Travel India: Vibrant Festivals Across The Country That You Can Witness During Summer
Summer Vacation Festivals: This holiday, ditch your regular plans and explore the local festivals across different states of the country.
Summers are not only about sweltering heat but also bring a bundle of joy in the form of festivities. Over time, these festivals have emerged as the identity of some states, representing local art, culture, craft, and ways of living. Each Indian state has its unique festivals celebrated with colourful masks, folk dances, musical events, food, local rituals, and fun that bring life and happiness to our tired souls. Most of these festivals in India are held in May, June, and July, bringing people together and offering relief from the scorching heat.
If you have had enough of ordinary predictable summer vacation itineraries, then embark on the majestic journey of these vibrant and cultural extravaganzas during your holidays.
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Festivals Across Different States Of India During Summers:
Sindhu Darshan - Leh
Every June, people from Ladakh celebrate the River Indus, drawing a large number of visitors from around the globe. Shey Manla, located approximately 8 kilometres from Leh, hosts this three-day festival that commences on the day of Guru Purnima. Sindhu Darshan, which began in 1997, honours the Indus River for its role in sustaining the lives of those living along its banks. It is considered a symbol of ancient Indian civilization and lent its name to our country, with 'Indos' eventually evolving into 'India.'
This significant festival of Ladakh, also known as ‘Ladakh Singhey Khabab,’ offers visitors a glimpse into the spirituality, history, culture, and colours of the nation. During this festival, people bring water from their respective states or districts in earthen pots and pour it into the Sindhu River (another name for the Indus River), symbolizing the desire for its eternal flow.
Ladakh is already one of India's prime travel destinations, attracting tourists from around the world. During this festival, you can experience the enchantment of diversity here. In addition to the festive rituals, local authorities organize sightseeing tours to showcase the picturesque landscapes of the cold desert. It’s a festival every Indian should attend, whether travelling solo, with friends, or with family.
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Shimla Summer Festival - Himachal Pradesh
Saga Dawa - Sikkim
Sikkim, India's least populous and second smallest state, is a favourite destination in the Eastern Himalayas, offering majestic views of snow-peaked mountains and an irresistible allure for your summer vacation. Alongside its natural wonders, Sikkim hosts a series of unique festivals throughout the year, and Saga Dawa is one of them.
Also known as the triple-blessed festival, Saga Dawa is one of the most sacred Buddhist festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm and allure in Gangtok and across the state. This magnificent carnival begins on the full moon of the 4th month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, which typically falls at the end of May or early June in the English calendar. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Lord Buddha. The festival offers a comprehensive experience of Buddhist culture and spirituality, drawing followers from multiple countries. It's an ideal time to plan a trip to Sikkim, providing relief from the sweltering heat and offering a closer look at Buddhist traditions.
Ambubachi Mela - Assam
Have you ever heard of a festival celebrating the menstruation cycle of a goddess? Every year, the Kamakhya Devi Temple, located in Assam’s Guwahati, hosts this unique festival called Ambubachi Mela. Kamakhya Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, believed to be the site where the Devi's genitals fell. In June, there comes a time when the Brahmaputra River flowing near the temple turns red for three to four days, coinciding with the celebration of the Devi’s menstruation. During these three days, the temple remains closed to honour Devi Ma's rest.
The festival dates can vary according to the lunar month but typically fall between June 22nd and June 26th. If you're interested in the study of religious archaeology and rituals and enjoy exploring Assam's dense forests, this will be a truly memorable experience of a lifetime.
Sao Joao Feast - Goa
We all love Goa for its beaches, lush greenery, and ferry culture, but there's another aspect that draws tourists—a unique blend of traditional customs and modernity, a rare fusion evident in Goa. We're referring to the centuries-old Sao Joao Fest of Goa, one of the state's annual Catholic religious festivals celebrated by locals and visitors alike. Every year on June 24th, Goa commemorates this festivity by leaping into local wells or ponds. Sao Joao aims to unite villagers beyond the barriers of religion or caste, paying homage to Saint John the Baptist on his birth anniversary. It has evolved into a source of joy and amusement for locals.
Several spots in Goa are renowned for celebrating this day, such as Siolim, Benaulim, Anjuna, and Pilerne. People dress up creatively and adorn their boats, keeping their traditions alive in a playful manner. As part of the ritual, they perform popular Konkani songs, distribute fresh fruits and sweets, and wear Kopel, stunning headwear made of flowers and embellished with various adornments. Alongside preserving tradition, this festival serves as a means to escape the heat by participating in various pool parties and rain dance activities.
Yuru Kabgyat - Ladakh
Ladakh is renowned for its vibrant festivals, making it a favourite destination for tourists each summer. One of these festivals is Yuru Kabgyat, celebrated at the Lamayuru Monastery in Leh, Ladakh, for two days in June or July. Located 125 km away from Leh, this major event attracts Buddhist monks from around the world, including China, Bhutan, and Japan.
Yuru Kabgyat is dedicated to Yama, the god of Death, and Guru Padmasambhava, believed to be the second Buddha. The spectacular mask dance of Ladakh never fails to leave spectators in awe, as it is performed by all the lamas in a circle with remarkable coordination and symmetry. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums, cymbals, and the melodies of long pipes, locals don colorful attire adorned with large, distinctive masks, reenacting ancient tales through captivating plays. For those seeking festive vibes and relief from the scorching heat, Ladakh is a must-visit destination.
Champakulam Boat Race - Kerala
Kerala, often referred to as 'God's Own Country,' is renowned for its picturesque tea gardens, lush forests, and the famous Snake Boat Race. Among these attractions, the Champakulam Boat Race stands out as one of the oldest snake boat races in the state, typically held in June and July on the Pampa River. Situated near Champakulam village in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, the Pampa River annually hosts grand boats and crowds of spectators. Locally known as Vallamkali, snake boat races are among the most thrilling and exciting festivals in Kerala.
Decorated snake boats manned by hundreds of men or women present a stunning display of coordination, fun, and enthusiasm. The festival is held on the auspicious day of ‘Moolam’ in the Malayalam month of Midhunam. According to belief, it was on this day that the deity at Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple returned home.
Hemis Festival - Ladakh
As mentioned earlier, Ladakh is renowned for its cultural festivals, and last but not least, the Hemis Tsechu festival is one of the major events in this cold desert region. Situated in the greater Himalayas, Ladakh never fails to amaze visitors with its uniqueness, and attending the Hemis Tsechu is the best way to witness it.
Hosted by Ladakh's largest monastery, Hemis Gompa, located in the Leh region of Ladakh, this gala spans two days each year in June. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. A magnificent representation of Tibetan culture, the Cham Dance and exceptional storytelling techniques by folklore performers will leave you in awe. Colourful customs with distinctive masks and intriguing rituals have become the hallmark of the state. Presenting an exclusive glimpse into Tibetan culture and Ladakhi traditions, this festival will become a cherished memory for a lifetime.
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