Do you want to experience different cultures along with your travel? If yes, then festival and event-based travel can be a wonderful experience for you! In a diverse country like India, there is some festival or event every month, which makes it a perfect destination for Festival Tourism in India.
Festival travel is not just a way to travel, but also a great way to experience the culture, traditions, local food and special activities there. Spiritual peace in Kumbh Mela, Rajasthani colors in Teej of Jaipur, craze of music in Sunburn Festival of Goa – every festival is special in its own way.
If you do not want to limit travel to just sightseeing, then plan your next trip during a wonderful festival and start a new, memorable journey!
Why is festival and event-based travel special?
When we travel, we not only get to see new places, but also get a chance to connect with the culture, traditions and people of that place. The trend of Festival Tourism in India is growing rapidly because it gives the travellers a new and unique experience, different from the common tourist.
Cultural and traditional experience
Every festival is associated with some tradition. For example, Rajasthani folk culture is seen in Pushkar Mela, while the rich heritage of Bengal can be experienced during Durga Puja.
Local food and special dishes
Tasting the traditional dishes of every state during festivals gives a different pleasure. For example, eating sesame-jaggery ladoo on Makar Sankranti, Revdi and peanuts on Lohri, and thandai and gujiya on Holi is a different kind of pleasure.
Unique activities and customs
During festival travel, you can take part in many interesting activities. For example, you can enjoy spiritual bathing at Kumbh Mela, parades and dances at Goa Carnival, or camel races and folk dances at Jaisalmer Desert Festival.
Memorable photography and social media content
The colourful atmosphere, traditional costumes and grand events are seen during the festival, which are great opportunities for photography. Festival Tourism in India is also becoming very popular for social media influencers and photographers.
Major Festivals and Best Destinations of India
India is famous for its rich cultural heritage and diverse festivals. Different festivals are celebrated in every state, which reflect the religious, traditional and cultural aspects of the country. Festival Tourism in India is becoming a big attraction for travelers from all over the world, as it not only gives an opportunity to roam around, but also gives an opportunity for a unique experience.
- Kumbh Mela (Prayagraj, Haridwar)
This is the world’s largest spiritual event, where millions of devotees come to bathe in the Ganga. Meeting sadhus and saints and watching the traditions of the Akharas makes it special.
- Holi (Vrindavan, Mathura)
This festival of colors is celebrated with great pomp in Vrindavan and Mathura. The view of Lathmar Holi and the streets drenched with gulal here is worth seeing.
- Diwali (Varanasi, Jaipur)
The festival of lights is celebrated grandly in Varanasi and Jaipur. Ganga Aarti, sparkling lamps and fireworks make this festival special.
- Pushkar Fair (Rajasthan)
This is the largest animal fair in India, where camel competitions, folk dances and unique handicraft markets are seen.
- Hemis Festival (Ladakh)
This is the main festival of Buddhism, in which one gets a chance to see traditional mask dance, music and the culture of Ladakh closely.
If you want to feel the culture and traditions along with travel, then definitely visit the major cities of India during these festivals.
Event-based travel: Enjoy special events and festivals!
Travelling is not limited to tourist destinations only, but visiting during special events and festivals gives a unique experience. The craze of Festival Tourism in India is increasing rapidly, as people now prefer to plan their travel by linking it with a special event. Let’s know some major event-based travel options!
- Events on long weekends
People often take advantage of long weekends to travel to special places. Rajasthan’s Desert Festival, Delhi’s Literature Festival, and Kochi’s Biennale Art Festival are places where a wonderful combination of culture and art is seen.
- Sports events (IPL, Marathons, Adventure Events)
If you are fond of sports, then you can be a part of cricket tournaments like IPL or Mumbai Marathon and Ladakh Marathon. Apart from this, Rishikesh’s River Rafting Festival and Manali’s Skiing Fest are perfect for adventure lovers.
- Music and Art Festivals (Sunburn, NH7 Weekender)
Sunburn Festival of Goa and NH7 Weekender of Pune are counted among the biggest music festivals of India, where artists from India and abroad perform live.
- Film Festivals (IFFI Goa, MAMI Mumbai)
If you love cinema, then IFFI (International Film Festival of India) of Goa and MAMI Film Festival of Mumbai give you a chance to watch the best films from different languages and countries.
If you want to make your trip memorable, then next time plan your trip with a special event or festival and enjoy new experiences!
Festival Travel Planning Tips
Traveling during festivals in India is a unique experience, but proper planning is very important. If you want to enjoy Festival Tourism in India, then these tips can make your trip easier.
- Book hotels and transport in advance – There is a lot of crowd during festivals, so advance booking gives you good rates and convenience.
- Respect local customs – Every festival has its own traditions, so respect the local culture.
- Important documents and safety tips – Keep tickets, identity card and medical kit with you.
- Keep cash and digital payment options ready – Many places do not have the facility of digital payment, so keep both options.
- Keep the right clothes and accessories with you during the festival – Choose clothes according to the weather and program so that the journey is comfortable.
With proper planning, you can enjoy the festivals in India to the fullest
Budget and Expense Planning: Important Tips for Festival Travel
Traveling during festivals in India is a thrilling experience, but at this time the prices of hotels, transport and food increase. If you want to enjoy Festival Tourism in India on a budget, then correct planning is necessary.
- Hotels are expensive during festival season, what are the best options?
Hotel prices increase during festivals, so homestays, dharamshalas, and hostels can be good and affordable options. By booking in advance, you can arrange for a stay at a cheaper rate.
- Local street food and affordable stay options
Instead of expensive restaurants, try local street food, which is delicious and affordable. The experience of eating traditional food and shopping from the street market will also be better.
- Public transport vs private cab
Traffic is more during the festival season, due to which private cabs can be expensive and time consuming. In such a situation, metro, bus, share auto and local trains are economical and convenient options.
If proper planning is done, you can enjoy the beauty and culture of festivals even on budget!
Conclusion: Share your experience and tell us your choice
India is a country full of vibrancy, where every month there is some festival or the other. Festival tourism in India not only enriches the experience culturally, but also gives a chance to understand new places and traditions.
Traveling during festivals gives us a chance to connect with local customs, traditions and people. If you have been to Kumbh Mela, Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, or Pushkar Mela, share your experience with us.
Which Indian festival do you like the most and which festival would you like to include in your travel list? Would you like to enjoy the colorful Holi, or see the grandeur of Durga Puja? Maybe you like the excitement of Ganesh Utsav or like to roam the streets decorated with Diwali lights.
Let us know in the comment section which festival you would definitely like to experience and why? We look forward to your answers!
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