We all like to travel for various reasons relaxation, adventure, business, etc. But, in the end what everyone wants, is to have a unique travel experience that they will remember for their life or even check off their bucket list. Here’s why we think making a visit to one of these festivals will triple your travel experience and even may be make you visit again.
Pushkar Fair – Rajasthan
Pushkar Fair is a camel and livestock fair. The fair is situated on the banks of the Pushkar lake, and is conducted on an annual basis in the small town of Pushkar in Rajasthan.
A camel race starts off the event, and the festivities accompanied with song and dance begins. Along with the trading of livestock, the fair has many stalls wherein you can purchase fancy jewelry, colorful clothes, fabrics that are available in the region and more. There are also many competitions that are held at this fair, such as the longest moustache, matka phod and many more unique and unheard of contests.
The festival will be held from 10-17 November 2016. Make sure you zoom towards this part of the country as you would not want to miss this unique travel experience of a traditional mela.
Desert Festival – Jaisalmer
One of the most awaited and famous cultural, colorful event that dominates the golden sands of Jaisalmer. This festival is held in February of every year, so if you missed it this time, don’t worry, you can plan ahead for next year. The rich in culture region provides a platform for local talent to be showcased.
The three-day event is a must visit if you ever intend on visiting Rajasthan. The festival is brought to life with Rajasthani folk music and dance such as the Gair and Fire dance. Set amidst the beautiful dunes of the Thar Desert, there are many competitions here as well like camel polo, camel races, camel formation dancing, longest moustache competition (like the one at the Pushkar Fair).
There are also interesting stalls displaying artifacts, handicrafts of the region, along with handmade jewelry , vibrant clothes, fabrics and also souvenirs that are available at the festival. The dates for next year is still to be decided, watch this space for more information. The sights, smells, and tastes will leave you spell bound with this unique travel experience.
Rann Utsav – Gujrat
Rann Utsav is a carnival held at the Rann of Kutch. Among the white sand of the Rann, is colorful of music, dance, and much more. This festival comes to life under the night sky, making the shimmering landscape the background to an awesome experience. Held between the 1st November 2016 to 20th February 2017, this can be a must-do vacation to plan. From ATV rides to an excursion in a camel cart , From yoga to meditation there’s something for everyone. The intricate arts and crafts available here is also a must-see and maybe buy as well.
The area of Kutch is home to a variety of hand printed textiles such as Ajrakh prints, Batik prints, and Rogan painting. They also produce different forms of embroidery.
Close by to the Rann of Kutch, there is a smaller Rann called Little Rann of Kutch and is home to the Wild Ass Sanctuary. Going on a safari here is a unique experience in itself, the opportunity to come face to face with a wide variety of birds and all the wildlife is one that you would not want to miss.
Champakkulam Boat Race, Kerala
One of the oldest and most popular snake boat races in the state of Kerala, race is held on the River Pamba on Moolam day in the month of Midhunam which is June-July. This wonderful tradition has been passed on for generations and has been followed for over 500 years.
Kila Raipur, Punjab
Popularly known as the rural Olympics, the Kila Raipur festival is a sports festival in the country, held once a year in the month of February. Hundreds of sports enthusiasts from all over the country and foreigners participate in this sports festival.
The small town Ludhiana becomes the place to be for all rural sports activities, tourists and someone looking to have a different experience on the whole. People come to see the special breed of bullocks, camels, dogs, mules and other animals participate in a number of competitive events.
There are competitive events which don’t use animals as well such as Gilli-danda, kite flying, tug of war, kabaddi and more.
International Kite Festival – Gujrat
The International Kite Festival or Uttarayan is celebrated in Gujrat as a welcome to the summer months ahead every year. An indication to farmers saying that the harvest season is upon them, and marks the day Makara Shankrathi, which is considered the most important harvest day in India.
This 2-day event, held in January has all kinds of people celebrating by flying kites in the clear blue skies and devouring some local foods as well. The festival is so famous that even international countries like Japan, Italy, UK, Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, the USA, Malaysia, Singapore, France, China, and more come to be a part of the celebration.
The designs of the kites, the colors, the enthusiasm is a brilliant sight to see and be a part of as well. The objective is plain and simple keep your kite safe but make sure you cut someone else’s using only the string of your kite. The fun event leads to people saying “Kai Po Che” which means “I’ve cut it”
Hemis Festival, Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
If you plan to visit Ladakh, for a trek or to climb mountains, or go river rafting, or just to escape the city life; you must also plan your holiday to not miss the Hemis Festival.
This festival is held at the Hemis Gompa, the largest Buddhist monastery in Ladakh, and houses more than 500 monks at the time. This 2-day festival is filled with prayers and also traditional dances are performed by masked monks. Stalls are brought to life outside the monastery, variety of wares and souvenirs to the crowds who come for this festival.
Zooming to one of these places for these unique travel experiences?
