India is a country known the world over for its vibrant festivals. With a wide and diverse culture, the country has hundreds of festivals celebrated throughout the year. These festivals transcend the boundaries of culture, creed and religion, and bind together communities with a true spirit of endless celebrations. Holi, Onam, Diwali, Dandiya, and Dusherra are among the favourite festivals of India, and the list is endless. During these festivals, families come together and spend time in joyous celebrations. Each festival has its unique delicacies, which are shared with friends and family. Decorating the house with alpana, decorative designs made on floors, exchanging gifts and sweets, singing and dancing, are all integral parts of these festivals. If you want to experience India in true flavours, attend one of these festivals and let Indianness immerse you completely.

Holi, Barsana

Popularly known as the “festival of colours,” Holi is one of the favourite festivals of India, that has transcended all boundaries. Celebrating the ancient Hindu mythological belief of good triumphing over evil, Holi is celebrated with great excitement across the Indian subcontinent. However, the Holi celebration in Barsana, a quaint village in Uttar Pradesh state, is truly special. Menfolk from the nearby village come to play Holi by putting colours on the women, who playfully beat them with sticks in return. This age-old tradition dates back to the time of Radha and Krishna and is still followed here. People from across the country come to Barsana to celebrate Holi with fun and food. Held mostly in the month of March, during the onset of spring, Barsana turns into a riot of colours every Holi, and it is truly worth watching.

Durga Puja, Kolkata

Kolkata and the eastern state of West Bengal come alive with celebratory drums and holy chants as Goddess Durga is believed to come back home from her heavenly abode. The ten-day celebration is marked by idols of Goddess Durga being placed in multiple beautifully adorned pandals (makeshift structures), where people come together in large numbers to pay obeisance. Kolkata looks like a bride with its beautifully decorated pandals,  and people dressed in their best attire go visiting one pandal after another. Durga Puja is one of the best festivals in India, showcasing creativity at its best with beautifully curated Durga idols and artistically decorated pandals. Food is an integral part of Durga Puja, with kiosks serving the best rolls, kebabs, puchkas, and many other Indian delicacies. Held during the early winter months of October and November, the Durga Puja celebration in Kolkata is a must-see event.

Yoga Festival, Rishikesh

India is home to yoga. A country that has given the world the greatest gift of wellness is worth visiting during the International Yoga Festival held in the month of March. Among the most popular festivals in India, the Yoga festival is attended by guests from across the world. While yoga events are organized throughout the country, Rishikesh in northern India is where the action heightens. The Parmarth Niketan Ashram is one of the biggest yoga institutions, where experienced yoga experts guide the guests through amazing yoga sessions beside the mighty Ganges. Attending a session here with hundreds of other guests is a therapeutic experience where the mind, soul, and body are in ultimate harmony. Among the most visited festivals in India, the International Yoga Day celebrations continue for a week, giving all its guests an experience that is life-changing and completely immersive.

Ganesh Chaturthi, Mumbai

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of a much-revered half-elephant and half-human Hindu God. Though celebrated across India, Mumbai takes the celebration a notch higher with community celebrations, where people come together in huge numbers to perform the puja and spend time together as a large family. Immersing the idol is the most exciting part of the celebration, with thousands of people taking the life-size idol of Lord Ganesh for immersion. This extraordinary procession is truly worth watching as people are fully immersed in celebration fervour.

Nehru Boat Race, Kerala

Termed the greatest water regatta, the Nehru Boat Race held in Allapuzha, Kerala, every year is one of the best tourism festivals in India. The Punnamda Lake, where the race is held, becomes a warzone as contestants race in 100ft long snake boats. It is magic to witness over 100 paddlers on each boat rowing in complete unison, with songs and cheers filling the air. Attended by both tourists and locals, the place reverberates with sounds of merriment as contestants line up in colourful attire and cheerleaders set the mood with joyous singing and cheering. The race, held in August every year, is a must-visit if you are visiting the mesmerizing state of Kerala. You won’t regret it.