Seven Indian Festivals You Must Not Miss This December

When the winter is right upon us and holidays are back with a bang, can festivals be far behind? It is carnival time across India – a time to celebrate and share all things good in true Yuletide spirit. So we bring you seven offbeat events – a mix of modern concepts and traditional happenings that celebrate the varied and vibrant art and culture of the country. And then there will be Christmas celebrations all over India. Let go of your toil & care, and connect to retune your life. Happy holidays!

Life at its exotic best – Rann Utsav (Gujarat)
It’s a desert festival with a difference. The white salt marsh, spread across some 7,000 sq km in Gujarat, attracts thousands to the Great Rann every year, revealing the many-hued life and culture of Kutch. The journey from Bhuj will take you to the colourful Tent City at Dhordo village and other exotic locations such as Hodko, Bhirandiyara, Khavda, Kalo Dungar (Black Hills) and the Mandvi beach. The great white saltpan in the distance looks mesmeric and nearby, you can catch the haunting tunes played by the locals on their jodia pava (twin-flutes). While you are here, folk music, dances, camel safaris and wildlife viewing will fill your days. A stay at the bhunga (egg-shaped mud huts), a taste of the Kutchi cuisine and the exquisite local art will enthral you further. In mid-January, Kutch celebrates the traditional kite festival Uttarayan and you can watch the spectacular view as thousands of flying beauties dot the sky.
When: Dec 15-March 18
What it costs: Rs 7,900-22,500 plus taxes per person on twin sharing basis.
Image: Rann-utsav.com

Shake a leg at Sunburn Festival (Goa)
If the sun, seas and music allure you to distraction, it’s time to head for the coastal capital for a rocking experience. Sunburn is the coolest electronic dance music festival to invade the Indian beaches, now entering Season 7 with pomp and style. With custom stages in the making, numerous genres of music on offer and some world famous DJs & artistes debuting, it is surely going to be an electrifying extravaganza that could be the party of parties in Goa. Get ready for some fun, frolic and froth even as the music captures your soul and you can’t stop dancing.
When: Dec 27-29
What it costs: Rs 9,250-15,500 per person.
Image: Wikimedia Commons

Super fun at Vh1 Supersonic (Goa)
Another electrifying EDM (electronic dance music) event that will be held in Goa this year. A super line-up of artistes and DJs from all over the globe will keep you spellbound with some rocking music while dancing gets even better when you are grooving on the sea shore. And guess who is leading the super fest? None other than the electronic music promoter Nikhil Chinapa who has left Sunburn and is now starting his own show. The debut edition this year is purely for dance music fans, but it could be a multi-genre festival within the next year or two. So let’s wait and watch the magic happen.
When: Dec 26-30
What it costs: Keep a tab, the organisers will soon come up with the ticket pricing.
Image: Gosupersonic.in

Wellness fest at Zambhala (Goa)
If you are seeking wellness and harmony this New Year, the Zambhala Yoga, Music and Life Spirit Festival could be the lifestyle event for you. Debuting this December, it is going to be an annual festival that brings together yoga experts, spiritual teachers, doctors, therapists, healers, musicians and artists from all over the globe. So that one may nurture the power of self and live with positive energy. The yoga part of the festival is especially interesting as it will focus on various methods of yoga and meditation – all curated to ensure a better and healthier living. Then there will be talks and workshops on life skills and alternative healing. Overall, quite a new concept and could be worth joining.
When: Dec 21-22
What it costs: Rs 2,800 per person for participation; day passes available at venue for Rs 1,600 while kids under the age of 12 can attend for free. Event to be held at Bardo, Morjim, in North Goa.
Image: Zambhala.in

Melody, masti at Mt Abu Winter Festival (Rajasthan)
Come December and this hill resort in the heart of Rajasthan pulsates with festive notes. A grand procession marks the beginning, diyas are set floating on the Nakki Lake in the evenings and spectacular fireworks light up the night sky. Performers and artisans from all over the state assemble here, bringing to life the rich culture and traditions of this princely state. Give in to the serene magic of music – the folk, the shehnai and the Sufi strains. Or join the Rajasthani dancers with full zest. The thrilling fire dance of Bikaner, the graceful Ghoomer and Terahtali, the lively Kalbelia and the fascinating Gair of Mewar are sure to take your breath away. For the adventurous, there’s a long list of contests – rowing, horse races, tug-of-war, gilli danda, kite flying and even 20-20 cricket. Shop for exquisite handicraft and taste the delectable local food to make the most of this colourful carnival.
When: Dec 29-31
What it costs: A trip to Mt Abu suits every budget and starts from Rs 7,000-8,000 per person on twin sharing basis.
Image: Wikimedia Commons

The beat of sun, surf & ruins – Mamallapuram Dance Festival (Chennai)
If you missed the Konark dance festival in Odisha earlier this month, travel south to the beach town of Mamallapuram (also known as Mahabalipuram), around 60 km south of Chennai, and soak in the open air dance festival. One can never find a more majestic backdrop with the monolithic rock sculptures and temples rising above the golden shore and the endless waves breaking nearby. This ancient port town of the Pallava dynasty hosts a month-long festival that brings to life classical and folk dances from all over India – Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Odissi, Kathak and more. The exact venue is close to Arjuna’s Penance, a bass relief sculpted on the face of two gigantic adjacent rocks. While in Mamallapuram, you must visit Cholamadal artists’ village and shop for some exquisite handcrafted items.
When: Dec 27-Jan 26
What it costs: Most tour operators offer customised pricing, depending on itinerary and package; may cost around Rs 7,000 per person on twin sharing basis.
Image: Tamilnadutourism.org

A symphony of Indian traits – Cochin Carnival (Kerala)
This is one colourful carnival that calls for fun, feasting and revelry. It’s an age-old event and dates back to the colonial days when the Portuguese held New Year celebrations. Now it offers loads of carnival games, beach games, races (how about some dirt biking), dancing and fireworks. Locals dress up in fancy costumes and the grand finale includes a huge procession on New Year’s Day – complete with drum beats, music and embellished elephants. But just like a full-blooded carnival, it has more to offer that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. While the North and South Indian folk dances set the stages on fire, a three-month-long international exhibition of contemporary art (they call it Kochi-Muziris Biennale) was also held across the state in 2012-13. So it should be back next December to delight art lovers and Aspinwall in Fort Kochi is expected to be the main venue for the second edition.
When: Dec 25-Jan 1 at Fort Kochi.
What it costs: A week’s vacation in Kerala may cost around Rs 16,000 per person on twin sharing basis (excluding airfare).
Image: Keralatourism.org