The most colorful Festivals and Fairs of India -

Explore the vibrant festivals and fairs of India along with different cultures. Each corner has a different story! Find out the story and fall in love with India. Grab the chance to explore the true flavours of every region. Let the travel bug bite you and take you to these fascinating places with interesting fairs and festivals in India.

Hemis Festival, Ladakh
The colourful Hemis Festival is one of the biggest and the most famous religious festivals in Ladakh. The enchanting festival in the land of dreams is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava or commonly known as Guru Rimpoche. The Hemis Monastery is where the festival is celebrated. The monastery is itself a blissful place, surrounded by brown austere hills and bright yellow mustard fields. Its execution through the splendid masked dances by the Lamas is what takes your breath away. To see the celebration of good over evil in a different way, plan your next trip to Ladakh and witness this festival.
When – June or July
Where – Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

Khajuraho Dance Festival, Khajuraho
If dances intrigue you, then Khajuraho Dance Festival is a must visit for you. The festival is held every year in the month of February for a week. The sole aim of the festival is to promote the cultural heritage of India. The major dance forms of India like Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Mohiniattam and more are showcased here. The mesmerising backdrop of the magnificently lit erotic sculptures and aesthetic temples of Khajuraho and the euphoria of the place with the tunes will be awe striking!
When – February
Where – Chitragupta Temple and Viswanatha Temple, Khajuraho

Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai
If you want to experience a festival in grand scale, then take a part in a street-party-meets-spiritualism meaning during Ganesh Chaturthi. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, who is considered as the God of wisdom. The most important and interesting day in those 10 days is the last day when the idol is taken out in a colourful and musical procession to be immersed traditionally at a beach. The procession comprises of priests, singers, dancers, acrobats and many spectators. It’s mesmerising to see thousands of people of the city come together for the festival on the streets and dancing and singing their hearts out, out of pure devotion.
When – August or September
Where – Mumbai City

Durga Puja, Kolkata
Feel the Bengali vibes at the Durga Puja in Kolkata. It is the biggest festival of West Bengal and celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm in Kolkata. Locally the festival is also known as “Akal bodhan”, an uncustomary time for beginning of the worship. You will be wonder-struck by the artistic Pandals and the idols of Goddess Durga. The best thing about the Durga Puja is the “Bhog” that they serve. It has Khichdi, sabzi, Rasgulla, and tomato chutney as part of the menu. These 5 days you will come across the vibrant mood, art and colours of the Bengali people wearing traditional dresses.
When – October
Where – Kolkata

Hornbill Festival, Kohima
Hornbill Festival is an excellent opportunity to explore the different world of Nagaland, where you can experience a variety of cultural food, handicrafts, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland. Get to know the diverse and rich culture of Nagaland.  The aim of this 7 days festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of the state and display its extravaganza and traditions. Don’t forget to have the rice beer in those special horn mugs!
When – December
Where – Kohima, Nagaland

Rann Utsav, Gujarat
If you often imagine gazing at the stars on a full moon night in the Great Rann of Kutch then pack your bags and head to the white land of Gujarat! Go crazy shopping at Rann with all the beautiful traditional things and silver work, extremely popular in this region. You will love the glass work clothes. The exquisiteness of this festival makes it one of the most visited and popular festivals in India. During a full moon night this place wakes up to showcase its rich culture and heritage through dance, music, art and craft. Experiencing the magical and mythical flavour of Rann is a must do once in your lifetime.
When – November to February
Where – Kutch, Gujarat

Diwali – All over India
Diwali is the biggest and the brightest festival in India. It’s the festival of the lights and our favorite one. Homes are decorated, sweets are exchanged and thousands of lamps are lit to celebrate Diwali. The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The good food, amazing decorations and sky lighting up with fire crackers makes it a sparkling experience. It’s a typical Indian festival worth witnessing.
When – October or November
Where – All over India

Pushkar Camel Fair, Pushkar
Pushkar Camel Fair, locally known as “Pushkar Mela” is one of the largest camel fairs in the world. Apart from buying and selling livestock, it has become an important tourist attraction too. Camels are decorated in rich and colourful attires for selling purposes, and in addition to that the longest mustache competition is held which is a fun experience to be a part of .  You will be smitten by the folk dance and music, which is the soul of Rajasthan.
When – October or November
Where – Pushkar, Ajmer

International Kite Festival, Gujarat
Most of the festivals have some cultural, religious or historical significance. The kite festival is marked as a sign for farmers that the sun is back and harvest season, locally called Makar Sankranti, is approaching and that the winter season is over! The kite lovers assemble with their handmade kites and makes for an extraordinary kite flying day. Finally the best kite is chosen and titled as the best in the world. Try your hand at this quintessential Indian sport of kite flying.
When – January
Where – Gujarat

Desert Festival, Jaisalmer
It’s an ultimate exotic Indian desert festival. The three days’ festival showcases the extravaganza of dances, music, handicraft fairs and some the very interesting competitions like Mr. Desert, Turban tying, and best moustache. Apart from cultural performances, games like camel polo, camel rides, camel race and even camel tug-of-war are played. With the backdrop of the golden Jaisalmer fort, the place looks mesmerising during the festival.
When – February
Where – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Puri Rath Yatra, Odisha
This is the place to witness a huge gathering of Hindu pilgrims. The Puri Rath Yatra is a sacred journey on a richly decorated chariot of the Hindu deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha temple via Mausi Maa Temple, which is near Balagandi Chaka in Puri. See the majestic and vibrant rath decorated for the event, you will be awe struck!
When – July
Where – Puri, Odisha

Bihu Festival, Assam
The seven days long festival is celebrated on the occasion of Assamese New Year. The major attraction of the festival is the Bihu dance, which is the amazing dance form from the vibrant state of Assam. The harvest festival in Assam is celebrated with fun in abundance by all Assamese people irrespective of caste, creed, and beliefs. Don’t forget to take part in the dance, you will love it!
When – January, April and October
Where – Assam

Sula Festival
This one is for the wine lovers! The electrifying atmosphere with wine, music and sumptuous food, what else do you need? Tonnes of excellent wine, amazing activities like grape stomping, wine tasting, foot massage, tattooing and more will make these 2 days memorable. The awesome blend of music with wine will leave you in trance. Don’t forget to indulge in Sulafest Bazaar!
When – February
Where – Sula Vineyards, Nashik

Sunburn Festival, Goa
Grandest party for the youngsters from all over India and abroad, undoubtedly the largest beach party in the country. Sunburn is like adding glamour to the Indian nightlife. With the music performances going on for hours into the night, partying is the only karma of anyone at Sunburn. And it’s Goa, the best place to live the fun, hippie life. While you are here, take the opportunity to explore the gorgeous Goa beaches.  You have days just to party, shop, groove to music, try new water sports and of course try the delicious Goan food.
When – December
Where – Goa

Snake Boat, Kerala
Watch men battle it out in the exciting Snake boat race amidst backwaters of Kerala. The boats are shaped like snakes, hence the name!  These are traditional war boats in Kerala. Each village has its own boat which is taken care of throughout the year. Don’t forget to explore Kerala after all it’s God’s own country.
When – August or September
Where – Alleppey, Kerala