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Do you know? According to Santosh Kumar, country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, one in four Indians is looking to travel for cultural experiences this year.
October, November and December are the times when festivals and cultural celebrations are at their peak. “India’s vibrant festivals offer travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in its rich culture, deep traditions and warm hospitality,” says Kumar.
Visa requests are increasing by 15% to 18% due to festivals as NRIs and international visitors are planning to visit India, said Mohak Nahta, Founder and CEO of Atlis, “Travel these days is driven not by destinations but by experiences. it occurs. “Cultural festivals offer the right mix – rich in tradition and full of experiences.”
Furthermore, Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head, Holidays, MICE and Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. comments that the festive season transforms India into a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations, making it a great time to explore our diverse beauty. It becomes an ideal time. State.
“With Diwali around the corner and followed by Christmas, communities are preparing for joyous celebrations. At Thomas Cook, we’ve specially designed festive itineraries that seamlessly blend traditional celebrations with immersive travel experiences. Travelers can enjoy experiences ranging from the Christmas markets of Shillong in the North East to the famous Christmas markets of Kolkata, the vibrant Rann Utsav in Kutch in Gujarat, the Madras Music Festival in Tamil Nadu, the Hornbill Festival showcasing local dance, music and artistic craftsmanship in Nagaland. Can take. Guru Nanak Jayanti in Amritsar, where the Golden Temple has been beautifully illuminated,” he shared.
At SOTC, festival tourism is driving a strong travel demand, especially during the winter season (October-December) in various parts of the country, says SD Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC Travel Ltd. . “Indian travelers want to be immersed in the diverse traditions and celebrations of both nationwide festivals and local regional festivals,” he says.
Gujarat
Rann Utsav offers a breathtaking view of the white salt desert of Kutch illuminated by the light of the full moon. It honors the state’s heritage and natural wonders. Tourists enjoy tent city stay, adventure activities and culture with traditional regional cuisine.
When: 1 November to 28 February
Ladakh
Galdan Namchot, known as the Festival of Lights, is a Tibetan and Mongolian festival that marks the beginning of the New Year celebrations in Ladakh, known as Losar (Tibetan New Year). Villages are illuminated with butter lamps and candles as families come together to enjoy traditional dishes like Thukpa.
When: 25 December
Punjab
With the Golden Temple fully decorated, devotees celebrate Guru Parv or Guru Nanak Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru, with a 48-hour long recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, known as Akhand Path. Part of these celebrations is the wonderful spectacle of Prabhat Pheri – an early morning procession accompanied by devotional songs and teachings of the Guru.
When: 15 November
Nagaland
The 10-day Hornbill Festival aims to revive and preserve the culture of Nagaland as it marks its 25th anniversary this year. Main attractions include International Rock Competition, Naga Wrestling, Indigenous Games, Craft Fair and Heritage Tours.
When: 1 to 10 December
Rajasthan
Pushkar Fair, also known as Pushkar Camel Fair, is an annual week-long event held during Kartik Purnima. It is India’s largest camel, horse and cattle fair, and includes livestock trading and camel racing. Stalls of Rajasthani handicrafts along with cultural performances make it a must-see place.
When: 9 to 15 November
Other festival stops:
Rajasthan International Folk Festival: Till October 20 in Rajasthan
International Film Festival of India: 20 to 28 November in Goa
Ka Pom Blang Nongkrem Festival or Nongkrem Dance Festival: 1 to 7 November in Meghalaya
Magnetic Field Festival: 6 to 8 December in Rajasthan
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