The vibrant culture of India is full of celebrations and festivals. Even at the end of the year, during the winter season there are plenty of deep-rooted customs and traditions carried out across India. If you are planning an outing for Christmas and New year, then these winter festivals are a go to destination. After getting to know these, you will regret skipping any, so block your calendars from December end until March. Celebrate the culturally immersive festivals of the Indian landscape and experience the magic in winters:
Rann Utsav, Gujarat
The one of a kind festival held in the vast white barren land of Kutch, the Rann Mahotsav is an unforgettable treat. The festival has begun from 1st November 2024 and will continue till 28th February 2025. Over the years, it has now grown to a 100- day event. The Rann Mahotsav showcases music, dance and culture with some thrilling activities of sport. And if you want peace, there are yoga and meditation programs arranged. And nothing can beat the spectacular views of the White Rann and the full moon nights.
Cochin carnival, Kerala
The 41st Cochin Carnival is continuing in full spree since December 8, 2024. It will end on the last day of the year on the night of 31st December with the burning of the huge statue of the old man, Pappanji. The two-week festivities include a cultural blend of traditions with modernity. It is much awaited among the locals and visitors. There is music, dance, cultural performances showcasing art and various sports competitions. The new addition this year is the introduction of the robo-electric elephants that celebrates innovation and tradition together. It will definitely keep you hitched until the New year!
Poush Mela, West Bengal
The Poush Mela is all set to begin today and will continue till December 26, 2024 in Shantiniketan, West Bengal. The festival is celebrated to mark the harvest season in the region. It celebrates the Bengali culture and heritage with traditional folk music (the baul and kirtan), dance performances along with local delicacies and hand crafted art. Nearly 1500 stalls have been constructed for the fair.
Poush Mela is a platform that encourages local performers and artisans and promotes their innate talents.
Sunburn festival, Goa
Why not end the year on a musical note with the Sunburn fest in Goa? It is the largest music festival held in Asia, ready to take place from 28th December 2024 to 30th December 2024. On the music of world’s top electronic artists and DJs, immerse yourself into dance, energy, food and drinks. And if you were there at the 2023 event, then do not miss a chance to be at Sunburn 2024. It’s not only a big thing among the natives, but even visitors from abroad wait for it!
Winter festival at Mount Abu, Rajasthan
If you are planning to visit Rajasthan for the New year, then make sure you are a part of the Winter festival at Mount Abu from 29th till the 31st of December. On the height of Aravalli hills, you will experience the magical culture and heritage of Rajasthan. The activities to look out for include: Shobha Yatra, Rajasthani folk performances, adventure activities like Rappelling, boat race, trekking and a lot more. Do not miss it for anything!
Manali Winter Carnival, Himachal Pradesh
If you are planning to go to the mountains, then Manali it is. Why not ring in the New year amidst the festive fervor in Manali! For, the Winter carnival is approaching near. It is an annual event of the city that began in the year 1977. With the festival, the city welcomes the New year with the traditional joy and exquisite culture. It celebrates the winters, promotes tourism during the season and brings the tourists and locals together. The events you can be a part of: Skiing and paragliding, food festivals, Carnival parade, Bollywood dance, Live concert and much more. The five- day festival will begin from January 02, 2025.
International Kite festival, Gujarat
The event will take place for three days from January 11 to January 14, 2025 during the festival of Uttarayan when the blue sky is painted with thousands of colorful kites. It is organized at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahemdabad. Major attractions at the International Kite festival are: A theme pavilion that tells the history of tourist destinations and the kites, the kite flying, handicraft market and refreshment stalls. You can celebrate the festival of kites anywhere, but nothing like in Ahemdabad.
Jaipur Literature festival, Rajasthan
The greatest literary event of the year is back again. The event will begin on 30th January 2025 and conclude on 3rd February 2025. The inaugural year of JLF was 2006. You can witness your favorite writers and poets right in front of you. And the best part is that the event is absolutely free, not ticketed. The JLF International is also conducted in different cities around the world. Celebrate books, ideas…all of literature at the JLF!
Jaisalmer Desert festival, Rajasthan
In the heart of the Thar, 42 kms away from Jaisalmer the annual cultural event i.e. the Maru Mahotsav is held. The three- day extravaganza celebrates Rajasthani culture and the beauty of the golden sand. It is known for the Rajasthani folk music, and the mesmerizing dance forms like the Ghoomar and Kalbeliya dance. The star attraction is the camel parade. Apart from these, what draws attention is the turban tying contest, mustache competition and the camel race. Your February month can be a delight in Thar!
Goa carnival, Goa
This is gonna be a real worthy trip for you. Four days from March 1, 2024 to March 4, 2024…the event is a blast. Also known as Carnaval, Intruz and Entrado, this is unlike anything you will ever see. Colorful parades with dramatic costumes, evening balls, theatre performances and all day fun on the streets makes it a vibrant multi-cultural event. The Goa carnival is around 450- year old, like a tradition embedded in the culture itself. the event starts from Panaji, travelling to Vasco de gama, Mapusa and Margao. The most unusual event you will come across is the Assoltes, you will know why when you will have to pay for a treat!
With this, we are wrapped up with the section of the unique winter festivals in India. In case, you have missed the early December events, do not worry, there is so much more of Winters still left. And it will continue till March, it’s unmissable!