11 Big Fairs In India that One Must Attend

“Culture survives in smaller spaces – not in the history books that erect monuments to the nation’s grand history but in cafes, cinema houses, festivals, village squares, and half-forgotten libraries.”

And, India’s culture thrives on its age-old fairs & festivals; in its villages and traditional artistic communities. There are about 60 million people that belong to the nomadic tribe – they wander around from one place to another in search of livelihood, forming a major chunk of the multicultural society that India is. Does that sound exciting?

To really understand, India and its multitude of culture, one must attend these 11 big fairs that happen almost every year; we have divided it geographically for you to better be able to understand the vastness. Give yourself a chance to Explore, Observe and Engage with the fascinating Indian Culture – from its temple festivals, oldest trade fairs where hundreds of nomadic tribes gather, to the fierce sporting event. Believe us, you will learn more about India and its culture at festivals like these than anywhere else.

1. Pushkar Mela, Rajasthan – This is the world’s largest cattle fair that happens in the town of Pushkar, Rajasthan, which is also one of the five holiest cities in India. From brightly adorned camels and cattle & their vibrantly dressed riders in traditional attires, religious ceremonies, sporting events to the most colourful makeshift shops that house Rajasthani traditional silver ornaments, bead necklaces from Nagpur, printed textiles from Ajmer and much more, this festival is once-in-a-lifetime experience for the travelers and livelihood for the tribes living in India.

2. Sonepur Mela, Northern Bihar – Historically, Emperor Chandragupta Maurya used to trade for elephants and horses from across the Ganga – for his army and since then, people have continued the tradition and now, this is the largest cattle fair in Asia that stretches from anywhere between fifteen days to a month at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Son, Ghagra and Gandak.

3. Taj Mahotsav Agra – If you are someone, looking to explore India’s cultural & artistic amalgamation all together in one place, come to Taj Mahotsav at Shilpgram in Agra that is a 10-day event that is aimed at showcasing the artistic works from all parts of India. Not just that, you will be in awe of the soul-stirring folk & classical music and dance performances from various regions of India. Savor and learn about the oldest cuisine recipes from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh.

4. Kila Raipur, Jalandhar – If a good vacation for you is to go outside in the sun and play then, this festival is for you. Attend, what is also called the ‘Rural Olympics in Punjab’ – one of the biggest sporting event that happens in the country. True that Sports & Culture go hand in hand.

5. Lucknow Mahotsav, Lucknow – Lucknow Mahotsav is a 10-day event that brings Awadhi culture to the forefront. Of light & sound shows, cultural evenings – filled with the hypnotizing sounds of Indian classical instruments; Sitar, Sarangi, Thumri, ghazal, and Qawali evenings, straight for the pioneers of Lucknow Gharana. This is one place where you can get to taste the palatable Awadhi cuisine that the world talks about.

6. Rann Utsav – When we say Rann Utsav is an experience of a lifetime, we are not joking. Imagine yourself witnessing the grandeur of the sunrise and sunset at the White Rann from a festival that speaks of spirit. You are transported to the biggest carnival of music and Gujarati traditions & mouth-watering cuisines. The accommodation is a luxury in itself right in the middle of a desert – trust us, it is as surreal as it sounds.

7. Modhera Dance Festival, Gujarat – These 3 days at the Sun Temple in Modhera Gujarat is an experience that reflects the rich legacy of Solanki Empire. Set against the backdrop of the temple, the whole arena resonates with the prancing steps of traditional dances of the regions including Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak.

8. Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Mumbai – If you are looking for a multi-cultural eclectic event that showcases ingenious Indian art then, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival if for you. Be a part of the largest event in the country where people from other states come together to display their fine detailed handiwork, painting, abstract installations, sculpted bodies, game-changing commercial cinema, some independent gems, book reading discourses and large scale musical concerts.

9. Poush Mela, Shantiniketan – A rural carnival that takes place in the district of Birbhum of West Bengal at the Shantiniketan Mela Grounds was started by Rabindranath Tagore & his family, to celebrate Bengali art & tradition. From Bengali folk music, notably Baul music, tribal dances to various exhibitions of handicrafts from all over India including Batik print and Taant (Bamboo) sarees, and of course when in Bengal, you cannot escape food – all become part of this 3 days rural festivity.

10. Konark Dance Festival, Odisha – It is one of the biggest traditional dance festival in India that is held every year in December against the mammoth backdrop of Konark Temple. Keeping the ancient tradition of dancing being related to temples alive, in the year 1989, late Odissi Guru, Gangadhar Pradhan organised the first edition. If you wish to connect with the Indian culture more, you definitely need to witness this temple dance festival that glorifies the magnanimity of the monument and the performing art forms of ancient India.

11. Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey – Named in the remembrance of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the event takes place on the Punnamda Lake on the second Saturday of every August. Witness a fierce boat race competition which is attended by more than 2 lakh people.