People tend to look out for opportunities that they can grab to get a break from their mundane lives, like festivals or cultural events. In India, taking a break to experience different cultural festivals, places, and food is essential for personal growth and to reduce work stress. Don’t worry, we got you covered. Read below to find out about some diverse and vibrant cultural festivals in India that are yet to happen between October and December 2024. So choose the cultural festivals of India you want to experience before this year ends.
Here’s The List Of The Diverse Cultural Festivals Of India From October To December
1. Diwali, India
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the major religious festivals in India. This festival celebrates light over darkness. In India, Diwali is celebrated with bright lights, diyas, colourful rangolis, and most importantly, delicious Indian sweets. This festival is also considered a triumph of righteousness.
When: October 31, 2024
Where: All over India
2. Rann Utsav, Gujarat
Kutch Rann Utsav started in 2005 as a 5-day festival, which progressed to presently being a 100-day celebration. It’s one of the most famous and awaited festivals of India, which celebrates the majestic White Desert and the rich artistic heritage of Kutch. A whole new tent city has been created near Rann of Kutch, which is rebuilt every year for the tourists.
When: November 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025
Where: Dhordo, village near Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
3. Wangala Festival, Meghalaya
Wangala festival is also known as ‘100 Drums Festival’. It’s a celebration of the Garo tribe in Meghalaya, held in honour of Saljong, the sun god of fertility. This celebration marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter. The highlight of this festival is the rhythmic pounding of hundreds of drums and joyous dance.
When: November 8, 2024
Where: Tura, Meghalaya
4. Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan
Pushkar Fair is a vibrant and colourful celebration and also one of the largest camel fairs in the world. Every year, this fair draws thousands of tourists and pilgrims from around the globe. This fair also highlights the region’s traditions, customs, and community spirits. The fair, held on the banks of Pushkar Lake, features cultural performances, competitions like the longest moustache and turban-tying, and deals with livestock.
When: November 9-15, 2024
Where: Pushkar, Ajmer City, Rajasthan
5. Guru Nanak Gurpurab, India
Guru Nanak Gurpurab is a major Sikh festival. This festival marks the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During Gurpurab, people light up their houses and gurudwaras with lights and diyas. Devotees carry Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book of Sikh) in processions, organise langars, hold holy processions called Prabhat Pheri in the early morning, and also perform martial arts with shields and swords.
When: November 15, 2024
Where: Various parts of India
6. Dev Deepawali, Varanasi
The brightest festival celebrated in Varanasi is Dev Deepawali, where you can see the city lighten up. It’s a spiritual and cultural celebration also known as ‘Festival of Lights of the Gods’. The highlights of this festival are that the ghats are illuminated with diyas and decorated with rangolis; small oil lamps are released in Ganga; temples hold rituals, and processions of deities from various temples take place with fireworks.
When: November 15, 2024
Where: Varanasi
7. Cherry Blossom Festival, Shillong
The Cherry Blossom Festival in Meghalaya’s Shillong is a vibrant celebration of fully bloomed cherry blossoms, showcasing the city’s beauty in pink and white hues. This festival blends nature and cultural festivities, featuring singers from around the world and homegrown Indian artists, extending to a wide music taste.
When: November 15-16, 2024
Where: RBDSA Sports Complex, Shillong, Meghalaya
8. Bundi Utsav, Rajasthan
Bundi Utsav is a cultural and tourism festival celebrated annually. This extravagant festival showcases the history of Bundi, its cultural heritage, and traditional art forms. It attracts both Indian and international tourists. This festival was first organised in 1996. Bundi Utsav also shows a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry and offers a wide range of handicrafts, jewellery, and textiles.
When: November 18-20, 2024
Where: Bundi City, Rajasthan
Also Read: 9 Unique Ways Diwali Is Celebrated In Different Parts Of India
9. Majuli Music Festival, Assam
Majuli Music Festival is not your basic music festival, as it not only celebrates music but is also a call to climate action. This festival is a not-for-profit festival. It is a platform for emerging and established Indian artists who bring a variety of unique talents. The festival celebrates indigenous heritage, supports local communities, and promotes sustainability through eco-friendly initiatives, minimal carbon footprints, and local souring.
When: November 22-24, 2024
Where: Majuli Island, Assam
10. Nongkrem Dance Festival, Meghalaya
The Nongkrem Dance Festival is a 5-day-long religious cultural festival that takes place in Khasi Hills. The purpose of the festival is to appease the Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a good harvest and prosperity. This festival signifies the culture and heritage of Khasi. There are also rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices performed. Further, unmarried girls also perform a dance in vibrant costumes and jewellery, while men fight with swords in one hand and white yak hair in another.
When: November (date yet to be announced)
Where: Smit, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
11. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
Nagaland is popularly known as the ‘land of festivals’ as each tribe in the state has its own cultural festival. The tribe of Nagaland celebrates all their festivals with enthusiasm and passion. While the Hornbill Festival provides a mixture of cultural displays under one roof. Organised by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Department, this festival happens every year in December. Therefore, the aim of the festival is to showcase the extravagant culture of Nagaland, apart from reviving and protecting its rich culture.
When: December 1-10, 2024
Where: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland
12. Basar Confluence, Arunachal Pradesh
Basar Confluence, also known as BasCon, is a unique ethnocultural festival that celebrates the culture, art, and heritage of Arunachal Pradesh. In this festival, you can experience the village culture while getting a chance to go fishing with locals or try traditional sports, even exploring waterfalls. Hence, you will also get to experience delicious food, music and dance performances.
When: December 6-8, 2024
Where: Basar, Arunachal Pradesh
13. Amur Falcon Festival, Assam
The Amur Falcon Festival is a 3-day music festival that aims to raise awareness about the need to save the migratory Amur Falcon birds. Amur Falcons travel annually from the north hemisphere to southern India, with a brief appearance in northeast India.
When: December 13-15, 2024
Where: Golf Field, Umrangso, Assam
14. Tansen Samaroh, Gwalior
Tansen Samaroh is a 4-day musical festival that honours the great Indian musician Tansen. The event is organised by Madhya Pradesh’s cultural department and the Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet Academy. This event features international artists, musical and cultural events, and a logo design competition.
When: December 14-18, 2024
Where: Behat village, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
15. The Darjeeling Melo-tea Festival, Darjeeling
The festival, a mix of various events, has been extended this year due to high public demand. This event is filled with music, dance, and cultural celebrations, and the highlight is a marathon race. It’s like mixing the two things loved by the people of Darjeeling: music and marathons. This festival has a lot to offer, as it includes the Arya Kite Festival, a short film festival, adventure sports, a D-Rock competition, a D-Hike, and more.
When: December 18-22, 2024
Where: Chowrasta, Mall Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal
16. Judima Festival, Assam
Judima Festival is a 3-day festival filled with adventure and the chance to explore the Dimasa culture. The festival commences with a ceremony called ‘Hoshimba’, where villagers shout loudly around the community leaders’ houses. It features traditional dance forms, handloom weaving techniques, and a lively nightlife with live performances. This location offers a unique experience of tasting the first local rice wine and also rice beer called Judima in Northeast India. It’s made with a unique process known to the Dimasa people.
When: December 20-22, 2024
Where: Gunjung, Dima Hasso, Assam
17. Galdan Namchot Festival, Ladakh
The Galdan Namchot Festival marks the start of New Year festivities in Ladakh. It is also the celebration of the birthday and Buddhahood of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect. This festival features illuminated buildings, monasteries with lamps, delicious food, gift exchange, chanting, and good deeds, offering a variety of experiences for visitors.
When: December 25, 2024
Where: Ladakh
This list may seem small, but exploring a few of these festivals can create lifelong memories and provide a unique experience, making it a great opportunity to explore and appreciate India’s diverse offerings.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons