Famous India’s Festivals And Events In December Month 2019
December is said to be the ideal month for visiting India as the temperature is mild and supportive for tourists. The year is ending and most travel destinations in India organize fairs and festivals to attract tourists. There are many festivals celebrated in the month of December as well. The land of vivid cultures comes along in welcoming New Year and saying goodbye to the old year. Here is a list of some commonly celebrated festivals in December in India. You might like them for the budget holiday packages in India.
Kumbhalgarh Festival, Rajasthan
The fusion of arts and culture is celebrated in the month of December. Kumbhalgarh has a long rich history of bravery and valor. However, not much is known about the cultural contribution of Maharana Kumbha. Kumbhalgarh Festival commemorates the elegant King and his dedication towards the music, dance, and arts.
Maharana Kumbha was the ruler of Mewar. Apart from the stories of bravery, he is also known as an avid lover of arts and architecture. Tourism Department of Rajasthan organizes Kumbhalgarh Festival so that people and tourists get to know his contribution.
Location: Kumbhalgarh Festival is organized around Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasamand District of Rajasthan. It is approximately 80 km away from Udaipur city.
Festival Attractions:
1) The walls of Kumbhalgarh Fort is considered as one of the longest man-made walls in the world. During the night time, lights brighten the fort glorifying the past.
2)The stories of old times are depicted in puppet shows. These puppets are the synonym of Rajasthan culture of storytelling.
3) The fest works as a platform for folk artists, musicians, and dancers. Tourists can enjoy the kalbeliya, Langas, Terahtaali, Kachi Ghodi, Odissi dance forms along with Sufi songs, Rajasthani folk dance, and (snake) dance show every day at the festival.
Festival Food – The menu at the event is an extensive version of a Rajasthan Thali. Spicy dishes and yummy sweets will satisfy the stomach as well as the soul.
Date – Three day Kumbhalgarh Festival will kick off on 1st December and end on 3rd December.
Nearby Attractions:
1) Ranakpur Jain Temples
2) Udaipur
3) Chittorgarh Fort
Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
The most awaited festival of Nagaland will be celebrated in December. Promoted as the festival of the festivals, Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is the mirror of Nagaland’s rich culture, arts, and traditions. It is named after the honored bird species Hornbill. As the name suggests, the festival is full of colors, dance, music, and live performances.
The first-ever Hornbill Festival was celebrated in the year 2000. Government of Nagaland organizes the event every year to preserve and promote cultural activities in the state. Hornbill Festival gives a chance to various tribes to interact with each other and understand the culture and traditions better.
Location: Kohima is the capital of Nagaland state in India. It is in the northeastern part of India.
Festival Attractions:
1) Local tribal warriors are dressed in attractive traditional dresses and ornaments. The war dance is the main attraction of the event.
2) Naga Tribes has been long feared for headhunting. Although it has been banned by the government the traditions could be relived at the Hornbill Festival.
3) North East India has a distinct culture of rock music. You will find some of the best bands perform at the festival.
Festival Food – Visitors can enjoy the locally made rice beer which is a specialty of the region. Rice, vegetables, pork and other dishes make up the cuisine of Nagaland.
Date – The festival will start on 1st December and end on the 10th of December.
Rann Utsav, Gujarat
This is India’s most awaited state festival dedicated to the tribal culture and folk art forms. The salt desert of Gujarat becomes the home to thousands of tourists in the winter season. The cultural fiesta is an attempt to preserve the traditions, arts, and culture of the region.
The festival was initiated by then chief minister of the state, Shri Narendra Modi. Now, Rann Utsav is attended by thousands of travelers from distant parts of the globe. Rann Mahotsav is celebrated in the middle of the desert.
Location: Kutch is a city in the state of Gujarat of India. The area is known for its vibrant culture.
Festival Attractions & Food:
1) The art of storytelling reaches new dimensions at the festival. Folk stories are narrated at the event in dance forms, music and puppet shows.
2) The thrill of staying in luxury tent houses under the blanket of stars is an amazing experience. The location is away from the city chaos and it makes it even better.
3) There are many activities planned and organized by the government for tourists. Tug of war, music concert, etc are some of them.
4) Elegant feasts are served during the festival. The Gujarati cuisine is a mix of various dishes. You will find some of the best dishes served in Rann Utsav.
Date – The festival will kick off in a ceremony on 1st of November. The chapter will conclude on 20th February.
Nearby Attractions:
1) Adventure sports and activities
2) Camel Ride
3) Yoga, Meditation and Massage therapy
Hot Air Balloon Festival, Karnataka
This festival is dedicated to adventure sports and not the culture or heritage. The Hot Air Ballooning is a new concept in India, unlike the west. The event takes place in three cities of Karnataka State; Hampi, Bidar, and Mysore.
Location: The festival of flying high in the sky is celebrated in three cities of Karnataka, Mysore, Hampi and Bidar.
Festival Attractions:
The key attraction is flying high in a hot air balloon. With growing developments, the attraction towards adventure sports is also growing in India. The bird’s eye view of the majestic cities is thrilling as well as mesmerizing for the participants.
Date – End of December.
Nearby Attractions:
1) Hampi Village
2) Mysore Palace
3) Bidar Fort
Perumthitta Tharavad, Kerala
Theyyam is a popular dance form of Kerala. The dance is accompanied by folk music instruments and heavy makeup by the dancer. Perumithitta Tharavad festival in Kerala is one such festival when the mythological stories from the past are narrated in theyyam dance form.
The festival has been celebrated in the state for long. Usually, the dance is performed in open areas but in front of deity idols. The whole celebration is devoted to Gods. The classical performance by the dancers steals the show. The green color in the makeup denotes God while Red is a synonym for Devil.
Location: Kottamkuzhy is a town in the state of Kerala in India.
Festival Attractions – As it is a dance festival, the key attractions revolve around the dance performances only. The vibrant makeup and facial expressions of the artists during the performance are worth noticing. Apart from dance, classical music also creates a buzz. The unique rituals in the temples have the impression of ancient India in them.
Festival Food: You will have the best of Kerala cuisine at the festival. Fresh seafood and spices are used in preparing the feasts.
Date – The festival will be celebrated from 7th December to 16th December.
Nearby Attractions:
1) Bekal Beach
2) Bekal Fort
3) Kappil Beach
Feast of Francis Xavier, Goa
Francis Xavier was a Navarrese Catholic missionary in Goa. Every year a feast is organized in Goa during which his mummified is kept for visitors in Basilica in Goa. The festival is celebrated on his burial anniversary. A fair and feast follow in the day after the religious procession.
The revered saint is said to have contributed well in spreading Christianity and for the noble causes of humanity. His devotees believe that he performed miracles even after his soul left his body and thus the body is kept in a glass casket in Goa.
Location: Goa is a small state in India. The celebrations of Feast of Francis Xavier are held at Bom Jesus Basilica of Old Goa.
Festival Attractions – A special mass is organized on the day of celebrations. Apart from the prayers, stories of his contribution and miracles are also shared in the mass. Later, a procession is carried out in the streets of Goa following proper rituals and traditions. A fair is organized on the day for the visitors where they can shop for local products, handicrafts, and jewelry.
Festival Food – A grand feast is prepared on the day. You can taste the authentic food of Goa state in the fair. The cuisine of Goa is inspired by the Portuguese thus making it more desirable for the visitors. Date – The annual festival is celebrated on the 3rd of December
Nearby Attractions:
1) Aguada Fort
2) Basilica of Bom Jesus
3) Dudhsagar Falls