Introduction:

The biggest cultural fairs of India are celebrated with innocent fervor and joy! George Bernard Shaw once proclaimed – “The Indian way of life provides the vision of the natural and real way of life. On the face of India are the thunder expressions which carry the mark of the Creator’s hand.”. Decades later and this statement still rings true to its every word. 

India is a land of celebrations and cultural unity. Consequently, each residing religion has the freedom to express its cultural identity through festivals, fairs, and mass-scale get-togethers. However, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of local fairs and festivals took a big hit.

In this blog, we will dive into the top fairs and festivals in India that we missed during the pandemic;

RANN UTSAV, Kutch Gujarat

November – January Every Year

“Kutch nahi dekha toh kuch nahi dekha”

Of all the cultural fairs of India, the Rann Utsav is of the biggest cultural fairs of India where music, dance, culture & natural beauty harmoniously blends in with the boundless white desert and amazes visitors across the planet. 

For a person of art, the Rann of Kutch is a goldmine to explore. Intricate arts & crafts, Gujarat’s famous Bandhani sarees, exquisitely embroidered textile products, and mirror work are some of the specialties that one can explore here. This festival starts in November and lasts till January.

Pushkar Fair, Pushkar Rajasthan

11th November-19th November 2021

Celebrated in Pushkar, a small town on the Thar Desert’s edge near Ajmer; the Pushkar Camel Fair is one of the most important fairs and festivals in India. It is one of the greatest tourist attractions. One can experience the native musicians, magicians, acrobats, performance artists, and of course, camels & cattle. 

The pilgrims can also take a dip in the Pushkar lake. It is believed that if you take a dip during the full moon receive special blessings. Moreover, you must not miss the etheric evening maha aarti held alongside Pushkar Lake.

Hemis Gompa Fair, Ladakh, J&K

5th month of the Tibetan Calendar

If you’re seeking a cultural introduction and learning of Buddhism through local fairs and festivals then you must visit the Hemis Gompa Fair in Ladakh, J&K. 

This grand fair is a two-day ancient festival that comes under the famous cultural events in India. It marks the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava. He was the greatest spiritual teacher who protected the native populace against evil spirits & demons and introduced Tantric Buddhism.

This year the Hemis Gompa Fair was celebrated in the month of June. However, it wasn’t open for the public’s participation.

Gangasagar Mela, Bengal

Date of Makar Sankranti, Mid-January, Every Year

There is a saying about Gangasagar that goes — “sab thirth bar bar, Gangasagar ek bar!”

Gangasagar is the second largest religious gathering in India after the Kumbha Mela. The fair is celebrated about 100 km south of Kolkata. Every year, during the month of January, lakhs of pilgrims visit Gangasagar. All these pilgrims come to take a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. This ritual takes place on the day of the Makar Sankranti. Legend has it that a dip on the right day, in the right river, and at the right spot absolves the human of its sin.

Personally speaking, my father & grandmother had pilgrimed the Gangasagar back in the 1990s. To this day, my father recounts his journey as a relentless quest that he won’t ever forget.

Hornbill Festival, Kohima Nagaland

December 1st to 10th, Every Year

The Hornbill Festival, one of the most important fairs and festivals in India. It is also regarded as one of the most popular celebrations of Nagaland’s indigenous warrior tribes. 

When the world prepares for Christmas, the Nagas host their biggest cross-culture festival called the Hornbill festival. It is regarded as the ‘festival of festivals’. All the tribes and clans of Nagaland converge to revive & celebrate their cultures and traditions through local fairs and festivals.

From a spiritual point of view, this festival acts as a reminder that intrinsically, all of humanity is connected. The differences that seem so apparent to us are only present to make us appreciate the wonder called Life.

To plan your trip to the Hornbill Festival 2021, visit their website at www.hornbillfestival.com

Winter Carnival of Manali, Manali

January 2nd – January 6th, Every Year

Sponsored by the state of Himachal Pradesh, every year the city of Manali plays host to the Winter Carnival. It is one of the most famous cultural events in India. Consequently, Tourists across India come to witness the celebration of its culture.

The carnival’s highlight includes the Winter Queen Beauty Pageant, folk dances, street plays, western mob flashes, hundreds of cultural tableaus and processions and much more. 

Furthermore, for adventure enthusiasts, activities like skiing and snowboarding are arranged at Solang Valley near the town.

To know more about this upcoming festival, click here

The Goa Carnival, Goa

February-March, Every Year

With 500 years of history behind it, the Goa Carnival is the only carnival celebration in India. It spans 4 days and 4 nights, ending before the day of Lent (a period of 40 days before Easter requiring abstinence from meat for the Catholics). 

If you wish to experience the Goan culture, the vibes of a carnival, vibrant energy, positivity, extravagant dances, and tableaus and processions, then you must attend this carnival which is counted amongst the top fairs and festivals in India.

Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai

February, Every Year

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is one of the biggest cultural fairs of India which was formed with the idea of giving back to the city that scores of artists call home. Formed in October 1988, its initial aim was to preserve the heritage of the art district of Southern Mumbai. Additionally, it was a means of promoting the local artists too.

Artists across India gather at this festival to showcase their pieces of street art, architecture, performances, and more. Moreover, you can shop for art, take a heritage walk, lose yourself in the art of the festival or mingle with the artists who make it all possible.

To know more about this, visit www.kalaghodaassociation.com

Jaipur Literature Festival

28th January – 1st February 2022, Jaipur

Dubbed as the greatest literary show on Earth and top fairs and festivals in India. Therefore the Jaipur Literature Festival is the Mecca for bookworms, literary enthusiasts, readers, authors, poets, explorers & travelers alike.

Needless to say, you will be surrounded by books, knowledge, wisdom, ideas, and concepts, both common and rarest of the rare. You will also find yourself in the company of prominent literature experts, some of the most famous musicians who perform at this festival and wow the crowds with their soul-soothing music.

Khajuraho Dance Festival, Khajuraho, M.P

February-March, Every Year

Against the backdrop of the two most popular temples of Khajuraho that also come under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites i.e. the Chitragupta & Vishwanatha Temple, the Khajuraho Dance Festival celebrates the Indian traditional dance forms. Visitors across the world attend this magnificent dance festival organized under the Madhya Pradesh government where popular classical dancers perform their art forms like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri, etc. 

Conclusion: 

So, here we have it – the biggest cultural fairs of India. Some of them need a little more patience from your side while some are about to knock on our doors. Wherever and whenever you go, ensure that you’re taking ample precautions and taking safety measures to make your experience memorable!

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