Forget the usual selfie at the Taj Mahal; there’s a hidden side of India that demands your immediate festive attention. Brace yourselves as you are going on the journey of festival tourism but with a twist.
This isn’t your average festival guide.
Yes, keep reading to explore some underrated and downright mind-blowing experiences.
Major Indian Festivals
Book your flights from Australia to India as we are now talking about some prime celebrations of India that are famous globally:
Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights, India’s most celebrated day. It marks the triumph of good over evil. On this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after fourteen days of exile.
Best Places to Experience Diwali
Come and celebrate Diwali at the following places for an exceptional experience:
Varanasi
Witness the Ganga Aarti on the ghats here and enjoy the illuminated temples.
Jaipur
Explore the beautifully lit Hawa Mahal and the City Palace of this Pink City. Of course, for foodies, Jaipur is the place to be this Diwali.
Amritsar
The Golden Temple bathed in lights, is a sight to behold.Â
Holi
Holi celebrates the arrival of spring. People smear each other with vibrant-coloured powder and water.Â
Best Places to Experience True Holi Vibes
For authentic Holi craziness, visit:
Mathura
This is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The streets erupt in a riot of colours during this festival.
Vrindavan
Here, Holi lasts for days. The Banke Bihari Temple is the epicentre of festivities.
Pushkar
This desert town of Rajasthan offers a unique blend of Holi and camel fair.
Safety Precautions for Tourists During Holi
- Wear sunglasses and protect your eyes. Also, apply oil or sunscreen on your skin.
- Be cautious of synthetic colours and water balloons.
- Wear comfortable old clothes that you won’t mind getting stained.
Durga Pooja
Durga Pooja honours the goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.Â
Best Places to Experience Durga Pooja
To witness the true grandeur of Durga Puja, Kolkata is the place to look out. It has massive pandals (temporary shrines) housing the idols of Durga.
Must Visit Pandals and Local Food StallsÂ
- You can visit Santosh Mitra Square and Dakshinewar Kali Bari to experience the first-hand rituals of Durga Pooja.
- Furthermore, do not miss out on delectable Bengali street food stalls offering Puchka (deep-fried dumplings) and Rosogolla (sweet cheese balls)
Navratri
Navratri, literally translated as “nine nights,” is a nine-day festival. This celebration is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Best Places to Experience Navratri
Join the celebrations of Navratri at:
Gujarat
Witness the vibrant Garba and Dandiya Raas dances performed throughout the night during the Navratri in Gujarat.
Maharashtra
Here, you can immerse yourself in the Kolhapuri tradition of worshipping clay figurines of Goddess Durga.
Off the Beaten Path Festivals to Experience in India
Here are some more low-key festivals that you can’t miss at any cost when in India:
Hornbill Festival (Nagaland)
This festival celebrates Nagaland’s tribal culture. It features traditional dances, indigenous crafts, and Naga cuisine. Kohima hosts it in December.
Hemis Festival (Ladakh)
Leh is the best combination of spirituality with adventure. You can attend the Hernis festival at the ancient Hemis Monastery. Moreover, you can trek in Leh and witness its breathtaking landscapes.
Onam (Kerala)
Onam is Kerala’s harvest festival. During this festival, you can cruise the backwaters of Alleppey on houseboats or participate in race boats. Lastly, you can relish the grand Onam Sandhya feast.
Ganesh Chaturthi (Maharashtra)
When we talk of the grand affairs of Karnataka, Ganesh Chaturthi tops the charts. Elaborate processions of Lord Ganesha are taken out and immersed in water bodies. The aroma will be filled with the chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya”, meaning “Lord Ganesh, come forth!”
Beyond the Spectacle: Tips for Tourists During Festivities
Done with the festivals? Now, here are some tips and tricks to get the most from the celebrations while travelling in India:
Planning Your Trip
Research festival dates and book your flights from Australia to India in Advance (yes, it’s the Holi deal season)—don’t wait!
Packing Essentials
Here’s the general checklist of packing essentials:
- Lightweight clothing
- Something to cover your head (some religious places do not allow bare headers)
- Comfortable shoes or flip-flops
- A camera, if you like to capture often
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hand sanitiser
- Travel Backpack
- Essential toiletries
- Medicines and first aid kit
- Exchanged currency
Festival Etiquette
Always respect local customs and dress modestly. Seek permission before taking photographs (as some places prohibit capturing). Remember to talk to the locals. Learn about their customs and traditions. Lastly, remove your shoes before entering the places of worship.
Accommodation
Book in advance! Do not compromise on this, especially during the peak festival season. For an authentic experience, consider heritage hotels, boutique guesthouses, or even homestays. Furthermore, pre-book taxis for airport transfers, especially during peak festival periods.
Transportation
Always plan your travel between festival locations. Choose trains, buses, and domestic flights connecting major cities. For remote festivals, prepare yourselves for longer journeys.
Travel Tip: Choose local transport (auto-rickshaws, tuk-tuks, or cycle rickshaws) to navigate crowded festival areas and save some money!
Safety Precautions
Follow the safety tips given below for extra care.Â
Handling Crowds
Indian festivals can get crowded at times. Be patient, maintain personal space, and avoid pushing or shoving. (But stay vigilant from pick-pockets in these crowds)
Protecting Valuables
Use a money belt or a secure bag to carry essentials. Keep your passport, cash, and cards safe. Get photocopies of important documents like passports and visas.
Health Concerns
For your safety, get any recommended vaccination before the trip. Stay hydrated, especially during hot festivals, and drink bottled water only. Carry a reusable water bottle. Be cautious with the street food (even though it’s mouth-watering sometimes)! Opt for clean and reputable stalls only.Â
P.S. Festivals in India are more than just celebrations. They give you a transparent look into India’s soul, its people and traditions.Â
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