5 Most Unique And Unusual Festivals To Enjoy In India

My motherland, India is home to a diverse culture of indigenous tribes travelled from different parts of the world. Since ancient times they have created a long-lasting impact with modern theories. A deceptive world where the spiritual connection with the almighty has given rise to some of the unusual rituals and festivals. Some of these traditional rituals, despite its weirdness and crazily bizarre events, celebrated with unusual enthusiasm, leave us with a big question. In this article, it has been tried to concise 5 Most Unusual Festivals of India that are strictly followed to restore balance in religion.

# Thaipusam Festival, Tamil Nadu

Let’s start our bizarre list with the utmost devotion to revel in divine bliss. Thaipusam/Thaipoosam is celebrated to show the endurance to Lord Murugan (believed to be the son of Lord Shiva). Devotees prepare themselves approx 48 days ahead by spiritual cleansing with prayers and fasting. The festival is famous in South India and other parts of Southeast Asia like Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other countries where the Tamil community is present.

# Nag Panchami, All over India

How about a festival dedicated to snakes, Creepy? Nag Panchami isn’t for the faint heart, especially which are dug out of the ground. Nag (Cobra in English) owns a great significance in Hindu mythology, which is often worshipped. The festival takes place during the month of Shraavana (Hindu calendar month) when the monsoon in India is at the peak. The rainwater seeps the hole of snakes which can harm humans on the ground by biting. According to the myth, to protect themselves Nag Panchami is celebrated.

# Madai Festival, Chhattisgarh

Chhattishgarh is a popular tribal destination known for its major festivals of what is considered as Sanskritik Chhattisgarh. Despite Madai is a popular festival, people from other parts of the country know little about it. During this festival, ritualistic performances with folk dance, music, sacred prayers are dedicated to goddess Kesharpal Kesharpalin Devi. One can also witness vibrant fairs with bright shops having several tribal handicrafts and relish some unique cuisine.

# Sekrenyi Festival, Nagaland

Sekrenyi is a popular festival for Angami tribe of Nagaland. This festival is celebrated for 10 days to eliminate negative energies as well as to renew and cleanse the entire village. This tradition involves a great number of rituals as well as customs respecting nature. It is a festival of purification with feasting, duet songs and folk dance that allows inter-village visits and assures human bonding. The preparations of the festival start two days prior by collecting firewood and hunting animals for the feast.

# Agni Keli, Karnataka

Though fire means danger, it is also the symbol of the festival. Coming back to India’s other unique festival, here a village plays with fire every year. Devotees gather at the temple of Kateel Durga Parameswari, honouring Her, depicted as the goddess of war. It is celebrated over 8 days and features a series of themed performances including the parade of the jewel-decked goddess through the streets. On the second night of the festival, the fiery action attracts thousands of spectators.