Rooplekha Das
Following Vijayadashami, Kullu Dussehra transforms Dhalpur Maidan into a week-long cultural gathering. Hundreds of village deities arrive in decorated palanquins, accompanied by processions, folk performances and community celebrations centred on Lord Raghunath.
Held at Kisama Heritage Village, the Hornbill Festival brings Nagaland’s diverse tribes together through folk music, traditional dances, indigenous games, local cuisine and handicrafts, offering travellers a vivid introduction to the state’s culture.
Held at Hemis Monastery, this two-day Buddhist festival honours Guru Padmasambhava with colourful masked dances, traditional music and the ceremonial display of sacred thangkas, creating a striking cultural experience in Ladakh.
Held annually in Pushkar, the Camel Fair combines livestock trading with lively cultural celebrations. Expect camel races, folk performances, artisan stalls, traditional competitions and pilgrims gathering for rituals around Pushkar Lake.
Celebrated at Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram is renowned for elaborate elephant processions, powerful Chenda Melam performances and spectacular fireworks, bringing together Kerala’s temple traditions in one of its biggest annual festivals.
Set against the white expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch, Rann Utsav celebrates Kutchi culture through folk music, traditional dance, handicrafts, regional food and cultural performances under expansive desert skies.
Set amid Ziro Valley’s pine forests and rice fields, this outdoor festival combines independent music with local culture. Its intimate setting and community involvement make it a distinctive way to experience Arunachal Pradesh.