India Festival Guide

DIWALI: FESTIVALS OF LIGHTS

Let’s start our India festival guide with lighting up a ‘Diya’. To start with, Diwali is the most popular festival in India. It is predominantly celebrated by Hindus across the world to commemorate the coronation of Lord Shree Ram. On the festival of Diwali, people light up unnumbered of clay-made lamps, decorate their home and wear ethnic wear. You can see women in Sari incorporated with extensive jewelry. Furthermore, they spend time with family, prepare sweets & feast, and burst crackers.

On this day, not a single corner of the house is devoid of lights. This is why people also call it a festival of lights. Girls draw the floral design with colored sand at the entrance area. Yes, we call it Rangoli. The celebration proceeds on with the customary worship of ‘Lakshmi and Ganesha’ at the night.

Wondering why we left crackers? Well, because they cause air pollution. Jokes apart, the festivity of Diwali would surely be incomplete without the ear-splitting sounds of crackers. Your earplugs can save you if you’re not fond of fireworks.

When: On Purnima (full moon night) of Kartik month of Hindu calendar. Generally, it falls in October or November in Gregorian calendar.

Where: All over India, and those parts of the world where Hindus reside.

Why: To commemorate the return and coronation of Lord Rama after a long exile of 14 years.

What to expect: Deafening noise of crackers, decorated houses, bustling markets, and people full of life.

What to pack: Ethnic wear and maybe some crackers.

DUSSEHRA: VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL

Also known as Vijayadashmi, Dussehra rings its bell just 20 days prior to Diwali. It is another festival associated with Lord Rama and his exile. According to Indian mythology, this is the day when Lord Rama killed demon Ravana. Thus, Dussehra also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Killing a Ravana inside you would be the best thing you can do on Dussehra.

On Dussehra, people make a huge effigy of Ravana and shoot it with arrows. At the end of the event, this giant effigy is burnt. People also call it ‘Ravan Dahan’. In rural areas, you can see a group of people performing ‘Ramleela’. Believe us Ramleela is even more entertaining than comic films. Keep your camera all set because Ramleela performance won’t let you put it down. For a short note, Dussehra is also the day when Navratri festival culminates.

When: On the 10th day of Ashwin month of Hindu calendar. It coincides with late September or early October in English calendar.

Where: All over India

Why: To mark the victory of good over evil.

What to expect: Huge effigies of Ravana. Boys clad as Ram & Lakshman, Ramleela performances and bonfires all around.

What to pack: First of all, a camera. Get some crackers too.

HOLI: FESTIVAL OF COLORS

Air filled with ecstasy and dust soaked in colors sum up the indescribable celebration of Holi. On Holi, every corner of the country is draped with the vibrant colors of exhilaration. This is the only festival in India that is celebrated solely to have fun. On this day, people forget all their worries and throw themselves in the pool of colors, happiness, and joy.

People break all the boundaries, forget all frictions, and put ‘Aabeer’ on each other’s foreheads. If somebody plays a prank with you on Holi, don’t take it seriously because it is a part of the celebration. Pranks are always good-natured.

A day before Holi, Holika Dahan ritual is performed with utmost pomp. People sing loudly and participate in it blithely.

When: On full moon day (Purnima) of Phalgun month of Hindu calendar. Keep your eyes in March of Gregorian calendar.

Where: Across India, but you can see the most pulsating celebration in Mathura and Vrindavan. Start gearing yourself for Holi 2019 in Vrindavan.

Why: To show the unfaltering relation between God and his devotee (Prahlad). Also, to mark the victory over evil.

What to expect: Fun, fun, and fun. Color everywhere and people at their wackiest best.

What to pack: Don’t forget your sunglasses, loungewear, and, of course, plenty of color sachets.

RAKSHA BANDHAN: SYMBOL OF LOVE BETWEEN A BROTHER AND SISTER

There can’t be a more beautiful relationship than that of a brother and sister. Indians celebrate this inseparable relationship and unfaltering bond in a form of a festival called ‘Raksha Bandhan’. On this day, sisters perform Aarti and tie a sacred thread on the wrist of their brothers. They wish good health and happy wellbeing for their brothers.

When: On full moon day (Purnima) of Shravana month of Hindu calendar. It usually falls in August month of English calendar.

Where: Throughout India.

Why: To celebrate the indissoluble bonding of a brother and a sister.

What to expect: Colorful markets replete with embellished Rakhis and scrumptious sweets.

What to pack: Obviously, a box of sweets if you’re visiting your sister or brother.

NAVRATRI: THE NINE SPECIAL DAYS OF GODDESS DURGA

Here comes the first religious festival in our India festival guide. So far, you have witnessed the unmatched euphoria of Indian festivals. Now, feel the extreme devotion of people for Goddess Durga. Also known as Durga Puja, these nine days of Navratri are full of devotion, peace, kindness, and, of course, the extreme form of worship. Hindus observe 9-day fast and worship Goddess Ambe in 9 different forms.

The clay-made huge idols of Maa Durga are installed for these nine days. Afterward, they are immersed in the water. People decorate Pandals vividly and get drenched thoroughly in the riveting vibes of devotion. The loud chants of Mantras, nonstop devotional songs, and deafening drumbeats complete the celebration of Navratri. To add further, ‘Kanya Bhoj’ is an integral part of Navratri.

When: During the first 9 days of Ashwin month of Hindu calendar. The festival might fall on September or October in English calendar.

Where: All over India, but West Bengal and Gujarat are the heart and soul of Navratri celebration.

Why: To worship Goddess Durga in nine different forms.

What to expect: Divine aura all around and people completely immersed in it. Huge ornamented idols of Maa Ambe.

What to pack: A set of ethnic wear. Also, something like fruits or sweets that you can offer for Prasad serving in a Pandal.

RAM NAVMI: THE BIRTH OF LORD RAMA

Do you remember the echoing celebration of Ram Navami that went off loftily this year in Ayodhya? That was breathtaking indeed. If you have missed it, head over to Ayodhya in 2019, where this grand celebration takes place every year.

A prodigious religious ceremony happens on the bank of Saryu River. Pandits chant Mantras and people perform ‘Deep-Daan’. Other than that, people also observe a fast and recite the couplets of Ramayana in their houses. Furthermore, they worship Ram, Lakshman, and Sita.

When: On the 9th day of Shukla Paksha (lunar fortnight) in the month of Chaitra of Hindu calendar. It generally occurs on March or April in English calendar.

Where: Obviously in Ayodhya. However, it is a special day for all Hindus.

Why: To celebrate the birthday of Lord Rama.

What to expect: A huge procession dressed in saffron color and the reverberating echoes of ‘Jay Shree Rama’.

What to pack: A set of saffron-colored dress must be in your bag. Just because it’s a birthday celebration, please don’t get a cake.

KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI: THE BIRTH OF SHREE KRISHNA

Celebrate the birthday of another incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Yes, Shree Krishna. If you can’t go out Ayodhya, make sure to be a part of Krishna Janmashtami celebration in Mathura. The festival is celebrated throughout the country, though.

Little boys clad themselves as Shree Krishna and enact his mischievous acts. In Mathura and Vrindavan, people celebrate the day as if the God has incarnated again. You’ll find a huge influx of devotees in Krishna temples which reverberate with reechoing Mantras and devotional songs. Raas Leela and Dahi-Handi are the major events of Krishna Janmashtami.

When: On Ashtami (8th day) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Bhadrapada month of Hindu calendar. Got it? No? Okay, let’s keep it your way. It occurs generally in August or September.

Where: All over India, but predominantly in Mathura, Vrindavan, and Maharashtra.

Why: To observe the birthday of Shree Krishna.

What to expect: Mesmerizing ‘Jhankees’ of Shree Krishna in households and every Krishna temple.

What to pack: Don’t forget your camera. You’ll need it in every step

MAKAR SANKRANTI: A THANKSGIVING TO LORD SURYA

Makar Sankranti is the only festival of India that is celebrated throughout the country but by different names. In Punjab, people call it Maghi, while in UP it is called Khichdi. Gujjus call it Uttarayan or Kite festival and Tamils call it Pongal. Though people celebrate it by different names and with different customs, it holds the same significance.

It is a festival associated with Lord Surya and nature. The celebration style can vary region to region, but it is ideally a harvest festival. Generally, traditional foods and sweets are prepared in Makar Sankranti. Taking a dip in a holy river and offering the prayers to Lord Surya is a customary ritual of Makar Sankranti. Nevertheless, now people hardly do this.

When: On 14th January. However, the festival lasts for 3-4 days in certain parts of the country.

Where: Everywhere in India. The name can vary, though.

Why: To mark the first day of the sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makara). And, the start of longer days according to Hindu calendar.

What to expect: People taking a dip in rivers and an assortment of dishes prepared with various grains.

What to pack: Get a set of the black-colored dress along with you. In certain regions of India, people wear black on Makar Sankranti.

GANESH CHATURTHI: THE BIRTH OF LORD GANESHA

Ganesh Chaturthi is another religious festival of India that is celebrated with enormous verve. It is a 10-day long festival, which commences on Ganesh Chaturthi and culminates on Anant Chaturdashi. Like Navratri, these 10 days are satiated with devotion, vigor, high-spirits, and vivacity too.

People install huge clay-made idols of Lord Ganesha in Pandals as well as in households and immerse them finally on the Anant Chaturdashi (10th day) with immense vim. You celebrate your birthday every year but celebrating a God’s birthday is completely different from that. If you want to experience it, be a part of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in India.

When: Commences on the 4th day of Shukla Paksha (lunar fortnight) of Hindu month ‘Bhadrapada’. It typically corresponds to August or early September.

Where: In Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. However, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi holds a special corner in the heart of every Hindu.

Why: To mark the birthday of Lord Ganesha, and to bring prosperity.

What to expect: Singing, dancing, and blithesome aura all around.

What to pack: Get a box of Modak Laddu in order to offer as a Prasad.

ONAM FESTIVAL: HOMECOMING OF KING MAHABALI

Onam is a Hindu cultural festival of Kerala. Malayali community celebrates Onam primarily as a harvest festival. It is again a 10-day long festival, which brings the people of all ages and races together and fills them with an invigorating pep.

On the 10th day of Onam, the spirit of King Mahabali is believed to visit every household. To welcome their beloved king, people wholeheartedly decorate their home, prepare grand feasts, draw Pookalam( floral design with yellow petals), and wear new clothes. The festival comes at its liveliest time when the mega-events such as ‘snake boat ride’, ‘spectacular tiger dance’, and ‘elephant procession’ suffuse the people entirely.

When: In the month of Chingam of Malayalam calendar. It generally overlaps with August or September in Gregorian calendar.

Where: Kerala and other parts of the world where Malayalis reside.

Why: To welcome the spirit of legendary King Mahabali.

What to expect: Emblazoned markets & households, people in traditional attire, and, of course, a number of breathtaking cultural events.

What to pack: Nothing special. However, make sure to plan your Onam festival Kerala tour beforehand if you want to avoid a hassle.

GANGAUR FESTIVAL: A TIME TO CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE & MARRIAGE

If you’re blessed with true love and blissful marriage life, be thankful to God. If you need motivation, just look at Rajasthani women who make their love stronger and a more colorful affair by worshiping their presiding deity of love in Gangaur festival.

Gangaur is an 18-day long festival. Both married and unmarried women dress like a new bride in traditional Rajasthani attire and take part in Gangaur festival with extreme fervor. They honor Goddess Parvati and pray daily for 18 days for a happy marital life. Eventually, the festival ceases with a captivating procession of women holding bejeweled idols of Goddess Parvati on their head. Royal horses, elephants, camels, and loud music further exalt the grandeur of Gangaur festival.

When: It commences the day after Holi and continues for the next 18 days.

Where: Rajasthan.

Why: To pray for a joyous marital life. Unmarried girls pray to get a husband of their choice. Girls, got a tickle? Well, you can try at least once. You never know. You might find your dream boy standing beside you.

What to expect: The stateliness of Rajasthan hued in the shades of devotion. And, of course, gorgeous women all around.

What to pack: Let your camera be with you. Just a piece of advice, don’t miss to capture the celebration of Gangaur festival in Jaipur.

BIHU FESTIVAL: WELCOMING THE CHANGE OF SEASONS

Seasons come and go, but Assamese make sure to give them a grand farewell and a pompous welcome with their glorifying Bihu festival. They celebrate Bihu festival thrice in a year on the change of every season. Among all three, Bohag Bihu is the most significant one.

On Bihu festival, people dance, sing, and whoop it up grandly. Ideally, it is a dance festival, and the ultimate purpose is to have fun as much as you can. Rapid dance movements, unique musical instruments, and vibrant traditional costumes are the catchment of eyes in Bihu festival. To add more, people take part in Bihu festival irrespective of caste, faith, and beliefs.

When: All three Bihu festivals take place in April, January, and October or November respectively. On top of all, Bohag Bihu generally falls on 14th or 15th April.

Where: Assam

Why: To mark the change of seasons.

What to expect: Spellbinding dance, local cuisines, and people full of life.

What to pack: Nothing special. In fact, you’ll be packed with amazement after watching a riveting Bihu dance.

GURU NANAK GURPURAB: THE BIRTHDAY OF GURU NANAK

Gurupurab is one of the most sacred festivals of Sikh community. Sikhs observe the birthday of Guru Nanak as Gurpurab and celebrate it like a festival. On this day, they immerse themselves completely in spirituality and chant Guru Granth Sahib reverently.

Customary rituals are performed in Gurudwaras, which are bedecked gorgeously. Furthermore, the continuous chant of melodious hymns enlivens the people. A grand feast, known as ‘Langar’, completes the festivity of Gurupurab. In Langar, people sit together in a row regardless of caste and creed. If you want to spend some serene moments, there can’t be a better place than a Gurudwara.

When: On Purnima (full moon day) of Kartik month of Hindu calendar. It usually falls in late November in the English calendar.

Where: Among Sikh community all over the world. Particularly, in Punjab.

Why: To celebrate the birthday of the first Sikh guru ‘Guru Nanak Dev’.

What to expect: Tranquility and humanity at their best, especially in Gurudwaras.

What to Pack: A set of Punjabi dress. Also, make sure to keep a small piece of cloth, which you’ll need to cover your head while offering prayers.

CHHATH POOJA: A THANKSGIVING TO LORD SURYA AND CHHATHI MAIYA

Chhath Pooja is the signature sign of Bihar. Other than Bihar, it is celebrated in certain parts of Jharkhand too. It is the biggest festival of Biharis, dedicated to Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya. People offer their gratitude to God and pray for prosperity and good health.

The festival lasts for 4 days, and each day has certain rituals. One member from each household observes the fast for these 4 days and performs all rituals. Generally, people take a dip in a river and offer prayers at riverbank facing toward the sun. During the festival, they prepare an assortment of cuisines and offer them to God.

When: On Shashti of Kartik month of Hindu calendar. It typically corresponds to October or November.

Where: Bihar and Jharkhand.

Why: To thank the Lord sun and his sister Chhathi Maiya for bestowing people with a happy life.

What to expect: A huge fanfare and a unique form of devotion.

What to pack: Extra pair of dresses because you might get wet at the riverbank.

BAISAKHI: SING, DANCE, AND ENJOY

Baisakhi is a significant festival of Hindus and Sikhs as it marks the beginning of the New Year according to Hindu calendar. However, it is popular among the Sikhs only. They celebrate it with immense vitality and joy. People dress up in vibrant Punjabi garbs and dance while singing loudly in a group.

If you want to see Bhangra and Giddha dance at full blast, Baisakhi has a lot more to offer you in its plate. Interestingly, this festival has no rituals. The only purpose is to enjoy to the core.

When: On the 1st day of Vaisakh month of Hindu calendar. In the English calendar, it falls on 13th April.

Where: In North India, majorly in Punjab.

Why: To mark the new year of the Hindu calendar.

What to expect: Bhangra and Giddha dance at their wildest form.

What to pack: If you want to shake your legs in irresistible beats of Bhangra, a Punjabi dress can be helpful for you.

RANN UTSAV: THE GRANDEST EXHIBITION OF MUSIC & ART

Remember the sonorous voice of Amitabh Bachchan saying ‘Kutch nahi dekha to Kuch nahi dekha’ (If you haven’t seen the splendor of Kutch, you haven’t seen anything)? Let us be honest, he is not exaggerating it at all. You yourself behold a sight of Kutch Rann Utsav 2019 and tell us.

During this magnificent fiesta, you’ll see the nature dancing in the tunes of ethereal music. The all-encompassing area of Kutch shimmers resplendently with an unmatched fusion of music, dance, tradition, and culture. The white sand of Kutch kissed by nature’s panoramic charm continues to sparkle for months during Rann Utsav.

When: It is a winter festival lasting for 3-4 months. It generally starts in November and continues until February. In 2019, it will be held from 1st November to 20th February.

Where: In Kutch desert, Gujarat.

Why: To exhibit its deep-rooted culture & heritage.

What to expect: The white sand and salty marshes of Kutch thoroughly seeped into the deluge of Gujarati culture and music.

What to pack: Keep it empty because the alluring handicraft of Rann Utsav won’t let you come back without filling your bags.

EID: TIME FOR A LUSCIOUS FEAST

Eid is the most sacred festival of Muslims. It binds the people together in a thread of harmony, unity, and kindness. It is the last day of Ramadan when Muslims break their fast in a grand way. They offer Namaz (prayers) and hug each other. Furthermore, they meet their relatives & loved ones and exchange gifts.

You’ll see everyone dressed in white color. The celebration of Eid is incomplete without a grand buffet. People prepare a number of cuisines at their houses and add magic to their revelry.

When: On the last day of Ramzan month of Islamic calendar. The date and month vary every year in the English calendar.

Where: All over the world among the Muslim community.

Why: To mark the conclusion of holy month Ramzan.

What to expect: Colorful markets and a grand feast.

What to pack: Nothing special.

KUMBH MELA: THE BIGGEST RELIGIOUS GATHERING IN THE WORLD

Attended by millions of people of all ages and castes, Kumbh Mela is the biggest religious gathering in the world. It is also the biggest religious event of Hindus, where you can see every Hindu drenched thoroughly in the surfeit of spirituality and exuberance. People from all over the world come to participate in Kumbh Mela.

Kumbh Mela draws a perfect canvas filled with divine holiness and religious fervor. It takes place in every 12 years on the riverbank of a sacred river. To your surprise, Kumbh Mela 2019 is all set to souse the people with its deluge of spirituality in Allahabad.

When: Dates vary from year to year. In 2019, it will start from 14th January and will continue till 4th March.

Where: Allahabad (Prayagraj), Ujjain, Nasik, and Haridwar.

Why: To get closer to God.

What to expect: A whopping mass dotted with unnumbered of ascetics and saints dressed in saffron attire.

What to pack: Get some warm clothes. During Kumbh Mela, Allahabad is always in the grip of cold waves.

PUSHKAR FAIR: VIBRANCY IN ONE CANVAS

Once you’re enough of spirituality in Kumbh Mela, head over to Pushkar, where the flamboyance of Rajasthani culture is all set to embrace you in its spellbinding vibes. Pushkar fair is ideally a camel fair, but it is fully packed with cultural events, colorful markets, adventurous pursuits, and fun activities. Needless to say, Pushkar camel festival in India is a matchless display of Indian culture.

Let your hair down and participate in the pulsating activities of Pushkar Mela, a 5-day long fair. Feast your eyes on embellished camels that are brought for the trading. Further, go on a shopping spree in the colorful market of Pushkar fair. The handcrafted jewelry and embroidered dresses are really to die for.

When: Takes place on last 5 days of Kartik month of Hindu calendar. Means, in October or November according to the English calendar.

Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan.

Why: To exhibit Rajasthani culture and to trade the camels.

What to expect: Adorned camels, various mind-blowing cultural activities.

What to pack: A fat wallet! Believe us you can’t resist yourself filling your shopping bags in Pushkar Mela.

GANGA SAGAR MELA: TIME TO INDULGE IN DEVOTION

If you can’t make it to Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2019, rush to Ganga Sagar Mela, which takes place in West Bengal every year. The 5-day fair is held at the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Ganga River. Here again, taking a dip in the water is believed to relieve the people from all sins.

Owing to its significance, Ganga Sagar Mela receives a throng of devotees. During Ganga Sagar Mela, ‘the city of joy’ is tinted in the shades of sanctity. You can feel it in the air and the soil of the city.

When: It generally commences on the day of Makar Sankranti and continues for the next 5 days. According to the English calendar, it begins on 14th January.

Where: West Bengal.

Why: To wash out your sins.

What to expect: Again, a huge religious gathering.

What to pack: Get a pair of extra clothes if you’re planning to swill out your sins too. If you haven’t done any, you’re on a safe side. Keep calm!

GOA CARNIVAL: A DIFFERENT FACET OF GOA

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Finally, our India festival guide landed you in Goa. Forget the pristine beaches of Goa for some moments and get your feet in Goa carnival, which is all set to sweep you off your feet. The frenzy exuberance of people during Goa Carnival doesn’t let the city sleep at the night. The emblazoned streets, colorful markets, and the zesty air whisper discernibly the intriguing celebration of Goa carnival.

This 3-day carnival is actually a Christian tradition that has been taking place every year for hundreds of years. People wear strange masks, unusual costumes and gyrate on the electrifying tunes of music. Various fun activities, sports competitions, and showy parade further complete the jollity of Goa carnival, the most vibrant fair and festival of India.

When: In February.

Where: Goa.

Why: To celebrate the Christian tradition ‘Mardi Gras’.

What to expect: People wearing funny costumes & masks, wild dance, and a spectacular procession.

What to pack: Your DSLR is your best buddy for Goa carnival.

HEMIS GOMPA FAIR: FLARING VIBRANCY IN THE LAND OF SNOW

Keep your yearning for the snow-clad mountains, whimsical lakes, and panoramic charm of Ladakh aside. With this India festival guide, soak yourself with a deluge of a vibrant culture of Ladakh. When the nation is burning with the scorching heat during peak summers, Ladakh sparkles at its best in the colors of Hemis Gompa fair.

The 2-day fair is held at Hemis monastery to celebrate the birthday of Lord Padmasambhava. Buddhists clad themselves in bizarre dresses, wear wacky masks, and dance vigorously in the tunes of traditional music.

When: On the 10th day of Lunar month of Tibetan calendar. According to the English calendar, it generally falls in June.

Where: Ladakh

Why: To celebrate the birthday of Lord Padmasambhava.

What to expect: Soul-stirring dance, eye-catching handicrafts, and colorful shopping stalls.

What to pack: Let your blanket be with you. The weather is always unpredictable in Ladakh.

SONEPUR CATTLE FAIR: THE BIGGEST CATTLE FAIR IN ASIA

Does a cattle fair really deserve a visit? We know you must be thinking this. Are you? Well, believe us, Sonepur cattle fair is one of its kind. In a real sense, it is a concoction of spirituality, agrarian lifestyle, cultural showcase and, of course, animal trading.

This month-long fair acts as a pleasant respite for Biharis after the unpalatable monsoon months. From fun activities to spellbinding circus performances and from vivid handicrafts to colorful stalls, Sonepur cattle fair makes sure to give you a fun-filled experience. To add more to your amusement, here you can witness various types of animals being traded.

When: Commences on the Purnima (full moon day) of Kartik month of Hindu calendar and lasts for a month. It generally falls in November.

Where: Sonepur, Bihar

Why: For animal trading, and to commemorate the history associated with it.

What to expect: People taking a dip in Ganga River, huge gathering on the riverside, and heaps of frolicsome activities.

What to pack: Get an extra set of shoes because Sonepur is extremely rigid, and you would need to walk a lot too.

HORNBILL FEST: THE GRANDEST DISPLAY OF A CULTURE

Nagaland illustrates its striking culture beautifully under one roof in Hornbill fest. All people of Naga tribe come together and celebrate this 10-day long festival with immense gusto and fervor. What brings the festival into life is its rhythmic sounds of musical instruments accompanied by the subtle dance moves. Given the fact, it is the most popular tribal festival of India.

Generally, people put on war costumes, hold the spears in their hands, and then dance blithely. If you want to satiate yourself with Naga culture, Hornbill fest has a lot in store for you. From intricate paintings to stupendous display of art and from breathtaking sports competitions to a wide array of local foods, Hornbill fest is a joyous affair by all accounts.

When: From 1-10 December.

Where: Nagaland.

Why: To celebrate and to showcase the mélange of their culture.

What to expect: Unity, festivity, vibrancy, and cultural show at its best.

What to pack: Don’t forget a slew of warm clothes because Nagaland is freezing during December.