India celebrates as many festivals and traditions as its diversity boasts of. Not shying away from participating in inter-state and inter-religious festivals in the least bit, these festivals during winter months might take place in different parts of the country but you can always find some of its semblance in the opposite end of the country. Take a few days off to truly explore and get acquainted with the unique multicultural identity of India that only a few countries possess, through these winter festivals. By Shubhanjana Das
1. Kumbhalgarh Festival
The venue of this festival will leave you awe-struck at the very first sight. Celebrated near the Kumbhalgarh Fort in Udaipur, Rajasthani culture is put on proud display for three days. Dance and music performances, art and craft workshops, puppet shows, and exhibitions along with an authentic Rajasthani culinary fare awaits you this December at Udaipur.
When: December 1 to 3
2. Rann Utsav
One of the largest salt deserts in the world turns ground for one of the grandest fairs or ‘mahotsav’ of India, the Rann Utsav. That it’s colourful, vivid, and sometimes even overwhelming will be an understatement compared to the magnitude of the fair. With folk performances, adventure sports, and ethnic Gujarati gigs, be ready to be soaked in Gujarati culture and of course the authentic Gujarati fare. Photographers, we suggest you keep yourself braced for the photo ops at all times for the Rann Utsav is a photographer’s delight.
When: November 2019 to February 2020
3. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
Twelve km from Kohima, in the village of Kisama, December brings one of the most awaited festivals of the year in India – the Hornbill festival. Truly an experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the country, Hornbill festival includes folk dances, songs, and performances by the different warrior tribes of Nagaland. The festival is a one-of-a-kind gateway to experience Naga culture, its local heritage, food, handicrafts, and handlooms, which are all distinctly characteristic of their history and traditions. War dance, headhunting rituals, Hornbill National Rock Contest, rice beer, night market and some car and bike adventure sports are also on the cards.
When: December 1 to 10
4. Perumthitta Tharavad
Down South, Kottamkuzhy in Kerala celebrates year-end with an equal amount of bang during Perumthitta Tharavad. The boisterous grandeur of the mythological historical characters are depicted through the dance form of Theyyam. Expect a lot of tribal performances, mime, dance performances, and an overload of Malayali food.
When: December 2019
5. Magnetic Fields Festival, Rajasthan
If there’s only one festival you can attend this year, let it be Magnetic Fields Festival in Rajasthan, which gives a fantastic platform to budding talents in the country along with artists from different countries. This three-day long festival involves kite flying competitions, treasure hunts, secret parties, desert camping, cooking and music workshops, and three nights of endless stargazing. We can’t think of a better way to end the year.
When: December 2019
Related: These Cultural Festivals In October & November Demand Your Attention!
