12 Fascinating Indian Festivals you’ve never heard

India is the land of festivals, with some of the most popular events being Diwali, Dusshera, Holi, etc. However, some lesser-known festivals will thrill you and fill you with fun!

So, here are 12 fascinating Indian Festivals you’ve probably never heard of!

1.Vintage Car Festival

Join the festival to witness marvelous machines from the British era. Hundreds of cars engage in a rally that takes you through the beautiful and historic city of Jaipur.

Venue: Jaipur

Date: Month of January

Highlight: You can find some rare gems and classics such as 1903 Humber, 1927 Erskine, 1934 Rolls Royce. What’s even more interesting is that you can also rent some of these vehicles for a few hours and embark on a joyride. Looking for cheap last-minute flights to India, yet?

2.St+Art Festival

St+Art festival aims at spreading art to the streets of India, literally. Hence, it is a huge step forward in democratizing street art within the nation.

So far, buildings and colonies in the metropolises such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi, amongst others, have been embellished with striking work of artists around the world.

Venue: Varies

Date: Month of October

Highlight: Creative and quirky murals that turn your regular looking street into a masterpiece.

3.Kila Raipur Festival

The Kila Raipur Sports Festival is a grand event that is also known as Rural Olympics. Started in the year 1933, the event features a countless number of games ranging from modeling show to bullock cart race and everything in between (that you can imagine).

Venue: Ludhiana

Date: February to 1st to 3rd

Highlight: The almost eccentric and unusual sporting competitions showcase the valor of Punjabis. It attracts over 6,000 competitors and nearly half a million spectators each year.

4.Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Started in the year 1999, the nine-day long spectacle takes place in the ‘Art District of Mumbai,’ better known as Kala Ghoda. Besides, there is no entry fee! Anyone and everyone are welcome! Have you reserved your flights to Mumbai?

Venue: Mumbai

Date: First Saturday of February

Highlight: Kala Ghoda Festival is India’s largest multicultural event. It features a wide variety of exciting activities, including stand-up comedy, urban design and architecture, visual arts, children events, heritage walks, music, cinema and theater, literature, dance, food, street art, and more!

5.Jaipur Literature Festival

The internationally-acclaimed literary event takes place in the Diggi Palace Hotel. Writers from across the world participate in the event. It features activities such as debates, readings, and interactive sessions with the audience.

Other short events such as musical gatherings, dance performances, etc. fill the gap between major events.

Venue: Jaipur

Date: January 23 to 27

Highlight: Jaipur Literature Festival is the largest free literary event in the world.

6.Bengaluru International Arts Festival

Amongst the most celebrated events in Bengaluru, The International Arts Festival allows you to a part of world-class entertainers belonging to diverse fields. Furthermore, you can participate in increasing the green cover carried out through tree plantation programs, etc.

The initiative not only promotes the art of the performers but also helps them financially through donations.

Start looking for travel deals well in advance, once the dates for the event are out to get the cheapest flight tickets.

Venue: Bengaluru

Date: Varies
Highlight: Talent from India and across the world come together to create, collaborate, and perform in harmony. It also aims at environmental awareness.

7.Hemis Festival

Hemis Festival marks the occasion of the birth of the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava. Hence, the vibrant religious festival is amongst the largest and most significant in the city.

Also, the landscape of Ladakh adds to the overall grace and experience of the festival.

Venue: Ladakh

Date: 10th day of the Tibetan Lunar Month (Usually in July)
Highlight: The mystic mask performances and sacred plays steal the show at the Hemis Gompa Festival.

8.International Kite Festival

The International Kite Festival celebrated on the festival of Makar Sakranti marks the transition of weather from winters to summer. Also, during the same time, you may come across affordable offers on flights to Ahmedabad.

Venue: Ahmedabad

Date: 14th January
Highlight: Lie down and gaze at the sky full of colorful kites at the Ahmedabad Police Stadium, or head to the banks of Sabarmati River. In addition, one can even visit the Kite Museum that exhibits unique kites. Also, you can buy kites from the Patang Bazaar, which is open 24 hours a day during the festival.

9.Serendipity Arts Festival

Goa is the party capital and the default tourist destination of India. It is also home to some of the most exciting events, such as the versatile Serendipity Arts Festival. In addition, the event features photography, music, dance, culinary arts, crafts, theater, visual arts, and a lot more!

Venue: Goa

Date: December 15th to 22nd
Highlight: Apart from the fields mentioned above, the festival goes a step further and offers other audience engagement through workshops, special projects, etc.

10.Ooty Summer Festival

The Ooty summer festival is amongst the best-known summer events in India. The beautiful landscape of Nilgiri Hills hosts the annual festival. Moreover, the event features a plethora of shows and fairs, including a flower show, spice show, and fruit show.

Venue:Ooty

Date: 2nd to 3rd week of May

Highlight: The event captures the essence of local culture and lifestyle. Moreover, the scenic beauty of the hill station adds another dimension to the ambiance.

11.Cartist Automobile Art Festival And Yatra

Art is not confined to four walls of galleries and museums; it is everywhere. And, the Cartist Automobile Art Festival is perhaps the best example.

Further, it is a moving exhibition of customized and painted cars that travel to multiple different cities to showcase the fantastic art.

Therefore, plan your trip to India and book cheap flight offers in April and follow the event across the nation.

Venue: Multiple cities across India

Date: April 18th to 24th

Highlight: The perfect marriage of Indian art and culture with the love of vintage cars.

12.International Film Festival of India

The International Film Festival of India is the perfect treat for the lovers of cinema in the Bollywood-land. And, what better place than Goa to celebrate the union of the world’s movie buffs!

Venue: Goa

Date: November and December

Highlight: The most significant film festival in Asia. Besides, the aim is to provide a common platform to film cultures of different countries.

So, psyched to catch flights to India? Make a note of the venues and dates of the festivals listed in the article to make your next Indian expedition an unforgettable memory!