Summer season festival in India is a celebration of music, dance, and food. Summer in India is a diverse canvas of experiences - the snow-clad peaks at one end, serene beaches on another, and endless nooks where hundreds could be lost to anonymity. Have a look at the top 10 summer festivals in India that you must experience to get drenched with the pure spirit of Indian culture and tradition.
Goa, with its vibrant blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, hosts some of the most spirited summer festivals in India, drawing visitors from across the globe. The season kicks off with the Sao Joao Festival, celebrated with boat races, traditional music, and copious amounts of feni, Goa’s native spirit. Travelers can conveniently begin their festival journey by flying into Mopa Manohar International Airport, Goa, which offers easy access to the region's most festive locales. The lively atmosphere, coupled with Goa's stunning beaches and historic sites, makes it a top destination for those looking to experience the unique festive zeal of Indian summer celebrations.
Mount Abu Summer Festival in May celebrates the tradition of costumes, folk dances, and classical music that are typical to enjoy. The festival begins with a ceremonial procession to Nakki Lake, and the entertainment includes traditional Rajasthani dances such as Ghoomar (performed by thousands of women on Odbaas hill) & Daph. The boat race on Nakki Lake and the fireworks further augment the holiday mood, making it an enjoyable tourist experience.
Ooty Summer Festival is a festival of nature and culture that celebrates the Nilgiris. The festival, conducted as part of Ooty tourism, is held amidst the beautiful hill station with a range of programs including Flower Show, Fruit Show, and Vegetable Show. The Government Botanical Garden also boasts a Flower Show, which is popular; it exhibits tonnes of colorful exotic flowers. The festival is coupled with traditional dance performances, boat races on Ooty Lake, and a dog show, hence, making it ideal as a summer family getaway in India.
Shimla Summer Festival is a grandeur festival that takes place in the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. A combination of music, dance, and cultural events: this five-day festival, typically held in June, primarily showcases a taste of Appalachian culture. The festival also hosts local artist performances, Himachali folk dances, and fashion shows along with flower exhibitions. The highlight of the festival is performances by some famous artists who participate in several live music concerts, which catch a lot of audiences across the country. Devoid of the touristy congestion, Shimla blossoms in yellow and red daisies in June - a perfect background for this summer festival in India.
Sikkim Summer Carnival festival is celebrated in May with events like flower shows, traditional dance performances, and tasting local cuisine. Additionally, adventure activities such as river rafting, paragliding, and trekking are also part of the carnival, making it an interesting event for adventure lovers. The line of attraction at the festival is a traditional Cham dance performed by monks, which exhibits a typical cultural legacy.
The Moatsu Mong is a traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Ao tribe of Nagaland. Held in the first week of May, this festival celebrates the end of sowing and ushers in a new agricultural year. It is celebrated with traditional songs, dances, and feasts. The pulsating highlights of Moatsu Mong comprise the Sangpangtu ritual, where a massive bonfire is set off and people love to sing around it, whereas many men, women, and young children join in the Tug-of-War, which is an exhilarating vibe on its own. Moatsu Mong is the most available chance to treat yourself to the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of Ao coffee.
Ganga Dussehra, a religious festival of significant importance, is celebrated in Varanasi and other towns situated on the banks of the river Ganges. This Indian summer season competition marks the Ganges' descent from heaven to Earth. Devotees bathe in it as they believe the water is pure and can absolve sin. The ghats of Varanasi get pulsating with pilgrims, practices, and aarti during the evenings. It is a divine affair, giving you the chills of how deep-rooted is the religious culture in India.
One such colorful festival is the Yercaud Summer Festival in Tamil Nadu, which takes place in this quiet little hill station. This festival showcases different types of events like flower shows, dog shows, boating races, and traditional dance performances. The flower festival boasts a spectacular show, reveling in a wide range of flowers and floral designs. The festival also organizes cultural programs, showcasing the great traditions and culture of Tamil Nadu. The refreshing climate and scenic beauty of Yercaud have emerged as the ideal summer getaway for travel enthusiasts.
Gangaur Festival is the most important local festival of Rajasthan, celebrated with pomp and enthusiasm throughout the state. As a summer festival in India, it is dedicated to Gauri Ji (a manifestation of Goddess Parvati) and celebrated by women for the well-being of their husbands and families. It features colorful processions, traditional songs, and dances. Women clothe themselves in their finest attire, and they pick up beautifully decorated Gauri idols from one place to another. This festival epitomizes the rich Rajasthani heritage and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to witness these ancient glorious traditions from the region.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is an ancient and very popular boat race in Kerala. It kicks off the boat racing season in this region of Kerala and is held in June. It happens in the Pamba River and consists of snake boats (Chandan valleys) among different conventional boats. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, attracting thousands of tourists. The rhythmic rowing of the oarsmen and the bright trappings in the boats, along with the enthusiastic spectators, create a thrilling atmosphere. The boat race is a distinct cultural experience that reflects the essence of Kerala's traditional sportsman spirit and community togetherness.
India has a rich cultural tradition, and many summer season festival in India offer spiritual and natural experiences. These festivals offer a window to the diverse traditions and rich heritage of India, ranging from vibrant celebrations in the hill stations of north Indian states to traditional festivals celebrated fervently by locals in the southern parts. So, if you are someone who wants to witness the glorious processions, be a part of the age-old traditional dances, or soak in some festivities, the Indian summer festivals have it all. Now, pack your bags and take a tour to visit the top 10 summer festivals in India. Every festival gives a unique experience filled with joy, colors, and unforgettable moments.
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