of Bhakti Rasa/devotional feelings for Lord.

When-November
Where-Howly, Majuli, Assam

Taj Mahotsav

The annual 10- day Taj Mahotsav of Agra takes place near the Taj Mahal, displaying the magnificent art and craft, music, dance, cuisine and culture of Agra along with the other states of the country. Artists from all around India come here to showcase their talent. 

During the spectacular Taj Mahotsav, you can get your hands on some amazing stuff like paintings, jewellery, folk dresses, maps, furniture, show pieces, linen and other knick-knacks. Do not miss relishing delicacies of various states of India. This event is attended by world-famed artists, dancers, musicians and chefs.

When- February
Where- Agra, Uttar Pradesh

[ Read More about  Taj Mahotsav Festivals in Agra ]

Kalinga Mahotsav

Kalinga Mahotsav or Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav, organized every year in Bhubaneshwar is the national festival of martial art dance of Orissa. This 2-day mahotsav attracts martial art artists from all over the country. 

The cause behind this celebration is the victory of peace over war and the inspiration lies behind the Kalinga war that took place during the reign of King Ashoka of Maurya Dynasty. Visitors can see thrilling martial art performances like Kalaripayattu from Kerela, Chhow and Paika from Odisha, Thang Ta from Manipur and more that involve use of swords, sticks, various acrobatics movements etc.

When- February
Where- Bhubaneswar, Orissa

Bhoramdeo Mahotsav

Organized in the last week of the month of March each year, Bhoramdeo Mahotsav is celebrated in the very well-known Bhoramdeo Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is placed in Kawarda, in India’s tribal state Chattisgarh. 

Famed as Khajuraho of Chattisgarh, this old temple is sandwiched between Maikal ranges and thick forests. This mahotsav is an excellent opportunity to witness the dance and performing arts of the tribal people of the region.

When- March
Where- Kawardha, Chhattisgarh

Maru Mahotsav

Also known as the Desert Festival of Rajasthan, Maru Mahotsav is a 3-day fest that is famed all around the world for a colorful display of rich folk culture of Rajasthan. Held every year in the month of February, this festival receives heavy footfall from all around the world. 

The festival includes various exciting competitions and events such as camel rides, matka race, visit to forts and havelis, best facial hair, turban tying, tug of war and more. One of the major highlights of the festival is a colorful process of decorated horses and camels that starts from Sonar Quila and ends with thrilling performances at the Sand dunes of Jaisalmer.

When- February
Where- Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

[ Read More about Folk Sounds of Rajasthani Music ]

Malabar Mahotsav

A celebration of the traditional cultural glory of the Malabar region, Malabar Mahotsav is a captivating amalgam of musical and dance performances, organized in Calicut, now Kozhikode. Organized from 13th to 16th January, this mahotsav is an exhibit of rituals, cuisines, classical dance and music, literature, drama, folk, art and culture of Malabar. 

Organized by the Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council from the year 1992, this festival is held at either the beach or Mananchira ground. Art forms such as Thira, Theyam, Koothu and classical dances like Ottanthullal, Mohiniyattom, Kathakali are the major attractions.

When- 13th to 16th January every year
Where- Calicut (Kozhikode), Kerala

Van Mahotsav

Celebrated in the first week of July, Van Mahotsav is the annual day when trees are planted. Celebrated all around the country, this mahotsav involves plantation of tree on the sides of the roads to make the India green and conserve forests. Started in Indore in the Madhya Pradesh, it slowly involved the whole country and is attended by all with great enthusiasm.

When- July
Where- Madhya Pradesh

Braj Mahotsav

A stimulating display of the food, rituals, culture, dance and music of the Braj region of Mathura and Vrindavan, Braj Mahotsav is celebrated in the honor of Lord Krishan, mainly before Holi, the festival of colors. Organized every year The Braj Foundation, this festival till date since 2005 has been held at different locations such as Vrindavan, Barsana, Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad and this year in Bharatpur. 

One of the main events is Raas Leela by popular folk artists of the region, wherein they enact several stories of Lord Krishna’s life. Apart from music and dance, this mahotsav involves theatre, painting, cuisine, literature and even paintings.

When-February-March
Where- Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Buddha Mahotsav (Tawang Mahotsav)

Also known as Tawang Mahotsav, Buddha Mahotsav is a 5-day long festival, which is organized on the event of Buddha Poornima. A celebration of cultural practices and traditional customers of the Buddhist followers, this festival is also celebrated at other places like Ladakh, Bodhgaya, Kushinagar and Sarnath. Along with the celebration of the teachings and life of Lord Buddha, one of the main causes of this festival is the promotion of spiritual tourism of Arunachal Pradesh.

When- October
Where- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

[ Check Out some of the most famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Sites in India ]

Related Post:
Fair & Festivals in India in January
Fair & Festivals in India in February
Fair & Festivals in India in March
Fair & Festivals in India in October
Fair & Festivals in India in November
Fair & Festivals in India in December

Read More

Fairs & Festivals in India in March 2019

The month of March, in India, marks the beginning of spring season and during this time, the states of Rajasthan and Kerala play host to some popular and renowned festivals in India. 

While Kerala will host many temple festivals, Elephant Festival and International Yoga Festival will happen in Rajasthan and Rishikesh. On the other hand, there is Goa whose environment will be filled with fun and frolic during Goa Carnival. So, plan a vacation to India in March and enjoy the vibrant culture and colors of celebrations. 

Paripally Gajamela 

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. 

When: 4th March, 2019

Where: Paripally Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakaali Temple, Kollam

Chinakkathoor Pooram

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.

When: 1st - 4th March,, 2019

Where: Palakkad, Kerala.

 

International Yoga Festival

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

When: March 1-7, 2019

Where: Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand  

World Living Heritage Festival

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.

When: March 13-16, 2019

Where: Udaipur City Palace Complex, Rajasthan

Holi Festival

Commonly referred to as the “Festival of Color”, Holi is a time when people exuberantly throw color and water all over each other. They enjoy parties and dance under water sprinklers. On the occasion of Holi, Bhang is also consumed in the form of ‘Thandai’. It is a festival where people don’t mind getting wet and dirty.

When:  March 21, 2019

Where: All over India

Thirunakkara Arattu

Celebrated at Thirunakkara Arattu in the Kottayam district of Kerala, Thirunakkara Arattu is a grand festival which starts on the first day of Meenam month of Malayalam calendar. The main highlight of the procession is decorated elephants which are accompanied by drummers and other performers.

When: March 16-24, 2019

Where: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam District, Kerala

Jaipur Elephant Festival

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.

When:  March 21, 2019

Where: Jaipur, Rajasthan

Godwar Festival

Sparkling tradition of Rajasthan is best portrayed through the dance and music performances that take place during Godwar Festival. Besides dance and music, the festival hosts bullock cart rides, horse race, and wildlife safari. Competitions like turban tying and tug of war add on to the enthusiasm and in the evening people gather for bhajans.  The celebration spans for three days and takes place in Ranakpur, which is famous for its Jain Temples and rural settlement.

When: 1-12 April 2019
Where: Mana Hotels, Ranakpur, Rajasthan.

Gangaur Festival

Gangaur Festival is one of the most important festivals for the people of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh; especially for the ladies who worship Goddess Gauri. The name of the festival has been derived from the words Gana (Lord Shiva) and Gauri (Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva), and they both symbolize marital bliss. During the celebration unmarried girls worship the gods so that they get to marry a nice boy; while married ladies worship for the welfare and long life of their husbands. Females apply henna and make images of Goddess Gauri with clay during the commencement of the festival. It is concluded after the departure of Goddess Gauri, which is followed by holy rituals.

When: 21st March to 10th April, 2019
Where: Rajasthan

Mewar Festival

Mewar Festival welcomes spring season with zest and not just Udaipur, the whole Rajasthan state gets excited about this festival. As Mewar Festival coincides with Gangaur festival the colors of festivity is filled in the air for quite a long time. Shopkeepers adorn their shops with lightings and women wear the best attires. Cultural programs and performances add further spark to the charm of this festival. One shouldn’t miss the cultural performance as this is the best way of getting closer to the effervescent culture of Rajasthan.

When : 6th to 8th April, 2019

Where: Udaipur, Rajasthan

Shigmo Festival

Shigmo is also known as Shishirotsava and it is a spring festival celebrated in the Goa state. Village deity is bathed and dressed in saffron robes on the first day of the festival, which is further followed by dance. The festival is celebrated by enacting the scenes of mythological stories, through folk and street dance. Various rural parts of Goa celebrate this 15-day long festival with different days earmarked for celebrations in different areas. There are two kinds of Shigmo festival, Dhakto (celebrated mainly amongst farmers) and Vhadlo (celebrated by everyone altogether).

When: 21 March 2019
Where: All over Goa

India Restaurant Week

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.

When: Yet to be announced 

Where: Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai

Read More