5 Upcoming Festivals that You Should Head To

India is rightly called the land of celebrations. While the country boasts of a melange of cultural delights across the year, there are some festivals that are on the radar for both domestic as well as international travellers alike. And if you're planning your next getaway, hoping to catch the country's colour and conundrum, here are 5 festivals that you can head to  

Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF)

This year, the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival is back in a super hybrid way with both, the on-ground splendour and a virtual presence. A platform with many writers, musicians, fashionistas, and literature enthusiasts sharing their views, ideas, and insights, this event is one of the most awaited festivals in the country. The eminent speakers this year include the 2021 Booker prize winner, Damon Galgut, Indian-born British screenwriter, writer, and playwright Farrukh Dhondy, Delhi-based vascular and endovascular surgeon and writer, Dr Ambarish Satwik, besides others. 

Date&nbsp5 March onwards 
Connectivity and Stay By road, rail, and air. The Pink City has its own airport and railway station. From luxury heritage resorts to home stays, choices to stay are plenty here.
Other Attractions&nbspTour around the city steeped in history, culture, and heritage structures
Must-Try Dal baati churma, laal maas (the most popular non-vegetarian dish in this predominantly vegetarian state), kachori, and the popular Rajasthani dessert, ghevar

Khajuraho Dance Festival

One of the most serene dance festivals one can experience, the Khajuraho Dance Festival is the event for all art, culture, and age-old dance tradition lovers and a great excuse to plan a trip to this magnificent temple town in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh. Already in its 48th Edition, it is best known for eminent artists performing against the backdrop of historic monuments of Khajuraho.

Date 20-26 February 2022
Connectivity and Stay Khajuraho is accessible via road, rail (Khajuraho Railway Station), and air (Khajuraho Civil Aerodrome). Multiple options of stay are available, depending upon the budget and taste.
Other Attractions Ancient temples of Madhya Pradesh with some of the finest sculptures
Must-Try Dal bafla, Bhopali gosht korma, chakki ki shaak, mawa baati

Goa Carnival

Celebrated since the 18th century, the carnival is unique to Goa and was introduced by the Portuguese who ruled this state for over 500 years. Celebrated for three days and nights, a local resident presides over the entire event as &lsquoKing Momo&rsquo to proclaim the Konkani message of &ldquoEat, drink and make merry&rdquo. With various parades, floats, and public street parties taking over the streets of Goa, the carnival is an ideal time to see Goa at its colorful best.

Date 26 February - 1 March 2022
Connectivity and Stay Goa is a preferred road-trip destination. Tourists can also reach Goa via train (Margao or Vasco Da Gama station) or by air (Dabolim International Airport). Hotels, resorts, beach-houses, shacks, home-stays, are some common choices for a stay in Goa.
Other Attractions Beaches, churches, colorful streets, and buildings
Must-Try Cashews, pork vindaloo (and other pork dishes), bebenca.

Kila Raipur Sports Festival
Held at the Grewal Sports Stadium in Kila Raipur (located in Ludhiana, Punjab), this event, also called the Rural Olympics, is a huge attraction for sports enthusiasts. Some of the most popular unconventional events in this competition include kabaddi, short put, daredevil stunts on bikes and horses, pulling cars with their hair, teeth or ears, tug of war, bull cart-race, mule cart race, horse cart race, tractor race, and many others. 

Date February
Connectivity and Stay Ludhiana is well-connected via road, rail (Ludhiana railway station), and air (Sahnewal airport). The city has many hotels and home-stays to choose from, depending upon one&rsquos tastes and budget.
Other Attractions Cultural events, folk music, and dances in the evening
Must-Try Lassi, makai di roti with sarson da saag, tandoori chicken, gajar halwa

Sekrenyi Festival

Popularly known as Phousanyi among the locals, this 10 day harvest festival of Nagaland&rsquos Angami Nagas is related to the agricultural cycle. The literal translation of the festival is to &lsquomake holy&rsquo the entire village by everyone cleansing the body and soul. The main attraction of the festival is the dancing, singing, and the many rituals performed by the tribals of Nagaland.  

Date&nbspFebruary 
Connectivity and Stay The nearest airport and railway station is in Dimapur. There are many state-run buses and taxi operators who can help reach Nagaland from there
Other Attractions Folk dance, folk music, nature walks
Must-Try Locally prepared food by the tribals, bamboo shoots, axone