Indian Culture Carnivals Which Heat Up December, Besides Christmas and New Year Parties

[Gets Holidays]

December sees a lot of celebrations around the globe — Christmas and New Year being the major highlights. India welcomes new year with budget and lavish bashes. Apart from these, there are a few culture festivals here which are globally acclaimed. You can choose between grooving to music of DJs at night clubs, or traditional beats at the regional fests. Here’s a brief look at some of the leading winter culture fests in India.

Konark Music And Dance Festival, Odisha : This open-air classical music and dance festival is organized by Odisha tourism to pay an ode to desi dance forms. The carnival sees Odissi, Mohiniattam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam and Kathak performances. Eminent artistes from different corners of the globe charm the audience with brilliant acts. Indian ragas are a roar at this fest. You can visit crafts mela on the premises. Sand art exibition is another high of this event. Handicrafts items from the states are displayed here, you can take home some exquisite souvenirs. Delectable Indian cuisines are on platter for foodies.
Dates: December 1 to 5

Feast of Francis Xavier, Goa : This festival commemorates the death of Saint Francis Xavier, a known Catholic missionary to preach the Gospel of Christ in India. His body is well-preserved in a silver casket at Bom Jesus Basilica in Old Goa. Millions of pilgrims attend masses which begin from 4am. Goa decks up with illumination during the festivities. Some of them even kiss the relics the relics of the preacher.Thereafter, they proceed to attend a huge fair in Old Goa. The vibrant gathering is marked with lip-smacking Goan cuisines —Khajem (Sweet), Chonnem (grams), Chourico-pao(Goan sausageserved with bread).
Dates: December 3, every year

Hornbill Festival, Nagaland : The predominately tribal state organizes this culture fiesta to highlight the unique tradition and heritage of Nagaland. The state tourism and arts and culture department hosts this fest in Kisama, a heritage village, 12kms from capital city Kohima. The Nagas pay ode to the most important bird of their tribe, hornbill, through music and dance. The festival brings alive the lifestyle and livelihood of Nagas along with seven Indian north-eastern sister states.

International dance troupes and musicians render electrifying performances in the evenings. Visitors get to see Naga artifacts on display, be it tribal spears and other hunting instruments, long hollow drums (a revered musical instrument). Chilli eating competitions and fashion shows heat up the celebrations. Food kiosks sell exquisite Naga dishes — dried pork, smoked pork stew, bamboo steamed fish.
Dates — December 1 to 7 every year

Rann Utsav, Gujarat : This cultural extravaganza is observed to highlight the heritage of the Kutch region. Folk music, dance, sports and handicrafts bag the spotlight. Dhordo Village hosts the fete which showcases the ethnic and traditional lifestyle of residents of parched Kutch. Handicrafts items include pottery and weaving, while you can take home tie and dye fabrics to accentuate traditional wear. You can undertake sightseeing tours to white salt desert, bird sanctuary at Chari Dhand, Kera Shiva temple and Dholavira.
Dates: December 15 to 17

Shilpgram Art and Craft Fair, Rajasthan : Udaipur besides being home to huge palaces and Lake Pichola, organizes this craft fair, ideal for shopaholics! Shipgram is the rural art and craft complex which aims to promote the ethnic culture of western zone. Tourists can participate in workshops or catch up with artisans to know the intricacies of handicrafts. Several huts designed in the rustic backdrop represent states of Rajasthan, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra. Handloom and handicraft items are bought and sold on large scale. Folk dances and music grace the evenings. An open-air amphitheater with a seating capacity of 8,000 in the Rural Art and Craft Complex is a deserves a mention.
Dates: December 21 to 30 every year.

The Sunburn Festival, Goa : Moving on to the urban zone now, the sunburn fest is the best open-air beach dance party in India. Djs from all parts of the world heat up the beaches with groovy mixes. International musicians grace the stages at Candolim Beach. Merry-making with friends and family is the ultimate thing you can ask for if you happen to be a part of this carnival. The Christmas and New Year fever continues with musical evenings teamed with loads of sea food, exotic liquor and local fenny! Forget your routine and backlogs, keep swaying to rhythmic beats, a complete rejuvenation.
Dates: December 27 to 29

So? December is just round the corner. Book your tickets now. Forget your routine and backlogs, keep swaying to rhythmic beats, a complete rejuvenation. Come one, come all — let’s party together!