Festivals in India Archives - India Someday Travels

8 Best Things to do in Bikaner

Posted on July 17, 2020May 9, 2025 by Abbas Slatewala

“Oh Bikaner, why have you been hiding all this time? Did you get overshadowed by too many famous siblings?” – Sonal and Sandro

In the city of Bikaner, you will get to experience all the classic Rajasthan must do’s but with lesser tourists. From the intriguing forts, temples, to jaw-dropping places and yummylicious North Indian Food, you will get to experience it all.

Bikaner is popularly known for the sand dunes and the famous rat temple but has much more to offer and will surprise you at every chance it gets.

Here is a list of things to do in Bikaner to make sure you don’t miss anything in this beautiful city.

The Mighty Junagarh Fort in Bikaner

1. Junagarh Fort

While one may assume this is the most common site to visit and would be just like every other sibling fort in Rajasthan, you might want to change your mind. This fort was built by Raja Rai Singh in the late 15th century, however, the interesting aspect of this fort that will capture your attention is the architecture and intriguing stories of the different rooms!

One such story being the ‘Badal Mahal’ which is the blue room in the fort, built for the royal children which depicted rain, as Bikaner received very little rainfall. Aside from these interesting stories, the fresco paintings on the wall, its windows made of beautifully designed ceramic tiles from all over Europe and Asia. It goes without saying that the fort is an architectural delight and is a must-visit on your trip.

VISITING HOURS: 10:00 to 17:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 1-2 hours

COST: INR 300 per person for foreign tourists, INR 50 per person for Indian tourists

Here are a few forts across India which are not only jaw-dropping but also great to explore with kids.

Walls Of Junagarh Fort

2. Karni Mata Temple

Just when you think you’ve experienced it all in India, you have the Karni Mata Rat Temple to bring your culture shock meter to soar up high. This Temple was built to commemorate the Karni Mata Goddess, who was a part of the Charin clan, it is believed that once she died she got reincarnated as a rat.

The followers of this clan believed that they too would be reincarnated as a rat. Not only do pilgrims worship the rats here but also believe that they will be cured of their ailments.

It is considered auspicious if you spot the white rat of the temple, however, there are as many as 20,000 rats here and to add on you have to enter the temple barefoot! So all we can say is ‘All The Best’.

VISITING HOURS: 24 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins

COST: Free

Karni Mata Rat Temple In Bikaner (Photo Credit- Enric Bach)

3. Devi Kund

About 8 kilometers away from the main town of Bikaner is the Devi Kund Sagar which is a crematorium. Although it does not sound like the best idea, the architecture here makes it worth the visit.

There are several Chattris (cenotaphs), each dedicated to one of the important rulers of the dynasty. The cenotaph of Maharaja Suraj Sign is the most exquisite of them all. If you have time in hand making a stop here will be worth it.

VISITING HOURS: 10:00 to 17:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins

COST: INR 30 per person for foreign tourists, INR 30 per person for Indian tourists

4. Haveli Rampuria

Rampuria is a cluster of Havelis (aristocratic homes), in the old town of Bikaner and this city takes pride in this gem. The minute you step on these streets, you will know why it is so talked about. Built in red sandstone, you will notice that every inch of these Havelis are adorned with skillful artistic work, from the latticed windows to the jharokhas (casements).

There is a blend of Victorian, Rajput, and Mughal style of architecture. These clusters of Havelis are unlike anything you would have seen in India. Grab your camera, wake up early, and start your day exploring these lanes.

The snapshots you will get here will make it seem like you’ve been transported back in time, into an old British town, because of its strong Victorian architectural influence.

VISITING HOURS: 24 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour

Cost: Free

Day Time Views Of Haveli Rampuira (Photo Credit – Alessio Spinaci)

If you truly enjoy marveling at such beautiful structures, Rajasthan is filled with them. Here are a few cities across Rajasthan which will definitely perk your interest.

5. The Jain Temple Bhandasar

This Jain marble temple is one of the oldest buildings (15th century) in Bikaner and a place where you find some peace and quiet time. The details and intricacy of the mirror work on the walls of this temple is fascinating and hypnotic. They also have fresco paintings depicting the life of the Jain Tirtaknar (teacher).

It is said the foundation of this temple is built on ghee (butter) and coconut. If you have time, make a stop here, seek blessings, and marvel at this beautiful structure, as it is said to be one of the most beautiful Hindu temples.

VISITING HOURS: 24 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 3-4 hours

COST: Free

Discover More: Know the Cost of Traveling in India

6. The Camel Research Center

If you are fond of animals and find camels as an interesting species, make sure to stop by the Came Research Center in Bikaner, which is about 8kms away from the main city. It’s the only breeding farm in India with about 230 camels. You will not be able to resist capturing the baby camels, as it’s a sight you don’t see often. Photography/videography is allowed on the premises, you can even enjoy a camel ride.

Make sure to visit this place anytime between 15:00 to 16:00 hours, as at this time most of the camels return back to the farm. Another unique part of this experience would be visiting the camel milk parlour, where you can indulge in various camel milk products like ice-creams or any cold beverages.

VISITING HOURS: 14:00 to 18:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour

COST: INR 100 per person for foreign tourists, INR 30 per person for Indian tourists

Baby Camels In The Farm at Bikaner.

7. Camel Festival

While most of us have heard of the Pushkar camel fair, Bikaner too is making sure they are not left behind in organizing this unique festival. If you are visiting Bikaner in early January, luck is on your side, although the festival dates vary every year, it usually takes place in the second week of January.

During this festival you get to see all the camels dressed up in colorful ornaments,parading alongside the backdrop of the Junagarh fort, there is also a camel pageant which is the biggest highlight of the festival. The folk dance and music, the fireworks in the evening, the camel talent show contests and the delicious Bikaneri food items sold there, makes this the most happening event of Bikaner.

VISITING MONTH: January

ESTIMATED TIME: Half A Day

COST: INR 600 per person

Ornamented Camel At The Bikaner Camel Fair

Another interesting city which hosts a similar event is the city of Pushkar. This blog has all the details you need to get an insight of what goes down at this event.

8. VILLAGE SAFARI

About an hour away from the main city of Bikaner is the Katariasar Village. You will definitely not find a lot of tourists here as it’s not so talked about. You will get a chance to interact with the locals who love to chat with you and give you an insight into their life, you get to observe their daily activity.

Herds of desert foxes, rabbits and peacocks stroll by, make sure to watch out for them. Walking along the sand dunes and enjoying the sunsets is a very relaxing experience. You can book this tour directly with your hotel/homestay.

ESTIMATED TIME: Half A Day OR Overnight Safari,

COST: INR 2,000 – INR 5,500

An Evening At The Sand Dunes In Bikaner

After visiting this offbeat destination, you will leave Bikaner wanting to explore more of India. So make sure you get in touch with our travel experts and they will help you club this destination with the rest of your travels, along with more inside tips to ensure a smooth trip.

Learn More: Uncover India’s Must-See Attractions

Festivals in India You Should Plan Your Trip Around

Posted on August 12, 2019May 7, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

India is known as the Country of Festivals. This in itself showcases the glory of celebrations in the country. When it comes to festivals in India, all hostility is forgotten, and the joyous occasions dawn on people. Different castes and creeds come together during this time to be a part of the cheer.

Each trip to India has an unforgettable influence on the traveller, but adding a festival to the spread would create memories that would be cherished forever. Moreover, each of the festivals in India brings along a bundle of joy with them. Celebrations of Indian festivals have their own unique extravaganzas, each with soaring levels of zeal throughout the country.

Below listed are some of the festivals that we think you shouldn’t miss when planning to visit India.

Diwali in India

Diwali

The festival of lights illuminates not only the streets and homes of the Indians but also the lives of all who witness it. The early winters bring Diwali, a five-day occasion that people across the country celebrate, to worship Goddess Lakshmi (the Indian deity of wealth).

The festivities include delicious preparations, crafting ‘Rangolis’, and vivid fireworks. ‘Rangolis’ are mandalas, painted on the ground. These are traditionally made using coloured salts.

Diwali signifies the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after he defeated the evil King Ravana. Celebrations of Diwali in India are spectacular and should not be missed! Also, because, you get a great taste of culture and religion too.

We recommend visiting the cities of Jaipur and Mumbai to experience all of what the festival has to offer, and more!

Diya (Photo Credit – Bhupendra Singh from Pixabay)

Holi

A cheerful occasion where people come together to celebrate. Holi is known for its vibrancy and cheerfulness. As with every Indian festival, Holi too has its significance. Once again, it marks the triumph of good over evil, Holi is based on the story of Prahalad.

The month of March hosts this joyous occasion. It is commenced by the burning of ‘Holika’ (a demon king’s sister), in a ceremonial fire. The next morning, however, is the day that brings friends and family together. Holi in India is celebrated by playing with colours and smearing it on dear ones.

The levels of brotherhood know no bounds when it comes to Holi in India. For the best Holi experience, we recommend visiting the urban cities. Mumbai, for a fun and quirky experience and cities in Rajasthan, like Jaipur or Udaipur, for a more cultural, traditional and royally festive experience.

For a wild, intense experience, the cities of Mathura or Pushkar can also be visited. But beware, the celebration in these towns tend to get harsh and aggressive, so it’s not an activity we recommend for women.

Explore More: Discover the Ideal Timing for a Visit to India

Holi (Photo Credit – Murtaza Ali from Pixabay)

Dussehra

Dussehra is a festival in India that is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the evil demon King Ravana. An extremely interesting event, Dussehra is celebrated by the burning of models of Ravana. These statues, around 15 meters tall, are burnt to the ground, and various plays called ‘Ram-Leela’ are performed on the streets.

These are recitals of the story of Lord Rama, and how he overcame various obstacles in his life. Many different cities host spectacular shows, but some of the most invigorating displays of Dussehra in India are in the cities of Delhi and Varanasi. Filled with tradition and excitement, and one can truly live the experience in a Dussehra celebration.

Dussehra (Photo Credit – Tanuj Handa from Pixabay)

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is one of the most hypnotising religious festivals one can experience. Based majorly in West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated in honour of the victory of Goddess Durga over a demon called ‘Mahishasura’. Festive air circles the city as the 10 days of Durga Puja inch closer.

Preparations for the festivities are endless, as people flood malls and streets to buy new clothes and other trinkets for themselves and their families. Once the festival commences, the people move around the city to worship the different idols and revel in the unique beauty that each place has to offer.

These idols are kept in places called ‘pandals’. Each one is ornately decorated with innovative concepts put together by the hosts. A key city to visit during this festival is Kolkata. The old capital of the country has its own charm, and the buzz during the festive season is unmatched by any other in the world.

One must stay until the end, as the last day is one of the most intriguing. Consequently, people bid farewell to their dear goddess as she is immersed in the waters of the holy river Ganges. Only to return the following year and bring back the enthusiasm of the upcoming festival with her.

Find Out More: Experience the Kaleidoscope of India’s Offerings

Durga Puja (Photo Credit – Abhishek Shirali)

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is the pride of the Indians. Everyone comes together to celebrate the birthday of their dear and beloved Lord Ganesha (The Elephant God). It is celebrated in the early autumn season, just as the rains come to close. To visit during the festival would be culturally enriching and is something one must not miss.

With merrymaking and laughter, dance and music at its peak, the festival is truly a time to enjoy yourself. Lasting 10 days, the celebration, along with the devotion is a sight worth witnessing. The Ganesha idols are placed in ‘Pandals’. People from all across the country travel to catch sight of the breath-taking idols.

Each one has an appealing, creative idea with abundant decoration and ranging sizes. Some of the idols are as tall as 5-storey buildings, whereas others could be merely 15 inches in height. One of the most glorious cities to visit is Mumbai, with a huge diversity of idols, whereas the tallest idol in India resides in Hyderabad.

As with the Durga Puja, the immersion of the idols in water is a sight to see! Ganesh Chaturthi in India is definitely a festival you shouldn’t miss!

Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai (Photo Credit – Chabilleasy Mawa Unsplash)

Pushkar Camel festival

An exciting new aspect to a centuries-old trading fair is what made the Pushkar camel festival so invigorating! Set in a small village amidst the vast state of Rajasthan, the fair takes place in November. Occurring on a special day of the full moon, the festival is crucial for traders, and entertaining for travellers.

Traditionally, this event was to invite different camel and cattle breeders to trade their flock. However, the event has now evolved to become one of the most attracting and important festivals to visit in Rajasthan. Although it is meant for merchants to participate in business trades, the festival is always full of eager tourists.

As such, there are also many different forms of entertainment for them. There are puppet shows and dance shows, musical concerts and snake charmers all present in the fair. There are also competitions for the camels, such as fancy dress and camel dance competitions. Each event has something new to offer, and you will leave with memories to be cherished forever.

Camel race at the Pushkar Mela (Photo Credit – Jason Rufus)

Ziro Music Festival

The Ziro Music Festival is a one-of-a-kind music event for which people come together from all around the world. It is a good escape from the typical concert that is held in the city. This is held in the Ziro Valley close to Arunachal Pradesh.

Attendees stay intent is to take in the full experience; enjoying the fresh air and clear skies, while experiencing something unique and different at the concert. You can buy food and supplies from vendors at the festival. Generally held in late September, the music festival attracts large amounts of crowds and also some very talented artists.

People attending can bring their own tents or use the ones provided by the organisers. The Northeast of India has always been partial to Rock music, and as such, the Ziro Music Festival features various local bands that play rock music. For the non rock fans, don’t be disappointed as they play other genres too!

Travellers may choose to travel by road or by air, and the closest airport is Guwahati. However, it is necessary to make a small road trip to get there. Rest assured that if you choose to go, you will have a blast!

Zero Music Festivals (Photo Credit – Arun Katiyar)

Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela in India is an exotic display of the Indian culture, in its purest form. Featuring a religious procession and spiritual walks, the Kumbh Mela is an eccentric event that takes place in Ujjain, a town in Madhya Pradesh. Countless Indian ‘Sadhus’(saints) participate in the processions, as they make their way towards the river Ganges to ‘wash away their sins’.

During this time, many tourist walks organised. You will also find other chic shows such as laser light displays and beautiful light and thematic gates. Accordingly, visitors can watch as these interesting events unfold. One can travel to the event by air, or by train to Allahabad, and then make a road trip further.

The ‘Hindu’ culture is the highlight of this event. It generally takes place in the months of January to March and lasts for around 2 months. The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the entire world. Moreover, this is a treat for photographers as they are able to capture all the picturesque sights.

Explore Further: Top 20 Places to Visit in North India

Kumbh Mela (Photo Credit – Ninara)

Baisakhi

Known as the harvest festival, Baisakhi in India celebrates the birthday of the Sikh leader, Guru Gobind Singh. The reason for this celebration is in respect to the good harvest of the year.

However, the most interesting part of the celebration is the lively festivities, where the citizens come together in open fields, and sing and dance the night away. The traditional outfits worn are mesmerising. There are also Baisakhi fairs and Langars organised. If you are interested in customary handicrafts then the fairs are the place to go and if you would like to taste some delicious food (which is free) then Langar it is.

Amritsar is a beautiful city where these festivities take place in the grandest of ways. One can arrive by air, rail or road to enjoy these fiestas.

Sikhs (Photo Credit – Marco Ghitti)

Hemis festival

A rich tour of the culture of Hemis is only one of the many things one can attain by attending this 2-day festival. It is started off with ornate decorations of the Hemis monastery. This is because the ceremony takes place here.

It is time to celebrate and you will find all the locals gathering around in the courtyard, dressed in their best. You will also find beautiful handicrafts and traditional tunes played all around you. The masked dances and vibrant costumes are a must-see, and the rituals of the festival are really magnificent and packed with traditions.

The Hemis festival reveals the true heritage of the locality, and one can get there via air or road. The nearest airport is the Leh Airport, and one can make a short road trip from there.

We strongly recommend that you should travel during these festivals. Because each festival offers a unique experience of its own. The celebrations are sights to see and cultural integrity is absolutely extraordinary!

If you need help to Plan Your Trip around any of these festivals in India, you can always reach out to us. And we’ll help you customise your vacation!

Hemis Festival (Photo Credit – Artem Beliaikin Unsplash)

Travelling to India around a festival

Posted on December 7, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

One universal truth about India is that festivals are probably the best firsthand look at its culture. Most have colourful stories and rituals attached to them and the people really know how to have a good time. Let’s just take you through a few of the most famous ones so that you can plan your India travel around a festival in India.

Performing at the beat in music festivals of Rajasthan

Enjoy the festivities of Diwali while travelling in India

It brings in the Hindu New Year – the day Ram, the hero in the ‘Ramayan’ returned home after defeating Ravan, a ten-headed demon who abducted his wife. They call it the festival of lights. It’s easily the most celebrated in India with lamps, lanterns, firecrackers and the Diwali Pooja (prayer ceremony).

When do we celebrate it?

It lasts 5 days starting with Dhanteras and finishing up with New Year. Diwali is the third day, the day of the full moon between October and November. In 2014, it is on 11th Nov (dates keep changing each year according to the Hindu calendar).

Best place to be to enjoy the celebrations

The whole country just lights up, especially North India. In Varanasi, they conduct huge Diwali aartis with elaborate lamps and chants at the Ghats. Rajasthan comes alive and amongst the metros, Delhi has a Diwali worth witnessing.

If you’re travelling to India during the Diwali season, make sure you book well in advance – tickets, bookings, guides. Everything becomes a bit more expensive at this time. A lot of noisy streets and all the smoke from firecrackers are the price you pay for visual delight and superb food.

Find Out More: Explore the Ideal Timeframe for a Trip to India

Festival of lights (sparklers) (Photo Credit – Madhukar Kumar)

Celebrate Holi

This 2-day riot of colours celebrates the bounty of spring. It’s called the “Festival of Colors” and people bathe each other in dry and wet colours, have rain dances, drink bhang (a cannabis paste) and ‘thandai’.

When and where to enjoy the celebrations?

It’s usually the day after the full moon in March (a day before in some eastern parts). In 2014 it’s on March 17. On the night of the full moon, they burn a Holi pyre (on which the mythical demon Holika was burnt) to destroy evil. North India offers unique Holi experiences in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (Barsana, Mathura, Vrindavan), Shantiniketan (Kolkata), other parts of West Bengal and Delhi amongst metros.

Almost every household in India celebrates Holi and it really is fun. The only things to be careful about are checking if the colours you’re using are toxic and if people are largely intoxicated. All in all, the trick to enjoying this one is to stay safe but go into it with no inhibitions.

Onam in Kerala

This is South India’s harvest festival with flower decorations on floors outside all houses. They’re meant to welcome the mythical King Mahabali. People shop and prepare feasts. There’s a lot of song, dance and games but the highlight is the snake boat races. You absolutely must catch one of these.

When and where to enjoy the celebrations?

Celebrated in Malayalam speaking parts of South India, it is really big in Kerala, especially Thrissur with its Puli Kali (tiger play) festival on the last day of Onam. It starts in the first month of Malayalam Calendar and Thiru Onam, the 10th day from Atham is the most celebrated. After Thiru Onam, there are 2 more days of celebration.

If you’re travelling to Kerala during Onam make sure you make advance bookings as ticket prices sky rocket and the best accommodation get occupied quick.

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Celebrating the festival of colours – Holi

Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai

Eleven days of festivities and colourful processions carrying Lord Ganesha idols characterize Ganesh Chaturthi. It is a celebration of the birthday of the Hindu God with an Elephant head. People bring Ganesha statues home and place them in public stalls, worship them for a few days and then submerge (Visarjan) them in style.

Mostly celebrated in the state of Maharashtra and by Maharashtrians elsewhere in India, it falls on the 4th day of the new moon in August or September and lasts 10-11 days. Ananta Chaturdashi (10th day) is the biggest day.

The festivities go hand in hand with heavy traffic, blocked routes and a lot of noise on the streets, especially in Mumbai and Pune.

Ganesh Chaturti in Mumbai (Photo Credit – Chabilleasy Mawa Unsplash)

Pushkar Camel Fair

This 15-day camel trading fair is held in Pushkar, near Ajmer in Rajasthan. People come here in huge throngs. The first 5 days are for camel trading after which pilgrims take dips and conduct rituals in the holy lake. Camels are all decked up and shaved. There are camel beauty pageants, dancing contests, races and what not. Musicians, acrobats, dancers, magicians, carousel rides, snake charmers; this fair has everything you’ve associated with India of the yesteryears and more.

If you’re planning on visiting Rajasthan during the fair, book well in advance unless you want to pay through your nose for an average accommodation. And be careful of godmen and other freeloaders trying to fleece you in Pushkar.

Rajasthan Musical Festival

You camp in the Thar desert (Rajasthan) and revel in 4 days of absolute auditory and visual delight. There’s a bunch of stages, a superb and extremely diverse line-up of music artists from all over, visual art and many more experiences.

There are no fixed dates for the music festival and it keeps changing. If you are interested, keep visiting http://www.ragasthan.com/ to stay in the loop. You should prepare well for extremely cold nights and relatively hot and dry weather during the day’s since you’re going to be outdoors most of the time. Book your passes well in advance, this festival is becoming more famous by the year.

Jodhpur Riff

The Rajasthan International Folk Festival at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is a great experience for people any age from any culture. UNESCO calls it a “Peoples Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development”. It has Sir Mick Jagger for its International Patron. Dates always coincide with the year’s brightest full moon, Sharad Purnima and the festival always has brilliant concerts and events. Again, this is a time of the year when Jodhpur gets very crowded so you should make all your bookings well in advance for a hassle-free experience.

Discover: Rajasthan’s Leading Places to Visit

Decorated Camels in the fair, Pushkar (Photo Credit – Ashish Sangai)

The Tulip Festival of Srinagar – Your Perfect Bollywood Summer

Posted on March 30, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Every year, over 60 million tulip bulbs travel from Holland to hunker down in the cold earth of Siraj Bagh in Srinagar. Come spring, the first rays of the April sun stretch out over the Zabarwan Range, thawing the shimmering surface of the Dal Lake. The first blooms burst through the soil and unfurl into a carpet of blossoms nearly 5 hectares across. It’s the largest tulip garden in all of Asia.

Rows of different colours of Tulips

WHEN TO Go

The garden, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, opens its gates on the 29th of March. The dates of the actual festival vary depending on the estimated time of blooming. This usually falls between the 5th and 10th of April. The festival lasts for a little under three weeks. Lose yourself in the flowerbeds that have lit up generations of Hindi film backgrounds, swaying in the cool breeze as couples prance wantonly in the sun. Neat rows of yellows, reds, pinks and variegated varieties stretch out as far as the eye can see.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden (Photo Credit – Arif Khan)

Stay for the charming Tulip Festival

Since all these efforts are made mostly to promote Kashmir’s tourism, the Tulip Festival in Srinagar is completed by a huge song and dance bonanza showcasing Kashmiri folk culture and Kashmiri food. Pick up some elegantly embroidered jackets and delicately painted lac boxes to take home. You can also deck yourself out in full Kashmiri kit for a photo op.

The stunning rows of tulips are hard to resist

Getting there

All the major North Indian cities are well connected to Srinagar by road. But you can also catch a flight straight into Srinagar or a train to Jammu.

Go on, Plan Your Trip now to visit to the beautiful Tulip Festival in Srinagar today!

Gangaur – Celebrating women in Rajasthan

Posted on March 22, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

If you’re travelling to India for the rush of Holi, stay on a couple of days to watch Rajasthan celebrate Gangaur festival. Essentially a celebration of womanhood, it defines and honours the role of women in Rajasthani society. What that means is a celebration of marriage and a woman’s ultimate achievement of being a good wife.

Rajasthani clay dolls (Photo Credit – Randhir Kumar)

Background OF THE Gangaur FESTIVAL

Gangaur comes from combining the names for Shiva-Gana and his wife Parvathi-Gauri. Gauri personifies the ideal wife, embodying purity and austerity.

According to legend, these are the days in which Gauri goes back to her parent’s home for a few days until her husband comes to collect her and take her back to their marital home. Thereby the story symbolizes marital bliss and has become one of the most important festivals for the people of Rajasthan.

This is a colourful celebration of woman and marriage (Photo Credit – Nina Luong)

Celebration OF Gangaur IN RAJASTHAN

Colorfully marked, bedecked processions troop through the streets to the sound of drums to mark the departure. Each city puts its own spin on it. In Udaipur, women line up on the shores of Lake Pichola in their finest clothes to set off fireworks, and as a boat procession moves down the water.

In Jodhpur, the women sing as they carry water and grass in brass pots. Whereas Jaipur’s winding procession moves through the city with elephants, horses, folk artists, palanquins, and chariots in tow.

Clay idols of the godly couples are installed and decorated in every home to mark the commencement of the festival. Wheat grains, the grass from which is later used in the rituals, are sown in small earthen pots. While newly married women fast for the entire 18 days for the health of their husbands and their marriage, unmarried women also restrict themselves to one meal a day in the hope of finding a good match.

They spend their days gathered together singing traditional songs to keep their minds off their empty stomachs. On the second day, known as Sinjara, presents arrive from the daughter-in-law’s parents ranging from sweets to clothes and jewelry.

Gangaur Festival in Rajasthan (Photo Credit – Suffix)

Festivals of Kerala

Posted on March 21, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

The God’s Own Country has a number of festivals they celebrate, each more vibrant and wondrous than the first. However, these are celebrated at different times of the year. Each with its own relevance and reasoning behind the timing and rituals. From boats racing across the backwaters, to an 800-year-old festival of dance, read all about the festivals of Kerala and when to visit Kerala to experience them.

Rooted in years of tradition, the festivals of Kerala are each as interesting and different as the other

Attuvela Mahotsavam

At Attuvela Mahotsavam, lights float gently down the river, a scene straight out of a Disney movie. Entire temples reconstructed on boats light up the night. Flanked by colourful canoes and moving to the thumping beat of the drum, the boats move down the Moovattupuzha river to welcome the Goddess Bhagavathy of Elanku coming to visit her sister Goddess of Kodungalloor on this day. It is known throughout as Elamkavu Attuvela Festival or the Floating Festival of Kerala.

Thousands throng the shore to watch the boats light the way for the grand reunion. In the meenam month of the Malyali calendar, falling between March and April, the two processions begin. Kerala’s temple festivals are characterised by delighted chants, drum beats, elephants and fanfare. In contrast, the Attuvela Mahotsavam is unusually serene and transcendental.

When: In the months of March – April

Watch boats come alive with fantastical lights in Kerala

Theyyam

Rooted in 800 years of folk tradition, Theyyam is one of the most popular festivals of Kerala. Also, Theyyam is a famous ritual art form that originated in North Kerala, consisting of a number of dance and art performances. Each of these demonstrate and brings to life the rich mythological and cultural traditions of God’s own country. Filled with colour, music and a range of mythological acts, Theyyam is a must-witness.

When: Theyyam falls in the period between April to December

Theyyam celebrations in Kerala are a cacophony of colour and festivity!

Boat racing festival

The charming backwaters of Kerala are famous world over. And nothing gets as exciting as watching boats skimming over the surface, rowed by sturdy men racing for the win. Riding mainly on the teamwork and sync between each of the rowers, it is enthralling to watch. The races happen in various locations, but some of the most popular races are the Champakulam Moolam Boat Race (Alappuzha), Nehru Trophy Boat Race (Alleppey), Payippad Jalotsavam (Payippad Lake) and Vallam Kali (Punnamada Lake). Celebrated over three months, this is a festival of Kerala we highly recommend you witness.

When: Boat Festival falls in the period between July to September

Rowers wait with anticipation for the boat race to start (Photo Credits – Avinash Singh)

Onam

Also known as the Harvest festival of Kerala, Onam is celebrated all across India. However, it has originated in Kerala. Accordingly, you can imagine the fanfare in the state that it calls home. Onam’s 10-day celebration is best experienced in Kochi, where a royal parade kickstarts the celebrations. The fanfare is evident throughout Kerala, with colourful floral decorations adorning every home. Music, dances and fireworks fill the air on the main auspicious Onam day. We highly recommend eating a Sadhya meal; the customary feast, it consists of nearly 20 to 25 vegetarian dishes and a few desserts served on a banana leaf.

When: Onam falls between August and September

Beautiful flower rangolis (Photo Credits – Rajeev K)

Vishu

Vishu marks the beginning of the New Year for the Malayalis, the ethnic group of people originating from Kerala. This is a festival that is best experienced when staying at a homestay. You will find that it is mostly at home where the fanfare takes place. Take part in a pooja, a religious worship ritual, and enjoy a fulfilling and absolutely delicious Sadhya meal later.

When: Vishu falls in the month of April

Plan Your Trip Wisely: Best TIme to Visit Kerala

Rooted in tradition, the dates for festivals of Kerala are decided in accordance with the Malayalam calendar along with the local traditions and customs. Because there can always be changes according to the customs and rituals associated with each place of worship. These months are only an approximate. If you’re looking to travel to Kerala and want to experience a festival, let us know. We can help you plan the ideal trip, just click Plan Your Trip!

The Festival of the Oracles – Kodungalloor Bharani

Posted on March 10, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Every year, in the month of meenam (April-March) on the Malyali Calendar, thousands of devotees gather in the Sree Kurumba Kavu Kodungalloor temple (where Festival of the Oracles – Kodunalloor Bharani is celebrated) to sing and chant and cheer the Goddess Kali who resides within.

Legend speaks of her victory in the battle against Darikan that left her raging until her soldiers gathered around her and sang to uplift her mood. Re-enacting that to this day, the devotees gather and sing their Pattu in honour of the goddess.

They do this to seek redemption for their sins. Wrapped in yards of vermillion cloth often stained red with blood.

Thousands of devotees gather in the Sree Kurumba Kavu Kodungalloor temple to sing and chant, and cheer the Goddess Kali (Photo Credit – Subin Sailendran)

The festival of oracles

What makes this festival particularly spectacular is a ritual called kaavu theendal. Hundreds of oracles, both male and female, throng the temple grounds for three days. Bedecked in jangling bells and smeared with holy ash, they stumble through the compound chanting and striking at the temple walls, and themselves, with sticks and swords. The devotees lash out at the rafters of the temple, tossing offerings in over the walls.

The festival is one of its kind. It surges with unabated energy that soars on for three days until the local king, seen as the temple keeper, gives blessings to the devotees lying before him. It’s an otherworldly experience that can make you question your beliefs about spirituality and human society. Also, a great reason to travel!

To get to Thrissur ,you can fly directly into Kochi. Most major airports in the country fly to Kochi, or take a train. From there, it’s a quick 3-hour drive or an additional 2-hour train journey.

Uncover the Magic: Best Time to Visit Kerala

The festival is one of its kind, surging with energy that soars unabated for three days (Photo Credit – Subin Sailendran)

Celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab

Posted on March 9, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

To be a part of a Sikh festival is an intoxicating experience. The sheer passion of the community lifts you out of this world. Farmers and warriors, considered as two sides of the same coin, lead the festivities. They dance the bhangra, inspired by the movements of the agricultural process.

Wonder at the thumping beats of the dholak for the Khalso are pioneers in the field of music and entertainment. Then learn about the rich history of the Baisakhi story and join along with the celebration.

Baisakhi is the lucky draw of festivals, pulling together the Hindu New Year, a harvest festival and the anniversary of the creation of the Khalsa community – the Sikhs. Different regions around the country celebrate the New Year under different names. For example, such as Vishu in the South and Rongali Bihu in Assam. Celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab is the most remarkable experience because it overlaps with the history of the Sikh religion.

Read more about another unique festival in North India.

A celebration of the harvest and the anniversary of the Khalsa community (Photo Credit – Mayank Gupta, Flickr)

Baisakhi Story

The story begins with the martyrdom of the nine Sikh Gurus and the ascension of Guru Gobind Singh. When the Muslim ruler Aurangzeb beheaded his father to still the growth of the religion, the tenth Guru decided to instill courage and passion into the peace-loving, agrarian community.

The Baisakhi story has a rich history that dates back to 1699. Here, Guru Gobind Singh gave a rousing speech and called upon volunteers from the crowd to give their lives for the cause. Five men stepped forward, one at a time, and followed him into his tent. Each time the Guru returned alone, fresh blood dripping from his sword. However, the five men were all alive, and a goat had been slaughtered in their place.

They became the ‘Panj Para’ (the beloved five), and the first members of the ‘Khalsa’ (Pure Ones). They had no caste or class demarcation but were a wholly equal community that lives on today and celebrates the founding day of their clan each year.

There are many festivals that take place all over India. If you love festivities read this blog to know more about the celebrations.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Baisakhi decoration (Photo Credit – Sushant Sharma)

Celebrating Baisakhi in Punjab

The festival calls for the celebration of life through singing, dancing, parades and wrestling matches. Each echoes the powerful force of life that resides within the Sikhs. They are loud and open-hearted people and they will drag you into the festivities. You will arrive home breathless from dancing and unable to see beyond your full belly.

Follow the march of the Nagar Kirtan through the streets as they sing out from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book that is revered as the eleventh and final of the Sikh Gurus. Celebrate the Baisakhi story where it originated and get a true sense of Sikh hospitality.

If this community intrigues you, then you must visit the beautiful city of Amritsar.

People celebrating Baisakhi festival at Bangla Saheb Gurdwara (Photo Credit – Public.Resource.Org)

Experiencing the Aoleang Festival of Nagaland

Posted on March 3, 2016May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Tucked deep into the forested mountains of eastern Nagaland is Mon, and in Mon are the Konyak Nagas. Life here is endlessly fascinating. They have not let the recent surge in tourist gimmicks dilute their celebration of the arrival of Spring and the New Year. They continue to envelop visitors with their endlessly interesting culture. One of the best festivals in Nagaland is the Aoling festival.

The celebration of the arrival of Spring (Photo Credit – www.tourismnagaland.com)

Aoling Festival

The Konyaks come from a strong practice of head-hunting. Among their rooms, you’ll find shelves stocked with skulls in testament to their many victories. Today, they are a happy and peace-loving lot, who spice up their agricultural routine with the occasional hunt.

The rest of the time they just sit back and relax. A pitcher full of local alcohol and maybe a spot of opium is all they need. The tribes in this area live incredibly interesting lives. Being on the border between India and Myanmar and enjoying dual citizenship.

The village chief of nearby Lungwa lives in a hut. This is located right on the border with its half in one country and a half in the other! The big spring feast in this case lasts for a full six days. And takes place immediately after the jhum crop has been sowed.

On the first day or Hoi Lah Nyih, all efforts go into preparation. Accordingly, you will find firewood, vegetables and fruits being collected. Also, new clothes are woven or old clothes are being patched. More interestingly, families sacrifice chickens to read their future in the entrails. As the spirit of preparation continues for the next few days. Young boys undertake the rites of men in the process.

The fourth day marks the big feast. Heady with the local rice beer, the villagers sing and dance and generally make merry. Decked out in traditional handwoven costumes and headgear. They follow the graceful dancing with reenactments of the glorious headhunting days of their past.

The festival will most likely be an experience beyond your imagination. The Northeast still remains cut-off from mainland India. However, there are tensions of identity that must be recognized before categorizing them as an ‘unexplored tribe’.

It will also hopefully shake up your notions of what it is to live with your fellow men. And also the endless cultural intricacies that hold a society together. Isn’t that the point of travel?

This will most likely be an experience beyond your imagination (Photo Credit – www.thehindu.com)

India Bike Festival 2016

Posted on February 22, 2016May 6, 2021 by Harsh Sonawala

Are you someone whose soul becomes one with the two-wheeler machine you ride? Do you feel amazing while you accelerate down an open road? Then the India Bike Week is exactly the place where you belong.

The India Bike Week is a biking festival which acts as a platform for like-minded people. It helps people connect and share their enthusiasm while they enjoy a festival that revolves around biking culture.

Photo Credits – https://www.facebook.com/indiabikeweek/

The conquered past

India Bike Week first started in the year 2013. Since then, they have raised the standards every year and this year in particular, the India Bike Week literally raised the roof. The festival was held at the ultimate party destination of India. Bikers and biking enthusiasts from all across made their way to the festival in Goa. Quite a few groups came together to gear up and ride it out from their respective cities. Imagine a group of Harleys revving through the highways, with pillion riders hoisting flags to represent their clans. Sounds badass, doesn’t it?

Photo Credits – https://www.facebook.com/indiabikeweek/

The 2016 edition of India Bike Week had much to offer on so many fronts. The festival had everything from live music performances by bands of various genres and DJs playing groovy music, a national stunt championship, the national custom bike build-offs and much more.

The unforgettable past

India Bike Week is a true fiesta for all those roadies and motor junkies. The festival in Goa is an opportunity for riders to simply join in on a carnival which they can relate to on a spiritual level. You can witness newly launched mean machines and be a part of sessions with International Biking legends. Add to that a Bikini Bike Bash! You must be thinking, ‘this festival just can’t get any better’, right? Wrong!

To make the India Bike Week 2016 bigger and better, the festival was hosted at the Arpora Sporting Ground in Arpora Village, North Goa. This ensures that the venue will be open to 12,000 club members and Independent riders who wish to join. The Biking festival introduced some new, interesting and iconic biking experiences to be a part of. India Bike Week showcases the Hard Endure Challenge, a biking film festival and a moto-trail show with the English professional motorcycle trails and Endurocross rider, Dougie Lampkin.

Photo Credits – https://www.facebook.com/indiabikeweek/

All that Matters

The festival has spread its wings to the extent where it even attracts international bikers, residing in India or flying down from their own countries. It is not a surprise that a festival which has all the ingredients needed to make an exciting and adventurous event also attracts people who are not necessarily biking enthusiasts, but travel and experience seekers. Because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to be a part of a festival that has music, art, dance, bike expos and everything that could ever revolve around a motorbike?

The India Bike Week takes place around the 20^th of every February.