7 BEST FESTIVALS & FAIRS IN INDIA-

DECEMBER

7 BEST FESTIVALS & FAIRS IN INDIA- DECEMBER

December marks the end of the year, but not sans the air of festivity it deserves.

There is a lot more to the chilling winter than just bonfire and snow; the utopia of this winter month draws a long list of fests and fairs for the avid traveler and otherwise, making room from all.

This blog will take you across some of the many festivals this month has to offer, from every nook and corner of the country. Here we go!

Feast of St Francis Xavier (Old Goa)

Feast of St Francis Xavier (Old Goa)

The feast of saint Francis Xavier is held on 3rd December every year at Velha Goa or Old Goa which is about 10kms east of Panaji.

The mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is enshrined in a silver casket in one of the chapels of Basilica of Born Jesus built in 1605 by the Jesuits.

The body of the Saint is exposed to public once every ten years and pilgrims from all over the world came to pay homage.

Cochin Carnival (Kochi)

Cochin Carnival (Kochi)

Cochin Carnival is a merry making feast observed to welcome New year during the last week of December every year at Fort Kochi.

During the carnival days, different forms of cultural activities and sportsevents like Kalam Vara (floor drawing), tug-of-war, bicycle race, swimming in the sea, beach volleyball etc.

The major highlight of the carnival is the massive procession held on the New Years Day.

A decorated elephant leads the procession accompanied by 'Panchavadyam', music bands, fancy dress, spectacular floats, folk arts forms of Kerala etc.

Malallapuran Dance Festival (Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu)

Malallapuran Dance Festival (Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu)

A four-week, weekend-only dance festival showcasing classical and folk dances from all over India, with many performances on an open-air stage against the imposing backdrop of Arjuna’s Penance.

Dances include bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu), Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh) tribal dance, and Kathakali (Kerala drama).

Hornbill Festival (Kisama,Nagaland)

Hornbill Festival (Kisama, Nagaland)

This festival derives its name from the name of the bird that goes by the same name. It is celebrated in the North Eastern state of Nagaland (a village called Kisama to be precise) near to the capital city Kohima.

One of the largest festivals of the state, it is celebrated with traditional music dance and games that are played. There is also a sale of locally made handicrafts.

Sunburn Festival (Vagator,Goa)

Sunburn Festival (Vagator,Goa) Sunburn is the Goan festival of synergy of music,

entertainment, sports, food, shopping and lifestyle that has attracted audiences from every nook and corner of the globe.

Now in its sixth year, Sunburn has become the hottest dance music property in Asia! The dates for this year are 27th to 30th December, 2015.

Paragliding Festival (Saputara,Gujarat)

Paragliding Festival (Saputara, Gujarat) The ideal festival for the adventure enthusiasts, the Paragliding

Festival in Satpura, Gujrat is the best thing to attend if a shot of adrenaline rush is what you are looking for during the month of December.

Promoted by the tourism department of Gujrat, this festival is a 26-day long ventrue that starts in the middle of the month.

With more than 5000 entries, the festival is a great catch for the Indian adventure holiday seekers.

Christmas (all over India)

Christmas (all over India) Christmas is celebrated all over the country with

great pomp and show, especially in Goa, spreading to the entire south where Christians contribute to a major portion of the population.

Apart from the midnight mass that is held on the 24th December across all churches in the country the following day is marked by celebrations, fetes, parties and exchange of gifts.