Summer in India isn't just about coping with scorching temperatures, it's also about relishing a variety of celebrations that include music, traditional dances, vibrant clothing, exquisite decorations, and more. With numerous captivating festivals, India transforms into a hub of excitement during summers, drawing crowds of tourists from around the globe. These festivals bring enormous happiness and delight, giving people a chance to forget their worries, if only momentarily. This guide will take you on a tour of some of the most fascinating Indian summer festivals that are not to be missed.
India's summer season is not only known for its intense heat, but also for the vibrant and lively festivals that take place across the country. These festivals offer a unique and immersive experience into India's rich culture and heritage. From traditional dances and music performances to elaborate decorations and colorful attire, these festivals are a celebration of life and joy. During the summer months, India comes alive with a plethora of festivals that attract tourists from around the world, making it a hub of excitement and energy. In this guide, we will explore some of the most captivating Indian summer festivals that offer an unforgettable experience for those who attend.
# Mount Abu Summer Festival, RajasthanMount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is a magnificent tourist destination that holds an annual summer festival from May to June, spanning two days. This festival, celebrated during the full-moon day of Buddha Purnima, is a grand celebration of dance, music, cultural activities, dazzling fireworks, and elaborate decorations.
Attending the Mount Abu Summer Festival of Rajasthan is a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich and diverse folk and classical music of the region, as well as to immerse oneself in the tribal life and culture of Rajasthan. The festivities begin with a vibrant folk dance performance, followed by a thrilling boat race at Nakki Lake. Additionally, there are numerous fun competitions such as tug-of-war, skating races, and more, organized throughout the two-day festival, making it a truly engaging and entertaining experience for visitors.
# International Flower Festival, SikkimThe International Flower Festival, held in Gangtok - the capital city of Sikkim, is another exclusive summer festival that you simply cannot afford to miss. This month-long festival commences in May and is organized by the Tourism Department of the Government of Sikkim. The festival is a celebration of the vast variety of flora found in Sikkim, with hundreds of varieties of flowers and plants showcased at the White Hall Complex, attracting tourists from all over. In addition, a special display of the various types of bamboo that flourish abundantly in Sikkim is also featured.
Following the flower show at the International Flower Festival, visitors can indulge in a grand food festival where they can sample a variety of Sikkimese delicacies, making for a truly delightful experience.
# Hemis Festival, LadakhAnother incredible Indian festival celebrated during the summer months is one of the most significant Buddhist festivals in Ladakh - the Hemis Festival. This annual festival is celebrated on the 10th day of Tse-Chu, according to the Tibetan lunar calendar, and lasts for two days. The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava and is held at the Hemis Monastery - an ancient monastery that dates back 300 years.
# Moatsu Festival, Nagaland
The Moatsu festival, which is observed by the Ao tribe in Mokokchung, Nagaland, is a summer festival celebrated on May 1st. The festival, which follows the sowing of seeds, is a three-day event that signifies community bonding. During Moatsu, villagers decorate their homes and gather around bonfires to enjoy each other's company. They express their gratitude to the Lord for helping their crops grow by performing traditional dances and songs. The festival's symbolic ritual, Sangpantu, involves lighting a large fire around which locals gather to enjoy traditional food and rice beer.
# International Mango Festival, DelhiMango lovers eagerly await the arrival of summer in India as it brings along a wide range of delicious mangoes. The summer season is highly anticipated by many people in India due to this reason. In Delhi, the International Mango Festival, hosted by the Delhi Tourism department, is celebrated. This amazing festival showcases over 500 different varieties of mangoes, such as Neelam, Dussehri, Fazli, Chausa, Langra, Banganpalli, and many more, which mango enthusiasts can relish. The festival also offers a range of mango products to purchase and various mango-eating competitions to participate in.
# Ganga Dussehra, UttarakhandUttarakhand celebrates the Ganga Dussehera summer festival, which is a ten-day event that honors Goddess Ganga. The festival takes place in May or June each year and is also known as the Dasar Festival. It commences on the Amavasya night, according to the Hindu calendar, and concludes on Dashami tithi or the 10th day.
During this festival, an Aarti is performed on the banks of the Ganges in the famous pilgrimage destinations of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Devotees from various regions come to take a dip in the holy river's water and then meditate on the river's banks. After bathing, they engage in meditation.
# Yuru Kabgyat Festival, LehThe Yuru Kabgyat, a stunning Buddhist festival, takes place in Leh, Ladakh, during the summer season. This two-day festival is dedicated to Yamaraj (God of Death) and Padmasambhava (The Second Buddha) and is celebrated at the historic Lamayuru Monastery.
The festival's main highlight is the masked dances or chams that monks perform to ward off evil spirits. Additionally, the sight of prayer wheels spread throughout the Lamayuru Monastery is enchanting.