Famous Indian Festivals and Events in April Month 2022-23
April month in India brings in new colors to life and anyone can see the change in the atmosphere. For the land of Festivals, April month is no exception. The gracious and colorful festivals are the true picture of the culture of India. And you should plan your visit in the month of April this year to witness some of the best festivals in India. Here are some major festivals scheduled in April’ 2019.
Mopin Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
The unexplored Arunachal Pradesh welcomes tourist throughout the year but the month of April is full of ardor for the prime festival of the state, Mopin Festival. It is the celebration of crops, change in weather and prosperity. During this festival, local people apply rice floor on each other’s faces just as Holi celebrations in other parts of India. This signifies the prosperity and harmony in society.
History – It is a traditional festival of Galo Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. Mopin harvest festival is celebrated every year from 5th to 8th of April. Women of Galo tribe perform traditional dance Popir on the occasion.
Location: Mopin festival is celebrated in the East Siang and West Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. This is in the North East region of India. It is also celebrated near capital city Itanagar.
Festival Attractions:
1) The age-old tradition of sacrificing Mithun an animal on the occasion of Mopin festival is the main charm of the event
2)Girls and Boys dressed in traditional attires perform a local dance Popir at this event.
Festival Food –
1) Traditional wine made from rice is served in Mopin festival.
2) Rice is the staple food of Arunachal Pradesh, thus you will find many dishes made of rice.
3) Mopin Festival is heaven for non-vegetarian food lovers. The tasteful bliss in pork dishes is a prime attraction.
Best Time To Visit – Mopin festival celebration starts on the 2nd of April and commences on 8th of April every year. The prime events are held on 5th April annually.
Nearby Attractions:
1) Mechuka valley rests in the foothills of the Himalayas providing scenic views and natural surroundings. It is approximately 20 km away from Aalo village.
2) 29 km away from the city center, Hanging Bridge will give a glimpse of local craftsmanship. The bridge on the river is made of bamboo.
3) For adventure enthusiasts, river rafting in Siyom River is a not to miss an opportunity. The river flows within the Along village.
Mewar Festival, Udaipur
The Mewar Festival is the true showcase of Rajputana royalty and culture. It corresponds with the Gangaur festival and is celebrated in the same spirit. Udaipur has been the capital of Mewar State for long and thus, the celebrations take place in the lake city of India. The grand procession is carried out in the city and then it takes over Pichola Lake.
Festival History – The tradition of Gangaur festival is centuries old but one that in name of Mewar Festival is 75 years old. Idols of Isar and Parvati are dressed well and carried out in chariots. The procession was remarked with the addition of Royal bands of Udaipur. Now, it is a day dedicated to folk artists, performers, and devotees.
Location: Mewar Festival is celebrated in Udaipur city of Rajasthan State, India. It is often cited as the most romantic city or the City of Lakes.
Festival Attractions:
1) The procession is accompanied by the Royal Bands of Udaipur Royal Family, giving it the charm of Rajputana.
2) The event welcomes visitors from nearby places and villages. As a result, the whole city turns into a vibrant fashion ground.
3) Folk artists showcase their art at Gangaur Ghat. Later, the procession is taken into slow-moving boats.
Festival Food –
1) It is customary to have traditional sweet Ghevar on the eve of Mewar Festival.
2) Streets of Udaipur are famous for lip-smacking spicy food.
3) As the city is near to Gujarat state, you may find many places offering Gujarati Food.
Best Time To Visit – Mewar Festival is celebrated on the 16th day after Holi festival. It is celebrated as per Lunar Calendar in the months of March or April. This year it would be celebrated on 8th April.
Nearby Attraction:
1) City Palace of Udaipur is famous for its collection of antique cars and other artifacts. The Palace is home to current custodian of Mewar State, Shri Arvind Singh Ji Mewar.
2) Lake Pichola is an artificial lake in the city. It is surrounded by Aravali ranges from all sides. City Palace and other recognizable monuments could be spotted from the banks of this lake.
3) Built in 1651, Jagadish Temple is a major tourist attraction in Udaipur. It is a place of worship for Hindus. The temple is made with extrinsic detailed stone carvings.
Sankat Mochan Music Festival, Varanasi
Every year a unique Music Festival is organized at the banks of River Ganges in Varanasi City of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is also called Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh. The annual event commemorates Lord Hanuman in traditional ways. Artists from all over India come and perform at this event.
Festival History – First ever Musical Festival at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was organized in 1923. This became a tradition afterward. Uniquely, the audience does not have to pay and performing artists do not charge for the participation in the annual Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh in Varanasi.
Location: Varanasi or Benaras is one of the oldest cities in India. Situated on the banks of Ganges River, it is the spiritual capital for Hinduism followers. Kashi city is in the Uttar Pradesh state of India.
Festival Attractions & Food:
1) Renowned artists from all over India come here to perform at the platform.
2) The all-day event is filled with music, dance, and food. It also holds religious significance.
3) The sights of Aartis being performed and the playful monkeys put an everlasting impression on the onlookers.
Festival Food – The historical city could easily be considered the taste capital of North India. Some traditional Indian sweets are made in Benares only. On the other hand, savory street food is loved by all. Some other dishes to try are Tamatar Chaat, Baati Chokha and Rabri Jalebi.
Date – Every year the fest is organized on the eve of Hanuman Jayanti. In 2019, Sankat Mochan Music Festival will be organized on 23rd to 29th April.
Nearby Attractions:
1) Manikarnika Ghat is in the vicinity of Varanasi City. It is said if a person is cremated at this ghat, he or she attains salvation. It is a soul awakening experience to see the rituals of cremation of dead bodies.
2) Kashi Vishwanath Temple – It is one of the oldest temples of India with mentions in Hindu scriptures, Puranas. The place of worship holds significant value for Hindus
3) Located 10 km away from the festival site, Sarnath is said to be the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first religious teachings.
Bohag Bihu Festival, Assam
Bihu Festival is celebrated in the Assam State of India. It is a harvest festival and Bohag Bihu is celebrated in the month of March or April every year. Just like Baisakhi in North India, Bihu is celebrated on the same day. Also known as Rongali Bihu, it is considered as the first day of the Assamese New Year. The multi days’ event is filled with traditional dances, feasts and folk music.
History of Bohag Bihu – Bihu has been celebrated in Assam state for centuries. It signifies new harvesting season and the first day of the Hindu Solar Calendar.
Location: Bohag Bihu is celebrated in the Assam State of North East India. Although the Bihu celebrations are held in every village of Assam the main celebrations are held in the Capital city of Guwahati.
Festival Attractions:
1) Traditional dance form Bihu is performed by artists and locals dressed in colorful attires.
2) The seven days celebrations are marked with feasts. Sweets and dishes made of rice are a specialty of Bihu.
3) Outside fairs are organized where various cultural events are held by locals. Artisans, musicians, and dancers get a chance to showcase their talent during this time.
Festival Food:
1) Pitha is a sweet dish made of rice and coconut. It is served as a roll filled with sweet mixture.
2) Rice and Lentils are the staple food of Assam. You will find a variety of dishes made of rice during this event.
3)Some communities also prepare non-vegetarian dishes during Bihu celebrations.
Date – Bohag Bihu is celebrated during the spring season in March or April every year. In the year 2019 Bohag Bihu will be celebrated from 15th April to 21st April.
Nearby Attractions:
1) Kaziranga National Park is home to Asiatic One horn Rhino. The vast jungle is spread in the foothills of Himalayas.
2) Umananda is a Shiv Temple located on a river island in the Brahmaputra River. The white sand shores and the crystal water of mighty Brahmaputra are ideal for a picnic.
Tulip Festival, Srinagar
The paradise on earth, Kashmir welcomes you to witness the immaculate beauty of blooming tulips. When someone says tulip festival most would think about Amsterdam but Kashmir. The festival is celebrated in the largest tulip gardens of Asia. The stripes of crimson, golden, striped, purple, streaked, red, orange tulips will make you feel like you are in the paradise of colors. The annual festival is organized in the month of April.
Location: Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Srinagar
Other Attractions:
1) Shankaracharya Temple
2) Pari Mahal
3) Dal Lake
Godwar Festival, Pali
The festival showcases the blazing rich culture of the Marwar region in Rajasthan. You will find local singers singing melodies from the Thar Desert to start the festival. Tourism department and local administration organize traditional games like turban tying, tug of war and bullock cart rides. The presence of large village population dressed in traditional colorful clothes and jewelry creates throbbing ambiance.
Location: Pali District, Rajasthan
Other Attractions:
1) Wildlife Safari Ranakpur
2) Godwar Temple
3) Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Attuvela Mahotsavam, Kerala
Imagine witnessing Temples’ models floating in boats in rivers, decorated with illuminating lights and traditional music making the environment equally devotional as heavenly. Attuvela Mahotsavam in Kerala is the festival where life-size models of temples are made, decorated and floated in boats. The parade of kayaks continues for two days. Locals believe that Goddess of Kodungalloor comes to visit her sister Goddess of Elamkavu. The festival is a celebration of welcoming her.
Location: Attuvela Kadavu, Kottayam city, Kerala
Other Attractions:
1) Poonjar Palace
2) Kottathavalam
3) Traditional Boat Race
Tamil Puthandu – Tamil New Year
The day is celebrated as the first day of the Tamil New Year. Puthanadu falls on 14th April every year as it is celebrated as per solar calendar. It is also celebrated in other parts of India, but with different names. People of Tamil Nadu decorate a tray full of gold/silver ornaments, cash, areca nut, mangoes, jack fruit, banana, betel nut, and mirror. Early in the morning children greet their elders and in return elders give gifts and blessings. Tamil people believe that seeing the decorated tray is auspicious. Later in the day, people visit the temples to perform special rituals. Family members gather for tasty feasts in the night.
Location: Tamil Nadu State
Other Attractions:
1) Pondicherry
2) Mahabalipuram
3) Kanyakumari
Baisakhi Mela, Punjab
The energetic and dynamic culture of Punjab comes to its peak on the eve of Baisakhi festival. It is a harvest festival celebrated in many parts of North India. Vaisakhi is the first day of Sikh New Year. Gurudwaras are decorated with lights on this day. Devotees bathe in rivers and lakes before visiting the Gurudwaras. The festival is marked by lots of fun and frolic. Traditional feasts and Bhangra dance are one way to celebrate the festival. The culture of Punjab comes to life on the eve of Baisakhi. The main celebrations are held at Golden Temple, Amritsar.
Location: Amritsar, Punjab
Other Attractions:
1) Jallianwalah Bagh
2) Wagah Border
3) Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Museum
Kadammanitta Padayani, Kerala
Another of the cultural festival of Kerala is jollification of dance, music and vibrant colors. Kadammanitta Padayani is celebrated to worship Goddess Bhadrakali. It involves huge bright engraved masks of Kalan (God of death), Yakshi (fairy), Pakshi (birds) and Bhairavi (Kali). The echoing drumbeats, melodious traditional music instruments, theatre and face paintings narrate the mythological Hindu stories. The ten days festival is celebrated every year in the month of April.
Location: Travancore, Kerala
Other Attractions:
1) Sree Padmanabha Temple
2) Kollam Beach
3) Napier Museum
Mahavir Jayanti, Uttar Pradesh
It is the biggest festival of Jain community in India. Mahavira was the last Thirthankara and this day is celebrated as his birthday. The day marks with ceremonial worship of Mahavira statues all around India. Jain community people carry out religious processions in city markets. It is considered auspicious to donate money and gifts on the day.
Location: Uttar Pradesh and Central India
Good Friday
Good Friday is the commemoration of Lord Jesus’ crucifixion, suffering, and passion. Christians fast and pray on this day all over the world. In India, there are many people following the Christian faith. The festival is celebrated on the Friday before Easter Sunday.
Location: India
Easter
Jesus sacrificed his life and paid the penalty by his death, burial and resurrection. He loved his disciples and followers so much that he asked for forgiveness for their sins. Easter day is celebrated as the day when Jesus raised from death. Easter Sunday prayers are attended by many Christians in India.
Location: India
Thrissum Pooram, Kerala
This festival has a special place in Indian Tourism map. Flag hoisting, Music, Golden decorated elephant processions, fireworks, and grand feasts are some of the features of this festival. Raja Rama Varma from the 18th century is credited with starting the tradition of Thrissur Pooram. Today it is one of the most enthusiastic and most attended festivals of Kerala. Although it is a Hindu festival people from every faith take part in the celebrations.
Location – Thrissur, Kerala
Other Attractions:
1) Vadakkunnathan Temple
2) Shakthan Thampuran Palace
3) Our Lady of Dolours Basilica Church
Goa Food And Cultural festival
The small state of India has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Goa is known for its never-ending parties, churches, unique world culture, and most happening crowd. Adding to the already exotic environment of Goa, a Food and Culture festival is celebrated in the month of April. Very talented bands from around the world perform at the event. The extravaganza also offers multi-national cuisines, seafood, Goan specials, and homemade food. Tourists can participate in cooking competitions and learn the art of distillation of Feni drink.
Location – Goa, India
Other Attractions:
1) Fort Aguada
2) Anjuna Beach
3) Basilica of Bom Jesus
4) The diversified culture of India is always a magnificent experience for tourists. April month of the year is the time when most vibrant festivals are celebrated in India. Come and experience the joy of celebrations as locals in India.