In December, India hosts several vibrant festivals that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity and traditions. Here are some of the best festivals celebrated across India in December:
- Christmas: Celebrated on December 25th, Christmas is a major festival for the Christian community in India. Cities like Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Kerala are particularly lively during Christmas with decorations, midnight mass, carol singing, and delicious feasts.
- Hornbill Festival, Nagaland: Held from December 1st to 10th in Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of the Naga tribes. It features traditional music, dances, indigenous games, crafts, and local cuisine, offering visitors a glimpse into Naga culture.
- Rann Utsav, Gujarat: Held annually from November to February in the Rann of Kutch region of Gujarat, the Rann Utsav is a celebration of the region’s culture, music, dance, and handicrafts. It offers visitors the opportunity to witness the vast white desert landscape and participate in various cultural activities.
- Goa Sunburn Festival: Usually held towards the end of December, the Sunburn Festival in Goa is one of Asia’s biggest electronic dance music festivals. It attracts music enthusiasts and renowned DJs from around the world for three days of non-stop music, dance, and entertainment.
- Poush Mela, West Bengal: Held in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, Poush Mela is a traditional fair celebrated in December (usually around December 7th). It commemorates the harvest season and the birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The fair features folk music, dance performances, handicrafts, and delicious Bengali cuisine.
- Konark Dance Festival, Odisha: Held against the backdrop of the magnificent Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha, the Konark Dance Festival takes place in December. It showcases classical dance forms such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Manipuri, performed by renowned artists from across India.
These festivals offer a diverse range of experiences, from cultural immersion to music and dance celebrations, making December an exciting time to visit India.