India’s vibrant character and a diverse ethnicity are revealed in its colorful fairs and festivals celebrated all over the country. Dyed in vivacious hues, and pulsating with energy, these celebrations give you a taste of Indian religion and culture. Religious rituals, tribal culture, tourism festivals, and thousands of years of beliefs; Indians leave no chance to celebrate their illustrious legacy. Often called the intangible heritage of India, these endearing celebrations with glittering fireworks, colorful jamboree, dance & music, and mouthwatering delicacies are a rocking experience.
If you a planning a trip to India, here are some of the festivities you must add to your India travel itinerary. Vibrant, vivid, and versatile, these fairs and festivals are certainly one-of-a-kind experiences.
Held mostly in northern India, in March, Holi is celebrated by throwing colors on each other. Rooted in mythology and playful chronicles of Radha-Krishna, this colorful festival celebrates love, life, and the arrival of spring. Holi celebrations in Mathura-Vrindavan and the Lathmaar Holi of Barsana are too colorful to be missed.
This festival of lights, celebrated in October or November, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. On Diwali, people light earthen lamps, candles, and pretty fairy lights to light up a dark moonless night. Celebrated widely across the country, Diwali traditions include the exchange of gifts, traditional sweetmeats, card parties, and fireworks.
This vivid cattle fair flaunts the rich & vibrant traditions of Rajasthan. Check out the colorfully adorned camels that participate in jocular competitions like camel beauty pageants, and rejoice in the unique festivities at Pushkar fairground. The fair is celebrated in October/November and runs for a week.
This fun parade, led by King Momo, showcases the vibrant spirit of Goa. Celebrated in February or March, Goa Carnival is a kaleidoscopic gala, featuring swank floats, colorfully dressed dancers, and loads of festivities.
Feed the soul seeker in you at this week-long Yoga festival by the Ganges in Rishikesh. Join us at this little town at the Himalayan foothills and indulge in some yoga by the Ganges.
Take a sneak peek into the tribal heritage of Nagaland at the Hornbill Festival, celebrated every December in Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Traditional tribal dances, food, cultural galas, and sports of the various Naga tribes are the highlights of the Hornbill Festival.
Recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Kumbh Mela is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is celebrated once every 12 years in four river-bank pilgrimages in Allahabad, Nashik, Haridwar, and Ujjain. Holy baths, religious discourses, and feasts & festivities are a part of the celebrations. Visit this sea of humanity and take a dip in the holy river to absolve you from mortal sins. The dates of Kumbh Mela are based on the lunar calendar.
The chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri, celebrated mostly in the month of June-July, dates back to centuries. Thousands of curious travelers and devotees gather here to draw Lord Jagnnath’s massive chariot across the city.
Join in the celebrations and cheer the colorful snake boats as they race amid festive crowds in the backwaters & lakes of Kerala. Pretty flower rangolis (colorful patterns) and delicious Sadya (festive meal) are an integral part of Onam festivities.
Age-old rituals, joined with boisterous revelry and mouthwatering cuisines are the highlights of Durga Puja, that celebrates the many forms of the Goddess. Check out the magnificent pandals, savor delicious fish, and play colors with the festive crowds during Durga Puja celebrations. The festival is celebrated in September or October.
Celebrated at the beautiful Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, this monastic festival is much known for its Cham Dance, performed by the monks, dressed in fineries and huge colorful masks. .
Rann Utsav, the longest celebrated festival in India, starts in November and continues till February. Held at the dazzling white Rann, this colorful extravaganza celebrates the culture, crafts, and cuisines of Gujarat. Stay in the white tent city, go for camel safaris, and soak in the festivities at the largest salt desert in the world.
We are 4 persons from Italy...we spent a lovely trip in Delhi and Ladakh...even if the weather couse us little problems the Caper Travel has solved it modifing the tour immediatly. Thanks Caper's staff!!!
Caper Travel designed a three week tour to Rajasthan and Goa for four of us in a private car during March. The driver, guides and everyone associated with the organisation were professional, reliable and punctual! We had an amazing time, made even better because of the good accomodation choices and extra additions, such as elephant and camel ride.
Thank you so much Caper for giving us a truly memorable experience of your beautiful country!
Just come back from an amazing 2 week trip to India. First we done the golden triangle which we chose to do the train trip from Delhi to Agra a must you have to do if not just for the experience. All the cities were wonderful. In mumbia we done a city tour and ended our trip in the taj for afternoon tea another must. They really looked after us thank you all.
I had memorable and incredible stay at Kerala. Caper Travel Agency - Hi life Tour arraigned everything more than perfect - transfers, transport, hotel accommodation, entire trips in Cochin, Periyar, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kovalam, Trivandrum.All of my inners tours were more than fantastic. The Agency also arranged my additional request to participate in Holi celebration (Festival if colors).
I truly recommend Caper Travel. I trusted them and they fully deserved it.
This is my third trip with Caper Travel to India (from Canada). Again, they did not disappoint! I travel solo with just the Caper car and driver, and guide. Your trip is up to you if you want it to be and Caper will make it happen.
I will go again and again to India, and I will always choose Caper Travel.
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